bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tensiometric Monitoring of Container Substrate Moisture Status
Authors: Testezlaf Roberto , Zazueta Fedro S. , Larsen Claudia A. , Yeager Thomas H.
Published: December 2018

The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the use of tensiometers to monitor substrate moisture tensions for Metro-Mix 500 and 2 pine bark: 1 Canadian peat: 1 sand (PBPS, by volume) used for container-grown azalea Rhododendron indicum L. `Mrs. G.G. Gerbing' and chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelez.) `Coral Charm.' Commercially available ceramic cups of two sizes, small [0.374 inch (0.95 cm) diameter and 1.125 inches (2.86 cm) long] and large [0.874 inch (2.22 cm) diameter and 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) long] were used to construct pressure transducer-equipped tensiometers. Data from these greenhouse experiments, indicate that either the small or large ceramic cup could be used to monitor substrate tensions at which water would be available to container-grown plants.
Species and Their Relationships with Air and Soil Temperatures
Authors: Broschat Timothy K.
Published: December 2018

Royal palms [Roystonea regia (HBK.) O.F. Cook], coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L. `Malayan Dwarf'), queen palms [Syagrus romanzoffiana (Chamisso) Glassman], and pygmy date palms (Phoenix roebelenii O'Brien) were grown in a rhizotron to determine the patterns of root and shoot growth over a 2-year period. Roots and shoots of all four species of palms grew throughout the year, but both root and shoot growth rates were positively correlated with air and soil temperature for all but the pygmy date palms. Growth of primary roots in all four species was finite for these juvenile palms and lasted for only 5 weeks in royal palms, but ≈7 weeks in the other three species. Elongation of secondary roots lasted for only 9 weeks for coconut palms and less than half of that time for the other three species. Primary root growth rate varied from 16 mm·week-1 for coconut and pygmy date palms to 31 mm·week-1 for royal palms, while secondary root growth rates were close to 10 mm·week-1 for all species. About 25% of the total number of primary roots in these palms grew in contact with the rhizotron window, allowing the prediction of the total root number and length from the sample of roots visible in the rhizotron. Results indicated that there is no obvious season when palms should not be transplanted in southern Florida because of root inactivity.
Nutrition Affects Pre- and Posttransplant Growth of Impatiens and Petunia Plugs
Authors: van Iersel M.W. , Thomas P.A. , Beverly R.B. , Latimer J.G. , Mills H.A.
Published: December 2018

Pre- and posttransplant growth of plug seedlings is affected by the nutrition of the plants. The effects of weekly applications of nutrient solution with different N (8-32 mm) or P and K (0.25-1.0 mm) levels on the growth and nutrient composition of impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f.) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida hort. Vilm.-Andr.) plug seedlings were quantified. Impatiens and petunia pretransplant seedling growth was most rapid with a \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{1}\) \end{document} concentration of 24 or 32 mm (N at 336 and 448 mg·L-1), while P and K had little effect. Increasing the N concentration in the fertilizer also increased shoot tissue N levels of both impatiens and petunia and decreased shoot P level of impatiens and K level of petunia. Posttransplant growth was most rapid in plants that received N at 16 to 32 mm. Decreasing P and K from 1 to 0.25 mm in the pretransplant fertilizer reduced posttransplant growth. Shoot P level of impatiens 15 d after transplanting decreased from 6.9 to 4.8 mg·g-1 as the pretransplant fertilizer N concentration increased from 8 to 32 mm, while N level increased from 18 to 28 mg·g-1 as P and K fertilizer concentrations increased from 0.25 to 1 mm. Using posttransplant growth as a quantitative norm for plug quality, the sufficiency ranges for tissue N level are 28 to 40 mg·g-1 for impatiens and 30 to 43 mg·g-1 for petunia plugs. These results indicate that fertilization programs for high-quality plug production should focus on N nutrition, and that plugs can be grown with greatly reduced levels of P and K.
Considerations for Machine Harvesting Fresh-market Eastern Thornless Blackberries: Trellis Design, Cane Training Systems, and Mechanical Harvester Developments
Authors: Takeda Fumiomi , Peterson Donald L.
Published: December 2018

There is increased interest in growing blackberries in the United States for the fresh fruit market. For fresh market blackberry production, >350 h/acre (900 h·ha-1) of work is required to hand pick blackberries over a season that lasts 5 weeks with harvest every 2 days. Existing bramble mechanical harvesters can detach fruit from plants trained on a vertically oriented I trellis and harvest more cheaply than when harvested by hand, but the harvested fruit does not have fresh-market quality. We developed a cane training and trellis system for semierect blackberries to orient canes horizontally with the fruit positioned below the canes. Also, we developed an over-the-row mechanical harvester that uses vibrating nylon rods on a drum to shake fruit from horizontally trained canes onto a moving fruit-catching surface directly under the canopy to minimize impact damage to fruit. A new trellis design, new cane training practices, and new harvesting technologies have allowed fruit to be removed efficiently and be acceptable for fresh-market sales. This production system has been evaluated economically and appears to be profitable. It could overcome the high cost of handpicking, which has limited the expansion of fresh-market blackberries.
Preplant Copper-based Compounds Reduce Erwinia Soft Rot on Calla Lilies
Authors: Blom Theo J. , Brown Wayne
Published: December 2018

