bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Vitamin A supplementation on preventing recurrent acute lower respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Kanakala Murthy , Pediredla Karunakar , Pachiappan Natarajan , Ramayi Rajendran Ramachari , Rehman Tanveer
Published: June 2019

Background: Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (ALRTI) remains the major cause of increased morbidity and mortality in under-five children. Vitamin A has a protective role against infections in children. Vitamin A supplementation is given to under-five children as part of the National Immunization Programme in India. The aim of this study was to find out the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation in preventing the recurrent ALRTI (≥3 episodes per year) in under-five children.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to find out the role of vitamin A supplementation in reducing recurrent ALRTI in under-five children who were enrolled in Anganwadi centers (AWC’s) in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Two hundred children of 1-5 years of age were selected by random systematic sampling. History was elicited and documents about vitamin A supplementation and previous episodes of ALRTI were verified. The association between recurrence of ALRTI and vitamin A supplementation was analyzed using chi-square test.Results: The mean age of the children in this study is 24±8 months. The median number of episodes of ALRTI per year is 2 (1-3). Among 200 children enrolled in the study, 127 (63.5%) children received vitamin A supplementation and 73 (36.5%) did not receive it. There is a significant decrease in the number of ALRTI episodes (less than 3 episodes per year) in the children who received vitamin A supplementation (p <0.001).Conclusions: Vitamin A supplementation along with the National Immunization Programme had shown reduced  ALRTI episodes. Since, the number of ALTRI episodes are directly proportional to mortality due to pneumonia, reduction in number of episodes can decrease the Under-five mortality. Vitamin A supplementation is an important programme in this regard and needs to be scrupulously carried out.
A rare presentation of chikungunya in an infant
Authors: K. Vindhiya , C. Selvendran
Published: June 2019

Chikungunya is an arboviral disease caused by chikungunya virus which belongs to the genus Alpha virus and Togaviridae. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The important reasons for the outbreaks are genetic adaptation of the virus and adaptation of the mosquitoes to the cold climate which lead to increased infectivity and dissemination. The clinical manifestations of disease in infants are different from that of older children and adults. Various dermatological manifestations of chikungunya include generalized erythema, maculopapular rash, vesicular lesions, hyper pigmentation and peeling of skin. Authors hereby report a case of 10 month old infant with fever and vesiculobullous lesion which was diagnosed as chikungunya infection.
Meconium pseudocyst revisited
Authors: Malhotra Bhavana , Mittal Nishant , Jha Abhishek , Mittal N. K.
Published: June 2019

Meconium peritonitis is defined as a sterile chemical or foreign-body peritonitis that is caused by escape of meconium from the intestinal tract into the peritoneal cavity during the fetal or perinatal period. Although meconium peritonitis is indicative of intrauterine perforation of the intestine, it may occur as early as the 4th to 6th month of INTRA NATAL life and as late as several hours after birth. It can be classified into three pathological variations: fibro-adhesive; cystic and generalized. The cystic type has a meconium filled pseudocyst that may rupture in the peritoneal cavity. Intra-abdominal calcification is pathognomonic for the diagnosis. Here, author reported a classical case of meconium peritonitis with pseudocyst formation, which was treated successfully conservatively.
The Experience of Australia's First Nations Men Supporting Their Partners During Childbirth: A Descriptive, Interpretive Study
Authors: Blanc Yordanka Berg , Dietsch Elaine
Published: June 2019

This research explored and described the experiences of Australia's First Nations expectant fathers as they supported their partners during childbirth. A descriptive, interpretive approach used purposive recruitment to the point of data saturation. Five participants were interviewed within 4 days of supporting their partners during childbirth. Interview data were thematically analyzed, and five themes emerged. Three themes were consistent with findings from non–First Nations fathers. Two new themes related to changes in childbearing traditions, “we show affection in different way” and staff support strategies, “educate dads by telling stories about birth”; will be closely examined in this article. This research identified the existence of a new generation of First Nations fathers in Central Australia wishing to guide and support their partners in their journey to parenthood. The development of support programs, responsive to their unique ways of knowing and learning style, will ensure that their needs are optimally met.
Impactos de obras costeiras na linha de costa: O Caso do Porto do Açu, Município de São João da Barra, RJ
Authors: Lämmle Luca , Bulhões Eduardo Manuel Rosa
Published: June 2019

