Pivotal impact of sources and rates of nitrogen fertilizers on yield, nitrogen use efficiency in bread wheat cultivars

Wheat is considered as one of the main agricultural cereals worldwide, used in human and animal feed. The goal of this research was to investigate the pivotal impact of using different sources and rates of nitrogen fertilizer on the productivity of wheat cultivars in two growing seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 to find out alternatives for wheat farmers. A strip-split plot experimental design was used with three rates of nitrogen fertilization (119, 166 and 240 kg ha-1), three nitrogen sources (ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea) and three wheat cultivars (Giza 168, Sakha 93 and Sakha 94). A number of variables such as number of grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, number of spikes m-2, grain yield, harvest index, percentage of apparent recovery N of fertilizer and agronomic NUE were assessed. Results showed that Sakha 94 was superior than Giza168 and Sakha 93 in all yield-related traits. N fertilizer rate had a more consistent effect on yield-related traits. Applied 240 kg N ha-1 resulted in increased number of grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight as well as number of spikes m-2 in both seasons furthermore grain yield and harvest index, % apparent recovery N of fertilizer and agronomic NUE declined with increment of N rates. The application of sources of N fertilizer seems to play a pivotal role. Application of ammonium sulphate resulted in positive impact on all traits than other sources of nitrogen. It was concluded that grain yield enhanced by Sakha94 cultivar with 240 kg N ha-1 of ammonium sulphate

Filtered and semi-continuous single epoch GPS for deformation monitoring

Multipath is a major sidereally-repeating error affecting GPS. The repetition of satellite-receiver geometry approximately every sidereal day enables filtering to minimize multipath. Computing the exact error repeat interval using the day-to-day autocorrelation with a 10-hour window yields a consistent and steady value of 23h 55m 54s. A 2-hour window gives fluctuating lag values with >97% of the optimal lag's correlation, suggesting little advantage in using a satellite-specific or timevarying lag in double-difference processing. GPS data are filtered by stacking at the optimum lag, and applying, either coordinate residuals ("coordinate filtering"), or double-difference carrier phase residuals ("observation filtering"). Coordinate filtering yields better coordinate repeatability than observation filtering, but with similar hour-to-hour consistency. The variance reduction in a high multipath environment over a 24-hour dataset reaches 73%, using a 3-day coordinate-filter in a high multipath enviromnent. However, observation filtering requires less processing time to generate and apply the filter. As the time gap betweent he days generatingth e filter and the applied day increases, the variance reduction worsens gradually, reaching zero at a gap of -30 days. The optimal variance reduction (61% in a low multipath environment) is achieved by stacking seven days immediately before the applied day, but a stack of 3-9 days is acceptable. A switched-antenna array system may be adopted instead of continuous GPS for cost minimization. According to the used receivers' hardware, the optimum session interval to use is 119 seconds, which provides sufficient usable epochs per switch interval and is synchronized with the "sidereal" lag. Semi-continuous sidereallyfiltered GPS is efficient in detecting horizontal and vertical deformations in nearstatic enviromnents with high multipath to the millimetre level. In addition, the precision of the deforming stations improved, reaching to a precision better than 5 mm and 8 mm in the horizontal and vertical plane respectively. Hence, this provides the capability of monitoring slow moving deformations using a quick, cost-effective and precise GPS technique.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceUniversities UKGBUnited Kingdo

Pedigree selection in two Egyptian cotton crosses for some traits

One cycle of direct Pedigree selection was performed with selection intensity 5 % to improve productivity with accepTable fiber quality of the two Egyptian cotton ( G. barbadense L.) cross combinations. Comparing mean performance of F2 with those of F3 generation revealed increased mean values for all traits with advanced generations from F2 to F3, indicating accumulation of increasing alleles. The phenotypic variance for all traits was highly significant through F2 and F3 generations. Heritability estimates in broad sense improved considerably for all traits from F2 to advanced F3 generations. The genotypic correlation between three earliness characters was highly significant negative with most yield traits in F2 pop. I. While genotypic correlation between the previous earliness traits with yield traits in F3 generation was positively non-significant except for lint percentage that was highly significant positive. Genotypic correlation was highly significant positive among most yield and yield component traits in both generations, which helps pedigree selection to achieve high fast genetic advance. The data of the genotypic correlation among studied characters in F2 and F3 generations in population II showed highly significant negative genotypic correlation between earliness traits in F2 generation, changed to highly significant positive in F3 generation after applying pedigree selection. The genotypic correlation between most yield characters and fiber properties showed highly significant positive correlation in population II in both generations. The superior ten families in F3 generation in both populations ranked on high yield, yield components and fiber quality showed higher means than that of F2, F3, better parent and check in most yield character

Pedigree selection in two Egyptian cotton crosses for some traits

One cycle of direct Pedigree selection was performed with selection intensity 5 % to improve productivity with accepTable fiber quality of the two Egyptian cotton ( G. barbadense L.) cross combinations. Comparing mean performance of F2 with those of F3 generation revealed increased mean values for all traits with advanced generations from F2 to F3, indicating accumulation of increasing alleles. The phenotypic variance for all traits was highly significant through F2 and F3 generations. Heritability estimates in broad sense improved considerably for all traits from F2 to advanced F3 generations. The genotypic correlation between three earliness characters was highly significant negative with most yield traits in F2 pop. I. While genotypic correlation between the previous earliness traits with yield traits in F3 generation was positively non-significant except for lint percentage that was highly significant positive. Genotypic correlation was highly significant positive among most yield and yield component traits in both generations, which helps pedigree selection to achieve high fast genetic advance. The data of the genotypic correlation among studied characters in F2 and F3 generations in population II showed highly significant negative genotypic correlation between earliness traits in F2 generation, changed to highly significant positive in F3 generation after applying pedigree selection. The genotypic correlation between most yield characters and fiber properties showed highly significant positive correlation in population II in both generations. The superior ten families in F3 generation in both populations ranked on high yield, yield components and fiber quality showed higher means than that of F2, F3, better parent and check in most yield character

