bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correlation Between Fatigue and Sleep Quality among Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Lainsamputty Ferdy , Chen Hsing-Mei
Published: December 2018

Heart failure (HF) patients may experience fatigue and poor sleep quality due to impairment in cardiac structure or function. These distressing symptoms may create a vicious circle leading to poor outcomes but often undervalued and ignored among patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fatigue and sleep quality among patients with HF in Indonesia. A cross-sectional, correlational study design was performed with 153 convenience samples recruited from a cardiology outpatient department at a medical center in Indonesia. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses (independent t-tests, one-way Analysis of Variance, and Pearson correlation), and hierarchical regression analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Instruments included demographic characteristics and clinical variables questionnaire, the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The mean age of participants was 61.86±10.79 years old and the mean duration of HF diagnosis was 4.26±5.48 years. All participants complained of fatigue, while 73.2% had poor sleep quality. Participants who were poor sleepers had a higher proportion of individuals used massage, not having taken dyslipidemia drugs, had normotension or well-controlled blood pressure, and suffered from hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and renal diseases. All fatigue domains, except the degree of interference in ADL, was significantly associated with sleep quality. However, only the timing domain determined sleep quality, meaning, the longer the fatigue, the poorer the sleep quality. This study suggests future interventions should be directed to decrease the level of severity, distress reduction, and particularly shorten fatigue duration should be developed to improve the sleep quality.
Some results on lattice ordered double framed soft semirings
Authors: Iftikhar Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir
Published: December 2018

In this article the concept of lattice ordered double framed soft semirings are introduced and establish some results with examples by using basic operations like union, intersection, "AND" product, "OR" product, restricted union, restricted intersection. Furthermore, lattice ordered double framed soft ideals and lattice ordered idealistic double framed soft semirings are also given with some related examples.
From Homo Sapiens to Robo Sapiens: The Evolution of Intelligence
Authors: Ringel Raveh Anat , Tamir Boaz
Published: December 2018

In this paper we present a review of recent developments in AI towards the possibility of an artificial intelligence equals that of human intelligence. AI technology has always shown a stepwise increase in its capacity and complexity. The last step took place several years ago, with the increased progress in deep neural network technology. Each such step goes hand in hand with our understanding of ourselves and our understanding of human cognition. Indeed, AI was always about the question of understanding human nature. AI percolates into our lives, changing our environment. We believe that the next few steps in AI technology, and in our understanding of human behavior, will bring about much more powerful machines, flexible enough to resemble human behavior. In this context, there are two research fields: Artificial Social Intelligence (ASI) and General Artificial Intelligence (AGI). The authors also allude to one of the main challenges for AI, embodied cognition, and explain how it can viewed as an opportunity for further progress in AI research.
Application of an Innovative Effluent Capture and Evacuation Device that Increases the Efficiency of Subsurface Flow Wetlands
Authors: Cisterna-Osorio Pedro , Silva-Vasquez Gisela , Llanos-Baeza Mauricio , Lazcano-Castro Veronica , Fuentes-Ortega Ignacio
Published: December 2018

The objective of this work is to evaluate the impact of the innovative modifications made to the conventional effluent capture and discharge devices used in subsurface flow wetlands (SSFW). The main modifications developed consist on extending the influence of the capture and discharge device in such a way that the SSFW width and height are fully covered. This improved innovative device was applied and evaluated in two subsurface flow wetlands, one on a pilot scale and one on a real scale. To evaluate the impact of the innovative device with respect to conventional one in the operational functioning of subsurface flow wetlands, the elimination of chemical oxygen demand was measured and compared. The results show that for the innovative device, the COD removal was 10% higher than for the conventional device, confirming the validity and effectiveness of the modifications implemented in the effluent capture and discharge devices used in SSFW.
Multicellular Group Formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fisher Roberta , Regenberg Birgitte
Published: December 2018

Understanding how and why cells cooperate to form multicellular organisms is a central aim of evolutionary biology. Multicellular groups can form through clonal development (where daughter cells stick to mother cells after division) or by aggregation (where cells aggregate to form groups). These different ways of forming groups directly affect relatedness between individual cells, which in turn influences the degree of cooperation and conflict within the multicellular group. It is hard to study the factors that favoured multicellularity by focusing only on obligately multicellular organisms, like complex animals and plants, because the factors that favour multicellular cooperation cannot be disentangled, as cells cannot survive and reproduce independently. We propose bakers yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as an ideal model for studying the very first stages of the evolution of multicellularity. This is because it can form multicellular groups both clonally and through aggregation and uses a family of proteins called ‘flocculins’ that determine the way in which groups form, making it particularly amenable to lab experiments. We briefly review current knowledge about multicellularity in S. cerevisiae and then propose a framework for making predictions about the evolution of multicellular phenotypes in yeast based on social evolution theory. We finish by suggesting outstanding questions and potentially fruitful avenues for future research.
Research on Formation Mechanism of Trailing Oil in Product Oil Pipeline
Authors: Liu Enbin , Li Wensheng , Cai Hongjun , Peng Shanbi
Published: December 2018

