bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Diffusion-weighted MRI and Follow-up Contrast-enhanced MRI in Correlation with the Adnexa MR Scoring System in the Diagnosis of Uterine Appendage Tumors
Authors: Olimov B. P. , Kossov F. A. , Strel’tsova O. N. , Panov V. O. , Panichenko I. V. , Buydenok Yu. V. , Tyurin I. E.
Published: May 2019

The paper analyzes the data available in the foreign and Russian literature over the past 10 years on main radiodiagnostic techniques and approaches in case of ovarian space-occupying lesions, by using both ultrasonic color Doppler mapping and complex MRI approaches in combination with routine MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI studies, and follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI. It shows that only the comprehensive introduction of the above radiodiagnostic techniques can achieve the necessary sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of ovarian tumors. The system for assessing the risk index for ovarian tumor malignancy is discussed, by taking into account the menopausal status, the tumor marker CA-125, and ultrasonographic findings. The paper presents the Adnexa MR scoring system based on the breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) that gives schemes for calculating and analyzing the risk of ovarian tumor malignancy in terms of certain MR criteria.
Immediate and Long-term Results of Stenting of the Unprotected Left Coronary Artery Trunk in Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Arutyunyan G. K. , Provatorov S. I. , Zhukova N. S. , Tereshchenko A. S. , Ognerubov D. V. , Emel’yanov I. V. , Krasnoshchekov I. V. , Samko A. N.
Published: May 2019

Objective. To assess the immediate and long-term results of stenting of the unprotected left coronary artery (LCA) trunk in patients, by using different types of drug-eluting stents.

Material and methods. The follow-up covered 282 patients who had undergone stenting of the unprotected LCA trunk. The mean follow-up was 34.6 [33.9; 35.3] months. The patients were divided into groups according to the type of a first-, second-, and third-generation implanted stent.

Results. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the patients of Group 1 was significantly higher than in those in Groups 2 and 3 (29 and 7.6%, p<0.0001). The incidence of thrombosis of first-generation stents (7.0%) was significantly higher than that of second- and third-generation ones (1.6%) (p=0.02). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events was comparable between Groups 2 and 3, despite a shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy in the third-generation stent group. The absence of stent postdilatation in the LCA trunk is an independent risk factor for adverse prognosis.

Conclusion. The use of second- and third-generation stents along with changes in the technical aspects of stenting of the unprotected LCA trunk leads to a substantial reduction in the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and allows the indications for intervention to be expanded in this patient category.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Analysis of Endodontic Treatment of Teeth (in an Experiment)
Authors: Petrovskaya V. V. , Potrakhov N. N. , Vasil’ev A. Yu.
Published: May 2019

Objective. To determine peculiarities when using microfocus cone beam computed tomography (micro-CBCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to analyze the anatomy of the teeth and the quality of endodontic treatment.

Material and methods. Micro-CBCT and CBCT were experimentally used to examine 8 extracted tooth preparations before and after endodontic root canal treatment using different types of filling material.

Results. Micro-CBCT showed the high informative value of determining the type, nature, and quality of canal filling and diagnosed many cracks and accessory canals. According to the micro-CBCT findings, the tooth apexes were not filled; the lumen of the canals was unevenly and loosely filled with endodontic material; the passages of guttapercha points were well traced; the nature of the endodontic material was differentiated.

Conclusion. Micro-CBCT opens up new opportunities in dentistry with tooth volume visualization, allowing the minor and low-contrast details of the anatomical structure of the teeth to be seen on the X-ray image.
Use of Radiographic Criteria for Proximal Humeral Head Migration After Dislocation of the Shoulder to Identify Damage to Its Rotator Cuff
Authors: Stepanchenko A. P. , Fedoruk G. V. , Makovskiy A. A. , Dubrov V. E. , Zaytsev R. V. , Sinitsyn V. E.
Published: May 2019

Objective. To assess whether radiographic criteria for proximal humeral head migration can be used as screening of damage to the rotator cuff after dislocation in patients over 45 years of age.

Material and methods. The study included the results of a follow-up of 101 patients after shoulder dislocation without signs of damage to the rotator cuff before injury. Damage to the rotator cuff was assessed using MRI, followed by a correlation analysis between the results of measuring the height of the subacromial space with radiography and MRI.

Results. Signs of cranial migration of the humeral head are detected statistically significantly more frequently in the group of older patients than in that of young ones (F=0.009; p<0.05). MRI study statistically significantly more often revealed signs of damage to the rotator cuff in the older patients than in the young ones (F=0.009; p<0.05). There was a high correlation between the humeral head migration index and the MRI measurements of the acromiohumeral interval (r=0.93, p<0.05).

