bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative diastolic perfusion pressure is associated with the development of acute kidney injury in patients after cardiac surgery: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Jin Jifu , Yu Jiawei , Chang Su Chi , Xu Jiarui , Xu Sujuan , Jiang Wuhua , Shen Bo , Zhuang Yamin , Wang Chunsheng , Ding Xiaoqiang , Teng Jie
Published: September 2019

Background We aimed to investigate the relationship between the perioperative hemodynamic parameters and the occurrence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury. Methods A retrospective study was performed in patients underwent cardiac surgery at a tertiary referral teaching hospital. Acute kidney injury was determined according to the KDIGO criteria. We investigated the association between the following perioperative hemodynamic parameters and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: mean arterial pressure, mean perfusion pressure, central venous pressure, and diastolic perfusion pressure. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent hemodynamic predictors for the development of acute kidney injury. Subgroup analysis was further performed in patients with chronic hypertension. Results Among 300 patients, 29.3% developed acute kidney injury during postoperative intensive care unit period. Multivariate logistic analysis showed the postoperative nadir diastolic perfusion pressure, but not mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure and mean perfusion pressure, was independently linked to the development of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery (odds ratio 0.945, P = 0.045). Subgroup analyses in hypertensive subjects showed the postoperative nadir diastolic perfusion pressure and peak central venous pressure were both independently related to the development of acute kidney injury (nadir diastolic perfusion pressure, odds ratio 0.886, P = 0.033; peak central venous pressure, odds ratio 1.328, P = 0.010, respectively). Conclusions Postoperative nadir diastolic perfusion pressure was independently associated with the development of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury. Furthermore, central venous pressure should be considered as a potential hemodynamic target for hypertensive patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Health-related Quality of Life in long-term Prostate Cancer Survivors after Nerve-Sparing and Non-Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy – Results from the multiregional PROCAS study
Authors: Adam Salome , Martin-Diener Eva , Camey Bertrand , Hayoz Céline Egger , Konzelmann Isabelle , Mousavi Seyed Mohsen , Herrmann Christian , Rohrmann Sabine , Wanner Miriam , Staehelin Katharina , Strebel Räto T. , Randazzo Marco , John Hubert , Schmid Hans-Peter , Arndt Volker
Published: September 2019

Background: Nerve-sparing (NS) surgery was developed to improve postoperative sexual and potentially urological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it is largely unknown how NSRP affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) including urinary and sexual outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) survivors 5-10 years after diagnosis in comparison to Non-NSRP. Methods: The study population included 382 stage pT2-T3N0M0 PC survivors 5-10 years post-diagnosis, who were identified from the multiregional Prostate Cancer Survivorship in Switzerland (PROCAS) study. Briefly, in 2017/2018, PC survivors were identified via six population-based cancer registries based in both German- and French-speaking Switzerland. HRQoL and PC-specific symptom burden was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaires. Differences in HRQoL outcomes between survivors treated with NSRP (uni- & bilateral) and Non-NSRP were analysed with multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, years since diagnosis, cancer stage, comorbidities at diagnosis and further therapies, if appropriate. Multiple imputation was performed to minimize the bias due to missing data.Results: 5-10 years after diagnosis, PC survivors treated with NSRP and Non-NSRP reported similar symptom burden and comparable HRQoL function scores. The only significant differences were reported for sexual activity, whereas PC survivors who underwent NSRP reported statistically significant (p=0.031) higher sexual activity than those on Non-NSRP. NSRP and Non-NSRP reported similar scores for urinary symptoms and all other HRQoL outcomes. Conclusions: NSRP and Non-NSRP were generally associated with comparable long-term HRQoL outcomes, but NSRP was linked with significantly higher sexual activity scores than Non-NSRP. Our results support nerve-sparing techniques as an option to improve post-operative sexual but not urinary outcomes after RP in long-term PC survivors.
Retrospective cohort study of trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) plus bevacizumab versus trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Kotani Daisuke , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Horasawa Satoshi , Kaneko Asumi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Kawazoe Akihito , Bando Hideaki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Shitara Kohei , Kojima Takashi , Tsuji Akihito , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: September 2019

Background A previous phase I/II C-TASK FORCE study of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab for patients with heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) showed promising activity with an acceptable toxicity profile. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab compared with trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated mCRC in clinical settings.Methods Records of patients with mCRC refractory to standard therapies who initiated trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab from January 2016 to March 2018 or trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy from June 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed at our institution.Results Totally, 60 patients received trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab and 66 received trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy. All patients had previously received standard chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.3−5.1] in the trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab group and 2.2 months (95% CI, 1.8−2.6) in the trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy group [hazards ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI 0.48−0.99]. PFS rate at 16 weeks was 46.6% for the trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab group and 33.9% for the trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy group. Although a relatively higher incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia was observed in the trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab group than that in the other group (50.0% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.371), the incidence of febrile neutropenia was not high (3.3% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.444).Conclusions In real-world settings, trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab prolonged PFS and helped achieve higher 16-week PFS rate compared with trifluridine/tipiracil monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated mCRC with manageable toxicities.
Characterizing Minimally Disturbed Soils in a Highly Disturbed Urban Environment
Authors: Burgos Hernández Tania D. , Slater Brian K. , Shaffer Jared M.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Historical maps were used to identify two undisturbed soil pedons in the urban area.

