bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Malaysian Tourism Revenue, 2002–2008
Authors: Jayaraman K. , Lin Soh Keng , Haron Hasnah , Ong Wooi Leng
Published: December 2011

The Malaysian tourism industry has flourished considerably over the years due to the growth of new tourist landmarks, together with its rich cultural heritage. The industry generated 6.78% of the total income from exports in 2008. This paper focuses on the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic factors and tourism revenue in Malaysia from January 2002 to December 2008. In this context, the authors investigate the presence of seasonal fluctuations in tourism revenue and examine the macroeconomic factors influencing the five top tourist-generating countries for Malaysia.
The Use of Markov Chains to Estimate Destination Switching and Market Share
Authors: Choi Jeong-Gil , Mok Jin-Won , Han Jin-Soo
Published: December 2011

The Markov chain model provides researchers and policy makers with a means to predict travellers' choices of destination. This study predicts international tourist flows among three Asian countries and the USA, and provides a path for gauging the switching patterns of tourists from one country to another. Destination loyalty (hard core component) and the future market share for 2009 and 2010 were estimated. The findings provide necessary information to many interest groups, including government policy makers, travel companies, airline companies and researchers.
When Should a Ski Resort Make Snow?
Authors: Caskey Kevin R.
Published: December 2011

Snow-making is an expensive operation for a ski resort. However, many resorts would be unable to operate without man-made snow. Deciding when to make snow involves several uncertain factors, as well as significant strategic issues. First, the author describes the framework for this decision. Next, he proposes analytical modelling. Finally, he compares the proposed models to actual practice at several resorts and proposes further research. The author finds that actual practice at most ski resorts does not involve formal analytical methods. While the resorts consider many of the factors included in the models, the decision is generally not modelled explicitly. The use of the proposed analytical models could lead to a better understanding of the factors involved in the snow-making decision, and thus to better service at a reduced cost.
Impact of Increasing Gasoline Prices on Tourism Travel Patterns to a State Park
Authors: Oh Chi-Ok , Hammitt William E.
Published: December 2011

Because tourism and outdoor recreation are highly travel dependent, they are influenced by gasoline prices. Unstable and increasing gasoline prices can affect travel participation, and behavioural adaptations are likely to occur. This paper examines the impact of higher gasoline prices on park visitation and investigates the degree to which certain behavioural and socio-demographic variables mediate the direct impact of gasoline prices on travel decisions to visit a park. The study findings revealed that the influence of increasing gasoline prices on travel decisions was progressively intensified and mitigated by several behavioural variables.
Dementia Enhances Inhibitory Actions of General Anesthetics in Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Yamada Masana , Sasaki Rika , Hirota Koki , Yamazaki Mitsuaki
Published: December 2011

In order to investigate whether dementia modifies the anesthetic actions in the central nervous systems, we have studied effects of general anesthetics on the hippocampal synaptic transmission using the dementia model mice. Preliminary in vivo experiments revealed that time of loss of righting reflex following sevoflurane inhalation was more shortened in dementia mice than in healthy control mice. Field population spikes of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were elicited in vitro using orthodromic stimulation of Schaffer collateral commissural fibers (test pulse). The recurrent inhibition was enhanced with the second stimulating electrode placed in alveus hippocampi (prepulse) to activate recurrent inhibition of CA1. The prepulses were applied as train stimuli to activate release and then deplete γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) at presynaptic terminals of inhibitory interneurons. Sevoflurane and thiopental had greater actions on inhibitory synaptic transmission in dementia model mice than in control mice. The pre-pulse train protocol revealed that the anesthetic-induced GABA discharge was more enhanced in dementia mice than in control mice. Dementia enhances the actions of general anesthetics due to the increase in GABA release from presynaptic terminals.
The Effect of Cooling Rate on Bainite Phase Formation in Austempered Nickel-Molybdenum Gray Cast Iron
Authors: Kiani-Rashid A. R. , Mostafapour M. , Kaboli-Mallak S. K. , Babakhani A.
Published: December 2011

Taking into account the importance of the amount of bainite phase on the microstructure of cast irons and its influence on the improvement of mechanical properties, this research selected an alloy of gray cast iron containing Nickel-Molybdenum and conducted the austenitising and austempering processes at 900°C and 400°C for 60 minutes, respectively. The way of bainite phase formation and the effect of sample thickness, that is, cooling rate, were examined by selecting a standard staircase sample. The results indicated that, by increasing the cross sections of samples, the martensite percentage decreases and the phase proportion of bainitic ferrite increases.
Models for supporting forest management in a changing environment
Authors: Fontes Luis , Bontemps Jean-Daniel , Bugmann Harald , Van Oijen Marcel , Gracia Carlos , Kramer Koen , Lindner Marcus , Rötzer Thomas , Skovsgaard Jens Peter
Published: December 2011

