Modified hydroponics and phenolic foam as technological innovations in the production of coffee seedlings from cuttings

Brazilian coffee production represents an important activity in the country’s agricultural sector and, for this reason, it requires innovative technologies for the production of seedlings, which is one of the most important inputs in crop implantation. Thus, plant cloning by cutting, mineral nutrition via modified hydroponics and the use of alternative substrates appear as technological innovations for seedling production. This study evaluated the production of clonal coffee seedlings in a modified hydroponic system in comparison to the conventional climate-controlled greenhouse system, using vermiculite and phenolic foam as alternative substrates. At the end of the experiment, the seedlings were analyzed for growth (height, stem diameter, number of total leaves, leaf area, root area, shoot and root dry matter) and physiological (chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance) characteristics. For the statistical analysis, a completely randomized design was used in a factorial scheme 2 (types of substrate) x 2 (cultivation systems) with six replications and ten plants per plot. The innovative modified hydroponic system leads to a greater growth of coffee seedlings produced by cuttings in tubes with vermiculite compared to those produced in conventional systems. The substrate phenolic foam can be used alternatively in the air-conditioned greenhouse system. However, in the modified hydroponic system, it is not indicated, as it causes total seedling mortality.

Roots With Larger Specific Root Length and C: N Ratio Sustain More Complex Nematode Community

Aims Roots bridge above and belowground systems, and play a pivotal role in structuring root-associated organisms via influencing food resources and habitat conditions. Most studies focused on the relationships between plant identity and root-associated organisms, however, little is known about how root traits affect nematode communities within the rhizosphere. Methods We investigated the relationships between root traits of four plant species and nematode diversity, community structure and trophic complexity in an ex-arable field. Results While the relative abundance of herbivorous nematodes was negatively associated with specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), root length density (RLD) and root C: N ratio, free-living nematodes were positively affected by these traits, implying a multifaceted effect of root traits on root-associated organisms. Importantly, we found that finer root systems promoted the complexity of the nematode community, by increasing the relative abundance of high trophic-level nematodes (i.e., omnivores and predators) and enhancing nematode diversity. Conclusion Our findings suggest that root traits could be reliable indicators of soil community structure and interactions, and provide new insights into soil biodiversity and functional maintenance.

Trace Metal Accumulation in Rice Variety Kainat Irrigated with Canal Water

Due to the rapid increase in industrial and urban areas, environmental pollution is increasing worldwide, causing unwanted changes in the air, water, and soil at biological, physical, and chemical levels, ultimately causing negative effects for living things. This work was performed in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, and examined and measured heavy metal levels in various plant parts of the rice (Oryza sativa) variety Kainat (roots, shoots, and grains) with results been set in relation to the soil around the root area. The samples were taken from five different sites. The mean level of trace metals (mg/kg) in grains was soil-dependent and varied from cadmium (Cd) (2.49–5.52), zinc (Zn) (5.8–10.78), copper (Cu) (4.82–7.85), cobalt (Co) (1.48–6.52), iron (Fe) (8.68–14.73), manganese (Mn) (6.87–13.93), and nickel (Ni) (2.3–8.34). Excluding Cd, the absorption of all metals under inspection was recorded within permissible limits, as recommended by the FAO and WHO. The pollution load index for Cd was highest at all sites. The enrichment coefficient of Co, Cd, and Cu were greater. The bioaccumulation factor at all studied sites was present, in order: Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Mn ˃ Co ˃ Ni ˃ Cd. The translocation factor was present at five different sites: Mn ˃ Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Co ˃ Cd ˃ Ni. The health risk index of all inspected metals was lower than 1 and was within safe limits. The higher pollution of Cd suggested maintenance of rice crop is recommended, decreasing health risks in humans.

