Bayesian classification of ripening stages of tomato fruit using acoustic impact and colorimeter sensor data

In this work, the concept of data fusion is applied to nondestructive testing data for classification of fresh intact tomatoes based on their ripening stages. A Bayesian classifier considering a multivariate, three-class problem was incorporated for data fusion. Probability of error was estimated numerically for univariate and multivariate cases based on Bhattacharyya distance. Numerical results showed that multi-sensorial data fusion reduces the classification error considerably. The Bayesian classifier was tested on data of tomato fruits taken by the following nondestructive tests: colorimeter and acoustic impact. Results of Bayesian classifier agree with numerical estimations showing an 11% classification error in the multivariate (multi-sensor) case compared with a 48% obtained by the univariate case (single sensor).     

Fertirrigation with Low-Pressure Multi-Gate Irrigation Systems in Sugarcane Agroecosystems: A Review

There are very few studies on the application of fertilizers through irrigation water (fertirrigation) using a multi-gate irrigation system in sugarcane AES. Through fertirrigation, the application of fertilizers can be simplified, and their distribution uniformity in sugarcane fields improved. This paper provides an overview of the state of the art regarding fertirrigation with multi-gate irrigation in sugarcane agroecosystems (AES). In order to systematize, organize, and discuss the scientific data on fertirrigation with low-pressure multi-gate irrigation systems in sugarcane AES, bibliographic material from the following full-text scientific journal databases was screened: the Elsevier Science Direct Freedom Collection, Springer Link, and the International Society for Horticultural Science. Next, a matrix of keywords was used to analyze the interrelationships among the available literature, current issues, and the recent findings. We conclude that development of fertirrigation technologies with low-pressure multi-gate irrigation is much needed.     

Chemical composition and antispasmodic effect of Casimiroa pringlei essential oil on rat uterus

The Casimiroa pringlei essential oil was analyzed to determine its chemical composition. Its effect on rat uterine smooth muscle was studied and compared with verapamil. Pure commercial piperitone, eucalyptol, and alpha-terpineol, the major constituents of C. pringlei essential oil, were tested on the uterine tonic contraction induced by high-potassium depolarizing solution (KCl 60 mM).     

First record of Pityophthorus solus (Blackman, ) in Europe

First records of Pityophthorus solus (Blackman, 1928 ) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) for Europe are reported. Twenty one specimens were obtained unintentionally during surveys for Ips sexdentatus (Boemer, 1767) and for Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman, 1928 using multiple funnel traps baited with specific attractants for both species in the Basque Country (Northern Spain).     

Integrating wild mushrooms use into a model of sustainable management for indigenous community forests

Recently, the importance of fungal resources has been brought to the forefront due to their ecological and economical importance. There have been many efforts to record their diversity at local and regional scales. However, few studies deal with the potential value of fungi for the development of local communities, particularly in developing countries. The present study presents the results of a five-year inventory of useful mushrooms in the communal land of Ixtlan de Juarez, Oaxaca. We use the species list to analyze the real possibility of local communities incorporating these resources into a model of local development exploiting wood and non-wood forest products in the context of Smart wood certification. The model discusses three main strategies for mushroom management (diversification of forest exploitation, incorporation of soil function to forestry and fungal technology development); in each case we also discuss the viability and infrastructure necessary to implement it. We identified a total of 159 taxa of useful mushrooms and provide information on their habit, substrate, abundance and recorded use. Thirteen taxa were Ascomycetes and 146 Basidiomycetes; belonging to 42 families and 73 genera. A total of 38 taxa (23.9%) were new records for the state of Oaxaca. This is, to date, the most comprehensive list of useful mushrooms presented in Mexico. It demonstrates the huge mycological diversity of these resources present in the Juarez’ Mountain Range. A total of 113 species are edible, 38 species have direct applications in forest management, 19 species have medicinal properties, 12 are toxic and 12 species have recorded biotechnological applications. The diversity and heterogeneity of potential uses of these resources represent a challenging opportunity for local communities. Product diversification is a fundamental strategy to integrate a model of sustainable forest exploitation. We concluded that communities developing forestry activities must be aware of the functional properties of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi to include them in their own forest management plans. We also outline a set of common steps for initiating sustainable and diversified forestry practices which include: awareness-raising targeted to local authorities and forestry technicians on the ecological importance of mushrooms; illustrated catalogues on useful species accessible to all the communities, which would allow taxonomic identification for all species; local technical capacity to obtain and disseminate strains of mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi; obtaining resources to develop infrastructure to cultivate mushrooms, among many others projects.     

Effects of some ecological variables on carabid communities in native and non native forests in the Ibaizabal basin (Basque Country: Spain)

? Carabid beetles were investigated at five different forest types in the Ibaizabal basin (northern Spain). The landscape is characterized by the presence of remnants of native forest surrounded by conifer plantations.

? Carabids were trapped in 52 stands of mixed forest, beech forest, holm oak forest, mixed pine and Monterey pine plantations in 2005 and 2006. The main objectives of the study were: compare carabid diversity, recognise the characteristic species, and study the effects of ecological variables on carabid assemblages in the different forest types.

? No significative differences in species abundance, richness and diversity were found among the studied forests. Most of the trapped beetles were identified as forest generalists, nevertheless some native and non-native forest specialist species were also found. Distribution of carabid communities overlapped and, except for beech forest, no specific communities were distinguished. Altitude, percentage of grass coverage and temperature were the main variables influencing species distribution.

? The results suggest high habitat homogeneity, caused by regeneration in pine plantations of the indigenous understorey, and by poor habitat quality in native forest (patchy remnants enclosed in conifer plantations). This situation could explain the similar carabid diversity.

     

Pharmacokinetic characteristics and tissue residues for marbofloxacin and its metabolite N-desmethyl-marbofloxacin in broiler chickens

OBJECTIVES: To determine pharmacokinetic characteristics of marbofloxacin after a single IV and oral administration and tissue residues after serial daily oral administration in chickens. ANIMALS: 40 healthy broiler chickens. PROCEDURE: Two groups of chickens (groups A and B; 8 chickens/group) were administered a single IV and oral administration of marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg). Chickens of group C (n = 24) were given serial daily doses of marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h for 3 days). Plasma (groups A and B) and tissue concentrations (group C) of marbofloxacin and its major metabolite N-desmethyl-marbofloxacin were determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Residues of marbofloxacin and N-desmethylmarbofloxacin were measured in target tissues. RESULTS: Elimination half-life and mean residence time of marbofloxacin in plasma were 5.26 and 4.36 hours after IV administration and 8.69 and 8.55 hours after oral administration, respectively. Maximal plasma concentration was 1.05 microg/ml, and interval from oral administration until maximum concentration was 1.48 hours. Oral bioavailability of marbofloxacin was 56.82%. High concentrations of marbofloxacin and N-desmethyl-marbofloxacin were found in the kidneys, liver, muscles, and skin plus fat 24 hours after the final dose of marbofloxacin; however, marbofloxacin and N-desmethyl-marbofloxacin were detected in only hepatic (27.6 and 98.7 microg/kg, respectively) and renal (39.7 and 69.1 microg/kg, respectively) tissues 72 hours after termination of marbofloxacin treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of pharmacokinetic data obtained in this study reveals that a minimal therapeutic dose of 2 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours should be appropriate for control of most infections in chickens.