Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim

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Connecting resonance theory with social-ecological thinking: Conceptualizing self-world relationships in the context of sustainability transformations
(2025) Brossette, Florian; Bieling, Claudia
Relationships and interactions between humans and their environment play an important role in sustainability transformations. However, their conceptualization remains a big challenge in current social-ecological research. We propose resonance theory by the German sociologist Hartmut Rosa as a fruitful framework to advance social-ecological thinking. Resonance theory investigates the quality of the relationships between self and world and scrutinizes their relevance for transformations. To illustrate the potentials of resonance theory, we use a vignette approach to cases of landscape stewardship initiatives in the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve in Germany. In distinguishing between self and world and highlighting the role of relationships, resonance theory brings ontological and epistemological clarity, while overcoming a strict dichotomy between social and ecological. We find that resonance theory provides a much needed framework to describe how system-wide transformations emerge from interactions and out of relationships at the individual level. We argue that resonance theory contributes to social-ecological systems thinking by adding the notion of uncontrollability in transformations and shifting the debate on agency towards relationships. Synthesis and applications: This paper demonstrates the meaningfulness of relational paradigms for real-world transformations in theory and practice.
Effects of feeding diets without mineral P supplement on intestinal phytate degradation, blood concentrations of Ca and P, and excretion of Ca and P in two laying hen strains before and after onset of laying activity
(2024) Sommerfeld, Vera; Bennewitz, Jörn; Camarinha-Silva, Amélia; Feger, Martina; Föller, Michael; Huber, Korinna; Oster, Michael; Ponsuksili, Siriluck; Schmucker, Sonja; Seifert, Jana; Stefanski, Volker; Wimmers, Klaus; Rodehutscord, Markus
The objective of this study was to characterize intestinal phytate degradation and mineral utilization by 2 laying hen strains before and after the onset of egg laying using diets without or with a mineral phosphorus (P) supplement. One offspring of 10 roosters per strain (Lohmann Brown-classic [LB] and Lohmann LSL-classic [LSL]) was sacrificed before (wk 19) and after (wk 24) the onset of egg-laying activity and following 4 wk placement in a metabolic unit. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based and without supplemented P (P-) or with 1 g/kg supplemented P (P+) from monocalcium phosphate. In wk 19 and 24, the blood plasma and digesta of duodenum+jejunum and distal ileum were collected. The concentration of P in blood plasma was higher in hens fed P+ than P- (P < 0.001). In duodenum + jejunum and ileum content, the concentrations of InsP6, Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 and Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5 were lower in P- than in P+ (P ≤ 0.009). In duodenum+jejunum, the concentrations of InsP6, Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 and Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5 were lower in wk 24 than 19 and lower in LSL than LB hens (P < 0.001). The concentration of myo-inositol (MI) in duodenum + jejunum content was lower in wk 19 than 24 (P < 0.001). Following a 4-d total excreta collection, the retained amount of P was higher in P+ than P- (P < 0.001). Phosphorus retention was lower in LB hens fed P- than in other treatments (P × strain: P = 0.039). In the jejunal tissue, some genes related to intracellular InsP metabolism were higher expressed in LB than LSL hens. The renunciation of mineral P increased endogenous phytate degradation, but more P was retained with supplemented P. Differences in endogenous phytate degradation between the periods before and after the onset of egg laying might be attributed to different Ca concentrations in intestinal digesta caused by different Ca needs in both periods.
Antiviral defense systems in the rumen microbiome
(2025) Sáenz, Johan S.; Rios-Galicia, Bibiana; Seifert, Jana
The continuous interaction between phages and their respective hosts has resulted in the evolution of multiple bacterial immune mechanisms. However, the diversity and prevalence of antiviral defense systems in complex communities are still unknown. We therefore investigated the diversity and abundance of viral defense systems in 3,038 high-quality bacterial and archaeal genomes from the rumen. In total, 14,241 defense systems and 31,948 antiviral-related genes were identified. Those genes represented 114 unique system types grouped into 49 families. We observed a high prevalence of defense systems in the genomes. However, the number of defense systems, defense system families, and system density varied widely from genome to genome. Additionally, the number of defense system per genome correlated positively with the number of defense system families and the genome size. Restriction modification, Abi, and cas system families were the most common, but many rare systems were present in only 1% of the genomes. Antiviral defense systems are prevalent and diverse in the rumen, but only a few are dominant, indicating that most systems are rarely present. However, the collection of systems throughout the rumen may represent a pool of mechanisms that can be shared by different members of the community and modulate the phage–host interaction.