Analysis of Selected Water Quality Indicators from Runoff during Potato Cultivation after Natural Precipitation

When growing wide-row crops on sloped lands, there is significant surface runoff. In relation to the runoff process, potatoes are classified as a risk crop. This study aimed to grow potatoes in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, where the protection zone of the water supply reservoir of Švihov is also located. At selected experimental areas, water samples were taken after precipitation events when surface runoff and water erosion occurred. These samples were analysed (nitrates, total P, and selected pesticides used for potato growing) in an accredited laboratory. We located three different variants of nitrogen fertilisation in each experimental area. Precipitation and the amount of water from surface runoff after each higher precipitation event were also measured in the experimental areas. By knowing the acreage of each experimental area, the volume of surface runoff water and the concentration of nitrates, phosphorus, and pesticides, it was possible to calculate the balance of these substances. We also calculated the percentage of surface runoff. The results imply that a new potato cultivator in the technology of stone windrowing should be designed for weed control as part of a weed control system with reduced herbicide application requirements. Innovative agrotechnical processes reducing pollution of water sources by phosphorus and nitrates should also be enhanced. These are based on a precise application of mineral fertiliser into the root area of plants within the period of an intensive intake of nutrients.

Clinical Factors Affecting the Results of Regenerative Endodontic Procedure

This study retrospectively analyzed the effect of clinical factors on the outcomes of REP(regenerative endodontic procedure). Patients who received the REP using triple antibiotic paste due to trauma or fracture of dens evaginatus from February, 2011 to January, 2020 were included in the study. Finally, 57 teeth in 54 patients were selected. Investigated clinical factors were as follows: intentional bleeding, etiology, and root development stage. Treatment outcomes evaluated were as follows: improvement of subjective symptoms, changes in the periapical lesion, and the amounts of root development after REP. To compensate for differences in angulation and position between repeated radiographic examinations, images were aligned by Turboreg plugin. To evaluate the amounts of root development, apical diameter, root area, and root length were measured by ImageJ software. Among the aforementioned factors, intentional bleeding had no significant effect on treatment results. Regarding the etiology, the increase in the root area and the root length was significantly less in trauma cases than in dens evaginatus fracture cases. Considering root development stage, more immature teeth presented more increase in the root area.

The Economics Spectrum Drives Root Trait Strategies in Mediterranean Vegetation

Extensive research efforts are devoted to understand fine root trait variation and to confirm the existence of a belowground root economics spectrum (RES) from acquisitive to conservative root strategies that is analogous to the leaf economics spectrum (LES). The economics spectrum implies a trade-off between maximizing resource acquisition and productivity or maximizing resource conservation and longevity; however, this theoretical framework still remains controversial for roots. We compiled a database of 320 Mediterranean woody and herbaceous species to critically assess if the classic economics spectrum theory can be broadly extended to roots. Fine roots displayed a wide diversity of forms and properties in Mediterranean vegetation, resulting in a multidimensional trait space. The main trend of variation in this multidimensional root space is analogous to the main axis of LES, while the second trend of variation is partially determined by an anatomical trade-off between tissue density and diameter. Specific root area (SRA) is the main trait explaining species distribution along the RES, regardless of the selected traits. We advocate for the need to unify and standardize the criteria and approaches used within the economics framework between leaves and roots, for the sake of theoretical consistency.

Multivariate Versus Univariate Spectrum Analysis of Dentine Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) for Root Resorption Prediction: A Clinical Trial

Background: A force applied during orthodontic treatment induces inflammation to root area and lead to root resorption known as Orthodontically Induced Inflammatory Root Resorption (OIIRR). Dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is one of the most abundant non-collagenous protein in dentine that was released into gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during OIIRR. The aim of this research is to compare DSPP detection using the univariate and multivariate analysis in predicting classification level of root resorption. Methods: The subjects for this study consisted of 30 patients in 3 group classified as normal, mild and severe groups of OIIRR. The GCF samples were taken from upper permanent central incisors in the normal and mild group while the upper primary second molars in the severe group. The DSPP qualitative detection limit was determined by analyzing the whole absorption spectrum utilizing multivariate analysis embedded with different preprocessing method. The multivariate analysis represents the multi-wavelength spectrum while univariate analyzes the absorption of a single wavelength. Results: The results showed that the multivariate analysis technique using Partial Least Square-Discriminate Analysis (PLS-DA) with the preprocess method has successfully improved in classification prediction for the normal and mild group at 0.88 percent accuracy. The multivariate using PLS-DA algorithm with Mean Center preprocess method was able to predict normal and mild tooth resorption classes better than the univariate analysis. The classification parameters have improved in term of the specificity, precision and accuracy. Conclusion: Therefore, the multivariate analysis helps to predict an early detection of tooth resorption complimenting the sensitivity of the univariate analysis.

