Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim

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Developing marginal‐land‐based bioeconomy systems — A design and development approach for bio‐based value chains and webs
(2025) Schlecht, Valentin; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; von Cossel, Moritz; Lewandowski, Iris; Schlecht, Valentin; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; von Cossel, Moritz; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Lewandowski, Iris; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Industrial crops grown on marginal lands offer a potential source of low-iLUC feedstock for bio-based industries, supporting sustainable bioeconomic development. However, marginal-land-based bioeconomy systems face significant uncertainties at early stages, such as limited data, farmers' hesitancy to adopt novel crops, undeveloped markets and immature technologies. This study implements an integrated multi-criteria framework as a structured, multi-step approach to connect bio-based value chain components and stakeholders in marginal-land-based bioeconomy systems at the research level. The framework was applied within the EU Horizon project MIDAS to identify, evaluate and combine bio-based value chain components, with a case study in the Swabian Alb (southern Germany) demonstrating its potential for designing scalable bio-based value chains tailored to regional conditions. Key findings emphasise the importance of stakeholder collaboration, iterative design processes and context-specific criteria that address technical, economic, social and regulatory aspects. The approach, based on qualitative data and stakeholder input, offers critical insights into the feasibility of biomass-to-product pathways and serves as a foundation for advanced research. Future research needs to focus on expanding data availability, incorporating quantitative methods, and addressing economic and market factors, such as stakeholder willingness to produce feedstocks, to enhance the scalability and robustness of the findings and facilitate the establishment of sustainable bioeconomy systems on marginal lands.
Importance of the 5’ untranslated region for recombinant enzyme production in isolated Bacillus subtilis 007
(2025) Senger, Jana; Schulz, Adriana; Seitl, Ines; Heider, Martin; Fischer, Lutz; Senger, Jana; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Schulz, Adriana; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Seitl, Ines; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Heider, Martin; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Fischer, Lutz; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
The production of industrial enzymes requires an efficient expression system with a suitable host. This study investigated the isolated Bacillus subtilis 007 as a host for expressing three enzymes with potential application in the food industry. Firstly, testing the PaprE and P43 promoters and the corresponding 5’ untranslated regions revealed great differences in the production of the recently discovered β-galactosidase from Paenibacillus wnnyii. Expression controlled by the PaprE promoter yielded a significantly higher activity of 2515 µkat/L, compared to 56 µkat/L with the P43 promoter. Modifications on the PaprE core promoter region or the spacer, the sequence between the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the start codon, did not improve β-galactosidase production. Since the aprE 5’ untranslated region contributes to a high mRNA stability, it was incorporated into the P43 construct to determine whether mRNA stability is responsible for the differences observed in β-galactosidase production. Interestingly, mRNA stability was significantly improved and led to a nearly 50-fold higher β-galactosidase production of 2756 µkat/L. This strategy was successfully validated by the expression of two other enzymes: the cellobiose-2-epimerase from Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus and the β-glucosidase from Pyrococcus furiosus. These findings underscored the crucial role of post-transcriptional regulation and emphasized mRNA stability as a key role in recombinant enzyme production in B. subtilis 007.
Endogenous mucosal phosphatases characterization in duodenum brush border membrane of laying hens
(2025) Hanauska, Anna; Sommerfeld, Vera; Schollenberger, Margit; Huber, Korinna; Rodehutscord, Markus
Chicken mucosal phosphatases can partially degrade phytate contained in the feed. Little is known about the characteristics and degradation products of such mucosal phosphatases and the effects of age and genetic strain of the chicken. The objective of this study was to characterize endogenous mucosal phosphatases of two laying hen strains fed diets with or without mineral phosphorus (P) before and after the onset of egg laying. Hens of the strains Lohmann Brown-classic (LB) and Lohmann LSL-classic (LSL) were sacrificed in weeks 19 and 24 of age after 4 weeks of feeding one of two diets with (P+) or without (P-) mineral P supplement. Mucosa of the duodenum was collected, and the brush border membrane (BBM) of enterocytes was enriched and used for phosphatase activity determination. Additionally, the BBM was used in a modified three-step in vitro assay to study the InsP6 degradation products. The results of both in vitro assays were not significantly affected by hen strain and diet. The activity of mucosal phosphatase in 19-week-old hens was, on average, 0.8 µmol Pi/g BBM protein/min lower than in 24-week-old hens (P < 0.002). Consistently, the InsP6 concentration in the incubation residue was significantly higher in 19-week-old hens than in 24-week-old hens (P < 0.001). In the incubation residue, the concentrations of Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, and Ins(1,2,3,4)P4 were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.002), and those of InsP3 and InsP2 were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.027) when BBM of 24-week-old hens was used compared to 19-week-old hens. The InsP6 degradation products suggest the activity primarily of a 6- and secondarily of a 5-phytase in the duodenal mucosa. The consistent results from both in vitro assays provide a comprehensive characterization of these enzymes. Under the conditions of this study, small intestine calcium concentration appeared to influence mucosal enzyme activity more than dietary mineral P supplementation.
