bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of brine on long-term performance of four HDPE geomembranes
Authors: Rowe R. K. , Shoaib M.
Published: August 2017

The performance of four 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (GMBs) (denoted MxA-15, MxC-15, MyE-15, and MyEW-15) immersed in a brine solution with 200,000 ppm total dissolved solids and a pH = 8.7 is presented for 4 years. Accelerated ageing experiments were conducted at 40, 65, 75, and 85°C for 4 years. It is shown that neither the Std-OIT nor HP-OIT had reached a residual value before physical degradation was observed, suggesting that the traditional three-stage concept for degradation did not apply when based on the values obtained (as is usual) through the entire GMB thickness. The time to nominal failure, based on a reduction of 50% of the initial value, was less than 4 years for all GMBs at temperatures ≥ 65°C. However, using the time at which the stress crack resistance (SCR), obtained from the single point notched constant tensile load (SP-NCTL) test, decreased to 50% of the minimum requirements of GRI-GM13, the times to nominal failure are greater than 20 years for at T ≤ 65°C for MyE-15.
Evaluating the longer term benefits of sustainable drainage
Authors: Ashley Richard M. , Digman Christopher J. , Horton Bruce , Gersonius Berry , Smith Brian , Shaffer Paul , Baylis Adam
Published: August 2017

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can bring a wide range of benefits in addition to reductions in flood risk. However, there is limited quantified evidence of the value of these benefits. To help address this, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association led a project to develop the Benefits of SuDS Tool (Best). The approach presented in this paper shows how scenario planning can be used in Best to evaluate longer term benefits in the face of future uncertainty. Three case studies are presented, showing how this can inform robust decisions and the selection of SuDS options for maximum value.
MICRO-DILUCIÓN EN PLACA PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD ANTIMICROBIANA v1
Authors: Alberto Téllez Ramírez Germán , Carolina Henao Diana , Johanna Toro Lily
Published: August 2017

Este método es basado en el método clásico de micro-dilución en placa de NCLSS (National Committee of Laboratory Safety and Standards (NCLSS) como fue publicado en Amsterdam, D. 1996. Susceptibility testing of Antimicrobials in liquid media.In'Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine', Lorian, V., ed. Fourth Edition, pp.52-111. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore. Modificado conrespecto a la lectura de la placa utilizando unindicador metabólico para incrementar la sensibilidad de la prueba respecto al crecimiento de las bacterias.
Processing of Pacbio Iso-seq sequences v1
Authors: Cheng; Agnelo Furtado; Robert Henry Bing
Published: August 2017

This protocol is to further process the sequences generated from ICE and Quiver.
Уровни охраны природного наследия: взгляд культуролога
Authors: Калита Светлана Павловна
Published: August 2017

В статье предпринимается попытка с позиций культурологии рассмотреть уровни охраны природного наследия; задачи, которые ставятся на этих уровнях, также  основные тенденция развития данного направления. Данная статья не ставит перед собой задачу перечислить полный перечень правовых актов, принятых в разное время с целью сохранения природного наследия. В статье  делается попытка в первом приближении пунктирно выделить международный, государственный и региональный уровни охраны природного наследия и проследить, каким образом на разных из уровней решаются вопросы сохранения природного наследия. Делается предположение, что проблемы, связанные с охраной природного наследия влекут за собой необходимость активизации гражданского общества и повышению экологической культуры населения.
A prospective clinical study of management of pregnancy complicated with intauterine fetal death by low dose prostaglandins
Authors: More Nandkishor Vithalrao , Yadav Bhaurao Bhimrao , Shinde Mangla Ashok
Published: August 2017

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of Prostaglandins (vaginal misoprostol) in the termination of second and third trimester pregnancies complicated with intrauterine fetal death.Methods: This study was carried out on 100 women with intrauterine fetal demise in second and third trimester pregnancies collected from Government Medical college and Hospital during the period October 2014 to October 2016.Results: By the application of 25µg of misoprostol in the posterior fornix of vagina every 4 hourly over 24 hours. The progress, adverse effects and outcomes were assesed. The success rate was 92.76% and 64.52% in women with third and second trimesters respectively. The mean induction delivery interval was 15.67±9.64 and 24.94±8.23 for women with third and second trimesters respectively. The induction delivery interval correlated negatively with the duration of gestation. The mean value of total required dose was 192.42±128.99 and 361.29±139.92 for women with third and second trimesters respectively.Conclusions: Low dose misoprostol appears to be safe, effective, practical and inexpensive method for termination of third trimester pregnancies compared to second trimester complicated with intauterine fetal death and its effects increases with duration of gestation.
Framework Multi-LIBRAS para integração e colaboração de soluções para deficientes auditivos
Authors: Oliveira Luciana Pereira , Veríssimo Marianna Soares , Santos Joffily Ferreira dos
Published: August 2017