Conclusion. The acromiohumeral index, as well as MRI, can be used as a criterion for rotator cuff injury. This study has shown that the older patients have a 19-fold higher risk for damage to the rotator cuff from a dislocated shoulder (95% CI 6.93–52.11). Thus, attention should be paid to the presence of radiographic signs of rotator cuff injury in all patients after dislocation of the shoulder.
Educação do Campo em Arraias/TO: relato de uma experiência
Authors: Coelho George Leonardo Seabra
Published: May 2019

Antes de apresentar a entrevista com o Prof. Dr. Alessandro Rodrigues Pimenta, é importante realizar algumas ponderações. Desde que cheguei à Universidade Federal do Tocantins, desde minhas primeiras conversas com o Prof. Alessandro, o referido docente despertou em mim uma grande admiração pela sua pessoa, tanto como profissional quanto por sua personalidade. A cada dia que passa, essa admiração transforma-se em amizade, a qual – sem hipocrisia acadêmica – não tenho receio de demonstrar publicamente. Frente ao seu conhecimento teórico, administrativo e como docente, surgiu a partir do diálogo com o outro organizador desta obra – o Prof. Dr. Gilberto Paulino de Araújo – a iniciativa de a iniciativa de incluir uma entrevista, realizada por mim, com o Prof. Alessandro. Mesmo que esse grande profissional não esteja no Brasil desde março de 2017, devido ao seu afastamento para o estágio pós-doutoral na Universidade de Évora-Portugal, ele atendeu prontamente a solicitação de conceder a entrevista. Dessa forma, com a presteza que sempre representou sua figura humana e profissional, o Prof. Alessandro pôde nos contar um pouco sobre sua trajetória acadêmica, a institucionalização do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo na UFT/Campus de Arraias, até suas expectativas quanto ao fortalecimento do curso no futuro. Então, espero que o leitor acompanhe a entrevista concedida – apropriando de suas próprias palavras – por um intelectual que milita em prol da Educação do Campo no Brasil.
Data is Not Scarce, But Oil Companies Hoard It As If It Were
Authors: Feder Judy , Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: May 2019

A growing number of oil industry leaders are saying that data sharing across the industry is needed, but change is coming slowly.

Recently an executive from Shell said that “unprecedented data transparency” will be needed for the oil business to adapt to rapid change. That call for action came from Mike DeWitt, vice president of operated upstream wells for Shell, during the keynote speech at the SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference, where he asked: “Is data really proprietary?”

Afterward, some delegates who heard the speech said they were struck by the call for openness in a business where that is generally not the case.

DeWitt said after the talk that while the need for change is apparent, little progress has been made. He added that Shell is supporting initiatives for more sharing.

There are multiple barriers to overcome, according to a panel at CERA-Week, an annual conference of oil and gas industry executives. Data-driven decision making represents a challenge to how engineers have historically made decisions in a business where companies shared as little as possible about wells and operations.

“Pivoting to a data-driven culture is hard enough. Now we’re trying to change the mindset from competing to partnering,” said Kentaro Kawamori, vice president and chief digital officer for Chesapeake Energy.

Digital decision analysis is a break from doing things based on experience and intuition. Companies often man-age information assuming that revealing data will be giving away valuable knowledge.

“Data sharing is important,” Kawamori added. “The context of what is around it is equally important. We should get to the point of sharing more data, but we are all looking for competitive advantage.”

Finding and Producing

The urge to hoard data may be explained by a widely quoted comment that “data is the next oil.”

Both things can be valuable. But there are fundamental differences in how one extracts value from hydrocarbons in the ground and data in the cloud. Oil prices are impossible to predict, but the world’s voracious appetite for energy ensures it has value. Data’s value depends on how it is used. Having enough of the right data can help engineers find ways to reduce drilling costs, eke out more oil from the ground, or renegotiate a service contract based on productivity rather than the number of days worked.

Or it can be stored away and never looked at again, only contributing to the cost of cloud storage.

“Looking at data as oil may be like the tail wagging the dog,” said Dave Mabee, global innovation manager for ConocoPhillips. The company creates value by finding and producing oil and gas. Its people use data and analytics to help create that value.

“Thinking of data as the next oil may lead to focusing on doing things for their own sake rather than creating value,” he said.
Integrated Approach Overcomes Depleted-Reservoir Challenges
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: May 2019

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 28517, “Deepwater Extended-Reach-Well Planning Through Depleted Reservoirs,” by Beng-Hooi Shi, Jennifer Koh, Dexter Liew, and Guat-Lee Chio, Shell, prepared for the 2018 Offshore Technology Conference Asia, Kuala Lumpur, 20–23  March. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2018 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

This paper describes challenges faced in a company’s first deepwater asset in Malaysia and the methods used to overcome these issues in the planning stage. Because of the depleted nature of all three reservoirs located above the untapped reservoir, a need exists to drill through these depleted intervals with an extremely narrow margin window (less than 0.5 lbm/gal). An added complexity is the location of the reservoir, directly below a hydrates bulge. To address the challenges of this well, an integrated approach between various disciplines has proved to be a critical success factor.

Introduction

The field is offshore Sabah. The first phase of the development was completed in 2014, with 16 wells drilled.