Strong correlation was found between dolomite and the very coarse and coarse sand fractions.

The Y2O3/ZrO2 ratios of soil minerals can be used to identify disturbance boundaries.

Urban soils are often highly disturbed by anthropogenic activity, and consequent impacts on soil function are not well understood. Minimizing the disturbance of highly modified soils, including those at The Ohio State University, will decrease local C footprints. The main objective of this study was to locate and characterize relatively undisturbed soils in the urban study area to use as a baseline for comparison with a wider range of sampled profiles. Historical campus maps were used to locate and sample three areas where building footprints indicated that minimally disturbed soils might be found. Pedon 1 was classified as a Celina silt loam (fine, mixed, active, mesic Aquic Hapludalfs) and Pedon 2 as an Eldean silt loam (fine, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludalfs). Pedon 3 exhibited evidence of significant disturbance due to the presence of foreign materials and disrupted horizonation. Pedon 3 had the highest percentage of total C of all three sites at 0‐ to 70‐cm depth due to the presence of asphalt. In Pedon 2, most of the total C from the BC horizon and below was inorganic C derived from calcareous glacial outwash parent material. Pedon 1 showed a mostly homogeneous parent material due to the consistent geochemical ratios throughout the soil profile. There were abrupt horizon discontinuities in Pedon's 2 and 3 ratios indicating heterogeneity of materials. Establishing baseline soil characteristics shows how urban soils have been modified over time and provides information for policymakers to understand the urbanization of soil environments and to enhance ecosystem services.
Integrated Water and Nitrogen Management Practices to Enhance Yield and Environmental Goals in Rice–Ratoon Rice Systems
Authors: Zhang Lin , Jiang Peng , Gou Xiaoyi , Zhou Xingbing , Zhu Yongchuan , Liu Mao , Xiong Hong , Xu Fuxian
Published: September 2019

Water and N management play a vital role in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production; however, limited information is available on the options to increase rice yield in rice–ratoon rice systems, including an appropriate combination of water regime (W), N application rate (NAR) and N application method (NAM). To address this question, field experiments were conducted with two Ws [simplified alternate wetting and drying (SAWD) and continuous flooding (CF)], four NARs (control, N0; 180 kg N ha−1, N180; 255 kg N ha−1, N255; and 330 kg N ha−1, N330) and two NAMs[45% of fertilizer pre‐plant, 15% of fertilizer at tilling, 40% of fertilizer at bud (BTB) and 45% of fertilizer pre‐plant, 15% of fertilizer at boot, 40% of fertilizer during grain filling (BPG)]. On average, the grain yields of the main crop, the ratoon crop, and their total for SAWD were 3.7%, 6.8%, and 4.4% higher than for CF, respectively. The relationships between NAR and the main crop, ratoon crop, and total yields were well fitted by quadratic equations. The rice yields of the main crop, ratoon rice, and their total under BPG were equal to or slightly higher than those under BTB. The interactive effect of W×NAR was significant on the main rice crop yield and total rice yield, but W×NAM, NAR×NAM and W×NAR×NAM were all related to the soil‐based yield. The use of integrated water and N management practices could achieve high yields and reduce water and N inputs in rice‐ratoon rice systems.

Core Ideas

The relationships between NAR and the main crop, ratoon crop, and total yields were well fitted by quadratic equations.

The interactive effect of W×NAR was significant on the main rice crop yield and total rice yield, but W×NAM, NAR×NAM and W×NAR×NAM were all related to the soil‐based yield.

The use of the SAWD‐N180–BPG treatment could achieve high yields and reduce water and N inputs in rice‐ratoon rice systems.
Response of Maize to Different Soil Residual Phosphorus Conditions
Authors: de Oliveira Luiz E. Zancanaro , Nunes Rafael de S. , de Sousa Djalma M. G. , Busato Jader G. , de Figueiredo Cícero C.
Published: September 2019

Large reserves of phosphorus (P) in Brazilian soils can be potentially used by crops. However, it is not well known how different tillage systems and past P fertilizer management strategies affect legacy P utilization. A trial was conducted in an Oxisol (Rhodic Haplustox) at Embrapa Cerrados, Federal District, Brazil to investigate the effects of different soil residual P conditions on maize yield. For 17 yr, annual summer crops were fertilized with 80 kg ha−1 yr−1 P2O5 in a split‐plot design consisting of eight treatments: no‐tillage system (NT) or conventional tillage (CT), fertilized with triple superphosphate (TSP) or reactive rock phosphate (RRP), applied to the crop furrow or broadcast. P fertilization was then discontinued and maize grown for 4 seasons relied on the residual soil P under NT or CT. Residual P use efficiency, calculated as a ratio between grain yield and total residual P in the soil, was greater under NT than CT, as a consequence of higher availability of P determined by Bray‐1, Mehlich‐1 and Olsen methods. Past use of RRP sustained better yields and higher residual P use efficiency, especially in NT, due to its lower solubilizing rate. P placement strategy did not change residual P use efficiency. We recommend assess amount of available P to identify sites in which residual P may sustain crop needs. Finally, the use of RRP, especially under NT, is a recommended management strategy for reducing phosphate fertilizer demand in heavily weathered soils of Central Brazil.