Effects of myo-inositol supplementation in the diet on myo-inositol concentrations in the intestine, blood, eggs, and excreta of laying hens
(2025) Sommerfeld, Vera; Hanauska, Anna; Huber, Korinna; Bennewitz, Jörn; Camarinha-Silva, Amélia; Feger, Martina; Föller, Michael; Oster, Michael; Ponsuksili, Siriluck; Schmucker, Sonja; Seifert, Jana; Stefanski, Volker; Wimmers, Klaus; Rodehutscord, Markus
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether an increased dietary myo-inositol (MI) supply translates into changes in MI concentrations and endogenous mucosal phosphatase activities in the intestine of laying hens and whether different laying hen strains respond differently to MI supplementation. The diets were corn–soybean meal-based and supplemented without (MI0) or with 1 (MI1), 2 (MI2), or 3 (MI3) g MI/kg feed. Ten hens per strain (Lohmann Brown-classic (LB) and Lohmann LSL-classic (LSL)) and diet were sacrificed at the age of 30 wk following a 4-wk stay in a metabolic unit. The blood plasma, digesta of the duodenum+jejunum and distal ileum, mucosa of the duodenum, and eggs were collected at wk 30. The concentration of MI in the blood plasma was increased by MI supplementation (P < 0.001); however, that of MI3 did not further increase compared with MI2. The concentration of MI in the duodenum+jejunum and ileum increased steadily (P < 0.001). The MI concentration in the duodenum+jejunum was higher in LB than in LSL hens (P = 0.017). The MI concentration in egg yolk was increased by MI supplementation (P < 0.001) and was higher in LB than in LSL hens (P = 0.015). Strain or diet did not affect mucosal phosphatase activity. Myo-inositol flow at the terminal ileum and postileal disappearance increased with each increment in MI supplementation (P < 0.001) and was higher in LB than in LSL hens (P ≤ 0.041). Regression analysis indicated that, on average, 84% of supplemented MI was retained in the body or metabolized and excreted in a different form. Based on the measured MI concentrations in the blood and eggs, dietary MI was not completely absorbed in the small intestine and, to a different extent, in the two laying hen strains. A higher dietary MI supply was followed by higher intestinal absorption or metabolism by microorganisms. The fate of supplemented MI and its relevance to birds warrant further research.
Stimulating awareness of precision farming through gamification: The farming simulator case
(2024) Pavlenko, Tetiana; Argyropoulos, Dimitrios; Arnoult, Matthieu; Engel, Thomas; Gadanakis, Yiorgos; Griepentrog, Hans W.; Kambuta, Jacob; Latherow, Tamisan; Murdoch, Alistair J.; Tranter, Richard; Paraforos, Dimitrios S.
Precision Farming (PF) provides different solutions to assist the decision-making process on farms. Current PF technologies such as variable rate site-specific applications can bring financial benefits to farmers as well as environmental advantages. Increasing scientific research and an expanding number of PF products are supporting a growing interest in PF applications. However, the actual implementation of these technologies on farms in many cases remains low. Therefore, there is a need to disseminate and transfer knowledge about the positive aspects of PF. One of the ways to facilitate the adoption process of PF technologies is education and training among farmers and other interested stakeholders. This paper presents a case study using the computer game Farming Simulator as an educational tool for raising awareness about the topic in an engaging and enjoyable way. Two distinct downloadable content (DLC) versions were developed and implemented in the versions 2019 and 2022 of the game, respectively, each with a range of PF functionalities (automatic steering, variable rate applications, yield mapping among others). The PF DLCs have received positive feedback from students and scientists but also the general public. The growing number of downloads (3,661,069 in total for both DLC versions as of 15th November 2023) demonstrates the effectiveness of computer games as an educational tool to educate and inform stakeholders (farmers, scientists, students, and the general public) about agricultural challenges and the potential of PF as a solution.