Forests are experiencing an environment that changes much faster than in at least the past several hundred years. In addition, the abiotic factors determining forest dynamics vary depending on its location. Forest modeling thus faces the new challenge of supporting forest management in the context of environmental change. This review has focused on three types of models that are used in forest management: empirical, process-based and hybrid models. Recent approaches might lead to the applicability of empirical models under changing environmental conditions, such as (i) the dynamic state-space approach, or (ii) the development of productivity-environment relationships. 25 process-based models in use in Europe were analyzed in terms of its structure, inputs and outputs having in mind a forest management perspective. Two paths for hybrid modeling were distinguished: (i) coupling of EMs and PBMs by developing signal-transfer environment-productivity functions; (ii) hybrid models with causal structure including both empirical and mechanistic components. Several gaps of knowledge were identified for the three types of models reviewed. The strengths and weaknesses of the three model types differ and all are likely to remain in use. There is a trade-off between how little data the models need for calibration and simulation purposes, and the variety of input-output relationships that they can quantify. PBMs are the most versatile, with a wide range of environmental conditions and output variables they can account for. However, PBMs require more data making them less applicable whenever data for calibration are scarce. The EMs, on the other hand, are easier to run as they require much less prior information, but their simplicity makes them less reliable in the context of environmental changes. These different deficiencies of PBMs and EMs suggest that hybrid models may be a good compromise, but a more extensive testing of these models is required in practice.
Modelling Non-Wood Forest Products in Europe: a review
Authors: Calama Sainz Rafael , Tome Margarida , Sánchez-González M. , Miina. J. , Spanos K. , Palahi Marc
Published: December 2011

Non-wood forest products (NWFP) like cork, edible mushrooms, pine nuts, acorns, resins, medicinal plants, and floral greens, among others, provide important recreational and commercial activities in the rural forested areas of the world, being in certain regions more profitable than traditional timber harvesting. Despite the importance of non-wood forest products and services, forest management and planning methods and models in Europe have been traditionally wood oriented, leading to a lack for tools helping forest management based on optimizing these products. In the present work we’ll show and discuss the main factors and challenges limiting the development of classical empirical models for NWFP, and we will review the existing models for the main NWFP in Europe: cork, pine nuts, berries, mushrooms and resins.
Reversing of seasonal patterns of carbon uptake in an eucalyptus
Authors: Pita G. , Rodrigues A. , Mateus J. , Pereira J.
Published: December 2011

This paper summarizes results between 2002 and 2010 from eddy covariance measurements of carbon uptake in the 12 month annual growing period eucalypt site of Espirra in Southern Portugal (38° 38’N, 8° 36’ W) . This site, aimed for pulp production is part of an intensively 300 ha eucalypt coppice, with about 1100 trees ha–1. The climate is of Mediterranean type. During the measurement period (2002-2010) two main events changed the annual sink pattern of the forest: a drought period of two years (2004-2005) and a tree felling (November and December 2006). Before the felling, annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE) diminished from 865.56 gCm–2 in 2002 to 356.64 gCm–2 in 2005 together with a deep decrease in rainfall from 748 mm in 2002 to 378.58 mm and 396.64 mm in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The eucalypt stand recovered its carbon sink ability in June 2007 with a cumulated NEE of 151 gCm–2 from January to September 2010. A quantitative approach using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) was made to relate monthly NEE, gross primary production (GPP) and soil moisture with the main meteorological variables. Seasonal patterns of carbon uptake were almost opposite in the periods before and after the felling with maxima in April and August, respectively, and this seasonal change is gradually reversing to the pattern before 2006. Drought was the main meteorological driver of these temporal tendencies in carbon uptake.
Fine roots of overstory Norway spruce (Picea abies):
Authors: Catalin Petritan I. , Von Lupke B. , Petritan A. M.
Published: December 2011

The horizontal and vertical distribution of live fine roots (diameter < 2 mm) of overstory Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and their influence on diameter and height growth of underplanted beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) saplings were studied on experimental plots in the Solling Mountains (Germany). The aims of this study were to investigate how overstory fine root density varies with stand density, and how it influences growth of the underplanted saplings to changes in belowground resources availability in connection with simultaneously changing light availability. Most fine roots were concentrated in the humus layer (more than 45%) and in the top mineral soil (0-5 cm, about 15%). Fine root biomass increases with overstory basal area and decreases with rising distance from the nearest overstory tree, reaching about zero within ca. 8 m distance. Over the whole two-year study period, light availability alone was the decisive factor for growth of the beech saplings (5 resp. 6 years of age) while growth of the Douglas-fir saplings in the first study year (6 years of age) was additionally affected by a shortage of belowground resources due to root competition in a season with less than average rainfall. This species-specific response of underplanted saplings to changes in above and belowground resources is of silvicultural importance for the establishment of a mixed stand beneath a mature canopy: the more sensitive Douglasfir should be planted on the central parts of openings with little or none belowground competition while the less sensitive beech can be placed below the denser parts of the overstory.
New models for estimating the carbon sink capacity of Spanish softwood species
Authors: Ruiz-Peinado Ricardo , Del Rio Miren , Montero Gregorio
Published: December 2011