Dentro da perspectiva dos estudos da dinâmica costeira, este trabalho visa contribuir para o conhecimento relacionado aos impactos oriundos da construção do Porto do Açu, localizado em São João da Barra/RJ. O objetivo é identificar e quantificar as alterações ocorridas na linha de costa do litoral que abrange a área de influência indireta do Porto, com ênfase na área de influência dos ambientes marinhos. A justificativa para a realização deste trabalho são as crescentes intervenções que vêm sendo feitas na área de estudo. A metodologia para alcançar os resultados foi análise de imagens de satélite, vetorização e a sobreposição da linha de costa para identificar alteração, além de calcular a área alterada com suporte de SIG. Dados de batimetria da plataforma continental interna adjacente à área de estudo foram extraídos através das cartas náuticas, a fim de realizar as simulações do comportamento das ondas para a área de estudo para dois cenários: sem e com as estruturas do Porto. Os resultados puderam revelar que na porção ao sul do empreendimento, ao longo de 7,5 km, houve uma progradação média da linha de costa de 14,13 metros entre os anos de 2010 e 2016, enquanto no intervalo de 2003 a 2010 a média de progradação foi de 33,21 metros. Já as simulações de ondas permitiram concluir que elas chegam à costa da localidade do Porto do Açu com características distintas quando comparadas com e sem as estruturas, características estas que se mantêm fora do desvio padrão quando comparadas ao comportamento das ondas em outros pontos de monitoramento analisados.
Histórico e caracterização das lagoas do Açu, Salgada, Grussaí e Iquipari, São João da Barra/RJ
Authors: Ramos Verônica Ribeiro , Araújo Thiago Moreira de Rezende , Oliveira Manildo Marcião de
Published: June 2019

As lagoas costeiras são instrumentos na manutenção de condições climáticas e hidrológicas. Na região Norte Fluminense, elas possuem demasiada representatividade sendo atreladas ao desenvolvimento regional. Contudo, as alterações antrópicas vêm interferindo na qualidade desses ecossistemas. Este artigo objetiva uma revisão bibliográfica e consequente caracterização das lagoas do Açu, Salgada, Grussaí e Iquipari, localizadas em São João da Barra/RJ. Nesse sentido, percebeu-se que a urbanização no entorno da lagoa de Grussaí e a ausência de esgotamento sanitário prejudicam de forma demasiada o equilíbrio aquático. Em contrapartida, as unidades de conservação atuam como importantes instrumentos de preservação dos sistemas lagunares da região.
Consumer Decision Making Style - Male Versus Female: A Study on Chattogram City, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Toufiqur
Published: June 2019

Genders play an important role to influence an individual’s buying behavior activities all the time and it acts almost the same in any other region or cultures. This study has been conducted to identify whether there is any differences exist or not according to males’ or females’ decision making style. The questionnaire has been set by using Consumer Style Inventory (CSI) approaches (α =0.895) to collect data from 133 respondents of Chattogram city, Bangladesh. The CSI has been used to identify consumer decision making style with its eight factors and 37 items. By analyzing the data it has been found that there is no significant difference in between male and female regarding their decision making style. As this study is limited to Chattogram city only, so the study has a broader scope to do further research by accommodating with more cities or countries that are culturally diversified.
Sustainable International Relations. Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si’ and the Planetary Implications of the “Integral Ecology”
Authors: Ferrara Pasquale
Published: June 2019

This paper analyzes the theoretical and pragmatic implications, for international relations and world politics, of the new holistic approach to climate change articulated by Pope Francis in the Encyclical Laudato si’, particularly through the notion “integral ecology”. Far for being just a new chapter in the unfolding process of the “greening” of religions, the document raises in radical terms the issue of the sustainability of the present world system. I contend that the perspective of the Encyclical calls for a radical transformation of international relations, since it puts emphasis on the deep implications of environmental issues on the entire spectrum of security, development, economic and ethical challenges of contemporary world politics. Against this backdrop, I connect the main tenets of the Encyclical to the environmental turn in International Relations Theory and to the new epistemological challenges related to paradigm shift induced by the new planetary condition of the Anthropocene and the questions arising for a justice encompassing the humanity-earth system. Practicing sustainable international relations means exiting the logic of power or hegemony, operationalizing the concept of care.
Ancient DNAs and the Neolithic Chinese super-grandfather Y haplotypes
Authors: Zhang Ye , Lei Xiaoyun , Chen Hongyao , Li Jiawei , Zhou Hui , Huang Shi
Published: June 2019

Background: Previous studies identified 3 Neolithic Han Chinese super-grandfather Y haplotypes, F5 (O2a2b1a1a), F46 (O2a2b1a2a1), and F11 (O2a1b1a1a1a), but their relationships with the archaeological and written records remain unexplored.

Results: We here report genome wide DNA data for 11 ancient human samples (0.02x-1.28x) from China ranging from 6500 to 2500 years before present (YBP), which also includes ~11 Mb Y NRY data for one sample. The 11 ancient samples belonged to 4 different genetic groups, designated as Dashanqian (DSQ) of Xiajiadian Culture in the Northeast, Duzhong (DZ) of late Yangshao Culture in the Central Plains, Zhengzhou Xishan (ZX) of Miaodigou Culture in the Central Plains, and Others. Present day F5 samples were closer in autosomal distances to the ZX and DSQ groups while O1, O2, and C samples were closer to the DZ group. We also sequenced the Y chromosome of one of these ancient samples K12 from DSQ and found both K12 and a previously reported ~4000 year old sample MG48 from Northwest China to have the F2137 (O2a2b1a1a1a2a) haplotype, belonging to the most prolific branch F438 immediately under F5. We further found close relationships between ZX and DSQ and between ZX and ancient M117 Tibetans or present day Southwest Dai Chinese carrying the F5 subtype O2a2b1a1a6.

