bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La formación científica en los posgrados de calidad en ciencias sociales en México. Entre la vocación y el interés
Authors: López Jimenez José Alejandro
Published: May 2022

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de un estudio de caso sobre la formación de investigadores en ciencias sociales en los posgrados de calidad en México. Se analizaron las experiencias de estudiantes de doctorado en ciencias sociales a través de su formación científica en posgrados pertenecientes al Programa Nacional de Posgrados de Calidad (PNPC), esto es, se caracterizaron las motivaciones y las expectativas que tienen los doctorandos respecto de su formación científica. Mediante el uso de un marco teórico anclado en las teorías constructivistas y de sociología de la ciencia, así como de la realización de un diseño cualitativo y entrevistas semiestructuradas, se presenta una investigación que pretende contribuir a los estudios sobre la formación científica en México.
Difference in the Cobb Angle Between Standing and Supine Position as a Prognostic Factor After Vertebral Augmentation in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Bae In-Suk , Moon Byung Gwan , Kang Hee In , Kim Jae Hoon , Jwa Cheolsu , Kim Deok Ryeong
Published: May 2022

Objective: We retrospectively analyzed patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) undergoing vertebral augmentation to compare the Cobb angle changes in the supine and standing positions and the clinical outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively extracted the data of OVCF patients who underwent vertebral augmentation. Back pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Supine and standing radiographs were assessed before treatment to determine the Cobb angle and compression ratio. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff to predict favorable outcomes after vertebral augmentation.Results: A total of 249 patients were included. We observed a statistically significant increase in the VAS score change with increasing Cobb angle and compression ratio (p < 0.001), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a difference in the Cobb angle (odds ratio [OR], 1.27) and compression ratio (OR, 1.12) were the independent risk factors for predicting short-term favorable outcomes after vertebral augmentation. In addition, we found that the difference in the Cobb angle (OR, 1.05) was the only factor for predicting midterm favorable outcomes after vertebral augmentation. The optimal cutoff value of the difference in the Cobb angle for predicting midterm favorable outcomes was 35.526°.Conclusion: We found that the midterm clinical outcome after vertebral augmentation was better when there was a difference of approximately 35% or more in the Cobb angle between the standing and supine positions. Surgeons should pay attention to the difference in the Cobb angle depending on the posture when deciding to perform vertebral augmentation in patients with OVCFs.
A case study from Guyana of adapting engaged research design to promote ‘fairness in knowing’
Authors: Holliman Richard , Marino Alessandra , Grand Ann , Berardi Andrea , Mistry Jay , Jafferally Deirdre , Thomas Raquel , Roberts Grace , Marcus Carol-Ann , Roopsind Indranee , Roberts Anthony
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we have combined ideas drawn from philosophy (epistemic injustice), critical theory (epistemicide) and practical approaches (engaged research design) with Indigenous knowledge to promote ‘fairness in knowing’ in a project called DETECT (Integrated Space Technology Vector Control for Enhancing community health and resilience against escalating climatic disruptions), an early warning system to support communities in identifying mosquito breeding sites using satellite, drone and ground-sensing technologies. DETECT used engaged research design to inform pre-award planning. We document how the project team, comprising Indigenous and other researchers, re-imagined the plans in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow project participants to meet safely and equitably, and reflect on some of the key challenges in engaging across borders and cultures in the context of rapidly changing conditions characterised by vulnerability, risk, complexity and uncertainty.
Protective Effects of Gallic Acid and Curcumin on Serum Levels of Hepatic Transaminases, Blood Plasma Parameters and Pituitary-testicular Hormones in Rats Treated Nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Khezri Motlagh Rahimeh , Vahdati Akbar , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Edalatmanesh Mohammad Amin
Published: May 2022

Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have toxic effects on body cells due to the production of free radicals. The purpose of this research was to investigate the protective effects of Gallic acid (GA) and Curcumin (Cur) on hepatic transaminases, blood plasma parameters and pituitary-testicular hormones levels in NiNPs-treated rats. Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided in 7 groups of 10 including control, Ni50 mg/kg, Ni50+GA150 mg/kg, Ni50+GA300 mg/kg, Ni50+Cur150 mg/kg, Ni50+Cur300 mg/kg and Ni50+GA300+CUR300 mg/kg. NiNPs, GA and Cur were administered orally by oral gavage for 28 days. At the last phase of the study, the samples of blood were taken directly from heart and serum levels of hepatic transaminases (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), blood plasma parameters (Glucose, total protein (TP), bilirubin (Bil), albumin (Alb), creatinine (Cr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and pituitary-testicular hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) were assessed. NiNPs administration increased serum levels of glucose, ALT, ALP, AST, Bil, BUN, Cr, triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL compared to the control group (p0.05) and in contrast, it decreased serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, Alb, TP and HDL (p0.05). However, co-administration of GA and Cur at doses of 300 ml/kg in NiNPs -treated rats improved all blood plasma parameters compared to the control group (p0.05). The findings of this study suggest that co-administration of GA and Cur at a dose of 300 mg/kg can reduce and improve the damaging effects of NiNPs on blood plasma parameters, hepatic transaminases and pituitary-testicular hormones in adult rats.
Leer y escribir en el aula: el problema de los textos escolares.
Authors: Henao Salazar José Ignacio
Published: May 2022