Trailing oil is the tail section of contamination. There are two main reasons for the formation of trailing oil, one is the effect of laminar flow boundary layer, the other is the outflow of the preceding batch remained in the dead-legs. In the batch transportation of refined oil, under the action of viscous force, the preceding batch forms laminar boundary layer near the pipe wall and stays on the pipe wall, resulting in the phenomenon of contamination trailing and formation of trailing oil. When oil passes through the valve chamber of the oil transportation station, dead-leg will be formed. Due to gravity and convection diffusion, preceding batch flowing from dead-legs will form trailing oil in the pipeline. The phenomenon of trailing oil exists in the process of batch transportation, which will have an effect on the quality of oil. In this paper, Reynolds time-averaged method is used to simulate turbulence.Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) software is used to simulate different flow rates and bypass lengths to obtain contamination-related experimental data.Matlab software is used to perform multi-nonlinear regression for the oil substitution time, the length of the bypass and the flow rate. The formula for calculating the length of the trailing oil produced by the dead-leg is obtained. The modified formula for calculating the length of the contamination is obtained by combining the existing formula for calculating the length of the contamination.
CORPO, CONSUMO E BIOIDENTIDADES: TRAJETÓRIA DE PESQUISA E PERSPECTIVAS ANALÍTICAS NA FORMAÇÃO DO INDIVÍDUO SAUDÁVEL
Authors: Gomes Ivan Marcelo
Published: December 2018

O texto apresenta um relato de uma trajetória acadêmica em torno de pesquisas que tematizam a relação entre corpo, saúde e sociedade. Para tanto, apresenta como os projetos e trabalhos desenvolvidos se articulam com conceitos provenientes do campo das Humanidades. Nesta direção, são apresentados as noções de sociedade de consumidores de Zygmunt Bauman, bioidentidades de Francisco Ortega e reflexões sobre saúde em Hans Georg Gadamer. Tais conceitos são colocados em diálogo para abordar o cultivo ao corpo saudável na sociedade contemporânea, especialmente, a partir de elementos presentes em pesquisas desenvolvidas no Brasil.
PRÁTICAS EDUCATIVAS NO CAMPO SOCIOAMBIENTAL: ESTRATÉGIA DIALÓGICA ENTRE ESCOLA E UNIVERSIDADE NO CONTEXTO AMAZÔNICO
Authors: Silva Maria das Graças da
Published: December 2018

Neste texto analisa-se uma experiência educativa no campo socioambiental enquanto estratégia de aproximação e diálogo entre a universidade, lócus da formação de professores, e a escola pública. Trata-se de ações que integram o Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID), na Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA). Visa analisar o significado das experiências sociopedagógicas realizadas no contexto da escola, para o processo de mudança de percepção e relação como os ambientes em que os sujeitos históricos convivem e/ou se relacionam. Teve como lócus de realização das ações, a Escola Estadual de Ensino Fundamental Vera Simplício. Adotou-se como fundamentação, um enfoque teórico-conceitual histórico-crítico, que tem ancorado resultados de estudos, cujos autores têm contribuído para novas epistemologias sobre práticas docentes e formação de professores, em diferentes contextos e em suas múltiplas dimensões.
ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL DE NOVE ANOS: RUPTURAS COM A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL OU ACOLHIMENTO DAS INFÂNCIAS?
Authors: Roveri Fernanda Theodoro
Published: December 2018