Biochar increases tobacco yield by promoting root growth based on a three-year field application

In order to explore the effects of biochar on root system and growth characteristics of flue-tobacco, three years of field experiments were conducted to study the influence of different biochar application levels [600 (T1), 1200 (T2), 1800(T3), 2400 (T4), 3000 (T5) kg/ha] and no fertilizer (CK) on the root physiological indexes and growth index of tobacco. Compared with local conventional fertilization, the application rate of N fertilizer in each treatment (except for control) was reduced by 40% to analyze the effects of different amount of biochar on the physiological indexes of tobacco roots and leaf photosynthesis during flourishing. The results showed that tobacco plants' root development status in the flourishing period was consistent with the photosynthetic physiological indexes, chlorophyll content, and leaf-area coefficient. Compared with the control, the application of biochar could increase the root vigor by 177.8%. Biochar improved the roots, increasing the total root area by 91.35% and the number of root tips by 100.9%. Meanwhile, biochar increased the net photosynthetic rate of tobacco leaves by 77.3% and the total tobacco biomass by 72.5%. Studies have shown that biochar can promote the development of tobacco roots, and then enhance the photosynthesis of leaves, so that tobacco plants can grow healthily, which is conducive to the tobacco production and the cultivation of soil.

Influence of grinding zones on the tooth root bending strength of case carburized gears

Knowledge of the expected tooth root bending strength plays a decisive role in the design of gear sets. Due to dimensional and shape changes resulting from distortion due to the heat treatment, unintentional, partial grinding in the tooth root area may occur, particularly in the application range of large gears. The influences of an unintentional grinding zone on the tooth root bending strength have not yet been clarified with sufficient accuracy. As a result, grinding zones lead to uncertainties when evaluating the tooth root bending strength and thus to a loss of time and cost in the field of industrial practice.This paper presents experimental investigations on the influence of grinding zones on the tooth root bending strength of case carburized gears. For the experimental investigations, there are three unground reference variants with different blasting treatments: non-blasted, mechanical cleaned by shot blasting and shot peened. The unground reference variants are examined regarding their tooth root bending strength. For the other test gear variants, different grindings zones are applied resulting in light and strong material removal by grinding. The variants with the different grinding zones are examined analogously regarding their tooth root bending strength and are subsequently compared to the reference variants.The results of the experimental investigations show that grinding zones can have diverse influences on the tooth root bending strength of case carburized gears– Non-blasted gears do not show changes regarding the tooth root bending strength with regard to light or strong grinding zones applied within this investigation.– Shot blasted (mechanical cleaned) gears show no change in the tooth root bending strength for light grinding zones (grinding application does not significantly alter the original residual stress state in the tooth root area).– Shot blasted (mechanical cleaned) gears show a reduction of the tooth bending strength of up to 20 % with regard to strong grinding zones (grinding application does significantly alter the original residual stress state in the tooth root area).– Shot peened gears show a behavior similar to that of shot blasted gears with reductions of the tooth root bending strength of up to 30 %.– Shot peening the strong grinding zones as a repair measure can increase the reduced tooth root bending strength again. However, for the investigated test gears, the resulting tooth root bending strength was below the shot blasted reference variant.The results of this paper help to evaluate the influence of grinding zones on the tooth root bending strength of case carburized gears more precisely compared to the generalized reductions of current standards and classifications. The results can be incorporated in standards such as DIN 3390 as well as ISO 6336 and can be applied in the field of industrial practice. Eventually, the findings help to reduce the current loss of time and cost caused by uncertainties regarding grinding zones.

Acute liver failure in ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is a rare cardiac defect in which the aortic root area between the aortic annulus and the sinotubular junction is dilated. We present a case of acute liver failure (ALF) in a 21-year-old man secondary to ruptured SOVA inducing severe ischemic hepatitis. The patient presented clinically with classical ALF. The liver ultrasound reported hepatomegaly with pulsatile portal flow and dilated hepatic veins. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed focal aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic root with flow across the aneurysm toward the right atrium and elevated right chambers pressures. The surgical repair of the non-coronary SOVA was successful, and post-operatively, liver transaminases improved, and ALF resolved. Given that ruptured SOVA can be surgically repaired, hepatologists should be aware of this diagnosis in a young patient with ALF.