Atmospheric reductive catalytic fractionation of lignocellulose integrated with one-pot catalytic conversion of carbohydrate yielding valuable lignin monomers and platform chemicals from corn straw

Developing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly process for the production of valuable chemicals from abundant herbal biomass receives great attentions in recent years.Herein,taking advantage of the“lignin first”strategy,corn straw is converted to valuable chemicals including lignin monomers,furfural and 5-methoxymethylfurfural via a two steps process.The key of this research lies in the development of a green and low-cost catalytic process utilizing magnetic Raney Ni catalyst and high boiling point ethylene glycol.The utilization of neat ethylene glycol as the sole slovent under atmospheric conditions obviates the need for additional additives,thereby facilitating the entire process to be conducted in glass flasks and rendering it highly convenient for scaling up.In the initial step,depolymerization of corn straw lignin resulted in a monomer yield of 18.1 wt%.Subsequently,in a dimethyl carbonate system,the carbohydrate component underwent complete conversion in a one-pot process,yielding furfural and 5-methoxymethylfurfural as the primary products with an impressive yield of 47.7%.

CORN评估量表在预防胸外科术中获得性压力性损伤中的应用研究

目的探讨胸外科手术患者根据CORN量表及时采取护理措施,预防术中获得性压力性损伤的效果。方法选择2023年1—6月呼和浩特市某三甲医院胸外科侧卧位手术患者70例作为研究对象,根据入院先后顺序将2023年1—3月就诊的患者作为对照组(35例),将2023年4—6月就诊的患者作为实验组(35例)。对照组采用Braden量表进行评估,实验组采用CORN量表进行评估。为所有患者提供基本防护措施,根据两种量表评分对中风险及高风险患者采取针对性护理措施。在术后即刻及术后24 h、48 h和72 h评估皮肤情况。比较两组患者术中获得性压力性损伤发生率、住院天数、手术医生对手术室专科护士配合满意度评分和手术室护士预防术中获得性压力性损伤专业能力。结果实验组术中获得性压力性损伤发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);实验组住院天数少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);实验组手术医生对手术室专科护士配合满意度评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);实验组手术室护士预防术中获得性压力性损伤专业能力高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论CORN量表应用于胸外科侧卧位手术患者可识别中高风险人群,提前进行护理干预,可降低术中获得性压力性损伤的发生率,缩短患者住院时间,提高手术医生对手术室专科护士配合满意度评分,提高手术室护士预防术中获得性压力性损伤专业能力。

Hypoglycemic effect and the mechanism of action of a polysaccharide from sweet corncob in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a metabolic disease caused by a glycolipid metabolism disorder and isletβ-cell dysfunction.SCP-80-I is a biologically active water-soluble polysaccharide isolated from sweet corncob,an agricultural byproduct.The hypoglycemic effects of SCP-80-I on T2DM mice and its mechanisms were investigated in this study.SCP-80-I was found to significantly reduce blood glucose and lipid deposition levels in T2DM mice,as well as decrease serum leptin and increase adiponectin secretion.Interestingly,real time-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blotting results revealed that SCP-80-I could regulate the expression of several glycolipid metabolisms and insulin secretion genes and proteins,including 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),carnitine palmitoyltransferase I(CPTI),and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase(ACC)in the liver and AMPK,sirtuin1(Sirtl),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorycoactivator-1(PGC-1α),and uncoupling protein 2(UCP2)in the pancreas.To have a hypoglycemic effect,SCP-80-1 regulated glycolipid metabolism and islet cell function in the liver by regulating the AMPK/AC C/CPT1 signaling pathway and the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1αand AMPK/Sirtl/UCP2 signaling pathways.These findings improve our understanding of polysaccharides derived from sweet corncob and the use of SCP-80-I in the production of hypoglycemic foods.