Quantifying the carbon balance in forests is one of the main challenges in forest management. Forest carbon stocks are usually estimated indirectly through biomass equations applied to forest inventories, frequently considering different tree biomass components. The aim of this study is to develop systems of equations for predicting tree biomass components for the main forest softwood species in Spain: Abies alba Mill., A. pinsapo Boiss., Juniperus thurifera L., Pinus canariensis Sweet ex Spreng., P. halepensis Mill., P. nigra Arn., P. pinaster Ait., P. pinea L., P. sylvestris L., P. uncinata Mill. For each species, a system of additive biomass models was fitted using seemingly unrelated regression. Diameter at the breast height and total height were used as independent variables. Diameter appears in all component models, while tree height was included in the stem component model of all species and in some branch component equations. Total height was included in order to improve biomass estimations at different sites. These biomass models were compared to previously available equations in order to test their accuracy and it was found that they yielded better fitting statistics in all cases. Moreover, the models fulfil the additivity property. We also developed root:shoot ratios in order to determine the partitioning into aboveground and belowground biomass. A number of differences were found between species, with a minimum of 0.183 for A. alba and a maximum of 0.385 for P. uncinata. The mean value for the softwood species studied was 0.265. Since the Spanish National Forest Inventory (NFI) records species, tree diameter and height of sample trees, these biomass models and ratios can be used to accurately estimate carbon stocks from NFI data.
Growth and yield models in Spain: Historical overview, Contemporary Examples and perspectives
Authors: Bravo Felipe , Alvarez-Gonzalez Juan Gabriel , Del Rio Miren , Barrio Marcos , Bonet Jose Antonio , Bravo-Oviedo Andres , Calama Rafael , Castedo-Dorado Fernando , Crecente-Campo Felipe , Condes Sonia , Dieguez-Aranda Ulises , Gonzalez-Martinez Santiago Cesar , Lizarralde Iñigo , Nanos Nikos , Madrigal Alberto , Martinez-Millan F. Javier , Montero Gregorio , Ordoñez Cristobal , Palahi Marc , Pique Miriam , Rodriguez Francisco , Rodriguez-Soalleiro Roque , Rojo Alberto , Ruiz-Peinado Ricardo , Sanchez-Gonzalez Mariola , Trasobares Antoni , Vazquez-Pique Javier
Published: December 2011

In this paper we present a review of forest models developed in Spain in recent years for both timber and non timber production and forest dynamics (regeneration, mortality,..). Models developed are whole stand, size (diameter) class and individual-tree. The models developed to date have been developed using data from permanent plots, experimental sites and the National Forest Inventory. In this paper we show the different sub-models developed so far and the friendly use software. Main perspectives of forest modelling in Spain are presented.
Short communication. Agronomic comparison between organic rice and biodynamic rice
Authors: Garcia-Yzaguirre A. , Dominguis V. , Carreres R. , Juan M.
Published: December 2011

Biodynamic agriculture is a type of organic agriculture which has been applied successfully to different crops, including rice. Due to the lack of published studies comparing biodynamic and organic rice, the objective of the present study was to compare the performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under these two agronomical methods. Two varieties were transplanted mechanically in Pego-Oliva Natural Park (Alicante, Spain) under continuous flooding, without fertilization or rotation. Grain yield was not significantly different between methods of culture (4,188 vs 4,237 kg ha-1 under organic and biodynamic agriculture, respectively). In our study, grain yield was not significantly different between varieties either (4,228 vs 4,199 kg ha-1for ‘Bomba’ and ‘Albufera’, respectively), but whole grain milling yield was higher in ‘Albufera’ than in ‘Bomba’ (66% vs 55.4%). It is concluded that in these conditions and with these varieties, both methods yield equally.
Short communication. Bid affiliation in repeated random nth price auction
Authors: Akaichi F. , Gil J. M. , Nayga R. M. Jr.
Published: December 2011

In most experimental auctions, it is a common practice to carry out several bidding rounds for the same product and to post the winning price at the end of each round. This practice can lead to an affiliation of participants’ bids and biased value estimates if bids between subjects are inter-dependent. In this paper, the effect of posted prices on bidders’ willingness to pay for a good using a random nth price auction is examined. The auctioned good was one kilogram of the Protected Designation Origin (PDO) ‘Mongeta del Ganxet Vallés Maresme’ white bean, stored in a cloth bag. In general, results indicate that bid affiliation is not an issue in the random nth price mechanism. However, consumers’ experience of the auctioned product matters. Experienced subjects are positively influenced by high posted prices while inexperienced subjects tend to decrease their bids when the posted price is low. Interestingly, low posted prices do not influence bids of experienced subjects and high posted prices do not influence bids of inexperienced subjects.
Phytotoxic effects of Euphorbia dracunculoides: a weed of rainfed chickpea-chickpea cropping system
Authors: Shanee S. , Tanveer A. , Javaid M. M. , Chaudhry K. M. , Aziz A. , Khaliq A. , Chaudhry M. N. , Pervez M. A. , Awan I. U.
Published: December 2011