Core Ideas

No‐tillage system promotes efficient P use, especially after discontinued P supply.

Due to slow solubilizing rate, reactive rock phosphate sustains better residual P availability.

Fertilizer placement did not influence residual P use efficiency.
Root Growth and Architecture Responses of Bread Wheat Cultivars to Salinity Stress
Authors: Rahnama Afrasyab , Fakhri Shokooh , Meskarbashee Moosa
Published: September 2019

The screening of genotypes that perform better in saline soils is important for food security as the arable land affected by this problem is increasing. To mimic the conditions found in saline fields, a saline soil‐based screening method was developed to distinguish genetic diversity in root growth responses and shoot growth rates of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, namely Roshan, Bam, Tabbasi, Mahooti, Shiraz, Qods, Falat, and Atrak. Soil‐filled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes perfused with 50 to 200 mM NaCl and a standard nutrient solution was employed. A constant salt concentration was maintained throughout the soil profile in the PVC tubes. Genetic variation in root growth and leaf Na+ concentrations was observed between cultivars in response to salinity. Salinity decreased the relative growth rate, seminal and total root length, and the distance between root tip and the first lateral root but increased total branch roots. For most traits, the growth reductions due to salinity were higher in salt‐sensitive compared with salt‐tolerant cultivars. The seminal root length was reduced more than branch root length in all cultivars. Roshan and Tabbasi were identified as the most tolerant to salinity due to their longer seminal axile roots, shorter distance from the tip, higher distal branch root numbers, and higher branch root length compared to the other cultivars. A positive relationship between genetic variations in root growth response and relative growth rate indicates that root growth might be the key factor driving shoot growth and can be used as a criterion for screening salinity tolerance.

Core Ideas

Genetic variation was found in root growth traits and shoot growth rate in response to soil salinity.

Salinity reduced shoot growth rate, seminal and total root length, but increased branch root length.

A positive relationship was found between root growth response and shoot growth rate.
A Growth Model to Estimate Shoot Weights and Leaf Numbers in Tea
Authors: Chen Hungyen , Liu Chien‐Ju , Liu Chiou‐Fang , Hu Chi‐Yi , Hsiao Meng‐Chin , Chiou Ming‐Tzu , Su Yen‐Shuo , Tsai Hsien‐Tsung
Published: September 2019

Increases in plant weight are strongly correlated with the amount of solar radiation that the plants receive. However, tea (Camellia sinensis) growth models are limited in their ability to integrate solar radiation into the predictions. In this study, we developed a predictive model for estimating tea shoot weights based on solar radiation and air temperatures. We combined information on daily solar radiation and daily air temperature to estimate the dry weight and fresh weight of a shoot in a tea crop. In addition, the range of shoot weights and leaf numbers could be estimated based on weather records. The estimated dry weight increases per unit of solar radiation for air temperatures of < 15, 15–17, 17–19, 19–21, 21–23, 23–25, 25–27, 27–29, and >29°C were 0.043, 0.074, 0.075, 0.334, 0.480, 0.283, 0.122, 0.079, and 0.028 g MJ–1, respectively. The model results suggest that the estimated shoot weights were highly correlated with the observed weights for both dry weight (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and fresh weight (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). The estimated fresh weight ranges of shoots having two to six leaves were 0.31–3.48, 0.16–3.53, 0.44–5.60, 0.66–6.74, and 2.09–9.91 g, respectively. This study provided a statistical procedure that can be used to estimate the growth of tea crops for agricultural researchers. The results provide a means of assessing production and planning harvesting dates for tea farmers in Taiwan.

Core Ideas

A method to predict the weight of tea shoot was developed using field investigations.

Data of solar radiation and air temperature were used to estimate shoot weights.

The highest dry weight increases to solar radiation was 0.48 g MJ–1 at 21 to 23°C.

