bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response to Edmeades and McBride critique
Authors: Morton J.D. , Stafford A.D. , Hawke M.A.
Published: June 2020

This will be considered under the topic headings that were submitted.
Benefits and costs of a constructed wetland on a Wairarapa dairy farm
Authors: Faulkner J.Praat J.Sukias T. , Bichan A.
Published: June 2020

A demonstration wetland was constructed with community support in what was a "wet" 0.75 ha of a Wairarapa dairy farm. This has reduced the level of nitrate-nitrogen leaving the farm, and has also added biodiversity to the farm and the region. Comparison of nitrate-N levels of water flowing in and out of the wetland over three months show this water quality benefit may reduce farm N loss from 14 down to 13 kg N/ha/yr, which equates to an ongoing reduction of around 7% for a one-off investment of at least $55l000. However, other contaminants such as dissolved reactive phosphate may not necessarily be reduced, while counts of Escherichia coli increased in wetland outflow. This project required a range of skills unlikely to be available to an individual farmer without wider community support but now that the wetland is established it will demonstrate what is possible when more complex solutions are implemented for nutrient loss mitigation. Keywords: dairy farm, constructed wetland, denitrification, nitrate-N, water quality, biodiversity
Mapping nutrient concentration in pasture using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Yule I. , Pullanagari R. , Irwin M. , Mcveagh P. , Kereszturi G. , White M. , Manning M.
Published: June 2020

Hyperspectral sensing using ground-based equipment has been demonstrated to be successful in determining pasture nutrient content (N, P, K, S) and parameters such as dry matter content and metabolisable energy. This technology needed to be up-scaled so that large areas could be rapidly covered with adequate spatial resolution. This paper describes work which demonstrates a progression from hyperspectral sensing to hyperspectral imaging which utilises the visible, near infrared and short wave infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Large scale calibration and validation field trials were conducted at the same time as hyperspectral imaging was completed. These trials demonstrate the feasibility of producing information, in detailed map form, on pasture nutrient concentration and other parameters to inform fertiliser placement decisions as well as other farm management tasks. The technique effectively produces a forage analysis for every square meter of any farm. Keywords: hyperspectral imaging, precision agriculture.
Farming into the future - innovation technology and efficiency
Authors: Mckenzie D.
Published: June 2020

My wife Jo and I are shareholding managers of Patitapu Station at Alfredton in the North Wairarapa. It is a family business consisting of 2550 ha (1760 ha effective) predominately hill country, approximately half way between the Tararua ranges and Castlepoint. It runs 17 500 s.u, 75% sheep, 25 % cattle, predominantly breeding with some finishing. It is highly variable in terms of contour, aspect, soil type, altitude and climate. Patitapu was purchased and developed by my father from 2000. This development has covered all aspects of the farm. With Wairere as an example on our southern boundary, the backbone of the development plan was traditional with the tried and true recipe of fencing/water, fertiliser/lime and hoof and tooth pasture development. A 200 ha block was roller crushed and developed out of gorse and scrub. All of the infrastructure has been upgraded, flock genetics changed and 120 ha of cultivatable ground brought in.
Potential for anaerobic digestion of dairy farm effluent in New Zealand
Authors: Rowarth A.Milet J.S. , Scrimgeour F.G.
Published: June 2020

Efficient effluent management allows capturing of nutrient benefits while reducing potential environmental impact. In New Zealand research has focussed on ponds and land disposal, whereas digesters are being implemented overseas. When biogas produced by anaerobic digestion is collected, it can be used to produce heat and electricity; this has been done in some countries trying to increase their renewable energy profile (e.g., France), but the cost is not always offset by the benefits. Analysis of policies concerning power supply in France and New Zealand revealed very large differences between the two countries, which, in combination with differences in population density, availability of co-digestion products and dairy shed effluent type, means that the establishment of biodigesters is unlikely in New Zealand unless there are changes in policy to encourage greater renewable energy via implementation assistance. Keywords: Biodigester, co-digestion, energy
Active optical sensing of canopies in pasture management
Authors: Roberts J. , Infiesta A.Suarez , Schäbitz B. , Fourie J. , Werner A.
Published: June 2020

Commercial units of Active Optical Sensor (AOS) systems are designed for sensing arable crops to estimate the required amount of nitrogen fertiliser and are well established in intensive arable cropping systems in Europe. A research version AOS (RU-AOS) of a commercial system was tested as a potential canopy sensor for New Zealand dairy pastures. To study the applicability of this sensor a sensitivity experiment was conducted. Additionally, a plot experiment investigated the relationship between the spectrometer and biomass attributes on ryegrass and white clover canopies fertilised with five different nitrogen amounts. The pasture plots were sensed with the RU-AOS and results compared with measured biomass dry matter and nitrogen amount. For some events a strong linear relationship between dry matter (DM) and the water index (WI) was evident (i.e. r2 = 0.80) as well as between nitrogen (N) amount and simple ratio (SR) (i.e. r2 = 0.89). The results suggest there is potential for this sensor to estimate New Zealand dairy pasture attributes. This could be used to develop a pasture system similar to commercial arable cropping nitrogen sensor AOSs. Keywords: Active Optical Sensor; pasture; nitrogen
Sheep performance on perennial ryegrass cultivars differing in concentration of water-soluble carbohydrate
Authors: Cosgrove G.P. , Taylor P.S. , Jonker A.
Published: June 2020