Four sterilants-bactericides (Physan-20, Fixed Copper, Phyton-27, and Virkon) were compared as preplanting dips of Zantedeschia elliottiana Engl. W. Wats `Yellow' (a susceptible cultivar) rhizomes to reduce plant losses due to latent field-infected Erwinia carotovora soft rot during greenhouse forcing as a flowering potted plant. All sterilant solutions were prepared in combination with Promalin, a commercially available product containing gibberellic acid (GA) used to enhance flowering. An additional group of rhizomes was inoculated with E. carotovora sp. as a preplanting dip in combination with the GA treatment but were not treated with a bactericide. Rhizomes were wounded by making two cuts on the distal part of the rhizome or left unwounded before application of the preplant dip treatments. After potting, plants were fertilized with either a high (3.0 mmol·L-1) or a low (1.0 mmol·L-1) calcium nutrient solution through subirrigation. More than 90% of the inoculated rhizomes collapsed within 5 weeks after potting due to bacterial soft rot. With the uninoculated rhizomes, the copper-based compounds (Fixed Copper or Phyton-27) provided better control of bacterial soft rot than either Physan-20 or Virkon only during the first 6 weeks of forcing. During the remainder of the forcing period, there were no differences in weekly losses of rhizomes with the four sterilants. Confirmation of Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora (Jones) Bergey et al. as the causal organism was made throughout the experiment. Incisions on the rhizome before planting or calcium nutrition during forcing did not have any significant effect on disease severity. Rhizomes treated with solutions of the copper-based compounds produced 0.5 flowers less per rhizome than either Physan-20 or Virkon. High calcium fertilization resulted in an increase of 0.5 flowers per plant compared to low calcium nutrition.
Drought and Ozone Stress Effects on Competition among Selected Prairie Grass Species and Giant Foxtail
Authors: Endress Gregory A. , Endress Anton G. , Iverson Louis R.
Published: December 2018

Differential responses of species to environmental stress may interfere with restoration of prairie ecosystems or change community structure. The impact of increasing atmospheric ozone (O3) concentrations and/or low water on the growth of Andropogon gerardii Vitm. (big bluestem) and Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash (indian grass), two common warm-season native grasses, and Setaria faberi Herrm. (giant foxtail), a vigorous annual weed species, were studied in replacement series. Giant foxtail grew better than either big bluestem or indian grass under all tested conditions. The leaf areas of all three species were primarily controlled by water availability. Big bluestem and indian grass accumulated biomass equally well under high water availability, but with low water, indian grass accumulated more biomass than did bluestem. Three-way analysis of variance showed biomass, leaf area, and leaf number differed among species; low water was significant in all cases except for indian grass leaf area; and the O3 effect was significant only in the case of foxtail biomass. The interaction of O3 concentration and low water was significant only for indian grass biomass and leaf number; the interaction of species combination and low water was significant only for big bluestem leaf area and biomass. Relative yield calculations indicated that under conditions of elevated O3 and low water, big bluestem was the least competitive, while indian grass was most competitive. Intraspecific competition was common, each species apparently utilizing the environment in different ways. The results also suggest that giant foxtail at a low relative density may be used as a nurse species in prairie restorations as growth of big bluestem and indian grass were improved when in mixtures with foxtail.
Repulsion of Cucumber Beetles in Cucumber and Squash Using Aluminum-coated Plastic Mulch
Authors: Caldwell John S. , Clarke Paul
Published: December 2018

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) were grown in a replicated trial on three types of plastic mulch: solid black plastic mulch, solid aluminum-coated plastic mulch with a silver reflective appearance, and black plastic mulch with two aluminum-coated strips attached. Striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittata Fabricius) and spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) counts on yellow sticky cards were obtained over eight weekly samplings. For cucumber, on the peak beetle population date, there were six times as many striped cucumber beetles in solid black plastic mulch as in aluminum-coated plastic mulch, and nearly three times as many as in black plastic mulch with aluminum strips. For squash, both striped and spotted cucumber beetle counts were significantly higher on solid black plastic mulch on three peak sampling dates than on aluminum-coated plastic mulch and black plastic mulch with aluminum strips, with counts 4.9 to 5.5 times higher in solid black plastic mulch than in aluminum-coated plastic mulch, and 2.2 to 2.6 times higher than in black plastic mulch with aluminum strips. Using a threshold of 15 beetles/sticky card, no insecticidal applications were needed on solid aluminum-coated mulch, while an average of 1.8 insecticidal applications were needed on solid black plastic mulch, and 0.8 insecticidal applications on black plastic mulch with aluminum strips. The cost of solid black plastic mulch and its insecticidal applications, $186/acre ($459/ha), was $102/acre ($252/ha) less than the cost of aluminum-coated plastic mulch without insecticidal application, $288/acre ($711/ha). However, squash fruit from plants grown on aluminum-coated plastic mulch could be direct marketed as pesticide-free, at a price 25% higher than fruit on which pesticide had been applied. For an average yield in Virginia of 600 boxes/acre (1,482 boxes/ha) [20 lb/box (9 kg/box)] of squash, this translates to a $1,200/acre ($2,964/ha) increase in revenue. Yield on aluminum-coated plastic mulch was delayed by one week, but there were no significant differences in cumulative yield over 14 harvests.
Enhancing the Research Competencies of Horticulture Graduates through Improved Communications Skills
Authors: Holford Paul , Conroy Jann , Webb Carolyn , Malfroy Janne
Published: December 2018

