Digital Commons Network^™

Seeking Of Agriculture Information Through Mobile Phones By Rice Farmers In Ogoja Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria, Friday O. Idiku, Ginini Francis Elemi, Ejeje Igwe Agube, Comfort Aya, Anthonia Egem Okem

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Seeking agriculture information is common among rice farmers in many parts of the world. The study was aimed at assessing the Seeking of Agriculture Information through Mobile Phone by Rice Farmers in Ogoja Agricultural Zone of Cross River State Nigeria The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, determine factors influencing the seeking of agriculture information through mobile phones by rice farmers, and to examine the constraints to use of mobile phones by rice farmers in Ogoja Agricultural Zone of Cross River State Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select ninety …

Comparative Genome Analysis Of Plant Ascomycete Fungal Pathogens With Different Lifestyles Reveals Distinctive Virulence Strategies, Yansu Wang, Jie Wu, Jiacheng Yan, Ming Guo, Lei Xu, Liping Hou, Quan Zou

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Background: Pathogens have evolved diverse lifestyles and adopted pivotal new roles in both natural ecosystems and human environments. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their adaptation to new lifestyles are obscure. Comparative genomics was adopted to determine distinct strategies of plant ascomycete fungal pathogens with different lifestyles and to elucidate their distinctive virulence strategies. Results: We found that plant ascomycete biotrophs exhibited lower gene gain and loss events and loss of CAZyme-encoding genes involved in plant cell wall degradation and biosynthesis gene clusters for the production of secondary metabolites in the genome. Comparison with the candidate effectome detected distinctive variations between …

Biobased Sprayable Mulch Films Suppressed Annual Weeds In Vegetable Crops, Eliott Gloeb, Sibel Irmak, Loren Isom, John L. Lindquist, Samuel E. Wortman

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Biobased sprayable mulch (BSM) films are a potential alternative to herbicides, polyethylene plastic mulch film, and hand weeding for specialty crops. We developed a series of BSM films using locally available biomaterials [including corn (Zea mays) starch, glycerol, keratin hydrolysate, corn gluten meal, corn zein, eggshells, and isolated soy (Glycine max) protein] and tested their effects on weeds and crop yield during a total of seven greenhouse or field trials between 2017 and 2019 in Nebraska, USA. Application rates of BSM films applied in pots (greenhouse), planting holes in plastic film (field), or bed tops (field) …

Evaluating The Viscoelastic Properties Of Alligator Skin Gelatin, Alligel, Compared To Mammalian And Fish Gelatins, Sarah E. Jimenez

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Grapefruit Peel Biochar Applications For Immobilizing Copper And Lead In Soil, Michael Alfredo Navarro

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the efficacy of grapefruit peel (GP) derived biochar materials (two pyrolysis temperatures 450°C and 800°C) as a potential adsorbent to immobilize heavy metal (copper and lead) in a local sandy loam clay soil. A batch adsorption test with heavy metal concentrations at 50 mg L-1, and 100 mg L-1 revealed that soil itself had the highest immobilization percentage compared to the GP biochars. A soil column experiment was conducted to determine how much the GP biochar samples and the tested soil will exhibit adsorptive characteristics for heavy metals when 50 ml of 50 mg L-1 copper or …

Loan Survival: Are Socially Disadvantaged Farmers More Likely To Default Or Pay In Full?, Marie-Cécile Vekemans

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study aims at identifying racial and gender discrimination in the usage of credit for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFR) in the United States. Usage of credit is considered successful when a loan has been paid in full and a failure is considered when the borrower defaults. Identifying such a pathway would provide useful information to the Federal government United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to evaluate the effectiveness and equity of loan programs. This study uses data from the USDA FSA farm loan programs that mainly target socially disadvantaged farmers and other underserved groups. …

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Aberrant Circulating Steroid Hormones In Gnrhr-Ii Knockdown Boars And Their Control Littermates, Dorothy H. Elsken

