bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age disparities in unmet need for contraception among all sexually active women in Colombia: an analysis of the 2015 Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Sánchez-Franco Sharon , González-Uribe Catalina
Published: October 2019

Background Unmet need for contraception increases unintended pregnancies and puts the health and reproductive rights of women at risk. Social determinants are associated with unmet need for contraception, but it is unclear if age is a social determinant of disparities in reproductive health-related outcomes in all Colombian women irrespective of marital status.Methods This study used the 2015 Colombian Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome of interest was the unmet need for contraception among 24,245 sexually active women aged 13-49. Age was associated with unmet need for contraception in Colombia through multivariate analysis. Absolute and relative inequalities were estimated using prevalence differences and odds ratios, respectively.Results The prevalence of unmet need was significantly higher in women in marital union aged 13 to 19 years old (19.8%), than their unmarried counterparts (16.8%), and all older age groups either married or unmarried. Women 13 to 19 years old [OR=2.98 (2.49-3.57)] and 20-29 year old [OR=1.71(1.48-1.97)] are more likely to have an unmet need for contraception than those 40-49-year-old.Conclusions Age disparities are barriers to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals for sexual and reproductive health. Cultural, social, and access barriers demand to tailor health care services to meet the needs of younger women to narrow the age gap.
The association between nutrient intake, nutritional status and physical function of community-dwelling ethnically diverse older adults: A longitudinal study
Authors: Asamane Evans Atiah , Greig Carolyn A. , Thompson Janice Lee
Published: October 2019

Background There are limited longitudinal data regarding nutrient intake, nutritional status and physical function in community-dwelling ethnically diverse older adults. This study explored these variables and their relationship at baseline (n=100) and 8-months’ follow-up (n=81) among community-dwelling ethnically diverse older adults (≥60 years) in Birmingham, United Kingdom.Methods Multiple-pass 24-hour dietary recalls and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form assessed nutritional intake and status, respectively. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength measured physical function. Linear and multinomial regressions were used to predict relationships between physical function, nutritional status and nutrient intake.Results Participants at baseline (n=100) and 8-months’ follow-up (n=81). Mean (SD) age was 70 (8.1) years (60% male), with 62% being obese. Decreases in intakes of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, iron, folate, and magnesium occurred over time. Daily intake of all micronutrients except vitamin B12, phosphorus and manganese were below the Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI). SPPB (Z=-4.01, p<0.001) and nutritional status (Z=-2.37, p=0.018) declined over time. Higher SPPB scores (OR=0.54 95% CI 0.35, 0.81) were associated with a slower decline in nutritional status.Conclusion The observed declines and inadequate nutrient intakes in the absence of weight loss in just eight months may pose serious challenges to healthy ageing, identifying an urgent need to re-evaluate and tailor appropriate dietary advice for this population.
Cytokine Dysregulation Persists in Childhood Post Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors: Zareen Zunera , Strickland Tammy , Eneaney Victoria Mc , Kelly Lynne A. , McDonald Denise , Sweetman Deirdre , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: October 2019

Objective: Cytokines are possible mediators of neuroinflammation and associated with adverse outcome in neonatal encephalopathy (NE). Our aim was to explore cytokine response in children with Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) at school age compared to age-matched controls.
Method: Follow up at school age, children who had NE and age-matched controls were assessed for their cytokine responses and neurodevelopment outcome. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, [Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF β, Interferon (IFN)-γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO), IL-10 & IL-1RA] were measured at baseline and in response to in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS: endotoxin).
Results: GM­-CSF, TNF-β, IL-2 IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18 were significantly elevated at school age following NE (n=40) compared to controls (n=37). A significant rise in GM-CSF, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, & IL-6 were seen in NE group following LPS stimulation. Relative LPS hypo-responsiveness was also noted in children with severe NE with IL-10, VEGF, EPO and TNF-β. Elevated TNF-β was associated with low gross motor scores on assessment at school age.

Conclusion: School-age children post-NE had significantly altered cytokine responses to endotoxin compared to controls. TNF-β was associated with adverse developmental outcomes. This suggests the inflammatory process may persist into childhood and a longer therapeutic window may be available for immunomodulatory adjunctive therapies.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of perioperative compilations of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy used for laparoscopic total gastrectomy
Authors: Zhou Yu-Cheng
Published: October 2019

Background: We examine the perioperative complications of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (EJ) methods used for totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for the treatment of gastric cancer. Methods: We reviewed PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register for studies published from May 1998 to May 2018 to evaluate the perioperative complications of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy applied for TLTG. Five studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis. After data extraction and quality assessment, we used Stata 12 to pool the data. Results: Five studies involving 234 patients were considered in our meta-analysis. The pooled data show an anastomotic leakage value of 1% (95% CI 0 to 4%) ，an anastomotic stricture value of 1% (95% CI 0 to 3%)，a conversion value of 0 and a postoperative bleeding value of 2% (95% CI 0 to 6%). Conclusions: TLTG involving intracorporeal hand-sewn end-to-side esophagojejunostomy serves as a safe approach to the treatment of gastric cancer. As this method is adopted by professionals, intracorporeally handsewn EJ could become an accepted means of executing widely used laparoscopic procedures of EJ.
Long noncoding RNA UCA1 facilitates cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via activating PI3K/Akt pathway in retinoblastoma
Authors: Yuan Zhongfang , Li Zhaona
Published: October 2019