Vem crescendo o número de soluções para pessoas com deficiência auditiva. Por exemplo, vêm surgindo diversas soluções de tradutores de Português para LIBRAS para facilitar a comunicação entre ouvintes e surdos. Por outro lado, muitos projetos de pesquisa estão descontinuados, não sendo possível executar os aplicativos desenvolvidos e muito menos repetir experimentos descritos nos artigos. Então, como os pesquisadores poderiam trabalhar de maneira colaborativa a construção de novos aplicativos e melhorias dos softwares existentes? Seria possível distintos grupos de pesquisa criarem um dicionário de Português e LIBRAS aberto? Objetivando-se esse ambiente colaborativo, definiu-se o framework Multi-LIBRAS, que oferece flexibilidade e extensibilidade para integrar qualquer solução para LIBRAS e algoritmos de avaliação. O artigo irá apresentar uma visão geral, as camadas externas e internas do framework bem como exemplificar o uso do Multi-LIBRAS, que dá suporte a soluções descritas em qualquer linguagem de programação.
Queijo tipo coalho defumado com orégano (Origanum vulgare) e erva-doce (Foeniculum vulgare)
Authors: Neto João Ferreira , Figueiredo Maria José de , Pereira Junior Ednaldo Barbosa , Filho Pedro Lima , Queiroga Raniery Antunes , Lins Ana Carolina
Published: August 2017

O queijo de coalho tem ocupado lugar de destaque na mesa dos consumidores, principalmente na região Nordeste, devido ao seu alto valor nutritivo e sabor agradável. Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa elaborar queijo de coalho convencional e queijos defumados em tempos diferentes utilizando orégano ou erva-doce bem como avaliar as características físicoquímicas, microbiológicas e a aceitação destes produtos pelos consumidores. A defumação a frio foi a metodologia aplicada para garantir as características iniciais e evitar alguns defeitos em queijos defumados: deformação, desidratação excessiva e rachaduras na superfície. Utilizaram-se, portanto, três tratamentos com três tempos de defumação diferentes, assim codificados: QT0 = queijo controle; Q0T2= queijo defumado com orégano por 2 horas; QOT4= queijo defumado com orégano por 4 horas; QOT6= queijo defumado com orégano por 6 horas; QET2= queijo defumado com erva-doce por 2 horas; QET4= queijo defumado com erva-doce por 4 horas; QET6 = queijo defumado com erva-doce por 6 horas. Os resultados desta pesquisa foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey, a 5%, para comparação das médias. Assim, nas análises físico-químicas dos queijos defumados, entre os tratamentos, foram encontradas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para as variáveis: umidade, EST, GES, ESD, Acidez, pH e Atividade de água. Para proteínas e cinzas não houve diferença, estatisticamente, entre os tratamentos. Na avaliação estatística da análise sensorial, o queijo controle foi o mais aceito pelos provadores, atingindo um índice de 85,66% e 81,14%; já, para os queijos defumados, todos ficaram abaixo da média. No atributo aceitação global, o queijo QOT2 foi o melhor aceito pelos degustadores, e o queijo QOT6 apresentou maior rejeição.
Nuevas funciones docentes para la gestión del conocimiento en la Web Social
Authors: Contreras Bravo Leonardo Emiro , Gonzalez Guerrero Karolina
Published: August 2017

El docente en la actual sociedad de la información ha tenido que cambiar su rol debido a la incidencia de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en el contexto de la educación superior. En ese sentido, su quehacer pedagógico y didáctico se ha ido transformando en relación con dinámicas mucho más colaborativas con sus educandos. Así, para indagar estas prácticas colaborativas enmarcadas en el concepto de docente-prosumidor, se hace uso de una metodología de corte cualitativo –basado en la teoría fundamentada en el marco metódico axial y selectivo– orientada hacia una reflexión de las implicaciones comunicativas y colaborativas del docente en la web 2.0 dentro del escenario educativo. De igual modo, el resultado del manuscrito se traduce en la caracterización y ejemplificación de este rol del docente-prosumidor, al analizar a modo de discusión la necesidad de un proceso formativo con el fin de desarrollar pedagógica y críticamente este papel en la educación superior.
Hora and Cattle Owners of Maccaa Oromo in Ethiopia: an Analysis from Folkloric Perspective
Authors: Edae Milkessa , Dirribsa Workineh , Mitiku Terefe
Published: August 2017

This research dealt with hora (salty mineral water) and its ritualistic aspect among the Maccaa Oromo. It aims at exploring the hora (salty mineral water) and its ritualistic contents in social and natural environments of the Maccaa Oromo. The study areas were purposively selected based on its historical background and valuable information related with hora obaasuu and its ritual and there are some hora sites in West Shawa zone. Accordingly 13 respondents from three Aanaas (districts) participated in the study. The respondents were purposively selected depending on their age and experience in using the hora. This study revealed that the major hora used by the Maccaa Oromo were hora Sanqallee, hora Amboo, hora Weessoo, hora Gur’uu Fadii, hora Bilandoo and hora Baaduu. According to the Maccaa Oromo’s world view, hora (mineral water) is believed as clean and as extraordinary water with the purifying and curing power. However most of these horas and ritual which attached to them are being changed and under mind as well as they are being replaced by alien culture due to globalization spirit and its associative factors such as the introduction of foreign religion, modernization and bio medical drugs on cultural mix. So it is needed to conserve this natural resource with its cultural elements since hora is the indicator of indigenous people’s investigation, belief system, wisdom, philosophy and culture.
Sobre la aplicación de la teoría del incumplimiento eficiente de contratos en el derecho colombiano
Authors: Gaviria Gil Juan Antonio
Published: August 2017