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Swine are the only livestock species that produce a functional protein for both GnRH-II and its receptor (GnRHR-II). Our laboratory reported that the interaction between GnRH-II and GnRHR-II facilitates testosterone production, independent of LH stimulation. To further examine GnRHR-II function, we developed a swine line with 70% reduced GnRHR-II mRNA levels (GnRHR-II KD) compared to control littermates. Mass spectrometry analysis of serum revealed that circulating levels of gonadal steroids were reduced in mature transgenic vs. control boars. Paradoxically, evaluation of testicular tissue indicated no difference between lines for gonadal steroid hormone levels. To address a potential cause for this discrepancy, …

The Invisible Meat Microcosmos: Investigations Of Processed Meats' Specific Spoilage Organisms, Rebecca Furbeck

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As humankind grows in population, so will our need to compete against bacterial populations which spoil foodstuffs before we are able to consume them. This dissertation aims to identify the bacterial communities responsible for meat spoilage, and the mechanisms that govern the behaviors of these organisms. The literature review summarizes the state of knowledge regarding factors that influence meat microbiome composition, and how analytical methods can influence research outcomes. Study 1 aimed to identify the impact of additional ingredients and processing steps on the microbial ecology of processed turkey products. The main specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) belonged to the orders …

Impacts Of Feeding Biochar To Beef Cattle On Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Performance And Characterizing Yearling Steers Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pasture Using Gps, Holly A. Heil

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As global warming continues to rise, the pressure and growing demand for sustainable animal production is increasing. Livestock naturally produce greenhouse gas emissions through enteric fermentation. Dietary manipulation strategies have been sought out to decrease emissions in ruminants using feed additives.

Two independent finishing feedlot experiments evaluated two types of biochar and its effects on animal performance, carcass characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions. Experiment 1 utilized pistachio shell biochar and experiment 2 utilized biochar sourced from ponderosa pine wood waste, both types included at 1% of the diet DM. The addition of biochar to the diet did not impact animal …

The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Program’S Role In Positive Youth Development Using The Five Cs Model: An Exploratory Study, Eunhye Mccarthy

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Positive youth development (PYD) focuses on developing the strengths of youth through positive activities and behaviors rather than reducing negative tendencies. A well-researched model of PYD is the five C’s model that is popularly used in youth development organizations such as 4-H. The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level program was intended to serve as a guidebook for instruction and assessment of youth as they learn more about horses and horsemanship skills. Each of the four levels has an emphasis in developing a 4-H member’s responsibility, self-discipline, self-reliance, patience, and pride of accomplishments. The program was started approximately 30 years ago …

Variance Component Estimates For Growth Traits In Beef Cattle Using Selected Variants From Imputed Low-Pass Sequence Data, Chad A. Russell

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A beef cattle population (n = 2,343) was used to assess the impact of variants identified from imputed low-pass sequence (LPS) on the estimation of variance components and genetic parameters of birth weight (BWT) and post weaning gain (PWG). Variants were selected based on functional impact and were partitioned into four groups (Low, Modifier, Moderate, High) based on predicted functional consequences and re-partitioned based on consequence of mutation, such as missense and untranslated region variants, into six groups (G1-G6). Each subset was used to construct a genomic relationship matrix (GRM) for univariate animal models. Multiple analyses were conducted to …

Environmental Determination Of Gastrointestinal Parasitism In Katahdin Sheep, Brian Arisman

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) negatively affect the performance and wellbeing of sheep and are difficult to control due to anthelmintic resistance. Producers are therefore choosing breeds naturally resistant to GIN infection, such as the Katahdin. Katahdin are raised in various climates and management systems in the U.S., and those environmental factors can be combined into eco-management clusters. We hypothesized that GIN challenge varies predictably based on the characteristics of these clusters. Katahdin producers from across the U.S. were surveyed for management information. Body weights (BW), fecal egg counts (FEC) and FAMACHA scores (FAM) were collected on 3,527 Katahdin lambs around 90 …

Evaluation Of Nutritional Factors Affecting Sow Reproductive Longevity, J'Nan E. Wittler