Este artículo se enfoca en dos aspectos: el primero aborda los textos escolares, muestra las posibles ventajas, las desventajas y presenta algunas alternativas; y en el segundo, relato mi experiencia como profesor de español, en un colegio de secundaria, por más de veinte años. En la primera parte, discutiré acerca de los docentes y la literacia, abordando el problema desde el plano teórico; en la segunda, narraré mi experiencia, mostrando algunos ejemplos del que hacer pedagógico.
La política de primera infancia y las madres comunitarias
Authors: Jaramillo Leonor
Published: May 2022

El presente artículo presenta los resultados de investigación sobre la concepción de infancia que manejan las madres comunitarias, en el seno del programa de capacitación "Nichos Pedagógicos" orientado por el Instituto de Estudios en Educación (IESE) de la Universidad del Norte, bajo el patrocinio de la fundación PROMIGAS, en el año 2007. El artículo expone los referentes contextuales relacionados con los aspectos misionales del Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar -ICBF - y con el municipio de Pueblo Viejo, Magdalena (Colombia) lugar de origen de las madres comunitarias participantes; posteriormente se presentan los referentes teóricos de las categorías de análisis de la concepción de infancia manejada por la ley de infancia desde 2006. Hay un apartado dedicado a describir la metodología utilizada y otro referido al análisis de los resultados. La última parte del informe contiene las conclusiones y recomendaciones derivadas del presente estudio.
Errores en la interlengua escrita de estudiantes grecófonos de español como lengua extranjera
Authors: Leontaridi Eleni , Peramos Soler Natividad , Ruiz Morales Marina
Published: May 2022

En este artículo hemos analizado un corpus de redacciones pertenecientes a la prueba escrita de los exámenes DELE del Instituto Cervantes realizadas por candidatos griegos, con el objetivo de estudiar y evaluar su competencia lingüística en ELE a través de los errores gramaticales, sintácticos y léxicos que se repiten. Subrayamos los puntos más problemáticos de los estudiantes griegos, de entre los que destaca una notable interferencia de la L1, con el fin de crear un corpus de errores, que permita al profesor enfocar correctamente ciertos aspectos gramaticales en su enseñanza y al estudiante evitar la fosilización de estructuras o usos erróneos de la lengua.
Lean Operations in Tertiary Institutions: A Tool for Elimination of Waste in Technical Universities, Ghana
Authors: BAWA DUKPER KOJO , Laar Stephen , Boadu Asiama Joseph
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The application of lean operation systems in tertiary institutions has a potential benefits to many universities in Ghana. The focus of this study was to systematical evaluate the basic principles of lean management and its application to tertiary institutions by streamlining structures and models that will provide satisfactory services for customers by eliminating administrative wastes. The survey design was used with questionnaire as the instrument for data gathering. A random sampling strategy was applied in obtaining the sample size for the study. The findings of the study revealed seven different types of administrative waste where each of these wastes were ranked in terms of their magnitude within the university. Also, the indication of the result is that, over staffing the number of academic or administrative units and underutilization of talent of employees’ were the most essential component of waste identified. Therefore, the techniques and tools to guide the implementation of lean model in the university as proposed by the study is to establish norms and standards; focus on the value of the customer; use punitive measures as deterrents; adhere strictly to budget lines; establish workflow sequence; ensure effective communication and information; zero inventory as well as follow laid down administrative procedures. The novelty of this study is that, it provides concrete direction in implementing lean frameworks in all universities and helps streamline activities that will create value by mapping the streams to satisfy the needs of the university community.
Clotho’ Spindle: Xenocrates’ Doctrine of Indivisibles
Authors: Alieva Olga
Published: May 2022

This paper offers a reconstruction of Xenocrates’ theory of indivisibles which would not commit him to the idea of ‘jerky motion’ criticized by Aristotle in Physica VI, yet would perfectly square with Plato’s Timaeus, the basis of Xenocrates’ canon. Relying on Alexander’s, Porphyry’s, and Themistius’s accounts of his theory, as well on a detailed analysis of De lineis insecabilibus, I suggest that Xenocrates’ minima, contrary to what Aristotle implies, are not to be understood as more or less stable particulars, like tiny chunks of matter, moving about or leaping in physical space from point A to point B. Yet Xenocrates’ minima do remain ‘physical’ and ‘corporeal’ in a more Platonic sense of these words, not presupposing any kind of leaping, jumping, or jerking. This explains why Xenocrates associated the sensible realm with one of the three Fates, namely Clotho.
Genetic susceptibility to high myopia in Han Chinese population
Authors: Li Yufei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Ping , Gao Lei , Ma Qingyue , Li Jin , Wang Shengxia , Liu Bing , Wang Xinye , Meng Chao
Published: May 2022