The gut microbiota predicts and time-restricted feeding delays experimental colitis
(2025) Ruple, Hannah K.; Haasis, Eva; Bettenburg, Anna; Maier, Carina; Fritz, Carolin; Schüle, Laura; Löcker, Sarah; Soltow, Yvonne; Schintgen, Lynn; Schmidt, Nina S.; Schneider, Celine; Lorentz, Alex; Fricke, W. Florian
The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear, treatment options unsatisfactory and disease development difficult to predict for individual patients. Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal microbiota and disruption of the biological clock have been implicated and studied as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Here, we examine the relationship of IBD to biological clock and gut microbiota by using the IL-10 deficient (IL-10-/-) mouse model for microbiota-dependent spontaneous colitis in combination with altered (4 h/4 h) light/dark cycles to disrupt and time-restricted feeding (TRF) to restore circadian rhythmicity. We show that while altered light/dark cycles disrupted the intestinal clock in wild type (WT) mice, IL-10-/- mice were characterized by altered microbiota composition, impaired intestinal clock, and microbiota rhythmicity irrespective of external clock disruption, which had no consistent colitis-promoting effect on IL-10-/- mice. TRF delayed colitis onset reduced the expression of inflammatory markers and increased the expression of clock genes in the intestine, and increased gut microbiota rhythmicity in IL-10-/- mice. Compositional changes and reduced rhythmicity of the fecal microbiota preceded colitis and could predict colitis symptoms for individual IL-10-/- mice across different experiments. Our findings provide perspectives for new diagnostic and TRF-based, therapeutic applications in IBD that should be further explored.
Ingenious wheat starch/Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage hybrid composite films: Synthesis, incorporating nanostructured Dy₂Ce₂O₇ synthesized via an ultrasound-assisted approach and characterization
(2025) Zinatloo-Ajabshir,Sahar; Yousefi, Alireza; Jekle, Mario; Sharifianjazi, Fariborz
In this study, Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanostructures were fabricated using an environmentally friendly, ultrasound-assisted method. These nanostructures were then incorporated into a blend of wheat starch (WS) and Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage (LPSM), along with sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) nanoparticles. The composite films were produced through a casting method, combining these components to enhance the films' structural and functional properties. FTIR results confirmed the chemical interactions between the NPs and the biopolymeric matrix of the nanocomposites. SEM surface morphology and XRD crystallography results indicated that up to a 1 % weight ratio, the dispersion of Dy₂Ce₂O₇ in the nanocomposite matrix was uniform, while at higher percentages, due to nanoparticle aggregation, crystallinity increased. Interestingly, the elongation of nanocomposites containing Dy₂Ce₂O₇ increased, while their tensile strength and elastic modulus decreased. More than 92 % of UV radiation in the 240–360 nm range was absorbed with the inclusion of 1 % wt. Dy₂Ce₂O₇, and the water vapor permeability (WVP) significantly decreased. Among the Dy₂Ce₂O₇-based nanocomposites, TGA results showed that the WS/LPSM/MMT/Dy1 % sample had the highest thermal stability. Overall, based on the results of this study, the WS/LPSM/MMT/Dy1 % sample was introduced as a composite film with suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Governance of responsible research and innovation: A social welfare, psychologically grounded multicriteria decision analysis approach
(2025) Paredes-Frigolett, Harold; Pyka, Andreas; Bevilacqua Leoneti, Alexandre; Nachar-Calderón, Pablo
Our article deals with the governance of responsible research and innovation (RRI) and aims to set out a first psychologically grounded decision-theoretic method for the governance of RRI. We approach the governance of RRI as a multicriteria group decision analysis problem of delivering social welfare in an innovation ecosystem. Following such a methodological approach, we develop a psychologically grounded multicriteria group decision analysis method that integrates in its value function the main psychological effects captured in the value function of prospect theory as the main theory of individual decision-making under risk. The method first applies a psychologically motivated multicriteria decision analysis function that measures the welfare delivered to all stakeholders involved in a research and innovation consortium. The method then applies a social welfare function on the welfare measurements of stakeholders to propose a social welfare solution that emerges as an RRI-compliant solution for the consortium. The results are a first psychologically grounded multicriteria group decision analysis method and its first application to the governance of RRI. The implications of our results are theoretical but also practical, as our method contributes not only to the established field of multicriteria decision analysis by setting out new method but also to the field of RRI by delivering a psychologically grounded decision-theoretic method for the governance of RRI.
