How do growth and nutrition explain social inequalities in lung function in children with cystic fibrosis? A longitudinal mediation analysis using interventional disparity effects with time-varying mediators and intermediate confounders.

Background Deprivation is associated with poorer growth, worse lung function and shorter life expectancy in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). While early growth is associated with lung function when first measured at around age 6, it is unclear whether improving early growth in the most disadvantaged children would reduce inequalities in lung function. Methods We used data from children born 2000-2010 and followed up to 2016 in the UK CF Registry. To estimate the association between deprivation and lung function at around age six, and the causal contribution of early weight trajectories, we extended the mediation analysis approach based on interventional disparity effects to the setting of a longitudinally measured mediator. We adjusted for baseline confounding by sex, birthyear and genotype and accounted for time-varying intermediate confounding by lung infection. Results 853 children were included in the study, including 165 and 172 children from the least and most deprived population quintiles, respectively. The average difference in lung function between the least and most deprived quintile of children, was 4.51 percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (95% CI: 1.08-7.93). We estimated this would be reduced to 3.97 percentage points (95% CI: 0.57-7.38) if early weight trajectories in the most deprived children were shifted to the distribution observed in the least disadvantaged children. Conclusion Socio-economic conditions are strongly associated with lung function for children with CF which we estimated would only be marginally reduced if early weight trajectories could be improved for the most disadvantaged children.

Effect of rainfall on growth and yield of rice in Konkan coast

In this Study, relationship between rainfall and rice yield has been investigated in Ratnagiri and Thane districts of Maharashtra using 37 year's (1951.1987) data. Weekly water balance has been worked out in developing a yield index and its association with yield examined. Planting rates have been calculated assuming two categories of empirical rainfall accumulations of 450 and 500 mm. The yields were correlated with rainfall during selected growth phases, total rainfall, the yield index and the technological trend. Effects of late or early onset on yield has also been examined. It appears that 450 mm rainfall accumulation from Ist June gives a ~reasonably accurate indication of transplanting paddy in Konkan. Technology seems.. to have much influence on the paddy yield. Results also reveal that rainfall during early growth phases is significantly related to the yield the date of planting was not found to/have a determining influence on the yield.

Structuration and Learning in a Software Firm

This case study presents the evolution of a software firm from startup into early internationalization. Building on a structuration theory, the case is framed within a conceptual model that illustrates the way skills and routines co-evolve both at the level of the founding entrepreneur (agency) and of the firm (structure). As such, this article contributes to an emergent structurational view of technology-based entrepreneurship. Such views places emphasis on learning both at the individual and collective level, in terms of software engineering, commercial, managerial and strategic capabilities. In addition, it supports a dynamic perspective of entrepreneurship in the software industry by covering not only the startup phase but also early growth and consolidation of the firm.

Evaluation of rice genotypes on seed attributes and agronomic performance for developing direct-seeded cultivar

<abstract> <p>Direct seeding of rice (DSR) may give benefit in using water and labor more efficient and reduce production costs. This study purposes to investigate the character of the seeds, their early vigor traits, the growth and development of rice plants for developing DSR cultivar. The research was conducted in four stages: the measurement of the size of the seed, endosperm, and embryo; the germination test in the laboratory; seedling test using experimental pots; and testing the agronomic performance on transplanting and direct seeding methods in a plastic house. Seed material used eight breeding lines of IPB University and two released varieties. The results of study showed that each genotype had different characteristics of seed, endosperm, and embryo in both weight and area. Seed weight becomes the most dominant in the emergence of superior EV traits, whereas the more seed weight indicates faster radicle emergence and more weight of seedling. DSR method compared to transplanting showed performance such as taller plant, higher leaf area and photosynthesis rate at early growth stage, earlier heading time, and higher plant dry weight since early growth until 65 days old. The seed characters have positively correlation to dry weight of seedlings, number of leaves, leaf area, and canopy dry weight. We also found that higher area of endosperm and embryo significantly correlated to have faster plumule emergence, higher leaf area and plant height. Candidate genotypes for DSR would be further investigated in the field trial agronomically.</p> </abstract>

Relationship of Seed Sowing Methods and Feeding Regimen With the Development of Cotton Root

Annotation: According to the obtained 3-year data, changes in planting methods and feeding regime of the "Sultan" variety lead to rapid growth of the root system, early growth of the main root and different levels of (orderly) roots, better absorption activity, 35-38 cm of biomass. Allows to increase by 1.5-1.8 times.

Efektivitas Cyhalofop-butyl Mengendalikan Gulma pada Budidaya Padi Sawah Tabela

High competition in the early growth phase will suppress growth and reduce rice yields. Presence of weeds in the rice field ecosystem needs to be controlled. Weed control with herbicides is more effective than other controls. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the herbicide Cyhalofop-butyl in controlling weeds in the cultivation of direct seeds rice cultivation. The research was conducted in Sekaran village, Wonosari sub-district, Klaten district, Central Java. The method used was randomized block with seven treatments and four replications. The treatment consisted of a dose of the herbicide Cyhalofop-butyl 100 g.L^-1with levels: (50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 L.ha^-1), mechanical weeding and control (no weeding). The results showed that Cyhalofop-butyl at a dose of 50–175 L.ha^-1 was effective in controlling the weeds of <em>Echinochloa crus-galli, Leptochloa chinensis</em> and other weeds at 3 weeks after application up to 6 weeks after application, without causing phytotoxicity effect on rice plants, herbicide Cyhalofop-butyl does not affect the growth and production of rice but reduces competition between weeds and rice plans. Herbicide Cyhalofop-butyl applied at a dose of 50 - 175 L.ha^-1provide rice grain yield of 10,25 - 11,50 kg per plot.

Influence of urea fertilizer on early growth of African Rose Wood (Pterocarpus erinaceous Poir.) seedlings in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria

Influence of urea fertilizer on early growth and development of Pterocarpus erinaceous seedlings were investigated. Two hundred (200) uniformly growing seedlings were transplanted into polythene pots filled with top soil. Four urea fertilizer rates (0.035; 0.065; 0.095; 0.0125 g) and control were applied to the seedlings in the pots 20 × 25 × 25 cm, filled with 800 g of top soil collected from forest plantation. Assessment on the metrical character of the seedlings was done fortnightly. The fertilization of the selected seedlings with urea fertilizer was done round the seedlings in the nursery pots using ring method. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at p < 0.05. The results show that fertilizer rates had significant (p < 0.05) effect on the growth and development of seedlings of P. erinaceous. Seedlings treated with 0.095 g of urea produced the highest mean values of 12.00 ± 0.66 cm; 0.33 ± 0.01 mm; 190 cm2 and 12.65 ± 0.67 for stem height, collar diameter, leaf area (LA) and number of leaves respectively. Seedlings fed with 0.125 g had the lowest values of 11.19 ± 0.61cm for height, 0.32± 0.01 mm for collar diameter 11.54 ± 0.70 for number of leaves and 124 cm2 for the LA. Urea fertilizers had significant effect on the early growth of the seedlings, therefore fertilization at 0.095 g per pot is recommended for raising P. erinaceous seedlings.