Conclusions: The results imply radiations of F5 subtypes from the putative place of F5 origin in Henan. These results are remarkably consistent with archaeological and written records.
A Qualitative Transcriptional Signature for Predicting Microsatellite Instability Status of Right-sided Colon Cancer
Authors: Fu Yelin , Qi Lishuang , Guo Wenbing , Jin Liangliang , Song Kai , You Tianyi , Zhang Shuobo , Gu Yunyan , Zhao Wenyuan , Guo Zheng
Published: June 2019

Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for about 15% of colorectal cancer and is associated with prognosis. Today, MSI is usually detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification of specific microsatellite markers. However, the instability is identified by comparing the length of microsatellite repeats in tumor and normal samples. In this work, we developed a qualitative transcriptional signature to individually predict MSI status for right-sided colon cancer (RCC) based on tumor samples.
Results: Using RCC samples, based on the relative expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs, we extracted a signature consisting of 10 gene pairs (10-GPS) to predict MSI status for RCC through a feature selection process. A sample is predicted as MSI when the gene expression orderings of at least 7 gene pairs vote for MSI; otherwise the microsatellite stability (MSS). The classification performance reached the largest F-score in the training dataset. This signature was verified in four independent datasets of RCCs with the F-scores of 1, 0.9630, 0.9412 and 0.8798, respectively. Additionally, the hierarchical clustering analyses and molecular features also supported the correctness of the reclassifications of the MSI status by 10-GPS.
Conclusions: The qualitative transcriptional signature can be used to classify MSI status of RCC samples at the individualized level.
Metabolite Profiling of Different Sweet sorghum cultivars Seeds
Authors: Zhou Yaxing , Wang Zhenguo , Li Yan , Li Zhigang , Liu Hui , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2019

Background

Sorghum bicolor is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and is widely grown in arid or semi-arid areas.

Results

This study focused on the metabolic Diversity of three Sweet sorghum cultivars with white, red, and purple seeds to elucidate the factors responsible for the differences in Seed color. We found 651 metabolites were divided into 24 categories including Lipids_Fatty acids, Lipids_Glycerolipids, Flavonoid, Benzoic acid derivatives, Anthocyanins, Nucleotide and its derivates, etc. Through clustering analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), different samples were clearly separated. It shows that contained metabolites of three groups are quite different. There are 217 significantly different metabolites between Z27 and HC4 (106 down-regulated, 111up-regulated), 240 between Z6 and HC4 (58 down-regulated, 182 up-regulated), 199 between Z6 and Z27 (54 down-regulated, 135 up-regulated). Venn diagram analysis indicated that 45 the differential metabolites were common to all three comparison groups.

Conclusions

This study provides new insights into the differences of metabolites between different color seeds and provides theoretical basis for the sufficient utilization of Sweet sorghum cultivars.
Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among youth with chronic diseases: results of the Health in Adapted Youth Sports study
Authors: Lankhorst Kristel , de Groot Janke , Takken Tim , Backx Frank
Published: June 2019

Background: Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among youth with CDPD.
Methods: For one calendar year, every two weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during one week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD=2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 hours of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥2 times p/wk).
Results: Almost half of the youngsters sustains one or more injuries or illnesses during one year, 46% and 42% resp. The injury rate per 1000 hours of PA between 0, 1 and ≥2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 resp. and the illness rate was 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 resp. The rates were not statistically different. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flue plus fever (58%).
Conclusions: Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 hours of PA in youth with CDPD compared to once weekly or no sports participation. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during PE lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.
Influence of plant growth regulators on morphogenic response, biomass and camptothecin production in the callus cultures of Chonemorpha fragrans (Moon) Alston
Authors: Isah Tasiu , Umar Shahid
Published: June 2019

Background: In vitro morphogenic response of mature seed embryo-induced callus cultures of Chonemorpha fragrans was studied using solid and liquid Murashige and Skoog medium amended with cytokinins or their combinations with naphthalene acetic acid at 0.5 mg L-1.
Results: The tested plant growth regulators combination and concentrations did not stimulate organogenesis after three subcultivations of the callus cultures on the same PGRs-amended solid medium, and when cultivated in the liquid but, formation of morphogenic callus was observed. Evaluation of biomass and camptothecin production showed that the PGRs influenced biomass and CPT yield of the callus cultures. The alkaloid yield of various explants of 3–4 weeks old axenic seedlings was higher in roots (0.019 % CPT) followed by mature seed embryos (0.0053 %), cotyledons (0.0039 %), hypocotyls (0.0024 %) and leaves (0.0017 %). There was no significant difference in the yield of CPT from callus induced from the various explants. Camptothecin yield of morphogenic callus cultures cultivated in liquid medium was lower than that of solid due to extracellular leaching effect of the alkaloid. Amount of synthesized CPT in the callus cultures also varied with the PGR type and concentration amended in the cultivation medium, and showed association with biomass production.
Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that callus cultures offer alternative tissue source for the in vitro CPT yield enhancement through biotechnological approaches, with application in the large-scale production of the alkaloid to conserve the ever decimated natural population of this medicinal woody climber for the alkaloid.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Single Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: sun xuan , tong xu , gao feng , lao huiting , miao zhongrong
Published: June 2019