Background Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. This study is aimed to explored the effect of lncRNA-UCA1 on RB and its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods In our study, the expression of lncRNA-UCA1 was measured by qRT-RCR in both RB tissues and RB HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells. The relationship between lncRNA-UCA1 expression and clinical parameters in RB patients were evaluated. Cell proliferation, cell clones, apoptosis and cell cycle of HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expressions of PCNA, Caspase-3, survivin, p16, p21, CDK2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and S6k in HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells were measured by western blot.Results lncRNA-UCA1 was highly expressed in both RB tissues and RB HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells. Moreover, the expression of lncRNA-UCA1 in RB patients was remarkedly correlated with tumor size, optic nerve invasion and pathologic grade. lncRNA-UCA1 markedly facilitated cell proliferation and cell cycle procession, as well as inhibited cell apoptosis in HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells. lncRNA-UCA1 dramatically increased the expression of S6k and the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in RB cells. LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) reversed the effects of lncRNA-UCA1 on RB cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle procession.Conclusions Our study indicated that lncRNA-UCA1 could promote cell proliferation and cell cycle procession, as well as inhibit cell apoptosis in RB via activating PI3K/Akt pathway.
Laminoplasty with selective fusion at unstable segment versus laminectomy with fusion for multilevel cervical myelopathy: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Du Lin , Gao Yanzheng , Zhao Changqing , Zhou Tangjun , Tian Haijun , Zhang Kai , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2019

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare laminoplasty with selective fixation (LPSF) versus laminectomy with fusion (LCF) in patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy accompanied by segmental instability.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing data from 63 patients who underwent LPSF (n=30) or LCF (n=33). Cervical alignment, range of motion (ROM), neurologic status and axial symptom severity pre-operation, 3-days after operation, and at the final follow-up (minimum 24 months) were measured and compared between groups.Results Postoperation, patients in the LPSF group lost 31.1±17.3% of cervical lordosis and 43.2±10.9% cervical ROM while patients in the LCF group lost 5.7±8.2% and 67.9±15.5%, respectively. Both LPSF and LCF groups significantly improved neurologic status and axial symptom severity at the final follow-up with similar between-group results(P>0.05). Blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, and medical cost in the LPSF group were significantly less than in the LCF group(P<0.05). The incidence of negative events were statistically similar between groups.Conclusion According to our results, LPSF was effective in maintaining the stability of the cervical spine with less sacrifice of mobility and surgical trauma for multilevel myelopathy with segmental instability compared to LCF.
Sedative use of Dexmedetomidine vs. Propofol after Cardiac Surgery: A critical review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Abowali Hesham , Paganini Matteo , Enten Garrett A , Elbadawi Ayman , Camporesi Enrico
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : The use of dexmedetomidine for sedation post-cardiac surgery is controversial compared to the use of propofol.
Methods : A computerized search on Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality databases was performed for up to July 2019. Trials evaluating the efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus propofol in the postoperative sedation of cardiac surgery patients were selected. Primary study outcomes were classified as time-dependent (mechanical ventilation time; time to extubation; length of stay in the intensive care unit and the hospital) and non-time dependent (delirium, bradycardia, and hypotension).
Results : Our final analysis included 11 RCTs published between 2003 and 2019 and involved a total of 1184 patients. Time to extubation was significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -1.06 to -0.16, p=0.008), however no difference in mechanical ventilation time was observed (SMD= -0.72, 95% CI: -1.60 to 0.15, N.S.). Moreover, the dexmedetomidine group showed a significant reduction in Intensive Care Unit length of stay (SMD= -0.70, 95% CI: -0.98 to -0.42, p=0.0005) this did not translate into a reduced hospital length of stay (SMD= -1.13, 95% CI: -2.43 to 0.16, N.S). For non-time dependent factors: incidence of delirium was unaffected between groups (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.43 to 1.06, N.S.), while the propofol group of patients had higher rates of bradycardia (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.20 to 9.55, p=0.020) and hypotension (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.58, p=0.017).
Conclusion : Despite the ICU time advantages afforded by dexmedetomidine over propofol, the former does not contribute to an overall reduction in hospital length of stay or an overall improvement in postoperative outcomes for heart valve surgery and CABG patients. Time-dependent outcomes confounded by several factors including variability in staff, site-protocols, and complication rates between individual surgical cases.
Keywords: dexmedetomidine; propofol; cardiac surgery; postoperative sedation.
Active Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection at a Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2006–2014
Authors: Kmeid Joumana , Kulkarni Prathit A. , Batista Marjorie V. , Chaer Firas El , Prayag Amrita , Ariza-Heredia Ella J. , Mulanovich Victor E. , Chemaly Roy F.
Published: October 2019