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sow reproductive longevity is an important trait for swine operations from a production and economic standpoint. Previous research has shown that a sow needs to produce 3 litters before she covers the costs associated with introducing her to the operation. A literature review of research conducted related to sow longevity is discussed in Chapter 1. Chapters 2 and 3 present data from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s long-term sow longevity research. The research looks at the effects of energy restriction with soy hulls during gilt development on sow reproductive longevity through 4 parities. Chapter 2 presents data from replications …

Students' Perceptions Of Online Equine Courses And Their Impacts On Learning Outcomes, Blaire L. (Gibbens) Speck

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Post-secondary education is always changing and evolving. Over the last few years, significant changes in education have resulted in an increased number of online courses. Approximately 28% of students seeking higher education participate in at least one online course and 14% are enrolled exclusively in distance or online programs (Allen & Seaman, 2016). However, courses that are typically hands-on, like equine science, may be more challenging online. The hands-on experiences in equine science classes help prepare students for future careers. Due to an increase in students choosing to take courses online, a review of online teaching methods was conducted to …

Evaluation Of Extended Aging Type And Cooking Practices On Palatability Of Beef Steaks, Katharine Anne Bugenhagen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine if sous vide was a viable way to improve palatability of various beef cuts, and to determine whether extended aging duration and the presence of a bone impacts the consumer ratings of beef short loins.When evaluating the impact of sous vide cooking (SVG) on multiple beef muscles, there was a muscle × method interaction for overall liking (P = 0.04). The traditionally cooked (TRAD) Longisimus lumborum (LL) was rated the highest (P < 0.05). The Chuckeye steak (CHE) was rated next, both TRAD and SVG, with the traditional ranked higher, this was followed by the Triceps brachii (TB) also for both TRAD and SVG, however for the TB the SVG ranked higher (P < 0.05). The TRAD Biceps femoris (BF) rated the lowest (P < 0.05) of all of the muscles. Shear force did no differ between the cooking treatments (P > 0.05), or was there an interaction between muscle × method for shear force measurements (P < 0.05). The LL was rated the highest for tenderness (P < 0.05) while the BF was rated the lowest (P < 0.05). The second study compared subprimals aged over three aging periods (21, 42 63 days), then split into bone-in or boneless steaks, there were no interactions observed within the consumer data (P ≥ 0.05). BI steaks were rated higher (P < 0.05) for juiciness and overall liking by consumers, however BI and BL were rated similarly by consumers for tenderness and flavor (P > 0.05). When evaluated by consumers, aging did …

Mora De Castilla: Cadena De Valor Para Contribuir A La Competitividad De La Provincia Del Sumapaz En Cundinamarca (Colombia, Nelson Enrique Fonseca Carreño

Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables

La cadena de valor es un instrumento utilizado en las empresas que consiste en analizar las actividades presentes en el ciclo productivo de un producto, con el propósito de identificar fuentes de ventaja competitiva. Bajo esta premisa, esta investigación pretende diagnosticar, caracterizar y diseñar la cadena de valor de la mora de Castilla (Rubus claucus) en la provincia de Sumapaz, Cundinamarca, a través de metodologías de diagnóstico. Se tuvo en cuenta el Modelo de desarrollo agroempresarial de la Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá (CCB), el cual identifica, caracteriza y define las necesidades de todos los agronegocios involucrados en la cadena …

Wics Conference 2022: Driving Research, Teaching, And Extension Impact, Daren Redfearn, Daran Rudnick

Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Conferences

The Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (WICS) Hub was established to facilitate and provide collaborative opportunities for IANR faculty to leverage their individual and collective knowledge, talents, and interests to drive impact in Research and Discovery, Teaching and Learning, Extension and Outreach. This past year we focused on building connections as well as identifying and prioritizing big challenges and opportunities facing Nebraskans. The faculty identified and organized around the following themes, Digital/Precision Agriculture, Soil Health, Integrated Cropping Systems, Water Quality, and Water Quantity. The Theme Groups are faculty led and multi-disciplinary with representation across IANR Departments and Faculty appointments. We …

Nexus Between Animal Welfare, Environment, And Sustainable Development: Resource Document, Wellbeing International

Nexus – UNEP – Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development

This Resource Document has been developed to explore the Nexus (links) between Animal Welfare, the Environment, and Sustainable Development. The document includes relevant citations and reports addressing the topics encompassed by the Nexus. It will be maintained as a “living document” (subject to revision) in the WellBeing International Studies Repository. The original document and subsequent revisions will be kept in the Repository to provide a record of the changes.