Research Philosophy and Methodology (RPM) is a core course designed for postgraduate students studying horticulture at the University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury. This course has two aims. First, RPM introduces the different paradigms found within science to students, and develops their understanding of different approaches to problem solving and extending knowledge. Second, RPM encourages an exploration of different forms of expression used within science and provides students with opportunities to practice communicating their ideas through written and oral presentations. It is intended that students will complete this course with a deeper understanding of how science is conducted and communicated.
Yields and Disease Resistance of Fall-harvested Transgenic and Conventional Summer Squash in Kentucky
Authors: Rowell Brent , Nesmith William , Snyder John C.
Published: December 2018

Virus and fungal disease pressures limit fall production of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) in Kentucky. Twenty-five summer squash cultivars (nine zucchini, eight yellow straightneck, and eight yellow crookneck entries) were evaluated for marketable yield, appearance, and disease resistance in a late summer planting. Genetically engineered virus-resistant materials and new conventionally bred resistant or tolerant cultivars were compared with popular susceptible hybrids. Virus incidence was determined visually before and after final harvest and was also determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) was most frequently detected and appeared to have caused most of the observed symptoms. Conventionally bred cultivars containing the precocious yellow gene and two transgenic lines were in the highest yielding group of yellow straightneck squash despite high virus incidence in precocious yellow cultivars. Among yellow crooknecks, transgenic cultivars were clearly superior for disease resistance and yields. Conventionally bred cultivars with virus tolerance were among the highest yielding zucchini types. Most transgenics were superior to their nontransformed equivalent cultivars for virus resistance and yield. Cultivars and breeding lines varied considerably in color, shape, and overall appearance. ELISA results revealed that some (but not all) transgenic cultivars tested positive for the coat protein corresponding to the virus resistance present in that cultivar. Also, mild virus-like symptoms were observed in transgenic squash plants after the conclusion of harvest.
Cucurbit Seed Development and Production
Authors: Welbaum Gregory E.
Published: December 2018

Seed production in the family Cucurbitaceae is more complicated than in dry-seeded grain crops because seeds mature within a moist fruit and are often held at high moisture content for several weeks before seed harvest. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.), a member of this family, was used as a model system to contrast seed development with crops that are dry at maturity. A detailed time course for `Top Mark' fruit and seed development is presented based on previous studies. In muskmelon fruit, precocious germination is inhibited osmotically by the low water potential of the surrounding fruit tissue. Muskmelon seeds exhibit primary dormancy that affects viability very early in development but has a greater effect on seed vigor and is removed by afterripening during dry storage. Osmotically distended or fish-mouth seeds are dead seeds that occur in cucurbit seed lots after aging kills the embryo without disrupting the semipermeable endosperm that completely surrounds and protects the embryo. Cucurbit seed crops should be harvested before the onset of fruit senescence to prevent aging of the seeds inside. Open-pollinated cucurbit seed crops are frequently once-over mechanically harvested. Mechanical harvesting combines seeds from many stages of development into a single seed lot, which may adversely affect quality and increase seed to seed variability. Hand harvesting cucurbit fruit at the optimal stage of development could improve seed quality in some instances but is more costly and time consuming and would increase production costs.
Tillage and Cover Residue Affects on Vegetable Yields
Authors: Hoyt Greg D.
Published: December 2018

The availability of various conservation tillage (CT) practices along with a variety of cover residues creates an opportunity for farm managers to create new systems for vegetable production. We established various tillage practices and cover crop residues for CT use to determine which systems would continue to deliver high vegetable productivity. Recommendations for using CT based only on a yield perspective would lead us to conclude that full season crops could be grown with some form of CT and respectable yields would be obtainable. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production with CT is successfully being practiced in North Carolina in both the mountain valleys and Piedmont region. Because of the cooler soil temperatures with cover residue, summer and especially fall harvested tomatoes produce the least risk in obtaining similar yields as plow/disc production. Our experiments with short season vegetable crops and CT have had mixed results. Cole crops (Brassica L.) grown with CT in early spring or late fall experience soil temperatures cool enough to delay growth compared to plow/disc management. Proper selection of a cover crop residue type and the amount of cover residue can increase yield. Growing short season vegetable crops with CT during the warmest season of the year will reduce the risk of delayed plant growth and thus, decrease the time to harvest.
Response of Soil and Irrigated Fruit Trees to Fertigation or Broadcast Application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
Authors: Neilsen G.H. , Neilsen D. , Peryea F.
Published: December 2018