The estimated weight range of shoots can be used to schedule dates for shoot plucking.
Reclamation of Coastal Saline Wasteland Using Drip Irrigation and Embedded Subsurface Pipes
Authors: Xu Jiachong , Li Xiaobin
Published: September 2019

A 3‐yr field experiment investigated the impact of drip irrigation and embedded subsurface drain pipes on salt leaching and Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) growth in a severely degraded saline soil located in north China. The experiment consisted of five soil matric potential (SMP) treatments where the soil matric potential at 0.2 m below the emitter was −5, −10, −15, −20 and −25 kPa in 2014 and 2015 and then decreased to −15, −20, −25, −30 and −35 kPa in 2016. With time, the size of the low salinity zone increased and the soil extract electrical conductivity (ECe) in surface 40 cm decreased from 27.32 to <1.5 dS m−1. Soil water content increased with increasing SMP threshold values in the surface soil profile, but there were no significant differences among treatments in the deep layer. Soil pH values increased and then decreased for all treatments and obvious alkalization occurred, especially in the root zone. High survival rates of Chinese rose with values >96% were obtained in 2014 for all treatments and these decreased with time, especially in the lower SMP treatments in 2016. An SMP higher than −5 kPa in the first year, −10 kPa in the second year and −20 kPa in the third year, combined with an irrigation water event of 10 mm, can be used for rose drip‐irrigation scheduling, which can maintain survival rates of >85% on reclamation of coastal saline sandy loam soil with embedded subsurface pipes.

Core Ideas

Chinese roses were grown on coastal saline soils under drip irrigation and embedded subsurface pipe.

Five soil matric potential thresholds were set for drip irrigation.

The drip irrigation scheduling for rose grown in coastal saline soils was determined.
Nitrogen Consumption and Productivity of Cotton under Sensor‐based Variable‐rate Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Yu Jianming , Yin Xinhua , Raper Tyson B. , Jagadamma Sindhu , Chi Daocai
Published: September 2019

Precision N management based on crop reflectance can be used to reduce over‐ and under‐application of N fertilizer to cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable‐rate nitrogen management systems (VNMS) based on optical sensing of crop canopy relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate nitrogen application system (FUNS) on N fertilizer consumption, post‐harvest soil N level, and cotton productivity. Eight field strip‐plot trials were conducted on cotton across West Tennessee during 2012 to 2014. Four sensor‐based VNMS were compared with FUNS in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Two VNMS were based on optical sensing of canopy alone with different algorithms, while the other two were developed from optical sensing and crop yield maps of previous years but differed in algorithms. The variable and uniform fertilizer application systems had similar leaf N concentrations between early bloom and mid‐bloom and similar canopy normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values at mid‐bloom. The VNMS produced similar lint yield as FUNS. The VNMS reduced N consumption by 10.3 to 16.9% and improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 8.3 to 11.0% compared with FUNS. Both VNMS and FUNS had similar post‐harvest N levels in soil profile. Benefits from incorporating yield maps into sensor‐based VNMS were not noticeable. Thus, the in‐season sensor‐based VNMS are reliable in precision N management for cotton resulting in comparable lint yield, less N consumption, and higher NUE, which could lead to environmental and economic benefits.

Core Ideas

Leaf N concentration and canopy normalized difference vegetation index were comparable under variable‐rate N management systems relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.

Variable‐rate N management systems produced similar lint yield but better fiber quality compared with a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.

Variable‐rate N management systems reduced N use by 10.3 to 16.9% but increased nitrogen use efficiency by 8.3 to 11.0% over a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.

No effect of variable‐rate N management systems was observed on post‐harvest soil N level relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.

Benefits with incorporating yield maps into sensor‐based variable‐rate N management systems were not noticeable.
Elucidating the Effects of Land Cover and Usage on Background Escherichia coli Sources in Edge‐of‐Field Runoff
Authors: Gregory Lucas F. , Harmel R. Daren , Karthikeyan Raghupathy , Wagner Kevin L. , Gentry Terry J. , Aitkenhead‐Peterson Jacqueline A.
Published: September 2019

Escherichia coli contamination in surface water is a universal issue that signifies potentially increased human health risks from fecal loading. Nonpoint‐source contamination contributes to instream fecal loading; however, land use and land cover can alter its effects on stream water quality. Different land uses and land covers yield various landscape factors that influence water quality. This study evaluated E. coli occurrence, movement, and distribution by monitoring soil and rainfall runoff from small, ungrazed, upland watersheds under native prairie, managed hay pasture, and cultivated cropland uses and land covers. Management strategies applied to each small watershed excluded anthropogenic E. coli input, thus yielding E. coli concentrations that are considered background sources. Significant differences in median E. coli loads in runoff were identified (1.47 × 109–5.71 × 109) despite similar runoff volume among watersheds, suggesting that land use and land cover differences can significantly affect background pollutant load transport during runoff events. Estimated soil‐derived E. coli loads were significantly less (≤0.0046%) than runoff loads, suggesting that recent fecal deposition is likely the primary source of E. coli loading in surface runoff. Results further demonstrate the complexity in understanding watershed E. coli fate and transport and highlight the challenges in modeling, managing, and assessing background and other nonpoint‐source E. coli loads.

Core Ideas

Land use and land cover differences can affect E. coli concentrations and loads.

Upland soils were not a significant contributor of E. coli in surface runoff.