As recentes mudanças na Educação Básica nacional acarretaram a ampliação da obrigatoriedade escolar e da duração do Ensino Fundamental (Lei nº. 11.274/200 e Emenda Constitucional nº. 59 de 2009), tornando urgente a reflexão sobre as práticas pedagógicas e a organização dos sistemas escolares, tanto no âmbito da Educação Infantil quanto do Ensino Fundamental. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar um panorama dos estudos e das discussões atuais em torno da passagem das crianças da Educação Infantil para o Ensino Fundamental de nove anos. O artigo traz as contribuições da Pedagogia da Infância como possibilidade de articulação dessas duas etapas da Educação Básica, tendo em vista a necessidade de práticas que respeitem as especificidades e os direitos das crianças.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Ensino Fundamental; Educação Infantil; Pedagogia da Infância.
Can TIMSS Mathematics Assessments be Implemented as a Computerized Adaptive Test?
Authors: GOKCE Semirhan , GLAS Cees A.W.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, there has been a growing interest
and extensive use of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) especially in large-scale
assessments. Numerous simulation studies have been conducted on both real and
simulated data sets to determine the optimum conditions and develop CAT
versions. Being one of the most popular large-scale assessment programs, Trends
in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) has been implemented as
paper and pencil tests to monitor student achievement in mathematics and
science at fourth and eighth grade levels since 1995. The purpose of this study
is to investigate the optimum CAT algorithm for TIMSS eighth grade mathematics
assessments. Since Turkey and USA participated in 2007, 2011 and 2015
administrations, their data were combined and then 393 items were calibrated on
the same scale by using marginal maximum likelihood estimation method. With
this item pool, several scenarios were proposed and tested to determine not
only the optimum starting rule, ability estimation method, test termination
rule but also the efficiency of exposure control method. The results of the
study indicated that estimating abilities with expected a posteriori method
after 6 random items, terminating the fixed-length test after 20 items seemed
to be the optimum algorithm for TIMSS eighth grade mathematics assessments. Also,
it was found that using item exposure control had a prior importance for the
effective use of the item pool. This study has some implications for both
national and international large-scale test developers in determining the
optimum CAT algorithm and its consequences compared with paper and pencil
versions.
Remotely Controlled Mandibular Positioning of Oral Appliance Therapy during Polysomnography and Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy Compared with Conventional Subjective Titration in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Dieltjens Marijke , Braem Marc J. , Vroegop Anneclaire V.M.T. , Kazemeini Elahe , Beyers Jolien , Kastoer Chloé , Wouters Kristien , Willemen Marc , Verbraecken Johan A. , Vanderveken Olivier M.
Published: December 2018

Background:
The amount of mandibular protrusion is a key factor in optimizing the efficacy of mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy in the individual patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This process is called titration and is generally based on resolution of subjective symptoms like snoring and/or daytime sleepiness as a function of protrusion. An objective approach uses a remotely controlled mandibular positioner (RCMP) during a full-night polysomnography, in analogy with CPAP titration. More recently, the feasibility of RCMP use during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) titration was reported.
Methods:
This randomized crossover trial will compare DISE-assisted titration with PSG-guided-titration, as well as with the conventional subjective titration method. The primary outcome is the actual mandibular protrusive position found to be the most optimal for each tested titration procedure. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy will be compared among the different titration modalities using type 3 sleep studies.
Discussion:
Currently, the optimal titration of MAD therapy is most often based on ‘trial and error’. The conventional method relies on subjective improvement in symptoms, although this may not provide the most accurate indicator for efficient titration. Therefore, relying on objective criteria in the titration process should be advantageous. In analogy with CPAP, titration of the most optimal mandibular protrusion could be performed using RCMP during an overnight titration PSG. Recently, it was shown that titration under direct visualization of upper airway patency and collapsibility is feasible using the RCMP during DISE. However, no clinical results of such a procedure are available yet. This study is the first to compare the most optimal mandibular protrusive position according to three titration procedures, as well as to compare the therapeutic efficacy of these titration methods.
Rotating Cross-arm and Winter Rowcovers for Floricane Blackberry (Rubus Subgenus Rubus Watson) Production in North Dakota
Authors: Mettler David , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene
Published: December 2018

Blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) production has the potential to expand into the northern Great Plains with the development of the rotating cross-arm (RCA) trellis system that prevents winter injury by laying the plants horizontal to the ground so that they can be covered during cold periods. However, this will only occur with the evaluation of new cultivars and overwintering protection methods associated with the RCA trellis system. Ten cultivars under four rowcover treatments were evaluated for winter damage, vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality. Thermo-couples monitored air temperature under each rowcover treatment. Results indicated that rowcovers differed in their ability to moderate winter air temperatures. However, temperature moderation differences from rowcovers did not correspond to plant growth differences. Instead, cultivar influenced plant growth differences. Plants under the thermal blanket with corn stover had greater yield and more berries, while fruit quality was unaffected by rowcover treatment. Differences were also found between cultivars for fruit quantity and quality. Although rowcovers enabled overwintering primocanes to produce fruit after winter temperatures reached −30 C, further research is recommended to improve winter protection techniques and the identification of higher-yielding floricane blackberry cultivars for production in the northern Great Plains.
Reducing the Excessive Evaporative Demand Improved the Water-use Efficiency of Greenhouse Cucumber by Regulating the Trade-off between Irrigation Demand and Plant Productivity
Authors: Zhang Dalong , Liu Yuping , Li Yang , Qin Lijie , Li Jun , Xu Fei
Published: December 2018