CORN术中压力性损伤量表在手术室皮肤管理中的应用研究

目的:注册手术室护士(CORN)术中压力性损伤量表在手术室皮肤管理中的应用效果。方法:前瞻性纳入2022年8—12月医院收治的200例拟接受外科手术治疗的患者,应用Braden量表和CORN术中压力性损伤量表分别于术前、术中对患者进行术中压力性损伤风险评估,记录所有患者的一般资料、量表评分、量表评估用时及皮肤检查结果。对比Braden量表和CORN术中压力性损伤量表评估用时,并绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析这两种量表对术中压力性损伤的预测效能。结果:CORN术中压力性损伤量表术前、术中评估时间均短于Braden量表,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);200例行外科手术治疗的患者中发生术中压力性损伤34例,占比17.00%;发生术中压力性损伤患者术前及术中Braden量表评分均低于未发生术中压力性损伤患者,而CORN术中压力性损伤量表评分均高于未发生术中压力性损伤患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);绘制ROC曲线,结果显示,术前及术中Braden量表、CORN术中压力性损伤量表评分预测术中压力性损伤的AUC均>0.7,具有一定的预测效能,其中CORN术中压力性损伤量表的预测效能最高。结论:CORN术中压力性损伤量表在手术室皮肤管理中对术中压力性损伤发生风险的预测效能较好,且方便快捷。

Pelleting and particle size reduction of corn increase net energy and digestibility of fiber,protein,and fat in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs

Background Reduction of the particle size of corn increases energy digestibility and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy.Pelleting may also reduce particle size of grain,but it is not known if there are interactions between particle size reduction and pelleting.The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that particle size reduction and pelleting,separately or in combination,increase N balance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of fiber and fat,and net energy(NE)in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs.Methods Six corn-soybean meal-based diets were used in a 3×2 factorial design with 3 particle sizes of corn(i.e.,700,500,or 300μm)and 2 diet forms(i.e.,meal or pelleted).Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water.Twenty-four castrated male pigs(initial weight:29.52 kg;standard diviation:1.40)were allotted to the 6 diets using a 6×6 Latin square design with 6 calorimeter chambers(i.e.,4 pigs/chamber)and 6 periods.Oxygen consumption and CO_(2)and CH_(4)productions were measured during fed and fasting states and fecal and urine samples were collected.Results Regardless of particle size of corn,the ATTD of gross energy(GE),N,and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract(AEE),and the concentration of NE were greater(P<0.05)in pelleted diets than in meal diets.Regardless of diet form,the ATTD of GE,N,and AEE,and the concentration of NE were increased(linear;P<0.05)by reducing the particle size of corn,but the increase was greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets(interaction;P<0.05).Conclusions Both pelleting and reduction of corn particle size increased nutrient digestibility and NE,but increases were greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets.

First identification of a novel Aichivirus D in goats with diarrhea

Kobuvirus comprises 6 officially recognized species,namely Aichivirus A-F,and can be further divided into 20 genotypes through VP1 gene phylogenetic analysis(https://ictv.global/report/chapter/picornaviridae/picornaviridae/kobuvirus).Aichivirus A in human,Aichivirus B in bovine,Aichivirus C in porcine and caprine,Aichivirus D in yak have been proved to be associated with diarrhea(Chen Y S et al.2013;Yang et al.2015;Zhu et al.2016;Zhai et al.2017;Wang et al.2020;Abi et al.2022;Yan et al.2023).

Efficacy of Raw Corn Starch in Insulinoma-Related Hypoglycemia:A Promising Supportive Therapy