The development includes gas reinjection and seawater injection. The hydrocarbons are trapped in a four-way dip closure developed in an anticline structure containing four sand reservoirs separated by sealing shale layers. The Phase 1 development targeted the two main reservoir units (B and C) in the middle of the four reservoir sands. The pressure maintenance for the development of these two main reservoir units is provided by a combination of downdip water injection in the water leg and crestal gas injection in the gas cap. The second phase, comprising two oil producers and two water injectors, aims to maintain the oil-production plateau.

One of the Phase 2 objectives is to target the deepest untapped reservoir (D) in the field with Well 4. However, as mentioned previously, Well 4 must drill through depleted intervals with extremely narrow drilling margins. Two of the four wells (Wells 1 and 2) only will drill into the depleted B reservoir in the final reservoir hole section, while the third well will cross the depleted B reservoir before drilling into the depleted target reservoir, C, in the final hole section.

Phase 2 will offer the opportunity to acquire further data. Because of the stacked arrangement of Reservoirs A, B, C, and D and the wells targeting different reservoirs, a possibility exists to sequence the drilling campaign in a batch mode and to use data acquisition, operational learnings, and prediction validation before committing to drilling the intermediate and reservoir sections of the most difficult well (Well 4).

The projected formation pore pressure and fracture gradient (PPFG) poses significant drilling challenges because of depletion plus the geomechanical requirements. The Reservoir C water injector is predicted to have a limited drilling margin because of the depletion of Reservoir B.
China’s Shale Dream Rests Atop Chaotic Geology
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: May 2019

At a major industry conference in March in Beijing, Wang Yilin, the chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), took a moment to highlight that just outside the doors to the building were blue skies—a result, he said, of the country’s move to displace coal-fired power generation with cleaner-burning natural gas.

Wang praised his company’s “enormous contribution” to the pleasant conditions by emphasizing CNPC’s role as China’s largest producer of natural gas. In doing so, he underlined how the company, the fourth largest in the world, is being reshaped by China’s multifaceted energy transformation.

The country depends on coal for more than half of its energy needs, while natural gas represents only 7% of the mix, an increasing amount of which is imported as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Driven by air quality concerns, the country is looking to double that gas figure by 2035. But its national energy security agenda includes reducing dependence on foreign LNG by relying on national oil companies to increase domestic supplies through the commercialization of unconventional resources.

But what is less clear than the skies above the conference is how China’s oil and gas industry will realize this ambition. So far, the unconventional programs have struggled to mature as rapidly as the state had hoped.

In his remarks, made during a keynote address at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC), Wang emphasized what he views as the chief culprit behind the difficulties: China’s complex unconventional geology, which is unlike anything most US shale explorers have ever had to overcome.

“So it’s not that easy to simply replicate the shale gas technology developments of North America,” he argued. Wang later stressed that his country’s unconventional sector is “urgently in need of technology breakthroughs,” ones tailored to its own geologic fabric.

The technical portion of IPTC offered new case studies that shed light on the increasing role that innovation and technology are playing in overcoming the nature of these unconventional formations. Engineers presenting their research made it clear that without the right tools, they must work through an unpredictable drilling and completions environment, driving up both costs and nonproductive time. 

Of more than 500 technical papers presented at IPTC, just over 50 focused on different aspects of China’s domestic programs that are spread across the country. Several were authored by engineers and researchers working at PetroChina. The company sits under CNPC as a wholly-owned subsidiary where it serves as the main arm of its exploration and production business and holds the largest mineral rights for unconventional resources in the country.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity Analysis of Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Anqiu City, China, 2000-2014
Authors: Shi Fuyan , Yu Changlan , Li Fangyou , Gao Wenfeng , Yang Liping , Wang Suzhen , Xu Yongyong
Published: May 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of the occurrence of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and find the potential spatiotemporal factors leading to the incidence of HFRS in Anqiu City.
Methods: Monthly reported cases of HFRS and climatic data for 2000–2014 in Anqiu City were obtained. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to fit the HFRS incidence prediction model and predict the epidemic trend in Anqiu City. Multiple linear regression method was used to analyze the temporal relationship between HFRS incidence and meteorological factors during the study period.
Results: Spatial analysis results indicated that the annualized average incidence at the town level ranged from 2.18 to 6.09 per 100, 000 among 14 towns, and the western towns in Anqiu City exhibited high endemic levels during the study periods. With high validity, the optimal ARIMA (0, 1, 1) × (0, 1, 1)12 model could be used to predict the HFRS incidence in Anqiu City in 2014. The monthly trend in HFRS incidence was negatively associated with temperature and precipitation and positively associated with average wind speed. Multiple linear regression models showed that precipitation and relative wind speed were key climatic factors contributing to the transmission of HFRS.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the ARIMA model can be used to fit the fluctuations in HFRS frequency in Anqiu City. Our findings add to the knowledge of the role played by climate factors in HFRS transmission in Anqiu City and can assist local health authorities in the development/refinement of a better strategy to prevent HFRS transmission.
Molecular identification of Anaplasma / Ehrlichia spp based on 16S rRNA gene in Hyalomma ticks in border line of Iran-Pakistan
Authors: Choubdar Nayyereh , Karimian Fateh , Koosha Mona , Nejati Jalil , Oshaghi Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2019

