Jatropha Curcas Sludge Valorization

Abstract Jatropha which grows in tropical and subtropical climates across the developing world, is a perennial species that received much attention for its ability to grow on 'marginal land and to produce seeds with high oil percentage. Among the different species of Jatropha, Jatropha curcas is suitable as ornamental plant, raw material for dye, potential feed stock, soil enrichment manure and more importantly for biodiesel production. The mechanical pressing of the Jatropha seeds for oil production results in large amounts of solid residue (seed cake) and sludge that contain oil, water, minerals, proteins, toxic compounds and anti-nutritional factors. The aim of our work was to screen the fertilizing power of Jatropha sludge and its oily and solid fractions for promoting biodiesel circular economy. Our results indicated that seeds of watercress had a better germination performance than lettuce with Jatropha sludge and its fractions. This could depend on the different sensitivity of the two species and/or also to the composition of the sludge and its fractions. The solid fraction had the greatest inhibitory effects on germination of both species. The oily fraction had the less phytotoxic effect on the germination process while only in presence of the total sludge at 25%, seeds of watercress and lettuce showed a germination percentage lower than 50%. Higher concentrations were completely inhibitory. The phytotoxic effects of the sludge and its fractions may be attributed to the combination of high EC and phenol contents. This study revealed that highly diluted Jatropha total sludge may be very useful as good source of nutrients for crop production, cutting short the use of chemical fertilizers

Changes in germination and glyoxylate and respiratory enzymes of Pinus pinea seeds under various abiotic stresses

Abstract This study examined Pinus pinea seeds for their tolerance to osmotic potentials of −0.30MPa (10% polyethylene glycol [PEG]), −0.58MPa (18% PEG), −0.80MPa (21% PEG), −1.05MPa (24% PEG), pH values of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and different calcareous solutions (5, 10, 20 and 40% CaCO3). The main enzymes of glyoxylate cycle and respiratory pathway were tested. Pinus pinea seeds under no stressful condition (Control) and 5% CaCO3 reached 100% of germination. Higher concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40%) and lower pH (4–5) adversely affected seed germination percentage, glyoxylic and respiratory enzyme activities. PEG caused the most detrimental effects on Pinus seeds; increasing the osmotic potential the germination was completely inhibited. These results suggest that Pinus pinea is able to germinate in calcareous and alkaline soils rather than in soils with lower water availability and acidic conditions

Root plasticity improves salt tolerance in different genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris)

Various morphological root parameters were tested in lentil seedlings in a genotype considered salt tolerant (Ustica) and in a salt sensitive one (Eston), grown on salinized soil. Apart from the root biomass production, two ecotypes showed contrasting root morphological responses and these might be partially responsible for dissimilar abilities to tolerate salinity

Effect of long-term irrigation water salinity on soil properties and microbial biomass

We assessed the effects of saline water irrigation on soil properties and microbial activity. Increasing salinity microbial activity decreased. 1% salinity strongly affected soil biochemical properties and microorganisms. Our results indicate that 0.5% salinity may be tolerated by soil microorganisms suggesting a possible use of brackish water in agriculture soils

Feasibility Study of a Passive Pneumatic Exoskeleton for Upper Limbs Based on a McKibben Artificial Muscle

Exoskeletons are wearable structures or systems designed to enhance human movement and to improve the wearer’s strength or agility, providing auxiliary support aimed at reducing efforts on muscles and joints of the human body. The aim of this work is to discuss on the feasibility of a new passive upper limb exoskeleton, based on the use of pneumatic artificial muscles, and characterized by extreme lightness, cheapness, and ease of use. A broad overview of the state of the art on current exoskeletons is introduced. Then the concept of the new device is presented, and different transmission architectures between pneumatic muscle and limb are discussed. The study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of such a device for supporting an operator in heavy work condition

A passive upper-limb exoskeleton for industrial application based on pneumatic artificial muscles