Traditionally, broadcast or foliar fertilizer applications have been used to improve or sustain the nutrition of many irrigated, deciduous fruit tree orchards in western North America. Recent developments, including adoption of low-pressure microirrigation systems and planting at higher densities [especially for apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)], have increased interest in controlled application of fertilizers directly with irrigation (fertigation). Recent fertigation research in western North America is reviewed, emphasizing results from high-density apple orchards. Fertigation and traditional broadcast application methods are examined with respect to mobility of N, P, and K in the soil and response of fruit trees to application of these nutrients.
Efficacy of the Fungus Verticillium lecanii for Suppressing Root-knot Nematode Egg Numbers on Cantaloupe Roots
Authors: Meyer Susan L.F.
Published: December 2018

Two strains of the fungus Verticillium lecanii (A. Zimmermann) Viégas were studied as potential biocontrol agents for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood) on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.). For the study, pots were filled with soil that had been inoculated with M. incognita (inoculum was applied at two levels: 1000 and 5000 eggs/pot). Each fungus strain was applied individually by pouring an aqueous suspension (made from a wettable granule formulation) into the inoculated soil. Controls received water only. One cantaloupe seedling was then transplanted into each pot. Plants were grown for 55 days in the greenhouse, and then harvested and assessed for root and shoot growth and for nematode egg production. In pots inoculated with 1000 eggs/plant, neither fungus strain affected nematode egg numbers. At the 5000 eggs/plant inoculum level, both strains of the fungus suppressed egg numbers (counts were 28% and 31% less than water controls). Neither strain of V. lecanii affected the number of eggs embedded in root galls; the fungus suppressed nematode population numbers overall solely by affecting the number of eggs located outside of root tissues. Both fungus strains were also autoclaved and then applied to soil, to test for effects of nonviable fungus. In pots inoculated with 5000 eggs, application of one autoclaved strain resulted in a 35% suppression in egg numbers after 55 days, suggesting that the fungus produced a heat-stable substance deleterious to the nematode.
Information Sources Used by Garden Writers
Authors: Garber M.P. , Bondari K.
Published: December 2018

Results of a national survey indicated that the top four sources of information used by garden writers for new or appropriate plants were nursery catalogs, botanical and public gardens, seed company catalogs, and gardening magazines. More than 50% of the participating garden writers reportedly used these four sources a lot. The most frequently used books and magazines were Horticulture Magazine (34.6%), Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (24.1%), and Fine Gardening (23.7%). About 29% of the garden writers used the World Wide Web to source information and the two most widely used type of sites were universities and botanical gardens and arboreta. A high percentage of garden writers desire greater or more frequent communications with botanical gardens and arboreta (90.4%), university personnel (87.4%), and plant producers (86.3%).
Challenges for Calla Growers in the Unsubsidized New Zealand Export Market
Authors: Clemens John , Cameron Ewen A. , Funt Richard C.
Published: December 2018

Calla (Zantedeschia Spreng.) growers were studied as members of an expanding sector in the New Zealand floricultural industry. The calla sector is characterized by diverse-size firms scattered throughout the two main islands of New Zealand. Growers differ in their skill and experience with calla production. Problems are both grower-specific (e.g., control of diseases, postharvest disorders) and sector-wide. Examples of the latter include the prioritizing and funding research, interacting with science organizations and planning sector marketing strategy. Both sets of problems have been exacerbated by the progressive withdrawal of research and extension support services traditionally provided by government agencies. There is competition between the floriculture industry and calla sector-based grower organizations. The leadership role of a strong grower organization, in this case the New Zealand Calla Council (NZCC), is seen as an essential forum for growers, and as the link between growers, exporter organizations, scientists and central government. Good communications between the industry organization and growers is essential to identify and prioritizeproblems and to transfer information to individual growers through workshops, newsletters and manuals. To maintain its effectiveness, the NZCC does not satisfy the needs of smaller growers at the expense of the larger, influential growers. Rather, it seeks to the benefit the latter by upgrading the skill level of the industry, and by undertaking tasks too large for any individual business.
Southwest Home Horticulture: Using Video and the Internet in the Instruction of Nonmajors
Authors: Martin Chris A. , Stutz Jean C.
Published: December 2018

A distance learning course called Southwest Home Horticulture was developed and implemented at Arizona State University using video and Internet technologies to give nonhorticulture students an overview of urban horticulture in the southwestern United States. Fourteen, one-half-hour video programs about topics in southwestern residential landscaping, plants materials and landscape best-management practices were produced in ≈800 working hours. The video programs are now telecast weekly, each academic semester, on the regional public television station and the educational channel of several cable television systems. We found that students who enrolled in the course were most likely to tape the programs on a video cassette recorder and watch them at their own convenience, one to three times. A World Wide Web (Web) site on the Internet was developed as a supplement to the video programs. The Web site was organized into a modular format giving students quick access to auxiliary course-related information and helpful resources. When asked, ≈90% of the students indicated that the Web site was a helpful supplement to the video programs. Use of video and Internet technologies in tandem has enabled nonhorticulture major students to learn about home horticulture in an asynchronous or location and time independent fashion.
Understanding Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems in Horticultural Applications
Authors: Heiniger Ronnie W.
Published: December 2018