Background

Anaplasmosis / Ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases affecting human and livestock in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Due to infection both animals and humans and monitoring of ticks and the pathogens they carry, an extensive survey was conducted in border line of Iran-Pakistan of Sistan and Baluchistan, southeast corner of Iran in 2016-2017, where animal husbandry is the main activity of people and every week thousands of cattle cross the borders into the countries. The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of Anaplasmosis / Ehrlichiosis agents in Hyalomma spp hard ticks. Ticks were collected, identified and processed for Anaplasma / Ehrlichia spp DNA detection.

Results

Six Hyalomma species were found in the region, where Hy. anatolicum was the most prevalent species collected on goats, cattle, and camel. Anaplasma / Ehrlichia genomes were found in 68.3% of the specimens. Anaplasma ovis, A.marginale, and E.ewingii DNAs prevalence were 81.82, 9.09, and 9.09% in the infected ticks respectively. DNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the 16SrRNA gene confirmed the detection of these three anaplasmosis agents while they had 99-100% identity with the strains previously reported in genbank from different parts of the world.

Conclusion

Because A.ovis and A.marginale are important livestock pathogens, and E.ewingii is an important human pathogen, both farmers and people in border line of the countries which engaged in livestock need to be made aware of the risks of tick infestation and the tick-borne disease they transmit.
Optimizing Temperature Requirements for Clover Seed Germination
Authors: Baxter Lisa L. , Grey Timothy L. , Tucker Jennifer J. , Hancock Dennis W.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Temperature significantly affects the time and rate of clover (Trifolium spp.) germination.

Germination and vigor were evaluated from −1.0 to 48.0°C at approximately 1.0°C increments.

Tested cultivars maintained 80% + germination from 4.9 to 28.2°C, on average.

Temperature range for germination was much wider than reported in previous literature.

Data will be useful in updating planting recommendations for producers in the US Southeast.

There are many reports of failed clover (Trifolium spp.) establishments each year. Temperature is one of the primary factors affecting germination and significantly affects the time and rate of clover seed germination. The objectives were to determine (i) the temperature and time required to reach maximum germination and (ii) range in which germination will occur for six coated clover cultivars adapted to the US Southeast. Seed germination and vigor were evaluated in Petri‐dishes incubated over thermal gradients ranging from −1.0 to 48.0°C at approximately 1.0°C increments where germination was counted every 24 h for 7 consecutive days. Base temperatures were calculated for each cultivar. Three parameter logistic growth models were used to find the minimum and maximum temperatures at which these cultivars could maintain 80% germination. Lorentzian distribution models were used to establish the temperature and time to maximum germination. These cultivars maintained at least 80% germination from 4.9 to 28.2°C on average, although some germination was observed outside these extremes. The range at which these clovers could germinate was much wider than previously reported. Excluding ‘Barduro’, maximum germination occurred at 34.2 to 52.8 h after planting at optimum temperatures (10.9–17.2°C). Barduro germinated so rapidly in the warmer temperature range that the full data set could not be used, as it did not conform to the same regression. Future trials will begin measuring germination at 12 h to better capture early trends in germination. These data will be useful in updating planting recommendations for producers in the US Southeast.
Impacts of Crop Rotation and Tillage Practices on Potato Yield and Farm Revenue
Authors: Liu Eric Ye , Li Sheng , Lantz Van , Olale Edward
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

The two‐step regression simulation approach was the most appropriate model to evaluate all important explanatory variables on mean potato yield.

Potato yield increased when the frequency of potato increased in the rotation.

Rotations with lower potato frequency had higher net revenue for the potato year; however, rotations with higher potato frequency had higher overall net revenues.

The overall financial impacts of rotations with lower potato frequency were negative.

Other incentives for adopting beneficial management practices are necessary.

To reduce the impacts of intensive potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production systems on the environment, beneficial management practices (BMPs) (e.g., crop rotation and conservation tillage) have been promoted in Atlantic Canada. However, quantitative information on the impacts of BMPs on yield and farm revenue is still lacking. Direct assessment of BMPs in operating farms is difficult because producers adjust other inputs and practices when implementing BMPs. A dataset with 5 yr of crop rotation, farm inputs, and soil and climate data was obtained from farms in New Brunswick, Canada. Two‐step regression with a stochastic production function method was used to assess the impacts of three crop rotations and two tillage practices on potato yield. Potato yield increased when potato frequency increased in the rotation. This effect was largely caused by increased fertilizer and other inputs on rotations with a higher potato frequency. Spring moldboard plowing had negative effects on yield compared with fall moldboard plowing. The two‐step yield model was used with different scenarios to estimate the effect of crop rotation on farm revenue net of input costs. Rotations with lower potato frequency had higher net revenue for the potato year, largely because of reduced input costs. However, rotations with higher potato frequency had higher overall (multiyear) net revenues because of the more valuable potato years in the rotation. Therefore, without considering the long‐term impacts on the environment, the overall financial impacts of rotations with lower potato frequency were negative. This suggests that other incentives for adopting BMPs are necessary.
Response of Edamame Soybean Variety AVS 4002 to Herbicides
Authors: Abugho Seth Bernard , Burgos Nilda Roma , Singh Vijay , Salas Reiofeli , Ross William Jeremy , Popp Michael P.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Pyroxasulfone and linuron are acceptable preemergence herbicide options for edamame.