High-sugar perennial ryegrass cultivars (HSG) selected for higher concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate may enhance animal production and reduce emissions of methane and nitrogen. Assessing the effects on economic output and environmental footprint is most robust when related to production per unit of land. Average daily gain (ADG) and liveweight gain per hectare (LWG/ha) of sheep grazing a high-sugar perennial ryegrass cultivar, a diploid perennial ryegrass and a tetraploid perennial ryegrass were compared during measurement periods conducted in spring (84 days duration), autumn (99 days) and late springsummer (160 days). Continuous variable stocking was used, and stocking rate adjusted to maintain a target sward surface height of 6 cm. Average daily gain was higher (P=0.003) on the HSG than on either control in late spring-summer and higher on the tetraploid control than on the HSG or the diploid control in autumn (P=0.04), but the higher ADGs did not translate to significantly higher LWG/ha. These results can inform farmers on cultivar choice and support analysis of methane and nitrogen emissions on an intensity basis for inventory and regulatory purposes. Key words: water-soluble carbohydrate, perennial ryegrasses, high-sugar ryegrass, average daily gain, liveweight gain
The role of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) on East Coast dryland: results from three farm case studies
Authors: Macfarlane M.J. , Muir P.D. , Crofoot E.
Published: June 2020

Three on-farm sites where plantain was sown with legumes and/or perennial ryegrass were monitored for 2 years post-sowing. On two cultivated sites in Hawke's Bay, newly sown plantain/clover pastures produced 20% and 22% more dry matter, respectively, than newly sown ryegrass/clover or established pastures. On an uncultivatable site in coastal Wairarapa, aerially oversowing of plantain and clover resulted in 282% more dry matter than resident pasture on north faces. Plantain pastures had higher clover contents and lambs had faster growth rates and higher dressing-out percentages than lambs finished on traditional ryegrass/clover pastures. Plantain and a mix of annual and perennial clovers offer a promising alternative to ryegrass-based systems in dryland. As with lucerne, plantain and erect annual clovers need to be rotationally grazed to prevent damage to the crown and growing points. The success of these alternative forages in dryland farming systems will depend on farmer willingness to embrace new grazing management techniques. Keywords: forages, plantain, arrowleaf clover, Persian clover, balansa clover, white clover, red clover oversowing, live weight gain.
Calculating "Hydrothermal time" to quantify seed germination of tall fescue
Authors: Sharifiamina S. , Moot D.J. , Bloomberg M.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to quantify the combined effects of temperature and moisture on germination of tall fescue seed. Seeds were incubated for up to 50 days at a range of constant temperatures (5-35ºC) and germinated at five water potentials (0, -0.18, -0.37, -0.63 and -0.95 MPa). The maximum final germination percentages were 94 to 98 at 15-30ºC when water was not limited (0 MPa). Germination rate increased linearly from 5 to 27.5ºC, and then decreased linearly from 27.5 to 32.5ºC. Extrapolation of the sub-optimal temperatures identified a base temperature of 3.5 ± 0.5ºC and an optimum temperature of 27.5ºC. More negative water potential indicative of drier conditions, delayed germination and reduced germination rate. The average base water potential was -0.95 MPa at the suboptimal range of temperatures. An optimum range of germination (80-100%) occurred when temperatures were between 10 and 30ºC and water potential was between 0 to -0.37 MPa (moderate stress). These results provide a matrix of soil temperature and moisture conditions that are expected to result in successful germination and therefore provide the maximum opportunity for emergence of tall fescue seedlings. Keywords: Festuca arundinacea, 'Finesse Q', hydrothermal time
Gorse is a 'facultative' N2 fixer
Authors: Liu W.Y.Y. , Premaratne M. , Cresswell R. , Dash D. , Jack D. , Andrews M.
Published: June 2020

Many legumes reduce their atmospheric N2 fixation per unit biomass in response to increased soil N availability but there are reports that some maintain a constant rate of N2 fixation per unit biomass regardless of soil N levels. These different responses to soil N availability have been described, respectively, as 'facultative' and 'obligate' N2 fixation strategies. Views in the literature differ if gorse is a facultative or obligate N2 fixer. Here, firstly, the proportion of N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) was assessed for mature gorse plants mainly in hedges bordering intensive agricultural land at different sites in the Selwyn district, Canterbury, New Zealand using the 15N natural abundance technique. Secondly, the effect of nitrate (NO3 -) supply on %Ndfa was determined for gorse seedlings under glasshouse conditions using 15NO3 -. Under field conditions, values ranged from 14.7-88.0 %Ndfa. In the glasshouse, %Ndfa values decreased from 97 when no N was supplied to 24 %Ndfa when N supply was increased to the equivalent of 200 kg N/ha. It is concluded that gorse shows a facultative N2 fixation strategy. Keywords: legume, nitrate, 15N natural abundance, nitrate reductase activity, gorse, Ulex europaeus
Relationships between dry matter yield and height of rotationally grazed dryland lucerne
Authors: Mills A.M. , Smith M.C. , Moot D.J.
Published: June 2020