Although atmospheric evaporative demand mediates water flow and constrains water-use efficiency (WUE) to a large extent, the potential to reduce irrigation demand and improve water productivity by regulating the atmospheric water driving force is highly uncertain. To bridge this gap, water transport in combination with plant productivity was examined in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown at contrasting evaporative demand gradients. Reducing the excessive vapor pressure deficit (VPD) decreased the water flow rate, which reduced irrigation consumption significantly by 16.4%. Reducing excessive evaporative demand moderated plant water stress, as leaf dehydration, hydraulic limitation, and excessive negative water potential were prevented by maintaining water balance in the low-VPD treatment. The moderation of plant water stress by reducing evaporative demand sustained stomatal function for photosynthesis and plant growth, which increased substantially fruit yield and shoot biomass by 20.1% and 18.4%, respectively. From a physiological perspective, a reduction in irrigation demand and an improvement in plant productivity were achieved concomitantly by reducing the excessive VPD. Consequently, WUE based on the criteria of plant biomass and fruit yield was increased significantly by 43.1% and 40.5%, respectively.
Salt Tolerance and Growth of 13 Avocado Rootstocks Related Best to Chloride Uptake
Authors: Celis Nydia , Suarez Donald L. , Wu Laosheng , Li Rui , Arpaia Mary Lu , Mauk Peggy
Published: December 2018

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is one of the most salt-sensitive crops and one of the highest value crops per acre. In the United States, avocados are grown primarily in California, in regions experiencing both scarcity of freshwater and salinization of available water supplies. Thus, our objectives were to evaluate avocado rootstocks for salt tolerance and evaluate the relationship between leaf ion concentrations, trunk diameter, leaf burn, and fruit yield. Our field experiment evaluated the salt tolerance of the Hass scion grafted onto 13 different avocado rootstocks using the Brokaw clonal rootstock technique. The experiment consisted of 156 trees arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications of each saline [electrical conductivity (EC) = 1.5 dS·m–1, Cl– = 4.94 mmol·L–1] and nonsaline (EC= 0.65 dS·m–1, Cl– = 0.73 mmol·L–1) irrigation water treatment. We collected soil samples and leaves, then analyzed them for major ions. The rootstocks R0.06, R0.07, PP14, and R0.17, which had high concentrations of Cl and Na in the leaves, were the least salt tolerant, with 100% mortality in the rows irrigated with saline water for 23 months. The rootstocks R0.05, PP40, R0.18, and Dusa, which had low concentrations of Cl ions in the fully expanded leaves, were least affected by salinity, and these rootstocks exhibited the greatest yields, largest trunk diameters, and greatest survival percentages in the saline treatment. Yield and growth parameters correlated well with leaf Cl concentration, but not Na, indicating that salt damage in avocado is primarily a result of Cl ion toxicity. Under arid inland environments, no variety performed satisfactorily when irrigated with an EC = 1.5 dS·m–1 water (Cl– = 4.94 mmol·L–1). However, the more tolerant varieties survived at soil salinity levels that would apparently be fatal to varieties reported earlier in the literature.
Fungal Endophytes in Knock Out® Rose and Performance Effects of Entomopathogens on Marigold and Zinnia
Authors: Heinz Kevin M. , Harding Polly A. , Ek-Ramos Maria Julissa , Hernandez Heather , Krauter Peter C. , Sword Gregory A.
Published: December 2018

Endophytic fungi are increasingly studied for their ability to enhance plant performance in field crops, yet there are few equivalent studies in floricultural crops. Given the economic importance of these crops and pressures faced by growers to produce plants of high aesthetic quality, we surveyed the natural occurrence of foliar fungal endophytes in Knock Out® roses to identify candidate beneficial isolates. We also tested the effects of entomopathogenic fungal inocula on marigold and zinnia plant growth using different application approaches. Our survey of Knock Out® rose foliage collected from five sites within central Texas revealed at least 24 different fungal genera and 30 probable species, including some isolates providing plant stress tolerance and pathogens or antagonists of insects and nematode pests. The effects of entomopathogen inocula on plant growth varied with host plant (marigold vs. zinnia) and inoculation method (soil drench vs. seed soak). Plant responses were complex, but inoculation with Isaria fumosorosea Wize tended to have a negative effect on plant performance characteristics whereas Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. tended to have positive effects. When applied to marigold as a seedcoating, I. fumosorosea reduced germination, seedling fresh weight, and produced seedlings with a less compact form. By contrast, seeds inoculated with B. bassiana required less time to germinate, had higher germination rates, and increased the plant compactness. These results show that the impact of fungal entomopathogens applied as endophytes depends on the specific fungi-plant combination being examined. The effect of plant inoculation with entomopathogenic fungi within a pest management context requires further evaluation.
Anthocyanin Composition and MybA-related Genotype in Kyoho Grape and Its Derivatives
Authors: Fan Xiucai , Zhao Renzong , Wang Qianqian , Liu Chonghuai , Fang Jinggui
Published: December 2018