Assessment of the competence in electrocardiographic interpretation among Arabic resident doctors at the emergency medicine and internal medicine departments: A multi-center online cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the electrocardiographic interpretation abilities of resident doctors at internal medicine and emergency medicine departments in eight Arabic countries.MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted between October 7, 2022 and October 21, 2022 in eight Arabic countries. The questionnaire consisted of two main sections: the first section included sociodemographic information, while the second section contained 12 clinical case questions of the most severe cardiac abnormalities with their electrocardiography (ECG) recordings.ResultsOut of 2,509 responses, 630 were eligible for the data analysis. More than half of the participants were males (52.4%). Internal medicine residents were (n = 530, 84.1%), whereas emergency medicine residents were (n = 100, 15.9%). Almost participants were in their first or second years of residency (79.8%). Only 36.2% of the inquired resident doctors had attended an ECG course. Most participants, 85.6%, recognized the ECG wave order correctly, and 50.5% of the participants scored above 7.5/10 on the ECG interpretation scale. The proportions of participants who were properly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, third-degree heart block, and atrial tachycardia were 71.1, 76.7, and 56.6%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was defined between the internal and emergency medicine residents regarding their knowledge of ECG interpretation (p value = 0.42). However, there was a significant correlation between ECG interpretation and medical residency year (p value < 0.001); the fourth-year resident doctors had the highest scores (mean = 9.24, SD = 1.6). As well, participants in the third and second years of postgraduate medical residency have a probability of adequate knowledge of ECG interpretation more than participants in the first year of residency (OR = 2.1, p value = 0.001) and (OR = 1.88, p value = 0.002), respectively.ConclusionAccording to our research findings, resident doctors in departments of internal medicine and emergency medicine in Arabic nations have adequate ECG interpretation abilities; nevertheless, additional development is required to avoid misconceptions about critical cardiac conditions

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Foliar-Applied Potassium Silicate Coupled with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Improves Growth, Physiology, Nutrient Uptake and Productivity of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Irrigated with Saline Water in Salt-Affected Soil

The continuity of traditional planting systems in the last few decades has encountered its most significant challenge in the harsh changes in the global climate, leading to frustration in the plant growth and productivity, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions cultivated with moderate or sensitive crops to abiotic stresses. Faba bean, like most legume crops, is considered a moderately sensitive crop to saline soil and/or saline water. In this connection, a field experiment was conducted during the successive winter seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 in a salt-affected soil to explore the combined effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and potassium (K) silicate on maintaining the soil quality, performance, and productivity of faba bean plants irrigated with either fresh water or saline water. Our findings indicated that the coupled use of PGPR and K silicate under the saline water irrigation treatment had the capability to reduce the levels of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the soil and to promote the activity of some soil enzymes (urease and dehydrogenase), which recorded nearly non-significant differences compared with fresh water (control) treatment, leading to reinstating the soil quality. Consequently, under salinity stress, the combined application motivated the faba bean vegetative growth, e.g., root length and nodulation, which reinstated the K+/Na+ ions homeostasis, leading to the lessening or equalizing of the activity level of enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, POD, and SOD) compared with the controls of both saline water and fresh water treatments, respectively. Although the irrigation with saline water significantly increased the osmolytes concentration (free amino acids and proline) in faba bean plants compared with fresh water treatment, application of PGPR or K-silicate notably reduced the osmolyte levels below the control treatment, either under stress or non-stress conditions. On the contrary, the concentrations of soluble assimilates (total soluble proteins and total soluble sugars) recorded pronounced increases under tested treatments, which enriched the plant growth, the nutrients (N, P, and K) uptake and translocation to the sink organs, which lastly improved the yield attributes (number of pods plant−1, number of seeds pod−1, 100-seed weight). It was concluded that the combined application of PGPR and K-silicate is considered a profitable strategy that is able to alleviate the harmful impact of salt stress alongside increasing plant growth and productivity

Synergistic Effect of Biochar and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Alleviation of Water Deficit in Rice Plants under Salt-Affected Soil

Environmental stressors negatively affect crop growth and yield. Limited information is available about the synergistic use of biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar in combination with PGPR (Pseudomonas koreensis and Bacillus coagulans) for alleviating water deficit and saline soil in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Two growing seasons, 2017 and 2018, were examined using twelve combinations of three irrigation intervals every 6 days (I1), 8 days (I2), and 10 days (I3) and four soil treatments (control, PGPR, biochar, and combination of PGPR + biochar) in salt-affected soil. The findings exhibited that synergistic use of biochar and PGPR alleviated the negative effect of these stressors. The integrative use of biochar and PGPR caused an increment in soil moisture content and physicochemical properties. Significant increasing in chlorophyll content, relative water content, stomatal conductance, K+ and K+/Na+ contents occurred with decreasing proline content and Na+ content, which confirmed the efficacy of this approach. As a result, the highest yield and its related traits were attained when biochar and PGPR were added together under irrigation interval I1, which was on par with I2. We concluded that increased nutrients uptake (N, P, and K) were the cause of the superior rice productivity resulting from co-PGPR biochar. Synergistic use of biochar and PGPR could be an effective strategy for improving plant growth and productivity under stressors