La teoría de incumplimiento eficiente de contratos, que surgió en Estados Unidos en la década de los 70, ha tenido allí amplia difusión y aplicación. Su éxito, sin embargo, ha sido mucho menor en los países del civil law, al parecer por la existencia de obstáculos legales y culturales. A pesar de que la literatura registra ya estos obstáculos de manera genérica, queda restando un análisis que haga énfasis en el derecho colombiano y que determine, teniendo en cuenta las particularidades de este sistema jurídico, si la teoría del incumplimiento eficiente puede o no tener éxito allí. Para tal fin, el presente artículo analiza los aspectos que facilitan, de una parte, y que impiden, de otro lado, la aplicación de esta teoría en nuestro sistema jurídico contractual.
Iranian Physicians’ Perspectives Regarding Nurse–Physician Professional Communication: Implications for Nurses
Authors: Esmaeilpour-Bandboni Mohammad , Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Salsali Mahvash , Snelgrove Sherrill , Sheldon Lisa Kennedy
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose:Nurse–physician professional communication affects the effectiveness and performance of the health care team and the quality of care delivered to the patient. This study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of physicians on nurse–physician professional communication in an urban area of Iran.Methods:Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 physicians selected using a purposive sampling method. Physicians from different medical specialties were chosen from 4 teaching hospitals in an urban area of Iran. The data were analyzed with content analysis and themes developed.Results:Three themes developed during data analysis: “seeking the formal methods of communication to ensure patient care,” “nurses’ professional attributes for professional communication,” and “patients’ health conditions as the mediators of professional communication.”Implications for Practice:Nurses need to be informed of the perspectives and experiences of physicians on professional communication. Our findings can improve nurses’ understandings of professional communication that could inform the development of educational and training programs for nurses and physicians. There is a need to incorporate communication courses during degree education and design interprofessional training regarding communication in clinical settings to improve teamwork and patient care. Open discussions between nurses and physicians, training sessions about how to improve their knowledge about barriers to and facilitators of effective professional communication, and key terms and phrases commonly used in patient care are suggested.
Jogos “geoeducativos” como subsídio à Geoconservação no litoral sul de Pernambuco (NE Brasil): uma proposta
Authors: Guimarães Thaís de Oliveira , Mariano Gorki , Sá Artur Abreu e
Published: August 2017

A preocupação em popularizar as Geociências está presente em todos os aspectos das temáticas que abrangem a geodiA preocupação em popularizar as Geociências está presente em todos os aspectos das temáticas que abrangem a geodiversidade, a geoconservação, o patrimônio geológico, o geoturismo e os geoparques. Popularizar os elementos abióticos é contribuir para que a sociedade desperte e reconheça a importância de praticar a geoconservação. Este trabalho destaca a relevância do processo educativo a partir de atividades voltadas para a educação formal e não formal. Assim, sugere alternativas que possam facilitar a compreensão de alunos e do público em geral, norteadas por atividades pautadas na interdisciplinaridade, geoconservação e popularização das Geociências. Para isso, foram elaborados protótipos de “jogos geoeducativos”, tendo como proposta aplicá-los em espaços educacionais formais e não. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas pesquisas bibliográficas e vivenciadas experiências in loco, como visitas a museus, geoparques e participação em workshops. A partir do conhecimento adquirido com este trabalho ratifica-se a importância da utilização de materiais específicos direcionados à geodiversidade e ao patrimônio geológico.
The effectiveness of sharp end and rounded end bristle toothbrush
Authors: Januar Paulus , Susetyo Anastasia , Widyastuti Ratih
Published: August 2017

Background: Numerous designs of manual toothbrush are available in the market with the claims of superiority in plaque removal. It often makes the public confuse which is the best design. The sharp end bristle toothbrush is a modification that commercially available in the market. Purpose: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness in plaque removal of the sharp end bristle toothbrush and the rounded end bristle toothbrush. Methods: This clinical trial was a double blind crossover design. The subjects were 65 dental students, divided into two groups for comparing the 2 types of  toothbrush. On the 1st day, the allocated toothbrushes were distributedto each group according to their designation, and the subjects were instructed to use the toothbrushes according their normal daily practices. On the 1st, 7th, and 14th day, the subjects were scored using the patient hygiene performance index (PHP index) and the gingival index. Based on cross over design, the same procedure was repeated during the 2 week second test periods using different type of toothbrush respectively. Results: The mean scores of the 2 groups showed no significant difference on the beginning the study. Though minor differences were observed in the effectiveness of toothbrush, but the comparison of the two types of toothbrush showed no statistically significant differences on 7th and 14th day. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between sharp end and rounded end bristle toot brusher. There is no manual toothbrush superiorly designed than the others single superior design of manual toothbrush.Latar belakang: Berbagai jenis desain sikat gigi saat ini terdapat di pasaran, dengan masing-masing menyatakan keunggulannya dalam membersihkan plak. Penelitian ini dilakukan terhadap dua jenis sikat gigi manual yaitu sikat gigi dengan ujung bulu sikat runcing dan ujung bulus sikat bulat. Tujuan: Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk membandingkan efektivitas membersihkan plak antara 2 jenis sikat gigi. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan percobaan klinis dengan desain penyilangan (crossover) secara tertutup ganda (double blind). Subyek penelitian 65 mahasiswa dibagi 2 kelompok. Pada hari pertama, sikat gigi dibagikan pada masing-masing kelompok yang telah ditentukan jenis sikat giginya, dan diinstruksikan untuk menggunakannya sesuai kebiasaan mereka. Pada hari ke 1, 7, dan 14 dilakukan pengukuran indeks PHP dan indeks gingiva. Berdasarkan desain penyilangan, proses yang sama diulangi pada masing-masing kelompok dengan menggunakan jenis sikat gigi yang berbeda. Hasil: Pada awal penelitian tidak terdapat perbedaan skor pada ke 2 kelompok. Meski terdapat sedikit perbedaan, namun tidak terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna dalam efektivitas kedua jenis sikat gigi setelah penggunaan selama 7 dan 14 hari. Kesimpulan: Tidak ada perbedaan yang bermakna antara sikat gigi jenis ujung bulu sikat bulat dan ujung bulu sikat runcing. Tidak terdapat satupun jenis sikat gigi yang paling baik.
Contact hypersensitivity after tongue piercing
Authors: P Ananta Herachakri , Puspita Afrini , Aryani Feby , Susanto Hendri
Published: August 2017