In this study, we measured the anthocyanin composition and content in the ‘Kyoho’ grape cultivar and its derivatives via ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and characterized the MybA-related genes at the color locus via capillary electrophoresis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 30 anthocyanins (15 monoglucoside and 15 diglucoside) were detected. Peonidin-3-O-(t-6''-O-coumaroyl)-glucoside-5-O-glucoside was the most abundant component, and the content of malvidin-3-O-(c-6''-O-coumaroyl)-glucoside-5-O-glucoside was low in all cultivars. All 49 cultivars contained VvmybA1, VvmybA2, and VvmybA3, whereas only the black-skinned cultivars contained VlmybA2. The anthocyanin content in the cultivars that contained VlmybA2 was significantly higher than other cultivars. These results could provide information for future color breeding programs in grapes.
Effects of Fertilizer on Media Chemistry and Red-flowering Currant Seedling Growth Using a Subirrigation System
Authors: Dunlap Layla J. , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Davis Anthony S.
Published: December 2018

Water conservation in nursery systems is an ever-increasing focus, yet there is relatively little guidance for growers producing seedlings intended for restoration regarding how practices such as subirrigation influence plant growth in the nursery and after outplanting. Our study investigated red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum Pursh) seedling development and early field performance using different fertilizer treatments under a subirrigation regime. Plants were fertilized with 1) incorporated organic fertilizer, 2) incorporated controlled-release fertilizer, 3) top-dressed controlled-release fertilizer, or 4) water-soluble fertilizer. We found that seedlings grown with organic fertilizer used significantly less water than all other treatments. Media electrical conductivity (EC) levels were significantly greater in the organic fertilizer treatment, and EC values in the top portion of the media were significantly greater than the middle or bottom portions for all fertilizer treatments. The remaining subirrigation water at the end of 22 weeks held 17% of applied nitrogen (N) from the water-soluble fertilizer treatment and less than 1% of applied N from the other fertilizer treatments. We observed no differences in plant morphology among fertilizer treatments. Seedlings were subsequently out-planted into low- and high-competition treatments, where myriad factors indicated reduced growth among high-competition compared with low-competition plots, highlighting that competition for soil water limited seedling performance. These results indicate that a variety of fertilizers can be used to grow red-flowering currant under subirrigation and that postplanting growth is enhanced with control of competing vegetation.
A Guide for the Cultivation of Onion under Controlled Environment Conditions
Authors: Khosa Jiffinvir , Lee Robyn , Joshi Srishti , Shaw Martin , McCallum John , Macknight Richard
Published: December 2018

Bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) is a challenging subject for experimental studies because of its slow growth, genetic heterogeneity, and sensitivity to environmental and biotic stresses. Sharing of common germplasm and controlled propagation practices has underpinned research on model plants, such as Arabidopsis and tomato, but not in onion. To encourage wider evaluation of onion for physiological and molecular studies in controlled environments, we describe the growing practices we have developed over two decades of research on adaptive and nutrient assimilation traits. Key aspects covered include choice of germplasm, propagation media, nutrition, and environmental control. Adopting common onion genetics and cultivation techniques across laboratories will allow researchers to answer deeper research questions and increase the reproducibility of the research.
Evaluating On-demand Irrigation Systems for Container-grown Woody Plants Grown in Biochar-amended Pine Bark
Authors: Jahromi Nastaran Basiri , Fulcher Amy , Walker Forbes , Altland James , Wright Wesley , Eash Neal
Published: December 2018

Controlling irrigation using timers or manually operated systems is the most common irrigation scheduling method in outdoor container production systems. Improving irrigation efficiency can be achieved by scheduling irrigation based on plant water needs and the appropriate use of sensors rather than relying on periodically adjusting irrigation volume based on perceived water needs. Substrate amendments such as biochar, a carbon (C)-rich by-product of pyrolysis or gasification, can increase the amount of available water and improve irrigation efficiency and plant growth. Previous work examined two on-demand irrigation schedules in controlled indoor (greenhouse) environments. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of these on-demand irrigation schedules and hardwood biochar on water use and biomass gain of container-grown Hydrangea paniculata ‘Silver Dollar’ in a typical outdoor nursery production environment. Eighteen independently controlled irrigation zones were designed to test three irrigation schedules on ‘Silver Dollar’ hydrangea grown in pine bark amended with 0% or 25% hardwood biochar. The three irrigation schedules were conventional irrigation and two on-demand schedules, which were based on substrate physical properties or plant physiology. Conventional irrigation delivered 1.8 cm water in one event each day. The scheduling of substrate-based irrigation was based on the soilless substrate moisture characteristic curve, applying water whenever the substrate water content corresponding to a substrate water potential of –10 kPa was reached. The plant-based irrigation schedule was based on a specific substrate moisture content derived from a previously defined relationship between substrate moisture content and photosynthetic rate, maintaining the volumetric water content (VWC) to support photosynthesis at 90% of the maximum predicted photosynthetic rate. Total water use for the substrate-based irrigation was the same as for the conventional system; the plant-based system used significantly less water. However, plant dry weight was 22% and 15% greater, water use efficiency (WUE) was 40% and 40% greater, and total leachate volume was 25% and 30% less for the substrate-based and plant-based irrigation scheduling systems, respectively, than for conventional irrigation. The 25% biochar amendment rate reduced leachate volume per irrigation event, and leaching fraction, but did not affect total water use or plant dry weight. This research demonstrated that on-demand irrigation scheduling that is plant based or substrate based could be an effective approach to increase WUE for container-grown nursery crops without affecting plant growth negatively.
Use of EDAH Improves Maize Morphological and Mechanical Traits Related to Lodging
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Lizhen , Chai Mengzhu , Yang Deguang , van der Werf Wopke , Evers Jochem , Duan Liusheng
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Use of EDAH decreased maize lodging across plant densities.

