Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A 16s Rdna-Based Quantitative Assay For Monitoring Lactobacillus Plantarum In Silage, M. Klocke, K. Mundt, C. Idler, P. O'Kiely, S. Barth

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ensilage of herbaceous biomass can be enhanced by applying pre-selected fermentative bacteria, however insufficient is known about the population dynamics of such starter cultures under a range of ensiling conditions. Classical methods for species-specific quantification of bacteria are labour intensive. An alternative approach is the detection of bacteria based on molecular markers for species-specific regions within their genomic DNA (e.g. the 16S rDNA sequence). In this study, a quantitative marker assay using the real-time PCR technique (Q-PCR) is described for Lactobacillus plantarum, a bacterium often used for silage starter cultures.

A Comparison Of The Efficacy Of An Ultra-Low Volume Applicator For Liquid-Applied Silage Inoculants With That Of A Conventional Applicator, G. Marley, G. Pahlow, H. -H. Herrmann, T. R. Owen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Liquid-applied silage inoculants are normally sprayed onto forages cut for ensiling at application rates from 1 to 3 l/t. Applicator tanks can require frequent re-filling, especially with large self-propelled forage harvesters having harvest rates in excess of 1000 t/d. This can be an issue for fields remote from the farm, for areas with restricted water availability and for contractors paid by the area harvested. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of inoculant distribution on the crop using a simple, ultra-low volume (ULV) applicator compared with a conventional liquid-applied silage inoculant applicator.

Improving The Aerobic Stability Of Whole-Crop Cereal Silages, I. Filya, E. Sucu, A. Karabulut

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Whole-crop cereal silages, such as wheat, sorghum, and maize are susceptible to aerobic deterioration, especially in warm climates. This is because aerobic yeasts are the most active at 20-30°C (Ashbell et al., 2002). Therefore, it is very important to find suitable additives that inhibit fungi and protect the silage upon aerobic exposure. Propionibacterium acidipropionici is propionic acid bacteria (PAB), which produce propionic and acetic acid in silage. Results with these micro-organisms in laboratory studies were promising with regard to aerobic stability. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of PAB, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and …

Microbial Changes And Aerobic Stability In High Moisture Maize Silages Inoculated With Lactobacillus Buchneri, R. A. Reis, E. O. Almeida, G. R. Siqueira, T. F. Bernardes, E R. Janusckiewicz, M. T. P. Roth

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Oxygen exposure changes microbial and chemical profiles of silages after silo opening. Yeast and fungi are the main active microorganisms responsible by consumption of nutrients and fermentative residual products, which increases temperature in the ensilaged mass. The Lactobacillus buchneri (L. buchneri) has been considered an aerobic stability controller. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of L. buchneri in ensilage process of high moisture maize.

Aerobic Stability And Nutritive Value Of Low Dry Matter Maize Silage Treated With A Formic Acid-Based Preservative, I. Filya, E. Sucu, A. Karabulut

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Aerobic stability is one of the major problems of the ensiling process, especially in warm climates. Ashbell et al. (2002) have shown that at 30°C, the development of aerobic yeast and moulds in silages is most intensive. In Turkey all silages are susceptible to air penetration during storage and unloading with a large proportion of the silage spoiled and in extreme cases all the silage is spoiled. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of formic acid-based preservative (FAB; Kemisile® 2000, Kemira Oyj-Industrial Chemicals, Finland) on the aerobic stability and nutritive value of maize silage.

An In Vitro Study On The Influence Of Residual Sugars On Aerobic Changes In Grass Silages, S. D. Martens, G. Pahlow, J. M. Greef

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

How do residual sugars in high dry matter grass silages influence microbial metabolism? To answer this question a simple laboratory method was developed using pH as main indicator for aerobic changes.

The Effects Of The Growth Stage And Inoculant On Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Whole-Plant Grain Sorghum Silage, E. Tabacco, G. Borreani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is well adapted to environments with limited rainfall and low soil fertility. Today, on dry land, improved grain sorghum hybrids may be a valid alternative to maize silage and they may give DM yields and digestible energy that are comparable to maize, but at lower production costs (Legarto, 2000). Harvesting crops for silage at an early stage of maturity (low DM content) may result in silage with a higher acid content and low nutritional quality, while harvesting crops at a later stage of maturity may make the forage more difficult to chop and pack. …

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Using Wilting And Additives (1) (Eu Fp V -Project ‘Sweetgrass’), P. O'Kiely, H. Howard, G. Pahlow, R. J. Merry, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Higher concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) in silage offer ruminant nutrition and environmental attractions. Both successful field wilting and alternative silage additives provide the opportunity to manipulate silage WSC by modifying fermentation and/or improving aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal WSC genotype that differed in field wilting or additive use.