New technologies such as differential global positioning systems (DGPS) and geographical information systems (GIS) are making it possible to manage variability in soil properties and the microenvironment within a field. By providing information about where variability occurs and the patterns that exist in crop and soil properties, DGPS and GIS technologies have the potential of improving crop management practices. Yield monitoring systems linked to DGPS receivers are available for several types of horticultural crops and can be used in variety selection and/or improving crop management. Precision soil sampling and remote sensing technologies can be used to scout for infestations of insects, diseases, or weeds, to determine the distribution of soil nutrients, and to monitor produce quality by measuring crop vigor. Combined with variable rate application systems, precision soil sampling and remote sensing can help direct fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, and/or fungicide applications to only those regions of the field that require soil amendments or are above threshold levels. This could result in less chemical use and improved crop performance. As with any information driven system, the data must be accurate, inexpensive to collect, and, most importantly, must become part of a decision process that results in improvements in crop yield, productivity, and/or environmental stewardship.
The Utah Botanical Gardens: An Educational Resource for the University and the Community
Authors: Olsen Shawn , Amundsen Debbie , Varga Bill , Minch Donna , Anderson Dave
Published: December 2018

University students have been involved with the Utah Botanical Gardens (UBG) since their inception in 1954 as part of the Utah State University (USU) Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES). Students and professors travel from USU to visit UBG, conduct class tours, and participate in research projects. Students also work at UBG as summer interns, and in 1986, USU began offering off-campus horticulture classes for credit at UBG. Today, 20 different classes are taught at UBG or nearby sites. These classes are part of the USU Applied Ornamental Horticulture degree program and can also be used to qualify as a Certified Nursery Professional by the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association.
A Solid-matrix, Liquid Hybrid Hydroponic System for Establishing Small-seeded Crop Species
Authors: Frantz Jonathan M. , Mitchell Cary A. , Frick Jay
Published: December 2018

A solid-matrix-over-liquid (hybrid) growth system was developed for direct sowing of small-seeded crop species into hydroponic culture and compared for performance with a standard solid-matrix, capillary-wick hydroponic system. Seeds were sown directly onto a 3-cm (1.2-inch) deep soilless seed bed occupying 0.147 m2 (1.582 ft2) within a tray. The planted seed bed was moistened by wicking up nutrient solution through polyester wicking material from a 7.0-L (6.6-qt) reservoir just below the matrix seed bed. The hybrid system successfully grew dense [435 plants/m2 (40.4 plants/ft2)], uniform canopies of dwarf Brassica napus L. in a controlled-environment growth room. Seed yield using the hybrid system was twice that achieved with the matrix-based system. Both systems eliminated the labor needed to transplant many small seedlings from a separate nurse bed into a standard bulk liquid hydroponic system. Root-zone pH extremes caused by ion uptake and exchange between roots and unrinsed soilless media were avoided for the hybrid system by the short dwell time of roots in the thin matrix before they grew through the matrix and an intervening headspace into the bulk solution below, where pH was easily managed. Once roots grew into the bulk solution, its level was lowered, thereby cutting off further capillary wicking action and drying out the upper medium. Beyond early seedling establishment, water and nutrients were provided to the crop stand only by the bulk nutrient solution. This hybrid hydroponic system serves as a prototype for largerscale soilless growth systems that could be developed for production of smallseeded crops in greenhouses or controlled environments.
Novel Green Micro-Synthesis of Graphene-Titanium Dioxide Nano- Composites with Photo-Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Serour Nourwanda M. , Hammad Ahmed S.E. , El-Shazly Ahmed H. , El-Gayar Dina A. , Nosier Shaaban A.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Graphene-Titanium dioxide nano-composite forms a very promising material
in the field of photo-electrochemical research.

Methods:

In this study, a novel environment-friendly synthesis method was developed to produce
well-distributed anatase nano-titanium dioxide spherical particles on the surface of graphene sheets.
This novel method has great advantages over previously developed methods of producing graphenetitanium
dioxide nanocomposites (GTNCs). High calcination temperature 650°C was used in the
preparation of nano titanium dioxide, and chemical exfoliation for graphene synthesis and GTNC
was performed by our novel method of depositing titanium dioxide nanoparticles on graphene sheets
using a Y-shaped micro-reactor under a controlled pumping rate with minimal use of chemicals.

