Floating aquatic plants for total nitrogen and phosphorus removal from treated swine wastewater and their biomass characteristics.

In this study, the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the effluent of treated swine wastewater by Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, Limnobium laevigatum, and Lemna sp. was investigated. This study also aimed to quantify the potential biomass production and lignocellulosic composition of the floating plants cultured in the effluent. Plants were grown in treated swine wastewater effluent or Hoagland's solution. Pistia stratiotes showed the highest total nitrogen removal of 63.15% from the treated effluent. Lemna sp. showed the highest phosphorus removal of 36.15% from the treated effluent. However, Lemna sp. could not be further utilized because the plants could only be cultured for 13 days. The effluent likely had properties that inhibited the growth and nutrient uptake by the plants; further studies would be required to verify these properties. Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes have higher tolerance than Lemna sp. to grow in treated swine wastewater. Eichhornia crassipes produced the highest biomass of 5.19 g dry weight/m2/day. Cellulose and lignin contents were higher in the Hoagland's solution treatment when compared with the effluent. However, based on an independent T-test analysis, the cellulose contents of plants grown in different media were not significantly different. Hemicellulose content was significantly different for Pistia stratiotes (p < 0.05). Finally, lignin content was significantly different for Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna sp (p < 0.05). The nutrient composition and available plant nutrients as well as other substances present in the effluent might have influenced the plant cell wall composition.

Variations in abundance, diversity and community composition of airborne fungi in swine houses across seasons.

We examined the abundance, diversity and community composition of airborne fungi in swine houses during winter and summer seasons by using quantitative PCR and Illumina HiSeq sequencing of ITS1 region. The abundance of airborne fungi varied significantly only between seasons, while fungal diversity varied significantly both within and between seasons, with both abundance and diversity peaked in winter. The fungal OTU composition was largely structured by the swine house unit and season as well as by their interactions. Of the measured microclimate variables, relative humidity, particulate matters (PMs), ammonia, and stocking density were significantly correlated with fungal OTU composition. The variation in beta diversity was higher within swine houses during summer, which indicates that the airborne fungal community composition was more heterogeneous in summer compared to winter. We also identified several potential allergen/pathogen related fungal genera in swine houses. The total relative abundance of potential allergen/pathogen related fungal genera varied between swine houses in both seasons, and showed positive correlation with PM2.5. Overall, our findings show that the abundance, diversity and composition of airborne fungi are highly variable in swine houses and to a large extent structured by indoor microclimate variables of swine houses.

Cosmetic Lateral Canthoplasty: Preserving the Lateral Canthal Angle.

Cosmetic lateral canthoplasty, in which the size of the eye is increased by extending the palpebral fissure and decreasing the degree of the eye slant, has become a prevalent procedure for East Asians. However, it is not uncommon for there to be complications or unfavorable results after the surgery. With this in mind, the authors have designed a surgical method to reduce complications in cosmetic lateral canthoplasty by preserving the lateral canthal angle. We discuss here the anatomy required for surgery, the surgical methods, and methods for reducing complications during cosmetic lateral canthoplasty.

Pretarsal Augmented Lower Blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Narrow and chubby pretarsal fullness is a characteristic of attractiveness and youthfulness, and pretarsal augmentation has gained popularity in Asia. Conventional lower blepharoplasty has focused on correcting the aged appearance of the lower eyelids by repositioning fat and removing excess skin. However, this technique can create flat lower eyelids and provide an indication that cosmetic surgery was performed. Therefore, our pretarsal augmented lower blepharoplasty technique focuses on restoring pretarsal fullness and creating a three-dimensional lower eyelid-cheek complex. The authors present the results of this technique, which demonstrate that it simultaneously enhances lower eyelid support and restores pretarsal fullness. METHODS: This retrospective chart review evaluated 659 consecutive patients who underwent pretarsal augmented lower blepharoplasty between 2011 and 2014. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (H.L.C.). The outcomes and complications were assessed by evaluating the patients' preoperative and postoperative digital photographs and medical records. RESULTS: There were no permanent major complications, such as retrobulbar hemorrhage, diplopia, or hypertrophic scarring. Chemosis occurred in 90 patients (13.7 percent), 10 patients (1.5 percent) underwent minor revision because of an undercorrected nasojugal groove or loosened orbicularis oculi muscle suspension suture, and three patients (0.46 percent) experienced mild ectropion that resolved spontaneously. Approximately 98 percent of the patients were satisfied. Our technique provided a natural and younger appearance with pretarsal fullness, rather than the flattened appearance that is associated with conventional blepharoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Pretarsal augmented lower blepharoplasty uses simple methods to restore pretarsal fullness. This technique improves periorbital contouring, rejuvenates the pretarsal roll, and provides excellent aesthetic results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Assessment of the Contribution of Poultry and Pig Production to Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Korea Over the Last 10 Years (2005 through 2014).

