Pasture production in cleared and uncleared grazing systems of central Queensland, Australia

Clearing land of trees and introducing exotic pastures to enhance pasture and cattle production and hence enterprise financial performance are widely practised in Queensland. The results from many previous studies on tree clearing have emphasised the gains in pasture production, but over periods of less than 10–15 years after clearing. The present study questioned the sustainability of pasture production in cleared systems over a longer time-frame (>10 years of clearing). For this, three different age groups of clearing i.e. 5 year, 11–13 year and 33 year were selected in each of 3 major types of tree communities i.e. Eucalyptus populnea, E. melanophloia and Acacia harpophylla in central Queensland. Paired comparisons of cleared and uncleared (intact) pasture systems were selected for each age group of clearing. The results suggest that the initial gains in pasture production upon clearing were compatible with published studies. However, for longer periods of time since clearing, the gains in pasture production were not sustained and were accompanied by risks of land degradation and loss of pasture plant diversity. For E. populnea and A. harpophylla, the maximum benefits from clearing were achieved at 13–15 years whereas for E. melanophloia, any benefits existed only over a short period of 5–6 years. The study emphasises that each tree community exhibits a specific response with regard to the duration of increased pasture production following clearing. To estimate the total benefits from tree clearing in pasture development, it is important to consider both monetary benefits and non-monetary losses from clearing for different types of tree communities.

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Pasture composition in cleared and uncleared woodlands

Australian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1071/bt05174 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 54 (5) ◽

pp. 459 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kamaljit Kaur ◽

David J. Midmore ◽

Rajesh K. Jalota ◽

Nanjappa Ashwath

Keyword(s):

Species Diversity ◽

Plant Diversity ◽

Ecosystem Functions ◽

Short Term ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Exotic Grasses ◽

Tree Communities ◽

Eucalyptus Populnea ◽

Pasture Yield ◽

Over Time

Land clearing in Queensland is often practised to enhance pasture production, and hence, increase financial returns from beef production. The benefits of clearing have been quantified in terms of short-term gains in pasture yield but have not adequately accounted for possible medium- or longer-term impediments that may be attributed to clearing. Therefore, impacts of clearing and the subsequent sowing of exotic grasses such as Cenchrus ciliaris L. on pasture composition and production were studied. To achieve this, paired sites were selected representing cleared and uncleared pastures across three different times since clearing (i.e. 5, 11–13 and 33 years since clearing) for the three dominant tree communities of central Queensland (i.e. Eucalyptus populnea F.Muell. (poplar box), E. melanophloia F.Muell. (silver-leaved ironbark) and Acacia harpophylla F.Muell. ex. Benth. (brigalow)). The results demonstrated that species diversity declined with clearing and sowing of exotic pastures. Species diversity and pasture production were negatively related. Although pasture yield was 2–3 times greater 13 years after clearing of E. populnea and A. harpohylla, the gains in pasture yield were not consistent over time, yields being only 1.5 times greater after 33 years of clearing. In E. melanophloia, an increase in the yield of only 1.5–1.8 times occurred 5 years after clearing compared with uncleared pastures, whereas 33 years after clearing, yield was 3/4 of that in uncleared pastures. The initial gains in pasture yield were accompanied by a loss of plant diversity that may affect ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling or soil mineralisation, and the longer-term production gains.

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Digital Medical Interview Assistant AnCha for Obtaining the Medical History in General Medicine: Case study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.34489 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Selina Florence Regli ◽

Floriana Gashi ◽

Kerstin Denecke

Keyword(s):

Medical History ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Age Groups ◽