Background: Recently tongue piercing has become increasingly popular in the society. Several case reports have presented various complications of tongue piercing. However, there is no scientific evidence about contact hypersensitivity to tongue piercing. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the contact hypersensitivity after using tongue piercing. Methods: Nineteen male Rattus norvegicus were divided into three groups: group A treated with vaseline on the back and dorsum tongue (control group), group B (I) treated with HgCl2 10% cream on the tongue dorsum, group B (II) treated with tongue piercing for 10 days and group C with HgCl 2 10% cream on the back, ear lobe, and tongue, then re-exposure with same materials on ear, back and tongue for 24 and 48 hours. Before and after 24 and 48 hours applications, ear width was measured with sliding caliper. At the end of treatments, the rats were sacrificed. All tissue specimens were made for Hematoylin Eosine (H&E) staining examination. The number of mononuclear cells was counted under light microscope Data was analyzed with One-Way ANOVA followed by LSD (p<0.05). Results: The result of this study showed that there were a significant difference of the thickness of ear lobe and the number of mononuclear cells (lymphocyte and monocyte) among all groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that tongue piercing induce contact hypersensitivity.Latar belakang: Saat ini pemakaian tongue piercing sangat popular di masyarakat. Beberapa laporan kasus menunjukkan bahwa tongue piercing menimbulkan beberapa komplikasi. Namun, belum ada bukti ilmiah mengenai reaksi hipesensitivitas tongue piercing. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui reaksi hipersensitivitas setelah menggunakan tongue piercing. Metode: Sembilan belas tikus jantan Rattus novergicus yang dibagi dalam tiga kemlompok yaitu: grup A diberi perlakuan dengan vaselin pada punggung dan dorsum lidah, grup B (I) diberi perlakuan dengan krim HgCl2 10% pada dorsum lidah dan B (II) perlakuan tongue piercing selama 10 hari. Grup C diberi perlakuan dengan HgCl2 pada punggung, daun telinga, dan dorsum lidah, kemudian diberi perlakuan ulang dengan bahan dan tempat yang sama selama 24 dan 48 jam. Sebelum dan setelah perlakuan selama 24 dan 48 jam ketebalan telinga diukur dengan sliding caliper. Setalah perlakuan tikus didekapitasi kemudian dibuat preparat jaringan untuk pemriksaan hematoxilin & eosin (H & E). Perhitungan jumlah sel mononuclear dilakukan menggunakan mikroskop cahaya. Hasil: Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan ketebalan telinga dan jumlah sel mononuklear yang bermakna setelah perlakuan antar kelompok pada hasil analisa dengan menggunakan ANOVA dan LSD (p<0.05). Kesimpulan: Tongue piercing dapat menginduksi reaksi hipersensitivitas kontak.
CuFusion: Accurate Real‐time Camera Tracking and Volumetric Scene Reconstruction with a Cuboid
Authors: Zhang Chen , Hu Yu
Published: August 2017

Given a stream of depth images with a known cuboid reference object present in the scene, we propose a novel approach for accurate camera tracking and volumetric surface reconstruction in real-time. Our contribution in this paper is threefold: (a) utilizing a priori knowledge of the cuboid reference object, we keep drift-free camera tracking without explicit global optimization; (b) we improve the fineness of the volumetric surface representation by proposing a prediction-corrected data fusion strategy rather than simple moving average, which enables accurate reconstruction of high-frequency details such as sharp edges of objects and geometries of high curvature; (c) we introduce a benchmark dataset CU3D containing both synthetic and real-world scanning sequences with ground-truth camera trajectories and surface models for quantitative evaluation of 3D reconstruction algorithms. We test our algorithm on our dataset and demonstrate its accuracy compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms. We release both our dataset and code as opensource1 for other researchers to reproduce and verify our results.
Pore Connectivity Between Different Wettability Systems in Organic-Rich Shales
Authors: Tinni Ali , Sondergeld Carl , Rai Chandra
Published: August 2017

Pore connectivity controls fluid flow in porous media. Well-established methods such as permeability measurements or mercury-injection porosimetry are used to evaluate pore connectivity. However, these methods have limits in unconventional shale formation mainly because of the presence of different-wettability pores with large capillary pressures associated with them. In the present study, we have used the sequential spontaneous imbibition of brine and dodecane to study pore connectivity in shales.