Acifluorfen and fomesafen are potential postemergence herbicides.

Edamame generally compensates for stand loss from residual herbicides.

Edamame (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a vegetable soybean whose consumption is expected to rise in the United States. Although only a few herbicides are currently registered for use in edamame, weeds are a major constraint of this crop. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Kibler, AR, to evaluate the response of edamame cultivar AVS 4002 to 24 herbicide treatments and their efficacy on prominent crop weeds. Three of the treatments were applied 7 d preplant (PPL), 15 were applied preemergence (PRE), and 6 treatments were applied postemergence (POST). In 2013, fomesafen (0.42 kg ha−1), S‐metolachlor+fomesafen premix (1.39 kg ha−1), linuron (0.84 and 1.68 kg ha−1), pyroxasulfone (PRE) (0.14 kg ha−1), did not affect the stand of edamame. In 2014, all but two soil‐applied treatments, fomesafen and sulfentrazone+carfentrazone, reduced the stand by 24 to 50%. However, yield loss occurred with metribuzin (0.56 kg ha−1; PRE), and sulfentrazone (0.21 and 0.42 kg ha−1; PRE) applied alone or in tank mixture in 2013, and the high rate of sulfentrazone in 2014. Pyroxasulfone and linuron are acceptable PRE herbicide options for edamame. The premixes of flumioxazin+chlorimuron or saflufenacil+dimethenamid‐P applied PPL provided excellent weed control (>89%) at 35 d after planting (DAP). Among the POST treatments (foliar applied), acifluorfen, and fomesafen were the best options for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) control, which provided at least 95 and 93% control, respectively, at 35 DAP. None of the foliar‐applied (POST) herbicides caused yield loss.
Soybean Nitrogen Sources and Demand During the Seed‐Filling Period
Authors: Ortez O.A. , Tamagno S. , Salvagiotti F. , Prasad P.V.V. , Ciampitti I.A.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Remobilization of N from vegetative organs fulfilled 59% of seed N, driven by plant biomass at R5.5.

There was a trade‐off between N remobilization and N gain, connected to plant biomass and yield.

Greater yields relied on both N remobilization and N gain during seed filling.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed N demand not met by biological N fixation is fulfilled by N remobilization from vegetative plant organs and N uptake from soil sources during the seed‐filling period (SFP), herein termed N gain. The objectives of this study were to: (i) quantify the contribution of plant organs to N remobilization during the SFP, (ii) determine the association between N gain and N remobilization, and (iii) study the effect of seed yield in both N gain and N remobilization processes. Three field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 in Kansas. Three soybean genotypes: (i) non‐Roundup Ready (RR), released in 1997; (ii) RR‐1, released in 2009; and (iii) RR‐2, released in 2014 were tested under three N rates: (i) control without N application (zero‐N); (ii) 56 kg N ha−1 applied at R3 stage (late N); and (iii) 670 kg N ha−1 (full N; three applications of 223 kg N ha−1) applied at planting, R1, and R3 stages. The late‐N and full‐N rates increased yields by 9% (256 kg ha−1) relative to the zero N. Neither genotypes nor N rates affected N gain nor N remobilization. Nitrogen remobilization accounted for 59% of seed N demand at maturity, mainly driven by biomass at R5.5, with the leaf organ as the main contributor (52%) of the total remobilized N. Nitrogen remobilization was negatively related to N gain, and increases in N gain were linked to increases in biomass and yield.
Setting the Record Straight on Precision Agriculture Adoption
Authors: Lowenberg‐DeBoer James , Erickson Bruce
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

There is a perception that adoption of precision agriculture has been slow.

Precision agriculture is not one technology but a toolkit from which farmers choose what they need.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems guidance is being adopted rapidly.

Variable rate technology adoption rarely exceeds 20% of farms.

Use of precision agriculture technology on non‐mechanized farms is almost nonexistent.