Relationship between nutritional composition and fibre digestibility in tropical forages compared to temperate forages
(2024) Nurdianti, Risma Rizkia; Dickhöfer, Uta; Castro-Montoya, Joaquín Miguel
The study aimed to analyse variability in nutrient concentration and fibre digestibility in forage legumes and grasses from tropical and temperate regions and identify forage species with similar fibre concentration and digestibility. Forty-five samples comprised 22 tropical forage legumes, four temperate forage legumes, eleven tropical grasses, and eight temperate grasses were analysed for their proximate nutritional composition, as well as fibre digestibility by 240-h of in vitro incubation in buffered rumen fluid. All data were analysed using SAS (SAS Institute Inc., USA). Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions were determined using CORR and GLM procedures, respectively. Cluster analyses were done using CLUSTER procedures. Tropical forage legumes had greater ash-corrected neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) concentrations compared to temperate forage legumes, but lower aNDFom concentrations compared to tropical and temperate grasses. Tropical forage legumes had greater undigested neutral detergent fibre estimated after 240 h in vitro incubation (uNDF240) concentrations compared to other forages. In tropical forage legumes, aNDFom and lignin concentrations correlated with uNDF240 concentration (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there were no relationships between explanatory variables and fibre digestibility (p > 0.100). Four clusters of forage species varying in fibre concentration and fibre digestibility were identified. Peanut, lima bean, and cowpea forages might have low fibre concentration and medium fibre digestibility similar to those of alfalfa and red clover. Despite differences in environmental conditions, tropical forage legumes might compete with temperate species in terms of nutrient and fibre quality. This information allows tropical farmers to improve forage quality by choosing appropriate species.
Development and testing of a precision hoeing system for re-compacted ridge tillage in maize
(2024) Alagbo, Oyebanji O.; Saile, Marcus; Spaeth, Michael; Schumacher, Matthias; Gerhards, Roland
Ridge tillage (RT) is a conservation practice that provides several benefits such as enhanced root growth and reduced soil erosion. The objectives of this study were to develop an autosteered living mulch seeder and hoeing prototype for RT systems using RTK-GNSS (real-time kinematic global navigation satellite systems) created ridges as a guide. It was also aimed to compare weed control efficacy and crop response of ridge-hoeing compared to conventional hoeing in flat tillage (FT). It was further aimed to investigate the impact of a new RT technology (with ridge re-compaction) on maize root development, yield, soil temperature, and moisture compared to FT. Field experiments were conducted with maize in 2021 and 2022 in a two-factorial split-plot design with tillage (RT and FT) as main treatment and weed control (untreated, herbicide, twice hoeing, hoeing + living mulch) as sub-treatment factors. Weed density, coverage, biomass, crop density, weed control efficacy (WCE) and maize silage yield were assessed. Temperature loggers were installed within RT and FT to take temperature readings at 20 min. Soil moisture and root penetrability were measured every two weeks in each plot using soil samples and a penetrometer. The WCE and yield did not differ significantly between the tillage systems. Twice hoeing resulted in 71–80 % WCE, which was equal to herbicide treatment. Hoeing + living mulch achieved 70–72 % WCE. Different from previous studies with ridge tillage, temperatures in the compacted ridges did not consistently differ from the ridge valleys and flat seedbeds. Root penetration (against 1.4 MPa penetrometer cone index) was 40 % higher in RT than in FT. On average, RT maize produced more (53.6 g m−2) root biomass compared to FT. In summary, re-compacted ridges built along RTK-GNSS lines can allow post-emergent hoeing and living mulch seeding along ridges and also provide good growing conditions for maize.