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Unwilted Silage Using Additives (2) (Eu-Project ‘Sweetgrass’), H. Howard, P. O'Kiely, G. Pahlow, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass cultivars bred for elevated concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) could have improved silage preservation but possibly disimproved aerobic stability. Additives can be used to manipulate fermentation and thereby increase silage WSC. They can also influence aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of unwilted silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal WSC genotype that differed in additive use.

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Wilted Silage Using Additives (3) (Eu-Project ‘Sweetgrass’), H. Howard, P. O'Kiely, G. Pahlow, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rapid field-drying of grass prior to successful ensilage restricts fermentation and can assist preservation, but can consequently result in silages that are prone to aerobic deterioration at feedout. Additives that directly (e.g. potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate) or indirectly (e.g. formic acid or Lactobacillus plantarum, via manipulation of fermentation) alter yeast activity at feedout could modify silage aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of wilted silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) genotype that differed in additive use.

The Effect Of Additive Containing Formic Acid On Quality And Aerobic Stability Of Silages Made Of Endophyte-Infected Green Forage, L. Podkówka, J. Mikołajczak, E. Staszak, P. Dorszewski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Festuca species grasses are very often infected with endophytic fungi Neothypodium, that produce ergotic alkaloids, peramins etc. (Podkówka et al., 2003). Produced green forage can be dangerous to animals. The basic preservation method of such green forages is ensiling, especially with organic acids addition. Organic acids demonstrate destructive action on fungal organisms, as well as influence the quality and aerobic stability of forage. The objective of this study was to determine if the preservation of endophyte-infected green forage by ensiling with formic acid affects quality and aerobic stability of produced fodder.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation Data: Mw And Mlmw Water Model Ice Nucleation On A Hydrophilic Substrate With Negative Pressure, Will Cantrell, Tianshu Li, Issei Nakamura, Elise Rosky, Raymond Shaw

Michigan Tech Research Data

This dataset contains the data supporting Figures in the study by Rosky et al., "Molecular simulations reveal that heterogeneous ice nucleation occurs at higher temperatures in water under capillary tension", submitted for publication in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics in February 2023. Input files for reproducing the molecular dynamics simulations are included.

The abstract from the paper reads: Using a molecular model of water freezing on a hydrophilic substrate, it is found that heterogeneous ice nucleation rates occur at higher temperatures in water that is under tension, in other words under negative pressure. For pressures ranging from from 1 atm to …

Integrated Ecological Protection And Restoration In The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: Thoughts And Suggestions, Jun Wang, Jian Peng, Bojie Fu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The 20th Party Congress made a significant proposal:"advance the Beautiful China Initiative and take a holistic and systematic approach to the conservation and improvement of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts". The establishment of a sustainable national economy and ecological civilization is a major priority for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The GBA's current land development and protection situation is briefly summarized in the study, which also analyzes the issues with ecological protection and restoration in terms of whole-factor chain management, cross-regional cooperation, and target patterns. From the viewpoints of the system view, holistic view, synergy view, …

Pollution Control And Carbon Reduction In Whole Industrial Process: Method, Strategy And Scientific Basis, Hongbin Cao, He Zhao, Yuehong Zhao, Di Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As China's environmental protection emission standards are becoming stricter and industrial parks are taking shape, problems such as the lack of stable cooperative treatment technology for toxic pollutants and carbon emission reduction, and the high control cost seriously restrict the sustainable development of economic society and the realization of the strategic goal of carbon emission reduction. Guided by the major environmental protection demand of industries, this study put forward the method, strategy and scientific basis of "Synergistic reduce pollution and carbon in the whole process of industry". Through the coordination of control methods, cross-media, multi-field and multi-factor modeling optimization, the …

Patchy Forsterite Clouds In The Atmospheres Of Two Highly Variable Exoplanet Analogs, Johanna M. Vos, Ben Burningham, Jacqueline K. Faherty, Sherelyn Alejandro, Eileen Gonzales, Emily Calamari, Daniella Bardalez Gagliuffi, Channon Visscher, Xianyu Tan, Caroline V. Morley, Mark Marley, Marina E. Gemma, Niall Whiteford, Josefine Gaarn, Grace Park

