bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Positive end-expiratory pressure on stroke volume variation: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Nakashima Tsuyoshi , Kawazoe Yu , Iseri Toshie , Miyamoto Kyohei , Fujimoto Yuka , Kato Seiya
Published: August 2019

Background : Stroke volume variation (SVV) is reportedly affected by ventilation settings. However, it is unclear whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) affects SVV independent of the effect of driving pressure. We aimed to investigate the effect of driving pressure and PEEP on SVV under various preload conditions using beagle dogs as the model animal.
Methods : Mild and moderate hemorrhage models were created in 9 anesthetized, mechanically ventilated beagle dogs by sequentially removing 10 mL/kg, and then an additional 10 mL/kg of blood, respectively. In all animals, driving pressure was incrementally increased by 4 cmH 2 O, from 5 cmH 2 O to 17 cmH 2 O, under PEEP values of 4, 8, and 12 cmH 2 O. Stroke volume (SV) was measured using the pulse-counter method and the thermodilution method.
Results : The driving pressure did not significantly decrease SV under each preload condition and PEEP; however, increased SVV significantly. In contrast, the increased PEEP decreased SV and increased SVV under each preload condition and driving pressure, but these association were not statistically significant. According to multiple regression analysis, an increase in PEEP and decrease in preload significantly decreased SV (P<0.01). In addition, PEEP did not affect SVV, but the increased driving pressure and decreased preload significantly increased SVV.
Conclusion: The SV decreased with an increase in PEEP; however, the SVV was not significantly affected by PEEP. Driving pressure had more influence than PEEP on SVV.
Physical activity promotion in daily exercise therapy: The perspectives of exercise therapists in German rehabilitation settings
Authors: Geidl Wolfgang , Wais Judith , Fangmann Cheyenne , Demisse Ewnet , Pfeifer Klaus , Sudeck Gorden
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
This study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP.
Methods
This qualitative study comprised the heads of exercise therapy departments (n = 58; 41% women; mean age = 45 years) from different rehabilitation clinics in Germany. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus-group discussion on PAP in exercise therapy. The findings of the focus groups were processed and interpreted using a conventional qualitative content analysis.
Results
The exercise therapists demonstrated detailed didactic–methodological strategies and action orientations for PAP. The identified core topics of the content and methods of PAP were (1) conceptualization, (2) exercise and PA for enjoyment and pleasure, (3) education with practice–theory combinations, (4) media and materials for self-directed training, and (5) strategies to enhance personal responsibility and independence. The core topics for the associated barriers and facilitators were (1) structural conditions, (2) the role of exercise therapists, (3) the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, (4) rehabilitant experiences and expectations, and (5) aftercare services.
Conclusion
The topic of PAP is addressed with a high level of variability; exercise therapists involved in this study identify various methods and content for the promotion of PA within their individual practices. However, they display a limited awareness of existing evidence- and theory-based concepts for the promotion of PA as well as underlying theories of behavioural change. This variability may be due to the lack of a defined common framework for promoting PA, insufficient emphasis being placed on PA promotion in the current curricula and training, or extensive conceptual differences within German exercise therapy departments (e.g. different weighting of PAP).
Prevalence and Predictors of Anemia among Adolescent girls in Rural Hadero district, Southern Ethiopia, Community Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gute Tsegaye Alemu Alemu , Hankore Tigist Yakob
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Anemia is the most common nutritional problem in adolescent girls and it has negative consequence on cognition, work performance and economic productivity. However, in the developing world there is limited evidence regarding the magnitude and determinants of anemia among adolescent girls. The current study highlights the burden of and factors associated with anemia in adolescent girls in Hadero district, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in January, 2016 among adolescent girls 10-19 years old. A total of 407 subjects were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique. Hemoglobin level was determined from capillary blood using the HemoCue method. Factors associated with anemia (give the operational definition in bracket) were identified using bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The outputs of analyses are presented using adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI).
Result: The mean (±SD) of hemoglobin concentration adjusted for altitude was 13.7 + 1.2and ranged from 8 to 16.6g/dl. The overall prevalence of anemia was 15.2% (95%CI: 11.68%, 18.72%). Out of the total 400 adolescent girls 13.7% [95% CI: 10.33%, 17.06%] and 1.5% [95%CI: 0.3%, 2.7%] had mild and moderate anemia, respectively. low dietary diversity, (AOR=3.6, 95 % CI: 1.7, 7.7), long menstrual duration (AOR=6.4, 95%CI: 1.55, 27.0), malaria attack history (AOR=3.2, 95%CI: 1.4, 7.2) and over loaded physical work load (AOR=4.0, 95%CI: 1.7, 9.5), large family size (AOR=0.37,95% CI:0.16, 0.92) and low altitude (AOR=3.2, 95%CI: 1.23, 8.3) were significantly associated with anemia. Furthermore, prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.3% and 16.5 % respectively.
Conclusion : Anemia is a mild public health problem in the study area; increasing dietary diversity, Insecticide Treated Bed nets (ITNs) utilization and adolescent nutrition education are important strategies to reduce the burden of anemia.
The performance of anthropometric measures to predict diabetes mellitus and hypertension among adults in Jordan
Authors: Khader Yousef , Batieha Anwar , Jaddou Hashem , El-Khateeb Mohammad , Ajlouni Kamel
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the abilities of waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to predict recently and previously diagnosed diabetes and hypertension and assess their appropriate cut-off values among Jordanian adults.Methods