The present study shows the presence of water-wet pores, hydrocarbon-wet pores, and mixed-wettability pores. The water-wet pores are the continuous phase, and are controlled by the amount and distribution of inorganic water-wet minerals. The hydrocarbon-wet pores are essentially contained within the organic matter and require a minimum amount of total organic carbon (TOC), ≈3 wt%, to form a connected network of hydrocarbon wet pores. The ≈3 wt% of TOC is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for developing connectivity throughout organic bodies. The mixed-wettability pores appear to enhance the systems connectivity.
In Vitro Propagation of Agave americana by Indirect Organogenesis
Authors: Lecona-Guzmán Carlos Alberto , Reyes-Zambrano Sheila , Barredo-Pool Felipe Alonso , Abud-Archila Miguel , Montes-Molina Joaquín Adolfo , Rincón-Rosales Reiner , Gutierrez-Miceli Federico Antonio
Published: August 2017

Factors such as slow growth, low rates of sexual and asexual reproduction, and viability of seeds among others limit the massive propagation of Agave americana L. by conventional methods. In this study, callus induction and shoot proliferation was determined in A. americana using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with dicholorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyl adenine (BA). Meristematic tissue was used as the explants, and were placed on MS medium supplemented with 30.0 g·L−1 sucrose with 0.11, 0.18, or 0.45 μm 2,4-D and 11.0, 22.0, 38.2, 44.0, 58.7, or 73.3 μm BA. Treatments were implemented according to factorial experimental design 3 × 6. After 1 month, the number of explants with callus was determined, whereas the numbers of shoots per explant were monitored after 4, 16, 20, and 36 weeks. The maximum percent of explants with callus was obtained with 0.11 μm 2,4-D and 58.7 and 73.3 μm BA, whereas the maximum numbers of shoots per explant (71) were obtained with 0.11 μm 2,4-D and 73.3 μm BA. The effect of different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in the rooting of shoots was evaluated. There were no significant effects of IBA on the number of roots, root length, and axillary roots. Plantlets were acclimatized in the glasshouse and they did not show any phenotypic alteration. This is a highly efficient protocol for the in vitro propagation of A. americana via indirect organogenesis.
Rose-scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) Plant Growth, and Essential Oil Yield and Composition as Affected by Paclobutrazol Application
Authors: Eiasu Bahlebi K. , Matafeni Ntombekhaya , Dyafta Viwe , Chigwaya Kenias
Published: August 2017

Rose-scented geranium oil is extracted from the shoots (mostly the leaves) of the Pelargonium spp. through steam- or hydro-distillation. To extract less than 0.2% oil, farmers must transport and distil bulky herbage. This makes geranium oil production costly, and high time- and energy-consuming process. To investigate the effect of different paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 mg/L of water) on vegetative growth, and oil yield and composition of rose-scented geranium, three pot experiments were conducted. The experiments were conducted in a glasshouse of the University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa (located at 25°45′S and 28°16′E, an altitude of 520 m above sea level), between Oct. 2011 and May 2013. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in four replications. The PBZ was sprayed on the plants at 1 month of regrowth stage. Chlorophyll content increased with concentration of PBZ. The reduction of plant height in all PBZ-treated plants was significant, ranged between 18% and 33%. Plant canopy also reduced by 5% to 23%, and the differences were more noticeable in the plants grown between January and May (summer/autumn season), producing compact plants. Leaf area and internode length reduced as PBZ concentration increased. Paclobutrazol had no significant effect on leaf number, and essential oil yield and composition. This implies that, through applying PBZ, compacted (less bulky) rose-scented geranium could be produced without significant change in essential oil yield per plant and essential oil composition.
Improvement of Ex Vitro Desiccation through Elevation of CO2 Concentration in the Atmosphere of Culture Vessels during In Vitro Growth
Authors: Vahdati Kourosh , Asayesh Zeinab Maleki , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Leslie Charles
Published: August 2017

Acclimatization of in vitro plantlets is one of the key steps in successful tissue culture propagation. Gaseous atmosphere during in vitro culture can influence the rate of ex vitro acclimation of the plantlets produced. In the current study, effects of elevated CO2 concentration on the leaf water loss dynamic responses of in vitro–produced walnut leaves during ex vitro desiccation were investigated. Elevated CO2 concentration in the headspace of culture vessels caused a considerable decrease in stomatal aperture. Although the traits related to stomatal size were not influenced by CO2 elevation, the number of small stomata was increased, and the number of large stomata was decreased at elevated CO2 concentration. Higher CO2 concentration resulted in a lower transpiration rate and a higher relative water content (RWC) during ex vitro desiccation. This improvement was due to decreased stomatal aperture during the first phase of water loss. Osmotic potential (ψs) was decreased under an elevated CO2 concentration, but no influence was observed on the concentration of compatible solutes. In conclusion, increasing the CO2 concentration of culture vessel headspace can be an efficient tool for improving acclimation of in vitro–grown walnuts without negative effects on plantlet growth.
The Effect of Potassium Deficiency on Growth and Physiology in Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] during Early Growth
Authors: Liu Ming , Zhang Aijun , Chen Xiaoguang , Jin Rong , Li Hongmin , Tang Zhonghou
Published: August 2017