Phytotoxic effect occurs when plants release chemicals that inhibit neighoubouring plants. Phytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of different parts of Euphorbia dracunculoides L.  (green spurge) at two concentrations, and its infested soil were investigated on germination and seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The fruit extract at 1:20 (w/v) concentration caused maximum reduction (12%) in  germination of chickpea seeds while leaf extract at 1:10 (w/v)concentration resulted in maximum mean germination time value and minimum germination index of chickpea seeds. All the traits of chickpea seedling growth including emergence were adversely affected by the aqueous extracts at bothconcentrations. Further, the inhibition of chickpea seedling growth was more pronounced with 1:10 (w/v) concentrationwhereas the lower concentration (1:20 w/v) showed stimulatory effect on shoot length, seedling vigor index and chlorophyll contents of chickpea seedlings. The leaf extract at 1:10 (w/v) concentration proved most harmful to seedling growth and chlorophyll contents (76% reduction) of chickpea. Soil beneath the E. dracunculoides plants significantly reduced emergence (23%), seedling vigor index (55%) and chlorophyll content (19%) of chickpea but a significant increase in N (6%), P (16%) and K (4%) contents of chickpea seedlings was recorded. Thus it can be concluded that E. dracunculoides contains compounds in its tissues which may cause phytotoxic effects on chickpea under field conditions.
Growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) as affected by adding poultry litter to the culture medium
Authors: Bahadoran M. , Salehi H. , Eshghi S.
Published: December 2011

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of poultry litter (PL) on vegetative growth and flower characteristics of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). The experiment was carried out as a completely randomizeddesign with nine treatments (each treatment with 4replications): 29.0 (T1), 31.5 (T2), 34.0 (T3), 36.5 (T4), 39.0(T5), 41.5 (T6), 44.0 (T7), 46.5 (T8) and 49.0 g (T9) PL in the soil mixture per pot (equivalent to 116, 126, 136, 146,156, 166, 176, 186 and 196 g m–2 in field) along with control. Results indicated that PL increased the height of flowering stem at T4, T5, T6 and T7; flower diameter at T8; diameter of flowering stem at T7; fresh weight of flowering stem at T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8; fresh and dry weight of bulblet at T4 and shoot at T2; chlorophyll content at T3, T4, T5 and T6; bulblet diameter at T6; number of floret per inflorescence at T6 and T9; number of bulblet at T4; but had no effect on the length of flower, leaf area and root fresh and dry weight. Overall, adding PL had positive effect on tuberose growth and flowering and is recommended for using in the soil mixture of tuberose. To our knowledge this is the first report on using PL in the soil mixture of tuberose. Further investigations are needed to clarify how PL works on this bulbous plant.
Using sensory experiments to determine consumers’ willingness to pay for traditional apple varieties
Authors: Dinis I. , Simoes O. , Moreira J.
Published: December 2011

The last two decades have witnessed an increasing enthusiasm of consumers for products with specific characteristics, whether related to origin or production technology. Several studies show that consumers are willing to pay price premium for organic products and we may expect that the same happens with other attributes, such as origin and tradition. The aim of this study, based on surveys conducted in the context of a taste panel, is to establish the price premium that consumers are willing to pay for the feature «traditional variety», using Portuguese traditional varieties of apples as a case study. Using contingent valuation to determine the willingness to pay and panel data techniques for estimation, a hedonic price model is developed to explain how the price that consumers declare to be willing to pay is related, besides variety, to different attributes of apples, such as appearance and taste, production method and threat of extinction. The results suggest that consumers, regardless of their socio-economic characteristics, are willing to pay a higher price not only for apples with better taste, appearance and smell, but also for Portuguese traditional varieties.
Population dynamics of Globodera pallida (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) on two potato cultivars in natural field conditions in Balearic Islands, Spain
Authors: Alonso R. , Alemany A. , Andres M. F.
Published: December 2011

Globodera pallida is a serious economic pest in worldwide planting of potatoes due to the severe crop losses they can cause. This study aimed to determine the relationship between soil temperature [degree-day accumulation (DD4)]and population development of G. pallida under the agroecological conditions of the Balearic Islands, Spain. Population changes were studied in ‘Marfona’ and ‘Maris Peer’ potato cultivars for three growing seasons. Differences in thepattern of occurrence of nematode life stages on the two potato cultivars were observed. In Maris Peer trials,  secondstage juveniles (J2) hatching occurred about one month after planting (29 and 35 days), J2 root invasion at 57-56 days, and females in roots at 77 days with 540 DD4. In Marfona trials, these nematode stages occurred at 18-31days, 45-52 days and 59-73 days, the last one with 400 DD4. Hence, in Mallorca, G. pallida populations require at least 100 DD4 more in Maris Peer early potato than in the Marfona to reach the adult stage. Senescence in Maris Peer crops happened before most of the females have become brown cyst, suggesting that in this area the Maris Peer early cultivar could exert trap crop effects. The Marfona crop yield obtained at highest level of nematode infestation may indicate thatMarfona seems to be more tolerant to G. pallida than Maris Peer. The results contribute to the knowledge of thermaltime requirements of G. pallida populations under Mediterranean environmental conditions and can be a valuable tool to develop potato cyst nematode control strategies.
Characterization of traditional tomato varieties grown in organic conditions
Authors: Gonzalez-Cebrino F. , Lozano M. , Ayuso M. C. , Bernalte M. J. , Vidal-Aragon M. C. , Gonzalez-Gomez D.
Published: December 2011