Data from the 2017 cardiovascular risk factors survey were analyzed to achieve the study objective. The survey collected extensive data from a national population-based sample of Jordanian residents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables and clinical data. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. Anthropometric characteristics were measured by the same team of trained field researchers.Results

This study included a total of 1193 men and 2863 women. Their age ranged from 18 to 90 year with a mean (SD) of 43.8 (14.2) year. WHtR performed better than other anthropometric measures and had a good accuracy (AUC>0.80) among women and fair accuracy among men to predict newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes and hypertension. The appropriate cut-off points for anthropometric measures among women were 92 cm form WC, 104 cm for HC, 30 Kg/m 2 for BMI, 0.85 for WHR, and 0.60 for WHtR. For men, the appropriate cut-off points were 100 cm for WC, 104 cm for HC, 27 Kg/m 2 for BMI, 0.93 for WHR, and 0.57 for WHtR.Conclusion

WHtR performed better than other anthropometric measures in predicting diabetes and hypertension among adult population in Jordan. We recommend WHtR as a measure of choice with a cut-off value of 0.6 for women and 0.57 for men to predict diabetes and hypertension among Jordanians.
The Influence of different Sources on Disease-related Knowledge among Patients with Rare Diseases: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Litzkendorf Svenja , Frank Martin , Babac Ana , Rosenfeldt Daniel , Schauer Franziska , Hartz Tobias , Schulenburg J.-Matthias Graf von der
Published: August 2019

Background: Finding reliable information on one of more than 7,000 rare diseases is a major challenge for those affected. Since rare diseases are defined only by the prevalence criterion, a multitude of heterogeneous diseases are included. Common to all, however, are difficulties regarding information access. Even though various quantitative studies have analyzed the use of different information sources about rare diseases, still little is known about how users rate these sources and how their importance changes over time.
Methods: Fifty-five patients with a variety of rare diseases and 13 close relatives participated in qualitative interviews. For these interviews, a semi-structured guideline was developed, piloted, and revised. Evaluation followed qualitative content analysis developed by Philipp Mayring.
Results: The internet is the most important and widespread information source, especially for early information. Although patients have difficulty dealing with information obtained online, they consider online searching a quick and practical option to gather information. During the course of the disease, personal contact partners, especially self-help associations and specialized doctors, become more important. This is also because information provided online is sometimes insufficiently detailed to answer their information needs, which can be complemented by information from doctors and self-help.
Conclusions: People rarely use just one type of source, but rather refer to different sources and informants. The source used depends on the type of information sought as well as other person-related factors such as preexisting knowledge and the disease stage. To improve people’s information searching and connect them with specialists in rare diseases, a central information portal on rare diseases is a suitable access point to provide free and quality assured information for patients, caregivers, and physicians. This would allow not only patients but also doctors to find quality assured information on symptoms and therapies as well as patient associations and specialized doctors.
Institutional Delivery Service Utilization And Associated Factors In Ethiopia: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis
Authors: Nigusie Adane , Azale Telake , Yitayal Mezgebu
Published: August 2019

Background: Different primary studies in Ethiopia showed the weight of institutional delivery service utilization and factors associated with it. However, variation among those studies was seen. This study was aimed to estimate the pooled national prevalence and associated factors of Institutional delivery service utilization in Ethiopia.
Methods: PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. I-squared statistic was applied to check heterogeneity of studies. A weighted inverse variance fixed-effects model and Dersimonian laired random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors.
Result: A total of 24 studies with 19,969 participants were used for prevalence estimation. The pooled prevalence of Institutional delivery service utilization was 31% (95% CI: 0.30-0.312; I2 = 0.000%). Attitude towards institutional delivery(AOR=2.83; 95% CI 1.35 5.92 ), maternal age at first pregnancy((AOR= 3.592; 95% CI 2.269 5.686 )), residence setting(AOR= 3.844; 95% CI 1.313 11.253), educational status of mothers(AOR=2.915;95% 1.881-4.517), availability of information source(AOR= 1.797;95% CI 1.160 2.783), ANC follow-up((AOR= 2.574 95% CI 1.460 4.54 )), frequency of ANC follow up(AOR= 4.039;95% CI 1.212 13.462), knowledge of institutional delivery & danger signs during pregnancy((AOR=3.04;95% CI 1.76 5.24 )) and place of birth the most recent birth(AOR=8.44;95% CI 5.748 12.393) were identified factors of institutional delivery service utilization.
Conclusions: The prevalence of institutional delivery in Ethiopia remains low. This review may help policy-makers to design institutional delivery service utilization improvements.
Keywords: Institutional delivery, service utilization, Ethiopia
Dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mulugeta Yeshalem , Alem Getu Degu , Belachew Tefera
Published: August 2019