Wildlife can contribute significant E. coli loading in edge‐of‐field runoff.
Genetic Improvement of US Soybean in Maturity Groups V, VI, and VII
Authors: Boehm Jeffrey D. , Abdel‐Haleem Hussein , Schapaugh William T. , Rainey Katy , Pantalone Vincent R. , Shannon Grover , Klein Jim , Carter Thomas E. , Cardinal Andrea J. , Shipe Emerson R. , Gillen Anne M. , Smith James R. , Chen Pengyin , Weaver David B. , Boerma H. Roger , Li Zenglu
Published: September 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important source of protein and vegetable oil. Genetic improvement of soybean seed yield and composition are ultimate breeding goals. During the past 80 yr, breeders have selected for high yield and other desired traits to make genetic improvements. To quantify the genetic changes to seed yield, yield stability, and other important agronomic and end‐use quality traits, we evaluated 93 soybean cultivars in Maturity Groups (MG) V, VI, and VII that were released from 1928 to 2008. Replicated yield trials specific for each MG set of cultivars were conducted during 2010 to 2011 in a total of 27 southeastern US year‐location environments. A mixed linear model was used to calculate best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) for each cultivar for each measured trait within each MG. Regressed cultivar effect BLUPs of each trait by year of cultivar release revealed positive linear trends for annualized genetic yield gains of 17.6, 13.5, and 10.3 kg ha−1 yr−1 for MG V, VI, and VII, respectively. Averaged across MGs, the annualized rate of genetic gain was estimated to be 13.7 kg ha−1 yr−1. Yield stability analyses revealed significant differences in regression coefficients (b), which were >1.0 for newer cultivars but <1.0 for older cultivars. Overall, the average annualized rate of genetic gains for seed yield reported herein are equivalent to those previously reported, indicating that a yield plateau has not been reached for MG V, VI or VII soybean cultivars.
Spectral Reflectance Indices and Physiological Parameters in Quinoa under Contrasting Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Hinojosa Leonardo , Kumar Neeraj , Gill Kulvinder S. , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: September 2019

High temperatures, coupled with arid environments, are a major constraint to quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) production. Here, we tested the effectiveness of multiple phenotypic and physiological parameters useful in the selection of heat‐tolerant quinoa genotypes. Initially, we screened 112 quinoa genotypes for leaf greenness index under high‐temperature greenhouse conditions. Of these, eight genotypes were selected for field evaluations under irrigated and rainfed treatments in two locations over two growing seasons (2016–2017) in Washington State. Of these eight, four genotypes were selected as potentially heat tolerant (QQ74, Baer, BGQ 352, and Pison), and four were selected as heat‐susceptible (17 GR, La Molina, 3 UISE, and Japanese Strain). Spectral reflectance indices including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and green NDVI, as well as multiple physiological parameters, such as stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and area under soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value decline curve (AUSDC), were evaluated. Results show variability in stomatal conductance among genotypes with 17 GR and BGQ 352 having the highest stomatal conductance and QQ74 the lowest. Baer, Pison, and QQ74 had the highest NDVI value across environments, and Japanese Strain had the lowest. Best linear unbiased prediction values in AUSDC showed that QQ74 had the highest leaf greenness and Japanese Strain had the lowest; these were classified as heat tolerant and heat susceptible, respectively. The NDVI is a potentially useful measure to predict grain yield in quinoa.
Forest Soil Disturbance: Implications of Factors Contributing to the Wildland Fire Nexus
Authors: Neary Daniel G.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Wildfire is a major cause of forest soil disturbance.

Fire severity, scale of fire, slope, infiltration rates, and post‐fire rainfall are major factors.

Soil management has limited potential for mitigating negative effects.

Fire area and severity are on the increase.

Climate change is causing wildfires to be hotter, windier, drier, and larger.

Wildfires and prescribed fires cause a range of impacts on forest soils depending on the interactions of a nexus of fire severity, scale of fire, slope, infiltration rates, and post‐fire rainfall. These factors determine the degree of impact on forest soils and subsequently the need for post‐fire soil management. Fire is a useful tool in landscape management but it can be benign or set off serious deteriorations in soil quality that lead to long‐term desertification. If parts of the nexus are absent or not inherently risky, forest soil impacts can be relatively minor or nonexistent. A low severity prescribed fire on a small landscape unit with minimal fuel loading, slopes less than 10%, and no water repellency is unlikely to damage soil condition and functions with all but heavy rainfall. On the other hand, a high severity wildfire in a substantial area of heavy fuels with slopes >100% and water repellency may undergo serious soil damage with even moderate rainfall. Soil management is not likely to be needed in the former case but virtually impossible in the latter scenario. This paper examines thresholds in the nexus factors which can raise the risks of wildland fire from low and moderate to high. It documents the interactions of the fire nexus using several case histories in North America and elsewhere to demonstrate different degrees of soil impact.
Soil Extracellular Enzymatic Stoichiometry along a Hydrologic Gradient of Hillslope Riparian Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Qu Hongyun , Jia Guomei , Liu Xiao , Xiang Hanyu , Yue Yunfei , Zhang Hailing
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

A higher BG/NAG and a lower NAG/AP were seen in LI compared with the NI site.