Between 2009/2010 and 2014/2015 a total of 711 destructive paired samples of total dry matter yield (kg DM/ha) and lucerne height were taken from a grazed dryland lucerne monoculture experiment at Ashley Dene, Canterbury, New Zealand. These were used to develop relationships suitable for on-farm estimates of lucerne. For pre-graze yields, the variation accounted for increased from 59%, based on lucerne height alone, to 84% for the 14 Year/Season combinations. For postgrazing residual DM yields, inclusion of Year as a factor increased the R2 from 0.39 to 0.65. Pre-graze data were also grouped into spring, summer and autumn. These relationships accounted for 54-60% of the observed variation in dryland lucerne. In spring the multiplier was ~95 kg DM/cm and this dropped to ~75 kg DM/ cm for heights measured in the summer. In autumn the multiplier was ~55 kg DM/cm. Lack of stability in the relationships over time could reflect environmental conditions and changes in stand density which height measurements alone cannot account for. Keywords: alfalfa, dry matter yield estimates, height, Medicago sativa L., regression analysis
Conditions for co-existence of genetic modification in a pasture based system - a farmer perspective
Authors: Rolleston W.B.R.
Published: June 2020

Blue Cliffs Station in South Canterbury was taken up by Henry Poingdestre in 1856, 5 years after my great-grandfather, George Rhodes and his brother Robert drove a flock of sheep from Banks Peninsula to The Levels Station to establish the first run in South Canterbury. It was from George that McKenzie famously stole 1000 sheep in 1855 and was caught in the now named Mackenzie Pass, only to escape again into the mist the same night.
Premature mammary development in ewe lambs exposed to an oestrogenic lucerne pasture
Authors: Fields R.L. , Barrell G.K. , Moot D.J.
Published: June 2020

A report of mammary development in 6-month-old ewe lambs grazing lucerne on a commercial farm in North Otago provided an opportunity to investigate the possibility to use this as a tool to detect oestrogenic lucerne pastures. Of the 36 ewe lambs grazing lucerne at this farm, protruding mammary glands were visible in 19. In contrast, none of the 22 ewe lambs grazing grass had protruding mammary glands. The lucerne-fed ewe lambs also had larger mean teat width than the grassfed ewe lambs (17.9 ± 0.53 mm versus 13.4 ± 0.78 mm respectively. The lucerne-fed animals were returned to grass pasture 4 weeks before the introduction of rams. There was no effect of the earlier 16 weeks of lucerne grazing on the number of fetuses present in ewes near mid-gestation compared with ewes on grass throughout this period. These findings from a commercial farm suggest that oestrogenic lucerne may be detected by monitoring ewe lambs for mammary development. This would enable farmers to manage pre-mating grazing of ewes with minimal risk of lowered ovulation rates. Keywords: sheep, coumestrol, oestrogen, fecundity, Medicago sativa, alfalfa
Identification of operational performance attributes for pasture measuring devices
Authors: Eastwood C.R. , Rue B.T.Dela
Published: June 2020

Abstract Farmers have expressed difficulty determining the performance of precision farming devices both before and after purchase. The aim of this study was to develop guidelines for operational performance of pasture measuring devices using a Delphi survey method with 25 dairy pasture management specialists. The eight important attributes of devices for use on dairy farms, as identified by survey respondents were: the device is easy to use; weekly data are available during high pasture growth periods; data are available within 24 hours of measurement; data are accurate; data are collected quickly; data are easily uploaded into third party software; the device is easy to maintain; and the device has been/can be calibrated for ryegrass/ clover swards. The attributes identified through this process provide measurement device developers with a design guide. The results also provide farmers with a list of attributes to consider when investing in pasture measuring devices or services. Keywords: pasture measurement, technology development, precision grazing, Delphi survey
Differences in nitrogen uptake and marginal yield response between low and high yielding perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) genotypes
Authors: Harmer M. , Farlow C. , Stewart A.V. , Woodfield D.R.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Current nitrogen (N) use recommendations for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were derived from the response of historic genotypes certified or bred between 1930 and 1970. Despite significant increase in the yield of modern cultivars in seasons of lower forage growth (late spring through winter), no existing research considers the impact of this on N response functions or N uptake characteristics. In light of this a multi-year genotype by N rate trial was established. Data analysed confirms significant differences exist in the slope and intercept of genotype N response functions. Higher yielding modern cultivars had more than twice the marginal response to N of old genotypes in summer and autumn in addition they also yielded more when no N fertiliser was applied. Nitrogen uptake characteristics of higher yielding cultivars in the first winter were significantly greater than low yielding genotypes, thus they may present a different N leaching risk than older genotypes. Farm-scale implications of these preliminary findings warrants consideration once a larger dataset is available for analysis. Keywords: pasture, nitrogen fertiliser, genetic gain, N leaching, nitrogen economics
Different combinations of perennial ryegrass and white clover phenotypes do not affect mixture yield under cutting management during establishment
Authors: Rossi L. , Chapman D.F. , Edwards G.R.
Published: June 2020