High myopia is a common ocular genetic disease in the world. The study sought to investigate the effect of the Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) genes polymorphisms on high myopia in a Han population of China. This study recruited 216 unrelated Han Chinese subjects, including 103 cases with high myopia and 113 controls. Four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IGF-1 and MMP-9 genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY method. The chi-square test showed that the family history was significantly correlated with myopia. The SNP genotypes were all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Among the four SNPs, there were statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of rs2236416 between the groups (P = 0.024). The significant associations of rs2236416 between cases and controls also appeared after Bonferroni multiple correction (P = 0.024). Then, there were significant differences in the genotypes dominant model and codominant model of rs2236416 between groups (P = 0.007 and P = 0.004, respectively). rs5742632 showed a significant difference between the cases and the controls in the recessive model (P = 0.037). Our findings indicated that rs2236416 of MMP-9 was associated with myopia in the population. The result suggested MMP-9 gene locus may play a role in myopia.
Orthographic, Semantic, and Contextual Influences on Initial Processing and Learning of Novel Words During Reading: Evidence From Eye Movements
Authors: Yi Wei , Lu Shiyi , Dekeyser Robert
Published: May 2022

This study investigates how orthographic, semantic and contextual variables—including word length, concreteness, and contextual support—impact on the processing and learning of new words in a second language (L2) when first encountered during reading. Students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) were recruited to read sentences for comprehension, embedded with unfamiliar L2 words that occurred once. Immediately after this, they received a form recognition test, a meaning recall test, and a meaning recognition test. Eye-movement data showed significant effects of word length on both early and late processing of novel words, along with effects of concreteness only on late-processing eye-tracking measures. Informative contexts were read slower than neutral contexts, yet contextual support did not show any direct influence on the processing of novel words. Interestingly, initial learning of abstract words was better than concrete words in terms of form and meaning recognition. Attentional processing of novel L2 words, operationalized by total reading time, positively predicted L2 learners’ recognition of new orthographic forms. Taken together, these results suggest: 1) orthographic, semantic and contextual factors play distinct roles for initial processing and learning of novel words; 2) online processing of novel words contributes to L2 learners’ initial knowledge of unfamiliar lexical items acquired from reading.
Discourses of Chinese ELT Stakeholders on Native Speakerism
Authors: Liu Junshuan
Published: May 2022

This paper reports on part of the findings of a large-scale study exploring the viewpoints of Chinese ELT stakeholders (students, teachers and administrators) on native speakerism in order to find out whether current EFL education in China is still affected by this chauvinistic ideology. The analysis of data via a critical lens reveals that the vast majority of the participants conferred upon NS products (teacher, language, culture and teaching methodology) a status superior to that granted to the NNS counterparts and failed to see linguacultural and epistemological inequalities between the English speaking West and traditional NNS countries, inter alia, China. These findings suggest that the three participant groups as an entirety succumb to native speakerism, and by extension that ELT in China is still haunted to a great degree by this ideology. Given that this study treats each participant group separately, future studies are expected to explore inter-group interactions in ideology.
Investigation of determining the accuracy of spatial vectors by the satellite method in a real time mode
Authors: Vivat Anatolii , Tretyak Kornyliy , Savchyn Ihor , Navodych Myhailo , Lano Oleksandr
Published: May 2022

The study of determining the accuracy of spatial vectors by the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in real time (RTK) was conducted. The possibility of construction of precision geodetic networks by the combined method of static and RTK GNSS measurements which correspond to the set accuracy and reach the maximum economic efficiency is investigated. A technique providing the densification of GNSS network and the use of two simultaneously operating GNSS receivers (Rover) is proposed. The research was carried out at the points of the GNSS network of Dnister Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) (Ukraine). As a result of comparison of reference and measured elements of vectors, it was found that the average absolute error in determining the spatial distance of 14 vectors was 5.3 mm. Rejection of vectors with a closed horizon reduced the error to 2.1 mm. The vectors are most accurately determined from two satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS) and from a single base station. The recommended distance to the base station is within one kilometer. Increasing the accuracy by 75 % in determining the vector by the proposed method in RTK mode is also shown. As a result of a posteriori optimization of combined GNSS networks, high accuracy on the reliability of vectors determined by the method in RTK mode was confirmed. The technique can be used to construct precision networks, to carry out repeated measurements for the monitoring of large engineering structures with an open horizon.
A comparative study of different neural networks in predicting gross domestic product
Authors: Lai Han
Published: May 2022

Gross domestic product (GDP) can well reflect the development of the economy, and predicting GDP can help better grasp the future economic trends. In this article, three different neural network models, the genetic algorithm – back-propagation neural network model, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) – Elman neural network (Elman NN) model, and the bat algorithm – long short-term memory model, were analyzed based on neural networks. The GDP data of Sichuan province from 1992 to 2020 were collected to compare the performance of the three models in predicting GDP. It was found that the mean absolute percentage error values of the three models were 0.0578, 0.0236, and 0.0654, respectively; the root-mean-square error values were 0.0287, 0.0166, and 0.0465, respectively; and the PSO-Elman NN model had the best performance in GDP prediction. The experimental results demonstrate that neural networks were reliable in predicting GDP and can be used for further applications in practice.
Deterioration of concrete under the coupling action of freeze–thaw cycles and salt solution erosion
Authors: Li Hao , Guo Haolong , Zhang Yuan
Published: May 2022