Background: The optimal dietary practice is critical requisite for maternal nutrition. However, the majority of Ethiopian pregnant women have inadequate nutrient intakes. This may be due to their poor dietary habit. Identifying factors affecting dietary practices of pregnant women is crucial to design appropriate interventions. In this country, the dietary practices of pregnant women and determinants are not well studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 712 pregnant women from May to August 2018. Quantitative data complemented with qualitative method. Pregnant women were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for analysis. Data were described using frequencies and mean. Logistic regression analysis was done.
For qualitative data, three focus group discussions and 17 key-informant interviews were conducted. . Focus group discussion participants were mother-in-lows, husbands and health professionals. Typical case and homogeneous sampling techniques were used for the key-informant interviews and focus group discussions, respectively. The tape-recorded interviews and FGDs were transcribed verbatim into Amharic language and then translated from Amharic to English. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data.
Results: Only 19.9% of respondents had appropriate dietary practices. On the multivariable logistic regression analyses, being food secure [AOR=2.25, 95% CI: (1.1, 4.5)], having high edible crop production [AOR=2.00, 95% CI: (1.2, 3.2)] and favorable attitude [AOR=1.69, 95% CI: (1.1, 2.6)] were significantly associated with the appropriate dietary practices of pregnant women. In the qualitative study lack of knowledge on maternal diet, cultural prohibition and knowledge gap of professionals were barriers that interfere with dietary practices during pregnancy.
Conclusion: Pregnant women in the study area are found to have suboptimal dietary practices. Therefore, health professionals should give regular nutrition counseling using cards and role models for promoting diversified food production and consumption to meet the nutrient requirements during pregnancy.
Keywords: pregnant women, dietary practice, dietary diversity, food variety score
Diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP assay for Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Fan Shu- Jin , Guo Xu-Guang , Tan Hong-kun , Xu Yu-cheng , Chen Yuan-zhi , Xie Tian-ao , Pan Zhi-yong , Shi-ou Yang , Qin Li , Xiao-Yan Li , Zhen-Xing Li
Published: August 2019

Background Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis, and these infections are associated with a high mortality rate. Rapid and reliable diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is critical in clinical practice. However, this disease often occurs in economically depressed areas, so an inexpensive, easy to use, and accurate technology is needed. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the potential of the recently developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of meningococcus. Methods Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify original studies that used the LAMP assay to detect meningococcus. After pooling of data, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated, a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was determined, and the area under the SROC curve was computed to determine diagnostic accuracy. Publication bias was assessed using Deek's funnel plot. Results We examined 14 studies within 6 publications. The LAMP assay had high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%) in the detection of meningococcus in all studies. The area under the SROC curve (0.980) indicated high overall accuracy of the LAMP assay. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion The LAMP assay has accuracy comparable to bacterial culture and PCR for detection of meningococcus, but is less expensive and easier to use. We suggest adoption of the LAMP assay for detect meningococcus, especially in economically depressed areas.
Fiberendoscopy for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Esophageal Muscular Hypertrophic Stenosis of infants
Authors: Wang Xue Qi , Kong Chi Huan , Ming An Xiao , Wang Ye Tong , Li Long
Published: August 2019

Background The aim was to investigate the diagnosis and effect for the treatment of Congenital Esophageal Hypertrophic Stenosis of infant with endoscopy. Methods To summarize and review the data of 5 cases of Congenital Esophageal Hypertrophic Stenosis during Apr. 2017 to Jan. 2018.All patients were retrospected the clinical procedures and follow-ups who were carried out examination, diagnosis and treatment with endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography in the middle and lower parts of esophagus. Results The characters of esophageal stenosisin infants could be identified using endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. For the muscular hypertrophic stenosis, the narrow parts could be successfully relieved to 12-15mm in diameter by using endoscopic balloon dilatation. Conclusion It is feasible to use endoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Esophageal Hypertrophic Stenosis occurred in the lower part of esophagus in infants. Excessive damages and occurrence of restenosis after traditional esophagectomy could be avoided.
Determinants of postpartum IUCD utilization among mothers who gave birth in Gamo zone public health facilities, southern Ethiopia; case-control study
Authors: Mohammed Seid Jemal , Gebretsadik Weynshet , Endeshaw Gisila , Shimbre Mulugeta shigaz , Mosa Kenzudine Asfaw , Metebo Keyredin Nuriye , Yesgat Yibeltal Mesfin
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: Even though postpartum IUCD is effective, reliable, safe and recommended contraceptive method during postpartum women, only a small amount of mother who gave birth in health facilities used PPIUCD in the world. Besides the underlining problem and as to the knowledge of the researcher; nothing is known in Gamo zone about the determinants of PPIUCD. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants of postpartum IUCD utilization among mothers who gave birth in Gamo zone health facilities, southern Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods: a facility based unmatched case control study was conducted in Gamo zone public health facilities, southern Ethiopia. A total of 536(179 cases and 357 controls) participants were selected in the study with a 1:2 case to control ratio. Data was collected by a pretested interviewer administered questionnaires from March 1 to April 15 2019. The data was coded, cleaned and entered by Epi-Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for advanced analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the determinants.