General Medicine ◽

Time Frame ◽

Practical Implementation ◽

Medical Interview ◽

Digital Tool ◽

Dialog System

BACKGROUND Collecting information on the medical history of a patient is an important step during the diagnosing process. Besides the interrogation by the physician, computerized questionnaires are used to collect the data. To facilitate interaction, implementation of digital medical interview assistants (DMIA) using conversational user interfaces (CUI) gain in interest. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to assess patient’s and physician’s perceptions towards a DMIA with CUI. Beyond, we want to understand how such DMIA can be used in real-world context, what issues and barriers exist in their usage. METHODS We developed a web-based DMIA with CUI (referred to as AnCha for anamnesis chatbot) as a research prototype in a participative and iterative development process. We conducted a pilot trial in a practice for general medicine. Patient perceptions were collected and physicians were interrogated regarding usefulness of collected information. RESULTS 31 patients were approached, and 9 participants were included in the pilot trial; 3 conversation protocols were used by the physicians to prepare for the encounter. Participants spanned all age groups from digital natives (n=5), and digital workers (n=3) to digital seniors (n=1). Patients can easily interact with AnCha and are willing to provide information to the digital tool. They recognize benefits while using the dialog system compared to the existing process. Important insights into practical implementation and integration into practice workflows could be gained. CONCLUSIONS Providing information on complaints and medical history before the actual encounter is considered useful. In order to be supportive for physicians, information has to be made available in a sufficient time frame before the encounter. Future work has to assess in particular whether AnCha is also well accessible for digital seniors.

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Analysis and forecasts of Salmonella spp. antibiotic resistance in Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine)

Veterinary Medicine: inter-departmental subject scientific collection ◽

10.36016/vm-2019-105-3 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 16-19

Author(s):

H. A. Martynenko

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Age Groups ◽

Quantitative Information ◽

Graphical Form ◽

Salmonella Spp ◽

Gram Negative ◽

Trend Line ◽

E Coli ◽

Short Period ◽

High Level

The paper presents data of the research aimed at studying the species composition of major pathogens circulating in the region and the resistance to antibacterial drugs in pathogens of salmonella, one of the most common zoonoses. Within the period 2014–2018 the qualitative composition of microflora from biological and pathological materials from different groups of animals was studied in Dnipropetrovsk region. Own research results and the results of the regional veterinary statistical reporting were analyzed. Within the short period of five years, 237 cultures of Gram-negative bacteria were detected and studied. The dominant agent in the studied region was E. coli (56.7%) from the Enterobacteriaceae family. The second most frequent agent in the pathology was Salmonella spp. (10.5%). In total, 29 cultures of salmonella infection were isolated from six species of animals with a predominance of bird isolates. Thus, for different age groups of poultry the most common were S. Gallinarum-Pullorum (56%) and S. Enteritidis (32%). An antibiotic resistance increase in pathogenic salmonella was observed for β-lactam antibiotics (cefazolin, ceftriaxone), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin), as well as for tetracycline and polymyxin. Taking into consideration the high level of resistance against norfloxacin in the region’s dominant pathogens of the Enterobacteriaceae family, we performed a forecast in MS Excel graphically and added a trend line. In the course of work it was proved that the Dnipropetrovsk region is a geographic zone with a stable high (86 ± 3.7%) allocation from different groups of animals of Gram-negative microorganisms. It was found that local dominant pathogens are representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family (E. coli, Salmonella spp.). This data can be used as surrogate resistance markers. The epizootological patterns of animal salmonellosis are determined. It is shown the possibility of forecasting the distribution of antibiotic resistant strains in MS Excel in graphical form by adding a trend line, using quantitative information on the sensitivity of bacteria. Prospects for further research are the prevention and control of the emergence of resistance to antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture in the region and in the country

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Closed Fractures of the Distal Part of the Shin Bones. Different Types and Methods of the Treatment in Adolescence. Short Period Results

Physical and rehabilitation medicine, medical rehabilitation ◽

10.36425/rehab63615 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 11-23

Author(s):