EDAH increased strength, thickness and lignin content of internodes.

The use of EDAH lowered ear position and leaf area above the ear.

Use of EDAH lowered leaf angle so more leaves were erect.

Lodging in maize (Zea mays L.) is a major constraint to crop yield and quality, especially at high plant densities. A novel growth regulator EDAH, which contains ethephon and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6), has been recently introduced in maize cultivation in China to alleviate lodging and yield loss. In this study, we aimed to identify how lodging‐relevant morphological and mechanical traits of two maize genotypes respond to EDAH at different plant densities. Two maize hybrids (Zhengdan 958 and Pioneer 335) were compared in treatments with or without EDAH at plant densities of 4.5, 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 plants m−2. Lodging percentage was increased at higher plant density in both varieties due to weaker stems and taller plants. The use of EDAH significantly decreased lodging by increasing stem breaking strength, associated with larger stem diameter and higher stem cellulose and lignin contents compared with untreated check. The moment of the wind force on the plant was reduced by the use of EDAH as a result of lower ear positions, more erect leaves, smaller top leaf areas, and shorter internodes. At low plant density, the reduction of lodging by EDAH was mainly due to morphological changes, while at high plant density, the reduction in lodging was mainly due to improved stem breaking strength. We conclude that EDAH reduces lodging risk through the improvement of both morphological and mechanical plant traits and that these effects are expressed across a range of plant densities. The results help to better understand the mechanism of lodging‐yield relationships.
Hyperspectral‐based Inversion of Heavy Metal Content in the Soil of Coal Mining Areas
Authors: Hou Le , Li Xinju , Li Fang
Published: December 2018

Coal mining has environmental impacts on surrounding areas, including heavy metal contamination of soil. This study explores the feasibility of using hyperspectral remote sensing to determine the heavy metal (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) content of soils in a coal‐mining area in the city of Zoucheng, Shandong Province, China. We used a plasma mass spectrometer to measure the heavy metal contents of soils and an ASD Field Spec4 spectrometer to measure soil hyperspectral data. Savitzky–Golay (SG) convolution smoothing and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were applied to the data, along with multiple mathematical transformations. Finally, a regression model for estimating heavy metal content of soils was developed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis. Results show that the average heavy metal content of study soils was lower than the national standard value of soil environmental quality. The model's predictive accuracy is extremely high for Ni (R2 = 0.923 and RMSE = 0.831 by modeling; R2 = 0.879 and RMSE = 1.292 by testing); ideal for Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb; and insufficient for Cd. Preprocessing the reflectance spectra with SG convolution smoothing in combination with MSC and reciprocal logarithm transformation yields the highest model accuracy. Hyperspectral PLSR modeling can effectively predict heavy metal content of soils in coal‐mining areas, and preprocessing spectral data is crucial for achieving high prediction accuracy.

Core Ideas

Quantitative inversion can provide technical support for monitoring of soil heavy metals.

Quantitative inversion can provide theoretical information for further environmental recovery in mining areas.

Hyperspectral remote sensing can quickly evaluate the status of heavy metal contamination in soil.
Seasonality of Phosphorus and Nitrate Retention in Riparian Buffers
Authors: Satchithanantham Sanjayan , English Blair , Wilson Henry
Published: December 2018