Result: A total of 510(175 cases and 335 control) were involved in the study, which makes a response rate of 95.1%. The odds of mothers who have partner support for IUCD insertion were ten times more likely to utilize PPIUCD than those do not have partner support. (AOR (95 CI) 10(4.03, 24.3)). Mothers who have a birth interval of 1-2 year and 3-5 years 12 and almost 10 times more likely to utilize PPIUCD than mothers who have greater than five years. (AOR (95 CI) 12.0(1.5, 97.7), 9.7(1.7, 55.1)) respectively. The odds of mothers who are spacer four times more likely to utilize PPIUCD than limiters (AOR (95 CI) 4(1.44,10.84)). Mothers who are counseled during early labor around 88% less likely to utilize PPIUCD than those counseled during ANC (AOR (95 CI) .125(.034, .46)).

Conclusion and recommendation : Birth interval, fertility plan, timing of counseling, pregnancy plan and partner support were determinant factors. Therefore, health professionals better to give counseling by incorporating partners during antenatal follow up and after delivery.

Key words : Postpartum IUCD, Gamo zone, unmatched case control, determinant factors
Management Strategies to Optimize Soil Phosphorus Utilization and Alleviate Environmental Risk in China
Authors: Zhang Weina , Tang Xiaomei , Feng Xionghan , Wang Enli , Li Haigang , Shen Jianbo , Zhang Fusuo
Published: August 2019

In the last decade, crop production in China has dramatically improved due to greater phosphorus (P) input. As P fertilizer application rates increased from 88 to 123 kg P2O5 ha−1 yr−1 during 2004 to 2014, total P use efficiency (total P output in crops as a percentage of total P input) dropped from 68 to 20%, leading to an accumulation of >90 kg P2O5 ha−1 in the soil each year. Phosphorus lost from agriculture is the second greatest contributor to waterbody eutrophication in China, accounting for 25% of total P losses in 2010; the main contributor is livestock husbandry. Given these problems, as well as the finite nature of P reserves, three strategies are proposed here to reduce P fertilizer application rates, improve P use efficiency, and minimize the environmental risk caused by P loss in China: (i) improving soil legacy P utilization by modifying cropping systems, rhizosphere management, or microbial engineering, (ii) increasing P use efficiency by reducing P fertilizer applications and minimizing P fertilizer fixation, and (iii) promoting the extension of soil P management strategies. For these management strategies to succeed in China, close cooperation should be established among farmers, scientists, and governments in the future.

Core Ideas

The low P use efficiency of crop leads to >90 kg P ha−1 accumulation in soil each year.

Soil P loss is the second dominant contributor of Chinese waterbodies eutrophication.

Three strategies are proposed here to reduce the P fertilizer application rate.

The conversion rate of scientific and technological achievements should be further coordinated.
Options for Improved Phosphorus Cycling and Use in Agriculture at the Field and Regional Scales
Authors: Schneider Kimberley D. , Thiessen Martens Joanne R. , Zvomuya Francis , Reid D. Keith , Fraser Tandra D. , Lynch Derek H. , O'Halloran Ivan P. , Wilson Henry F.
Published: August 2019

Soil phosphorus (P) cycling in agroecosystems is highly complex, with many chemical, physical, and biological processes affecting the availability of P to plants. Traditionally, P fertilizer recommendations have been made using an insurance‐based approach, which has resulted in the accumulation of P in many intensively managed agricultural soils worldwide and contributed to the widespread water quality issue of eutrophication. To mitigate further environmental degradation and because future P fertilizer supplies are threatened due to finite phosphate rock resources and associated geopolitical and quality issues, there is an immediate need to increase P use efficiency (PUE) in agroecosystems. Through cultivar selection and improved cropping system design, contemporary research suggests that sufficient crop yields could be maintained at reduced soil test P (STP) concentrations. In addition, more efficient P cycling at the field scale can be achieved through agroecosystem management that increases soil organic matter and organic P mineralization and optimizes arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbioses. This review paper provides a perspective on how agriculture has the potential to utilize plant and microbial traits to improve PUE at the field scale and accordingly, maintain crop yields at lower STP concentrations. It also links with the need to tighten the P cycle at the regional scale, including a discussion of P recovery and recycling technologies, with a particular focus on the use of struvite as a recycled P fertilizer. Guidance on directions for future research is provided.

