Optimization of Subsurface Smart Irrigation System for Sandy Soils of Arid Climate

The Arabian Peninsula is an arid zone with a hot desert climate and severe water scarcity. The low humidity, elevated ambient temperatures, and high evaporation rates in the region deemed conventional surface irrigation unsustainable. The IoT-based subsurface smart irrigation systems can be essentially developed for these regions to avoid surface evaporation losses. In this research, the sandy soil conditions of western Saudi Arabia have been considered in numerical simulations to evaluate the performance of a subsurface smart irrigation system. The influence zone of saturation generated by subsurface diffusers in the target root region has been analysed for two different types of sandy soils. The simulation results generated by the COMSOL Multiphysics program reveal that the subsurface smart irrigation system can be effectively applied to simultaneously manage the target root zone at the ideal saturated conditions and prevent surface evaporation losses.

Estimation of Yield, Photosynthetic Rate, Biochemical, and Nutritional Content of Red Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown in Organic Substrates

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic substrates on the growth yield, photosynthetic response, and nutritional profile of red leaf lettuce grown in different compositions of cocopeat (CP), sawdust (SD), and rice husk (RH). The result showed that the properties of substrates were influenced variably by their mixing ratios. The highest water holding capacity and moisture content were found in CP, and it provided the preferable pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, and air-filled porosity in association with other categories of the substrate. Cocopeat-based media provides ample microclimate conditions in the root region of plants and increased their height, number of leaves, and fresh biomass components. The utmost dry biomass of plant parts also remarkably increased in CP; L*, a*, and b* chromaticity of leaves remained unchanged. The maximum chlorophyll content was attained in CP substrate, except for chlorophyll a/b, which was higher in RH. The net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), and nitrate in leaves were enhanced substantially in CP, while it was lower in SD. Biochemical compositions and nutrients in leaves were likewise stimulated under the culture of cocopeat-based media. Results indicate that cocopeat, sawdust, and rice husk are a possible substrates mixture in a volume ratio of 3:1:1, which would be a better choice in the cultivation of red leaf lettuce.

Palato-gingival groove: A silent nidus. Recognition and an innovative management approach: A report of 3 cases

Developmental anomalies are one of the challenging clinical conditions to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Among these, Palatogingival groove [PGG] is a rare developmental anomaly usually found on the palatal aspect of maxillary anterior teeth. As self-cleansing is difficult in such patients, it can lead to serious localized periodontal lesion or can occur in combination with endodontic lesion. It is our sole responsibility being a specialist in the field of dentistry, to early diagnose and provide treatment for such conditions. On the basis of PGG extension to the pulp, it can be classified as simple or complex; accordingly, plethora of treatment options are available. Clinically taking interdisciplinary treatment modalities into consideration, curettage of the involved gingival tissues, elimination of the groove by grinding (saucerization), or by sealing with a Biocompatible material which might enhance the healing potential. Incase if the groove extends beyond the middle-third of the root, surgical flap debridement along with combined use of barrier membrane and alloplastic bone graft are recommended.This article represents a rare clinical case reports in management of PGG defect with an innovative conservative approach for simple, minimal groove extensive case and groove extension beyond 1/3 of the root region, treated with surgical multi-interdisciplinary approach.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PITYRIASIS ALBA (SIDHMA KUSTHA): A CASE STUDY

A skin rash that sometimes begins as a large spot on the chest, abdomen, hands or back followed by pattern of smaller lesions. Pityriasis refers to hypo pigmentation of skin. Pityriasis alba have symptoms like ill-defined patches, round and oval, often with mild scaling and sometimes with mild pruritus. They are most commonly noticeable in people with darker skin type. Clinical examination shows decreased melanin production in affected areas. Pityriasis alba is commonly caused by atrophic sebaceous glands, iron deficiency anemia, low level of serum copper and sun exposure. It occurs commonly in children aged 3-16 years with 90% of occurring in children younger than 12 years. An estimated 5 % of children in US may be affected. Studies have showed a higher prevalence in Egypt 18% and Mali 20%. There is no clear racial predominance of Pityriasis alba found. Duration of the rash is variable. According to Acharya Sushruta Sidhma Kustha is kapha pradhana vyadhi most commonly occurs in Urdhva kaya i.e., hasta, ura, mukha and lalata. Diseases start with mild kandu and result in formation of white thin patches without pain. A female patient of 24 years attended our OPD with complain of various circular, whitish, discoloured patches of irregular edges with moderate pruritis on bilateral upper limbs and neck root region anteriorly. Finally, on the basis of all sign and symptoms it was diagnosed as Sidhma Kustha. In treatment repeated Vamana karma and Virechana karma were done. Given treatment mainly pacifies kapha along with vata dosha.