Abstract A field experiment was conducted for 12 months under irrigation and cutting management to determine if interactions between perennial ryegrass and white clover cultivars of different phenotypes could affect pasture yield and botanical composition during establishment. Four ryegrass and four clover cultivars, differing in leaf and tiller/stolon traits, were grown in all combinations (n=16), along with monocultures of each (n=8), as sub-plots under two nitrogen fertiliser levels (100 or 325 kg N/ha/ year). Dry matter yield and botanical composition were measured on nine occasions and ryegrass and clover population densities were determined four times. Total annual yield was similar for all mixture combinations due to substitution between the sward components. While there were significant yield differences among ryegrass or clover cultivar monocultures, these seldom explained differences in mixture yields. Mixtures yielded more DM than ryegrass monocultures under both N treatments (+1.3 to +3.9 t DM/ha/year). Keywords: perennial ryegrass, white clover, dairy, dry matter yield, nitrogen fertiliser, phenotype, competition
Reducing nitrogen fertiliser alters dairy shed effluent quality
Authors: Dennis S.J.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Dairy farmers using low rates of nitrogen fertiliser observed reduced odour in milking sheds, and a smaller growth response of pasture to effluent application. Effluent samples from four conventional (>100 kg N/ha/year, "high-fert") and three low-nitrogen (N) fertiliser (
Further field evaluation of the controlled release nitrogen fertiliser Smartfert®
Authors: Edmeades D.C. , Mcbride R.M.
Published: June 2020

Five field trials were conducted over 2 years in which the effects of single applications of different rates of a controlled release nitrogen (N) fertiliser, Smartfert, on pasture production and pasture N concentration were measured, relative to the same rates of SustaiN. The 2016 trials also compared multiple applications of SustaiN with a single application of Smartfert. Pasture responses to SustaiN relative to the control generally occurred within the first one to three harvests following application and then declined and became negative in the later harvests. The pasture responses to Smartfert developed more slowly and were greatest after the third harvest. In terms of total production significant (P
Implementing change: barriers and opportunities
Authors: Nelson T.A. , Brown M.A. , Fielke S.J. , Mackay A.D. , Payne P.R. , Rhodes A.P. , Smith W.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Severe flooding and slips in the Manawatu-Whanganui region in 2004 resulted in the implementation of the voluntary Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI), to support recovery and increase resilience. This paper identifies the barriers, opportunities and lessons for the implementation of Whole Farm Plans (WFPs). The research, conducted in 2016, involved interviews with 40 farm households. The findings demonstrate that the values and priorities of both SLUI and non- SLUI households were similar, highlighting the need to increase profitability, productivity and environmental protection. Both adopters and non-adopters express similar concerns about SLUI, including perceptions about its bureaucratic nature, cost and complexity. They differed to an extent when believing the SLUI aligns with their own values and goals. Non-signatories highlight their resistance to government intervention. They also feared the SLUI would thwart productivity and profits. There remains a need to more explicitly integrate social values and goals in any strategy to implement Whole Farm Plans. Keywords: Sustainable Land Use Initiative, barriers, opportunity, values, environment, resilience
The effect of deferred grazing in spring and early summer pastures on pasture growth rate and feed quality
Authors: Devantier B.P. , Stevens D.R. , Rennie G.M. , Tozer K.N.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Maintaining pasture quality in late spring and early summer is a challenge in many hill country farming systems where pasture growth often exceeds animal demand. One possible management tool is to defer grazing on a portion of the farm to enable the desired grazing management and animal performance on the remainder. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of timing and duration of deferred grazing in mid-spring to early-summer on subsequent pasture accumulation rates, composition and quality, from mid-spring through to the following winter. A factorial design (3 durations x 3 closing times) in eight replicates compared withholding grazing (nil, 1 or 3 grazings), in three closing periods, mid spring, late spring, and early summer. Grazing pasture when covers reached 2500 - 3000 kg DM/ha to a residual of 1500 kg DM/ha was the standard grazing regimen used. Grazing after the exclusion period aimed to achieve the same residual as in the control treatment based on a feed budget. Short early closures resulted in little, or no change in pasture quality and quantity for the remainder of the season. Longer closure periods reduced pasture quality due to increases in the proportions of dead and reproductive stem. This effect was reduced with later closings. The control (nil deferred grazings) and mid-spring closings had a net loss of dead matter (-1000 and -420 kg DM/ ha, respectively), while the late -spring and earlysummer closings accumulated 60 and 180 kg DM/ha, respectively. These differences in dead matter were the major driver of the differences of net herbage accumulations (P=0.018), with net accumulations from 7990 kg DM/ha for the control (Nil) closings to 9660 kg DM/ha for the December (late) closings. Deferred grazing can be used to alter feed availability and utilisation while maintaining net pasture production over spring, summer and autumn. Keywords: grazing management, pasture quality, deferred grazing, net pasture accumulation, dead matter, reproductive tillers, metabolisable energy
Tolerance of newly sown cocksfoot-clover pastures to the herbicide imazethapyr
Authors: Lewis T.R. , Lucas R.J. , Hofmann R.W. , Moot D.J.
Published: June 2020