Background: Morbidity and mortality from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection remain significant in cancer patients. We evaluated clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients with active Mtb infection at our institution who had cancer or suspicion of cancer. Methods: We retrospectively examined medical records of all patients with laboratory-confirmed active Mtb infection diagnosed between 2006 and 2014. Results: A total of 52 patients with laboratory-confirmed active Mtb infection were identified during the study period, resulting in an average rate of 6 new cases per year. Thirty-two (62%) patients had underlying cancer, while 20 (38%) patients did not have cancer but were referred to the institution because of suspicion of underlying malignancy. Among patients with cancer, 18 (56%) had solid tumors; 8 (25%) had active hematologic malignancies; and 6 (19%) had undergone hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT). Patients with and without cancer were overall similar with the exception of median age (61 years in cancer patients compared to 53 years in noncancer patients). Pulmonary disease was identified in 32 (62%) patients, extrapulmonary disease in 10 (19%) patients, and disseminated disease in 10 (19%) patients. Chemotherapy was delayed in 53% of patients who were to receive such treatment. Eleven patients (all of whom had cancer) died; 3 of these deaths were attributable to Mtb infection. Conclusions: Although not common, tuberculosis remains an important infection in patients with cancer. Approximately one-third of patients were referred to our institution for suspicion of cancer but were ultimately diagnosed with active Mtb infection rather than malignancy.
Mark von Hagen (21 July 1954-14 September 2019)
Authors: Sysyn Frank
Published: October 2019

Obituary for Mark von Hagen (21 July 1954-14 September 2019)
Response of Landscape-grown Warm- and Cool-season Annuals to Nitrogen Fertilization at Five Rates
Authors: Shurberg Gitta , Shober Amy L. , Wiese Christine , Denny Geoffrey , Knox Gary W. , Moore Kimberly A. , Giurcanu Mihai C.
Published: October 2019

Current nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations for landscape-grown ornamentals are based on limited research. The objective of this research was to evaluate plant response of selected warm- and cool-season annuals to N fertilizer applied at five rates in the landscape. Three warm-season annual species [‘Profusion Cherry’ zinnia (Zinnia elegans ×angustifolia), ‘Cora White’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus), and ‘Golden Globe’ melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum)] and three cool-season annual species [‘Telstar Crimson’ dianthus (Dianthus chinensis), ‘Delta Pure Violet’ pansy (Viola wittrockiana), and ‘Montego Yellow’ snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)] were transplanted into raised beds containing subsoil fill in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zone 9a. Slow-release N fertilizer was applied over an 18-week period at an annual N rate of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 lb/1000 ft2. Trials were replicated a second year. Plant size index (SI), tissue chlorophyll (SPAD), and plant quality were determined every 6 weeks. Shoot biomass and tissue total Kjeldahl N (TKN) were determined at 18 weeks. Regression analysis indicated that all species required N inputs at annual rates exceeding 8 lb/1000 ft2 to achieve maximum size, shoot biomass, or SPAD. However, acceptable quality plants were produced at much lower N rates. We suggest application of N fertilizer at a rate of 4 to 6 lb/1000 ft2 per year to landscape-grown annuals to maintain acceptable plant quality and growth. We expect fertilization at lower rates (based on aesthetics) can reduce the amount of fertilizer applied and the potential for nutrient losses in runoff or leachate. Future research should address N fertilization needs in higher fertility soils as well as the response of other plant species.
Modified Paddock Vacuum Reduces Labor Input for Chinese Chestnut Harvest
Authors: Warmund Michele R. , Biggs Andrew K. , Godsey Larry D.
Published: October 2019

The time required to harvest and field sort chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima) with two types of paddock vacuums and with a manual nut-harvesting tool was compared. Pickup time for harvesting chinese chestnuts was faster with a small paddock vacuum (Paddock Vac) than with a manual nut-harvesting tool (Nut Wizard), but field sorting plant material and soil, as well as movement of the small vacuum, was time-consuming. With minor equipment modifications to facilitate sorting, harvest time for a larger paddock vacuum (Maxi Vac) was 2 seconds faster per nut than that for the manual nut-harvesting tool. Economic analyses revealed that the larger modified vacuum also reduced labor costs by $237 when the wage rate was low ($8 per hour) and with total production at 1000 kg. However, with the lower equipment cost, the manual nut-harvesting tool was more economical to use than the modified paddock vacuum, with $8 per hour labor costs and <6370 kg of harvested chestnuts. As labor costs and nut production increased, it was more economically efficient to use the modified paddock vacuum as compared with a manual nut-harvesting tool. At $10, $12, and $15 per hour labor, the modified pasture vacuum was the lowest cost method of harvesting chestnuts at yields >4555, 3466, and 2510 kg, respectively. Thus, the modified pasture vacuum may provide a relatively inexpensive method for new, small producers to mechanize chestnut harvest.
Interpretation of Sustainable Landscapes Affects Student Perception of Sustainable Landscape Features
Authors: Saksa Kristen A. , Ilvento Thomas W. , Barton Susan S.
Published: October 2019

This research examines student perception of sustainable landscaping at the University of Delaware (UD), Newark and the impact of interpretation on student perception of the landscape. Students living on UD’s Laird Campus were surveyed before and after an interpretive campaign designed to describe the benefits of sustainable landscaping. The results of this study found that the majority of students surveyed perceive the landscape to be attractive, sustainable, well maintained, and functional, providing encouragement for the use of sustainable landscaping practices on university campuses. Reduced mowing (once per year), as it is implemented on Laird Campus, was identified as the sustainable practice least likely to be considered acceptable by students. Sustainable landscaping interpretation improved student awareness and acceptance of sustainable landscaping practices. Greater levels of engagement with the interpretation campaign increased students’ awareness and acceptance of sustainable landscaping. In contrast to students’ increased awareness and acceptance of sustainable landscaping practices, students’ perception of the landscape’s appearance did not significantly improve after the interpretation campaign, suggesting the need for future interpretation campaigns to directly address aesthetic issues in addition to interpretation of environmental benefits.
Foliar Sprays of Flurprimidol, Paclobutrazol, and Uniconazole Suppress Height of Seed-propagated New Guinea Impatiens
Authors: Currey Christopher J. , Flax Nicholas J. , Walters Kellie J.
Published: October 2019