Background and purpose: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is now considered the gold standard
for select patient populations with anterior circulation stroke; however, data on the treatment of
posterior circulation stroke are less clear. This study aims to determine the characteristics and
treatment outcomes of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and to evaluate the
effectiveness and safety of EVT for patients with acute BAO in a high-volume stroke center.
Methods: This study included 187 consecutive patients with acute BAO who underwent EVT
from January 2012 to July 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The baseline characteristics,
procedure parameters, and functional outcome were assessed.
Results: Among the 187 patients, 138 (73.8%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy with a
stent retriever, 33 (17.6%) underwent direct intracranial angioplasty (balloon dilation and/or
stent implantation) for underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and 91 (48.7%)
underwent combined mechanical thrombectomy and angioplasty. Successful recanalization
[modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2b-3] was achieved in 158
patients (84.5%). Overall, the rates of functional independence [modified Rankin Scale (mRS)
0-2] and favorable outcome (mRS 0-3) at 90 days were 36.4% and 49.2%, respectively, and 90-
day all-cause mortality was 20.3%.
Conclusion􀀌􀀁EVT was effective and safe for treating patients with acute BAO.
Seroprevalence and molecular characteristics of varicella-zoster virus infection in Chinese children
Authors: Luan Lin , Shen Xiaochen , Qiu Jing , Jing Yang , Zhang Jingqi , Wang Jie , Zhang Jun , Dong Chen
Published: June 2019

Background:Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in children is an important public health problem in China. We performed the current study to explore the seroprevalence of VZV infection in Chinese children in order to provide more information for improvement of varicella vaccination in China.
Methods: 3014 children were recruited from Chinesekindergarten students aged from four to six years.Anti-VZVIgG and IgM were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BothORF22and ORF62 of VZV were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed by nested PCR.
Results:Among 3014 children,43.9% of boys and 46.3% of girls were vaccinated with varicella vaccine, respectively. The seroprevalence of anti-VZV IgG was 54.4% in the children with varicella vaccination, which was significantly higher than those in unvaccinated children (49.2%) (χ2=8.206, P=0.004). Among of the vaccinated children, the detection rates of VZV IgG antibody increased with age, with 49.4%, 50.9% and 58.9% in 4, 5 and 6-year groups, respectively (Trend χ2=17.202, P=0.002). However, there was no difference in anti-VZV IgG detection rates among those unvaccinated children in different age groups (Trend χ2=8.681, P=0.070). In addition, thirteen boys and 13 girls were positive for anti-VZV IgM, respectively. Among of them, eight children (0.6%) have received varicella vaccination, which was similar to those in unvaccinated children (1.1%). However, only one ORF22 sequence was isolated from an unvaccinated 5-year boy. Compared to the reference VZV sequences, the nucleotide homology was estimated to be 99.7% with genotype J.
Conclusions:Our study indicated that about half of Chinese children aged four to six years have a high risk of VZV infection. It should be helpful for the evaluation on the necessity of varicella immunization in China.
Animal‐Based Organic Amendments and Their Potential for Excessive Nitrogen Leaching and Phosphorus Loading
Authors: Zhang H. , Hunt D. E. , Bittman S.
Published: June 2019

Nitrate contamination of groundwater has been attributed to application of poultry litter to amend soil organic matter on raspberry farms in British Columbia, Canada. A field study assessed the risk of organic amendments that cause nitrate leaching and nutrient accumulation. The amendments, poultry litter, municipal compost, horse manure, and three types of dairy manure solids, were applied at 25 or 50 Mg dry matter ha–1 to match farm rates before new plantings. Plots were either unseeded or seeded with a grass mix to simulate berry establishment with grass alley crop. Soil was sampled at 0‐ to 15‐, 15‐ to 30‐, and 30‐ to 60‐cm depths 15 times over 14 mo and analyzed for concentrations of NH4+ and NO3–, and at 0 to 15 cm for total C, N, and P at 6 mo after application. Three grass harvests were analyzed for yield and N offtake. Poultry litter supplied more than twice the total mineral N and total P compared to the dairy solids and horse manure, while the compost was intermediate. At 25 Mg ha–1, poultry litter increased concentrations of soil (0–15 cm) NH4+ and NO3– (>150 and >300 mg kg–1, respectively), compared with small short‐term increases by compost (∼70 and 100 mg kg–1, respectively). There was almost no increase from dairy and horse amendments. Grass N offtake reduced soil NO3– concentrations but did not eliminate the risk of leaching from poultry litter. We conclude that dairy solids and horse manure present less risk of nitrate leaching and P loading than poultry litter or municipal compost.

Core Ideas

Poultry manure and compost amendments greatly increased soil NH4+, NO3– and P.

Grass ‘alley’ crop did no sufficiently mitigate soil mineral N from poultry manure.

