37 research outputs found

    Potato Yield Response to Different Rates of Phosphorus Fertilization in Northern Maine - USA

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    Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major vegetable crop worldwide, including the United States of America. No other crops could equal potato in its production of food in terms of energy and value per unite area. Because potato is a high-value vegetable, farmers apply phosphorus fertilization at high rates despite high soil phosphorus availability. Phosphorus is the most critical major soil nutrient limiting potato growth after nitrogen and potassium. Six rates of P fertilization (0 – 280 kg P ha−1) were applied at twelve different sites across Northern Maine, United States of America. In the present study, soil pH was significantly correlated with total potato tuber yield (R2 = 0.38). Sites with soil pH values \u3c 6 had total tuber yields, marketable tuber yields, tuber numbers per plant, and total tuber mean weights all higher than these same parameters at sites with soil pH ≥ 6. All sites with soil pH\u3c 6 showed a highly correlated relationship between P uptake and petiole dry weight (R2 = 0.76). The Cate-Nelson analysis for this study allowed distinguishing two P fertility classes: Low and High, that is, 0–14.2 and 14.2 – 43.0 mg P kg-1 soil at the early potato stage and 0 –17.0 and 17.0– 42.0 mg P kg-1 soil at potato harvest time, respectively, for the Modified Morgan (MM) extractant method and 0–307.2 and 307.2–844.0 mg P kg-1 soil at the early potato stage and 0–334.0 and 334.0–845.0 mg P kg-1soil at potato harvest time, respectively, for the Mehlich3 (M3) extractant method. The highest robustness value (R2= 62.0%) was obtained at potato harvest for the Cate-Nelson analysis with the M3 extractant method. The DPS, using the logarithmic model, showed that desorbable P increased from 16 to 29%. Vegetation indices (VIs) and plant pigments were calculated at various time points and correlated with total potato yield and P uptake. Active sensors provided a poor prediction of total potato yields, adjusted R2 ranged ( 0.05 – 0.36 ) for Crop CircleTM and ranged (0.02 – 0.57) for a GreenSeekerTM, and P uptake, adjusted R2 ranged (0.07 – 0.62) for Crop CircleTM ranged (0.01 – 0.44) for a GreenSeekerTM. Passive sensors provided a good prediction of potato yield, with R2adj ranging between 0.44 – 0.63. Their predictive values increased dramatically throughout the season, with the highest R2adj of 0.63 for the relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), and chlorophyll green (CHLGR) and total potato yield at the first flight date (25 June), with a log-transformed response variable (log- transformed models). This study demonstrated multi-spectral imaging\u27s potential application by using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) to predict total potato yield at the early vegetative growth stage with high accuracy. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus (P) application rates and inoculation with arbuscular vascular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on tuber yield, specific gravity, petioles dry weight, phosphorus concentration, and uptake. None of the treatments affected any of the yield parameters. At the same time, soil test phosphorus (Modified Morgan and Mehlich 3) was significantly correlated with VAM fungi\u27s root colonization. It appears that the soils with high soil phosphorus test and soil pH higher than 6 was not benefited from being inoculated with additional mycorrhiza

    Comparative assessment of PV/Trombe wall performance: Compound influence of paraffin wax and reflective mirrors

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    Renewable energy, especially solar energy, is one of the more essential sources that provide part of the world's energy needs. Therefore, combining photovoltaic panels and a Trombe wall is one of the more comprehensive research topics. This system is called PVTWS.In this study, the performance of the PVTWS was investigated under Iraqi weather conditions by building an experimental model and studying the effect of cooling methods, reflective mirrors and phase change material. The finding demonstrated showed that the utilization of DC fans and a heat exchanger to cool the solar panel led to a decrease in its temperature and a reduction in energy loss, which increases the efficiency and wattage of the panel. In addition, the use of the phase change material helped cool the solar panel as a result of absorbing heat. It also works to improve the heating of the building during the afternoon, as it works to release heat into the space in which it is located. The use of reflective mirrors helped to increase solar radiation, which led to an increase in electrical energy. The highest electrical and thermal efficiency was recorded when using these different configurations together (10.42% and 78.59%), respectively

    Influence of steel, glass and hybrid fibres on the behaviour of reactive powder concrete

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    This study presents the results of an experimental investigation on the behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Reactive Powder Concrete (FR-RPC) under axial compression. The proportion of fibres by volume for all FR-RPC mixes was 1.5%. Steel fibres of 13 mm length and 0.2 mm diameter were used to prepare the Steel Fibre-Reinforced RPC (SFR-RPC). Glass fibres of 13 mm length and 1.3 mm diameter were used to prepare Glass Fibre-Reinforced RPC (GFR-RPC). Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced RPC (HFR-RPC) was prepared by mixing of 0.9% steel fibres and 0.6% glass fibres by volume. Non-Fibrous Reactive Powder Concrete (NF-RPC) was also prepared as a reference mix. Compressive strength and stress-strain behaviour of all RPC mixes were investigated. The experimental results showed that compressive strength and ductility of SFR-RPC were higher than the compressive strength and ductility of NF-RPC. The compressive strength of GFR-RPC and HFR-RPC was found to be marginally lower than the compressive strength of the NF-RPC, but the ductility was improved slightly