Our objective was to quantify the efficacy of foliar plant growth retardant applications on plant height and time to flower of seed-propagated new guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) produced in packs and flats. ‘Divine Cherry Red’, ‘Divine Scarlet Bronze Leaf’, and ‘Divine White Blush’ seedlings were planted in 1801-cell packs. Seven days after planting, deionized water (control) or solutions containing ancymidol (15 to 60 mg·L−1), chlormequat chloride (750 to 3000 mg·L−1), daminozide (1250 to 5000 mg·L−1), ethephon (250 to 1000 mg·L−1), flurprimidol (10 to 40 mg·L−1), paclobutrazol (10 to 40 mg·L−1), or uniconazole (5 to 20 mg·L−1) were applied to seedlings. A second experiment was performed with the same cultivars quantifying the growth and development in response to a broader range of flurprimidol or paclobutrazol (5 to 40 mg·L−1) or uniconazole (2.5 to 20 mg·L−1) sprays. Plant height was measured 7 weeks after planting. For Expt. 1, ancymidol, chlormequat chloride, and daminozide had little to no impact on stem elongation. However, flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, and uniconazole suppressed height at flowering of all three cultivars. In Expt. 2, plant height with concentrations flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, or uniconazole up to 27 to 30, 20 to 30, or 4 to 5 mg·L−1, respectively, depending on the cultivar. Five to 20 mg·L−1 flurprimidol or paclobutrazol, or < 2.5 mg·L−1 uniconazole may be used to control stem elongation of seed-propagated new guinea impatiens for production in flats.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Flowering of Potted Red Firespike
Authors: Rezazadeh Amir , Harkess Richard L. , Bi Guihong
Published: October 2019

The effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on growth and flowering of potted red firespike (Odontonema strictum) were examined in two experiments. In Expt. 1, foliar spray applications of daminozide, uniconazole, paclobutrazol, or flurprimidol or media drenches of paclobutrazol or flurprimidol were applied. In Expt. 2, foliar spray application of daminozide or media drenches of paclobutrazol or flurprimidol were further tested for efficacy of height control. Both studies included an untreated control. In Expt. 1, drench applications of paclobutrazol and flurprimidol resulted in plants 65% or 46% to 62% shorter than control, respectively. Paclobutrazol and flurprimidol drenches also decreased overall plant growth by 81% to 88% and 74% to 84%, respectively, compared with the control plants. PGRs did not affect number of inflorescences; however, paclobutrazol and flurprimidol delayed flowering 23 to 31 days. In Expt. 2, plants treated with flurprimidol or paclobutrazol drenches were shorter than the control. The greatest reduction in total plant growth occurred using a flurprimidol drench at 0.47 mg/pot, which resulted in plants 78% smaller than the untreated control. Paclobutrazol and flurprimidol increased the time to flowering 11 to 27 days and 10 to 26 days, respectively. The most attractive and well-shaped plants were achieved with flurprimidol applied at 0.24 mg/pot or applications of paclobutrazol at 0.35 mg/pot.
Effects of Desiccation and Storage Temperature on Seed Germination in Kapok
Authors: Zheng YanLing , Zhao GaoJuan , Ma HuanCheng
Published: October 2019

Kapok (Bombax ceiba) is a deciduous tree that can grow in the dry-hot valley of southwestern China where its natural regeneration by seedlings is difficult. As mature fruit split open and seeds disperse by wind, it is difficult to collect fully mature seeds. The effects of seed moisture content (MC) and storage temperatures on seed germination of dark-brown seeds collected from split fruit and light-brown seeds collected ≈10–15 days earlier than the time of fruit split were studied to determine the effective germplasm preservation via the seeds. Dark-brown mature seeds could tolerate desiccation to less than 5% MC and could tolerate −20 and −80 °C. Seeds of kapok showed orthodox storage behavior. They can be stored at subzero temperatures with low MC for a long time. For light-brown seeds, germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), seedling fresh weight (SFW), and vigor index (VI) decreased significantly after seed desiccation. Germination percentage of light-brown seeds with different MC increased to a different extent after being stored at different temperatures for 1 year (76% to 99%), compared with the fresh seeds (73%). Storing fresh seeds at 4 °C was most favorable to keep seed viability and seed vigor of light-brown seeds. Seed collection could be done several days earlier than the time of fruit burst to ensure increased quantity of collected seeds.
Development and Early Assessment of an Organic Land Care Extension Program for Landscapers
Authors: Bakacs Michele , Rowe Amy , Hlubik William T. , Zientek Jan
Published: October 2019