There is a perception that adoption of precision agriculture (PA) has been slow. This study reviews the public data on farm level use of PA in crop production worldwide. It examines adoption estimates for PA from completed surveys that utilized random sampling procedures, as well as estimates of adoption using other survey methods, with an objective to document the national or regional level adoption patterns of PA using existing data. The analysis indicates that Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) guidance and associated automated technologies like sprayer boom control and planter row or section shutoffs have been adopted as fast as any major agricultural technology in history. The main reason for the perception that PA adoption is slow is because PA is often associated with variable rate technology (VRT)—just one of many PA technologies, one of the first adopted by many farmers, but that now rarely exceeds 20% of farms. This level of adoption suggests that farmers like the idea of VRT, but are not convinced of its value. VRT adoption estimates for niche groups of farmers may exceed 50%. The biggest gap in PA adoption is for medium and small farms in the developing world that do not use motorized mechanization.
Impacts of Soil Phosphorus Drawdown on Snowmelt and Rainfall Runoff Water Quality
Authors: Liu Jian , Elliott Jane A. , Wilson Henry F. , Baulch Helen M.
Published: May 2019

Managing P export from agricultural land is critical to address freshwater eutrophication. However, soil P management, and options to draw down soil P have received little attention in snowmelt‐dominated regions because of limited interaction between soil and snowmelt. Here, we assessed the impacts of soil P drawdown (reducing fertilizer P inputs combined with harvest removal) on soil Olsen P dynamics, runoff P concentrations, and crop yields from 1997 to 2014 in paired fields in Manitoba, Canada. We observed that Olsen P concentrations in the 0‐ to 5‐cm soil layer were negatively correlated with the cumulative P depletion and declined rapidly at the onset of the drawdown practice (3.1 to 5.4 mg kg−1 yr−1 during 2007–2010). In both snowmelt runoff and rainfall runoff, concentrations of total dissolved P (TDP) were positively correlated with the concentrations of soil Olsen P. Soil P drawdown to low to moderate fertility levels significantly decreased mean annual flow‐weighted TDP concentrations in snowmelt runoff from 0.60 to 0.30 mg L−1 in the field with high initial soil P and from 1.17 to 0.42 mg L−1 in the field with very high initial soil P. Declines in TDP concentration in rainfall runoff were greater. Critically, yields of wheat (Triticum spp.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) were not affected by soil P depletion. In conclusion, we demonstrate that relatively rapid reductions in P loads are achievable at the field scale via managing P inputs and soil P pools, highlighting a management opportunity that can maintain food security while improving water security in cold regions.

Core Ideas

Reducing or ceasing soil P input decreased soil Olsen P rapidly.

Soil Olsen P concentrations were negatively correlated with cumulative P depletion.

Declining soil P led to decreases in flow‐weighted mean dissolved P concentrations.

Improved water quality can be achieved with management of soil P.

Agricultural productivity can also be maintained with lower soil P.
Quantifying Clay‐Fixed Ammonium in Paddy Soils and Determining Its Availability Using Alkaline Distillation
Authors: Drescher Gerson L. , Roberts Trenton L. , Norman Richard J. , Slaton Nathan A. , da Silva Leandro S.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen recovery is influenced by soil drying.

N‐STaR soil test quantifies a portion of clay‐fixed ammonium.

NaOH recovered more clay‐fixed ammonium than KOH.

The Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N‐STaR, Oryza sativa L.) has been calibrated and is being used to predict rice nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. Research has identified the organic forms of N quantified via N‐STaR (NH4 released by distillation with 10 mol L–1 NaOH), but no research has looked at the ability of N‐STaR to quantify clay‐fixed NH4 (CF‐NH4). This laboratory trial was initiated to determine the amount of CF‐NH4 quantified via N‐STaR as well as the influence of soil drying conditions (oven dry vs. field moist) and alkali distillation method (NaOH vs. KOH) on the CF‐NH4 recovered. Seven soils representing five clayey and two loamy soil textures were collected from various rice‐producing regions across Arkansas from the 0‐ to 15‐cm and 15‐ to 30‐cm soil depths. Total CF‐NH4 and CF‐NH4 recovered by N‐STaR varied greatly across soils and soil depths with a range of 35 to 299 mg N kg soil–1 and 6 to 21 mg N kg soil–1, respectively. The N‐STaR recovered as much as 15% of total CF‐NH4 and recovery was greatest for silt loam soils. Alkaline hydrolyzable‐N (AH‐N) concentrations were strongly influenced by soil drying conditions and the alkali used with a higher level (22%) of AH‐N recovered from oven‐dry than field‐moist soils and a higher (7%) recovery of AH‐N with NaOH than KOH. These results indicate that the N‐STaR method recovers a small, but significant percentage of total CF‐NH4 and may capture the portion of CF‐NH4 that may be plant available during the growing season.
Bioaccumulation potential and health risk assessment of heavy metals in Corchorus olitorius L. (Malvaceae) and Amaranthus hybridus L. (Amaranthaceae) obtained from a selected dump site in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Ologundudu Foluso , Tobi Adegbite , Fopeyemi Omotola
Published: May 2019