Alexander I. Dorokhin ◽

Alexander I. Krupatkin ◽

Anastasia A. Adrianova ◽

Vladimir I. Khudik ◽

Dmitriy S. Sorokin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Part ◽

Clinical Investigation ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

Treatment Algorithm ◽

Age Groups ◽

Growth Zone ◽

Difficult Problem ◽

Pathological Process ◽

X Rays ◽

Short Period

Background.Fractures of the distal leg bones in children, due to the peculiarities of localization, the presence of a growth zone, the proximity of the joint and the involvement of the ligamentous apparatus in the pathological process, present a difficult problem in the choice of treatment and rehabilitation.Aims:In order to our aims we create the diagnostic and treatment algorithm in the system of early rehabilitation after fractures in the distal part of the shin bone in adolescence.Methods.Our clinical investigation based on the treatment of 56 patients in the age 817 years. Cohort of patients consist from three age groups: 811 years (n=13), 1214 years (n=28) and 1517 years (n=15). Examination was done with X-rays, CT and Ultrasound, specialy in the cases where the damage of ligamentous apparatus was suspicious. The main method of treatment was surgical osteosynthesis by pins, plates and screws. In the rehabilitation period the legs were immobilized by Plaster of Paris for 46 weeks.Results.In majority of cases the outcomes in the period of 68 weeks after trauma were good and satisfactory. The method of laser Doppler fluometry was performed in 16 cases in follow up period after trauma for examination of the regional blood circulation as a argumentation of regeneration process.Conclusion.The different choice in treatment of compound fractures of the distal part of the shin bones according to morphological changes in adolescence permits to aid good results in majority of caces.

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Impact of Non-Timber Forest Product Use on the Tree Community in North-Western Vietnam

Forests ◽

10.3390/f9070431 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 431 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Thi Dao ◽

Dirk Hölscher

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

Logistic Model ◽

Forest Products ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Forest Types ◽

Tree Community ◽

Tree Communities ◽

Non Timber Forest Products ◽

Forest Use ◽

North Western

Trees providing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are valuable forest resources, and their management can support conservation objectives. We analyzed the abundance of tree species providing NTFPs, recognized by local H’mong people, in both the strictly protected core zone and the low-intensity forest use buffer zone in north-western Vietnam. We identified 249 tree species, of which 48% were classified as NTFP species. The abundance of 35% of the NTFP tree species was significantly correlated with footpaths, indicating an influence of human activity. A multiple logistic regression model indicates that using NTFP trees for food, medicine, and root harvesting, increases the probability of an NTFP tree absence in the buffer zone. In contrast, the high density of species, and collections of fruit, leaf, and resin decrease the probability of an NTFP tree absence in the buffer zone. Further assessment with a logistic model indicated that NTFP use has lower impacts on the tree community than timber use. We think that the parameterized models will enable comparisons of different situations and forest types and be particularly helpful in evaluating potential changes in tree communities over time.

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P0114BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF A RENAL BIOPSY REGISTRY AND NETWORK - FCGG EXPERIENCE

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfaa142.p0114 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

Wim Laurens ◽

Johan De Meester ◽

Ben Sprangers ◽

Steven Van Laecke ◽

Dendooven Amélie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Renal Disease ◽

Renal Biopsy ◽

Iga Nephropathy ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Time Frame ◽

Renal Pathology ◽

Renal Diseases ◽

Renal Biopsies

Abstract Background and Aims End December 2016, a renal biopsy network in the Flemish region (Belgium) was founded as a collaboration between the renal pathologists and nephrologists. This FCGG network introduced a uniform renal biopsy request form, a well-structured report form of the renal pathology examination and a comprehensive list of renal pathology diagnoses. Method Following informed consent [99.5%] and in compliance with GDPR, the registration of the renal biopsies consists of basic categorical renal data, structured renal pathology information and the final clinical renal disease. Results In 2017 and 2018, 1385 renal biopsies were registered – 10.5 per million inhabitants per year; in addition, 28 patients had a repeat biopsy in the same time frame (2%). Of the pediatric patients ( age < 18 years; N=92; 6.6%), 23 had IgA nephropathy, 20 a minimal change disease and 15 another type of glomerulonephritis. The biopsy was reported as normal or non-diagnostic in 15 patients (16%) – the majority was clinically considered as glomerulonephritis. The spectrum of the adult population was quite similar across gender and age groups: 56% glomerulonephritis [= IgA nephropathy [19%] + FSGS [8%] + pauci-immune glomerulonephritis [7%] + other GN [22%] ), 10% tubulo-interstitial nephritis, 7% acute tubular necrosis [ATN], 7% diabetes mellitus, and 7% nephroangiosclerosis. Exceptions are pauci-immune glomerulonephritis as the most important renal disease in women aged 65 years and older, and lupus nephritis as the second most important glomerulonephritis in women aged 18-44 years. Only a small percentage of adult renal biopsies yielded no result (7%), clinically interpreted as glomerulonephritis in 50% of the cases. Conclusion The FCGG network has provided a more intense collaboration between renal pathologists and nephrologists mainly by standardizing the renal biopsy reading and reporting across all centers. More precise estimates of the prevalent renal diseases were provided for the first time; however, in order to get full information, renal diseases diagnosed by other techniques ( serology, genetic analysis ) should also be collected in the future. Efforts will be done to coordinate the clinical care of renal diseases, particularly the more rare renal diseases, and to offer access to new therapeutic molecules or new schemes, through this super-regional network.