This article presents findings from the first 3 years of implementing an organic land care training program for landscapers, including landscaper attitudes, lessons learned, and the potential role of extension. Results of a needs assessment as well as discussions with organic practitioners provided evidence that New Jersey lacked in-depth training needed to assist practitioners in determining acceptable practices when offering organic services to their clientele. As a result, Rutgers University convened an organic land care working group and developed a certificate program for professionals with the long-term goal of promoting healthy soil, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing polluted runoff from managed landscapes. Thus far the program has been attended by 63 landscapers with 48 fulfilling the program requirements. Follow-up surveys with participants of the first 2 years showed that 38% of the 1163 acres (470.6 ha) under their management are either in transition or have been completely converted to organic management. Respondents reported a significant decrease in use of synthetic fertilizers and significant increase in use of organic fertilizer. Median synthetic pesticide usage decreased by 40%. Respondents reported since attending the program they were more effective at a number of practices including removing invasives and installing native plants, installing rain gardens, reducing stormwater runoff, and reducing irrigation. Focusing on the science, patience in transitioning, and understanding there are no “one size fits all” organic programs have been important lessons learned by experienced practitioners. Clientele acceptance, product efficacy, and finding skilled staff were cited as consistent challenges. These results indicate that extension can play a lead role in conducting applied research and providing relevant, effective educational programming for landscapers in the organic land care field.
Apple Market Expansion through Value-added Hard Cider Production: Current Production and Prospects in Vermont
Authors: Becot Florence A. , Bradshaw Terence L. , Conner David S.
Published: October 2019

Hard cider production has increased annually by 50% between 2009 and 2014 in the United States while apple (Malus ×domestica) orchards managed exclusively for cider apples are rare. Cider apples have unique flavor, acid, and tannin characteristics suited to only hard cider production. Demand for fruit by cider makers represents an emerging market for apple growers and an opportunity to diversify their production and marketing systems. The goal of this study was to compare the fruit requirements of cider makers with present cider fruit availability in orchards to identify opportunities and challenges for the growth of both industries, and we surveyed cider makers and apple growers. Growers in our study saw a market expansion opportunity in the growth of popularity of hard cider, but present apple prices were identified as a key threat. Cider makers are also expanding their operations, all of those sampled anticipate increasing their production in the next five years, but maintaining adequate fruit supply was identified as a major threat. Cider makers and apple growers have both expressed interest in dual-purpose cultivars that may be sold to the fresh market or for cider making. Apple growers have expressed guarded interest in growing specialty cider cultivars while cider makers have expressed a strong interest in increased production of cider-specific cultivars. We conclude that there are a number of potentially beneficial opportunities, particularly in increased production of dual-purpose and specialty cider cultivars, as long as price and coordination issues can be resolved.
The Economic Feasibility of Adopting Mechanical Harvesters by the Highbush Blueberry Industry
Authors: Gallardo R. Karina , Zilberman David
Published: October 2019

Mechanical harvesters engineered for fresh-market highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) have the potential to relieve the burden associated with relying on human labor for harvesting a crop. However, such devices must be effective and maintain fruit quality to be economically viable. Results from an empirical economic model and a series of sensitivity analyses signal that shortening the gap between prices for the fresh and processing market would increase the likelihood of adoption, especially if prices for the fresh market drop by 26% and prices for the processing market increase by 63%. If changes in prices would occur at the same time, then prices for fresh-market blueberries would have to drop by 23% and for processing blueberries would have to increase by 9%. Increases in labor wages of 61% would make mechanical harvesters more profitable than hand harvesting. A 63% reduction in yield losses due to mechanical harvest in the field must occur for mechanical harvesters to become a profitable alternative. If only quality losses (e.g., presence of bruises on the external surface of the fruit) are reduced and yield losses are kept constant, then a 43% reduction in quality losses must occur for mechanical harvesters to become a profitable alternative. If both yield and quality losses are reduced, then a 20% reduction in yield losses and 29% reduction in quality losses would be required for mechanical harvesters to become profitable. We found that a mechanical harvester in its current incarnation is not yet a proven profitable alternative for fresh-market blueberries, given all initial assumptions considered in this study. The industry urges technical improvements to decrease harvest-induced loss from mechanical harvesting in the field and loss due to presence of bruises on the fruit external surface to ensure the massive adoption of mechanical harvesters, especially for fresh-market blueberries.
Exogenous Applications of Moringa Leaf Extract and Cytokinins Improve Plant Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Cherry Tomato
Authors: Basra Shahzad M.A. , Lovatt Carol J.
Published: October 2019