Organic horticulture is a sustainable agricultural model that can provide high quality products and allows conservationof genetic diversity. Traditional tomato varieties are well adapted to organic production and they have the organolepticcharacteristics demanded by consumers. Seven traditional tomato varieties were studied: BGV-001020, BGV-000998,BGV-001000, BGV-004123, CIDA-44-A, CIDA-62, CIDA-59-A, and they were compared with a tomato Marmandetype commercial cv. ‘Baghera’, all them grown under organic production. Several quality variables were measured toestablish whether any of the traditional varieties might be suitable for commercial production. CIDA-62 was shown to be the most promising variety. It produces tomatoes of very high quality under organic conditions. It excels in terms of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (459.22 mg kg–1 fw) and lycopene (62.25 mg kg–1 fw) and in its total antioxidant activity (43.58 mg Trolox/100 g fw). It is also outstanding in terms of its sugar content (4.56% fructose and glucose combined) and of its total soluble solids content (6.22°Brix). All of these variables are associated with both sensory quality and health benefits. Other varieties that emerged with relatively high levels of total soluble solids content, lycopene, vitamin C and total antioxidant activity were BGV-004123 and BGV-001020.
Short communication. Suitable growth stage to start irrigation with saline water to increase salt tolerance and decrease ion accumulation of Kochia scoparia (L. Schrad)
Authors: Salehi M. , Kafi M.
Published: December 2011

Kochia scoparia L. Schard (common name: kochia) is a mesohalophyte, C4 plant. It has the potential of being animportant fodder crop in arid and semi arid environments. In order to evaluate the effect of saline irrigation water onthe seedling growth stage and to select the best growth stage to start using saline water, an experiment was conductedwith seven different saline water treatments (1.5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 dS m–1) at four growth stages [after emergence (T1), 5 cm (T2), 10 cm (T3), and 15 cm (T4) of plant height]. Results showed that shoot dry biomass increased slightly up to 7 dS m–1 and after that decreased with increasing salinity. Salt tolerance of kochia increased at the T3 and T4 growth stages. Sodium content of the plant was increased by using high saline water. The adverse effect of salinity on the Na content of the plant was lower at the 10-15 cm growth stage than at earlier growth stages. Potassium content was not greatly affected by salinity. As conclusion, kochia is sensitive to saline irrigation at the earliest stages ofgrowth, and the best plant height to start saline irrigation is between 10 and 15 cm.
Usefulness of morphological characteristics for DUS testing of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and C. capsularis L.)
Authors: Begum T. , Kumar D.
Published: December 2011

Thirty two jute (Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis) varieties, including 25 released/notified and seven of common knowledge, were characterized through distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing trials for two consecutiveyears using 17 heritable morphological traits prescribed in the Revised Official DUS Test Guidelines of Jute to enableidentification of these varieties and for unambiguous ascertainment of distinctness. Out of 17 traits, 8 were found to be monomorphic, 7 dimorphic and only 2 polymorphic in C. capsularis, while 8 traits were dimorphic and 9 polymorphicamong C. olitorius varieties, indicating their potential for varietal characterization. On the basis of this study no singlecharacter could identify all the varieties individually; however, when used in combination, identity and distinctness of almost all the C. olitorius varieties and 10 varieties of C. capsularis (Padma, JRC-212, Bidhan Pat-2, D-154, KTC-1, KC-1, JRC-80, Bidhan Pat-3, JRC-7447 and JRC-698) could be established individually. The remaining varieties of C. capsularis could be classified into two groups: early flowering group (JRC-321, UPC-94) and fine fibre group (JRC-4444, Bidhan Pat-1). Hence, morphological characters alone may not suffice for DUS testing of C. capsularis varieties. All the varieties of both species released in India so far albeit professed their uniformity and stability through morphological characterization, but use of biochemical and/or molecular markers along with search for other morphological traits need to be explored for the delineation of C. capsularis varieties.
Traffic effect on soil compaction and yields of wheat in Spain
Authors: Tolon-Becerra A. , Lastra-Bravo X. B. , Botta G. F. , Tourn M. , Linares P. , Ressia M. , Balbuena R.
Published: December 2011

The general objective of this paper was to quantify the changes in the physical properties of an Aridisol soil and theeffect on wheat yield due to agricultural tractors traffic in the Vélez Blanco District, Almería Spain. Parameters measured were cone index (CI) in the 0-600 mm depth profile, bulk density (BD) and rut depth; the variable wheat yields (WY) was measured too. The traffic treatments applied were: 0 (control plot), 1, 3, 5, and 7 tractor passes in the same tracks. Each experimental plot was trafficked with two tractors, one light (60 kN) and one heavy (80 kN). In topsoil (0-200 mm), up to five passes of the heavy (HT) and light tractors (LT), as in one and three passes, the BD and CI values responded to the ground pressure being higher in absolute value for LT. For the 200 to 400 mm depth range HT caused higher CI (1,570 to 2,200 kPa) and BD (1.38 to 1.68 Mg m–3) values than LT. Eight months later, WY was evaluated in tractor’s track areas and decreases in the range of 18-38%, were measured. For seven passes the applications of total loads of 80 and 60 kN increased BD up to 1.5 Mg m–3 at depths of 200-600 mm. Although soil had high bulk density prior to traffic treatments, a significant increment of subsoil compaction still occurred due to the high traffic intensities applied.
Targeting the environmental assessment of veterinary drugs with the multi-species-soil system (MS·3) agricultural soil microcosms: the ivermectin case study
Authors: Carbonell-Martin G. , Pro-Gonzalez J. , Aragonese-Grunert P. , Babin-Vich M. M. , Fernandez-Torija C. , Tarazona-Lafarga J.V.
Published: December 2011