Core Ideas

There is an urgent need to increase P use efficiency in agroecosystems.

Crop yields could be maintained at lower than recommended soil test P concentrations.

Both the quantity and quality of organic matter influence P availability.

Further research on ability of organic P to supply P to crops is needed.

Struvite has the potential to fill an important niche in P recycling.
Supramolecular Answers to the Organic Matter Controversy
Authors: Wells Martha J. M.
Published: August 2019

The foundation of separation science is the division or deconvolution of a mixture into constituent parts. To do so greatly informs our understanding of complex systems. Equally important is consideration of the behavior of a mixture as a whole—to consider if the whole is the sum of the parts or if individual components interact synergistically or antagonistically when combined. Application of separation science has seldom assumed greater importance than in consideration of the controversy surrounding the traditional and emergent views of the complex chemical system of natural organic matter (NOM). Analyses of simulated and actual environmental water samples using noninvasive separation techniques including flow field‐flow fractionation (flow FFF), excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor (PARAFAC) analyses, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are discussed. The data are used to explore whether a distinct chemical category of humic (diagenetic) substances exists in NOM; whether separation of organic matter into fulvic and humic extracts has relevant meaning translatable to actual environmental water samples; whether extraction procedures alter the chemistry of NOM extracts; and, if humic and fulvic acids exist, what physicochemical property or properties make humic substances unique among other forms of NOM. A fluorescence‐based nonoperational definition of humic substances is introduced. The underexplored role of supramolecular, self‐assembled aggregation is presented as a NOM conceptual model. Responses are provided to questions raised in the great NOM debate within a supramolecular context.

Core Ideas

A new supramolecular conceptual model invokes strong near‐covalent hydrogen bonding.

A nonoperational definition of diagenetic (humic) substances is proposed.

Alkali extracts are valid, though imperfect, organic matter proxies.

A mechanism for intrinsic chemical recalcitrance of natural organic matter exists.

Protection is a “function” of the supramolecular “form.”
A Global Perspective on Phosphorus Management Decision Support in Agriculture: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Authors: Drohan Patrick J. , Bechmann Marianne , Buda Anthony , Djodjic Faruk , Doody Donnacha , Duncan Jonathon M. , Iho Antti , Jordan Phil , Kleinman Peter J. , McDowell Richard , Mellander Per‐Erik , Thomas Ian A. , Withers Paul J. A.
Published: August 2019

The evolution of phosphorus (P) management decision support tools (DSTs) and systems (DSS), in support of food and environmental security has been most strongly affected in developed regions by national strategies (i) to optimize levels of plant available P in agricultural soils, and (ii) to mitigate P runoff to water bodies. In the United States, Western Europe, and New Zealand, combinations of regulatory and voluntary strategies, sometimes backed by economic incentives, have often been driven by reactive legislation to protect water bodies. Farmer‐specific DSSs, either based on modeling of P transfer source and transport mechanisms, or when coupled with farm‐specific information or local knowledge, have typically guided best practices, education, and implementation, yet applying DSSs in data poor catchments and/or where user adoption is poor hampers the effectiveness of these systems. Recent developments focused on integrated digital mapping of hydrologically sensitive areas and critical source areas, sometimes using real‐time data and weather forecasting, have rapidly advanced runoff modeling and education. Advances in technology related to monitoring, imaging, sensors, remote sensing, and analytical instrumentation will facilitate the development of DSSs that can predict heterogeneity over wider geographical areas. However, significant challenges remain in developing DSSs that incorporate “big data” in a format that is acceptable to users, and that adequately accounts for catchment variability, farming systems, and farmer behavior. Future efforts will undoubtedly focus on improving efficiency and conserving phosphate rock reserves in the face of future scarcity or prohibitive cost. Most importantly, the principles reviewed here are critical for sustainable agriculture.

Core Ideas

Strategies protecting water bodies are often driven by reactive legislation.

Phosphorus management focuses on plant available P and mitigating P runoff.

Decision support is based on P transfer, best practices, education, and action.

Recent scientific developments have rapidly advanced runoff modeling and education.