In this article, the deterioration law of concrete under the coupling action of freeze–thaw cycles and salt solution erosion is studied through the comprehensive thermal analysis, the field emission electron microscope, and the nuclear magnetic resonance, and the influence of salt solution type and salt solution concentration is considered. The results show that the freeze–thaw damage of concrete in the salt solution is the combined effect of the expansion pressure of the freeze–thaw erosion product, the crystallization pressure of the salt solution, and the frost heave pressure of the fresh water; the damage degree increases with the increase of freezing and thawing cycles; the damage degree of concrete in the chloride solution is greater than that in the sulfate solution and fresh water before 150 freezing and thawing cycles; the damage degree of concrete in the sulfate solution is greater than that in the chloride solution after 150 freezing and thawing cycles; the pores size of concrete in the salt solution is larger than that in fresh water, the main peak of the difference of pore size proportion shifts to the harmful pore area, and the secondary peak and third peak appear in the seriously harmful pore area; the pore diameters of the main peak, the secondary peak and the third peak of concrete in different salt solution, and the limiting pore diameters are 0.0662, 1.145, and 10.116 μm, respectively; the safe service life of concrete in salt solution environment after freezing and thawing cycles is predicted by the Weibull distributed life evaluation model. The maximum life after the freeze–thaw cycle is 33 years, which is at least 42% lower than that in the fresh water environment after freezing and thawing cycles.
Are Non-Primary Exports the Source for Further Economic Growth in the UAE?
Authors: Kalaitzi Athanasia Stylianou , Kherfi Samer , Alrousan Sahel , Katsaiti Marina-Selini
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates whether non-primary exports directly or indirectly cause economic growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study performs the Johansen test to examine the presence of co-integration between the variables in an augmented production function. The Granger causality test is performed to investigate the short-run causality between non-primary exports and economic growth, while the long-run causality is investigated by employing the Toda and Yamamoto procedure. The empirical analysis indicates that the variables are co-integrated, and that short-run causality runs from non-primary exports to economic growth; results exhibit no evidence of direct causality from non-primary exports to economic growth in the long-run.
Habitats of Urban Moths
Authors: Wonderlin Nicole E. , Lorenz-Reaves Amanda R. , White Peter J. T.
Published: May 2022

Inquiry-driven teaching methods allow students to take on an active role in their own education. Through this framework, students are able to cultivate an understanding of scientific concepts and their connections while experimenting in the classroom. Our project centered around teaching students about habitats of urban moths, which are abundant in most environments. Based on the students’ hypotheses on where moths might be, homemade moth traps were placed either in a local nature preserve or in the school playground over the course of two nights. Overall, 27 moths were captured. Students then learned how to pin moth specimens and assessed what they could infer from how many moths were captured in each of the collection areas. This project created an environment for students to approach Next Generation Science Standards performance expectations about the diversity of life and how organisms interact with their environments.
Synchronous AML and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm, both successfully treated with somatostatin analogs and decitabine
Authors: Ehsanullah Syed , Trikalinos Nikolaos A
Published: May 2022

Downregulation of tumor suppression genes by DNA hypermethylation has been proposed as a potential cause of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) formation. In this report, we present a patient simultaneously diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and a metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic NEN. Because of the two competing diagnoses, he was treated with lanreotide, venetoclax and a long course of the hypomethylating agent decitabine. The AML responded to venetoclax and decitabine treatment while the PanNEN stabilized on lanreotide. Over multiple months of treatment, the PanNEN showed gradual tumor response, consistent with decitabine treatment effect, and the patient remained without disease progression for both malignancies. We believe that some PanNENs can benefit from treatment with hypomethylating agents such as decitabine. To support this, we review the relevant literature and suggest a mechanism for the efficacy of decitabine in our case.

Learning points

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are associated with an increased risk of second primary cancers.

Epigenetic changes such as hypermethylation and inhibition of tumor suppressor genes might explain the development and behavior of certain NENs.

The use of hypomethylating agents such as decitabine might have a role in the treatment of PanNENs. Future studies are needed to confirm that.
Relación entre el tipo de conocimiento requerido y el salario recibido en el sector servicios de zona franca en Costa Rica
Authors: Santa Cruz-Camacho Camilo , Mendieta Zurielly Pérez , Jiménez Hillary Serrano
Published: May 2022