Little risk of nitrate leaching or P loading with dairy solids or horse amendments.
Fertilizer Placement Affects Corn and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in a Claypan Soil
Authors: Steusloff Tyler W. , Nelson Kelly A. , Motavalli Peter P. , Singh Gurbir
Published: June 2019

Agronomic efficiency (AE) and apparent N recovery efficiency (RE) can be improved by developing more effective N fertilizer placement strategies; however, minimal research has focused on poorly‐drained claypan soils which are prone to saturated conditions and gaseous N loss. The objective of this 2‐yr study was to determine the effectiveness of different N fertilizer placement methods on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield, grain quality, silage yield, N uptake, AE, RE, and spatial soil N distribution over time. Nitrogen placement treatments included deep‐banded urea (DB) or urea plus nitrapyrin (DB+NI) at a depth of 20 cm compared to urea broadcast applied (BC) or BC incorporated to a depth of 8 cm (BCI). The DB and DB+NI treatments generally resulted in higher grain and silage yields than the non‐treated control (NC), BCI, and BC treatments. The DB+NI increased silage yield 4.14 to 4.77 Mg ha−1 over the BC and DB treatments in 2016. Additionally, DB+NI resulted in 21 and 27% greater N uptake and RE than other N placement treatments. Deep‐banded treatments with and without NI had the highest AE (10.3–13.3 kg kg N−1) compared to other treatments. Deep‐banded urea had significantly higher soil NO3–N concentrations in deep soil layers compared to DB+NI when sampled in July. Results indicated DB+NI increased N availability for a longer period during the growing season and was a reliable strategy for increasing corn yields and improving AE and RE on a poorly‐drained claypan soil.

Core Ideas

Yield response to urea was ranked DB+NI = DB > BCI > BC.

Apparent N recovery efficiency was greatest (76.5%) with DB+NI.

Highest agronomic efficiency (10.3 to 13.3 kg kgN−1) was observed for DB and DB+NI.

Distribution of pHs, NO3‐N, and NH4‐N in the soil was affected by urea placement.
Hydrologic Extremes and Legacy Sources Can Override Efforts to Mitigate Nutrient and Sediment Losses at the Catchment Scale
Authors: Bieroza Magdalena , Bergström Lars , Ulén Barbro , Djodjic Faruk , Tonderski Karin , Heeb Anuschka , Svensson Jonas , Malgeryd Johan
Published: June 2019

Combating eutrophication requires changes in land and water management in agricultural catchments and implementation of mitigation measures to reduce phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and suspended sediment (SS) losses. To date, such mitigation measures have been built in many agricultural catchments, but there is a lack of studies evaluating their effectiveness. Here we evaluated the effectiveness of mitigation measures in a clay soil‐dominated headwater catchment by combining the evaluation of long‐term and high‐frequency data with punctual measurements upstream and downstream of three mitigation measures: lime‐filter drains, a two‐stage ditch, and a sedimentation pond. Long‐term hydrochemical data at the catchment outlet showed a significant decrease in P (−15%) and SS (−28%) and an increase in nitrate nitrogen (NO3–N, +13%) concentrations. High‐frequency (hourly) measurements with a wet‐chemistry analyzer (total and reactive P) and optical sensor (NO3–N and SS) showed that the catchment is an abundant source of nutrients and sediments and that their transport is exacerbated by prolonged drought and resuspension of stream sediments during storm events. Lime‐filter drains showed a decrease in SS by 76% and total P by 80% and an increase in NO3–N by 45% compared with traditional drains, potentially indicating pollution swapping. The effectiveness of two‐stage ditch and sedimentation pond was less evident and depended on the prevalent hydrometeorological conditions that drove the resuspension of bed sediments and associated sediment‐bound P transport. These results suggest that increased frequency of prolonged drought due to changing weather patterns and resuspension of SS and sediment‐bound P during storm events can override the generally positive effect of mitigation measures.

Core Ideas

We assessed the efficiency of catchment mitigation measures to reduce water pollution.

At the catchment outlet, concentrations of P and sediments decreased by 15 and 28%.

Lime‐filter drains reduced P and sediments by 80% but increased nitrate by 45%.

Prolonged drought and resuspension of sediments exacerbated stream nutrient export.

High‐frequency data show that legacy sources can override mitigation efforts.
Daily Light Integral Requirement of a Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green as Affected by Shade, Trinexapac‐ethyl, and a Plant Colorant
Authors: Russell Travis R. , Karcher Douglas E. , Richardson Michael D.
Published: June 2019