DS challenges are “big data,” farming systems, and farmer behavior.
Yield Data from the Uniform Southern Soft Red Winter Wheat Nursery Emphasize Importance of Selection Location and Environment for Cultivar Development
Authors: Boyles Richard E. , Marshall David S. , Bockelman Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Yield and agronomic data from a regional soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nursery—consisting of 604 advanced breeding lines (ABLs) and 36 testing locations over a 21‐yr period—were evaluated to understand recent genetic gains in wheat and determine the impact of selection location and environment on cultivar performance and adaptation. Relative mean yield improvement of ABLs with respect to historical cultivar AGS 2000 was 106 kg ha−1 yr−1 (1.58 bu acre−1 yr−1), equating to an annual genetic gain of 1.6%. Yield gains for wheat during this timespan were attributed to an increase in both yield potential and stability across environments. However, a strong tradeoff (r = −0.36, p < 2.2 × 10−16) was observed between yield potential and stability. Additionally, distance between selection and evaluation environments was significantly correlated with yield, with yield decreasing as distance between locations increased. Advanced breeding lines had a +221, +126, and −29.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 (+3.29, +1.88, and −0.44 bu acre−1) yield difference over the location mean when the selection location was within, adjacent, and nonadjacent to the trial location zone, respectively. Advanced breeding lines in general performed poorly in production environments west of their selection site. Based on data analyzed, elevation and latitude are significant geographic parameters to consider when determining optimal selection location for a production environment. Meanwhile, change in growing degree days between selection and evaluation location had a stronger influence on yield than precipitation. Findings demonstrate the importance and benefits of breeder collaborations and multienvironment testing on crop improvement, which will be needed to maximize yield gains in the 21st century.
Mega‐Environmental Design: Using Genotype × Environment Interaction to Optimize Resources for Cultivar Testing
Authors: González‐Barrios Pablo , Díaz‐García Luis , Gutiérrez Lucía
Published: August 2019

The efficient use of testing resources is one of the key factors for successful plant breeding programs. Controlling micro‐ and macro‐environmental variability is an effective way of improving the testing efficiency and the selection of superior genotypes. Common experimental designs in genotypic testing usually use replicated or augmented experiments at each location, but they are balanced across locations. Some studies suggest that the increase in population size even at the expense of balanced experiments might be beneficial if genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is modeled. The objective of this study was to compare strategies for micro and macro‐environmental variability control that include GEI information to optimize resource allocation in multi‐environment trials (METs). Six experimental designs combined with four spatial correction models were compared for efficiency under three experimental sizes using simulations under a real yield variability map. Additionally, six resource allocation strategies were evaluated in terms of accuracy and the expected response to selection. The α‐lattice (ALPHA) experimental design was the best one at controlling micro‐environmental variability. The moderate mega‐environmental design (MED) strategy had the largest response to selection. This strategy uses historical mega‐environments (MEs) to unbalance genotypic testing within MEs while modeling GEI. The MED was the best resource allocation strategy and could potentially increase selection response up to 43% in breeding programs when genotypes are evaluated in METs.
Multivariate Genomic Selection and Potential of Rapid Indirect Selection with Speed Breeding in Spring Wheat
Authors: Watson Amy , Hickey Lee T. , Christopher Jack , Rutkoski Jessica , Poland Jesse , Hayes Ben J.
Published: August 2019

Genomic selection (GS) can be effective in breeding for quantitative traits, such as yield, by reducing the selection cycle duration. Speed breeding (SB) uses extended photoperiod and temperature control to enable rapid generation advancement. Together, GS and SB can synergistically reduce the breeding cycle by quickly producing recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and enabling indirect phenotypic selection to improve for key traits, such as height and flowering time, prior to field trials. In addition, traits measured under SB (SB traits) correlated with field‐based yield could improve yield prediction in multivariate GS. A 193‐line spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) training population (TP), tested for grain yield in the field in multiple environments, was used to predict grain yield of a 350‐line selection candidate (SC) population, across multiple environments. Four SB traits measured on the TP and SC populations were used to derive principal components, which were incorporated into multivariate GS models. Predictive ability was significantly increased by multivariate GS, in some cases being twice as high as univariate GS. Based on these results, an efficient breeding strategy is proposed combining SB and multivariate GS using yield‐correlated SB traits for yield prediction. The potential for early indirect SB phenotypic selection for targeted population improvement prior to trials was also investigated. Plant height and flowering time showed strong relative predicted efficiency to indirect selection, in some cases as high as direct field selection. The higher selection intensity and rate of generation turnover under SB may enable a greater rate of genetic gain than direct field phenotyping.
Identification of Jasmonate‐Mediated Physiological and Molecular Characteristics Correlated with the Brown Spot Resistance of Tobacco
Authors: Zhang Dingyu , Geng Lina , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yan , Liu Yanhua , Liu Xinmin , Du Yongmei , Zhang Zhongfeng , Zhang Hongbo
Published: August 2019

Brown spot of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), a fungal disease caused by Alternaria alternata, is widely spread across the world. In the present study, the physiological and transcriptional characteristics correlated with brown spot resistance were investigated using the resistant cultivar Beinhart 1000‐1 and a susceptible cultivar K326. The physiological assays revealed that Beinhart 1000‐1 was more sensitive to jasmonate (JA) than K326 in seed germination and root elongation assays. MYC2, a key regulator of the JA‐signaling pathway, exhibited a much higher expression level in Beinhart 1000‐1 than in K326 after pathogen challenge with A. Alternata or phytohormone treatment with JA, supporting the higher JA sensitivity of Beinhart 1000‐1. The transcriptional analyses showed that brown spot infection could provoke the expression of a set pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes and transcription factor genes from ethylene response factor (ERF), WRKY, and bHLH families, which are potentially involved in pathogen response. Furthermore, a number of these genes were induced to higher transcription levels by JA in Beinhart 1000‐1 than in K326. Cumulatively, this study revealed a set of JA‐mediated physiological and molecular factors that determine the brown spot resistance of tobacco and may provide cues for resistance breeding.
Straw and Plastic Mulching Enhances Crop Productivity via Optimizing Interspecific Interactions of Wheat–Maize Intercropping in Arid Areas
Authors: Yin Wen , Fan Zhilong , Hu Falong , Fan Hong , Yu Aizhong , Zhao Cai , Chai Qiang
Published: August 2019

