Evaluation of barley testing locations in Ontario

In order to develop new barley cultivars, promising genotypes are evaluated for their performance each year at a number of test locations representing the target region. In this study, we analyzed the Ontario barley registration trial data from 2015 to 2020 to understand the barley mega-environment in Ontario and to evaluate the suitability of the test locations. The analysis showed that the barley test locations fall into two mega-environments, with a major mega-environment consists of five test locations and a minor mega-environment with a single test location. Among the six test locations used for the barley registration trials, Palmerston was found to be the most desirable for the barley cultivar evaluation representing the Ontario barley growing region. This study also identified OB2930-35, a recently released cultivar, to be both high yielding and stable across Ontario. These findings are useful for future barley breeding and cultivar evaluation in Ontario.

Evaluating the Ability of Multi-Sensor Techniques to Capture Topographic Complexity

This study provides an evaluation of multiple sensors by examining their precision and ability to capture topographic complexity. Five different small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) were evaluated, each with a different camera, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). A lidar was also used on the largest sUAS and as a mobile scanning system. The quality of each of the seven platforms were compared to actual surface measurements gathered with real-time kinematic (RTK)-GNSS and terrestrial laser scanning. Rigorous field and photogrammetric assessment workflows were designed around a combination of structure-from-motion to align images, Monte Carlo simulations to calculate spatially variable error, object-based image analysis to create objects, and MC32-PM algorithm to calculate vertical differences between two dense point clouds. The precision of the sensors ranged 0.115 m (minimum of 0.11 m for MaRS with Sony A7iii camera and maximum of 0.225 m for Mavic2 Pro). In a heterogenous test location with varying slope and high terrain roughness, only three of the seven mobile platforms performed well (MaRS, Inspire 2, and Phantom 4 Pro). All mobile sensors performed better for the homogenous test location, but the sUAS lidar and mobile lidar contained the most noise. The findings presented herein provide insights into cost–benefit of purchasing various sUAS and sensors and their ability to capture high-definition topography.

Assessment of G x E Interactions in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids for Yield using AMMI and GGE Models

Background: In the wake of unpredictable climate change, it is imperative for the breeders to identify hybrids with better adaptation to meet the growing food demand. The present study was carried out to identify stable maize hybrids across various environments. Methods: Twenty one maize hybrids along with two commercial checks viz., CP-818 and Bioseed-TX369 were tested over three locations viz., Viluppuram, Trivandrum and Nagercoil. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Result: AMMI and GGE analysis of variance revealed that the first two principal axes explained the majority of G ´ E interaction. According to AMMI analysis, the hybrid AUK 6240 was relatively stable with high mean whereas, GGE biplots-genotype view identified AUMH 1277 as stable with better yield per plant. GGE biplot-environment view identified Nagercoil as the ideal test location. What-won-where biplots identified three hybrids viz., AU-101, AU-110 and CP-818 suited to Viluppuram and Nagercoil. Though, hybrids with specific adaptability and ideal test location were efficiently identified, study must be extended to more number of environments and hybrids.

Seismoacoustic Monitoring of Underground Explosions at Redmond Salt Mine, Utah, United States

<p>Underground blasting within an extensive tunnel complex occurs as part of regular operations at Redmond Salt Mine, located in central Utah, United States. During the period of October 2017 – July 2019, we monitored these explosions using seismic and infrasound sensors. The experiment recorded approximately 1000 mining-related blasts as well as several hundred small earthquakes that naturally occur in the monitoring region at source to receiver offsets of 3-25 km. The data collected early in the experiment allow us to explore the characteristics of infrasound signals generated in subterranean tunnels, which show a variety of interesting characteristics, including components related to the structure of the underground tunnel complex, and a time-varying propagation efficiency. We present analyses that attempt to explain these properties. In addition, the data collected during the experiment allow us to test location algorithms at local distances by comparing computed locations with those taken from ground-truth logs. Finally, comparison of the tectonic and explosion signals allows us to examine possible discrimination methods that will effectively differentiate explosions from earthquakes at local distances.</p>

Attitudes and Preferences Regarding the Use of Rapid Self-Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in San Diego Area Men Who Have Sex With Men

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase the risk of HIV transmission and are present at high rates among men who have sex with men (MSM). Adherence to HIV/STI testing guidelines is low in the United States. Testing programs that utilize rapid self-administered HIV/STI tests improve testing rates, though multiple factors influence their uptake. Methods MSM were recruited at an HIV/STI testing and treatment program in 2014 and provided consent, demographics, risk behaviors, HIV/STI test preferences, and perceived testing barriers via an online questionnaire. Comparisons of testing preferences and barriers were made based on age, risk group, and HIV serostatus using the Fisher exact test. Results HIV testing preferences included rapid oral test (71.1%), home test location (78.5%), electronic delivery of HIV-negative test results (76.4%), and direct provider notification for HIV-positive test results (70%), with respondents age >45 years being significantly more likely to prefer home testing (P = .033). STI testing preferences included self-collection of specimens (73.2%), home test location (61%), electronic delivery of negative STI test results (76.4%), and direct provider notification for positive STI test results (56.6%) with no significant differences between age, HIV serostatus, or risk groups. The most frequently reported HIV and STI testing barrier was lack of known prior HIV/STI exposure (57.3% for HIV, 62.9% for STI) with respondents age <45 years more frequently citing inconvenience as a barrier to testing (HIV: 50.9% vs 17.4%, P = .010; STI: 58.3% vs 31.8%, P = .070). Conclusions Although additional research is needed, increasing resources directed specifically toward home testing has the potential to translate into improved uptake of rapid HIV/STI testing. Efforts to improve convenience in testing programs must be balanced with the need for continued educational outreach.