Turfgrass quality is often limited by the availability of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) delivered to the turf surface. The cumulative PAR at a given site during 1 d is termed the daily light integral (DLI) and is an effective measurement for quantifying light requirements for various turfgrass systems. The minimum DLI necessary to maintain acceptable quality on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens has yet to be determined. Shade timing, trinexapac‐ethyl growth regulator, and ultraviolet‐absorbing plant colorant applications may affect the DLI requirement of creeping bentgrass putting greens. The objective of this research was to determine the DLI requirement of a creeping bentgrass putting green by evaluating the effects of shade intensity and timing, as well as the influence of trinexapac‐ethyl and a plant colorant on turfgrass quality and coverage. Intensity treatments of 0, 70, 80, and 90% shade were applied during either morning (sunrise to solar noon) or afternoon (solar noon to sunset) hours from May through October 2016 and 2017 on a ‘Tyee’ creeping bentgrass, sand‐based putting green. Evaluations of visual turf quality and turf coverage were performed every 2 wk. After 2 yr, the DLI requirement to maintain acceptable putting green quality was estimated to be 30 mol m−2 d−1. Although effective in improving turf quality at times during summer months, trinexapac‐ethyl and the plant colorant did not significantly reduce the DLI requirement.
Pentaploid Apomicts by Interspecific Hybridization between Diploid Urochloa ruziziensis and Tetraploid Apomictic U. decumbens
Authors: Nitthaisong Pattama , Ishigaki Genki , Suenaga Kazuhino , Muguerza Melody , Tanaka Hidenori , Akashi Ryo
Published: June 2019

Urochloa species are a rich source of quality forage in the tropical and subtropical areas, and cultivated species are predominantly facultative apomictic. They are well adapted to poor soil conditions, resistant to heavy grazing, and drought tolerant, but some Urochloa species produce poor pasture and seed yield. Therefore, it is important to complement and to combine characteristics of different species in breeding programs. We have conducted interspecific crosses between diploid U. ruziziensis (R. Germ. & C. M. Evrard) Crins ‘Kennedy’ (2n = 2x = 18) with apomictic tetraploids U. decumbens (Stapf) R. D. Webster ‘Basilisk’ (2n = 4x = 36) and U. brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster ‘Marandu’ (2n = 4x = 36). Diploid, triploid, and tetraploid plants were obtained from these crosses. The triploid plants were further crossed with ‘Basilisk’ to produce a BC1F1 generation. Although no seeds were produced by self‐pollination of the F1 triploid hybrids, backcrossing eventually produced triploid, tetraploid, and pentaploid plants (BC1F1). Only the pentaploid plants produced seeds by self‐pollination. This is the first report of the production of apomictic pentaploid progenies from interspecific crosses in Urochloa.
Efficiency of Genomic Prediction of Nonassessed Testcrosses
Authors: Viana José Marcelo Soriano , Pereira Helcio Duarte , Piepho Hans‐Peter , e Silva Fabyano Fonseca
Published: June 2019

In plant breeding, genomic selection has been mainly used to predict untested single crosses and testcrosses. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficiency of prediction of untested testcrosses and the significance of the factors affecting the prediction. We simulated 20,000 testcrosses from two groups of 5000 related doubled haploid lines (DHs) and two unrelated elite inbred lines. The DHs were genotyped for 20,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the testcrosses were phenotyped for grain yield. The average SNP density was 0.1 cM. We assumed genetic control by 400 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and heritability of 25, 50, and 75% for the assessed testcrosses. The training set sizes were 10 and 30% of the available DHs. The process of random sampling of the field assessed and predicted testcrosses were replicated 50 times. We computed the prediction accuracy and the coincidence index, a measure of the selection efficacy of the nonassessed testcrosses. The results evidenced that genomic selection is an efficient process for selecting superior nonassessed testcrosses, if there is sufficient relatedness between the available DHs, linkage disequilibrium in the DHs and genotypic variance between testcrosses, a training set size of at least 10% of the available DHs, and a SNP density of at least 1 cM. The efficacy of selecting the superior nonassessed testcrosses ranged between 0.1 and 0.9, proportional to the heritability of the assessed testcrosses (0.25–1.00). It is important to highlight that the parametric coincidence ranged from 0.1 to 0.8. Furthermore, genomic prediction is much more efficient than pedigree‐based best linear unbiased prediction.
Cover Crops and Compost Influence Soil Enzymes during Six Years of Tillage‐Intensive, Organic Vegetable Production
Authors: Brennan Eric B. , Acosta-Martinez Veronica
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

There were large differences in soil enzyme activities within organic systems.

Compost and annual cover crops increased activities of most soil enzymes.

Activities of most soil enzymes were correlated with microbial biomass.

Cover crop type did not influence soil enzyme activities.

The results show the soil health benefits of frequent cover crops in vegetable systems

Soil enzymes are considered sensitive indicators of soil health but are not well understood in tillage‐intensive vegetable systems. The activities of soil enzymes involved in nutrient cycling (β‐glucosidase, β‐glucosaminidase, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, aspartase, and L‐asparaginase) were evaluated during 6 yr of commercial‐scale production in five organic vegetable systems in Salinas, CA. The systems differed in yard‐waste compost inputs (none or 15.2 Mg ha–1 yr–1), winter cover crop frequency (annually or every fourth year), and cover crop type (legume‐rye, mustard, or rye). Large differences in cumulative organic matter input (7.4 to 136.8 Mg ha–1) from compost and cover crop shoots affected soil enzyme activities. With exception of aspartase, all enzyme activities were on average lowest without compost, intermediate with compost and infrequent cover cropping, and highest with compost and annual cover cropping. After 6 yr of vegetable production there was a positive relationship between microbial biomass and activities of all enzymes except aspartase. Despite lower inputs of cover crop shoot biomass from mustard compared with rye and the legume‐rye, and differences in shoots residue quality, cover crop type had relatively little influence on enzyme activities. We conclude that soil enzyme activities were influenced primarily by annual cover cropping. These results and other attributes of soil health in this long‐term study illustrate the importance of frequent cover cropping in tillage‐intensive vegetable production. This raises questions about the sustainability of organic and conventional vegetable systems if cover crops are seldom used, and highlights the need for innovative strategies to increase cover cropping.
Validation of Soil‐Test‐Based Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Recommendations for Irrigated Soybean
Authors: Fryer Matthew S. , Slaton Nathan A. , Roberts Trenton L. , Ross W. Jeremy
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