Research Status And Prospect Of Key Technologies For Automatic Production Of Fresh And Wet Rice Flour, Mou Xiangwei, Song Yongfu, Chen Lintao

Food and Machinery

Firstly, this paper expounds the research status at home and abroad of three key technologies in the production process of fresh and wet rice flour: efficient powder dispersion, accurate weighing and automatic packaging, and focuses on the key technical problems existing in the research and development of technology and mechanical equipment; Secondly, on the basis of summarizing the development level of existing technology and equipment, this paper further analyzes the main reasons for these problems. Finally, the development direction of three key technologies in the automatic production of fresh and wet rice flour is prospected from the aspects of production …

Effects Of Drying Methods On The Quality And Microstructure Of Armillaria Luteo-Virens, Meng Di, Dang Bin, Zhang Jie, Jie Xiaoxia, Gasongchenglin

Food and Machinery

Objective:This study aimed to determine the most suitable drying method for Armillaria luteo-virens.Methods:The effects of solar drying, hot air drying, vacuum-freeze drying, vacuum drying and microwave-hot-air combined drying on the nutrition, functional components, color, rehydration ratio, shrinkage ratio, rehydration structure and microstructure of A. luteo-virens were compared.Results:The content of crude protein, crude polysaccharide and total flavonoids in vacuum-freeze drying group was the highest, and the content of total phenol was second highest and lower than the vacuum drying group. Its color difference was the smallest, with high rehydration ratio, and the shrinkage degree was …

Optimization Of Calcium Removal In The Carapace Of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle And Structural Characteristics Of Its Collagen, Zhao Qiongyu, Hu Jian, Chen Yuxin, Li Caiyan, Song Wei

Food and Machinery

Objective:To improve the extraction rate and product purity of Chinese soft-shelled turtle （pelodiscussinensis）dorsal collagen. Methods:The decalcification rate and collagen recovery rate were used as evaluation indicators to investigate the effects of hydrochloric acid concentration, decalcification time, decalcification temperature and solid-liquid ratio on the decalcification of the carapace of Chinese soft-shelled turtle. The removal process of calcium salts was optimized, and the structural changes of decalcified and non-decalcified turtle carapace collagen were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, amino acid analysis and other techniques under the same extraction conditions. Results:The optimal decalcification process conditions were …

Recent Studies On The Effect Of Ultrasonic Treatment On Food Allergens, Shu Erlian, Niu Bing, Chen Qin

Food and Machinery

Thisreview introduced the food allergens and their sensitization mechanism, and summarized the research progress of peanut, soybean, milk, shrimp, egg and kiwifruit allergens in ultrasound treatment. Moreover, the research direction of ultrasound treatment in reducing food sensitization was also prospected.

Research Status Of Modern Detection Technology In Automatic Liquor Picking Of Chinese Baijiu, Lin Hui, Zhang Suyi, Zhang Lian, Zhang Liqiang, Zheng Changning

Food and Machinery

This paper mainly summarized the research status of relevant detection technology in automatic liquor picking since the industrial revolution in China, and prospected its research and application. At the same time, the related research results of influencing liquor quality were summarized.

Research Progress On Nutritional Characteristics And Biological Activity Of Bactrian Camel Milk, Zhang Min, Peng Xiaoyu, Gao Yu, Wang Jiaqi, Pan Lina

Food and Machinery

In this paper, the composition of protein, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in bactrian camel milk was discussed, and the research progress of the biological activities of camel milk and its enzymolysis products such as hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant activities was summarized.