BG/AP and BG/NAG in SI were lower compared with the NI site.

Soil BG/AP was significantly negatively related to the soil C/P and N/P ratios.

The hydrological gradient was a key influencing factor of enzymatic stoichiometry.

Phosphorus was the main limiting element for microbial processes in the riparian zone.

The riparian zone of reverse seasonal flooding caused by dam operation has become a nutrient availability and biogeochemical “hot spot.” However, the limitations of soil nutrient availability on soil microbial growth in these ecosystems are poorly understood. Four subsites with different inundation durations (longer‐term inundation [LI] at 145–155 m asl, middle inundation [MI] at 155–165 m asl, shorter‐term inundation [SI] at 165–175 m asl, and no inundation [NI] at 175–185 m asl used as a control) associated with an elevation gradient were chosen to estimate the extent of potential microbial nutrient limitations through soil extracellular enzymatic stoichiometry. The results showed that, although soil β‐1,4‐glucosidase (BG), β‐14‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG), and acid (alkaline) phosphatase (AP) were lower in the riparian zone than the NI sites, a higher BG/NAG and a lower NAG/AP in LI and lower BG/AP and BG/NAG ratios in SI were found compared with the NI sites, indicating a greater C and P limitation on microbial processes in LI and a stronger N and P limitation on microbial processes in SI compared with the control sites. The hydrological gradient showed a negative relationship with soil BG/NAG and pH, and a positive relationship with NAG/AP. Only BG/AP showed a negative relationship with pH value, soil C, N, P, and soil N/P and C/P ratios. These results suggested that reverse seasonal flooding was an important influencing factor of soil C and nutrient cycling in this riparian zone.
Understanding the Intentions of Accounting Students to Pursue Career as a Professional Accountant
Authors: Srirejeki Kiky , Supeno Saras , Faturahman Agus
Published: September 2019

The aim of this research was to investigate the contributing factors that influenced the intentions of accounting students in Indonesia to pursue a career as a professional accountant. The researchers applied a quantitative method to present a descriptive analysis of accounting students perception. The researchers collected 439 questionnaires from accounting students across universities in Indonesia with simple random sampling technique. The findings show that the intrinsic factor (attitude) and parental or peers influence (subjective norm) affect the students’ intention to pursue a career as a professional accountant. The results of this research are expected to give insights to university’s accounting department and professional bodies such as Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountant and Institute of Certified Public Accountant to formulate strategies to achieve the desired number of accountants in Indonesia. In addition, regulatory agencies can use these findings as a basis to develop policies that guide universities or professional bodies to make the accounting profession more desirable.
Web-Based Expert System to Detect Stress on College Students
Authors: Persulessy Grensya Bella Vega , Pratama Nova S , Setiawan Novianti , Sevani Nina
Published: September 2019

This research aimed to make the application to detect stress for the college students. By early detecting stress on college students, it could help them to cope with their stress and avoid the negative impact of the stress. The Holmes-Rahe Readjustment Rating Scale was used to detect stress based on student’s life events. Each event had its score. There were 31 questions provided by the system. The final score would conclude the stress categories. Using the Forward Chaining Inference Engine, the system would collect the fact of the student’s life and give the result by accumulating scores on questions posed to the users from every question. The system also provided the reminder feature that led to continuous monitoring of stress condition in the students. About 65 correspondents who were selected using random sampling were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding this system after they tried the application. With the continuous monitoring, the researchers find that this system gives a result that all users have decreased their score of stress levels. Moreover, the correspondents rate that the design of the application is good enough, and the system is interesting and useful for helping students to provide a solution for stress.
Performance Comparison of Firefly and Cuckoo Search Algorithms in Optimal Thresholding of Cancer Cell Images
Authors: Wonohadidjojo Daniel Martomanggolo
Published: September 2019

This research presented a performance comparison of the two methods in cancer cells image processing. Each method consisted of two stages. The first stage was image enhancement using fuzzy sets. The second stage was optimal fuzzy entropy based image thresholding. In the thresholding stage, the first method used Firefly Algorithm (FA) and the second used Cuckoo Search (CS). In both methods, four performance metrics (Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structured Similarity Indexing Method (SSIM), and Feature Similarity Indexing Method (FSIM)) and variance and entropy of the images were computed to validate the comparison. The image histograms of both methods show that the distribution of red, green, and blue channel is better than the histograms of original images. In terms of the four metrics, the method that uses FA shows higher performance than CS. In terms of image variance and entropy, the method using CS shows better results than FA. These results suggest that when the performance metrics used are MSE, PSNR, MSSIM, and FSIM, the method using FA is more suitable for cancer cells image enhancement and thresholding. However, when the variance and entropy of the images are used as the performance metrics, the method using CS is more suitable for cancer cells image enhancement and thresholding. Both methods will be useful to assist in the analysis of cancer cell images by the experts in the field.
Self-Reflection of Attitude after Teaching Abroad: A Narrative of Teaching Indonesian to American Students
Authors: Andawi Dyan Ayu , Ngadiso Ngadiso , Drajati Nur Arifah
Published: September 2019