In New Zealand, subterranean clover is recommended as a companion legume in mixed swards, particularly in dryland cocksfoot-based pastures. However, establishment of cocksfoot is slower than perennial ryegrass and therefore weed ingress is more common. An experiment at Lincoln University, Canterbury showed imazethapyr applied when clover was at the 3-4 trifoliate leaf stage, and cocksfoot at the 2+ leaf stage, increased the subterranean clover content of the pastures by at least 1000 kg DM/ha, despite initial visual phytotoxicity responses. Balansa and white clover pasture yields were not different to their unsprayed unweeded controls. Imazethapyr application controlled broadleaf weeds from early in the season. The herbicide application reduced cocksfoot yields by 70% in early spring, but yields recovered and were not different to the unsprayed unweeded controls at 1350 ± 260 kg DM/ha after grazing. Imazethapyr application improved subterranean clover pastures through an increase in clover content by suppressing weeds and temporarily reducing the rate of cocksfoot growth. Keywords: subterranean clover, Spinnaker herbicide, seedling, white clover, balansa clover
Pastoral farming and the science interface - a farmer's view
Authors: Pearce Dv
Published: June 2020

Introduction Farmers are deluged with information on commercially valuable or politically topical issues. Information that is not politically or commercially driven may still be vitally important to a pastoral farming business and farmers need to consciously try and fill the gaps. This quote from Johnathon Swift seems appropriate: "That whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together."
Milk fatty acid and protein profiles of late-lactation dairy cows as affected by time of allocation of a fresh strip of ryegrass-based pasture
Authors: Vibart R.E. , Tavendale M. , Otter D. , Pacheco D.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Eighty late-lactation dairy cows were used to examine the effects of allocating a new strip of a perennial ryegrass-based sward in the morning (AM) or in the afternoon (PM) on milk fatty acid (FA) and protein profiles. Milk total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were greater from cows on AM herbage, whereas total saturated and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) were similar. Time of allocation only affected the milk protein α-casein, which was greater in milk from cows on PM herbage, in turn affecting the casein:whey ratio. Under the current conditions, timing of allocation altered the herbage nutrient supply to cows; a greater concentration of precursor FA in AM herbage resulted in a greater concentration of beneficial FA in milk compared with cows on PM herbage. Quantifying the composition of FA in herbage could potentially aid in the design of grazing strategies to increase precursors of beneficial FA in dairy products. Keywords: fatty acids, milk proteins, herbage composition, time of allocation
The implications of winter milk premiums for sustainable profitability of dairy systems
Authors: Chikazhe T.L. , Mashlan K.A. , Beukes P.C. , Glassey C.B. , Haultain J. , Neal M.B.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Matching seasonal pasture growth to cow demand has been the key to New Zealand's ability to produce milk competitively. However, driven by the need to process milk all year for value-add products like UHT milk, Fonterra has increased the incentive for producing milk in the winter. This has some farmers questioning their spring calving approach and considering calving outside spring to increase profitability of their system using the winter milk premium. In an attempt to answer farmer's questions, modelling was done using OVERSEER® for the environmental footprint and Farmax Dairy for the economic impact of changing the calving season. The objective of the modelling was to highlight key factors that need careful assessment for individual farm situations before deciding to change calving season. Whole farm system modelling was done for Ruakura and Pukekohe pasture growth profiles in the Waikato, and Te Hana and Maungatoroto growth profiles in Northland to consider the implications from both a profitability and environmental perspective. In the four districts modelled results suggest the key drivers for autumn calving profitability are: seasonal pasture growth profile, soil type, winter milk premium and cost of infrastructure/equipment upgrade. Regions with pasture growth profiles that remain profitable after changing from spring to autumn without the winter milk premium are the most ideal, as there is no guarantee the premium will stay at the current level. Keywords: modelling, winter milk premium, pasture growth profile, profitability, nitrogen leaching
Effect of autumn regrowth interval and nitrogen fertiliser on dry matter yield and plant characteristics of six forage species
Authors: Martin K.E. , Bryant R.H. , Hodge S. , Edwards G.R.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Cold temperatures and drainage increase nitrogen (N) losses from livestock production systems, so autumn management and forage type were investigated as strategies to mitigate N loss whilst meeting animal requirements. The effect of regrowth interval and fertiliser rate on plant dry matter (DM) yield, plant N and digestible organic matter in the DM (DOMD) was measured in six forage species over 4 weeks regrowth, in Canterbury in autumn 2015. As regrowth interval increased, herbage DM yield increased (from 180 kg DM/ha to 922 kg DM/ha, P
Validation of perennial ryegrass cultivar Forage Value Index rankings using independent trial data
Authors: Ludemann C.I. , Wims C.M. , Chapman D.F.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The current DairyNZ Forage Value Index (FVI) categorises ryegrass cultivar-endophyte combinations into five, 'star rating' groups for dry matter (DM) yield using data from the National Forage Variety Trial (NFVT) system. However, variability in performance of cultivars between trials raises the question of how cultivars with different star ratings perform against each other under different conditions. The validity of the FVI star rating categories for perennial ryegrass was assessed using cultivar DM yield data from two independent trials outside the NFVT system and under dairy cow grazing with white clover. Results from the trials were used in Monte Carlo simulations to provide a probabilistic determination of the likelihood of high FVI rated cultivars outperforming the low FVI rated cultivars. Results indicate selecting high FVI (5 star) perennial ryegrass cultivars over lower FVI (3 star) cultivars deliver greater contributions to dairy operating profit in over 94% of the simulated iterations for the Waikato and Canterbury. Keywords: Forage Value Index, Lolium perenne, plant breeding, selection, cultivars
Türk Basınında Azınlıkların Temsili Kapsamında Heybeliada Ruhban Okulu Örneği
Authors: OKTAY Selçuk
Published: June 2020