Adapting wheat production to global warming in West Asia: facultative wheat outperforms winter and spring wheat at conventional nitrogen levels
(2025) Yousefi, Afsaneh; Koocheki, Alireza; Mahallati, Mehdi Nassiri; Khorramdel, Soroor; Trenz, Jonas; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Ludewig, Uwe; Maywald, Niels Julian; Yousefi, Afsaneh; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Koocheki, Alireza; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Mahallati, Mehdi Nassiri; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Khorramdel, Soroor; Department of Agrotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Trenz, Jonas; Department of Agronomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Ludewig, Uwe; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Maywald, Niels Julian; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Global warming and weather anomalies pose significant threats to cereal production in West Asia. Winter wheat, which requires vernalization to trigger reproductive growth, is particularly vulnerable to heat, while spring wheat faces limitations due to short and hot vegetation periods. Facultative wheat, which does not require vernalization and can be planted in either fall or spring, offers potential flexibility and resilience to fluctuating temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate the development and grain yield of facultative, spring, and winter wheat varieties under different nitrogen fertilization rates in current climate conditions. Facultative wheat, grown as either facultative winter (FWW) or facultative spring (FSW), along with winter (WW) and spring wheat (SW) varieties, was cultivated over two consecutive seasons (2020–2022) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Developmental stages were monitored, and grain yield, protein, and nutrient concentrations were measured at four nitrogen levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha −1 ) in both shoots and grains. Crop modeling under the RCP 8.5 climate scenario supported the experiments and projections. Facultative wheat sown in autumn exhibited a shorter tillering stage and a longer early reproductive stage compared to winter wheat. While nitrogen fertilization delayed development, it significantly increased yield. Facultative wheat achieved higher grain yields at conventional nitrogen levels (100–200 kg N ha −1 ). Additionally, increasing nitrogen fertilization improved grain protein and nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K). Crop modeling indicated that facultative varieties sown in winter could offer greater yield stability and might benefit from a more consistent phenological development. Overall, facultative wheat performed better at conventional nitrogen levels, highlighting its potential in a changing climate in West Asia. Optimizing sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization could help mitigate some of the negative effects of rising temperatures, enhancing wheat resilience and productivity.
Mating-type analysis in Diaporthe isolates from soybean in central Europe
(2025) Hosseini, Behnoush; Käfer, Lena Sophia; Link, Tobias Immanuel; Cai, Lei
Species of the genus Diaporthe have a mating-type system with the two mating types MAT1-1 and MAT1-2, like other ascomycetes. They can either be heterothallic, which means that any isolate only possesses one of the two mating types and needs a mating partner for sexual reproduction, or homothallic, which means that they possess both mating types and are self-fertile. For several Diaporthe species, no sexual reproduction has been observed so far. Using PCR with primers specific to the defining genes MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 , we determined the mating types of 33 isolates of Diaporthe caulivora , D. eres , D. longicolla , and D. novem from central Europe. In addition, we partially sequenced the mating-type genes of 25 isolates. We found that different D. longicolla isolates either possess MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1, making the species heterothallic, which is in contrast to previous studies and the general assumption that D. longicolla only reproduces asexually. D. eres and D. novem were also found to be heterothallic. Using genomic sequence information and re-sequencing of DNA and RNA, we identified the MAT1-1-1 gene in D. caulivora and present here the full sequence of the mating-type locus of this homothallic species. Finally, we used sequence information from MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 , respectively, for improved phylogenetic resolution of our isolates.
Exploring the link between fat-soluble vitamins and aging-associated immune system status: a literature review
(2025) Schmieder, Hendrik; Leischner, Christian; Piotrowsky, Alban; Marongiu, Luigi; Venturelli, Sascha; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Leischner, Christian; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Piotrowsky, Alban; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Marongiu, Luigi; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Burkard, Markus; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
The importance of vitamin D for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the other fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K also seem to play a central role regarding the adequate function of immune cells and to counteract excessive immune reactions and inflammatory processes. However, recognizing hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups like the elderly, is crucial because older adults often lack sufficient micronutrients for various reasons. This review summarizes the latest findings on the immune modulating functions of fat-soluble vitamins in a physiological and pathophysiological context, provides a graphical comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowances between Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (D-A-CH; eng. GSA, Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE; eng. German Nutrition Society) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) across all age groups and, in particular, addresses the question regarding the benefits of supplementation of the respective micronutrients for the aging population of industrialized nations to strengthen the immune system. The following review highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which play critical roles in maintaining immune system function and, in some cases, in preventing excessive immune activation. Therefore, a better understanding of the relevance of adequate blood levels and consequently potential supplementation strategies may contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases as well as better overall health of the elderly.