Growth-promoting properties of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves were investigated for potential use in crop production by comparing the efficacy of bimonthly foliar and root applications of a moringa leaf extract [MLE (3.3% w/v)] with the cytokinins 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and trans-zeatin (t-Z), each at 25 mg·L−1, to increase plant growth, flowering, yield, fruit size, and fruit quality of ‘Super Sweet 100’ cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Foliar-applied t-Z and root-applied MLE increased canopy biomass (P ≤ 0.01) and root- and foliar-applied MLE increased lateral vegetative shoot number (P ≤ 0.001) and plant height (P ≤ 0.001) relative to untreated control plants. Only foliar-applied MLE increased floral shoot number compared with untreated control plants (P ≤ 0.001). Plants in all treatments, except root-applied 6-BA, produced more flowers than untreated control plants (P ≤ 0.001). Plants receiving root-applied t-Z produced the greatest number of flowers followed by plants receiving root-applied MLE. Cherry tomato plants treated with root-applied t-Z or MLE produced the greatest number of fruit per plant and significantly more than untreated control plants (P ≤ 0.001). Foliar-applied 6-BA and MLE and root-applied t-Z and MLE increased yield as grams of fruit per plant compared with the untreated control (P ≤ 0.01). Foliar- and root-applied MLE increased fruit concentrations of soluble sugars (P ≤ 0.001), protein (P ≤ 0.001), antioxidants (P ≤ 0.001), and lycopene (P ≤ 0.001) compared with fruit from untreated control plants. Foliar- and/or root-applied MLE resulted in the greatest leaf concentrations of protein (P ≤ 0.01), proline (P ≤ 0.01), arginine (P ≤ 0.01), and total antioxidants (P ≤ 0.05), which were all significantly greater than the concentrations in leaves from untreated control plants. The results of this single experiment provide evidence suggesting that MLE warrants further research as an inexpensive growth promoter for enhancing tomato plant biomass, yield, and fruit quality, especially in organic crop production, which prohibits the use of many commercial synthetic plant growth regulators.
Late-season High Tunnel Planting of Specialty Cut Flowers in the Midwestern United States Influences Yield and Stem Quality
Authors: Owen W. Garrett , Hilligoss Alyssa , Lopez Roberto G.
Published: October 2019

Production and market value of U.S. grown specialty cut flowers has increased over the past several years due to stem quality issues related to long-distance transport, regional proximity to market centers, and consumer’s willingness to purchase locally. Cut flowers are traditionally grown in field or greenhouse environments; however, high tunnels provide an alternative production environment and a number of cultural and economic advantages. Specialty cut flower species ‘Campana Deep Blue’ bellflower (Campanula carpatica), bells of ireland (Moluccella laevis), ‘Bombay Firosa’ celosia (Celosia cristata), ‘Amazon Neon Purple’ dianthus (Dianthus barbatus), ‘Fireworks’ gomphrena (Gomphrena pulchella), ‘Vegmo Snowball Extra’ matricaria (Tanacetum parthenium), and ‘Potomac Lavender’ snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) were planted in both field and high tunnel environments during the late season (early summer) in the midwestern United States. Compared with field production, high tunnel production yielded 9.1 stems/m2 (75%) for bells of ireland and 9.5 cm (15%), 16.8 cm (16%), 6.7 cm (44%), and 6.3 cm (19%) longer stems for bells of ireland, celosia, gomphrena, and matricaria, respectively. Additionally, stem length and caliper was greatest for high tunnel–grown bells of ireland, celosia, and dianthus. Our results indicate that late-season planting and production in a high tunnel is suitable for most of the species we investigated.
The Impact of Technology on Labor Makeup: A Study of the Green Industry
Authors: Krahe Joseph , Campbell Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Green industry is in a state of rapid change and turmoil as it reacts to the 2008 financial crisis and its arrival at maturity. In an effort to survive this challenging period, many firms are using new technologies, ranging from basic e-mail and accounting software to sophisticated digital imaging systems for identifying diseases. However, there has been a noteworthy lack of research into the way that technology adoption impacts labor in this industry. This paper uses propensity score matching (PSM) to identify the impact that various technologies have on the number of full- and part-time employees as well as the portion of full-time laborers that green firms employ. We find that none of the technologies studied had a significant impact on the percentage of full-time workers employed by green industry firms, but there were some effects when examining full-time, part-time, and total number of workers.
Factors Affecting U.S. Consumer Expenditures of Fresh Flowers and Potted Plants
Authors: Zhao Shuoli , Yue Chengyan , Meyer Mary H. , Hall Charles R.
Published: October 2019

The floral industry has experienced declining sales in the past few decades, causing many to speculate as to the underlying causes. To identify consumers’ spending patterns for fresh flowers and potted plants, we extracted and analyzed quarterly expenditure interview data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, 1996 to 2013. Our analysis revealed consumption trends over time by age group, and compared the differences in expenditure patterns across states. Additionally, we employed the Heckman two-step model to estimate how flower consumption is affected by sociodemographic characteristics, geographic factors, housing status, and seasonal factors. The estimation results show that the source of declining demand can be attributed to the decrease in both number of flower purchasers and expenditure among purchasers. Many factors including age, marital status, gender, education, income, number of earners in household, population size of the residing city, house type, and number of rooms in the house affect the demand for fresh flowers and potted plants. Given that floral expenditure has been decreasing among consumers under 40 years of age for the past two decades, innovative marketing strategies to target this age cohort are essential for the floral industry’s success in the future.
Statistics in a Horticultural Journal: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Kramer Matthew H. , Paparozzi Ellen T. , Stroup Walter W.
Published: October 2019

We examined all articles in volume 139 and the first issue of volume 140 of the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science (JASHS) for statistical problems. Slightly fewer than half appeared to have problems. This is consistent with what has been found for other biological journals. Problems ranged from inappropriate analyses and statistical procedures to insufficient (or complete lack of) information on how the analyses were performed. A common problem arose from taking many measurements from the same plant, which leads to correlated test results, ignored when declaring significance at P = 0.05 for each test. In this case, experiment-wise error control is lacking. We believe that many of these problems could and should have been caught in the writing or review process; i.e., identifying them did not require an extensive statistics background. This suggests that authors and reviewers have not absorbed nor kept current with many of the statistical basics needed for understanding their own data, for conducting proper statistical analyses, and for communicating their results. For a variety of reasons, graduate training in statistics for horticulture majors appears inadequate; we suggest that researchers in this field actively seek out opportunities to improve and update their statistical knowledge throughout their careers and engage a statistician as a collaborator early when unfamiliar methods are needed to design or analyze a research study. In addition, the ASHS, which publishes three journals, should assist authors, reviewers, and editors by recognizing and supporting the need for continuing education in quantitative literacy.
External Threat as Coercion
Authors: Emanuelson Pamela , Wilier David
Published: October 2019