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

We present an atmospheric retrieval analysis of a pair of highly variable, ∼200 Myr old, early T type planetary-mass exoplanet analogs SIMP J01365662+0933473 and 2MASS J21392676+0220226 using the Brewster retrieval framework. Our analysis, which makes use of archival 1–15 μm spectra, finds almost identical atmospheres for both objects. For both targets, we find that the data is best described by a patchy, high-altitude forsterite (Mg2SiO4) cloud above a deeper, optically thick iron (Fe) cloud. Our model constrains the cloud properties well, including the cloud locations and cloud particle sizes. We find that the patchy forsterite slab cloud inferred from our …

A Mathematical Investigation Of Landauer’S Principle, Paul Bracken

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

A minimal mathematical approach is used to state Landauer’s principle in a precise, general way. The results are obtained by means of a rigorous development which is based on the use of quantum statistical mechanics. A mathematical form of the principle results as an equality rather than an inequality. The equality version does imply the original statement of the principle as introduced by Landauer.

Exploring International Rare Earth Industry Landscape Changes And China’S Strategic Responses, Yiding Wu, Zilong Peng, Dan Lai, Shen Zhao, Lu Wang, Weiqiang Chen, Peng Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Rare earth elements are widely identified as critical raw materials to underpin high-end technological innovation and the development of emerging industries, which makes them as important strategic minerals deserved by key international great powers. Since 2011, the United States and other developed nations are quickly fostering the development of their supply chains and industrial ecosystems of rare earth out of China's engagement. Consequently, the new diversified supply pattern of rare earth has been formalizing at global level. Under this full supply chain view, this study performs a deep-dive analysis of international rare earth industry landscape changes in the key stage …

Marine Ecological Protection And Restoration: International Agendas And China Action, Ke Duan, Zhengyan Liu, Shengkang Liang, Yanbin Li, Dongliang Lu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

International conventions and initiatives can promote collective action against global crises, and strengthen the efforts of countries to take concerted actions. This study summarizes the important international agendas related to marine ecological conservation and restoration, and analyzes China's policy mechanism in recent years. It believes that the policies in China and international documents are synergistic and effective in jointly strengthening efforts to respond to the global crisis. This study also puts forward some countermeasures and suggestions for China to build a detailed regional marine ecological map, strengthen ecological corridor restoration, improve scientific and technological support systems, and promote international cooperation …

Thin Film Deposition Of Mop, A Topological Semimetal, Robert Browning, Paul Plachinda, Raj Solanki

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

MoP is a topological semimetal which has drawn attention due to its unique electrical and optical properties resulting from massless electrons. In order to utilize these properties for practical applications, it is necessary to develop a technique to produce high-quality, large-scale thin films of this 2D material. We report below our initial results of growth of MoP thin films using atomic layer deposition (ALD), where the film grows layer-by-layer. These films were grown on 5 cm × 5 cm silicon oxide coated Si wafers. Resistivity versus temperature measurements show that these films are metallic and includes a partial superconducting phase. …

Applying Positional Encoding To Enhance Vision-Language Transformers, Xuehao Liu, Sarah Jane Delany, Susan Mckeever

Conference papers

Positional encoding is used in both natural language and computer vision transformers. It provides information on sequence order and relative position of input tokens (such as of words in a sentence) for higher performance. Unlike the pure language and vision transformers, vision-language transformers do not currently exploit positional encoding schemes to enrich input information. We show that capturing location information of visual features can help vision-language transformers improve their performance. We take Oscar, one of the state-of-the-art (SOTA) vision-language transformers as an example transformer for implanting positional encoding. We use image captioning as a downstream task to test performance. We …

Comparison Of Pulsed Electroacoustic Measurements And Af-Numit3 Modeling Of Polymers Irradiated With Monoenergetic Electrons, Zachary Gibson, J. R. Dennison, Brian Beecken, Ryan Hoffmann

Journal Articles

Successful spacecraft design and charging mitigation techniques require precise and accurate knowledge of charge deposition profiles. This paper compares models of charge deposition and transport using a venerable deep dielectric charging code, AF-NUMIT3, with direct measurements of charge profiles via pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) measurements. Eight different simulations were performed for comparison to PEA experiments of samples irradiated by 50 or 80 keV monoenergetic electrons in vacuum and at room temperature. Two materials, polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), were chosen for their very low conductivities so that minimal charge migration would occur between irradiation and PEA measurements. PEEK was found …

Design And Implementation Of Humidity Sensor Based On Carbon Nitride Modifed With Graphene Quantum Dots, Mohamed Morsy

Nanotechnology Research Centre

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Residual Sugar In High Sugar Grass Silages On Aerobic Stability, G. Pahlow, R. J. Merry, P. O'Kiely, T. M. Pauly, J. M. Greef

