bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD4+ is associated with COVID-19-infected pneumonia patient recovery and recurrence
Authors: Liu Shuna , Liu Wenlin , Li Xinhua , Liu Na , Deng Wei , Gao Chenfeng , Zheng Weiqiang , Liu Bin
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)–infected pneumonia (CDIP) occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, from where the disease has spread all over the world. Although the morbidity and mortality in China have been effectively controlled, the number of cases has increased rapidly in countries other than China. Here we report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 7 CDIP patients. We found that similar with the throat swabs, sputum induction still has a false negative rate. In addition, CD4+ count rise occurred before the disease remission, and decreased CD4+ count may be the cause of virus recurrence. These imply that CD4+ count could be a marker for recover and reinfection. Notably, we tentatively speculate that CD4+ plays a key role in the body's resistance to the COVID-19 attack on lung tissue.
A Software Ecosystem platform for the development of Recommender Systems
Authors: Abdalla André , Ströele Victor , Campos Fernanda , Braga Regina , David José Maria N.
Published: June 2020

Many application domains need to recommend resources for users. The development of solutions focused on the reuse of Recommender System components creates an interesting scenario from a Software Ecosystem perspective. Besides the interaction between actors and technology, a Software Ecosystem for the development of Recommender Systems should allow for integration with systems and platforms that support other ecosystems. The problem addressed by this study is the integration of methods, techniques, and approaches of existing Recommender Systems in a systematic way, facilitating the implementation of new solutions, their reuse and sharing, and the collaboration among the actors involved. This study, therefore, aims to propose R.ECOS, a Software Ecosystem platform to support the development and management of Recommender Systems, allowing for integration between multiple applications and other Software Ecosystems. The evaluation was conducted in two stages. First, two feasibility studies were carried out to validate both technology and architecture. Later, two case studies were conducted in real-world contexts. The results point to the viability of the proposal.
Cluster randomised controlled feasibility study of HENRY: a community-based intervention aimed at reducing obesity rates in preschool children
Authors: Bryant Maria , Collinson Michelle , Burton Wendy , Stamp Elizabeth , Schofield Holly , Copsey Bethan , Hartley Suzanne , Webb Edward , Farrin Amanda J
Published: June 2020

BackgroundCommunity based obesity prevention interventions are often commissioned despite the limited evidence base. HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) is a programme delivered to parents of preschool children across the UK. Early evidence suggests that it may be effective, but a robust evaluation has not been conducted. We initiated a systematic evaluation of HENRY by studying the feasibility of conducting a multi-centre definitive trial to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to prevent obesity. Objectives were to: assess the feasibility of recruiting local authorities, centres and parents; test processes and time required to train and certify intervention staff; explore HENRY commissioning processes; identify potential sources (and associated impact) of contamination; and consider the feasibility of trial procedures.MethodsWe conducted a multi-centre, open labelled, two group, prospective, cluster randomised, controlled, feasibility study, with embedded process evaluation and pre-defined criteria for progression to definitive trial. We sought to recruit 120 parents from 12 children’s centres, across two UK local authority (government) areas. Within each local authority, we planned to randomise three centres to HENRY and three to ‘standard care’ control. Our plan was to collect data in family homes at baseline and 12 months, including parent and child height and weight, and parent-reported questionnaires on self-efficacy, feeding, eating habits, quality of life and resource use. Contamination, implementation and study acceptability were explored using parent interviews.ResultsWe recruited two local authorities and 12 children’s centres within eight months. 117 parents were recruited (average 3.9 parents per programme) and follow-up data were collected from 85% of participants. Process data from 20 parents and 24 members of staff indicate that both would benefit from more detail about their involvement as participants, but that methods were acceptable. Contamination was likely, though the impact of this on behaviour was unclear.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a cluster RCT of HENRY to assess its effect on childhood obesity prevention is feasible. This study has allowed us to design a pragmatic definitive trial with minimal bias, taking account of lessons learnt from conducting evaluation research in public health settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03333733 registered 6th November 2017
Contamination within trials of community based public health interventions: lessons from the HENRY feasibility study
Authors: Stamp Elizabeth , Schofield Holly , Roberts Victoria Laurina , Burton Wendy , Collinson Michelle , Stevens June , Farrin Amanda J , Rutter Harry , Bryant Maria J
Published: June 2020