The most common soil‐test‐based fertilization recommendation error is a false positive.

Surface soil sample P and K concentrations are qualitative indicators of subsoil P and K concentrations.

The R2‐stage, leaflet‐K concentration of irrigated soybean is an accurate indicator of yield responsiveness to K fertilization.

Soil testing is the best available technology for making crop fertilizer recommendations, and precision agriculture has increased the demand for soil‐testing. Our primary research objectives were to validate the accuracy of soil‐test P (STP) and K (STK) availability (Mehlich‐3) and trifoliolate leaflet‐P and leaflet‐K concentration interpretations for predicting irrigated‐soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield response to P and K fertilization at 22 site‐years. Each trial contained six treatments involving two P rates and four K rates including a no fertilizer‐P or ‐K control and the soil‐test recommendation. Yield and tissue nutrient concentration responses were assessed at three significance levels (p ≤ 0.05, p ≤ 0.10, or p ≤ 0.25) and identified as correct or incorrect according to the response predicted by soil‐test recommendations. The accuracy of soil and tissue analyses to predict the correct plant response to fertilization increased as the significance level moved from conservative (p ≤ 0.05) to liberal (p ≤ 0.25). Mehlich‐3 STP accurately identified soils that did not respond to fertilizer P and had an overall accuracy of 40 (p ≤ 0.05) to 48% (p ≤ 0.25) in predicting yield response to fertilization. Existing STK interpretations were 72 (p ≤ 0.05) to 82% (p ≤ 0.25) accurate. Critical leaflet‐K concentrations accurately identified soybean response to K fertilization at 46 (p ≤ 0.05) to 60% (p ≤ 0.25) of the sites. Interpretation errors were most common in the very low and low STP levels, low and medium STK levels, and the low tissue‐K level. The accuracy of the soil and tissue testing and their interpretation process were reasonably accurate for K but substantial improvements are needed for P.
Investigation of Gravity‐Driven Infiltration Instabilities in Smooth and Rough Fractures Using a Pairwise‐Force Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Model
Authors: Shigorina Elena , Tartakovsky Alexandre M. , Kordilla Jannes
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

We study infiltration dynamics in smooth and rough fractures using a 3D SPH model.

Roughness induces the formation of flow fingering and preferential flow paths.

Fractal roughness leads to a deceleration of average fingertip velocities.

The velocity variance of fingers positively correlates with the degree of roughness.

Normalized finger velocity and length scale in accordance with analytical predictions.

This work investigates small‐scale infiltration dynamics in smooth and rough single fractures using a three‐dimensional multiphase pairwise‐force smoothed particle hydrodynamics (PF‐SPH) model. Gravity‐driven infiltration instabilities in fractures under unsaturated conditions can significantly influence the arrival time of tracers or contaminants, and the rapid and localized recharge dynamics in fractured–porous aquifer systems. Here, we study the influence of roughness and injection rate on fluid flow modes and flow velocity. Three types of fractures are considered with different degrees of roughness, including a smooth fracture. Both the rough and smooth fractures exhibit flow instabilities, fingering, and intermittent flow regimes for low infiltration rates. In agreement with theoretical predictions, a flat fluid front is achieved when the flux q supplied to a fracture is larger than the gravitationally driven saturated flux [q > kρg/μcos(φ), where k is the intrinsic permeability of the fracture, ρ is a density, μ is the viscosity, and φ is the fracture inclination angle measured from the vertical direction]. To characterize the flow instability, we calculate standard deviations of velocity along the fracture width. For the considered infiltration rates, we find that an increase in roughness decreases the flow velocity and increases the standard deviation of velocity. This is caused by a higher likelihood of flow discontinuities in the form of fingering and/or snapping rivulets. To validate our unsaturated flow simulations in fractures, we estimate the scaling of specific discharge with normalized finger velocity, compute the relationship between fingertip length and scaled finger velocity, and find good agreement with experimental results.
Hydraulic‐Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Granite‐Weathered Residual Soil in Korea
Authors: Pham Khanh , Kim Dongku , Lee In‐Mo , Choi Hangseok
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

We examine SWCC and shear strength under various stress states and suction levels.

Relevant effective stress for granite‐weathered residual soil in Korea is proposed.

We propose a numerical framework for strength analysis with transient infiltration.