In coercive relations, threats of negative sanctions extract valued positive sanctions from coercees. Only when coercion is direct, however, are the negative sanctions controlled by the coercer who benefits from the threats. Not previously investigated, indirect coercion relies on threats and negative sanctions that are external to the exploitative relation. We suggest that indirect coercion is ubiquitous. From their inception states have used the threat of external enemies to justify rulers’ increased powers and to provide a patina of legitimacy while, on a smaller scale, criminal organizations such as the mafia have long profited from offering protection. The purpose of this paper is to theoretically model and experimentally investigate indirect coercion and compare its effectiveness in extracting valued resources to that of direct coercion. Previous research has shown that all power structures, whether exchange, conflict or coercive, take two distinct forms, strong and weak. Therefore, experiments on strong and weak indirect coercion are run and are compared to new and previous experiments on strong and weak direct coercion. Theoretically grounded predictions are derived and tested for those structures.
SÜLEYMANİYE’DE BAYRAM SABAHI ŞİİRİNİN SÖZ DİZİMİ AÇISINDAN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: TOKER Mustafa , ÇAL Ahmet
Published: October 2019

Dildeki kelimelerin bağımsız olarak tek tek kullanıldıklarında sağlıklı bir anlatım oluşturmaları çok zordur. Duygu, düşünce ve istekleri karşılayan kelimeler belirli bir sıra, düzen ve bütünlük içinde kullanıldıklarında anlatım sağlıklı olur. Birlikte kullanılan kelimeler, önce yargı bildirmeden birbirleriyle ilişki kurarak kelime gruplarını oluştururlar. Kelime grupları da yargı bildiren cümlelerin oluşumunu sağlar. Bir dildeki kelimelerin cümle içindeki görevlerini, birbirleriyle olan ilişkilerini, sıralanışlarını ve cümle yapılarını inceleyen dil bilgisi bölümüne söz dizimi denir.Bu çalışmada, XX. asır Türk edebiyatının engin destan ruhuyla söylenmiş muhteşem manzumelerinden biri olan Süleymaniye’de Bayram Sabahı şiirinin söz dizimi üzerinde durulacaktır. Yahya Kemal Beyatlı tarafından yazılan şiir, 6 bölüm ve 86 mısradan oluşmaktadır. Türk edebiyatının bu önemli şiirini oluşturan cümleler; ögeleri, kelime grupları ve çeşitleri yönünden incelenecektir.
KLASİK TÜRK ŞİİRİNDE KİRMÂN ŞEHRİ VE ONUNLA İLGİLİ FARİSÎ BİR MECÂZ-I ÖRFÎ: ZÎRE BE-KİRMÂN
Authors: İPEK Abdulmuttalip
Published: October 2019

Klasik Türk şiirini besleyen malzeme oldukça fazladır ve çeşitlilik arz eder. Söz konusu malzemenin bu denli çeşitlilik arz etmesinde ise Osmanlının siyaset arenasında çok geniş topraklara sahip olması kadar Türklerin İslam dinini kabul etmelerinin de etkili olduğu şüphesizdir. Bu bakımdan Osmanlı şiiri, bir taraftan Osmanlının hâkim olduğu coğrafyanın getirdiği unsurlardan, öte taraftan ise İslam medeniyetinin sunduğu malzemeden beslenmiştir. En yaygın adlandırma ile “divan şiiri” olarak anılan; tarihsel olarak ise XIII. yüzyıldan başlayarak XIX. yüzyıla kadar yaklaşık altı asrı müştemil edebî dönem göz önünde bulundurulduğunda, hemen öncesindeki beylikler dönemi ile Osmanlı bürokrasisinin ilk dönemlerinde Arapça ve Farsçaya karşılık, Türkçenin bir şiir dili olarak işlenip geliştirildiğine şahit olmaktayız. XVI. ve XVII. yüzyıldan itibaren ise Şeyhî, Ahmed-i Dâ’î, Ahmedî gibi Germiyanlı şairlerin şiir dili, Fars şiirinin tesirlerine daha açık hale gelmiştir. Bununla birlikte İranî gelenekten tevarüs eden pek çok husus, Türklerin İslamiyet öncesi dönemine ait olup bu gelenek mazmun, hayal dünyası ve şiir anlayışı bakımından her zaman klasik Türk şiiri üzerinde etkili olmuştur.Bu makalede de bir İran şehri olan Kirman ve onun klasik Türk şiirindeki kullanımları ile yine bu şehir dolayısıyla Türk şiirinde kullanılmış Farisî bir mecaz olan “zîre be-Kirmân” tabiri, örnek beyitlerden hareketle ve kronoloji göz önünde bulundurularak incelenmeye çalışılacaktır
Adsorción de neonicotinoides usando estructuras tipo fullereno: Un estudio DFT
Authors: Salazar García Epifanio , Palomino Asencio Luz , García Hernández Erwin
Published: October 2019