BAM1/2 receptor kinase signaling drives CLE peptide-mediated formative cell divisions inArabidopsisroots

Cell division is often regulated by extracellular signaling networks to ensure correct patterning during development. InArabidopsis, the SHORT-ROOT (SHR)/SCARECROW (SCR) transcription factor dimer activatesCYCLIND6;1(CYCD6;1) to drive formative divisions during root ground tissue development. Here, we show plasma-membrane-localized BARELY ANY MERISTEM1/2 (BAM1/2) family receptor kinases are required forSHR-dependent formative divisions andCYCD6;1expression, but notSHR-dependent ground tissue specification. Root-enriched CLE ligands bind the BAM1 extracellular domain and are necessary and sufficient to activateSHR-mediated divisions andCYCD6;1expression. Correspondingly, BAM-CLE signaling contributes to the restriction of formative divisions to the distal root region. Additionally, genetic analysis reveals that BAM-CLE and SHR converge to regulate additional cell divisions outside of the ground tissues. Our work identifies an extracellular signaling pathway regulating formative root divisions and provides a framework to explore this pathway in patterning and evolution.

Root morpho-physiology changes during the habitat transition from soil to canopy of the aroid vine Rhodospatha oblongata

Background and Aims The aroid vine Rhodospatha oblongata is characterized by a habitat change from terrestrial to canopy, relying on aerial roots at maturity to obtain water and nutrients from the forest soil. We hypothesize that morpho-physiological acclimation occurs in roots as they grow under atmospheric conditions. These changes would guarantee the whole plant survival of aroid vines in the new and potentially stressful habitat of the canopy. Methods Terrestrial and aerial roots were compared on a morpho-physiological basis. Root anatomy, water balance, water absorption capacity via fluorescent tracer, and photochemical activity via chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. Key Results While thin fasciculate roots occur on terrestrial crawling individuals, two clearly distinct aerial roots (anchor and feeder) are produced on canopy individuals, which are both adhered to the host trunk. The color of both aerial roots change during development from red and brownish to striped and green at maturity. Color changes are induced by the replacement of epidermis, exodermis, and outer cortex by an inner layer of lignified cork on the root region exposed to the atmosphere. In the root region that is in contact with the host, covering substitutions do not occur and both exodermis and lignified cork, along with several epidermal hairs, appear. Water retention capacity was higher in green roots than in other root types. Rehydration capacity via water absorption by hairs of aerial roots was confirmed by fluorescence. Chlorophyll fluorescence data indicated low levels of photosynthetic capacity in both root types. Conclusions Plants should evolve strategies to survive stress situations. The transition from soil to canopy imposes abiotic changes and potentially stressful situations to R. oblongata. We conclude that the morpho-physiological changes observed represent an important strategy that permits the maintenance of aroid roots and the survival of R. oblongata in the canopy.

Estimation of loss factor based on the load share model in improved bending strength spur gear drive system

This paper demonstrates the prediction of loss factor for non-standard gear drives with equal stresses in the root region of the pinion and wheel. This implementation of equal stresses in the root region is achieved in the described model of a spur gear drive with higher transmission ratio using non-standard rack cutter. The aim is to discover the optimal modification point in the tooth profile by varying values of tooth thickness with at most balanced stresses in the gear pair considered for the study. A loss factor is predicted along the path of contact for a complete meshing cycle using finite element method. This paper studies and compares the distinct models and thereby identifies the suitable and appropriate models. The predicted loss factor includes the distribution of load sharing effect during the meshing which is excluded in the compared models. The gear pair is analyzed, and the loss factor is predicted for influence over the major drive parameters. It was observed that the approach employed facilitate substantial enhancement in the efficiency which is confined by the detailed parametric study and numerical simulation of the balanced stresses in the drive.

The flow past a flatback airfoil with flow control devices: benchmarking numerical simulations against wind tunnel data

As wind turbines grow larger, the use of flatback airfoils has become standard practice for the root region of the blades. Flatback profiles provide higher lift and reduced sensitivity to soiling at significantly higher drag values. A number of flow control devices have been proposed to improve the performance of flatback profiles. In the present study, the flow past a flatback airfoil at a chord Reynolds number of 1.5×106 with and without trailing edge flow control devices is considered. Two different numerical approaches are applied, unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations and detached eddy simulations (DES). The computational predictions are compared against wind tunnel measurements to assess the suitability of each method. The effect of each flow control device on the flow is examined based on the DES results on the finer mesh. Results agree well with the experimental findings and show that a newly proposed flap device outperforms traditional solutions for flatback airfoils. In terms of numerical modelling, the more expensive DES approach is more suitable if the wake frequencies are of interest, but the simplest 2D RANS simulations can provide acceptable load predictions.

The flow past a flatback airfoil with flow control devices: Benchmarking numerical simulations against wind tunnel data

As wind turbines grow larger, the use of flatback airfoils has become standard practice for the root region of the blades. Flatback profiles provide higher lift and reduced sensitivity to soiling at significantly higher drag values. A number of flow control devices has been proposed to improve the performance of flatback profiles. In the present study, the flow past a flatback airfoil at a chord Reynolds number of 1.5 × 106 with and without trailing edge flow control devices is considered. Two different numerical approaches are applied, Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations and Detached Eddy Simulations (DES). The computational predictions are compared to wind tunnel measurements to assess the suitability of each method. The effect of each flow control device on the flow is examined based on the DES results on the finer mesh. Results agree well with the experimental findings and show that a newly proposed flap device outperforms traditional solutions for flatback airfoils. In terms of numerical modelling, the more expensive DES approach is more suitable if the wake frequencies are of interest, but the simplest 2D RANS simulations can provide acceptable load predictions.