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Empirical Investigation on Food Inflation and Efficiency Issues in Indian Agri-futures Market

Emerging Economy Studies ◽

10.1177/2394901517730729 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 156-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Narinder Pal Singh ◽

Archana Singh

Keyword(s):

Trading Volume ◽

Wholesale Price ◽

Time Frame ◽

Futures Market ◽

Sufficient Evidence ◽

Futures Trading ◽

Causality Test ◽

Short Period ◽

The Government ◽

Food Inflation

In early 2007, the Government of India (GoI) banned futures trading on some essential agro-commodities such as wheat, rice, and two varieties of lentils due to rising food inflation. However, futures trading in agri-commodities such as chana (chickpea), soy oil, rubber, and potato were temporarily suspended. Professor Abhijit Sen’s committee, constituted to study the relationship between futures trading and agricultural commodities inflation, did not find sufficient evidence of inflationary impact of futures trading in India due to too short period of commodity futures trading. Also, an efficient futures market is required for the producers, traders, and consumers to hedge their price risk. Thus, in this study, we analyze the market efficiency of agricultural futures market and the effect of futures trading on inflation with special reference to chana (chickpea) market in India. This study is for a time frame of 10 years from 2005–2014. The data on closing prices of chana in futures and spot markets and futures trading volume has been collected from National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, and chana wholesale price index (WPI) monthly data from Office of the Economic Adviser, GoI. The collected data is analyzed for efficiency using Johansen cointegration approach and vector error correction (VEC) restrictions and inflationary effect using Toda Yamamoto (TY) version of Granger causality test. From the results, we find that the spot and futures prices for chana are cointegrated and unbiased, that is, the chana (chickpea) futures market is efficient. But, the futures trading of chana has inflationary impact, that is, futures trading volume of chana affects chana WPI. This research has got direct implications for government and market participants. India is the largest consumer of chana (chickpea)—the third most important pulse crop produced in the world. Thus, the inflationary impact of chana futures trading is a matter of concern for GoI.

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Impacts of grazing systems on soil compaction and pasture production in Alberta

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/s01-008 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

N. T. Donkor ◽

J. V. Gedir ◽

R. J. Hudson ◽

E. W. Bork ◽

D. S. Chanasyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Penetration Resistance ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Grassland Ecosystems ◽

Moist Condition ◽

Grazing Systems

Livestock trampling impacts have been assessed in many Alberta grassland ecosystems, but the impacts of animal trampling on Aspen Boreal ecosystems have not been documented. This study compared the effects of high intensity [4.16 animal unit month per ha (AUM) ha-1] short-duration grazing (SDG) versus moderate intensity (2.08 AUM ha-1) continuous grazing (CG) by wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) on soil compaction as measured by bulk density at field moist condition (Dbf) and penetration resistance (PR). Herbage phytomass was also measured on grazed pastures and compared to an ungrazed control (UNG). The study was conducted at Edmonton, Alberta, on a Dark Gray Luvisolic soil of loam texture. Sampling was conducted in the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. Soil cores were collected at 2.5-cm intervals to a depth of 15-cm for measurement of bulk density (Dbf) and moisture content. Penetration resistance to 15 cm at 2.5-cm intervals was measured with a hand-pushed cone penetrometer. The Dbf and PR of the top 10-cm of soil were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater by 15 and 17% under SDG than CG, respectively, by wapiti. Generally, Dbf in both grazing treatments decreased over winter at the 0-7.5 cm and 12.5-15 cm depths, suggesting that freeze-thaw cycles over the winter alleviated compaction. Soil water content under SDG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CG. Total standing crop and fallen litter were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in CG treatment than the SDG. The SDG treatment had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less pasture herbage than CG areas in the spring (16%) and fall (26%) of 1997, and in the spring (22%) and fall (24%) of 1998, respectively. The SDG did not show any advantage over CG in improving soil physical characteristics and herbage production. Key Words: Bulk density, Cervus elaphus, moisture content, penetration resistance, pasture production