Introduction:
Contamination occurs when participants allocated to trial control arms receive elements of the active intervention. Randomisation at cluster level, rather than individual level, may reduce or eliminate contamination, avoiding the dilution of intervention effectiveness that it may cause. However, cluster randomisation can result in selection bias, and may not be feasible to deliver. We explored the extent of contamination in a qualitative study nested within a feasibility study of HENRY (Health, Exercise and Nutrition for the Really Young); a UK community-based child obesity prevention programme. We aimed to determine the nature and impact of contamination to inform a larger planned trial and other trials in community based public health settings.
Method:
We invited participants to take part in the nested qualitative study who were already involved in the HENRY feasibility study. Semi-structured interviews/focus groups were conducted with children’s centre managers (n = 7), children’s centre staff (n = 15), and parents (n = 29). Data were transcribed and analysed using an integrative approach. First, deductively organised using a framework guided by the topic guide and then organised using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Potential for contamination between treatment arms was recognised by all stakeholder groups. Staff within the intervention centres presented the greatest risk of contamination, predominantly because they were often asked to work in other children centre’s (including control group centres). ‘Sharing of best practice’ by staff was reported to be a common and desirable phenomenon within community based settings. Parental sharing of HENRY messages was reported inconsistently; though some parents indicated a high degree of knowledge transfer within their immediate circles.
Conclusions
The extent of contamination identified has influenced the design of a future effectiveness trial of HENRY which will be clustered at the centre level (with geographically distinct clusters). The common practice of knowledge sharing amongst community teams means that this clustering approach is also likely to be most suitable for other trials based within these settings. We provide recommendations (e.g. cluster randomisation, training intervention facilitators on implications of contamination) to help reduce the impact of contamination in public health intervention trials with or without clustering, whilst enabling transfer of knowledge where appropriate.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03333733 registered 6th November 2017
Time-dependent displacement of commensal skin microbes by pathogens at the site of colorectal surgery
Authors: Holder-Murray Jennifer , Yeh Andrew , Rogers Matthew , Firek Brian , Mahler Brandon , Medich David , Celebrezze James , Morowitz Michael
Published: June 2020

Objective: To characterize perioperative changes of the skin microbiome in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery and to determine this relationship with surgical site infections (SSIs).Summary of Background Data: Despite the prevalence and significance of SSIs, their pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Although the complexity of the human skin microbiome has been the subject of recent studies, it is not known whether alterations among commensal microbes contribute to the incidence of SSIs. Methods: Skin swabs of the abdominal wall and chest wall from 60 study subjects were collected before and after colorectal surgery, in addition to intraoperative samples including subcutaneous fat and colonic contents. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were sequenced and analyzed. Results: Alpha diversity on the skin decreased in the perioperative period but later recovered at the postoperative clinic visit. Alpha diversity of the subcutaneous fat increased significantly between the beginning and end of these operations, with an increase in abundance of gut microbes also seen within luminal contents after colon resection. In the early postoperative period, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae increased at the site of surgical incision, with a concomitant decrease in commensals including Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium. Only one patient developed a wound infection. Incisional skin swabs from this patient demonstrated a sharp postoperative increase in the abundance of Enterococcus, which was later cultured from wound drainage at the time of SSI diagnosis. Conclusions: In most patients, we observed a transient postoperative loss of skin commensals at the surgical site, which were replaced by potential pathogens and anaerobes from the gut. We postulate that real time monitoring of the skin microbiome, in parallel with improved knowledge with the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal surgery, could provide actionable findings about the pathogenesis of SSIs.
TMPRSS2, required for SARS-CoV-2 entry, is downregulated in lung cells by enzalutamide, a prostate cancer therapeutic
Authors: Leach Damien A. , Isac Ana-Maria , Bevan Charlotte L. , Brooke Greg N.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, attacks various organs but most destructively the lung. It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung cells requires two host cell surface proteins: ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Downregulation of one or both of these is thus a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19. TMPRSS2 is a known target of the androgen receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor; activation of the androgen receptor increases TMPRSS2 levels in various tissues, most notably the prostate. We show here that treatment with the antiandrogen enzalutamide – a well-tolerated drug widely used in advanced prostate cancer – reduces TMPRSS2 levels in human lung cells. Further, enzalutamide treatment of mice dramatically decreased Tmprss2 levels in the lung. In support of this new experimental data, analysis of existing datasets shows striking co- expression of AR and TMPRSS2, including in specific lung cell types that are targeted by SARS- CoV-2. Together, the data presented provides strong evidence to support clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antiandrogens as a treatment option for COVID-19.
Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve on 82Rubidium Positron Emission Computed Tomography in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Feher Attila , Boutagy Nabil , Oikonomou Evangelos K. , Thorn Stephanie , Liu Yi-Hwa , Miller Edward , Sinusas Albert , Hinchcliff Monique Evangeline
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Cardiovascular (CV) disease including coronary microvascular dysfunction is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune conditions and may be linked with Raynaud phenomenon (RP). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as the noninvasive gold standard for the evaluation of coronary microvascular function. As such, we sought to determine the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction as assessed by PET/CT-derived coronary flow reserve (MFR) in patients with primary and secondary RP evaluated for dyspnea or chest pain.

