University of Hohenheim

About: University of Hohenheim is a education organization based out in Stuttgart, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Soil water. The organization has 8585 authors who have published 16406 publications receiving 567377 citations.

Effect of polyethylene glycol on in vitro degradability of nitrogen and microbial protein synthesis from tannin-rich browse and herbaceous legumes.

Abstract: Determination of microbial degradability of N is important in formulating a sound supplementation strategy for efficient utilisation of basal as well as supplementary diet components. In vitro degradability of N (IVDN) from tannin-containing browses (Acacia cyanophylla, Acacia albida, Acioa barteri and Quercus ilex) and two herbaceous legumes (Desmodium intortum and Desmodium uncinatum) was determined using the in vitro gas-production method coupled with NH 3 -N measurement in the presence and absence of a tannin-binding agent (polyethylene glycol (PEG), molecular mass 6000). Addition of PEG to tannin-containing feeds significantly (P < 0.05) increased in vitro gas and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and IVDN. The use of PEG as a tannin-binding agent increased IVDN from 28 to 59, 32 to 72, 19 to 40, 32 to 73, 40 to 80, and 26 to 77 % in A. cyanophylla, A. albida, A. barteri, D. intortum, D. uncinatum and Q. ilex respectively. There was significant correlation between total phenolic compounds (total phenol, TP; total tannin, TT) in leguminous forages and percentage increase in IVDN on addition of PEG (P < 0.05; R 2 070 and 0.82 for TP and TT respectively). The difference in IVDN observed in the absence and presence of PEG indicates the amount of protein protected from degradation in the rumen by tannins. When measured after 24 h incubation, tannin-containing feeds incubated in absence of PEG resulted in higher microbial protein synthesis than in the presence of PEG. Addition of PEG significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis expressed as μmol purine/mmol SCFA.

The Bigger the Better? Evidence of the Effect of Government Size on Life Satisfaction Around the World

Abstract: This paper empirically analyzes the question whether government involvement in the economy is conducive or detrimental to life satisfaction in a cross-section of 74 countries. This provides a test of a longstanding dispute between standard neoclassical economic theory, which predicts that government plays an unambiguously positive role for individuals' quality of life, and public choice theory, that was developed to understand why governments often choose excessive involvement and regulation, thereby harming voters' quality of life. Our results show that life satisfaction decreases with higher government spending. This negative impact of the government is stronger in countries with a leftwing median voter. It is alleviated by government effectiveness - but only in countries where the state sector is already small.

The chlorosis paradox: Fe inactivation as a secondary event in chlorotic leaves of grapevine

Abstract: Iron chlorosis is a wide‐spread disorder of plants, in particular of those on calcareous soils. Elevated bicarbonate concentrations in the soil solution are considered as a main cause of this chlorosis. In nutrient solution culture experiments a supply of bicarbonate results in inhibited Fe acquisition and a subsequent decreased concentration of Fe in the leaf dry matter. This is indicated by a close positive relationship between chlorophyll and total Fe concentration in the upper leaves. In contrast to nutrient solution experiments, in some pot experiments particularly with calcareous soil, and in field experiments under certain conditions, no such close correlation can be observed and a higher Fe concentration can even be found in young chlorotic leaves than in green leaves. This phenomenon is called “the chlorosis paradox” and it has thus been concluded that, Fe chlorosis might be caused by an Fe inactivation in the plant, in particular in the leaf apoplast, e.g. by an alkalinization process. ...

Jatropha Toxicity—A Review

Abstract: Jatropha is a nonedible oil seed plant belonging to Euphorbiaceae family. Global awareness of sustainable and alternative energy resources has propelled research on Jatropha oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production. During the past two decades, several cultivation projects were undertaken to produce Jatropha oil. In future, the increased cultivation of toxic Jatropha plants and utilization of its agro-industrial by-products may raise the frequency of contact with humans, animals, and other organisms. An attempt was thus made to present known information on toxicity of Jatropha plants. The toxicity of Jatropha plant extracts from fruit, seed, oil, roots, latex, bark, and leaf to a number of species, from microorganisms to higher animals, is well established. Broadly, these extracts possess moluscicidal, piscicidal, insecticidal, rodenticidal, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties, and exert adverse effects on animals including rats, poultry, and ruminants. The toxicity attributed to these seeds due to their accidental consumption by children is also well documented. An attempt was also made to identify areas that need further study. The information provided in this review may aid in enhancing awareness in agroindustries involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and utilization of Jatropha plants and its products with respect to the potential toxicity of Jatropha, and consequently in application and enforcement of occupational safety measures. Data on the wide range of bioactivities of Jatropha and its products were collated and it is hoped will create new avenues for exploiting these chemicals by the phamaceutical industry to develop chemotherapeutic agents.