Prostaglandin E2 signaling through prostaglandin E receptor subtype 2 and Nurr1 induces fibroblast growth factor 23 production
(2024) Feger, Martina; Hammerschmidt, Katharina; Liesche, lona; Rausch, Steffen; Alber, Jana; Föller, Michael
Bone cells produce fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a hormone regulating renal phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis, and a paracrine factor produced in further tissues. Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disorders are associated with early elevations of plasma FGF23 levels associated with clinical outcomes. FGF23 production is dependent on many conditions including inflammation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a major eicosanoid with a broad role in pain, inflammation, and fever. Moreover, it regulates renal blood flow, renin secretion, natriuresis as well as bone formation through prostaglandin E receptor 2 (EP2). Here, we studied the role of PGE2 and its signaling for the production of FGF23. Osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells were exposed to EP receptor agonists, antagonists or RNAi. Wild type and EP2 knockout mice were treated with stable EP2 agonist misoprostol. Fgf23 or Nurr1 gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR, hormone and further blood parameters by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric methods. PGE2 and EP2 agonists misoprostol and butaprost enhanced FGF23 production in UMR-106 cells, effects mediated by EP2 and transcription factor Nurr1. A single dose of misoprostol up-regulated bone Fgf23 expression and FGF23 serum levels in wild type mice with subtle effects on parameters of mineral metabolism only. Compared to wild type mice, the FGF23 effect of misoprostol was significantly lower in EP2-deficient mice. To conclude, PGE2 signaling through EP2 and Nurr1 induces FGF23 production. Given the broad physiological and pathophysiological implications of PGE2 signaling, this effect is likely of clinical relevance.
Review: Welfare in farm animals from an animal-centred point of view
(2024) Huber, Korinna
This review aimed to enlighten aspects of welfare from the farm animal-centred point of view rarely addressed such as those anatomical and physiological alterations induced in farm animals to obtain high performance. Hence, the major working hypothesis was that high-producing farm animals developed an imbalance between body structural and functional capacities and the genetic procedures applied to obtain industrial production of animal protein. This is called “disproportionality”, a feature which cannot be compensated by feeding and management approaches. Consequences of disproportionality are the insidious development of disturbances of the metabolism, low-grade systemic inflammation and as a final stage, production diseases, developing throughout the productive life span of a farm animal and affecting animal welfare. Based on scientific evidence from literature, the review discusses disproportional conditions in broilers, laying hens, sows, piglets, dairy cows, bulls and calves as the most important farm animals for production of milk, meat, foetuses and eggs. As a conclusion, farm animal welfare must consider analysing issues from an animal-centered point of view because it seems evident that, due to genetics and management pressures, most of farm animals are already beyond their physiological limitations. Animal welfare from an animal-centered point must be addressed as an ethical step to establish limits to the strength placed on the animal’s anatomical and physiological functionality. It may allow more sustainable and efficient farm animal production and the availability of healthy animal-derived protein for human nutrition worldwide.
Metabolome fingerprinting reveals the presence of multiple nitrification inhibitors in biomass and root exudates of Thinopyrum intermedium
(2024) Issifu, Sulemana; Acharya, Prashamsha; Schöne, Jochen; Kaur-Bhambra, Jasmeet; Gubry-Rangin, Cecile; Rasche, Frank
Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) encompasses primarily NH4 +-induced release of secondary metabolites to impede the rhizospheric nitrifying microbes from per- forming nitrification. The intermediate wheatgrass Thinopyrum intermedium (Kernza®) is known for exuding several nitrification inhibition traits, but its BNI potential has not yet been identified. We hypothesized Kernza® to evince BNI potential through the presence and release of multiple BNI metabolites. The presence of BNI metabolites in the biomass of Kernza® and annual winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and in the root exudates of hydroponically grown Kernza®, were fingerprinted using HPLC-DAD and GC–MS/MS analyses. Growth bioassays involving ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) strains were conducted to assess the influence of the crude root metabolome of Kernza® and selected metabolites on nitrification. In most instances, significant concentrations of various metabolites with BNI potential were observed in the leaf and root biomass of Kernza® compared to annual winter wheat. Furthermore, NH4 + nutrition triggered the exudation of various phenolic BNI metabolites. Crude root exudates of Kernza® inhibited multiple AOB strains and completely inhibited N. viennensis. Vanillic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and phenylalanine suppressed the growth of all AOB and AOA strains tested, and reduced soil nitrification, while syringic acid and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid were ineffective. We demonstrated the considerable role of the Kernza® metabolome in suppressing nitrification through active exudation of multiple nitrification inhibitors.