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

New varieties of Lolium perenne, bred for high sugar content, can contain up to 30% of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). Only a fraction of such high contents are metabolised during a normal fermentation and the high residual sugar content (RSC) of these silages can improve the efficiency of use of nitrogen by ruminants. However, these RSC at opening for feed-out could be preferentially metabolised relative to fermentation products by all aerobically growing fungi and bacteria present on the forage. A high RSC thus can increase the risk of aerobic deterioration over that of extensively fermented silages, containing predominantly organic …

Recent Developments In Methods To Characterise The Chemical And Biological Parameters Of Grass Silage, R. S. Park, R. E. Agnew, M. G. Porter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Chemical analysis of forages is expensive, time consuming, environmentally unfriendly and relates poorly to the feed value for production purposes.
2. In vivo characterisation of animal feed is not a feasible option in terms of cost and analysis time.
3. NIRS is a rapid, non destructive, environmentally friendly, multi-analytical technique which can estimate the nutritive value of the feed.
4. NIRS predictive equations developed on a master instrument can be transferred to local and international sites.
5. Future assessment of forages necessitates rapid, stable, instrumentation for ‘in field’ studies.

The Effect Of Chop Length And Additive On Silage Intake And Milk Production In Cows, V. Toivonen, T. Heikkilä

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effects of reduced silage chop length on silage intake and milk production by dairy cows have been variable. Chopping of grass at harvest generally improves silage fermentation quality and consequently intake. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of chopping flail harvested silage ensiled with acid or biological additive prior to feeding on intake, milk yield and milk composition in dairy cows.

Evaluation Of Narrow-Row Forage Maize In Field-Scale Studies, W. J. Cox, J. H. Cherney, D. J. R. Cherney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Some dairy producers in the north-eastern USA adopted narrow row (0.38 m) maize forage production in the mid-1990s because of its 5% dry matter (DM) yield advantage (Cox et al., 1998). These dairy producers, however, continued to plant forage maize at high plant densities (125,000 plants/ha) under high N fertility (225 kg N/ha), despite research that indicated that forage maize had optimum DM yields and forage quality when planted at the recommended 100,000 plants/ha under 175 kg/ha of N fertility (Cox & Cherney, 2001). We evaluated forage maize at 0.38 and 0.76 m (conventional) row spacing under recommended vs. …

The Feeding Value Of Conserved Whole-Crop Wheat And Forage Maize Relative To Grass Silage And Ad-Libitum Concentrates For Beef Cattle, K. Walsh, P. O'Kiely, F. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass is the predominant forage ensiled in Ireland. However, the relatively modest yields achieved in a single harvest allied to variability in digestibility and ensilability (and thus in intake and animal performance response) and the likelihood of effluent production create disadvantages for grass silage compared to the potential of some alternative forage crops. Thus, alternative forages are worthy of consideration on many farms. The objectives of this study were to quantify the relative intake, digestibility and performance of beef cattle offered grass silage, forage maize silage and whole-crop wheat (fermented or urea-treated), rank these relative to cattle offered an ad …

Ensiling Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) As An Alternative Winter Forage Crop In Israel, Z. G. Weinberg, S. Y. Landau, A. Bat-Tal, Y. Chen, M. Gamburg, S. Brener, L. Devash

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Israel is a subtropical country in which the rainy season is in winter, with frequent droughts. Wheat is the major winter forage crop in Israel, along with legumes as rotation crops. Alternative forage crops are sought that would be suitable for semi-arid areas. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is usually grown as a source for oil and pigments but spineless cultivars could be used as fodder. Leshem et al. (2001) reported DM yields up to 22 t/ha and high DM digestibility when used for heifers. When safflower silage substituted maize and wheat silage in the rations of lactating cows, …

Effects Of Two Different Chopping Lengths Of Maize Silage On Silage Quality And Dairy Performance, K. Mahlkow, J. Thaysen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Maize silage harvested at dough stage contains less fibre structure than grass silage. Due to higher proportions of maize silage in dairy rations and due to the fact that with longer chopping length of maize silage the contribution of fibre structure increases. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of two chopping lengths in the silage on animal performance with respect to feed intake, milk yields and ingredients as well as physiological effects of digestion.

Effect Of Additives At Harvest On The Digestibility In Lambs Of Whole Crop Barley Or Wheat Silage, S. Muhonen, I. Olsson, P. Lingvall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are very few published articles about how silage additives affect digestibility of whole crop silage. In this experiment, male lambs were given whole crop barley or wheat silage harvested at dough stage with a number of different acid-based and bacterial additives.