Materials and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of RP in the electronic health record who underwent dynamic rest-stress 82-Rubidium PET/CT from 09/2012-09/2019 for evaluation of chest pain or dyspnea were studied. Heart rate-blood pressure product corrected MFR was calculated (Corridor 4DM, INVIA). Patients were grouped based on their comorbid autoimmune condition, and differences in MFR and clinical predictors of reduced MFR (< 2.0) were compared between patients and healthy controls (n=17, 35% female, age: 35 ± 5 years, BMI 27 ± 4kg/m 2 ).

Results: 49 patients with RP (84% female, age: 65 ± 11 years, BMI: 33 ± 11 kg/m 2 ) were studied. Of these, 11 had primary RP, 18 had systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 20 had other autoimmune diagnosis (n=6 systemic lupus erythematosus, n=6 rheumatoid arthritis, n=4 overlap syndrome, n=2 Sjogren’s syndrome, n=2 inflammatory arthritis). Patients with primary RP had MFR comparable to healthy participants. In patients with secondary RP, only those with underlying SSc had significantly reduced MFR compared to healthy participants (p=0.002, 1.62 ± 0.32 vs 2.22 ± 0.44). In multivariable logistic regression, SSc was an independent predictor of reduced MFR. In addition, there was a modest significant correlation between time since autoimmune disease diagnosis and MFR (r= -0.37; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.09; p=0.01). Inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate: r= -0.19, C-reactive protein: r= -0.31) were not significantly associated with MFR (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is reduced PET/CT MFR compared to healthy participants in patients with SSC and secondary RP, and that SSc may be an independent predictor of reduced MFR. Patients with primary RP had MFR values that were comparable to healthy participants. Larger prospective studies are warranted to fully elucidate the prognostic value of MFR in patients with secondary RP.
Estimating the proportion of bone mineral density loss in patients with normal kidney function among South Indian population
Authors: Aranha Kevin Neil , Kotian Rahul P , John Arathy Mary
Published: June 2020

Background: Bone Mineral density (BMD) is considered as one of the golden tool to measure the bone quality in which two measurements namely T- Score and Z –score are used to report the BMD test results. Whenever there is deterioration of BMD it is associated with low skeletal mass. Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from this muscle metabolism. Creatinine is a good marker for muscle mass. However, limited studies have been done which tell us the association between BMD loss and serum creatinine (SCr) levels.Methodology: 200 participants who were referred for CECT abdomen and pelvis were scanned using 128 slice Philips Brilliance CT. Using BMD software, four different vertebral bodies from L1-L4 were taken and ROI was placed at the central portion of the trabecular bone, two reference ROI’s, one in retro spinal muscle and one in fat tissue were also placed. To measure CT attenuation value, a ROI graphic tool was drawn at the trabecular bone. Average HU of BMD, T score and Z score values were taken from L1-L4.Statistical Analysis: The data was analysed using SSPS version 16.0. For assessment of normal BMD values, the results of measurements were averaged for age, creatinine level, T score and Z score and descriptive statistics was calculated. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between serum creatinine with T score and Z score.Results: T Score and SCr correlated negatively at -0.25. The correlation between Z Score and SCr was also negatively correlated at -0.187.Conclusion: It was evident from the study findings, that there is a non-association between SCr and T Score levels which showed that BMD of a person was not associated with normal kidney function. Thus, SCr levels cannot be used as a biomarker for osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases receiving cytokine inhibitors have low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Simon David , Tascilar Koray , Krönk Gerhard , Kleyer Arnd , Zaiss Mario , Heppt Franz , Meder Christine , Atreya Raja , Klenske Entcho , Dietrich Peter , Abdullah Abdullah , Kliem Thorsten , Corte Giulia , Morf Harriet , Leppkes Moritz , Kremer Andreas , Ramming Andreas , Pachowsky Milena , Schuch Florian , Ronneberger Monika , Kleinert Stefan , Maier Clara , Hueber Axel , Manger Karin , Manger Bernhard , Berking Carola , Tenbusch Matthias , Überla Klaus , Sticherling Michael , Neurath Markus F. , Schett Georg
Published: June 2020

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) of the joints, gut and skin are treated with inhibitors of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Investigating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in IMIDs we observed a significantly reduced incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IMID patients treated with cytokine inhibitors compared to patients receiving no such inhibitors and two healthy control populations, despite similar social exposure. Hence, cytokine inhibitors seem to at least partially protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection.Authors David Simon and Koray Tascilar contributed equally to this work. Authors Markus F. Neurath and Georg Schett share senior authorship.
Optimized and scalable synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles for RNA extraction in response to developing countries' needs in the detection and control of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chacón-Torres Julio C. , Reinoso C. , Navas-Leon Daniela G. , Briceño S. , González G.
Published: June 2020