The goal of this study was to estimate the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), namely methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from poultry and pig production in South Korea over the last 10 years (2005 through 2014). The calculations of GHG emissions were based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. Over the study period, the CH4 emission from manure management decreased in layer chickens, nursery to finishing pigs and gestating to lactating sows, but there was a gradual increase in CH4 emission from broiler chickens and male breeding pigs. Both sows and nursery to finishing pigs were associated with greater emissions from enteric fermentation than the boars, especially in 2009. Layer chickens produced lower direct and indirect N2O emissions from 2009 to 2014, whereas the average direct and indirect N2O emissions from manure management for broiler chickens were 12.48 and 4.93 Gg CO2-eq/yr, respectively. Annual direct and indirect N2O emissions for broiler chickens tended to decrease in 2014. Average CO2 emission from direct on-farm energy uses for broiler and layer chickens were 46.62 and 136.56 Gg CO2-eq/yr, respectively. For pig sectors, the N2O emission from direct and indirect sources gradually increased, but they decreased for breeding pigs. Carbon dioxide emission from direct on-farm energy uses reached a maximum of 53.93 Gg CO2-eq/yr in 2009, but this total gradually declined in 2010 and 2011. For boars, the greatest CO2 emission occurred in 2012 and was 9.44 Gg CO2-eq/yr. Indirect N2O emission was the largest component of GHG emissions in broilers. In layer chickens, the largest contributing factor to GHG emissions was CO2 from direct on-farm energy uses. For pig production, the largest component of GHG emissions was CH4 from manure management, followed by CO2 emission from direct on-farm energy use and CH4 enteric fermentation emission, which accounted for 8.47, 2.85, and 2.82 Gg-CO2/yr, respectively. The greatest GHG emission intensity occurred in female breeding sows relative to boars. Overall, it is an important issue for the poultry and pig industry of South Korea to reduce GHG emissions with the effective approaches for the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Characterization of Odorant Compounds from Mechanical Aerated Pile Composting and Static Aerated Pile Composting.

We studied airborne contaminants (airborne particulates and odorous compounds) emitted from compost facilities in South Korea. There are primarily two different types of composting systems operating in Korean farms, namely mechanical aerated pile composting (MAPC) and aerated static pile composting (SAPC). In this study, we analyzed various particulate matters (PM10, PM7, PM2.5, PM1, and total suspended particles), volatile organic compounds and ammonia, and correlated these airborne contaminants with microclimatic parameters, i.e., temperature and relative humidity. Most of the analyzed airborne particulates (PM7, PM2.5, and PM1) were detected in high concentration at SAPC facilities compered to MAPC; however these differences were statistically non-significant. Similarly, most of the odorants did not vary significantly between MAPC and SAPC facilities, except for dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and skatole. DMS concentrations were significantly higher in MAPC facilities, whereas skatole concentrations were significantly higher in SAPC facilities. The microclimate variables also did not vary significantly between MAPC and SAPC facilities, and did not correlate significantly with most of the airborne particles and odorous compounds, suggesting that microclimate variables did not influence their emission from compost facilities. These findings provide insight into the airborne contaminants that are emitted from compost facilities and the two different types of composting agitation systems.

Validation of a simple binary scoring system for assessment of welfare measures of 10-day-old commercial broilers and their correlation with environmental parameters.