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Short-term variation in sperm competition causes sperm-mediated epigenetic effects on early offspring performance in the zebrafish

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2014.0422 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 281 (1785) ◽

pp. 20140422 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Susanne Zajitschek ◽

Cosima Hotzy ◽

Felix Zajitschek ◽

Simone Immler

Keyword(s):

Sperm Competition ◽

Genetic Factors ◽

Time Frame ◽

Paternal Effects ◽

Short Term ◽

Offspring Performance ◽

Lower Survival Rate ◽

Epigenetic Effects ◽

Rapid Responses ◽

Short Period

The inheritance of non-genetic factors is increasingly seen to play a major role in ecology and evolution. While the causes and consequences of epigenetic effects transmitted from the mother to the offspring have received ample attention, much less is known about how variation in the condition of the father affects the offspring. Here, we manipulated the intensity of sperm competition experienced by male zebrafish Danio rerio to investigate the potential for sperm-mediated epigenetic effects over a relatively short period of time. We found that the rapid responses of males to varying intensity of sperm competition not only affected sperm traits as shown previously, but also the performance of the resulting offspring. We observed that males exposed to high intensity of sperm competition produced faster swimming and more motile sperm, and sired offspring that hatched over a narrower time frame but exhibited a lower survival rate than males exposed to low intensity of sperm competition. Our results provide striking evidence for short-term paternal effects and the possible fitness consequences of such sperm-mediated non-genetic factors not only for the resulting offspring but also for the female.

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A Mini Review on Current Clinical and Research Findings for Children Suffering from COVID-19

10.1101/2020.03.30.20044545 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiao Li ◽

Kun Qian ◽

Ling-ling Xie ◽

Xiu-juan Li ◽

Min Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Secondary Infection ◽

Age Groups ◽

Research Direction ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Common Symptom ◽

Ct Examination ◽

Short Period ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Global Threat

AbstractBackgroundAs the novel coronavirus triggering COVID-19 has broken out in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly worldwide, it threatens the lives of thousands of people and poses a global threat on the economies of the entire world. However, infection with COVID-19 is currently rare in children.ObjectiveTo discuss the latest findings and research focus on the basis of characteristics of children confirmed with COVID-19, and provide an insight into the future treatment and research direction.MethodsWe searched the terms “COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2” AND “Pediatric OR children” on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, NIH, CDC, and CNKI. The authors also reviewed the guidelines published on Chinese CDC and Chinese NHC.ResultsWe included 25 published literature references related to the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, accessary examination, treatment, and prognosis of pediatric patients with COVID-19.ConclusionThe numbers of children with COVID-19 pneumonia infection are small, and most of them come from family aggregation. Symptoms are mainly mild or even asymptomatic, which allow children to be a risk factor for transmission. Thus, strict epidemiological history screening is needed for early diagnosis and segregation. This holds especially for infants, who are more susceptible to infection than other age groups in pediatric age, but have most likely subtle and unspecific symptoms. They need to be paid more attention to. CT examination is a necessity for screening the suspected cases, because most of the pediatric patients are mild cases, and plain chest X-ray do not usually show the lesions or the detailed features. Therefore, early chest CT examination combined with pathogenic detection is a recommended clinical diagnosis scheme in children. The risk factors which may suggest severe or critical progress for children are: Fast respiratory rate and/or; lethargy and drowsiness mental state and/or; lactate progressively increasing and/or; imaging showed bilateral or multi lobed infiltration, pleural effusion or rapidly expending of lesions in a short period of time and/or; less than 3 months old or those who underly diseases. For those critical pediatric patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, polypnea may be the most common symptom. For treatment, the elevated PCT seen in children in contrast to adults suggests that the underlying coinfection/secondary infection may be more common in pediatric patients and appropriate antibacterial treatment should be considered. Once cytokine storm is found in these patients, anti-autoimmune or blood-purifying therapy should be given in time. Furthermore, effective isolation measures and appropriate psychological comfort need to be provided timely.

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