Ecuador is one of the most affected countries, with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, in Latin America derived from an ongoing economic crisis. One of the most important methods for COVID-19 detection is the use of techniques such as real time RT- PCR based on a previous extraction/purification of RNA procedure from nasopharyngeal cells using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). This technique allows the processing of ~10,000 tests per day in private companies and around hundreds per day at local Universities guaranteeing to reach a wide range of the population. However, the main drawback of this method is the need for specialized MNP with a strong negative charge for the viral RNA purification to detect the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here we present a simplified low cost method to produce 10 g of nanoparticles in 100 mL of solution that was scaled to one litter by parallelizing the process 10 times in just two days and allowing for the possibility of making ~50,000 COVID-19 tests. This communication helps in reducing the cost of acquiring MNP for diverse biomolecular applications supporting developing country budgets constraints and chemical availability specially during the COVID-19 International Health Emergency.
Application of high-flow nasal cannula in hypoxemic patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Ming , Zhou Qiang , Zheng Ruiqiang , Li Xuyan , Ling Jianmin , Chen Yumei , Jia Jing , Xie Cuihong
Published: June 2020

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy provides effective respiratory support in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, the efficacy of HFNC for patients with COVID-19 has not been established. This study was performed to assess the efficacy of HFNC for patients with COVID-19 and describe early predictors of HFNC treatment success in order to develop a prediction tool that accurately identifies the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with COVID-19 who underwent HFNC in 2 hospitals in Wuhan between 1 January and 1 March 2020. Overall survival, the success rate of HFNC treatment and respiratory variables to predict the outcome of HFNC treatment were evaluated.Results: A total of 105 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65 patients (61.9%) showed improved oxygenation and were successfully withdrawn from HFNC. The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), Oxygen saturation index (SpO2/FiO2) and respiratory rate-oxygenation index (ROX index: SpO2/FiO2*RR) at 6h, 12h and 24h of HFNC initiation were closely related to the prognosis. The best predictor was the ROX index at 24h after initiating HFNC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.874). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, young age, gender of female, and lower SOFA score all have predictive value, while a ROX index greater than 6.10 at 24 h after initiation was significantly associated with HFNC success (OR, 104.212; 95% CI, 11.399-952.757; p＜0.001).Conclusions: Our study indicated that HFNC was an effective way of respiratory support in the treatment of severe COVID-19. The ROX index greater than 6.10 at 24 h after initiating HFNC was a good predictor of successful HFNC treatment.
Fruit Maturity and Quality of Splice-grafted and One-cotyledon Grafted Watermelon
Authors: Devi Pinki , Lukas Scott , Miles Carol A.
Published: June 2020

Splice grafting with both cotyledons removed from the rootstock may significantly increase watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] grafting efficiency, eliminate rootstock regrowth, and reduce costs of watermelon transplant production. We evaluated the efficacy of antitranspirant and sucrose treatments on the survival of splice-grafted transplants and assessed the effects of grafting method and rootstocks on fruit yield and quality. First, in a greenhouse experiment, four commercial antitranspirants, applied to rootstock seedlings before splice grafting, increased transplant survival 21 days after grafting (DAG) from 7% to 35% to 68% (P < 0.0001). In a second greenhouse experiment, survival of splice-grafted seedlings was 91% for plants that received 2% sucrose solution + antitranspirant, compared with 67% for plants receiving 2% sucrose alone and 25% for plants that received only water (P < 0.0001). Finally, in a field experiment we compared splice- vs. one-cotyledon grafting with two rootstocks (‘Shintosa Camelforce’ and ‘Tetsukabuto’) vs. nongrafted plants. At 54 days after transplanting (DAT), survival of all grafted transplants averaged 96% with a plant vigor rating of 7.7/10 (10 = most vigorous), compared with 84% survival (5.8/10 vigor rating) for nongrafted transplants. Flowering was delayed by an average of 2 days for splice-grafted watermelon (37 DAT) vs. one-cotyledon grafted and nongrafted plants (P < 0.0001), but harvest date was the same for all treatments (70 DAT). Fruit were harvested 0, 7, and 14 days after fruit reached physiological maturity, and there was no difference in total yield or fruit quality between grafted and nongrafted treatments, with two exceptions. Fruit with splice-grafted ‘Shintosa Camelforce’ rootstock had the firmest flesh (8.2 N) compared with nongrafted transplants (5.3 N), and lycopene increased from 16.7 µg·g−1 at physiological maturity to as high as 31.4 µg·g−1 when harvested 7 days after physiological maturity (P = 0.0002). These results indicate that application of sucrose with antitranspirant to rootstock seedlings before grafting can increase the survival of splice-grafted watermelon, and splice-grafted watermelon perform similarly to one-cotyledon grafted and nongrafted watermelon plants in field production.
Effect of bunch protection material and bagging time on the yield of 'Nanica' banana and chilling control
Authors: Lima Juliana Domingues , Engelking Eric Watzke , Rozane Danilo Eduardo , Gomes Eduardo Nardini , Silva Silvia Helena Modenese Gorla da , Kluge Ricardo Alfredo
Published: June 2020