Heybeliada Ruhban Okulu (HRO), Türkiye’de azınlık gündeminin önde gelen sorunlarından bir tanesidir. 1844 yılında kurulan okul İstanbul Rum Patrikhanesi’nin ruhban eğitimi için uzun yıllar işlevgörmüştür. Okul 1971 yılında eğitime kapatılmıştır. Bu tarihten sonra okul Türkiye’de azınlık hakları bakımından bir sorun olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Basının yaklaşımı bu sorun açısından epey kritiktir. Zira, sorunun önemli kısmı basın üzerinde devam eden sınırlı tartışmalara hapsolmuştur. Bu çalışmada azınlıkların medyadaki temsilini, HRO’ya ilişkin söylemin analizi üzerinden gerçekleştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma yöntemi olarak genellikle söylem analizi kullanılmıştır. Bunun yanında iletişim bilimine ait bu yöntem tarih ve siyaset biliminin unsurları ile de desteklenerek disiplinler arası bir araştırma amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada Türk basını açısından temsil gücü yüksek üç gazete olan Cumhuriyet, Hürriyet ve Milliyet gazeteleri seçilmiştir. Bu gazetelerde özellikle 1990’lı yılların ikinci yarısına ait haberler incelenmiştir. Çünkü bu yıllar İstanbul Rum Patrikhanesi’nin okulun yeniden açılması yönündeki çalışmalarını hızlandırdığı bir dönemdir.
On the Philosophy of John Locke and the Doctrine of Empiricism
Authors: Kader Thomas
Published: June 2020

John Locke is the founder of empiricism, the philosophical school that explains matter is the source of knowledge. In this presentation, I show the various principles that Locke uses to justify the meaning of idea, quality, sensation, and reflection. It is also important to understand how the blank slate is the foundation for objects impressing their effects on the senses. These slides will give information about the certain relationships between inference, hypothesis, and experimentation. If there is sufficient awareness of what Locke intends to illustrate, there is a greater variety of concepts that are generated from empiricism. The study of science and its connection to philosophy has a significant impact on the development of theory, universal ideas, and the ways that particular ideas relate mind to matter.
Changes in Bull Semen Metabolome in Relation to Cryopreservation and Fertility
Authors: Longobardi Valentina , Kosior Michal A. , Pagano Nunzia , Fatone Gerardo , Staropoli Alessia , Vassetti Anastasia , Vinale Francesco , Campanile Giuseppe , Gasparrini Bianca
Published: June 2020

Semen cryopreservation determines several sperm damages, including the loss of fertility-associated proteins. The purpose of the study was to compare the metabolite contents in bovine sperm and seminal plasma before and after cryopreservation, and between high- and low-fertility bulls in vitro. Forty-eight ejaculates, collected from eight bulls (six per bull), were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Cryopreservation resulted in an over-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine (0:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)) in seminal plasma. In addition, higher levels of glycine betaine and pyro-l-glutaminyl-l-glutamine were observed in cryopreserved compared to fresh spermatozoa. The fresh seminal plasma of high-fertility bulls showed an over-expression of l-acetylcarnitine, glycerol tripropanoate, 2,3-diacetoxypropyl stearate and glycerophosphocholine, and an under-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine and butyrylcarnitine, compared to low-fertility bulls. Higher levels of glycerophosphocholine and lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0) were recorded in fresh spermatozoa from high-fertility bulls. In high-fertility bulls, a greater content of glycerophosphocholine and lower levels of butyrylcarnitine, glycine betaine and l-carnitine were found in cryopreserved seminal plasma, and lower levels of glycine betaine were detected in cryopreserved spermatozoa. In conclusion, cryopreservation affects bovine semen metabolome at both plasmatic and cellular compartments, and metabolic profile differs between high- and low-fertility bulls.
Quality Monitoring for Micro Resistance Spot Welding with Class-Imbalanced Data Based on Anomaly Detection
Authors: Zeng Jiaquan , Cao Biao , Tian Ran
Published: June 2020