    Deep motor cortex cavernoma resection supported by navigational intraoperative monitoring: A case report

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    Introduction: Cavernomas are benign hamartomas of cerebral and spinal vessels, accounting for less than 1% of all arteriovenous malformations. In general, surgical resection is the treatment of choice for enlarging cavernomas or those associated with medically refractory seizures. Herein, we report a case of an enlarged deep precentral gyrus cavernoma, with a discussion of the surgical approach and the impact of intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring on the preservation of motor function. Case description: A 30-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to 2-month history of focal seizures. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed right precentral cavernoma with minimal right parietal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Revealed the location of the cavernoma deep in the right primary motor cortex. Surgery was performed, trans-sulcal dissection was done with the aid of intraoperative ultrasonography neuro-navigation. The cortical motor map was localized by functional mapping with intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring, including somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP). Post-operatively, the left side weakness grade was 4/5, and the Glasgow coma scale was 15. Postoperative imaging confirmed successful resection of the cavernoma and associated hemosiderin ring with no SAH. Conclusion: The use of preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasonography supplemented by neurophysiological monitoring utilizing SEP, MEP, and cortical mapping is essential for the safe resection of paracentral cavernomas

    The central sulcus

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    The central sulcus is an important anatomical landmark the location of most of the anatomical structures and cortical lesions are described by their relation to the central sulcus [9,19]. During direct observation of the cerebral cortex, it is not always easy to understand the cortical anatomy of the sulci and gyri due to the presence of arachnoid matter. Furthermore, there often is anatomical variation in this region [13]. Therefore, this paper presents the crucial methods for identifying the central sulcus's exact anatomical location as it is critical for the neurosurgical team and to discuss its surgical implications

    The central sulcus: Perioperative identification and surgical implication

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    The central sulcus is an important anatomical landmark the location of most of the anatomical structures and cortical lesions are described by their relation to the central sulcus [9,19]. During direct observation of the cerebral cortex, it is not always easy to understand the cortical anatomy of the sulci and gyri due to the presence of arachnoid matter. Furthermore, there often is anatomical variation in this region [13]. Therefore, this paper presents the crucial methods for identifying the central sulcus's exact anatomical location as it is critical for the neurosurgical team and to discuss its surgical implications

    Response surface methodology for optimizing methylene blue dye removal by mesoporous activated carbon derived from renewable woody <i>Bambusoideae</i> waste

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    In this study, the focus was on utilizing tropical plant biomass waste, specifically bamboo (BB), as a sustainable precursor for the production of activated carbon (BBAC) via pyrolysis-induced K2CO3 activation. The potential application of BBAC as an effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate key adsorption characteristics, which included BBAC dosage (A: 0.02–0.08 g/L), pH (B: 4–10), and time (C: 2–8 min). The adsorption isotherm analysis revealed that the adsorption of MB followed the Freundlich model. Moreover, the kinetic data were well-described by the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting the role of a chemisorption process. The BBAC demonstrated a notable MB adsorption capacity of 195.8 mg/g, highlighting its effectiveness as an adsorbent. Multiple mechanisms were identified as controlling factors in MB adsorption by BBAC, including electrostatic forces, π–π stacking, and H-bonding interactions. The findings of this study indicate that BBAC derived from bamboo has the potential to be a promising adsorbent for the treatment of wastewater containing organic dyes. The employment of sustainable precursors like bamboo for activated carbon production contributes to environmentally friendly waste management practices and offers a solution for the remediation of dye-contaminated wastewater. This works introduces a renewable and woody Bambusoideae waste as promising and low-cost precursor for producing mesoporous activated carbon via microwave assisted K2CO3 activation. The effectiveness of the prepared activated carbon was tested toward removal of a toxic cationic dye, namely; methylene blue from aqueous environment.</p

    Delayed intraoperative rupture of clipped aneurysm during the awaking from anaesthesia

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    Introduction. Intraoperative rupture (IOR) of an aneurysm is a frightful complication that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. IOR can be attributed to various parameters, including hypertension, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), fragility of the vessels, and inadequate anaesthesia. IOR due to insufficient anaesthesia is scarcely reported in the literature. Here, we describe a re-ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) after incomplete clipping of the neck during craniotomy closure due to unintended early wake-up from anaesthesia with a discussion about the management. Case description. A 38-year-old male suddenly developed a severe headache, a brief loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a subarachnoid haemorrhage in the basal cistern. CT angiography showed a bilobed right ACoA aneurysm with a wide neck and Murphy's teat. The patient was considered for surgery. Clipping of the aneurysm neck was done through two curved clips. During craniotomy closure, the patient started coughing and gagging then a huge IOR was encountered. These events can be mainly attributed to unintended inadequate anaesthesia, particularly muscle relaxants. The bleeding ceased after two suction catheters were inserted, temporary clips were applied, and the readjustment of permanent clips. After surgery, the patient showed a left-sided weakness. His postoperative CT scan showed a right distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory infarction. The weakness improved in the follow-up period. Conclusion. Delayed IOR due to early awaking from anaesthesia should be considered a potential source of complications and bad outcomes in aneurysm surgery
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