Las zonas francas constituyen el segmento más dinámico de la economía costarricense, con tasas de crecimiento de la producción, empleo y salarios por encima de la media nacional. A su vez, aglomeran las actividades del sector servicios de mayor valor agregado, pues una buena parte de sus operaciones se asocia con procesos intensivos en conocimiento y capital humano de alta calificación. Sin embargo, no exento de heterogeneidad, en el sector servicios conviven dinámicas asimétricas, con niveles de remuneración disímiles y procesos de distinto valor agregado entre los puestos de trabajo; con ello, en el presente artículo se pretende comprobar si existe un vínculo entre el salario y el tipo de conocimiento requerido para laborar en 4 subsectores del sector servicios desde la lógica de los clústeres ocupacionales: tecnologías de la información (TI), logística, centros de contacto y centros de servicio compartido/back office. A través de una prueba paramétrica de diferencia de medias y un análisis de varianza entre las medias de dichos conglomerados, se encuentra evidencia concluyente de que los servicios asociados con las tecnologías de la información, caracterizados por una elevada intensidad de conocimiento, gozan de una prima salarial por encima de los demás subsectores. Estas condiciones denotan la importancia de desarrollar conocimientos asociados con estos procesos productivos.
Avances y desafíos en la promoción y gestión público institucional de los residuos agropecuarios en Costa Rica
Authors: Suárez-Espinoza Kerlyn
Published: May 2022

El sector agropecuario costarricense, como toda actividad económica y humana, genera presión sobre los ecosistemas; cerca del 50% de las fincas agrícolas no dispone de ningún tipo de tratamiento, lo que implica que el sector sea uno de los principales generadores de emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2). Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar los avances y desafíos de la promoción y gestión público-institucional de los residuos agropecuarios en Costa Rica. El enfoque utilizado es cualitativo, y busca describir el problema en el territorio costarricense y hacer una revisión de literatura y enfoques teóricos. Dentro de los resultados se encuentra que el sector ha visto reducida la rentabilidad, al basarse mayoritariamente en un modelo de producción lineal. Si bien existen esfuerzos en algunos productos y desde la institucionalidad, estos siguen siendo puntuales y en ocasiones sin considerar la realidad del sector. La investigación permite concluir que la economía circular tiene un papel fundamental en la modificaciónde los procesos agropecuarios mediante la incorporación de residuos en el sistema productivo, lo que presenta oportunidades más propicias para reducir los residuos y, además, generar valor agregado en industrias relacionadas, como la alimentaria y la médica, agrofertilizantes y generación de envases biodegradables. Finalmente, es necesario que las políticas tengan una clara línea de acción para los actores que las incorporen, así como políticas integrales que permitan la divulgación de información e incorporación de actores locales y no gubernamentales como estrategia para impulsar una gestión más eficiente de residuos agropecuarios.
The Impact of Churn Labelling Rules on Churn Prediction in Telecommunications
Authors: Bugajev Andrej , Kriauzienė Rima , Vasilecas Olegas , Chadyšas Viktoras
Published: May 2022

One of the biggest difficulties in telecommunication industry is to retain the customers and prevent the churn. In this article, we overview the most recent researches related to churn detection for telecommunication companies. The selected machine learning methods are applied to the publicly available datasets, partially reproducing the results of other authors and then it is applied to the private Moremins company dataset. Next, we extend the analysis to cover the exiting research gaps: the differences of churn definitions are analysed, it is shown that the accuracy in other researches is better due to some false assumptions, i.e. labelling rules derived from definition lead to very good classification accuracy, however, it does not imply the usefulness for such churn detection in the context of further customer retention. The main outcome of the research is the detailed analysis of the impact of the differences in churn definitions to a final result, it was shown that the impact of labelling rules derived from definitions can be large. The data in this study consist of call detail records (CDRs) and other user aggregated daily data, 11000 user entries over 275 days of data was analysed. 6 different classification methods were applied, all of them giving similar results, one of the best results was achieved using Gradient Boosting Classifier with accuracy rate 0.832, F-measure 0.646, recall 0.769.
Aortic Pulsatility Index: A New Haemodynamic Measure with Prognostic Value in Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Deis Tania , Rossing Kasper , Gustafsson Finn
Published: May 2022