Micro resistance spot welding (MRSW) is an important technology widely used in electronics manufacturing for micro component joining. For the joining of micro enameled wire, quality control is heavily dependent on manual inspection till now. In this paper, a quality monitoring approach based on isolation forest (iForest) is proposed to identify abnormal welds and normal welds. Electrode voltage and welding current of over 110,000 spot welds were collected from a production line. The dynamic resistance and heat input were calculated for all welds and used for feature extraction. A class imbalance problem existed in the collected dataset because abnormal welds were far fewer than normal welds. The anomaly detection model based on iForest was established for the imbalanced data classification after comparison with other methods such as one-class (support vector machine) SVM and local outlier factor. Test results show that the similarity of dynamic resistance profile and heat input compared with the previous ten welds are valid features for detecting a part of the abnormal welds. The iForest model is effective for distinguishing incomplete fusion welds from normal welds with high efficiency. It can assist in the on-line quality monitoring of enameled wire welding process in production.
Atomic Databases: Four of a Kind
Authors: Mendoza Claudio
Published: June 2020

In the context of atomic data computations for astrophysical applications, we review four different types of databases we have implemented for data dissemination: a database for nebular modeling; TIPTOPbase; OPserver; and AtomPy. The database for nebular plasmas is briefly discussed as a study case of a successful project. TOPbase and the OPserver were developed during the Opacity Project, an international consortium concerned with the revision of astrophysical opacities, while TIPbase was part of the Iron Project to calculate radiative transition probabilities and electron impact excitation collision strengths for iron-group ions. AtomPy is a prototype for an open, distributed data-assessment environment to engage both producers and users. We discuss design strategies and implementation issues that may help in the undertaking of present and future scientific database projects.
MSH2 Overexpression Due to an Unclassified Variant in 3’-Untranslated Region in a Patient with Colon Cancer
Authors: Liccardo Raffaella , Nolano Antonio , Lambiase Matilde , Della Ragione Carlo , De Rosa Marina , Izzo Paola , Duraturo Francesca
Published: June 2020

Background: The loss or low expression of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes can result in genomic instability and tumorigenesis. One such gene, MSH2, is mutated or rearranged in Lynch syndrome (LS), which is characterized by a high risk of tumor development, including colorectal cancer. However, many variants identified in this gene are often defined as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). In this study, we selected a variant in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of MSH2 (c*226A > G), identified in three affected members of a LS family and already reported in the literature as a VUS. Methods: The effect of this variant on the activity of the MMR complex was examined using a set of functional assays to evaluate MSH2 expression. Results: We found MSH2 was overexpressed compared to healthy controls, as determined by RTqPCR and Western blot analyses of total RNA and proteins, respectively, extracted from peripheral blood samples. These results were confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assays. Conclusions: We therefore speculated that, in addition to canonical inactivation via a gene mutation, MMR activity may also be modulated by changes in MMR gene expression.
Perception of Foreign and National Political Leaders in Russia
Authors: Petrenko Victor , Mitina Olga , Papovyan Marina
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to determine the composition of factors that underlie the images of foreign and domestic political leaders among Russian youth and therefore play a major role in shaping social representations. The research was conducted within the theoretical and methodological framework of the psychosemantic approach, which seeks to reconstruct systems of meanings, both individual and collective, through the investigation of implicit as well as explicit categories of perception. The study comprised two stages, in which participants were administered a psychosemantic questionnaire to evaluate political leaders according to some professional and personal characteristics. The first part was conducted in 2015–2016 with a student sample (n = 147) using a set of political leaders from various countries. In the second part, carried out in 2017–2018, the participants (n = 200) also filled out a questionnaire, this time evaluating modern Russian leaders. A principal component analysis was performed on each of the data sets, revealing that two categories—namely, morality and professional characteristics—are present in both factor structures, whereas other factors are different. Several important theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Market Impacts of a Transmission Investment: Evidence from the ERCOT Competitive Renewable Energy Zones Project
Authors: Jang Heesun
Published: June 2020

Texas has experienced a rapid development of wind power over the last 20 years. Since wind power was developed mostly in desolate areas that are remote from urban centers due to its nature conditions, Texas implemented the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) project, the goal of which is to integrate the wind supply regions with the large demand centers. The objectives of this paper are two-fold. The first is to investigate the impact of the CREZ project on market price convergence. Specifically, this paper analyzes the extent that the transmission project affected wholesale price level, variance, and difference between the regions. The second is to measure environmental benefits obtained from displacement of fossil fuel generators by wind power. The results provide a strong evidence for price convergence across the ERCOT market following the completion of the CREZ project. As well as price convergence, wholesale price level and variance are also reduced significantly. Specifically, the results show that the price difference between Houston and West which diverged up to around $100/MWh converges to zero after the project completed. The impacts are more significant during the high demand hours. The results also document significant reductions in emissions, as NOx emissions was reduced by around 4000 pounds in Texas as a whole. Effects on SO2 and CO2 are also calculated.
Fathers and Forefathers: Men and Their Children in Genealogical Perspective
Authors: Robb Martin
Published: June 2020

This editorial article introduces the seven contributions to the special issue “Fathers and Forefathers: Men and their Children in Genealogical Perspective”. It highlights the geographical, historical and methodological diversity of the contributions, as well as their commonalities, and the different ways in which they use a genealogical perspective to explore the relationship between past and present fatherhoods. The special issue, as a whole, aims to deepen the understanding of this relationship and to point the way for future theoretical and empirical work on this important topic.
Development of Novel Chemically-Modified Nucleic Acid Molecules for Efficient Inhibition of Human MAPT Gene Expression
Authors: Chakravarthy Madhuri , Chen Suxiang , Wang Tao , Veedu Rakesh N.
Published: June 2020

The hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) has been implicated in various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. It has been hypothesized that the reduction of MAPT would result in depolymerizing neurofibrillary tangles and could be a potential strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. In this study, we report the development of novel DNAzymes and splice-modulating antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) for the efficient inhibition of MAPT. We designed and synthesized a range of DNAzymes and 2ʹ-O-methyl (2’-OMe)-modified AOs on a phosphorothioate (PS) backbone targeting various exons across the MAPT gene transcript. Our results demonstrated that RNV563, an arm-loop-arm-type DNAzyme targeting exon 13, and an AO candidate AO4, targeting exon 4, efficiently downregulated MAPT RNA expression by 58% and 96%, respectively. In addition, AO4 also reduced the MAPT protein level by 74%. In line with our results, we believe that AO4 could be used as a potential therapeutic molecule for Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.
A Knowledge-Based Machine Learning Approach to Gene Prioritisation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Bean Daniel M. , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Dobson Richard J. B. , Iacoangeli Alfredo
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease of the upper and lower motor neurons resulting in death from neuromuscular respiratory failure, typically within two to five years of first symptoms. Several rare disruptive gene variants have been associated with ALS and are responsible for about 15% of all cases. Although our knowledge of the genetic landscape of this disease is improving, it remains limited. Machine learning models trained on the available protein–protein interaction and phenotype-genotype association data can use our current knowledge of the disease genetics for the prediction of novel candidate genes. Here, we describe a knowledge-based machine learning method for this purpose. We trained our model on protein–protein interaction data from IntAct, gene function annotation from Gene Ontology, and known disease-gene associations from DisGeNet. Using several sets of known ALS genes from public databases and a manual review as input, we generated a list of new candidate genes for each input set. We investigated the relevance of the predicted genes in ALS by using the available summary statistics from the largest ALS genome-wide association study and by performing functional and phenotype enrichment analysis. The predicted sets were enriched for genes associated with other neurodegenerative diseases known to overlap with ALS genetically and phenotypically, as well as for biological processes associated with the disease. Moreover, using ALS genes from ClinVar and our manual review as input, the predicted sets were enriched for ALS-associated genes (ClinVar p = 0.038 and manual review p = 0.060) when used for gene prioritisation in a genome-wide association study.
A Deletion in GDF7 is Associated with a Heritable Forebrain Commissural Malformation Concurrent with Ventriculomegaly and Interhemispheric Cysts in Cats
Authors: Yu Yoshihiko , Creighton Erica K. , Buckley Reuben M. , Lyons Leslie A. ,   99 Lives Consortium
Published: June 2020

An inherited neurologic syndrome in a family of mixed-breed Oriental cats has been characterized as forebrain commissural malformation, concurrent with ventriculomegaly and interhemispheric cysts. However, the genetic basis for this autosomal recessive syndrome in cats is unknown. Forty-three cats were genotyped on the Illumina Infinium Feline 63K iSelect DNA Array and used for analyses. Genome-wide association studies, including a sib-transmission disequilibrium test and a case-control association analysis, and homozygosity mapping, identified a critical region on cat chromosome A3. Short-read whole genome sequencing was completed for a cat trio segregating with the syndrome. A homozygous 7 bp deletion in growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7) (c.221_227delGCCGCGC [p.Arg74Profs]) was identified in affected cats, by comparison to the 99 Lives Cat variant dataset, validated using Sanger sequencing and genotyped by fragment analyses. This variant was not identified in 192 unaffected cats in the 99 Lives dataset. The variant segregated concordantly in an extended pedigree. In mice, GDF7 mRNA is expressed within the roof plate when commissural axons initiate ventrally-directed growth. This finding emphasized the importance of GDF7 in the neurodevelopmental process in the mammalian brain. A genetic test can be developed for use by cat breeders to eradicate this variant.
Multiple Ensemble Neural Network Models with Fuzzy Response Aggregation for Predicting COVID-19 Time Series: The Case of Mexico
Authors: Melin Patricia , Monica Julio Cesar , Sanchez Daniela , Castillo Oscar
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a multiple ensemble neural network model with fuzzy response aggregation for the COVID-19 time series is presented. Ensemble neural networks are composed of a set of modules, which are used to produce several predictions under different conditions. The modules are simple neural networks. Fuzzy logic is then used to aggregate the responses of several predictor modules, in this way, improving the final prediction by combining the outputs of the modules in an intelligent way. Fuzzy logic handles the uncertainty in the process of making a final decision about the prediction. The complete model was tested for the case of predicting the COVID-19 time series in Mexico, at the level of the states and the whole country. The simulation results of the multiple ensemble neural network models with fuzzy response integration show very good predicted values in the validation data set. In fact, the prediction errors of the multiple ensemble neural networks are significantly lower than using traditional monolithic neural networks, in this way showing the advantages of the proposed approach.