BACKGROUND: A simple binary scoring system (SBSS) was developed and used to assess the welfare measures of commercial broiler chickens in South Korea. We also correlated welfare measures with environmental parameters of broiler house. Our measures of welfare included lameness, hock burn (HB) and foot pad dermatitis (FPD), whilst environmental parameters included air temperature, relative humidity, air speed, light intensity, air quality (in particular carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations) and airborne microbes. RESULTS: The effect of environmental parameters on welfare measures was apparent even on 10-day-old broilers. A non-parametric correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between environmental parameters and welfare measures. The key environmental parameters were relative humidity and light intensity. The results indicate that there is a need for proper control of environmental conditions on poultry farms, which could reduce health problems and subsequently reduce disease and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the simplicity of SBSS makes it preferable over more complex scoring systems and allows a farmer to more easily assess the welfare measures on their own farm.

Manure removal system influences the abundance and composition of airborne biotic contaminants in swine confinement buildings.

Little is known about the factors influencing the abundance and community composition of airborne biotic contaminants in swine confinement buildings (SCBs). Microbial air samples were collected from three different SCBs equipped with three different types of manure removal systems (deep-pit manure removal with slats, scraper removal system, and deep-litter bed system). The abundance and composition of airborne biotic contaminants of all the collected air samples were analyzed using cultivation-independent methods. The V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified from the extracted DNA and sequenced using 454-pyrosequencing. The abundances of 16S rRNA genes and six tetracycline resistance genes (tetB, tetH, tetZ, tetO, tetQ, and tetW) were quantified using real-time PCR. The abundance of 16S rRNA gene and tetracycline resistance genes were significantly higher in SCBs equipped with a deep-pit manure removal system with slats, except for tetB gene. This contrasts with the opposite trend found previously by culture-based studies. The aerial bacterial community composition, as measured by pairwise Bray-Curtis distances, varied significantly according to the manure removal system. 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing revealed Firmicutes (72.4%) as the dominant group with Lactobacillus as the major genus, while Actinobacteria constituted 10.7% of the detectable bacteria. Firmicutes were more abundant in SCBs with deep pit with slats, whereas Actinobacteria were highly abundant in SCBs with a deep-litter bed system. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the manure removal system plays a key role in structuring the abundance and composition of airborne biotic contaminants in SCBs.

The correlation between thermal and noxious gas environments, pig productivity and behavioral responses of growing pigs.

Correlations between environmental parameters (thermal range and noxious gas levels) and the status (productivity, physiological, and behavioral) of growing pigs were examined for the benefit of pig welfare and precision farming. The livestock experiment was conducted at a Seoul National University station in South Korea. Many variations were applied and the physiological and behavioral responses of the growing pigs were closely observed. Thermal and gas environment parameters were different during the summer and winter seasons, and the environments in the treatments were controlled in different manners. In the end, this study finds that factors such as Average Daily Gain (ADG), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), stress, posture, and eating habits were all affected by the controlled environmental parameters and that appropriate control of the foregoing could contribute to the improvement of precision farming and pig welfare.

Estimation of nutrients and organic matter in Korean swine slurry using multiple regression analysis of physical and chemical properties.

Swine waste land application has increased due to organic fertilization, but excess application in an arable system can cause environmental risk. Therefore, in situ characterizations of such resources are important prior to application. To explore this, 41 swine slurry samples were collected from Korea, and wide differences were observed in the physico-biochemical properties. However, significant (P<0.001) multiple property correlations (R²) were obtained between nutrients with specific gravity (SG), electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS) and pH. The different combinations of hydrometer, EC meter, drying oven and pH meter were found useful to estimate Mn, Fe, Ca, K, Al, Na, N and 5-day biochemical oxygen demands (BOD5) at improved R² values of 0.83, 0.82, 0.77, 0.75, 0.67, 0.47, 0.88 and 0.70, respectively. The results from this study suggest that multiple property regressions can facilitate the prediction of micronutrients and organic matter much better than a single property regression for livestock waste.