This research aimed at exploring how the former participant of teaching abroad reflects intercultural experience in order to know the development of attitude as one of the descriptors of intercultural competence. The attitude being explored were (1) acknowledging the identities of others, (2) respecting otherness, (3) having empathy, (4) identifying positive and negativeemotion, and (5) tolerance for ambiguity. This research applied a qualitative method. The data were taken from the former grantee of Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) who taught Indonesian to the students of higher education in the U.S in the academic year of 2015/2016. The former grantee was examined after two years of the program. The researchwas based on a narrative inquiry that used an instrument named the Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters. It was a selfreflection portfolio made specifically to reflect an intercultural encounter from the eye of the participant. The results indicate that the participant shows a considerable degree of reflection to five elements of attitude aforementioned. It gives a significant implication that the self-reflection increases the participant awareness upon the experience of otherness thus reinforcing the ability to evaluate the changes in attitude.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory in a New Work Environment: A Case of Teachers and School Principals Mutation in Cilandak District
Authors: Vusparatih Dina Sekar
Published: September 2019

This researched aimed to show the mutation in the education field in Indonesia because every teacher and principal would have at least once in his/her carrier. Through a qualitative approach and a case study method in Cilandak subdistrict, this research tried to analyze how educators underwent mutations using strategies from Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT). By using interview and observation techniques, it is found that almost all educators use passive, active, and interactive strategies in gathering various information about the new school that is intended before carrying out the transfer. A forum of teachers or principals and joining community educator groups can be a bridge and media in carrying out this strategy so that it can reduce uncertainties in facing new environments and avoid conflicts that may occur due to ignorance and other threats. To get a certain situation using URT, it needs good competence in interpersonal communication as well.
Writing Anxiety among Indonesian EFL College Students: Levels, Causes, and Coping Strategies
Authors: Delvi Wahyuni Delvi Wahyuni , Witri Oktavia Witri Oktavia , Leni Marlina Leni Marlina
Published: September 2019

This research aimed at investigating foreign language writing anxiety experienced by Indonesian EFL learners studying at Universitas Negeri Padang. The numbers of participants involved in this survey were 132 students comprising of sophomores, junior, and senior students. This research employed three research instruments: Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) to collect data on students’ levels of writing anxiety; Causes of Writing Anxiety Inventory (CWAI) to gauge information about sources of students’ writing anxiety; typologies of tactics to cope with writing anxiety. The result of this research reveals that the level of students’ writing anxiety is moderate. In addition, no significant relationship between students’ writing anxiety level and their academic level is revealed suggesting moderately anxious students outnumbering those with high and low writing anxiety at any academic level. In addition, the sources of students’ writing anxiety are problems with topic choice, linguistic difficulties, and lack of writing practice. The coping strategies used by students to overcome writing anxiety are preparation, positive thinking, relaxation, peer-seeking, and resignation (most-frequent to least frequent respectively).
A Comparative Study of Source Language Texts Used in the Indonesian Translations of Tao Te Ching
Authors: Budianto Pauw
Published: September 2019

This research aimed to show the Indonesian translation of Tao Te Ching that commonly did not state clearly the source text used as translation base, although some translations put Chinese source text in its translation book. This research tried to use a comparative method to analyze the differences of source texts used in two versions of Indonesian translations of Tao Te Ching, i.e., Lika and Wang, and its impact to translation products, then compared those source texts used with five original versions of Tao Te Ching as base texts references. The results show that (1) the differences between the two source texts occur mainly in four aspects: punctuation marks, pauses, characters, text redundant, and loss. (2) Source texts used by these two Indonesian versions are very close to the most widespread original versions; He Shanggong and WangBi commentary versions, with some changes in some places. Lika source text is quite close to HeShanggong version, Wang source text is quite close to the Wang Bi version. Some intentional changes in source text occur in Lika.
Enjoying Learning Writing through Facebook Group
Authors: Aziz Zulfadli Abdul , Khatimah Husnul
Published: September 2019

This research showed many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in Aceh struggle in learning English writing as they had a lack of interest in it. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to find out in what ways Facebook Group might facilitate the enjoyment of the students in learning this skill. The data were collected using interviews and was analyzed through thematic analysis. The interview was done one by one at a time. Ten students from UIN Ar-Raniry were purposely chosen for the interviews in this research. The research findings show that there are four themes found that caused the participants enjoyment of the learning writing in the group: (1) it provides unlimited timing; (2) it facilitates the participants’ freedom and creativity; (3) it provides the interactive feedback; and (4) it helps them in brainstorming the ideas. These four themes directly enhance the students’ situational interest in learning writing that related to an environmental factor, but it results in the development of their individual interest. This research suggests that the teacher should combine the learning process in the classroom with the Facebook group media to fasten the enhancement of the learners’ writing skills. For the learners, it is suggested that they should utilize their social media such as Facebook group not only as their communication media but also for developing their learning in writing.
The Effectiveness of Student Teams-Achievement Divisions in Enhancing Visual and Auditory for English Students’ Writing Skill
Authors: Nisa Baiatun , Sari Sulhizah Wulan
Published: September 2019