Heavy metal contamination of polluted site has become a recurring decimal globally posing a threat to human life and biodiversity. This study was carried out to investigate the bioaccumulation potential and health risk assessment associated with the consumption of two indigenous vegetables Corchorus olitorius L. (Malvaceae) and Amaranthus hybridus (Amaranthaceae) in Akure. Initial pre soil analysis showed that the heavy metal concentration were above the safe limit as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The heavy metals investigated include Cr, Ni, Cd, Fe and Pb for their bioaccumulation factor to provide baseline data regarding environmental safety and suitability of the vegetables for human consumption. Translocation factor, Daily Intake of Metal (DIM), Health Risk Index (HRI) and Oral Refrence Dose (RFD) were calculated following standard methods. This study concludes that different vegetables accumulate and translocate variable amount of heavy metals from the soil into their tissues. Hence, it is not advisable to consume vegetable samples collected from this site based on the permissible limits as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).
Use of mollusks in zoohandicraft manufacturing in the Amazon Region
Authors: Barros Mara Rúbia Ferreira , Chagas Rafael Anaisce das
Published: May 2019

The use of mollusks by riverine and coastal families occurs mainly through the sale to add extra income to the family. However, little knowledge about the species that are marketed in the confection of zoohandicraft. From the above, the present study aims to characterize the diversity of mollusks used in zoohandicraft of the State of Pará, Brazil. To carry out this study, between March and August 2014, traditional handicraft marketing points were visited in the Municipality of Belém, the state capital. In all, 16 species of mollusks were found, 56% of gastropods and 44% of bivalves, arranged in five types of zoohandicraft (bio-jewels, ornaments for the ceiling, souvenirs, keychains, and certificate holders), and shells. Among the most abundant species, we highlight the bivalves Anomalocardia flexuosa (Linnaeus, 1767) and Triplodon corrugatus (Lamarck, 1819), it is emphasized that no species is on the red list of species threatened with extinction. It is concluded that the few existing data on the production and trade of zoohandicraft are insufficient to measure anthropogenic effects on the mollusks used to make the materials.
Birds and bats captured in a managed forest in Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia: Results and recommendations from a short-term study
Authors: Pedroza Diego , Verde Rair de Sousa , Guilherme Edson
Published: May 2019

Understanding the activity pattern and the height of capture of birds and bats can help to optimize the sampling of both groups. Our aimed was to determine the rates of capture at different times of day/night, and the overlap in the height of capture; classify the trophic guilds, and check variation in the capture rates of the birds and bats. We conducted the study in the Antimary State Forest, in March, 2017. We set mist-nets at the same location during five consecutive days, and were open between 06:00 h and 00:00 h. The birds presented a bimodal activity pattern, as well as bats. Bats were captured at higher levels than birds. Most of the birds captured were insectivores, where as most of the bats were frugivores. Neither group presented a clear pattern of variation in capture rates. Therefore, the first hours of the morning are fundamental for the capture of birds. For bats, we would recommend the captures only after 17:00 h. Mist-nets should be set at ground level for birds, whereas for bats, they should be set above a height of 0.5 m. Thus, the captures should be optimized.
Effect of cage enrichment on the welfare of farmed foxes
Authors: ŁAPIŃSKI STANISŁAW , PAŁKA SYLWIA , WROŃSKA DANUTA , GUJA IWONA , ZOŃ ANDRZEJ , NIEDBAŁA PIOTR , SERGINA SVETLANA N.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to use behavioural and cortisol tests to determine whether cage enrichment (observation shelves, wooden sticks for gnawing) improves the welfare of farmed foxes (Vulpes vulpes). The paper discusses welfare criteria such as "expression of other behaviours", "good human–animal relationships" and "positive emotional state". The study covered 60 young foxes. After weaning, the animals were placed in standard cages, two individuals per cage. The foxes were divided into three groups. In the control group, no additional cage enrichment was provided. Group I was provided with observation shelves; group II was provided with wooden gnawing sticks. During the experiment the foxes underwent repeated tests: empathic test, feeding test and salivary cortisol test. The data obtained were analysed statistically (ANOVA, Tukey’s test, correlation), taking into account the following variables: the impact of cage enrichment, animal gender, temperament, and colour mutation. The study did not show conclusively that the use of cage enrichment affects animal temperament or the level of cortisol. However, in the group with gnawing sticks, the level of cortisol in the second measurement was significantly lower in comparison with other groups. This indicates that satisfying the need to gnaw objects reduces stress in foxes. The study showed a high correlation between the empathic and the feeding test, both of which are useful for testing the emotional state of foxes and the human–animal relationship.
Relationship between mammary blood flow, infrared thermography and ovine placental lactogen during the periparturient period in ewes
Authors: BOBOWIEC RYSZARD , WÓJCIK MARTA , MILCZAK ANDRZEJ , KOSIOR-KORZECKA URSZULA , GREGUŁA-KANIA MONIKA , TATARCZAK JAROSŁAW
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study to verify the hypothesis whether a drop in the oPL levels in the blood in the periparturient period is associated with changes in the right mammary vein blood flow (RMVBF) and udder skin temperature (UST). We were also interested in comparing variations in the above-mentioned parameters in single- and twin-pregnant ewes. Beginning six days before parturition (-6th day) until four days postpartum (4th day), every second day each of 15 experimental pregnant ewes was subjected to color Doppler ultrasound performed with continuous wave-equipment (My Lab One/Touch) and infrared thermography (IRT), which allowed for noninvasive collection of data. Plasma oPL levels were determined using quantitative sandwich ELISA Kit specified for sheep placental lactogen 1 (oPL). The measured values of UST were affected by the periparturient period but not by the number of lambs delivered. The highest udder temperatures were recorded at four days before parturition, which was followed by their gradual decrease. As a result, UST achieved the lowest values in single- and also in twin-pregnant ewes on the day of parturition (35.70 ± 0.65°C and 35.42 ± 0.45°C, respectively). Among all the time points of measuring IRT and oPL, a significant positive correlation (P≤0.01) was estimated at -4 and 0 days before parturition for single- (r= 0.99) and twin- (r= 0.59) pregnant ewes. In comparison to control ewes, right mammary vein blood flow (RMVBF) significantly (P≤0.05) increased in all pregnant ewes under study. Especially in twin-pregnant ewes, a positive correlation between the plasma concentration of oPL and blood flow occurred between the -4th and 0 day (r = 0.76). Maximal velocity of blood flow in the mammary vein in single- (25.90 ± 5.95 cm/s) and twin-pregnant ewes (24.62 ± 4.86 cm/s) was recorded at the 2nd and 4th day postpartum, respectively. The highest values of plasma oPL (0.56 ± 0.05 µg/ml) recorded at the beginning of the experimental period (-6 days before parturition) dropped significantly (P≤0.05) during the subsequent days, until parturition. The curve of the temporal changes in the concentrations of plasma oPL remains unchanged regardless of the number of fetuses. Three-phasic thermal changes in the periparturient period and an increase in blood flow parameters are related to the disappearance of oPL from the circulation, which should be taken into account when assessing a pathological state of this gland.
Expression of serotonin, somatostatin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) in the intestinal neuroendocrine cells of pigs fed with population rye type and hybrid rye type grains
Authors: ZACHARKO-SIEMBIDA ANNA , ARCISZEWSKI MARCIN B. , PIEDRA JOSE LUIS VALVERDE , TOMASZEWSKA EWA , SZYMAŃCZYK SYLWIA , MUSZYŃSKI SIEMOWIT , DOBROWOLSKI PIOTR , MOZEL SYLWIA , SCHWARZ TOMASZ
Published: May 2019