Potassium (K+) is an essential nutrient element for the growth and development of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. To investigate growth and physiological responses to K+ deficiency during early growth stage of sweetpotato, two representative cultivars with different tolerance to K+ deficiency were chosen. The seedlings of ‘Xushu 32’ (tolerance to K+ deficiency) and ‘Ningzishu 1’ (sensitive to K+ deficiency) were cultured in three different K+ concentrations (K0: 0 mmol·L−1 K+; K1: 5 mmol·L−1 K+; and K2: 20 mmol·L−1 K+, the control) of nutrient solution. Results showed that the extreme K+ deficiency (K0) significantly reduced the total dry weight, leaf number, root length, and chlorophyll content (CCI) compared with K2. However, the growth traits of ‘Xushu 32’ were less suppressed than those of ‘Ningzishu 1’. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), and transpiration rate (Tr) of ‘Ningzishu 1’ were significantly decreased in K0 and K1 (low K+), whereas ‘Xushu 32’ showed no significant change in K1 treatment. Increasing minimal fluorensence (F0) of ‘Ningzishu 1’ comes with decreased maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and photochemical quenching (qP) at K0 treatment. However, all the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in ‘Xushu 32’ were nonsignificantly changed by K+ deficiency (K0 and K1). These results suggest that ‘Xushu 32’ could maintain a better growth state to adapt to K+ deficiency stress, which may be mainly because of a lighter affected photosynthesis and a less damaged PSII reaction center.
Response of Hot Pepper Yield, Fruit Quality, and Fruit Ion Content to Irrigation Water Salinity and Leaching Fractions
Authors: Qiu Rangjian , Jing Yuanshu , Liu Chunwei , Yang Zaiqiang , Wang Zhenchang
Published: August 2017

It has been proved that irrigation with high saline water and leaching fraction (LF) affect crop yield, but the effects of irrigation water salinity (ECiw) and LF on fruit quality remain largely elusive. We therefore investigated the effects of ECiw and LF on the yield, fruit quality, and ion content of hot peppers. An experiment using irrigation water with five levels of salinity (ECiw of 0.9, 1.6, 2.7, 4.7, and 7.0 dS·m−1) and two LFs (0.17 and 0.29) was conducted in a rain shelter. The experiment took the form of a completely randomized block design, and each treatment was replicated four times. We increased the salinity of the irrigation water by adding 1:1 milliequivalent concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 to a half-strength Hoagland solution. The plants were irrigated for 120% and 140% evapotranspiration, corresponding to an LF of 0.17 and 0.29. Results showed that the total fruit yield decreased significantly with an increase in the ECiw as a result of reduction both in the fresh weight of fruit and the number of fruit per plant. An increase in the ECiw also led to a decrease in the total dry biomass of fruit and plant, as well as decreasing water use efficiency (WUEF). Salinity reduced the appearance of the fruit by both decreasing the length (FL) and maximum width (FMW) of the fruit. However, increased ECiw also improved the taste of the hot peppers by increasing the total soluble solid (TSS) content, as well as adding to their nutritional quality with a higher content of Vitamin C (VC). Their storage quality was also improved because of an improvement in the firmness of the fruit (Fn) as well as a reduction in the fruit water content (FWC). An increase in the LF led to an increase in the total fruit yield, total dry biomass of fruit and plant, and WUEF; it also increased the FWC and VC content, and decreased the FMW and fruit shape index (FSI). The threshold-slope linear response and sigmoidal-sharp models were both a good fit for the measured total fruit yield, and the LF had no significant effect on the model parameters. The relative TSS and Fn increased linearly as the electrical conductivity (EC) of soil-saturated paste extract (ECe) increased, whereas they decreased linearly as the relative seasonal evapotranspiration (ETr) increased regardless of the LFs. The relative FW, FL, and FMW decreased linearly with the increased ECe, and increased linearly with the increased ETr regardless of the LFs. The relative fruit Na+ concentration increased linearly as the ECe increased. The regression correlations between the total fruit yield, fruit quality parameters, ion contents, and ECe or ETr could provide important information for salinity and irrigation water management with a compromise between the hot pepper yield and fruit quality.
Yield, Nutritive Value, and Preference of Annual Warm‐Season Grasses Grazed by Horses
Authors: DeBoer Michelle L. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Grev Amanda M. , Catalano Devan N. , Wells M. Scott , Hathaway Marcia R. , Martinson Krishona L.
Published: August 2017

Core Ideas

Teff, sudangrass, and sorghum sudangrass have potential as pasture forage for horses.

Japanese and Siberian millet have little regrowth and are not ideal for pastures.

Inverted Ca/P and high NO3–N were observed and should be determined prior to grazing.