The bagging of banana bunch can control chilling injury (CI) in the field, which causes browning of banana peel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of changing the bunch protection material and bagging time on the yield of 'Nanica' banana (AAA) and the occurrence of CI. The experiment was conducted in Jacupiranga, SP, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized design arranged in a 2 x 2 x 6 factorial scheme with eight replicates, two bunch formation periods (autumn-winter and winter-spring), two bagging times (early, before the opening of bracts, and late, after complete opening) and six treatments. Treatments were polyethylene bags with different thickness (blue bags of 3µ in thickness and black bags of 6, 8 and 10µ in thickness combined with white non-woven fabric, black bag of 10µ in thickness combined with blue polyethylene bag 5μ in thickness impregnated with insecticide) and non-bagged banana. The change of sunlight transmission with black polyethylene bags of different thickness promoted a small increase in fruit peel temperature (0.14 to 0.57°C) on colder days (8.72°C), reduced CI index and improved peel brightness (L*) and ho (hue angle), although it did not affect bunch mass. However, in late winter, sunburn increased fruit losses. Sunlight transmission in fruit peel was correlated with CI index (r=0.92*), L* (r =-0.77*) and phenols (r=0.85*). Despite not controlling CI, early bagging is recommended for increasing peel L*.
Synchronizing coffee blossoming and fruit ripening in irrigated crops of the Brazilian Cerrado Mineiro Region
Authors: Miranda Felipe Rodrigues , Drumond Luis Cesar Dias , Ronchi Cláudio Pagotto
Published: June 2020

Non-uniform blossoming due to deficit irrigation is common in perennial crops such as coffee. It usually leads to uneven ripening of fruits and impairs harvesting efficiency and quality of coffee. The effect of different water deficit periods was evaluated on development stage of flower bud at blossoming stages in coffee plantations. We also evaluated the effect of water deficit on growth, productivity, maturation, and physical quality of the bean. Two identical trials were performed on 19-month-old Coffea arabica cultivars (‘Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144’ and ‘Bourbon Amarelo J9’), from June 2008 to July 2009. Irrigation was suspended and resumed at different times (seven treatments) at the pre-flowering stage using a randomized block design with four replicates. The cultivars reached different levels of deficit for the same period of suspended irrigation. In ‘Catuaí’, 60% of the flower buds opened after the coffee plants were exposed to water deficit from early or late June to early September. In ‘Bourbon’, even the longer water deficit period (06/09 to 09/07) did not induce blossoming greater than 20%. Growth was slightly affected during the water withholding period, but not in the subsequent evaluations in October or January. In both cultivars, drought promoted a higher percentage of ripe cherries at harvest than continuous irrigation, regardless of treatment. In conclusion, although blossoming was not a single concentrated event, especially in ‘Bourbon’, withholding irrigation in the pre-flowering stage contributed to uniform fruit ripening in both Arabica coffee cultivars.
Dry matter decomposition and potassium cycling in no-till integrated crop-livestock systems: the effects of tree shading and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Oliveira Flavia , Pontes Laíse da Silveira , Assmann Tangriani Simioni , Santos Betina Raquel Cunha dos , Carpinelli Sandoval , Fonseca Adriel Ferreira da
Published: June 2020

In integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), understanding residue dynamics is crucial to synchronize nutrient release from pasture litter to cash-crop nutrient demands and overcome potential deficiencies using suitable fertilization strategies. The present study evaluated how the inclusion of trees and N availability affected the release rates of K from pasture (black oat + ryegrass) residues to the subsequent maize crop in a no-till ICLS. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments set up in split-plots with three replications. Main plots were systems (crop-livestock only and crop-livestock with trees) and sub-plots N levels (90 and 180 kg N ha-1). Litter decomposition and K release from pasture residues were assessed using litterbags, which were installed at maize sowing, for retrieval at 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 165 days of incubation. Regardless of N level, shade of 7-year-old trees reduced pasture residue (-30%). Tree residues were unable to offset the shading effect on pasture growth. A faster dry matter decomposition was observed in treeless treatment and with 180 kg N ha-1, with a half-life ranging from 14 to 38 days. Despite no changes in K-release dynamics among treatments, total K released was significantly higher for treeless system (61 kg K ha-1) than in system with trees (40 kg K ha-1), due to changes in the initial amount of residue. These results must be taken into account in fertilization practices. Therefore, a few feasible silvicultural interventions should be considered to avoid losses in soil cover, maximizing nutrient cycling benefits.
Virulence not linked with vegetative compatibility groups in Australian cotton Verticillium dahliae isolates
Authors: Daigle Pearl Dadd , Kirkby Karen , Collins Damian , Cuddy Will , Lonergan Peter , Roser Sharlene , Chowdhury Piklu Roy , Labbate Maurizio , Chapman Toni A.
Published: June 2020

Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt, is a soil-borne ascomycete that infects numerous agriculturally important crops globally, including cotton. As a billion-dollar industry, cotton is economically important to Australia and the management of disease such as Verticillium wilt is key for the success of the industry. Internationally, defoliating V. dahliae isolates belonging to Vegetative Compatibility Group (VCG) 1A cause severe damage to cotton, while non-defoliating VCG2A isolates result in significantly less disease. However, in Australia, VCG2A is causing more severe damage to crops in the field than the defoliating VCG1A. This study aimed to replicate field observations in controlled greenhouse conditions. We examined and compared disease symptoms on a range of Australian commercial cotton varieties when inoculated with different V. dahliae VCGs. Seedlings were root dipped in conidial suspensions and assessed over seven weeks. The final disease score, disease over time and root length were analysed. Plant mortality resulted from both V. dahliae VCG1A and VCG2A isolates across all cotton varieties used, confirming that there are virulent VCG2A isolates present in Australia. To our knowledge, although virulent on other plant hosts, V. dahliae VCG2A has not previously been reported to be highly virulent in cotton. We infer that virulence cannot be defined solely by VCG in Australian V. dahliae isolates causing disease in cotton.
Chemical characteristics of soil after application of tannery sludge as fertilizer in the sugarcane plant crop
Authors: Santos Alessandro José Marques , Backes Clarice , Rodrigues Lucas Matheus , Teodoro Arthur Gabriel , Godoy Leandro José Grava de , Tomazello Danilo Augusto , Campos Luiz Fernandes Cardoso , Ribon Adriana Aparecida , Lopes Tatiany Arrais , Boas Roberto Lyra Villas
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of applying tannery sludge as fertilizer in the sugarcane plant crop and its impact on soil chemical characteristics. The soil in the experimental area was classified as dystrophic red latosol type (Oxisol). The experiment was set up as a randomized-block design with four replicates, with treatments represented by five doses of tannery sludge (0, 4500, 9000, 13500 and 18000 kg ha-1) plus one treatment with inorganic fertilization (90 kg ha-1 N, 180 kg ha-1 P2O5 and 120 kg ha-1 K2O). Soil chemical characteristics and sugarcane nutrition and production traits were evaluated. Tannery sludge application increased the organic matter, Ca, S and Na contents in the soil layers of 0-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. Heavy metal contents in the soil were not influenced by the treatments. Tannery sludge showed the potential to supply important macronutrients, especially at the highest doses tested. Tannery sludge doses between 10000 and 16250 kg ha-1 provided the greatest plant height and diameter and the highest number of stalks. The highest sugarcane yield, 149.55 t ha-1, was obtained with the sludge dose of 18000 kg ha-1.
Losses in the mechanized harvesting of sugarcane as of speed function of two harvester models in Tropical Savanna Environment
Authors: Xavier Warlles D. , Silva Diogo C. , Costa Rommel B. da , Ribeiro Diego O. , Sousa Vinicius S. , Silva João Vitor de S.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the losses that occur in the sugarcane crop during the harvesting, based on the performance of two harvester models operated at different displacement speeds. The variety harvested was CTC4, with total productivity of 95.0 Mg ha-1. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme with five replications. The treatments consisted of two harvester models (John Deere 3520 and John Deere CH570), operated in three different displacement speeds (3.0 km h-1, 4.0 km h-1 and 5.0 km h-1) in sugarcane harvesting. The quality indicators that assessed after sugarcane harvesting were the following loss types: stump cane, whole cane, tip cane, loose piece cane, shrapnel cane and total cane loss in Mg ha-1. The increase in displacement speed resulted in lower total losses in sugarcane harvesting. The 3520 harvester was superior to the CH570 at the highest speed tested. The reduction of sugarcane harvesting loss indexes was proportional to the increase of the displacement speeds for the parameters such as stump cane, whole cane, tip cane, loose piece cane and total loss cane for 3520 harvester and stump cane, whole cane and total loss cane for CH570 harvester, showing strong negative correlations (> 0.85).
Water and nitrogen water use efficiency in forage palm irrigated with salt water in the Neossolo
Authors: Silva Patrícia Ferreira da , Matos Rigoberto Moreira de , Neto José Dantas , Borges Vitória Ediclécia , Sobrinho Thiago Galvão , Bonou Semako Ibrahim , Azevedo Carlos Alberto Vieira de , Lima Vera Lúcia Antunes de , Júnior Arsênio Pessoa de Melo
Published: June 2020