Objective To investigate the efficacy of raw corn starch(RCS)in clinical management of insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data of insulinoma patients who received RCS-supplemented diet preoperatively,and analyzed the therapeutic effects of the RCS intervention on blood glucose control,weight change,and its adverse events.Results The study population consisted of 24 cases of insulinoma patients,7 males and 17 females,aged 46.08±14.15 years.Before RCS-supplemented diet,all patients had frequent hypoglycemic episodes(2.51±3.88 times/week),concurrent with neuroglycopenia(in 83.3% of patients)and autonomic manifestations(in 75.0% of patients),with the median fasting blood glucose(FBG)of 2.70(interquartile range[IQR]:2.50-2.90)mmol/L.The patients'weight increased by 0.38(IQR:0.05-0.65)kg per month,with 8(33.3%)cases developing overweight and 7(29.2%)cases developing obesity.All patients maintained the RCS-supplemented diet until they underwent tumor resection(23 cases)and transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases(1 case).For 19 patients receiving RCS throughout the day,the median FBG within one week of nutritional management was 4.30(IQR:3.30-5.70)mmol/L,which was a significant increase compared to pre-nutritional level[2.25(IQR:1.60-2.90)mmol/L;P<0.001].Of them,10 patients receiving RCS throughout the day for over four weeks had sustained improvement in FBG compared to pre-treatment[3.20(IQR:2.60-3.95)mmol/L vs.2.15(IQR:1.83-2.33)mmol/L;P<0.001].Five patients who received RCS only at night also had a significant increase in FBG within one week of nutritional management[3.50(IQR:2.50-3.65)mmol/L vs.2.20(IQR:1.80-2.60)mmol/L;P<0.001],but only one patient who continued to receive RCS for over four weeks did not have a significant improvement in FBG.No improvement in weight gain was observed upon RCS supplementation.Mild diarrhea(2 cases)and flatulence(1 case)occurred,and were relieved by reduction of RCS dose.Conclusion The RCS-supplemented diet is effective in controlling insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.

Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield

Film-stalk spaced dual mulching is a new type of cultivation measure that is increasingly highlighted in semi-arid areas in China.Despite its potential,there is limited understanding of how different mulching materials affect both soil quality and crop yield in these areas.To address this gap,we conducted a two-year(2020-2021)field experiment in central China to explore the yield-enhancing mechanisms and assess the impact of various mulching materials on soil and corn yield.The experiment comprised six treatments,i.e.,plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in fall(PSF),plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring(PSS),black and silver plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring(BPSS),biodegradable film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring(BSS),liquid film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring(LSS),and non-mulching cultivation(CK).Results revealed that BPSS demonstrated the most significant yield increase,surpassing CK by a notable 10.0%and other mulching treatments by 2.4%-5.9%.The efficacy of BPSS lied in its provision of favorable hydrothermal conditions for corn cultivation,particularly during hot season.Its cooling effect facilitated the establishment of optimal temperature conditions relative to transparent mulching,leading to higher root growth indices(e.g.,length and surface area),as well as higher leaf photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation per plant.Additionally,BPSS maintained higher average soil moisture content within 0-100 cm depth compared with biodegradable mulching and liquid mulching.As a result,BPSS increased activities of urease,catalase,and alkaline phosphatase,as well as the diversity and abundance of soil bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere zone of corn,facilitating nutrient accessibility by the plant.These findings suggest that selecting appropriate mulching materials is crucial for optimizing corn production in drought-prone areas,highlighting the potential of BPSS cultivation.

Natural variation in ZmGRF10 regulates tolerance to phosphate deficiency in maize by modulating phosphorus remobilization

Phosphorus is a limiting factor in agriculture due to restricted availability in soil and low utilization efficiency of crops.The identification of superior haplotypes of key genes responsible for low-phosphate(Pi)tolerance and their natural variation is important for molecular breeding.In this study,we conducted genome-wide association studies on low-phosphate tolerance coefficients using 152 maize inbred lines,and identified a significant association between SNPs on chromosome 7 and a low-phosphate tolerance coefficient.ZmGRF10 was identified as a candidate gene involved in adaptation of maize to Pi starvation.Expression of ZmGRF10 is induced by Pi starvation.A mutation in ZmGRF10 alleviated Pi starvation stress.RNA-seq analyses revealed significant upregulation of genes encoding various phosphatases in the zmgrf10-1 mutant,suggesting that ZmGRF10 negatively regulates expression of these genes,thereby affecting low-Pi tolerance by suppressing phosphorus remobilization.A superior haplotype with variations in the promoter region exhibited lower transcription activity of ZmGRF10.Our study unveiled a novel gene contributing to tolerance to low-Pi availability with potential to benefit molecular breeding for high Pi utilization.