Intercropping is considered as a promising system for improving crop productivity. In arid environments, it is unknown whether the coordinated interspecific interaction can be improved via optimizing agronomic management measures. In this study, we quantified the competitiveness of the intercrops in response to straw and plastic management during both co‐growth periods, and the compensation effect of each intercrop. A late‐maturing maize (Zea mays L.) was alternately planted in field strips with an early‐maturing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under four straw and plastic management patterns in northwestern China from 2014 to 2016. Intercropped wheat was the dominant species, and the average index of competitiveness of wheat to maize (AWM) was 0.403. Integration of straw and plastic mulching application in wheat–maize intercropping reduced the interspecific competition and improved the compensation effect of intercropped maize. On average, no tillage with straw covering the soil in wheat strip combined with 2‐yr plastic mulching in maize strip (i.e., NTSI2) decreased the AWM by 30.9%, increased the growth rate of the intercropped maize by 23.4%, boosted grain yield of intercropped wheat and maize by 9.7 and 17.6%, and boosted total grain yields by 14.9% compared with the conventional intercropping treatment (i.e., CTI). The grain yields of intercrops are a quadratic regression with AWM, and AWM values of 0.354 to 0.375 are the most beneficial to boost the grain yields of the intercropped components. The NTSI2 treatment provided the greatest benefits for weakening the relative competitiveness of the intercrops while strengthening the compensation effect, and boosting the productivity of a wheat–maize intercropping pattern.
Overseeding Eastern Gamagrass with Cool‐Season Annual Grasses or Grass–Legume Mixtures
Authors: Mason Katie M. , Mullenix Mary K. , Tucker Jennifer J. , Muntifering Russell B. , Angle Jay S. , Yeager Jamie
Published: August 2019

Eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] can serve as an alternative warm‐season perennial forage in the southeastern United States. A 2‐yr study was conducted to evaluate effects of (i) overseeding with cool‐season forages and (ii) N fertilization in the spring on herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and persistence of ‘Highlander’ eastern gamagrass. Overseeding treatments included: control (no overseeding), early‐maturing ‘Florida 401’ rye (Secale cereale L.), mid‐maturity ‘Wrens Abruzzi’ rye, and a mixture of ‘Wrens Abruzzi’ and ‘AU Red Ace’ red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). During late spring, eastern gamagrass was fertilized with either 67 or 135 kg N ha−1 to evaluate growth response following overseeding and differing N input levels. Herbage accumulation (kg dry matter [DM] ha−1) and nutritive value (in vitro dry DM digestibility and crude protein) were measured during the cool‐ and warm‐season production window. Forage canopy cover and botanical composition determinations measured persistence and compositional change during each growing season. Mob‐stocking was implemented every 28 d to simulate rotational grazing. There was no effect of overseeding with cool‐season annual grasses or grass–legume mixtures on seasonal eastern gamagrass herbage accumulation or persistence during the trial. Cool‐season forage herbage accumulation in this study was limited. Spring N fertilization stimulated a rapid growth response in eastern gamagrass, but N‐level effects dissipated as the season progressed. Results indicate that overseeding may be a viable option in eastern gamagrass swards, but given the low level of cool‐season forage production observed in this study, evaluation of additional cool‐season species/blends and economic viability of this system is needed.
Association Mapping Considering Allele Dosage: An Example of Forage Traits in an Interspecific Segmental Allotetraploid Urochloa spp. Panel
Authors: Matias Filipe Inácio , Vidotti Miriam Suzane , Meireles Karem Guimarães Xavier , Barrios Sanzio Carvalho Lima , do Valle Cacilda Borges , Carley Cari A. Schmitz , Fritsche‐Neto Roberto
Published: August 2019