Measurement of the retention of dissolved nutrients in riparian areas with snowmelt runoff are much less common than for rainfall runoff, but low rates of uptake or the release of nutrients with snowmelt have been attributed to frozen soils, lower biotic uptake, and release of nutrients from senesced vegetation. In the research presented here, we evaluate whether the potential for uptake of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and NO3− differ significantly between snowmelt and summer seasons with flow through 13 riparian buffers downstream of cropland in Manitoba, Canada. Flow‐through buffers in small channels are typical in this landscape, and pulsed releases of a conservative tracer and dissolved nutrients were used to measure uptake rates. Although mean uptake rates of NO3− were higher in summer than for snowmelt, responses varied widely. Aerial uptake rate of DRP showed a significant negative relationships with soil Olsen‐P (r2 = 0.54, p < 0.001) and a P saturation index (r2 = 0.48, p < 0.001) across both seasons. Biological processes may be of greater importance for NO3− retention, but DRP retention appears to be driven by adsorption–desorption regardless of season. Olsen‐P is identified as a good indicator of potential for release or retention of DRP in riparian buffers with fine‐textured calcareous soils, for both snowmelt and summer seasons. Soil testing may be a good tool to aid in the siting of new buffers and to track the effectiveness of management interventions to remove P from riparian areas, such as harvest of vegetation.

Core Ideas

Riparian NO3− and DRP uptake were compared between snowmelt and summer runoff.

Retention of NO3− was more frequently observed in summer than for snowmelt.

Release rather than uptake was observed frequently for DRP.

DRP uptake was negatively correlated with soil P levels.

Sorption–desorption seems to be the primary control on DRP retention.
Novel Soil Barrier Systems Potentially Protect Urban Growing Beds from Legacy Soil Contamination and Improve Soil Health
Authors: Moskal Blake T. , Berthrong Sean T.
Published: December 2018

Urban agriculture is growing rapidly in the United States and can combat food deserts and insecurity in metropolitan areas. However, urban farm soils are challenged by legacies of contamination and degradation. Heavy metal contaminated soil, lack of nutrients, and poor soil physical characteristics have led urban farmers in Indianapolis to a novel strategy of layering wood chips on top of background soil to create a barrier between contaminated or low quality soil and healthy growing media. We examined the small group of farms that have begun using this strategy to test if these barriers were effective at preventing soil contamination and improving soil health. We sampled farm soils using either barrier strategies with new imported soil or farming in native soil. Growing bed and background soils were analyzed for heavy metals, soil nutrients, and soil physical characteristics. Though the novelty of the method limited sample size, barrier strategies appeared to be effective at separating contaminated background soils from growing beds. Farming with either barriers or in non‐contaminated native urban soils increased soil nutrients and improved soil physical characteristics that support plant growth. In many growing beds, soil phosphorus was very high and posed a potential danger to local waterways. Though the number of sites is limited, these results indicate that barrier strategies are a potentially viable strategy to protect plants, farmers, and consumers from soil contaminants and that this barrier method should be examined in more depth for potential broader application in cities with legacies of soil contamination.
Effects of Biochar on Fluxes and Turnover of Carbon in Boreal Forest Soils
Authors: Zhao Peng , Palviainen Marjo , Köster Kajar , Berninger Frank , Bruckman Viktor J. , Pumpanen Jukka
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

We tested the effects of different addition rates (0, 0.5, and 1.0 kg m−2) of wood‐derived biochar (pyrolysis temperatures 650°C) on the fluxes and turnover rates of soil C in a boreal forest in southern Finland.

Biochar amendments significantly increased soil total organic C stocks, C/N ratio, and moisture content, whereas the impacts of biochar on soil N concentration and temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter decomposition were not clear.

Our results suggest that biochar addition doesn't accelerate the mineralization of soil organic C and could lead to larger stable C stocks in the surface soil layer.

Biochar has been used in different ecosystems to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and increase C sequestration. However, the impacts of biochar addition in cold environments, such as boreal forests, are still poorly understood. We tested the effects of different addition rates (0, 5, and 10 Mg ha–1) of wood‐derived biochar (pyrolysis temperature 650°C) on the fluxes and turnover rates of soil C in a boreal forest in southern Finland. Biochar amendments significantly increased soil total organic C (TOC) stocks, C/N ratio, and moisture content, whereas the impacts of biochar on soil N concentration and the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter decomposition were not clear. Significantly lower values of TOC and total N (TN) were observed in the moss and organic layer in the 5 Mg ha–1 biochar plots, however, in the mineral layer, there were no differences in C and N content between the treatments. We found a slight but statistically nonsignificant increase in soil respiration after biochar addition which increased with the amount of biochar added into the soil. However, the soil C turnover time was similar in biochar plots and control plots. We also observed a slight but statistically nonsignificant decrease in the instantaneous C fluxes normalized by the amount of C in the soil during the incubation which decreased with the application rates of biochar. Our results suggest that biochar addition doesn't accelerate the mineralization of soil organic C and could lead to larger stable C stocks in the surface soil layer. Thus, it seems that biochar is a promising tool to enhance the C sequestration in boreal forest soils.
European badger
Authors: KOWALSKA DOROTA , GUGOŁEK ANDRZEJ
Published: December 2018