Annual warm‐season grasses have the potential to provide forage, but are rarely evaluated under horse (Equus caballus) grazing. The objectives were to determine yield, forage nutritive values, and preference of annual warm‐season grasses at different maturities under horse grazing. Horses grazed Japanese millet [Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz], Siberian millet (E. frumentacea L.), teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], sorghum sudangrass brown midrib (BMR) (Sorghum bicolor × S. bicolor L. var. sudanese), sudangrass [S. bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. drummondii], and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at vegetative and mature stages in Minnesota; annual ryegrass served as a control. Sudangrass had the highest yield (P ≤ 0.01), producing ≥5.5 Mg ha−1 at the vegetative stage and ≥9.7 Mg ha−1 at the mature stage. Siberian millet produced the lowest yields at the vegetative (≤2.5 Mg ha−1) and mature (≤6.0 Mg ha−1) stages. While all grasses met the nutritional requirements of many classes of adult horses, an inverted Ca to P ratio and high nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3–N) levels were observed. Annual ryegrass was most preferred (P ≤ 0.01) with ≥60% removal at the vegetative stage and ≥40% removal at the mature stage. Siberian millet was least preferred with ≤40% removal at the vegetative stage and ≤5% removal at the mature stage. Based on maximizing yield, forage nutritive values, and preference, teff, sudangrass, and sorghum sudangrass show potential as annual warm‐season horse pasture forages; however, Ca/P and NO3–N should be determined before initiating grazing.
Optimizing Agronomic Practices for Clover Persistence and Corn Yield in a White Clover–Corn Living Mulch System
Authors: Sanders Z. P. , Andrews J. S. , Saha U. K. , Vencill W. , Lee R. D. , Hill N. S.
Published: August 2017

Core Ideas

Living mulch cover crops help stabilize erosive soils during corn production.

Wide rows enable the living mulch cover crop to re‐establish for subsequent cropping.

Herbicide bands must be kept to a minimum width to permit living mulch.

Removal of crop residue is essential for white clover to perenniate in the living mulch system.

White clover can supply over 100 kg ha−1 N to corn in the living mulch system.

The area dedicated to corn (Zea mays L.) production increased 50% in the southeastern United States between 2006 and 2016, but producers need to find production systems that mitigate environmental impacts on erosive soils. Utilizing a perennial legume in a living mulch system may help stabilize the soil. The objectives of this study were to identify the most successful herbicide banding pattern (20 or 40 cm), corn row spacing (75 or 90 cm), and corn population density (60,000 or 90,000 plants ha−1) to optimize potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) from white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and maximize clover regrowth in a living mulch system. Plots were established at Floyd and Oconee Counties, Georgia, and tested over 2014 and 2015. Clover persistence and regrowth was best when initial clover suppression used a 20‐cm band and corn was planted on 90‐cm rows. Herbicide‐induced PMN was greater for the wide herbicide band width, but shade‐induced PMN was greater from the narrow band width. Corn shaded the clover at approximately 40 d after planting (DAP) and clover responded by senescing biomass as shading increased. Shading resulted in the majority of PMN regardless of other treatments variables. Corn grain yields were greater in the high population treatments, but there was a year × location × herbicide band width interaction. Considering clover persistence, PMN, and corn grain yield, we conclude that corn planted on 90‐cm rows in 20‐cm wide herbicide bands of dead clover is the best treatment for the living mulch system.
Citrate Addition Increased Phosphorus Bioavailability and Enhanced Gasoline Bioremediation
Authors: Chen Tingting , Philips Courtney , Hamilton Jordan , Chartbrand Blaine , Grosskleg Jay , Bradshaw Kris , Carlson Trevor , Timlick Karen , Peak Derek , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: August 2017

Phosphorus (P) bioavailability often limits gasoline biodegradation in calcareous cold‐region soils. One possible method to increase P bioavailability in such soils is the addition of citrate. Citrate addition at the field scale may increase hydrocarbon degradation by: (i) enhancing inorganic and organic P dissolution and desorption, (ii) increasing hydrocarbon bioavailability, and/or (iii) stimulating microbial activity. Alternatively, citrate addition may inhibit activity due to competitive effects on carbon metabolism. Using a field‐scale in situ biostimulation study, we evaluated if citrate could stimulate gasoline degradation and what the dominant mechanism of this stimulation will be. Two large bore injectors were constructed at a site contaminated with gasoline, and a biostimulation solution of 11 mM MgSO4, 1 mM H3PO4, and 0.08 mM HNO3 at pH 6.5 in municipal potable water was injected at ∼5000 L d−1 for about 4 mo. Following this, 10 mM citric acid was incorporated into the existing biostimulation solution and the site continued to be stimulated for 8 mo. After citrate addition, the bioavailable P fraction in groundwater and soil increased. Iron(II) groundwater concentrations increased and corresponded to decreases in benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX) in groundwater, as well as a decrease in F1‐BTEX in the soil saturated zone. Overall, citrate addition increased P bioavailability and may stimulate anaerobic microbial activity, resulting in accelerated anaerobic gasoline bioremediation in cold‐region calcareous soils.

Core Ideas

Citrate addition increased P amendment efficiency for hydrocarbon bioremediation.

Citrate boosted organic P dissolution to increase soil P bioavailability.

