Precision Agriculture Technology Development and Utilization for Hay Production

Mass flow sensor algorithms were developed for a hay yield monitoring system using ultrasonic sensors to measure windrow height. The algorithms indicated accuracies of 17.34% to 9.51%, with a wide tolerance to mounting positions. The developed mass flow algorithms were used in a nitrogen rate strip test on a 25 ac irrigated Tifton 85 bermudagrass field. Results suggested that yield, crude protein content and profit was maximized with the highest nitrogen rate only during the first harvest of 2017. All other harvest suggested a lower rate of nitrogen should be applied in order to maximize profit. A second method of measuring hay yield was also developed and tested utilizing sensors mounted to spring-loaded bale ramps on round balers. Results from bench tests indicated a gyroscope was the most accurate sensor when mounted directly in front of the ramp pivot

Inflammatory and mental health sequelae of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant negative consequences to mental health. Increased inflammatory factors and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as cognitive impairment (“brain fog”), depression, and anxiety are associated with long COVID [post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), termed neuro-PASC]. The present study sought to examine the role of inflammatory factors as predictors of neuropsychiatric symptom severity in the context of COVID-19. Adults (n = 52) who tested negative or positive for COVID-19 were asked to complete self-report questionnaires and to provide blood samples for multiplex immunoassays. Participants who tested negative for COVID-19 were assessed at baseline and at a follow-up study visit (∼4 weeks later). Individuals without COVID-19 reported significantly lower PHQ-4 scores at the follow-up visit, as compared to baseline (p = 0.03; 95% CI-1.67 to −0.084). Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced neuro-PASC had PHQ-4 scores in the moderate range. The majority of people with neuro-PASC reported experiencing brain fog (70% vs. 30%). Those with more severe COVID-19 had significantly higher PHQ-4 scores, as compared to those with mild disease (p = 0.008; 95% CI 1.32 to 7.97). Changes in neuropsychiatric symptom severity were accompanied by alterations in immune factors, particularly monokine induced by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (MIG, a. k.a. CXCL9). These findings add to the growing evidence supporting the usefulness of circulating MIG levels as a biomarker reflecting IFN-γ production, which is important because individuals with neuro-PASC have elevated IFN-γ responses to internal SARS-CoV-2 proteins

Economists and Lawyers Roundtable

This three-day workshop brought together prominent practitioners, academics and enforcement officials to discuss the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. The workshop explored state-of-the-art application of the Guidelines by those with the most experience using them. In preparation for this workshop, the Agencies released data associated with their enforcement efforts

Economists and Lawyers Roundtable

This three-day workshop brought together prominent practitioners, academics and enforcement officials to discuss the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. The workshop explored state-of-the-art application of the Guidelines by those with the most experience using them. In preparation for this workshop, the Agencies released data associated with their enforcement efforts