A novel dataset of annotated oyster mushroom images with environmental context for machine learning applications
(2024) Duman, Sonay; Elewi, Abdullah; Hajhamed, Abdulsalam; Khankan, Rasheed; Souag, Amina; Ahmed, Asma
State-of-the-art technologies such as computer vision and machine learning, are revolutionizing the smart mushroom industry by addressing diverse challenges in yield prediction, growth analysis, mushroom classification, disease and deformation detection, and digital twinning. However, mushrooms have long presented a challenge to automated systems due to their varied sizes, shapes, and surface characteristics, limiting the effectiveness of technologies aimed at mushroom classification and growth analysis. Clean and well-labelled datasets are therefore a cornerstone for developing efficient machine-learning models. Bridging this gap in oyster mushroom cultivation, we present a novel dataset comprising 555 high-quality camera raw images, from which approximately 16.000 manually annotated images were extracted. These images capture mushrooms in various shapes, maturity stages, and conditions, photographed in a greenhouse using two cameras for comprehensive coverage. Alongside the images, we recorded key environmental parameters within the mushroom greenhouse, such as temperature, relative humidity, moisture, and air quality, for a holistic analysis. This dataset is unique in providing both visual and environmental time-point data, organized into four storage folders: “Raw Images”; “Mushroom Labelled Images and Annotation Files”; “Maturity Labelled Images and Annotation Files”; and “Sensor Data”, which includes time-stamped sensor readings in Excel files. This dataset can enable researchers to develop high-quality prediction and classification machine learning models for the intelligent cultivation of oyster mushrooms. Beyond mushroom cultivation, this dataset also has the potential to be utilized in the fields of computer vision, artificial intelligence, robotics, precision agriculture, and fungal studies in general.
The influence of growth rate-controlling feeding strategy on the surfactin production in Bacillus subtilis bioreactor processes
(2024) Hiller, Eric; Off, Manuel; Hermann, Alexander; Vahidinasab, Maliheh; Benatto Perino, Elvio Henrique; Lilge, Lars; Hausmann, Rudolf
Background The production of surfactin, an extracellular accumulating lipopeptide produced by various Bacillus species, is a well-known representative of microbial biosurfactant. However, only limited information is available on the correlation between the growth rate of the production strain, such as B. subtilis BMV9, and surfactin production. To understand the correlation between biomass formation over time and surfactin production, the availability of glucose as carbon source was considered as main point. In fed-batch bioreactor processes, the B. subtilis BMV9 was used, a strain well-suited for high cell density fermentation. By adjusting the exponential feeding rates, the growth rate of the surfactin-producing strain, was controlled. Results Using different growth rates in the range of 0.075 and 0.4 h-1, highest surfactin titres of 36 g/L were reached at 0.25 h-1 with production yields YP/S of 0.21 g/g and YP/X of 0.7 g/g, while growth rates lower than 0.2 h-1 resulted in insufficient and slowed biomass formation as well as surfactin production (YP/S of 0.11 g/g and YP/X of 0.47 g/g for 0.075 h-1). In contrast, feeding rates higher than 0.25 h-1 led to a stimulation of overflow metabolism, resulting in increased acetate formation of up to 3 g/L and an accumulation of glucose due to insufficient conversion, leading to production yields YP/S of 0.15 g/g and YP/X of 0.46 g/g for 0.4 h-1. Conclusions Overall, the parameter of adjusting exponential feeding rates have an important impact on the B. subtilis productivity in terms of surfactin production in fed-batch bioreactor processes. A growth rate of 0.25 h-1 allowed the highest surfactin production yield, while the total conversion of substrate to biomass remained constant at the different growth rates.