The objectives were to analyze the water and nitrogen use efficiency by forage palm in different irrigation depths with saline water and nitrogen fertilization levels in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The experiment was conducted under field condition during one year of cultivation (360 days). The experimental design was a complete randomized block and 5 x 5 factorial scheme with five irrigation depths (125, 100, 75, and 25% of ET0) and five levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg ha-1 of N) and three replicates. Irrigation and acceptable nitrogen fertilization resulted in a good water and fertilization management. Water and nitrogen use efficiency of forage palm were higher, when water depths and the nitrogen levels supplied to the soil were increased. The 125% ET0 depth showed a higher efficiency of water and nitrogen use in the forage palm during 360 days of study. In conditions of low nitrogen supply, the efficiency of nitrogen use is directly and indirectly associated with the fresh mass yield; while under high supply, the efficiency of the use of nitrogen is more effective. The use of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization in the semi-arid region is recommended to obtain higher productivity of water and nitrogen from the forage palm.
Productive characteristics of peanut cultivars fertilized with wood ash
Authors: Silva Edna Maria Bonfim , Takenaka Pollyanna Yoko , Nonato Júlio José , Guimarães Salomão Lima , Silva Tonny José Araújo da
Published: June 2020

Aiming to assist small farmers, the search for low cost fertilizers and soil acid correctives has intensified. The wood ash waste is an alternative, which can act as fertilizer and corrective. It is also from available materials, which are reuse-able with less environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of wood ash doses (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 g dm-3) on the productive characteristics of peanut cv. IAC OL3 and IAC 503. The experiment was carried in a complete randomized block in factorial scheme 2x6 with five replications in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Mato Grosso campus of Rondonópolis, MT. The substrate was Cerrado Oxisol to fill 1.5 dm3 pots. The analysis of variance with sequential polynomial regression test was employed. The results showed that incorporation of wood ash to the soil was beneficial to the productive characteristics of peanuts. The dry mass of pods was influenced by wood ash application with higher results found for cultivar IAC 503. To the variables leaf dry mass, root dry mass, number of pods, grains pot-1 and grains yield showed no significant interaction between wood ash and cultivars. This study recommends wood ash doses in the range between 22.34 g dm-3 and 29.78 g dm-3.
Estimates of heterosis and combining ability of soybean diallel crossings
Authors: Bagateli Jose Ricardo , Bahry Carlos André , Silva Raimunda Nonata Oliveira da , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Conte Giordano Gelain , Villela Francisco Amaral , Gadotti Gizele Ingrid , Meneghello Geri Eduardo
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to estimate the general and specific combining ability of partial soybean diallel crossings. The parents were divided in two groups contrasting for the characteristics of mass of thousand seeds, maturity group, flowers’ color, lodging and growth aspect. The scheme of partial diallel followed the Griffing model, where it were included the parents and the F1 generation. There was predominance of additive genic effects for the characteristics number of seeds per pods, number of seeds per plant and plants height. For number of pods per plant, seeds per plant and mass of hundred seeds the dominance effects were expressed by the superiority of specific combining ability in the determination of these characters. The parents G3 and G7 were the ones that contributed the most to the increase in yield in function of general combining ability for the characters number of pods per plant, seeds per plant, plant yield and mass of hundred seeds. The hybrids from the crossings between G3 x G5 and G3 x G4 are more promising for the characteristics related to yield, since they present elevated heterosis effect and high specific combining ability associated to increase general combining ability presented by the parent G3.
Response of some wheat genotypes to different salinity levels of Irrigated water
Authors: Otayk Soleman M. Al
Published: June 2020

Salinity is one of the major constraints for crop production across the world. Saudi Arabia is dominated with desert environment with high salinity in the central region of the country. Therefore, salinity has a limiting factor for cereal crops in this region. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity and quality characters for some wheat (Triticum aestivum L) genotypes under different salinity levels of Irrigated water (control, 4000, 8000 ppm NaCl). The experiment was conducted during 2011 and 2012 seasons. The trial was conducted under greenhouse environmental condition at Qassim University Agricultural Research and Experimental Station during 2011 and 2012 seasons. Twenty wheat genotypes including: 5 genotypes from ICARDA, 7 genotypes from Pakistan, 5 Australian genotypes, one American genotype (Yocora Rojo), one Egyptian genotype (Sakha 93) and one local genotype (Sama) were used in this study. Results from wheat genotype trial showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for all traits due to increased salinity in irrigation water from 4000 to 8000 ppm. There was a significant difference between the varieties for plant height, 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels spike-1 and Na for grain and straw. The interaction effect was significant in number of spikes, 1000-kernel weight and Na for grain and hay and Na / K cereal. The results showed that Auqab 2000, Bhan 2000 and Shaka 93 have the highest yield at high level of salt and Sis 13, P2 and Local were the least in yield. Moreover, the results of principle component analysis (PCA) indicated that the superior wheat genotypes for grain yield under salt stress in the two seasons (Auqab 2000, Bhan 2000, Yocara Rojo and Sakha 93) are clustered in group D. These genotypes can be considered as salinity resistant varieties. The maximum reduction over control under salt stress was recorded in Australian genotypes (P6 and P9) and local genotype 'Sama'.
Micropropagtion and DNA-barcoding of the endangered endemic Phlomis aurea plant of Saint Katherine
Authors: Ghareb Heba El-Sayed , Ibrahim Shafik Darwish , Hegazi Ghada Abd El-Moneim
Published: June 2020