The European badger (Meles meles) is the largest member of the mustelid family (Mustelidae) found in Poland. It lives almost all over Eurasia, except northern areas of the former Soviet Union and the Scandinavian countries. The European badger most often inhabits densely wooded areas. It feeds on both animal and plant foods, and is classified as a carnivore. Badger skins are not fully used in the fur industry They are usually used for production of skin rugs and accessories, such as hunting bags.
A Review on Molecular Mechanism of Flavonoids as Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Jasmin  , Jaitak Vikas
Published: December 2018

The development of drugs possessing anti-diabetic activities is a long pursued goal in drug discovery. It has been shown that deregulated insulin mediated signaling, oxidative stress, obesity, and β-cell dysfunction are the main factors responsible for the disease. With the advent of new and more powerful screening assays and prediction tools, the idea of a drug that can effectively treat diabetes by targeting different pathways has re-bloomed. Current anti-diabetic therapy is based on synthetic drugs that very often have side effects. For this reason, there is an instantaneous need to develop or search new alternatives. Recently, more attention is being paid to the study of natural products. Their huge advantage is that they can be ingested in everyday diet. Here, we discuss various causes, putative targets, and treatment strategies, mechanistic aspects as well as structural features with a particular focus on naturally occurring flavonoids as promising starting points for anti-diabetic led development.
Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach to Optimize the Sustained Release Microparticles of Gefitinib
Authors: Soni Govind , Yadav Khushwant S. , Gupta Mahesh K.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Gefitinib (GEF), the kinase inhibitor, is presently available as tablets to be taken orally in high doses of 250-500 mg per day due to its poor solubility. The solubility issues affect not only its onset of action but also the bioavailability. These drawbacks foresight the need to have an alternate dosage form, preferably a sustained release formulation.

Methods:

In the present study, microparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation using PLGA 50:50 (GEF-PLGA MP). A 32 factorial design was used to optimize the critical quality parameters to the set mean particle size in the range of 7.4±2.5 µm and entrapment efficiency of 80%. SEM microscopy of the prepared microparticles confirmed to have a spherical smooth shape. The GEFPLGA- MPs sustained the release of GEF for 72 hours. The first-order kinetics ruled the mechanism of drug release and was predicted to follow Fickian diffusion.

Result:

Anticancer efficacy was judged by the cytotoxicity studies using the L132 lung cancer cells. MTT assay showed 3-fold enhanced cytotoxicity of GEF loaded microparticles against L132 cells as compared to plain GEF.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that gefitinib can be efficiently loaded into the biodegradable polymer PLGA to provide sustained release of the drug.
Vitamin D, Inflammation and Immunity: Review of Literature and Considerations on Recent Translational and Clinical Research Developments
Authors: Trombetta Amelia C. , Paolino Sabrina , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: December 2018

The most relevant and recent literature findings linking exposure to sunlight, Vitamin D (VD), inflammation and immune system in health and disease, are reviewed.

Reduced sunlight exposure determined hypo-vitaminosis D to be common among patients or even healthy subjects, especially at higher latitudes. Numerous studies support the hypothesis that VD insufficiency could contribute to the higher autoimmune diseases incidence in the same geographic areas.

In the present review, the ways in which VD was reported to influence immune system, contributing to organism homeostasis or disease development are addressed. In fact, some of the hormone activities were recognised to determine stimulation or inhibition of immune system components.

Several diseases, where an association with VD deficiency was studied, are summarised. Finally, the rationale for optimization of substitutive/additive therapy with VD analogues and the last innovations regarding these drugs are mentioned.
To Supplement or not to Supplement? The Rationale of Vitamin D Supplementation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Nerviani Alessandra , Mauro Daniele , Gilio Michele , Grembiale Rosa Daniela , Lewis Myles J.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations.

Objective:

Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE.

Method:

A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here.

Conclusion:

Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.
A Review Paper on Recent Trends in Bio-nanotechnology: Implications and Potentials
Authors: Rohela Gulab K. , Srinivasulu Yelugu , Rathore Mahender S.
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Nanotechnology, an advanced science discipline has proved to be vital in solving the major issues or problems, the present world is facing. Nanotechnology has already proved to be the science of revolutionizing agriculture, energy conversions, applied & medical science and other domains.

Conclusion:

In this paper, we present the recent developments taken place in bio-nanotechnology related to different forms of nanomaterial’s developed along with their application; overcoming hazardous effects of chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides by promoting green and sustainable agriculture through the use of nanofertilizers, nano pesticides and detection & control of plant diseases by using nanoparticles; development of diagnostic tools for detection and control of human diseases; targeted delivery of drugs by using nanomaterial’s, protection of the environment through nanoparticles based pollution checking, bioremediation, renewable energy production and role of nanotechnology in applied sciences.