Exploring private financing for biodiversity conservation: Stakeholder perspectives and governance in the case of wildflower strips in Germany
(2024) Bücheler, Hannah; Bieling, Claudia; Feuerbacher, Arndt
This study explores the understudied role of privately financed ecosystem service provision in biodiversity conservation, focusing on the example of wildflower strips in Germany. Using qualitative methods, it investigates the diversity of private financing schemes, stakeholder involvement, scheme implementation and farmers motivations to engage in private schemes. The results draw on literature-based stakeholder analysis and expert interviews, including ecol- ogists and practitioners, in three German federal states: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Lower Saxony. Findings include a stakeholder map, the identification of four types of private financing schemes, and the formulation of 17 design criteria covering ecological, economic, and social aspects. These criteria aim to guide providers and sponsors and to emphasise the diverse nature of private wildflower strip financing schemes and their role as crucial links among farmers, the private sector, and society. The study highlights private schemes as viable alternatives to public funding but raises concerns about quality control and coordination with public measures. Combining publicly funded agri-environment schemes with private financing is controversial among stakeholders. Government intervention could formalise the private market, improving control and protection, possibly limiting private sector flexibility and attractiveness due to higher levels of bureaucracy. In any case, transparency in management and financial structures is crucial. Policy recommendations overall include incentivising private sector conservation involvement, offering tax credits for private financing, improving government mechanisms, streamlining coordination of public and private conservation at the landscape level and fostering stakeholder networking. Consequently, this study lays a foundational framework for further exploration into the realm of private financing in biodiversity conservation.
Effect of packaging and storage conditions on the pasting and functional properties of pretreated yellow-fleshed cassava flour
(2024) Ekeledo, Esther; Abass, Adebayo; Müller, Joachim
Cassava is highly susceptible to post harvest physiological deterioration which makes it necessary to initiate processing so as to extend the shelf life. In order to improve and enhance the nutritional characteristics of the processed cassava flour, this research was carried out so as to evaluate the adequate packaging materials and storage conditions necessary for safe storage and good flour quality. Pasting properties of food/flour is an indication of the different applicability of starch-based food ingredients in product development. The effect of packaging materials (cylindric polyvinyl containers and aluminum ziplock pouch bags) on quality attributes of pretreated yellow-fleshed cassava flour (YFCF) samples stored in two storage conditions a (cooling chamber at 5 ◦ C and 30 % relative humidity and; in a climate chamber at 30 ◦C and 50 % relative humidity) was investigated for 8 weeks. Flour samples from each package type were evaluated for water absorption capacity, pasting and oil absorption capacity fortnightly. The treated initial flour sample before storage-sulfured (BSS) had the highest peak viscosity (891 RVU). The low peak time at the end of storage in non-sulfured flours packed in aluminum pouch bags and stored at 5 ◦C is an evidence of time and energy saving capacity. The water absorption capacity of non-sulfured flour samples packed in cylindric polyvinyl containers and the sulfured flour sample packed in an aluminum pouch bag at 30 ◦C increased with storage duration. The aluminum ziplock pouch bags showed excellent storage quality and retained better pasting property. The climatic storage condition revealed better keeping quality. The use of sodium metabisulphite revealed its suitability as a pretreatment tool.
Oral intake of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica, Chlorella vulgaris, or Phaeodactylum tricornutum improves metabolic conditions in hypercaloric-fed mice
(2024) Kopp, Lena; Seethaler, Benjamin; Neumann, Ulrike; Bischoff, Stephan C.