Neuroendocrine cells (NEC) are a cell population in the gastrointestinal tract that plays a role in the regulation of the digestion process, satiety and nutrient homeostasis. NE cells express a variety of bioactive hormones that can undergo changes in response to different luminal stimuli, including multiple components, which are present in the diet. In recent years, a modern (hybrid) type of rye grain has been introduced to feed industry. The goal of the present study was to determine immunohistochemically whether the feeding of the pigs with population and hybrid rye grains may evoke adverse changes in the small and large intestines in terms of the expression of serotonin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and somatostatin. Feeding animals with population and hybrid rye grains resulted in a slight increase in serotonin-positive NE cells in the small intestine (but not in the large intestine). After feeding animals with population rye (but not with hybrid rye) grains, there was a decrease in the small intestine GLP1-immunoreactive NE cells was found. No changes in the expression of GLP1 were found in the large intestine of experimental animals. The numbers of somatostatin-IR NEC in the small and large intestines were not affected by feeding with either population or hybrid rye grains. In conclusion, we found that feeding pigs with hybrid and population rye grains started adaptive changes in NEC. However, those changes were not profound, which allows us to speculate that adverse effects of these rye grains have a minor (if any) impact on the gut hormone balance (and indirectly on the health status) of animals.
Relationship between mean platelet volume, low-grade systemic coagulation and vitamin D deficiency in canine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: ERDOGAN HASAN , URAL KEREM , PASA SERDAR
Published: May 2019

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is associated with cardiac changes. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that vitamin D and coagulation parameters, such as D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), partial thromboplastin time (PT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and white blood cell (WBC) levels, change in different stages of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Thirty-two dogs diagnosed with CVL were classified into four different groups: stage I (mild disease), stage II (moderate disease), stage III (severe disease), stage IV (very severe disease), and healthy controls. The groups were based on clinical signs, rapid ELISA/IFAT, hematological and serum biochemical tests, and urinary protein/creatinine ratios. Serum vitamin D levels were positively correlated with MPV (r = 0.503), but negatively correlated with D-dimer (r =-0.326), APTT (r =-0.361), PT (r =-0.289), and WBC (r = -0.384). The dogs with leishmaniasis showed increased WBC levels compared with the control group. Similarly, their vitamin D levels were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). Severely diseased dogs (stage IV leishmaniasis) showed the lowest vitamin D levels, but there were no significant differences between dogs in the various stages of leishmaniasis. The evidence provided by this study indicates that the CVL dogs had low-grade systemic coagulation and fibrinolytic activation, as indicated by elevated MPV, PT, WBC and D-dimer levels, which may be used as a biomarker of low-grade systemic inflammation in CVL.