Invasion of fall armyworm led to the succession of maize pests in Southwest China

The invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda(J.E.Smith)invaded Asia in 2018,colonizing the tropical and southern subtropical regions as well as migrating with the monsoons into Northeast Asia during spring and summer.This has resulted in widespread infestations,with significant impacts on maize production in various Asian countries.Previous studies have shown that the invasion of this pest can alter the species relationships of maize pests,but the actual impact on maize pest management is still unclear.This study investigated the changes in maize pest occurrence and pesticide use in the annual breeding areas of S.frugiperda in Yunnan Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China during 2017-2021,based on surveys and interviews with small farmers in maize production.The results showed that S.frugiperda has emerged as the dominant species among maize pests after invasion and colonization,replacing traditional pests such as Ostrinia furnacalis,Spodoptera litura,Agrotis ypsilon,and Rhopalosiphum maidis.The variety of pesticides used for maize pest control has changed from chlorpyrifos,lambda-cyhalothrin,and acetamiprid to emamectin benzoate-based pesticides with high effectiveness against S.frugiperda.Furthermore,the frequency of maize pest chemical applications has increased from an average of 5.88 to 7.21 times per season,with the amounts of pesticides used in summer and autumn maize being significantly higher than in winter and spring maize,thereby increasing application costs by more than 35%.The results of this study clarified the impact of S.frugiperda invasion on maize pest community succession and chemical pesticide use in tropical and south subtropical China,thereby providing a baseline for modifying the regional control strategies for maize pests after the invasion of this relatively new pest.

Various Organic Nutrient Sources in Combinations with Inorganic Fertilizers Influence the Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn(Zea mays L.saccharata)in New Alluvial Soils of West Bengal,India

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn.A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal,India.Treatments were:T_(1):Control(without fertilizers);T_(2):100%recommended dose(RDF)of chemical fertilizers(CF)(RDF CF_(100%));T_(3):100%recommended dose of N(RDN)through vermicompost(VC)(RDN VC_(100%));T_(4):50 RDN through CF+50%RDN through VC(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN VC50%);T_(5):50%RDF through CF+50%RDN through organic source(OS)1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS_(150%));T6:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 2,Bioenzyme(liquid)(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS250%);T7:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 3,Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate[RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS350%];T8:50%RDN through VC+50%RDF through OS 1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN VC50%+RDN OS_(150%)).The OS of fertilizers were VC,SoliGro Gr(OS1)(Ascophyllum nodosum),Bioenzyme liquid(OS2),and Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate(OS3).The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF(150:75:75 kg ha^(−1) of N:P2O5:K2O).The VC was used to supply 100%RDN as one source or 50%RDN when combined with CF or OS.Maximum fruit yield(10.75 and 10.79 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only,being statistically at par with 50%CF+50%VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis(9.92 and 10.00 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)and 100%VC(8.22 and 8.32 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively).Compared to chemical sources of nutrients,VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob(>25 cm).The 100%VC increased antioxidant(8.35 and 8.45 mg g^(−1)),carotenoid(0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g),and phenol(55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g^(−1))content compared with its 50%dose in combination with other sources.The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn.

Determination of Physical, Mechanical and Fire Retardancy Properties of Innovative Particleboard Made from Corn Stalk (Zea mays L.) Particles

The demand for particleboard is increasing along with economic and population growth.However,two major barriers to the manufacture of particleboard are a shortage of raw materials(woodchips)and the emission of formaldehyde from conventional adhesives.Agricultural by-products such as corn stalks contain an abundance of renewable lignocellulosic fiber.This study evaluates the effect of citric acid as a natural adhesive and fire retardant addition on the physical,mechanical,and fire retardancy properties of particleboards fabricated from corn stalks.A cost-effective and inorganic salt,calcium carbonate,was tested to enhance the fire retardancy.Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was also considered as a comparative control.Particleboards with the addition of calcium carbonate was pretreated with sodium chloride.The particleboards were pressed for 10 min at 200℃.Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908:2022 was used as the benchmark for the physical and mechanical tests.Fire retardancy was dynamically tested by simulating a Bushfire Attack Level of 19 kW/m^(2).The particleboard with 25 wt%citric acid had superior mechanical properties and complied with the JIS A 5908 standard for Type 13 base particleboard.Particleboard with the addition of calcium carbonate(5%and 10%)showed significantly delayed pyrolysis time.