The environmental risk assessment of the veterinary pharmaceutical ivermectin is receiving significant attention. This paper assesses the capacity of the MS·3 soil microcosm as a tool for targeting the environmental impact assessmentof veterinary drugs, using ivermectin as model. Two screening MS·3 were performed using different European soils; one with a soil collected in an agricultural station near to Madrid, Spain and a second with a soil collected in a farm area close to York, UK. Soils were fortified with ivermectin at the following ranges: 0.01-10 mg kg–1 and 0.1-100 mg kg–1 in the Madrid and York studies, respectively. The effects on earthworms, plants and soil microorganisms were assessed in the Madrid soil. Toxicity tests on aquatic organisms (algae, cladocerans and in vitro fish cell line RTLW1) were also conducted with the leachates. No effects were observed in earthworms and plants at any tested concentration; reduction in the respiration rate (< 5%) of soil microorganisms was detected. Earthworm/soilbioconcentration factors decreased with the increase in soil concentrations and were higher for the York soil. Effects on daphnids were observed in tested leachates; based on measured levels of ivermectin in the leachates an EC50 ofabout 0.5 μgL–1 can be estimated. Comparisons based on toxicity data and equilibrium partitioning confirmed that themain risk is expected to be related to the high sensitivity of cladocerans. The results confirm that MS·3 systems are cost-effective tools for assessing the impact of veterinary pharmaceuticals when applied to agricultural land, as previously demonstrated for antimicrobials.
A machine vision system for classification of wheat and barley grain kernels
Authors: Guevara-Hernandez F. , Gomez-Gil J.
Published: December 2011

This study presents in detail a machine vision system that classifies objects into two classes. The procedure for the classification comprises two stages: a training stage and a testing stage. A feature vector, which is a sorted list of features that maximize the classification power, is computed in the training stage. Object classification was accomplished in the testing stage by means of discriminant analysis (DA) and K-nearest neighbors (K-NN) algorithms. The system was applied to the classification of wheat and barley grain kernels. Results obtained allow the researchers to conclude that in the classification of wheat and grain kernels with the presented system: (i) a high classification accuracy can be obtained; (ii) the employment of morphologic, color, and texture feature types together offers better accuracy than the employment of only one feature type; (iii) the extraction of the maximum radius, the green mean, and the y mean of the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) for 90° allows the highest classification accuracy; and (iv) the employment of more than three features increases the computational cost and may also reduce the classification accuracy.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of melatonin implants for improving reproductive performance in sheep
Authors: Palacin I. , Forcada F. , Abecia J. A.
Published: December 2011

To evaluate the efficacy of melatonin implants on increasing the production of lambs, a meta-analysis was performed based on the results of 139 experiments carried out in Spain and published in 56 scientific publications or conference proceedings. To assess the effects on fertility, the relative risk (RR) was calculated and, in the case of prolificacy and fecundity, the analysis was based on raw mean difference (D) and the standardized difference between means (d) and their corresponding confidence intervals. In addition, the experiments were stratified by the productive aptitude of the flocks, breed, time of year, and age. For fertility, the mean RR was 1.29, which indicated that the treatment with melatonin increased significantly (by 29%) the probability of pregnancy. For prolificacy, overall D was 0.08 (d = 0.9089); i.e., the groups treated with melatonin increased their litter size by 0.08 lambs/lambing relative to the control groups. Ultimately, treatment with melatonin increased fecundity significantly (0.25 extra lambs/ewe treated) (d = 6.3188), and this trend was evident in all of the stratified datasets. In all cases, there was significant (p < 0.001) heterogeneity and bias. In conclusion, in Spain, melatonin implants had a significant effect on the probability that a ewe became pregnant, increased the number of lambs born per lambing, which ultimately increased the number of lambs born per treated ewe. In addition to confirm the results of previous descriptive reviews in the scientific literature, the metaanalysis made use of a statistical tool that synthesizes and estimates more precisely the effect of this hormone on sheep reproduction.
Canopy structure, light interception, and photosynthetic characteristics under different narrow-wide planting patterns in maize at silking stage
Authors: Liu T. , Song F. , Liu S. , Zhu X.
Published: December 2011

Planting pattern affects canopy structure of crops and influences other physiological characteristics such as light interception and radiation use efficiency. In the current paper, the effects of planting patterns on the canopy structure, light interception, and photosynthetic characteristics at silking stage of two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Beiyu288 and Xianyu 335) were examined in three planting patterns narrow–wide rows of (1) 30 cm + 170 cm (P1, 6.4 plants m–2), and (2) 40 cm+90 cm (P2, 6.4 plants m–2), and uniform row of 65 cm (control, i.e. CK, 6.4 plants m–2). The ratio of leaves perpendicular to rows was highest in P1 and the leaf orientation value in P1 was constant and slightly lower in P2 compared with that in CK. Although a decrease in the total intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) of P1 was found in the two cultivars, more incoming PAR was detected at the middle-low canopy strata of P1. The apparent quantum yield and the net photosynthesis rate (PN) in P1 and P2 were significantly higher than those in CK. The PN and stomatal conductance (gs) values in P1 were significantly higher than those in CK, and the intercellular CO2 concentration decreased with an increase in PN. These results indicated that narrow-wide row planting patterns improved the canopy structure, allowed more IPAR to reach the middle–low strata of the canopy, and enhanced the leaf photosynthetic characteristics of maize crops at silking stage compared with CK.
Olive cultivars suitability for high-density orchards
Authors: Larbi A. , Ayadi M. , Ben Dhiab A. , Msallem M. , Caballero J. Manuel
Published: December 2011