Aim: To test if the newly described haemodynamic variable, aortic pulsatility index (API), predicts long-term prognosis in advanced heart failure (HF). Methods: A single-centre study on 453 HF patients (median age: 51 years; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 19% ± 9%) referred for right heart catheterisation. API was calculated as pulse pressure/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Results: Log(API) correlated significantly with central venous pressure (CVP; p<0.001) and cardiac index (p<0.001) in univariable regression analysis. CVP remained associated with log(API) in a multivariable analysis including cardiac index, heart rate, log(NT-proBNP [N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide]), LVEF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV and sex (p=0.01). In univariable Cox models, log(API) was a significant predictor of freedom from the combined endpoint of death, left ventricular assist device implantation, total artificial heart implantation or heart transplantation (HR 0.33; (95% CI [0.22–0.49]); p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.56 (95% CI [0.35–0.90]); p=0.015). After adjusting for age, sex, NYHA class III or IV and estimated glomerular filtration rate in multivariable Cox models, log(API) remained a significant predictor for the combined endpoint (HR 0.33; 95% CI [0.20–0.56]; p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.49; 95% CI [0.26–0.96]; p=0.034). Conclusion: API was strongly associated with right-sided filling pressure and independently predicted freedom from the combined endpoint and all-cause mortality.
Naturally colored cotton irrigated with saline water at different growth stages
Authors: Mota Andygley Fernandes , Gurgel Marcelo Tavares , Travassos Kaline Dantas , Miranda Neyton de Oliveira , Da Costa Lucas Ramos , Ferreira Neto Miguel , Dias Nildo da Silva
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the growth, production, and nutrition of naturally colored cotton (cultivar BRS Verde) irrigated with saline water in different growth stages. The trial was conducted with a randomized block design in which the treatments consisted of three irrigation water salinity levels applied throughout the crop cycle or alternately in three growth stages. The lowest-salinity water was drawn from the Arenito Açu aquifer in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; the highest-salinity water was prepared to obtain salinity similar to the water drawn from the Calcário Jandaíra aquifer, and an intermediate salinity was obtained from the mixture of equal volumes of the lowest and highest-salinity waters. The application of the lowest-salinity water is recommended in all growth stages due to the increases of about 19% in cotton growth and 40% in yield compared to the application of intermediate or highest-salinity water. The application of the lowest-salinity water in the vegetative stage and the intermediate-salinity water in the following stages is an alternative to using good quality water throughout the cycle, despite the decreases of about 7% in growth and 16% in yield. The nutrition of cotton plants irrigated with saline water throughout the cycle or in some growth stages was marked by an increase of up to 86% in the cotton leaf sodium content, a decrease in the leaf potassium content of up to 21% and increases between 24% and 188% in leaf micronutrient content when the highest-salinity water replaced that with the lowest salinity.
Pre-sowing application of combinations of burndown and pre-emergent herbicides for Conyza spp. control in soybean
Authors: Albrecht Alfredo Junior Paiola , Albrecht Leandro Paiola , Alves Samuel Neves Rodrigues , Silva André Felipe Moreira , Silva Weslei de Oliveira , Lorenzetti Juliano Bortoluzzi , Danilussi Maikon Tiago Yamada , Barroso Arthur Arrobas Martins
Published: May 2022

Together, Conyza bonariensis, C. canadensis and C. sumatrensis show 105 reported cases of biotypes resistant to herbicides like glyphosate, paraquat, and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. The application of pre-emergent herbicides combined with burndown herbicides is believed to be effective in controlling Conyza spp. during soybean pre-sowing management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sulfentrazone/diuron, imazethapyr/flumioxazin, and diclosulam in mixtures with diquat, paraquat, or glufosinate on the control of Conyza spp. Two field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates. Treatments consisted of the application of pre-emergent plus burndown herbicides, besides the weedy control treatment (without application), for a total of 10 treatments. The control of Conyza spp. was evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d after herbicide application, and symptoms of injury in soybean plants were evaluated at 14, 21, 28, and 35 d after herbicide application. The herbicides sulfentrazone/diuron, imazethapyr/flumioxazin, and diclosulam in combination with burndown herbicides diquat, paraquat, or glufosinate were effective in controlling Conyza spp. in the pre-sowing management of soybean, highlighting good options for pre- and post-emergent herbicide rotations. Mixtures with diclosulam showed a higher potential for injury to soybean plants than sulfentrazone/diuron and imazethapyr/flumioxazin.
Glyphosate and atrazine inhibit growth of Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Chromobacterium subtsugae and Saccharopolyspora spinosa
Authors: Farias David Ingsson Oliveira Andrade de , Leite Robson da Costa , Ribeiro Evandro Alves , Martins Albert Lennon Lima , Chagas Júnior Aloisio Freitas
Published: May 2022

Glyphosate and atrazine are two herbicides used worldwide to ensure high yields in different types of crops. Despite the importance of herbicides, their application may have negative effects on non-target organisms, including bacteria used in biological control and biological nitrogen fixation. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the in vitro effect of glyphosate and atrazine on the growth of bacteria Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Chromobacterium subtsugae, and Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The design used was completely randomized, and the doses of the herbicides evaluated were 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 L ha-1. The results showed that glyphosate and atrazine affected the development of the bacteria under study. Atrazine showed a lineal increasing effect between the doses used and inhibition of bacterial growth. Therefore, the dose of 4.0 L ha-1 of this herbicide was the one that showed the highest inhibition of bacteria, whereas glyphosate at a dose of 2.0 L ha-1 showed the highest inhibition of bacteria compared to doses of 1.0, 3.0 and 4.0 L ha-1.
Effects of swine manure biochar on sorption equilibrium of cadmium and zinc in sandy soils
Authors: Assis Wellyton Santos de , Nascimento Elisamara Caldeira do , D’Acunha Brenda , Weber Oscarlina Lúcia dos Santos , Dores Eliana Freire Gaspar , Couto Eduardo Guimarães
Published: May 2022