Synergistic effects of three traditional herbs green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk on glucose uptake level of L6 myoblasts and the hypoglycemic mechanism

Background:Green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk are traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in China for a long time,but their synergistic hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms remain unclear.Methods:The effective components of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk were extracted and enriched.Mixture design of experiments was used to study the influences of different combinations on the cell viability and glucose uptake level of L6 myoblasts,so as to determine the optimal synergistic hypoglycemic combination.The possible hypoglycemic mechanism of the optimal synergistic combination was explored by cytotoxicity assay,glucose uptake assay,and western blot.Results:Three polyphenol enrichment fractions of the herbs,30%ethanol elution fraction of green tea(GT),50%ethanol elution fraction of mulberry leaf(ML)and 60%ethanol elution fraction of corn silk(CS)were obtained.The antioxidant activities of GT-30%,ML-50%and CS-60%were superior to those of crude extracts,and showed strong potential inα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibition activities.The optimal synergistic combination of crude extracts G7(crude extract of green tea:crude extract of mulberry leaf:crude extract of corn silk=1:5:3),polyphenol enrichment fractions R3(GT-30%:ML-50%:CS-60%=1:7:1)and monomers X2(epigallocatechin gallate:morusin:formononetin=3:1:2)were selected,respectively.G7,R3,and X2 showed promoting effects on the cell viability and glucose uptake of L6 myoblasts within the detected concentration range.In addition,G7,R3,and X2 could increase the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in L6 myoblasts,and promote the translocation of Glut4,but G7 and R3 showed more significant effects.Conclusion:The synergistic hypoglycemic effects of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk had the characteristics of multiple-components and multiple-targets with p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and the translocation of Glut4 signal pathways involved.The three traditional herbs might have the potential to be combined used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes based on the synergistic hypoglycemic effects.

ω-3 Rich Tetracarpidum conophorum Oil Exhibits Better Prevention Effects for Cardiovascular Risk Factors than Corn Oil in Adult of Albinos Wistar Male Rats

Cardiovascular diseases are serious pathologies that affect an increasing number of people. Several preventive measures are generally used, including supplementing of oils in foods. Our objective was to compare the effects of Tetracarpidum conophorum oil (TC) and corn oil (CO) on serum lipid profiles of normal male rats. 42 Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. Diets included TC oil (groups TC5, TC10 and TC20) and corn oil (groups CO5, CO10 and CO20) in proportions of 5%, 10% and 20%, with a control group (T). After 5 weeks of feeding, several parameters were measured during and after the study, including body weight, food intake and organ weights (kidney, liver and fat). Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL), glucose and protein levels were measured in the serum. The increase in body mass was inversely proportional to the amount of oil in the food. The decrease in body mass and adiposomatic index of group TC10 was significant (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. The lowest glycaemia (64.17 ± 5.14 mg/dl) was noted with the diet containing 20% TC oil. A significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL fraction and blood triglycerides was observed in the groups supplemented with TC and corn oils compared to controls. Results were also more beneficial for the TC10 group. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the oil-supplemented groups than in the control group. Castelli’s risk indices decrease significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing oil content for TC. The oils had no impact on blood protein contents. One can conclude that a diet containing 10% crude oil from TC kernels could prevent or alleviate cardiovascular diseases and glycemia.

Effect of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Powder on the Chemical and Rheological Properties of Stirred Cultured Camel Milk and Yoghurt

Research shows that producing fermented camel milk is hard because of the milk’s inability to form a firm coagulum, attributed to low levels of κ-casein and ꞵ-lactoglobulin and the large casein micelle size, leading to a weak network of casein formation. In an effort to address this issue, researchers turned to corn starch as a thickening agent, discovering that a concentration of 2.0% effectively improved the viscosity and significantly reduced syneresis in stirred camel milk yoghurt and cultured camel milk. This study explores alternatives to corn starch, focusing on butternut squash seeds as a promising substitute due to their hydrocolloid composition. By incorporating butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) seed powder (BSSP) as a thickening agent, this study aimed at enhancing the chemical and rheological properties of stirred camel milk yoghurt and cultured camel milk. Fermented camel milk was prepared using 4 litres of camel milk, 2% starter cultures (thermophilic culture for yoghurt and mesophilic aromatic culture for stirred cultured camel milk) and BSSP 0.0% (negative control), 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, 2.0% mixed with 0.4% gelatin. 2.0% corn starch mixed with 0.4% gelatin was used as a standard for comparison. Results showed that increasing the BSSP level significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the moisture content while increasing the total solid content of stirred fermented camel milk products. There was an increase in ash content with an increase in BSSP levels. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the pH, with an increase in BSSP levels in stirred fermented camel milk samples. Increasing the concentration of BSSP from 0.4% to 2.0% resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in viscosity and a reduction in syneresis of stirred camel milk yoghurt and stirred cultured camel milk samples. This study demonstrated that BSSP effectively enhances the viscosity, reduces syneresis and increases acidity in stirred fermented camel milk products during storage.