Results:

The physiochemical and crystallographic properties of the GTNC were confirmed by TEM,
XRD, FTIR and EDX measurements, confirming process repeatability. Spherical nano-titanium dioxide
was produced in the anatase phase with very high crystallinity and small particle diameters
ranging from 9 nm to 25 nm, also the as prepared graphene (RGO) exhibited minimal flake folding
and a high carbon content of 81.28% with a low oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratio of 0.172 and GTNCs
produced by our novel method had a superior loading content, a homogeneous distribution and a
96.6% higher content of titanium dioxide particles on the graphene sheets compared with GTNCs
prepared with the one-pot method.

Conclusion:

For its photoelectrochemical properties, chronoamperometry showed that GTNC sample
(2) had a higher peak current of 60 μA compared with that of GTNC sample (1), which indicates
that the separation and transfer of electron-hole pairs are better in the case of GTNC sample (2) and
according to the LSV results, the generation of photocurrent in the samples can be observed through
multiple on-off cycles, which indicates that the electrodes are stable and that the photocurrent is quite
reversible.
Load Cells Application for Developing Weight-Bearing Detection via Wireless Connection
Authors: Jaysrichai Tossaphon
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To focus on a device development for measuring the weight-bearing on feet while simultaneously reporting data on smartphone usage. Secondly, the output data from this device are tested for the accuracy.

Methods:

Researcher used eight pieces of 50 kg Body Load Cell Weighing Sensor Resistance strain Half-bridge Original (four pieces per foot), two pieces of HX711 amplifier, MCS-51 AT89 C51 microcontroller and HC-05-Bluetooth to develop the device. This device that is called the Wireless Weight-Shifting Detector (WWSD) is used to measure weight-bearing on feet by being attached to sandals. The output data are simultaneously reported on smartphonevialine-graphs [load (kg) per sampling data] and numeric by FootpressV1 application. The device was tested using accurate measuring data with standard weights and calculated in percentage of accuracy (%). After that, WWSD was used to compare the weight-bearing measurement during standing with forceplate (AMTI; OR6-7 Platform).

Results:

The percentage of accuracy of WWSD was more than 97% and the error values from the measuring standard weights ranged under ±0.23 kg. The accuracy of measurement was more than 95% when compared with the force plate.

Conclusion:

WWSD can report simultaneously the weight-bearing on feet with rather accurate data on smartphone. It may be helpful in assisting physical therapists while training patients in clinic.
Passive Periodontal Sensation Threshold of Upper Molars in Patients with Myofascial Pain
Authors: Hirata Atsutoshi , Kato Seiya , Mude Acing Habibie , Oki Kazuhiro , Matsunaga Tadashi , Minagi Shogo
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective:

The relationship between periodontal sensation and Myofascial Pain (MP) is not yet fully clarified. The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the periodontal sensation threshold between subjects with MP and subjects with no Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

Methods:

Participants have clinically assessed in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders version 1.0 guidelines and assigned to the MP group (mean age 54.8 ± 14.8 years; 1 male and 11 females) or the control group (mean age: 63.9 ± 13.2 years; 1 male and 15 females). The Passive Periodontal Sensation Threshold (PPST) was evaluated using impulsive mechanical stimulation on the occlusal surface parallel to the tooth axis of the maxillary first molar, if present. The difference in the mean PPST between the MP group and the control group was evaluated using the Student t-test after checking for homoscedasticity.

Results:

The mean PPST value was 1050.1 ± 480.3 mN in the MP group and 712.3 ± 288.5 mN in the control group. A significant difference was observed between these mean PPST values (p = 0.045).

Conclusion:

There was a significant difference in PPST between the MP group and the control group. Although the etiology of the change of PPST is still unknown, the higher PPST value observed in MP patients suggests that future study on occlusal dysesthesia or occlusal sensation-related pathosis is warranted.
Periosteal Envelope Flap as a Technique for Horizontal Bone Augmentation: A Case Series Study
Authors: Arab Sepideh , Arab Hamid Reza , Aghaloo Maryam , Shiezadeh Farid , Tajik Shamim , Moeintaghavi Amir
Published: December 2018

Background:

Following tooth extraction, the alveolar bone is typically subject to irrevocable and progressive changes that are collectively referred to as natural bone resorption. This process eventually results in a deficiency of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the bone. Conventionally, various methods are used to repair alveolar defects resulting from tooth extraction, and to achieve vertical or horizontal bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of periosteal pocket flap on the enhancement of horizontal length in alveolar bone regeneration.

Methods:

Twenty-two patients (7 men, 15 women) aged 45–60 years were enrolled in this study. Periosteal envelope flaps and Cerabone were used to increase alveolar bone thickness. Ridge width was measured preoperatively and 4-6 months postoperatively using cone-beam computed tomography. The pre- and postoperative results were compared using the paired t-test.

Results:

An average of 2.53 mm (P< 0.001) horizontal enhancement of the alveolar ridge was achieved.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that the use of a periosteal pocket flap with xenograft material is an excellent method which increase more than 2 mm alveolar bone width. As the study sample was small, further clinical investigations with larger samples are recommended.
Very Long Persistence of Botulinum Toxin B in a Patient’s Serum
Authors: Delbrassinne Laurence , Laisnez Valeska , De Weweire Mieke , Vanderpas Jean , Dierick Katelijne , Denayer Sarah
Published: December 2018

Background:

Botulinum toxins (BoNT) type A, B, E, F may induce a serious neuroparalytic illness in humans. Botulism can be transmitted via three routes: foodborne, wound and intestinal (in situ toxemia generally observed in infants and/or in immunocompromised adults) botulism.