This research discussed the effectiveness of learning English writing using the Student Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD) and lecture-based learning method. The two methods were applied in two classes of second-year students, and they were given a writing test over one semester. The first class was using STAD and the second class with lecture-based learning. Around 80 students were classified into visual and auditory learning styles based on the questionnaires filled in. The results in the statistical analysis provide important insights into the learning achievement of both visual and auditory learners modeled by STAD. Using the STAD method, they have accomplished considerably higher scores on academic writing achievement than the students who are taught by lecture-based learning. Therefore, it brings a positive effect and association with the students’ learning styles.
The Implementation of Discovery Learning Models in Enhancing Speech Script Writing Skills for Students
Authors: Sarimanah Eri , Dewi Figiati Indra , Efendi Roy , Suhendra Suhendra , Nurul Muhamad , Soeharto Soeharto
Published: September 2019

This research investigated the use of discovery learning models to enhance students’ speech script writing skills. This research aimed to focus on the study of the effectiveness and difficulties of discovery learning models to improve students’ speech script writing skills. The research applied an experimental method by using test, observation, and questionnaires for collecting data techniques. The population of this research was students of MTs Syarikal Islam 2 Kalapanunggal. The class of IX-B was the experimental class, and a class of IX-A was control class. The use of the discovery learning model is proven to enhance students’ speech script writing skills. The effectiveness of this experimental model is shown that the average score of the pretest of the experimental class is 53,5, and the post-test score is 84,3. By comparing the control class without treatment, it indicates the effectiveness of the intervention in the experimental class. The research shows a meaningful comparison of the experimental class and control class, which gain 2,56 by using the t-test. The data obtains that t-count is higher than t-table or significant is the value of t-table<t-count, namely 1,68 < 2,56 > 2,42. Therefore, it can be concluded that the discovery learning model has shown the improvement for students’ speech script writing skills effectively.
Intellectual Capital Effect, Financial Performance, and Firm Value: An Empirical Evidence from Real Estate Firm, in Indonesia
Authors: Deniswara Kevin , Uyuun Ratu Marwaah Firhatil , Lindawati Ang Swat Lin , Willnaldo Willnaldo
Published: September 2019

This research aimed to analyze the impact of intellectual capital towards the firm’s financial performance and firm’s value. Intellectual capital was measured by Value Added Intellectual Capital (VAIC) which has three components, such as Value Added Capital Employed (VACA), Value Added Human Capital (VAHU), and Structural Capital Value Added (STVA). Firm’s financial performance and firm’s value were measured by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Revenue Growth (RG), and Tobin’s Q ratio. There were 102 observations of Property and Real Estate company sector listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2014-2016 that was analyzed using the linear regression method. The results show that VAIC has a significant impact towards financial performance and firm’s value, except revenue growth, which means that the firm’s ability to generate value added and also profit with total assets and equity increase if IC is managed properly. Therefore, VACA is the only component of VAIC that has a significant impact towards financial performance and firm’s value, except RG which means that the capital employed is already managed properly.
A case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung
with poor outcome
Authors: S.V. Idimesheva, E.G. Bazhenova, J.J. Korotkova et all
Published: September 2019

This article describes a case of ultrasound diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid lung malformation
(CCALM) of the right lung type I at 31+2 weeks of gestation associated with mediastinum displacement, nonimmune hydrops and massive polyhydramnios. The volume of amniotic liquid was approximately 4000 ml. The
newborn’s weight was 2800 g, heart failure and lung disorders were revealed. The diagnosis of CCALM was
confirmed by pathologoanatomic examination.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of anorectal atresia: multicenter analysis
Authors: M.V. Medvedev , N.A. Altynnik , A.Yu. Blinov et all
Published: September 2019

A retrospective analysis of 36 cases of prenatal diagnosed of anorectal atresia at 11–14 weeks of gestation is presented. The median gestational age at examination was 12+4 (range, 11+2–16+1) weeks. Pelvic translucency (abnormal ellipsoid anechogenic translucency in the fetal pelvis) was identified 39 cases, including
94,4 % (34/36) cases with anorectal atresia. There was 3 false-positive case, in which the anus was anatomically and functionally normal. The pelvic translucency seems to be a highly sensitive and specific sonographic marker for anorectal atresia
at 11–14 weeks of gestation.
A case of prenatal diagnosis of anorectal atresia in the first trimester
in Astrakhan
Authors: E.V. Lakomskaya, V.N. Gryashchenko, O.S. Gundareva
Published: September 2019

A case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of anorectal atresia in the first trimester is presented. The prenatal
ultrasound diagnosis is confirmed after birth.