The Impacts of Louisiana’s Changing Climate on Food Crop Production

While various prior studies have delved into the potential consequences of climate change on crop production in specific areas, notably in southeastern Louisiana, limited investigation has been carried out concerning some crops within the state of Louisiana. Consequently, there exists a dearth of knowledge regarding the specific hurdles and potential benefits confronting agricultural producers in this region. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to explore and measure the impact of climate change on the yields of corn, rice, soybeans, and cotton in Louisiana, thereby addressing this informational void. The study uses data on average high temperatures and precipitation to assess the impact of climate change on these specific food crops in Louisiana. The researchers used ArcGIS and its symbology tool to create three separate maps depicting the spatial distribution of harvested cropland in Louisiana. The graduated color option was used on each map, which represented the years 2007, 2012, and 2017. Similarly, eight separate maps were created using the graduated color option to visually present the distribution patterns of Louisiana’s corn, cotton, rice, and soybean crops. These maps provided a visual representation of the state’s total crop production between 2007 and 2017. The researchers also created six bar charts to show the distribution of corn, cotton, rice, and soybean production in Louisiana over three time periods: 2007, 2012, and 2017. These charts also included information about the average high temperature and annual precipitation in each parish. The study revealed decreasing trends in Louisiana corn and cotton yields alongside consistent increases in rice and soybean yields, with projections suggesting future temperature rises may negatively impact crop yields, highlighting the need for research into climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate these effects and safeguard global crop production. Louisiana’s response to climate change in food crop production involves implementing a comprehensive Climate-Resilient Agriculture Program, focusing on developing climate-adaptive crop varieties, sustainable water management, climate-responsive insurance, farmer education, and outreach to safeguard food security, enhance agricultural resilience, and ensure sustainable crop production.

Effective Strategies to Encourage the Cultivation of Sorghum and Corn in the African Sahel: An Analysis of Chad

The research explores traditional sorghum and corn cropping systems in the Guera region of the Sahel, focusing on social, economic, and ecological criteria. The region faces challenges due to its tropical climate, droughts, and land characteristics, affecting sorghum and corn cultivation. A comprehensive framework, developed in collaboration with national and international organizations, is needed to improve agricultural production in infertile land. Chad’s smallholders use a low-tech, risk-averse rainfed system, but diversified techniques and new cultivation patterns can increase profits. Modern technologies and innovations can increase diversity and create new cultivation forms, involving scientific, commercial, credit, and industrial organizations. Chad faces severe water stress and crop yield issues, with up to 95% of water resources lost due to evapotranspiration. Proper water management techniques, assisted irrigation, efficient rainwater harvesting, and effective seed selection and crop management are crucial for improving agricultural production, reducing poverty, and ensuring the survival of the region’s agricultural sector. Chemical poverty complicates crop management, but fertilizers and skips can improve soil and provide good cereals. Urea can be added to legumes to increase plant growth and nitrogen fixation, while microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi can strengthen rhizobia and enhance plant recovery. Handling tradeoffs is crucial, as environmental shocks can lead to social consequences like hunger and unemployment. The Sahel region’s sorghum and corn plant species face food production stagnation and chronic insufficiency due to increasing population and pests. Integrated pest management strategies and market access are crucial for smallholder farmers, but quality standards are weak. Public-private partnerships can improve value chains and market linkages, leading to increased farmer income, traders’ income, and consumer prices.