The breeding process in tropical segmental allopolyploid forage Urochloa is challenging due to the complex genetic control of the traits. Knowledge about genes associated with forage traits, expressed in the different cutting seasons, are extremely useful to support breeding programs and development of new cultivars. Thus, the aims of our study were (i) to identify genomic regions related to forage traits through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), and (ii) to verify the influence of allele dosage on these results. A panel of 272 genotypes of Urochloa spp. [U. brizantha (Hoscht. ex A. Rich.) R. Webster × U. ruziziensis (Hoscht. ex A. Rich.) R. Webster] was evaluated in both the wet and dry seasons. The GWAS analyses were performed with 26,535 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained by genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) using diploid and tetraploid allele dosage configurations. Furthermore, we evaluated scenarios including additive, dominance, and epistatic effects. Seven candidate genomic regions associated with the main forage traits of Urochloa spp. were identified. The importance of the diploid and tetraploid molecular configuration in GWAS analyses for segmental allopolyploid species was demonstrated to identify the genomic behavior of important regions. Results demonstrated that it is possible to identify the same regions using both ploidy configurations; however, in some cases, the allele substitution effect can be biased mainly for regions with dominance and epistatic effects. Finally, this study contributes to the understanding of genetic control of tropical forage traits and genomics to accelerate the selection and reduce the cost to release new cultivars.
Tropical Soil Toposequence Characterization via pXRF Spectrometry
Authors: Silva Fernanda Magno , Weindorf David C. , Silva Sérgio Henrique Godinho , Silva Elen Alvarenga , Ribeiro Bruno Teixeira , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Curi Nilton
Published: August 2019

Variability of elemental composition in a toposequence of quartzite‐derived soils in a tropical environment was evaluated via portable x‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry. The toposequence featured different degrees of weathering and variable soil formation processes. Specifically, this study aimed to: (i) use elemental composition obtained through pXRF as a tool to investigate the degrees of weathering–leaching and pedogenic processes; and (ii) correlate elemental data with physicochemical properties of soils. Four soil profiles (Lithic Ustorthent, Typic Ustorthent, Typic Dystrudept, and Xanthic Hapludox) were described and sampled. Laboratory analysis for soil physicochemical characterization and pXRF were performed. Soils featured high contents of SiO2 due to the predominance of quartz in the rock. However, pXRF analysis revealed that the soils showed a decrease in such content with depth. Potassium contents tended to be greater in the C horizons since they are less weathered and retained greater amounts of K‐bearing minerals, such as muscovite. Al, Fe, Ca, Ti, Cu, and Sr increased their contents with increasing clay content in soils, while Zr generally remained stable. Ba was leached out of soils during weathering. Both CaO and Sr were positively correlated with exchangeable contents of Ca2+ and Mg2+, base saturation, pH, and cation exchange capacity, while inversely correlated to Al3+ saturation. Fe, Al, Ti, Ca, K, Cu, Rb, and Zr accumulated in soil in comparison with the parent material. Variability of elemental contents in soils with differential degrees of weathering–leaching can be easily accessed with pXRF and such data correlate well with several soil physicochemical properties.

Core Ideas

Toposequence of quartzite‐derived soils variability assessed by pXRF.

Soils presented varying weathering degrees, from Entisols to Oxisols.

pXRF elemental data correlated well with soil physical and chemical properties.

Soil mineralogy and pXRF data elucidated soils variability with weathering.

Al, Fe, Ca, Ti, Cu, and Sr increased with increasing clay content.
El imaginario de la violencia y de la no violencia en el altermundialismo
Authors: Beauzamy Briggitte , Kovacsis Martha
Published: August 2019

Las formas de confrontación-acción son objeto de varios debates en el llamado «movimiento de justicia global o movimiento altermundialista, un aspecto importante de la ideología del movimiento es la posibilidad otorgada a los huelguistas de llevar a cabo todos los medios de acción que consideren adecuados, siempre y cuando no impliquen violencia contra las personas. Sin embargo, se mostrará que los debates sobre el uso de medios violentos de acción están revestidos por el imaginario de violencia, presente en los movimientos, donde las narrativas en torno a la contra-cumbre de Génova en 2001, desempeñan un papel fundamental. Por lo anterior, examinaremos conclusiones metodológicas de este tipo de enfoque sociológico sobre imaginarios políticos.
Ethnies multiples et nation unique multiplicite ethnique et unite nationale: le cas colombien
Authors: Montes Montoya Angélica
Published: August 2019

Au moment où lidentité culturelle collective1 est au centre des débats politiques en France, il nous semble important de parler de la façon dont cet aspect a été traité ailleurs en Amérique latine. Dans une région comme lAmérique latine, où au début du XIXème siècle lidentité était bien définie en termes de religion et de race. Elle était au centre de la formation de la nation moderne, limportance associée à lidée dappartenance à un « groupe ethnique » simpose de plus en plus, et mérite que lon sarrête sur la définition de Nation pluriethnique et sur le processus qui laccompagne : le multiculturalisme politique.
Política ciudadana
Authors: Múnera Villalobos Ledis Luz
Published: August 2019

En este artículo reconstruimos los principales aspectos del pensamiento político de Hannah Arendt, quien expone un modelo democrático que se presenta como alternativa a las dos imágenes paradigmáticas del Estado de Derecho en el mundo moderno: Estado Liberal de Derecho y Estado Social de Derecho. En consecuencia, este texto se estructura de la siguiente manera: La pérdida de la participación política en el Estado Liberal de Derecho y en el Estado Social de Derecho, La Política Ciudadana y Reflexiones Finales.