Citrate enhanced gasoline dissipation, possibly by stimulating iron‐reducing degraders.
Laboratory Column Evaluation of High Explosives Attenuation in Grenade Range Soils
Authors: Won Jongho , Borden Robert C.
Published: August 2017

High explosives (HEs) deposited on military ranges can leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater. We examined the transport and fate of HEs in laboratory columns containing soils from two hand grenade bays (Bays C and T) and the impact of organic amendments on biodegradation. Soil characteristics were similar; however, Bay C had somewhat higher clay and organic C. Experimental treatments included addition of crude glycerin and lignosulfonate, and parallel control columns. Experimental results showed extensive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) degradation with minimal leaching, consistent with prior batch microcosm results. Amendment addition enhanced TNT degradation in both Bays C and T compared with controls. Although hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (Royal Demolition Explosive, or RDX) did not biodegrade in prior aerobic batch microcosms, 64 to 77% of RDX biodegraded in untreated soil columns with O2 present in the mobile soil gas. The RDX biodegradation was likely associated with short‐term anoxic conditions or anoxic micro‐niches. In nearly saturated Bay C columns, RDX removal increased to >92%. Amendment addition to unsaturated Bay T columns increased RDX removal to >86%. In one column, the soil remained anoxic (O2 < 5% by volume) for about a year after amendment addition, significantly reducing RDX leaching. Nitroso degradation products were produced equivalent to 9 to 39% of the RDX degraded, with most retained in the soil (9–37%) and 0 to 3% in the effluent. These results demonstrate that RDX biodegradation can occur in soils with measurable O2, and that amendment addition can reduce RDX leaching by stimulating anaerobic biodegradation.

Core Ideas

TNT extensively degraded in soil under both aerobic and anoxic conditions.

RDX degradation was enhanced under anoxic soil conditions.

There was significant RDX degradation in soil columns that were sometimes aerobic.

Organic substrate addition generated anoxic conditions enhancing RDX degradation.
Changes of Leaf Membrane Fatty Acid Composition and Saturation Level of Warm‐Season Turfgrass during Drought Stress
Authors: Zhang Jing , Kenworthy Kevin , Unruh J. Bryan , Erickson John , MacDonald Gregory
Published: August 2017

Although it is known that drought tolerance can be associated with membrane fatty acid (FA) unsaturation, a relevant study is lacking in zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) and St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze.]. Our objectives were (i) to substantiate that variation exists among species and genotypes for leaf tissue FA composition under well‐watered conditions; (ii) to evaluate the relationship between well‐watered leaf FA composition and turf performance under drought stress; and (iii) to determine if modifications in FA content occur during drought stress and if the changes associate with improved drought tolerance. Nine genotypes of three species were subjected to both controlled dry down and well‐watered conditions for 12 d in a greenhouse. Plants were evaluated for cumulative water use, transpiration response, turfgrass quality, and leaf FA composition (palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, hexadecadienoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid). St. Augustinegrass had a constitutively higher unsaturation FA fraction than two zoysiagrass species, owing to its higher linolenic acid and low palmitic acid fractions. During dry down, relative FA contents remained stable and no early unsaturation alteration was found. Two genotypes, ‘UF182’ Japanese lawngrass (Z. japonica Steud.) and ‘Zeon’ manilagrass [Z. matrella (L.) Merr.], displayed an increase in unsaturated FAs when severe drought stress occurred (rapid decline in turfgrass quality), which was associated with good turfgrass quality and apparent drought tolerance. The result in zoysiagrass supports previous reports suggesting increased levels of linolenic acid under drought stress to be a defensive mechanism.
Modeling Zinc and Copper Movement in an Oxisol under Long‐Term Pig Slurry Amendments
Authors: Mallmann Fábio Joel Kochem , Santos Danilo Rheinheimer dos , Bender Marcos Antonio , Gubiani Elci , da Veiga Milton , Minella Jean Paolo Gomes , van Oort Folkert , Šimůnek Jirka
Published: August 2017

Core Ideas

Eleven years of Zn and Cu movement in an Oxisol amended with pig slurry (PS) was modeled.

Root growth and water uptake effects were successfully added in HYDRUS simulations.

Concentration profiles of Zn were described better than those of Cu.

DOC‐facilitated Cu transport needs to be considered when modeling Cu transport in soils.

Zn concentrations will not be a problem during the next 50 yr in PS‐amended soils.

Increases in Zn and Cu concentrations in soils amended with pig slurry (PS) can be described using numerical models. Our main objective was to validate that the HYDRUS‐1D model is able to numerically describe profile concentrations and long‐term vertical transport of Zn and Cu in a clay soil (Oxisol) cultivated under annual cropping in a no‐till system and contaminated by successive doses of PS amendments. We first used a modeling approach that had previously been validated for an Alfisol. Then, we additionally also evaluated the effects of root growth and root water uptake on the transport of trace metals (TMs). Finally, we carried out 50‐yr‐long prospective simulations for different doses of PS amendments. Consideration of root growth and root water uptake processes in HYDRUS‐1D simulations improved the description of measured field Zn concentrations. Although the correspondence between simulated and measured Cu concentrations was not as good as for Zn, we performed prospective simulations for both elements. Future scenarios that considered large PS doses showed large increases in concentrations of both TMs in the soil surface layer. The feasibility of using PS amendments on agricultural Oxisols will be limited by Cu because the soil Cu threshold concentration is exceeded in approximately 29 yr. Moreover, the total loads of both TMs allowed on agricultural soils are reached very fast when large rates are used, especially for Cu (19 yr), indicating that the long‐term disposal of PS on agricultural soils should be done at low doses. These conclusions are probably conservative because our model did not consider potential leaching of TMs from the surface soil into deeper soil layers by dissolved organic C facilitated transport.