Case Report:

A case of human botulism type B due to the consumption of an imported dried ham is reported. Laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis using the mouse bioassay and the qPCR method. Botulinum toxin was still detected in the serum up to 29 days after food consumption while it was not detected anymore in the faeces.

Conclusion:

The described case highlights i) prolonged presence of BoNT B in the serum and ii) the risks related to the preparation of artisanal products as well as the importance of an efficient communication to citizens regarding preservation methods of household products.
Removal of Refractory Organic Compounds from Wastewater by Various Advanced Oxidation Process - A Review
Authors: Srivastav Manjari , Gupta Meenal , Agrahari Sushil K. , Detwal Pawan
Published: December 2018

Per capita average annual freshwater availability is gradually reduced due to increasing population, urbanization and affluent lifestyles. Hence, management of wastewater is of great concern. The wastewater from different industries can be treated by various conventional treatment methods but these conventional treatment technologies seem to be ineffective for the complete removal of pollutants especially refractory organic compounds that are not readily biodegradable in nature. Detergents, detergent additives, sequestering agents like EDTA, Pesticides, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. are some of the recalcitrant organic compounds found in the wastewater. One of the treatment technologies for the removal of recalcitrant organic compounds is Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). The production of hydroxyl free radical is the main mechanism for the AOP. AOP is a promising technology for the treatment of refractory organic compounds due to its low oxidation selectivity and high reactivity of the radical. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Ozonation, Ultra-violet (UV) radiation, H2O2/UV process and Fenton’s reaction are extensively used for the removal of refractory organic compounds thus reducing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), phenolic compounds, dyes etc. to great extent. From the studies, we found that Fenton’s reagents appear to be most economically practical AOP systems for almost all industries with respect to high pollutant removal efficiency and it is also economical. From the energy point of view, the ozone based process proves to be more efficient but it is costlier than the Fenton’s process.
Glucose Control in Diabetic Patients Attending Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chirombe Magnus , Ngara Bernard , Chibvongodze Raymond , Charuka Venneth , Zhou Danai Tavonga
Published: December 2018

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease whose prevalence is increasing even in low-income countries like Zimbabwe. It is usually diagnosed late when complications are already present mainly due to slow onset of disease, low accessibility to healthcare facilities and socio-economic hardships. Poor glycaemic control in diabetics is associated with the development of long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and diabetic foot syndrome. Therefore, good glycaemic control is essential to prevent complications, to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients and to reduce healthcare costs.

Objectives:

This study sought to find the status of glycaemic control and to identify factors that are associated with poor glycaemic control among diabetic patients attending Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Diabetic Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Method:

A cross-sectional study involving a total of 182 diabetic patients was carried out. Demographic data (age and gender) and clinical information (hypertension, duration, height, weight and lipid therapy) were retrieved from patients’ clinical records. Blood samples from participating diabetic patients were analysed for HbA1c on the Mindray® BS 400 Analyser. Measurement of HbA1c was done enzymatically using the International Federation of Clinical Chemists (IFCC) method.

Result and Discussion:

A total of 182 patients (30.2% men, 69.8% women) were enrolled whose mean (SD) age in years was 55 (9.0). The glycaemic status was generally poor with a prevalence of poor glycaemic control as high as 58.2%. This prevalence is higher than that previously obtained at the same hospital in 2013 thus presenting a major health challenge. This also means the burden of diabetic complications is likely to increase. Poor glycaemic control was significantly associated with gender and duration of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

We conclude that in order to improve glycaemic control among diabetic patients, primary healthcare facilities need to focus on patient education and should facilitate early diagnosis through routine medical check-ups.
Validity Evaluation of the Fitbit Charge2 and the Garmin vivosmart HR+ in Free-Living Environments in an Older Adult Cohort (Preprint)
Authors: Tedesco Salvatore , Sica Marco , Ancillao Andrea , Timmons Suzanne , Barton John , O'Flynn Brendan
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the validity of mainstream wrist-based activity trackers in healthy older adults in real life, as opposed to laboratory settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the performance of two wrist-worn trackers (Fitbit Charge 2 and Garmin vivosmart HR+) in estimating steps, energy expenditure, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, and sleep parameters (total sleep time [TST] and wake after sleep onset [WASO]) against gold-standard technologies in a cohort of healthy older adults in a free-living environment.

METHODS

Overall, 20 participants (>65 years) took part in the study. The devices were worn by the participants for 24 hours, and the results were compared against validated technology (ActiGraph and New-Lifestyles NL-2000i). Mean error, mean percentage error (MPE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), intraclass correlation (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were computed for all the parameters considered.