A new olive orchard type, based on high-density planting, was introduced in Tunisia in 2000 by some investors, using mainly ‘Arbequina’, the most utilized cultivar up to that time in Spain and in some other countries. Limited cultivar choice is in fact considered one of the main inconvenients for using high planting densities in olive. Therefore, a comparative trial was set up in 2003 to evaluate the suitability of four olive cultivars (‘Arbosana’, ‘Arbequina i-18’, ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Chetoui’) to a planting density of 1250 trees ha–1. The results showed that the local cultivars ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Chetoui’ were more vigorous than ‘Arbosana’. However, ‘Arbosana’ and ‘Arbequina i-18’ presented the highest fruit yield in comparison to the local ones. Furthermore, ‘Arbosana’ showed the highest accumulated fruit yield after the first five harvests and the highest crop efficiency (0.56-1.52 kg m–3 of tree canopy). Also, ‘Arbosana’ and ‘Arbequina i-18’ presented the lowest alternate bearing indexes (0.38 and 0.44, respectively) during that period of time. Significant differences among cultivars for oil content and fatty acid composition were observed. The oleic acid content was high in ‘Arbosana’ and ‘Chetoui’ (69.4-66.7%) and intermediate to low in ‘Arbequina-i18’ and ‘Chemlali’ (64.9-56.1%). The high vigour and low production of the studied Tunisian cultivars show that it is not advisable to use them in high-density orchards. ‘Arbosana’ was the most adapted cultivar to this new planting density system in this trial.
Optimized conditions for callus induction, plant regeneration and alkaloids accumulation in stem and shoot tip explants of Phyla nodiflora
Authors: Ahmed A.B.A. , Pallela R. , Rao A.S. , Rao M.V. , Mat Taha R.
Published: December 2011

The present study describes callus induction and the subsequent plant regeneration with alkaloids accumulation instem and shoot tip explants of Phyla nodiflora. Both explants were cultured on different media (MS, B5, SH and WPM) for callus induction. Stem explants showed better callus biomass (dry weight) than shoot tip explants with green compact callus when cultured on MS medium containing 1.5 mg L–1 α-naphthalene acetic acid. Shoots were regenerated from the callus on MS medium with 1.5 mg L–1 α-naphthalene acetic acid and 1.0 mg L–1 benzyl adenine. The rooting of all regenerated shoots was successfully performed on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L–1 indole-3-butyric acid. The plantlets were acclimatized and established in soil (90%) and exhibited morphological characteristics similar to those of the mother plant. In addition, the alkaloids content was higher in regenerated callus than intact stem and shoot tip explants, which were analyzed by a gravimetric method, TLC (thin layer chromatography) and HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography). The proposed method could effectively be applied for the conservation and clonal propagation to meet the pharmaceutical demands of this medicinally important species
Effect of Pseudomonas syringae subsp. syringae on yield and biomass distribution in wheat
Authors: Valencia-Botin A.J. , Mendoza-Onofre L.E. , Silva-Rojas H.V. , Valadez-Moctezuma E. , Cordova-Tellez L. , Villaseñor-Mir H.E.
Published: December 2011

The effect of Pseudomonas syringae subsp. syringae on seed yield, aerial biomass production and partitioning in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is unknown. A field experiment was carried out in two locations of the Mexican Highlands (Montecillo and Chapingo) to evaluate the response of two wheat cultivars (‘Seri M82’ and ‘Rebeca F2000’) to four inoculum rates (106, 8, 10 cfu mL–1, plus a control without inoculum). Disease incidence and severity, seed yield, seed number and seed size were measured. At flowering and seed physiological maturity, aerial biomass production and distribution of main stem, secondary stems and total plant were recorded. Source-sink relationships during the grain filling period were estimated. Higher values of disease incidence and severity were observed at Chapingo; the same traits were also greater in ‘Seri’ than in ‘Rebeca’ at both sites (p < 0.05). Seed yield, seed number and seed size of ‘Rebeca’ were higher (p < 0.05) than that of ‘Seri’. The pathogen reduced (p < 0.05) plant height, seed yield, seed yield components, and biomass production of most organs of main and secondary stems. The magnitude of the reductions was similar in both cultivars at both sites. The effect of the bacteria at each location was higher (p < 0.05) at greater doses affecting seed number more than seed weight. Stems prevailed as sink organs, while laminae, sheaths, spikes, and other vegetative parts predominated as source organs. Plant disease records should complement crop physiological variables to evaluate and to explain bacterial disease effects
Main landscape metrics affecting abundance and diversity of game species in a semi-arid agroecosystem in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Belda A. , Martinez-Perez J. E. , Peiro V. , Seva E. , Arques J.
Published: December 2011