Corn and Soybean Growth as Affected by Wastewater-Derived Struvite-Phosphorus Sources and Irrigation Water Types

Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) produced synthetically from a stock solution of known phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations has been shown to be an effective, alternative fertilizer-P source for various crops, but little is known about the potential agronomic effectiveness of struvite created from an actual municipal wastewater source. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil [i.e., Creldon silt loam (Oxyaquic Fragiudalf) and Calloway silt loam (Aquic Fraglossudalf) series], fertilizer-P source [i.e., synthetically produced electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECSTsyn), real-wastewater-derived ECST (ECSTreal), chemically precipitated struvite (CPST), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and an unamended control (UC)], and irrigation water type (i.e., tapwater and struvite-removed wastewater) on corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth and N, P, and magnesium (Mg) uptake in a 60-day, greenhouse potted-plant study. Crop growth and N, P, and Mg uptakes for the struvite treatments (i.e., CPST, ECSTsyn, and ECSTreal) were generally similar to or at least 1.2 times greater than MAP. The ECSTsyn material commonly had up to five times greater N, P, and Mg uptake in corn and soybean than any other fertilizer-P source. Struvite-removed wastewater resulted in at least 1.3 times lower dry matter and N, P, and Mg uptake than tapwater. Similar corn and soybean results from the struvite fertilizers among the various soil-water type combinations compared to MAP suggest that struvite generates similar crop responses as at least one widely used, commercially available, multi-nutrient fertilizer-P source.

Evaluation of Ruminal Dry Matter Disappearance and pH of Dry Corn, High-Moisture Corn, and Rye under in Vitro Conditions

An in vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of grain type on in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and pH using ruminal fluid and a buffer reagent. Five beef cows were used for ruminal fluid collection and ruminal fluid was pooled prior to use. The cows used for ruminal fluid collection were maintained on a forage-based diet (60:40 forage to concentrate) for 28 d prior to ruminal fluid collection. Three grain types were evaluated: 1) dry corn (89% dry matter;DRC), 2) high-moisture corn (72% dry matter;HMC) and 3) rye (89% dry matter;RYE). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design. A total of twenty-one replications of each grain type were used for statistical analysis (n = 63 tubes total). IVDMD was greater (P ≤ 0.05) by 97.1% and 46.4% for RYE compared to DRC and HMC, respectively. Additionally, IVDMD was greater (P = 0.05) by 34.6% for HMC compared to DRC. Final pH was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) for RYE by 12.3% and 2.8% for RYE compared to DRC and HMC, respectively. Also, final pH was decreased (P = 0.05) by 9.8% for HMC compared to DRC. These data indicate that corn harvest method (dry vs. high-moisture) influences IVDMD and final pH and that rye has a greater disappearance of dry matter and lower final pH than corn under in vitro conditions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Local Bio-Sourced Geopolymer Binder: Application to Compressed Earth Blocs

The construction industry continues to rely on conventional materials like cement,which often can come with a high cost and significant environmental impact,particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.To tackle the challenges of sustainable development,there is growing interest in using local available materials with low environmental impact.This study primarily focuses on synthesizing and characterizing a geopolymer binder made from local materials found in Benin to stabilize CEB(compressed earth brick).The synthesis involves combining amorphous aluminosilicate powder with a highly concentrated alkaline solution.Local calcined kaolinite clay(metakaolin)and corn cob ash obtained after calcination at 600°C were used with a 12 M sodium hydroxide(NaOH)solution.Different mixtures of geopolymer were formulated substituting metakaolin by corn cob ash at rates of 0%,5%,10%,and 15%of the dry weight of the mixture.Thereafter physical and mechanical characterization tests were conducted on each formulation.Results showed that geopolymer binders containing 85%metakaolin and 15%corn cob ash exhibited the best physical and mechanical performance(e.g.12.08 MPa for compression strength).Subsequently,this geopolymer formulation was used to stabilize CEB.Characterization revealed that CEBs stabilized with 10%geopolymer exhibit good mechanical properties(6.93 MPa),comparable to those of CEBs stabilized with 10%cement(7.40 MPa),justifying their use as load-bearing walls in construction.