Impact of added phytase and different dietary InsP6 levels on the structure and core microbiota of the digestive tract in broiler chickens
(2025) Rubio-Cervantes, Ismael; Wolfrum, Stephanie; Rodehutscord, Markus; Camarinha-Silva, Amélia
The main objective of this research was to investigate the composition and shifts of the gut microbiota of broiler chickens in response to varying exogenous phytase combined with increasing levels of myo-inositol (1,2,3,4,5,6) hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) in the feed. The InsP6 level was adjusted with the addition of oilseed meals (OSM) at the expense of maize starch. A secondary objective was to assess the existence of a core microbiota across the feed, litter and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A total of 840 Ross 308 broiler chickens were raised in 84 elevated pens in groups of 10. The treatments consisted of four feed mixtures (FM) designed to achieve 1.4 (FM1.4), 1.9 (FM1.9), 2.4 (FM2.4), and, 3.0 (FM3.0) g InsP6-P/kg, each combined with 500, 1500 or 3000 FTU phytase/kg. In the crop and the ileum, Lactobacillus relative abundance decreased when OSM and phytase increased (p < 0.05), while FM2.4 and FM3.0 were associated with increased Ligilactobacillus abundance across the GIT (p < 0.05). No interaction effects were found across the studied sections (p = 0.22). Four amplicon sequence variants (ASV), identified within the genera Lactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus were consistently found across the intestine sections. These four ASVs represented 58.9 % of the relative abundance in the crop, 72.9 % in the ileum and 29.7 % in the ceca. The results demonstrated that higher levels of OSM in the feed and exogenous phytase significantly affected these bacterial populations, decreasing Lactobacillus while increasing Ligilactobacillus, indicating independent effects of FM and phytase supplementation.
Associations and patterns in lifestyle and body weight among university students over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic: A cluster analysis
(2025) Bschaden, Andreas; Ströbele-Benschop, Nanette
In March 2020, the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections led to far-reaching measures worldwide to slow the spread of the virus. University students were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shift to distance learning. Research found an increase in body weight among a significant proportion of students, as well as unfavourable changes in food consumption and physical activity in the first months of the pandemic. The present study aimed to examine changes in food consumption, physical activity, and body weight more than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among students at a German university in July/August 2021 (n = 951). Changes in food consumption, physical activity, and self-reported body weight since the beginning of the pandemic were assessed in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. Weight gain was reported by 38 % of students, weight loss by 30 %. Changes in sweet and savoury snacks consumption were positively, and changes in sporting frequency and fruit consumption were negatively associated with weight change. A cluster analysis revealed five groups of student clusters, two of which were able to benefit from the changes in their daily lives with increased physical activity and vegetable consumption. Negative consequences, such as reduced physical activity or increased sweet and savoury snack consumption, were found in two groups. One group appeared to be unaffected. The study helps to understand how the pandemic affected students differently. A closer look is needed to identify the reasons for these varied consequences and to develop strategies to assist those who are struggling to better cope with such situations.
A concept of a decentral server infrastructure to connect farms, secure data, and increase the resilience of digital farming
(2025) Bökle, Sebastian; Gscheidle, Michael; Weis, Martin; Paraforos, Dimitrios S.; Griepentrog, Hans W.
With the intensified use and integration of digital technologies in agriculture, dependencies and constraints occurred which weakened the adoption and reduced effectiveness of innovative technology due to lacking interoperability and resilience. As awareness of these problems increased concepts have been developed to meet this issue with decentralized IT- infrastructures. With the proposed concept the authors aim to refine these existing infrastructures with concrete suggestions for server infrastructures. Off-the-shelf hardware and open-source software, enable cheap access to digital technologies yet provide sufficient support by choosing open-source tools with big or active communities. With the involvement of the machinery rings the economic advantages scale up because of the interfarm use of expensive technology. The farmservers on the farmside are the edge nodes of a regional network. The local machinery ring is the next node which is supposed to offer remote services for the farmers, who have a trustful partner in the machinery rings. The concept orients on revised requirements enriched by the results of a survey, conducted by the authors, adding the focus on interfarm cooperations. The concept meets the main constraints farmers face in digitalization: Data sovereignty, resilience, interoperability, high costs, and trust.