Potential failure mechanisms of civil infrastructure under rainfall are explored.

We suggest using stress‐dependent SWCC in strength analysis.

This study performed a series of experiments to examine the hydraulic‐mechanical properties of granite‐weathered residual soil in the Korean Peninsula. Particular attention was paid to the soil‐water characteristic curve (SWCC) and shear strength under various stress states and matric suction levels. The experimental results indicated the decisive influence of the stress state on the SWCC, notably in the low range of matric suction. In addition, the evolution of shear strength with suction became significant under high net confining stress. The effective stress using the stress‐independent SWCC could not describe the actual mechanical behaviors of the unsaturated soil. The relevant effective stress for the granite‐weathered residual soil in consideration was then proposed. Next, a numerical framework for strength analysis with infiltration was developed to manifest the practical applications of the experimental results. The analysis results revealed the potential failure mechanisms of the geotechnical infrastructures induced by rainfall. Ignoring the contribution of matric suction may lead to overly conservative outcomes and cannot capture the realistic performance of soil under the rainfall condition. Moreover, the stress‐dependent hydraulic properties are suggested for application in strength analysis for the safer design of geotechnical infrastructure.
New Sensor Technology for Field‐Scale Quantification of Carbon Dioxide in Soil
Authors: Lazik Detlef , Vetterlein Doris , Salas Simone Kilian , Sood Pramit , Apelt Bernd , Vogel Hans‐Jörg
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

This new technology is suitable for field‐scale quantification of CO2 in soil.

The measurement scale ranges from decimeters up to decameters.

The concentrations from the soil water and air phases are averaged.

Transient CO2 production and transport reflect plant growth.

Biological activity in soil causes fluxes of O2 into and CO2 out of the soil with significant global relevance. Hence, the dynamics of CO2 concentrations in soil can be used as an indicator for biological activity. However, there is an enormous spatial and temporal variability in soil respiration, which has led to the notion of hotspots and hot moments. This variability is attributed to the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of both plant–soil–microbiome interactions and the local conditions governing gas transport. For the characterization of a given soil, the local heterogeneities should be replaced by some meaningful average. To this end, we introduce a line sensor based on tubular gas‐selective membranes that is applicable at the field scale for a wide range in water content. It provides the average CO2 concentration of the ambient soil along its length. The new technique corrects for fluctuating external conditions (i.e., temperature and air pressure) and the impact of water vapor without any further calibration. The new line sensor was tested in a laboratory mesocosm experiment where CO2 concentrations were monitored at two depths during the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The results could be consistently related to plant development, plant density, and changing conditions for gas diffusion toward the soil surface. The comparison with an independent CO2 sensor confirmed that the new sensor is actually capable of determining meaningful average CO2 concentrations in a natural soil for long time periods.
The organizational-economic aspects of land relations provision by administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine
Authors: Liakhovych Galyna , Pavlykivska Olha , Marushchak Lesia , Kilyar Oleksandra , Shpylyk Svitlana
Published: June 2019

The stable development of Ukraine as the agricultural state actualizes a complex of economic, organizational and legal issues, which are concerned with an implementation of the land relationship. The maximum usage of rental tools is the most effective among the existing budget filling mechanisms. The aim of the article is to conduct a research of land relationship by mechanisms of improving the agricultural lands rent management. The object of a study is the interaction of state institutions at different levels of land lease management. The basis of the study is a cognitive method in the patterns of development of the land relationship. Therefore, in the article, the alternative version of the organizational and economic mechanism for the implementation of land relations was proposed with the aim to improve the existing practice that will facilitate the additional financing of local self-government authorities. At the state regulation level, it is proposed to create an informational electronic database, which should display cadastral numbers and location of land plots, as well as information about land plot owners. Measures of control should be fulfilled by such state authorities as State Geo Cadastre and Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. In order to follow a principle of openness, it has been proved that this database should be public. As a result, methodological and organizational tools are based on the algorithm of lease relationship management as the main source of budget filling for local self-government authorities and main tasks for implementation of administrative-territorial reform that were declared by the government.
Analysis of the role of climatic and human factors in runoff variations (case study: Lighvan River in Urmia Lake Basin, Iran)
Authors: Kanani R. , Fard A. Fakheri , Ghorbani M. A. , Dinpashoh Y.
Published: June 2019

In recent years, river flows have significantly decreased due to regional or global climate change and human activities, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effects of climate change and human activities on the runoff responses were examined using hydrologic sensitivity analysis and hydrologic model simulation in the Lighvan basin located in the northwest of Iran. The Mann–Kendall test was applied to identify the trends in hydroclimatic data series. Also, the Pettitt test was used to detect change points in the annual discharge values and climatic variables. The results showed that there was negative trend in discharge data series, and examination of the climatic factors indicated that there was an increase in the temperature values and a decrease in the relative humidity values at the basin. The rapid changes in runoff values and most of the climatic variables occurred in the mid-1990s. The effect percentages of the human factors and climatic factors on runoff reduction in all the models used were 65–84% and 16–35%, respectively. Therefore, the impact of human activities on the river flow changes was significant.