RESULTS

For step counting, all trackers were highly correlated with one another (ICCs>0.89). Although the Fitbit tended to overcount steps (MPE=12.36%), the Garmin and ActiGraph undercounted (MPE 9.36% and 11.53%, respectively). The Garmin had poor ICC values when energy expenditure was compared against the criterion. The Fitbit had moderate-to-good ICCs in comparison to the other activity trackers, and showed the best results (MAPE=12.25%), although it underestimated calories burned. For MVPA levels estimation, the wristband trackers were highly correlated (ICC=0.96); however, they were moderately correlated against the criterion and they overestimated MVPA activity minutes. For the sleep parameters, the ICCs were poor for all cases, except when comparing the Fitbit with the criterion, which showed moderate agreement. The TST was slightly overestimated with the Fitbit, although it provided good results with an average MAPE equal to 10.13%. Conversely, WASO estimation was poorer and was overestimated by the Fitbit but underestimated by the Garmin. Again, the Fitbit was the most accurate, with an average MAPE of 49.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested well-known devices could be adopted to estimate steps, energy expenditure, and sleep duration with an acceptable level of accuracy in the population of interest, although clinicians should be cautious in considering other parameters for clinical and research purposes.
Google Trends Predicts Present and Future Plague Cases During the Plague Outbreak in Madagascar: Infodemiological Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Mahroum Naim
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Plague is a highly infectious zoonotic disease caused by the bacillus Yersinia pestis. Three major forms of the disease are known: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. Though highly related to the past, plague still represents a global public health concern. Cases of plague continue to be reported worldwide. In recent months, pneumonic plague cases have been reported in Madagascar. However, despite such a long-standing and rich history, it is rather difficult to get a comprehensive overview of the general situation. Within the framework of electronic health (eHealth), in which people increasingly search the internet looking for health-related material, new information and communication technologies could enable researchers to get a wealth of data, which could complement traditional surveillance of infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to assess public reaction regarding the recent plague outbreak in Madagascar by quantitatively characterizing the public’s interest.

METHODS

We captured public interest using Google Trends (GT) and correlated it to epidemiological real-world data in terms of incidence rate and spread pattern.

RESULTS

Statistically significant positive correlations were found between GT search data and confirmed (R2=0.549), suspected (R2=0.265), and probable (R2=0.518) cases. From a geospatial standpoint, plague-related GT queries were concentrated in Toamasina (100%), Toliara (68%), and Antananarivo (65%). Concerning the forecasting models, the 1-day lag model was selected as the best regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

An earlier digital Web search reaction could potentially contribute to better management of outbreaks, for example, by designing ad hoc interventions that could contain the infection both locally and at the international level, reducing its spread.
Callus Induction on True Shallot Seed Explant Using a Combination of BA and 2,4-D
Authors: Dharmayanti Krisna , Sulistyaningsih Endang , Wulandari Rani Agustina
Published: December 2018

BA and 2,4-D combination were commonly used for in vitro culture of Shallot (Allium cepa L. var agregatum 2n = 2x = 16) to induce callus, but there was no information for callus induction on shallot seed (TSS) explant. Callus could be utilized for in vitro selection and generating of genetic variation. The aims of the research was to identify the response of TSS (Trisula and Tuk Tuk) as explant  and to obtain the optimum combination of BA and 2,4-D (mg.L-1): (0–0, 2–1, 2–2, 2–3, and 2–4) in callus induction. The research had been carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada during the year 2015-2016. Factorial treatments of variety and growth regulators were arranged in Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Data of percentage of germination, shoot height, root length, percentage of callus formation, callus weight, and chromosomes number of callus were recorded. The results showed that combination of 2 mg.L-1 BA + (1– 4) mg.L-1 2,4-D induced callus formation on TSS but inhibits shoots and roots growth. The best callus proliferation was at a concentration of 1 mg.L-1 2,4-D. Tetraploid callus chromosomes (2n = 4x = 32) was detected in Trisula grown in the 2 mg.L-1 BA + 4 mg.L-1 2,4-D, but in the Tuk Tuk callus did not detected the changing of chromosomes number.
Gastrointestinal complications in patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy or monotherapy
Authors: Irwin Debra E , Davis Brian , Bell Jill A , Galaznik Aaron , Garcia-Ribas Ignacio
Published: December 2018

Aim & methods:
A retrospective study using the IBM Explorys Universe Database assessed the risk of gastrointestinal events (enterocolitis or diarrhea) among melanoma and lung cancer patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination or monotherapy.
Results & conclusion:
There were 904 melanoma patients (607 ipilimumab, 140 nivolumab and 157 combo) and 1641 lung cancer patients (68 ipilimumab, 1542 nivolumab and 31 combo). Approximately, 37% of lung patients and 46% of melanoma patients experienced at least one adverse event. After adjusting for covariates, patients receiving combination therapy were more likely to have a gastrointestinal event compared with ipilimumab monotherapy patients (melanoma hazard ratio: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.06–2.25; lung hazard ratio: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.09–7.89).