Swine manure is an agricultural waste that can increase soil fertility. However, this residue has a high content of heavy metals, particularly zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), that are not only toxic to plants and soil organisms but they also pose a great threat to human health due to the potential accumulation of these metals through the food chain. Transforming swine manure into biochar and adding it to soils can improve the soil’s capacity to retain heavy metals. The main objective of this research was to study the capacity of sandy soils mixed with different doses of swine manure biochar (SMB) to retain Cd and Zn as well as to evaluate the sorption equilibrium of these metals. Sorption essays were performed by adding solutions of Zn (ZnCl2) or Cd (CdCl2) at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg L-1) to soil samples mixed with different doses of SMB (0, 0.25, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 % (w/w)). The data were modelled using both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models to describe the adsorption processes. The data were best represented by the Langmuir model (R2>0.97), indicating a mono-layer sorption to the surface. Results showed that sorption capacity of Zn and Cd increased with the dose of SMB, improving metal retention. The Langmuir constant (KL) for soil without SMB for Cd and Zn were 0.01 L mg-1 and 0.05 L mg-1, respectively. With the highest dose of SMB, KL increased to 9.86 L mg-1 and 1.26 L mg-1 for Cd and Zn, respectively. Results suggest that SMB has the potential to mitigate Zn and Cd contamination of sandy soils.
Effect of a friction-reducing additive on the drip irrigation uniformity with sugarcane vinasse
Authors: Meloca Lucas Grogenski , Justi André Luiz
Published: May 2022

Fertigation using vinasse, a high nutrient residue, is a viable form of complementary soil nutrition. However, it represents a dangerous risk of contamination if not properly disposed of. The objective of this study was to evaluate the irrigation and fertigation uniformity using vinasse in a drip irrigation system with and without the addition of polyacrylamide (friction-reducing polymer) applied at a concentration of 0.01 kg m-3 (10 mg L´-1). The tests consisted of collecting flow from 16 drippers in the system. Four were selected from each of the four lateral lines (first emitter, those located at 1/3 and 2/3 of the length, and the last one). Uniformity was obtained by the coefficient of distribution uniformity (CDU), Christiansen’s uniformity coefficient (CUC), the total coefficient of variation (CVt), and the statistical uniformity coefficient (SUC). The CUC values after the addition of the polymer were 2.33% and 2.1% higher for water and vinasse, respectively. For the CDU, the addition of the polymer resulted in values of 6.07% and 5.3% higher for water and vinasse, respectively, and the SUC resulted in values of 3.99% and 3.83% for water and vinasse, respectively. We concluded that vinasse showed a lower average uniformity compared to water. However, when the friction-reducing agent was added, an increase was observed in the average uniformity in the drip irrigation system.
Relationships between mineral nutrients in banana (Musa AAA Simmonds cv. Williams) bunches fertilized with nitrogen in two production cycles
Authors: García-Guzmán Sebastián David , Morales Romero Sebastián Camilo , Torres Bazurto Jaime , Sánchez Jaiver Danilo
Published: May 2022

The production of bananas (Musa AAA Simmonds cv. Williams) for export in Uraba, Colombia is an important source of income for the region, reflected in the offer of approximately 40,000 jobs. Production requires research into various subjects, with fertilization being a priority. In this study, the effect of N doses on the nutrient relationships existing in a banana bunch  during two cycles was evaluated. A sixth-generation plantation was used and evaluated during the fruit filling and harvesting stages. A multivariate approach was used for the analysis of variance of the design in repeated measures, with two factors between subjects (fertilization and repetitions), and one intra-subject associated with the cycle. The models were adjusted with the phenological stages. Synergy was found between Mg:Ca+N, Zn:B, K:Cu, K:P, and Ca:Cu, with K:P and K:Cu ratios being the only ones that showed a directly proportional behavior with the production variables. Optimal values of the interaction K:Cu+K:P (35.11-39.05) led to a greater accumulation of dry mass in the bunch (4.24 kg) in the treatments of 321.8 and 483 kg N ha-1 for the evaluated stages.
Agro-morphological characterization of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener) reveals elite genotypes for a breeding program in Colombia
Authors: Ocampo John , Marín Viviana , Urrea Ramiro
Published: May 2022

Yellow passion fruit cultivation in Colombia lacks detailed genetic studies that allow the establishment of intraspecific variability as a basis for a breeding program. The aim of this research was to establish the genetic relationships among accessions of different geographic origins through an agro-morphological characterization. This research was carried out in the municipality of Palestina (Caldas) at the Luker farm located at 1050 m a.s.l. Fifty-two accessions from Colombia (47), Ecuador (3), Brazil (1), and Costa Rica (1) were characterized with 45 agro-morphological descriptors complemented with phytosanitary evaluations. The quantitative descriptors (25) were analyzed by variance decomposition and principal components (PCA), and the qualitative descriptors (18) were analyzed with the multiple correspondence factor analysis (MCFA). The classification analysis by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method was used for both types of descriptors. PCA results showed six components explaining 71.6% of the total variance that are mainly associated with descriptors related to the size of the flower (tube, nectar camera, and operculum) and weight of the fruit (pulp, shell, and juice content). Thirteen qualitative descriptors were selected, and four factors (44.38% inertia) were identified, mainly associated with pubescence and anthocyanins in the bract, petiole, leaf, and ripe fruit color. The NJ classification analysis showed no relationship between accessions by geographic origin, and the distance between individuals of the same accession was higher than among accessions for both types of descriptors. Thrips (Neohydatothrips signifier) and scab (Cladosporium cladosporioides) were the pests with the highest incidence in the accessions. Six elite accessions were identified according to the selection index with outstanding fruit quality characteristics, yield, and tolerance to phytosanitary problems. The high intra-accession variability and traits of certain accessions are the basis for future breeding programs to obtain more productive and tolerant cultivars.
Effect of volcanic rock dust and Fe-EDTA on the root nodule bacteria and the growth and yield of broad bean plants
Authors: Abdulqader Omar Abdulmawjood , Abdulbasit Ali Muthanna , Mohammed Aziz Moyassar
Published: May 2022