Hunting bags provide important information for conservation measures and wildlife management. This study is to assess relationships between landscape structure and game species. The community parameters (abundance, richness and diversity) and landscape/land use indices have been related, using GIS and statistical analysis, in the South-East of Spain (Marina Baja, Alicante). Game species richness (S) is determined by the presence of fruit groves (p = 0.001, R = 0.714) and landscape shape. The total density of species (TD) is influenced positively by fruit groves (p = 0.001, R = 0.783) and wooded shrublands (p = 0.002, R = 0.911), but is influenced negatively by urban areas (p < 0.001, R = 0.844). Small game communities correlate to irrigated fruit (p = 0.002, R = 0.754) and dry vineyard (p = 0.021, R = 0.839) and also with the diversity landscape index (p = 0.029, R = 0.708). Big game density is positively related to holm oak (p = 0.018, R = 0.812) and dense pine forests (p = 0.001, R = 0.849) and also with the total area landscape index (p = 0.011, R = 0.921). Population control species prefer irrigated fruit (p < 0.001, R = 0.775), fruit groves (p < 0.001, R = 0.857) and irrigated vineyard (p = 0.017, R = 0.833) land uses. Our conclusion is that most game species presents a positive relation with landscape structure, such as fractal dimension and shape index, and traditional agriculture based on irrigated and dry fruit crops.
Devising irrigation water tariffs with overconsumption penalties
Authors: Alarcón J. , Mesa-Jurado M. A. , Berbel J.
Published: December 2011

The paper analyses an irrigation water tariff model to control overconsumption by implementing effective penalties that can be seen as a supplementary tool to crop-specific quotas. This progressive pricing system is based on the financial loss that farmers would face when having to reduce their irrigation water consumption in order to comply with the commitment to achieving more restrictive quotas. Results show that a single fixed price system (with a flat rate) is costlier to farmers than the differentiated tariff system, which distinguishes the amount of water that exceeds the established allocation from the quantity below. This system of irrigation water pricing and overconsumption penalties, aimed specifically at each crop, facilitates efficient utilisation and the ability to adjust this consumption to resource availability and current economic and market situations, especially in response to crop subsidies. The practical barriers to implementing differentiated tariffs per crop with overconsumption penalties are the availability of irrigation water marginal productivity and net profit functions, and having to install technological equipment to control the water being used by individual farmers.
Multiple myeloma: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: December 2011

Disease overview: Multiple myeloma accounts for ∼10% of all hematologic malignancies.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis requires 10% or more clonal plasma cells on bone marrow examination or a biopsy proven plasmacytoma plus evidence of end‐organ damage felt to be related to the underlying plasma‐cell disorder.

Risk stratification: Patients with 17p deletion, t(14;16), t(14;20), or high‐risk gene expression profiling signature have high‐risk myeloma. Patients with t(4;14) translocation, karyotypic deletion 13, or hypodiploidy are considered to have intermediate‐risk disease. All others are considered to have standard‐risk myeloma.

Risk‐adapted therapy: Standard‐risk patients are treated with nonalkylator‐based therapy such as lenalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone (Rd) followed by autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT). An alternative strategy is to continue initial therapy after stem‐cell collection, reserving ASCT for first relapse. Intermediate‐risk and high‐risk patients are treated with a bortezomib‐based induction followed by ASCT and then bortezomib‐based maintenance. Patients not eligible for ASCT can be treated with Rd for standard risk disease, or with a bortezomib‐based regimen if intermediate‐risk or high‐risk features are present. To reduce toxicity, when using bortezomib, the once‐weekly subcutaneous dose is preferred; similarly, when using dexamethasone, the low‐dose approach (40 mg once a week) is preferred, unless there is a need for rapid disease control.

Management of refractory disease: Patients with indolent relapse can be treated first with two‐drug or three‐drug combinations. Patients with more aggressive relapse often require therapy with a combination of multiple active agents. The most promising new agents in development are pomalidomide and carfilizomib. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Perodicals, Inc.
BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain mutations: Methodology and clinical evaluation
Authors: Alikian Mary , Gerrard Gareth , Subramanian Papagudi G. , Mudge Katherine , Foskett Pierre , Khorashad Jamshid Sorouri , Lim Ai Chiin , Marin David , Milojkovic Dragana , Reid Alistair , Rezvani Katy , Goldman John , Apperley Jane , Foroni Letizia
Published: December 2011

The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), starting with imatinib and followed by second and third generation TKIs, has significantly changed the clinical management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Despite their unprecedented clinical success, a proportion of patients fail to achieve complete cytogenetic remission by 12 months of treatment (primary resistance) while others experience progressive resistance after an initial response (secondary resistance). BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutations have been detected in a proportion of patients at the time of treatment failure, and therefore their identification and monitoring plays an important role in therapeutic decisions particularly when switching TKIs. When monitoring KD mutations in a clinical laboratory, the choice of method should take into account turnaround time, cost, sensitivity, specificity, and ability to accurately quantify the size of the mutant clone. In this article, we describe in a “manual” style the methods most widely used in our laboratory to monitor KD mutations in patients with CML including direct sequencing, D‐HPLC, and pyrosequencing. Advantages, disadvantages, interpretation of results, and their clinical applications are reviewed for each method. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.