Se realizó un estudio teórico de la adsorción de Tiacloprid, Acetamiprid y Tiametoxam con carbón activado. Un modelo tipo fullereno fue utilizado para simular las estructuras curvas del carbón activado. Se empleó el nivel de teoría PBE-D/DZVP dentro de la Teoría de Funcionales de la Densidad para llevar a cabo el análisis de la interacción de los modelos propuestos. Cuatro configuraciones donde los adsorbatos están acoplados en la sección cóncava del carbón activado fueron obtenidos. Cuatros más se visualizaron en la región convexa. Los modos más estables de los tres modelos fueron aquellos donde los adsorbatos se encuentran “acostados” sobre la concavidad generando tres interacciones, principalmente entre hidrógenos de los neonicotinoides y el adsorbente. De acuerdo a la energía de adsorción la afinidad hacia el carbón activado sigue el siguiente orden: Acetamiprid > Tiametoxam > Tiacloprid.
How to make advances in hydrological modelling
Authors: Beven Keith
Published: October 2019

After some background about what I have learned from a career in hydrological modelling, I present some opinions about how we might make progress in improving hydrological models in future, including how to decide whether a model is fit for purpose; how to improve process representations in hydrological models; and how to take advantage of Models of Everywhere. Underlying all those issues, however, is the fundamental problem of improving the hydrological data available for both forcing and evaluating hydrological models. It would be a major advance if the hydrological community could come together to prioritise and commission the new observational methods that are required to make real progress.
A relação com o aprender na universidade e o meio ambiente de estudos
Authors: Paivandi Saeed
Published: October 2019

Examina-se a ligação entre avaliação subjetiva do contexto de estudos realizados pelos estudantes em relação com o aprender na Universidade. Essa análise baseia-se em uma enquete qualitativa, realizada entre 2005 e 2008, com estudantes de Letras, Ciências Humanas e Ciências Sociais em cinco universidades parisienses. A investigação revelou a lógica aprendendo-aprender e sua reflexividade no percurso e dinâmicas que dão sentido às trajetórias individuais. Uma dimensão importante da socialização estudantil refere-se à avaliação subjetiva-pessoal dos estudantes do contexto universitário. Os estudantes abordam seu meio ambiente de estudo como um processo interpretativo, identificando-se de maneira individual ou coletiva as pistas de ação possíveis.
O sertão educa
Authors: Ferreira Gilmar Leite , Nóbrega Terezinha Petrucia da , Barbosa Junior Walter Pinheiro
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo caracteriza a relação homem e natureza, apresentando o sertão nordestino como um lugar que educa. Fundamentado na filosofia de Merleau-Ponty, o trabalho temcomo objetivo mostrar a educação do sertanejo, fruto da experiência vivida, em um lugar onde o processo de aprendizagem é constante, expressando uma educação tecida na vida do sertanejo por meio de uma natureza imprevisível, indeterminada e que está sempre em transformação. Por intermédio do método fenomenológico, interpreta-se o fenômeno educação, sem fechá-lo em um conceito, mas tomando-o em um horizonte de sentidos.
64 anos de magistério de dona Emília Rodrigues (1863-1946)
Authors: Araujo Marta Maria
Published: October 2019

Em março de 2007, publicamos no DN Educação do Diário de Natal um artigo de título – Mulheres educadoras, mulheres professoras, mulheres notáveis norte-rio-grandenses. Nesse artigo, realcei o Rio Grande do Norte com uma atuação excepcional de mulheres no magistério, pouco perceptível no começo do seu povoamento; mas sempre extraordinária. Entre 1827 (data da aprovação da Lei, de 15 de outubro de 1827, celebrada como a norma que institucionalizou a educação primária no Brasil) e 1900 (último ano do século XIX) foi notável a quantidade de professoras de educação escolar primária no Rio Grande do Norte. A Sessão Documento homenageia uma das grandiosas mulheres educadoras – dona Emília Rodrigues (nascida no ano de 1863 em São José de Mipibu) – professora de educação escolar primária em várias cidades no interior do Rio Grande do Norte, dentre elas Macaíba, desde o ano de 1882. Em 1946, com 83 anos de idade permanecia ensinando, quando o Inspetor de Ensino F. Rodrigues esteve fiscalizando a "Escola de dona Emília". Entusiasmado com o seu trabalho pedagógico, escreveu no jornal "A República" (Natal, 6 de julho de 1946) a matéria abaixo publicada.
A didática nos processos escolares inclusivos: entrelaces da memória e do momento pedagógico
Authors: Haas Clarissa , Tezzari Mauren
Published: October 2019

Trata-se da importância do conhecimento pedagógico e das relações de tensãoda didática concebida simultaneamente como memória e como momento pedagógico,a partir do pensamento do pesquisador francês Phillipe Meirieu. Elegem-se, para análise,três cenas que recuperam a história da educação especial e atualizam as contribuiçõespedagógicas desenvolvidas por Jean Itard envolvendo a aposta na educabilidade dooutro e a compreensão contemporânea dos processos escolares inclusivos. Defende-seque uma abordagem inovadora da didática requer investimento na conduta pedagógicadocente, por meio da emergência da necessidade de critérios explicativos das redes desaberes-fazeres que compõem os cotidianos escolares.