The non-nutritive sweetener rebaudioside a enhances phage infectivity
(2025) Marongiu, Luigi; Brzozowska, Ewa; Brykała, Jan; Burkard, Markus; Schmidt, Herbert; Szermer-Olearnik, Bożena; Venturelli, Sascha; Marongiu, Luigi; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Brzozowska, Ewa; Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigl St, 53114, Wroclaw, Poland; Brykała, Jan; Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigl St, 53114, Wroclaw, Poland; Burkard, Markus; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Schmidt, Herbert; Department of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 28, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Szermer-Olearnik, Bożena; Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigl St, 53114, Wroclaw, Poland; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are widely employed in foodstuffs. However, it has become increasingly evident that their consumption is associated with bacterial dysbiosis, which, in turn, is linked to several health conditions, including a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. Among the NNS, stevia, whose main component is rebaudioside A (rebA), is gaining popularity in the organic food market segment. While the effect of NNS on bacteria has been established, the impact of these sweeteners on bacterial viruses (phages) has been neglected, even though phages are crucial elements in maintaining microbial eubiosis. The present study sought to provide a proof-of-concept of the impact of NNS on phage infectivity by assessing the binding of rebA to phage proteins involved in the infection process of enteropathogenic bacteria, namely the fiber protein gp17 of Yersinia enterocolitica phage φYeO3-12 and the tubular baseplate protein gp31 of Klebsiella pneumoniae phage 32. We employed docking analysis and a panel of in vitro confirmatory tests (microscale thermophoresis, RedStarch ™ depolymerization, adsorption, and lysis rates). Docking analysis indicated that NNS can bind to both fiber and baseplate proteins. Confirmatory assays demonstrated that rebA can bind gp31 and that such binding increased the protein’s enzymatic activity. Moreover, the binding of rebA to gp17 resulted in a decrease in the adsorption rate of the recombinant protein to its host but increased the Yersinia bacteriolysis caused by the whole phage compared to unexposed controls. These results support the hypothesis that NNS can impair phage infectivity, albeit the resulting effect on the microbiome remains to be elucidated.
Bioprocess exploitation of microaerobic auto-induction using the example of rhamnolipid biosynthesis in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
(2025) Grether, Jakob; Dittmann, Holger; Willems, Leon; Schmiegelt, Tabea; Benatto Perino, Elvio Henrique; Hubel, Philipp; Lilge, Lars; Hausmann, Rudolf; Grether, Jakob; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Dittmann, Holger; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Willems, Leon; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Schmiegelt, Tabea; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Benatto Perino, Elvio Henrique; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Hubel, Philipp; Core Facility Hohenheim, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, University of Hohenheim, Ottilie-Zeller-Weg 2, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Lilge, Lars; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Hausmann, Rudolf; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
Background: In biomanufacturing of surface-active agents, such as rhamnolipids, excessive foaming is a significant obstacle for the development of high-performing bioprocesses. The exploitation of the inherent tolerance of Pseudomonas putida KT2440, an obligate aerobic bacterium, to microaerobic conditions has received little attention so far. Here low-oxygen inducible promoters were characterized in biosensor strains and exploited for process control under reduction of foam formation by low aeration and stirring rates during biosynthesis of rhamnolipids. Results: In this study, homologous promoters of P. putida inducible under oxygen limitation were identified by non-targeted proteomic analyses and characterized by fluorometric methods. Proteomics indicated a remodeling of the respiratory chain and the regulation of stress-related proteins under oxygen limitation. Of the three promoters tested in fluorescent biosensor assays, the promoter of the oxygen-sensitive cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase gene showed high oxygen-dependent controllability. It was used to control the gene expression of a heterologous di-rhamnolipid synthesis operon in an auto-inducing microaerobic two-phase bioprocess. By limiting the oxygen supply via low aeration and stirring rates, the bioprocess was clearly divided into a growth and a production phase, and sources of foam formation were reduced. Accordingly, rhamnolipid synthesis did not have to be controlled externally, as the oxygen-sensitive promoter was autonomously activated as soon as the oxygen level reached microaerobic conditions. A critical threshold of about 20% oxygen saturation was determined. Conclusions: Utilizing the inherent tolerance of P. putida to microaerobic conditions in combination with the application of homologous, low-oxygen inducible promoters is a novel and efficient strategy to control bioprocesses. Fermentation under microaerobic conditions enabled the induction of rhamnolipid production by low oxygen levels, while foam formation was limited by low aeration and stirring rates.
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.

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