The experiment was conducted during the 2018 season at the research station of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (University of Mosul, Iraq) to investigate the effect of volcanic rock dust (VRD) (0, 125, 250 g m-2) and the fertilizer chelated Iron Fe-EDTA (0, 100, 200 mg L-1) on the bacteria Rhizobium fabae, and the growth and yield of two broad bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties, Histal and Aquadulce. A randomized complete block design was used with three replicates and least significant difference (LSD) to compare means at a significance level of 0.05. Results showed that VRD 250 g m-2 obtained the highest significant mean for the following traits: leaf area index (LAI), number of branches per plant, leaf contents of chlorophyll and total iron, number of effective bacteria nodules per plant, 100-seed weight, plant yield, and percentage of protein in the seeds. On the other hand, 200 mg L-1 Fe-EDTA obtained the highest significant mean of all the traits for both varieties, except for LAI and number of branches per plant. The application of Fe-EDTA per plant had no significant effect on the leaf content of chlorophyll for both varieties and the percentage of protein in the seeds for variety Aquadulce. The interaction of VRD 250 g m-2 with 200 mg L-1 Fe-EDTA achieved the highest significant average for all the traits, except for plant height.
Soil fertility management practices for faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Bekalu , Dechassa Nigussie , Tana Tamado , Laekemariam Fanuel , Alemayehu Yibekal
Published: May 2022

Faba bean is an important food security crop in Southern Ethiopia. Understanding the soil fertility management practices of faba bean farmers could aid in finding a method to replenish soil fertility. However, information on the type and extent of soil fertility management practiced by smallholder faba bean farmers is scarce. Therefore, a study was conducted in the districts of Damot Gale and Sodo Zuria in Wolaita zone in Southern Ethiopia to assess soil fertility management practiced by farmers for faba bean production. In the 2019 main cropping season, 310 farmers were purposively selected by using Yamane’s simplified formula to calculate the sample size and a short structured questionnaire was used to elicit information. The results revealed that faba bean production in the districts studied was constrained by scarcity of arable land that resulted in extensive exploitation of soil nutrients, poor inherent soil fertility, and soil acidity. Poor soil fertility limited grain yield productivity about 57.4%. Additionally, 36.5% of the farm yield was constrained by soil acidity. However, only 27.7% of farms managed the soil by using mineral fertilizers; 32.3% applied farmyard manure, 3.5% used liming, and 2.9% used fallowing. Consequently, the average grain productions of both fertilized and unfertilized faba bean farms were far less than the national average yield of 2.1 t ha-1. The study concluded that soils of the study districts are managed inadequately to enhance their fertility and improve crop yield.
Agronomic and physiological characteristics of soybean cultivars and their seeds according to plant population
Authors: França Edgar Estevam , Carneiro da Silva Gisele , Viana de Araújo Marcos Eduardo , Rosa Teixeira Itamar , Corrêa Paulo César , Guerra da Silva Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Soybean (Glycine max) yield can be influenced by the choice of genetic material along with the use of an adequate plant population and selection of high-quality seeds. This study aimed to evaluate agronomic and physiological characteristics of soybean cultivars and their seeds, according to different plant populations. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted during the 2017/2018 harvest, under field conditions, in a randomized block design in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The treatments consisted of three soybean cultivars, TMG2181 IPRO, M 7739 IPRO, and BMX Power IPRO, at four population densities: 180,000; 220,000; 280,000 and 320,000 plants ha-1. The agronomic characteristics of the plants (plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of a 100 seeds and seed yield) and physiological quality (germination, first count of germination, seedling length, dry mass of the shoot and root and accelerated aging test) of these seeds were evaluated. The experiment showed that the agronomic characteristics of soybean cultivars and their seeds varied according to the genotypes, and that these phenotypic expressions can be altered according to the plant population. The indeterminate cultivar BMX Power IPRO obtained higher seed yield compared to the semi-determinate and determinate cultivars M 7739 IPRO and TMG2181 IPRO, mainly due to their field conformation and size. The indeterminate cultivar BMX Power IPRO showed higher average germination and seed hardiness and produced normal seedlings with good initial growth rate and dry weight. The yield and quality of soybean seeds were not affected by plant population.