Protective Effects Of The Pea Ace Inhibitory Peptide On Induced Damage Of Ea.Hy.926 Cells, Zhang Shuo, Zheng Xiqun, Liu Xiaolan, Wang Juntong

Food and Machinery

Objective:This study aimed to realize the high-value utilization of pea protein.Methods:Using pea protein as raw material, ACE inhibitory peptide derived from pea protein was prepared by double-enzyme coordinated enzymatic hydrolysis method, and the ACE inhibition rate, hydrolysis degree and soluble protein content of the hydrolysate were used as indicators to determine the best enzymatic process for the pea ACE inhibitory peptide. Then the ACE inhibitory peptides produced under the optimal enzymatic digestion process were graded by ultrafiltration to explore the effect of molecular weight on the ACE inhibitory activity. Finally, the protective effect of the pea peptide with high ACE …

Bison Movements Change With Weather: Implications For Their Continued Conservation In The Anthropocene, Nicholas A. Mcmillan, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Barney Luttbeg, Laura E. Goodman, Craig A. Davis, Brady W. Allred, Robert G. Hamilton

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Animal movement patterns are affected by complex interactions between biotic and abiotic landscape conditions, and these patterns are being altered by weather variability associated with a changing climate. Some animals, like the American plains bison (Bison bison L.; hereafter, plains bison), are considered keystone species, thus their response to weather variability may alter ecosystem structure and biodiversity patterns. Many movement studies of plains bison and other ungulates have focused on point-pattern analyses (e.g., resource-selection) that have provided information about where these animals move, but information about when or why these animals move is limited. For example, information surrounding the …

Farmer Adoption Of Advanced Technology In Agribusiness, Justin W. Belcher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Normally, family-owned farms are slow to adopt advanced technologies though these technologies can provide several benefits to the farm and have the potential to increase farm production volumes to help meet future population growth. The goal of this study was to document the factors that influence the adoption decision of advanced technologies by family-owned farms and what strategies can be used to motivate adoption. Case study research was conducted to gather data in a more structured way from family-owned farms typically excluded from past research for the purpose of comparing similarities across similar and dissimilar farms. For generalizing similarities, a …

American Horse Power During The Great War, Hanna K. Lipsey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation charts the significant, if understudied, history of American horses during the era of World War I, from roughly 1914 to 1919. Its chapters trace how the US Army acquired, used, cared for, and ultimately demobilized horses over the course of that conflict. Beginning with their acquisition, via either an Army Horse Breeding Program or a complicated buying process, horses faced a complex introduction into military service. Life for these animals did not get any easier once they reached the European front. Although the US military was beginning to replace horses with motor trucks and tractors, horses remained central …

Paraquat-Resistant Italian Ryegrass (Lolium Multiflorum) Confirmed In Louisiana, Alphonse B. Coco Iii

LSU Master's Theses

Paraquat is the only herbicide labeled for postemergence control of Italian ryegrass in sugarcane. In 2017, sugarcane farmers in Louisiana reported Italian ryegrass control failures with paraquat applications. Seeds were collected from sugarcane fields in White Castle, St. Gabriel, and Bunkie, Louisiana where control was not achieved (reduced susceptibility). Additionally, Italian ryegrass seeds were collected from a sugarcane field in Welcome, LA with a history of paraquat use and with no reported control issues (susceptible population). A dose-response study was conducted at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center’s Sugar Research Station in February 2021 and was repeated in November 2021. …

From Biowaste To Product: The Functionalization Of Biochar For Agricultural And Environmental Applications, Baoyue Zhou

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Biochar is a porous carbonated substance that is manufactured through pyrolysis of biomass feedstocks in an oxygen-deficiency environment. The production of biochar from agricultural waste materials provides a potential solution for eliminating pollution while improving carbon sequestration. While biochar is shown to provide multiple benefits to soil health and fertility, its use in environmental remediation has been hampered by its low affinity for hazardous anionic species and the difficulty in isolating from water phase. To overcome these obstacles, various efforts have been made to modify biochar surface chemistry and morphology.

Fe/Mg co-doped biochar composites from sugarcane harvest residue were prepared …