Saint Katherine is considered a “biodiversity hotspot” because of the high level of endemism of reported plant species. In this study, conservation of the endangered endemic plant; Phlomis aurea of Saint Katherine, Southern Sinai, Egypt, was carried out through micropropagation and DNA barcoding. The first efficient micropropagation protocol for Phlomis aurea was established as a mean of ex situ conservation of the plant. Shoot tips and nodal segments of in vitro germinated seedlings were established on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.54 µM β-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2.46 µM N6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP) in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or kinetin (Kin). The medium supplemented with 3.48 µM Kin considered optimum for both explants. For multiplication, BA was the most efficient cytokinin. The percentage of rooted explants reached 100% at the concentration of 14.7 µM indolebutyric acid (IBA), whereas the highest number of roots was recorded for 4.90 µM, which considered the optimum concentration with a percentage of 80% of rooting. Rooted plantlets were transplanted in the greenhouse with 75% survival rate. The present study also aimed to carry out DNA barcoding of Phlomis aurea for accurate identification to provide a database for establishing an efficient conservation program for the plant. Three chloroplast DNA markers were used [ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK) and RNA polymerase C1 (rpoC1)] and all were successful in amplifying target regions, however the performance of both rbcL and matK markers seemed to be species‐specific. The similarity percentage was maximum for rbcL (99.81%) and matK (100%) compared to the database of the same species.
How artificial intelligence can change the core of marketing theory
Authors: Grandinetti Roberto
Published: June 2020

Various recently-introduced applications of artificial intelligence (AI) operate at the interface between businesses and consumers. This paper looks at whether these innovations have relevant implications for marketing theory. The latest literature on the connection between AI and marketing has emphasized a great variety of AI applications that qualify this relationship. Based on these studies but focusing only on the applications with a direct impact on the relationship at the very heart of marketing, i.e., the one between firms and consumers, the paper analyzes three categories of AI applications: AI-based shipping-then-shopping, AI-based service robots, and AI-based smart products and domestic robots. The main result of this first analysis is that all three categories have to do, each in their own way, with mass customization. A discussion of this common trait leads us to recognize their ways to mass customization that – unlike the traditional approach developed thanks to flexible automation and product modularity technologies – place the customization process within a broader perspective of consumer needs management. This change in approach means that marketing should focus more on managing consumers’ needs than directly on the satisfaction of those needs. This finding marks a genuine discontinuity that opens up a new space for reflection for scholars and marketing managers alike.
How different Cape Town residential suburbs helped avert Day Zero
Authors: Ouweneel B. , Winter K. , Carden K.
Published: June 2020

Between 2015 and 2018, the Western Cape region of South Africa experienced three consecutive years of below average rainfall. The local authority of Cape Town imposed water restrictions to avert ‘Day Zero’, an event that was expected to occur if the storage capacity of the main dams supplying the city fell to below 13.5%. This study analyses how different residential areas in Cape Town responded to water restrictions and tariffs that were imposed from January 2016 to October 2018 during the midst of the water crisis. It further explores the potential implications for tariff adjustments that were designed to sustain water conservation measures beyond the drought, while also being sensitive to the ability of poorer households to access sufficient water at an appropriate per capita cost. Different socio-economic groups displayed a different response to the restrictions. A delay or lag-time was observed in lower-income suburbs during the initial phases of water restrictions, while middle- and higher-income suburbs responded immediately. Once the water crisis eased by mid-2018 and restrictions were reduced, more affluent suburbs began relaxing their water conservation efforts. Nevertheless, lower-, middle-, and higher-income suburbs significantly reduced their water demand by 32, 59, and 58%, respectively, over the study period. It can therefore be concluded that water restrictions and accompanying tariffs altered water use of all users regardless of socio-economic status.
Practices of groundwater over-exploitation control in Hebei Province
Authors: Lili Yu , Minhua Ling , Fei Chen , Yueyuan Ding , Cuimei Lv
Published: June 2020

Twenty-one provinces in China have the problem of groundwater over-exploitation, and Hebei is the province with the longest-lasting and most severe groundwater over-exploitation problems. In 2014, the Chinese government initiated a pilot project of groundwater over-exploitation control in Hebei Province. Comprehensive measures have been adopted, including replacement of groundwater supply with surface water, development of a water-saving agricultural irrigation system, adjustment of agricultural planting mode, and improvement of water use right and water pricing systems. Pilot projects of groundwater over-exploitation treatment in Hebei Province can provide a good reference for other arid and semi-arid regions to implement and strengthen groundwater management strategies.