Diet-induced metabolic load is associated with excess body weight and liver steatosis. Here, selected microalgae, known to contain bioactive nutrients, were studied for beneficial metabolic effects in a mouse model of liver steatosis. Adult mice (8 per group) were fed either a Western-style diet (WSD) or a control diet +/ 15 % of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Nannochloropsis oceanica (NO), or Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) for 12 weeks. We evaluated liver fat content and liver damage, as well as fecal microbiota and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation. NO supplementation to a WSD reduced the grade of liver steatosis (from 17 % to 4.7 %, p < 0.002), the liver damage score (p < 0.001), and LPS translocation (p < 0.001). PT had similar effects on liver damage score (p < 0.001) and LPS translocation (p < 0.001). CV supplementation reduced LPS translocation (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of microalgae may be a novel sustainable approach to combat metabolic loads.
Insect conservation in agricultural landscapes needs both high crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitats
(2024) Tassoni, Sara; Becker, David; Kasten, Marit Kinga; Moriníere, Jérôme; Grass, Ingo
Identifying landscapes that are suitable for both biodiversity conservation and agricultural production is a major challenge. Traditionally, much research has focused on biodiversity conservation outside of agricultural production areas, e.g., in semi-natural habitats. In contrast, recent research has mainly focused on the potential of crop heterogeneity. This includes both compositional (crop diversity) and configurational heterogeneity (field border density). However, if and how crop heterogeneity, and semi-natural habitats interact to shape insect diversity in agricultural landscapes remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the combined effects of crop diversity, field border density, and semi-natural habitats (i.e., grassland proportion, hedge density) on insect diversity. We sampled insect communities from 14 – 17 June 2021 with pan traps in 27 study landscapes (500 m x 500 m) covering independent gradients of these landscape variables and identified a total of 587 insect species with DNA metabarcoding. We found that field border density mediated the effects of crop diversity, grassland proportion, and hedge density on insect richness. At low levels of field border density (i.e., landscapes with mostly large fields), effects were either neutral (crop diversity), negative (grassland proportion) or weakly positive (hedge density). By contrast, at high levels of field border density, crop diversity, grassland proportion, and hedge density all exerted positive effects on insect richness. Responses to crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitat differed among trophic groups of insects (decomposers, herbivores, parasitoids, predators). While variation in richness of herbivorous insects followed the patterns of the overall richness, decomposer richness was not related to any of the investigated variables. Predator richness increased with hedge density in landscapes, whereas parasitoid richness increased when high levels of field border density and grassland proportion coincided. Our study shows that increasing crop heterogeneity is a viable strategy for promoting insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. However, the effects of the amount of remaining semi-natural habitats, such as grassland or hedges, are mediated by configurational heterogeneity, and vary between trophic groups. Efforts to conserve insects in agricultural landscapes must therefore focus on both increasing the heterogeneity of the crop matrix by promoting crop diversity and increasing the density of field borders, while also maintaining or restoring semi-natural habitats as important source habitats for insect species.
The economics of capital allocation in firms: Evidence from internal capital markets
(2024) Hoang, Daniel; Gatzer, Sebastian; Ruckes, Martin
We analyze a unique chief financial officer (CFO) survey data set to examine capital allocation in firms. Top management is aware of agency and information problems at the divisional level and organizes the budgeting process to counteract managerial oppor- tunism, employing systems of interconnected measures, including layers of approval, divi- sional budgets, reporting requirements, and compensation schemes. When making funding decisions, top management relies heavily on top-level nonfinancial information, such as the assessment of divisional managers’ abilities. However, substantial parts of the capital bud- get do not require top management approval as firms trade off the benefits and costs of decentralization, thereby deviating from the traditional paradigm of decentralized project initiation but centralized project approval. Even firms with active internal capital markets tilt capital allocation toward relatively even distributions, reflecting the use of capital alloca- tion as a credible communication device. We also find that within-firm agency problems may result in capital rationing, that is, divisions’ restricted access to internal capital. CFOs also believe that integrating multiple businesses into an internal capital market results in tangible financial benefits, predominantly lower costs of capital and higher debt capacities. Thus, our findings also support coinsurance arguments suggesting that internal capital markets may improve access to external financing.

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