In recent years, exoskeletons are increasingly spreading into the industrial manufacturing sector to improve productivity and to reduce the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of this paper is to present a 2 degrees of freedom (DoF) passive upper-limb exoskeleton, consisting of two McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), and used for assisting workers during activities that require them to keep their hands in a sustained position over the head for a long time. Simulations are performed to test two different commercial PAMs and two different designs of the transmission system used to convey the traction force exerted by the pneumatic muscles to the limb; then the results are discussed. A preliminary assembly of the exoskeleton is also presented. The study confirms that PAMs can be used to realize a passive upper-limb exoskeleton for industrial application and that appropriate working space can be obtained with an accurate design of the transmission system

Students with dyslexia between school and university: Post-diploma choices and the reasons that determine them. An Italian study.

Although the number of students with dyslexia enrolled in Italian universities is constantly growing, their presence remains relatively limited. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the choices made by students with dyslexia in relation to university studies, and the underlying reasons for their choices. This study also compares these choices for students with and without dyslexia. In all, 440 high school students and their families agreed to take part in this project. Socio‐demographic data was collected for the 47 students with dyslexia and 47 class‐matched students without dyslexia, along with information on their current schools and their future educational plans. A specially developed questionnaire was used for the students, in combination with structured interviews with their families. The results show significant differences between these groups regarding both choices for university studies and the underlying motivations for these choices. Furthermore, certain psychological and emotional factors are implicated here in the decisions of the students with dyslexia regarding both university studies and their underlying reasons. Future research is needed to further investigate these factors in the educational choices of students with dyslexia

Effects of different thinning intensities on soil carbon storage in Pinus laricio forest of Apennine South Italy

This study investigated, in a Pinus laricio forest of south Italy, how systematic thinning of different intensities (intense thinning, T45; moderate thinning, T25; clear cut, CC; and no thinning, T0) affected soil biological properties, organic matter trend and carbon (C) storage in soil and plants. Soil carbon content and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio were significantly higher in the T45 than in control, T25 and CC. Under T45, the soils had also the highest enzymatic activities, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and colonies of fungi and bacteria. The humification parameters (humification ratio, HR; the degree of humification, DH; humification index, HI) indicated T45 as the best silvicultural practice-approach method to manage Pinus laricio forest for increasing soil carbon storage. The dendrometric parameters evidenced that T45 caused the greatest increment in wood growth (diameter and height), showing that the positive effect of the intense systematic thinning (T45) on the mechanical stability of plantation was related to the ability of trees to accumulate large amounts of carbon in their wood tissues. These data were confirmed by wood density value that was the highest in pine trees under the T45. This study showed that in Pinus laricio forest under T45 C stock increased in soil and plant, already 4 years after thinning.This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in European Journal of Forest Research. The final authenticated version is available online at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10342-017-1077-9

Estímulo no crescimento e na hidrólise de ATP em raízes de alface tratadas com humatos de vermicomposto: i - efeito da concentração.

O vermicomposto contém uma concentração elevada de substâncias húmicas e já é bem conhecido o efeito do seu uso sobre as propriedades do solo. No entanto,a ação direta das substâncias húmicas sobre o metabolismo das plantas é menos conhecida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de humatos extraídos de vermicomposto de esterco de curral com KOH 0,1 mol L-1 sobre o desenvolvimento e metabolismo de ATP em plântulas de alface. Após a germinação, plântulas de alface foram tratadas com os humatos em concentrações que variaram de 0 a 100 mg L-1 de C, durante quinze dias. Foram avaliados o crescimento da raiz e a atividade das bombas de H+ isoladas da fração microssomal do sistema radicular. Foi observado aumento na matéria fresca e seca do sistema radicular, bem como no número de sítios de mitose, raízes emergidas do eixo principal, na área e no comprimento radiculares, com o uso do humato na concentração de 25 mg L-1 de C. Também foi observado, nessa concentração, aumento significativo na hidrólise de ATP pelas bombas de H+, responsáveis pela geração de energia necessária à absorção de íons e pelo crescimento celular