Float system and crucial points of the method for seedling production and crop cultivation with or without organic fertilization

Float system is a less-intensive and low-cost technology that enables efficient control of the nutrition of the growing plants. The findings of experiments carried out under float system in various crops with or without organic fertilization need to be reviewed. The importance of float system for growing plants without inorganic fertilization and chemical pesticide use needs also to be pointed out. Float system can enhance root development of growing plants and control the height of produced transplants. This can result in increased yields and improved transplant quality, not only in tobacco transplant production systems but also in the case of vegetable crops such as tomato or lettuce. In the case of crops like tobacco and for the success of float system alkalinity and oxygen content of the water in the nutrient solution and selection of the growing media are crucial. Regarding vegetable crops, the combination of float system and organic fertilization can enhance root development in tomato as compared to the combination and lettuce resulting in high-quality products. Several aromatic and medicinal plants, including basil and spearmint, provide high yields and good product quality in floating systems especially along with organic fertilization. Conclusively, float system is a major method for producing high quality products or transplants. Further investigation is needed regarding the combined effects of organic fertilization and float system on more crops and under different climatic conditions

Weed management in soybean with a special focus on the control of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus)

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is globally an important perennial weed. Infestations from this species lead to significant losses in yield and quality of crop production. A field study was conducted at Kopaida region in Greece, to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides for the weed management in soybean. The evaluation of the herbicides was based on the efficacy against purple nutsedge and the effect on soybean biomass production and crop seed yield. Treatments included an untreated control, two pre-emergence applications (with S-metolachlor and pendimethalin), as well as three post-emergence applications (with trifloxysulfuron, bentazone and pyrithiobac sodium). A single application of S-metolachlor maintained the density of purple nutsedge at 15 plants per m2 in soybean and allowed the crop to compete adequately with the weed. S-metolachlor also resulted in a seed yield of 3.26 tn ha-1 , a value 52% higher than the untreated control and 38–45% higher than the other herbicides. The results from this study demonstrated that a combination of high seed density in soybean and effective application of herbicides like S-metolachlor can lead to economically acceptable yields

A Library of Integrated Spectra of Galactic Globular Clusters

We present a new library of integrated spectra of 40 Galactic globular clusters, obtained with the Blanco 4-m telescope and the R-C spectrograph at the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. The spectra cover the range ~ 3350 -- 6430 A with ~ 3.1 A (FWHM) resolution. The spectroscopic observations and data reduction were designed to integrate the full projected area within the cluster core radii in order to properly sample the light from stars in all relevant evolutionary stages. The S/N values of the flux-calibrated spectra range from 50 to 240/A at 4000 A and from 125 to 500/A at 5000 A. The selected targets span a wide range of cluster parameters, including metallicity, horizontal-branch morphology, Galactic coordinates, Galactocentric distance, and concentration. The total sample is thus fairly representative of the entire Galactic globular cluster population and should be valuable for comparison with similar integrated spectra of unresolved stellar populations in remote systems. For most of the library clusters, our spectra can be coupled with deep color-magnitude diagrams and reliable metal abundances from the literature to enable the calibration of stellar population synthesis models. In this paper we present a detailed account of the observations and data reduction. The spectral library is publicly available in electronic format from the National Optical Astronomical Observatory website.Comment: 39 Pages, including 2 tables and 15 Figures. To appear in the Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Serie

Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) fodder yield and quality as affected by cutting frequency

Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is a well-adapted, fast-growing crop with competitive forage quality as its nutritive value for livestock fodder is similar to other grasses utilized as hay or ensiled feeds. Two field experiments were conducted from May to October 2017 in order to determine the effect of cutting frequency on yield and quality of teff (Eragrostis tef) as fodder crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The agronomic performance and nutritive value of teff was analyzed in order to define alternatives to local forages for animal feeding in the Mediterranean region. The experiments conducted at two sites (Western and Central Greece) were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replicates and three cutting frequencies (10, 20, 30 days’ interval between cuttings - F10, F20, and F30, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that the cutting interval has a marked effect on the fodder yield and quality. The highest total dry matter yield (6,322–6,778 kg ha-1) was found in F10 treatment. In terms of qualitative characteristics, the highest fat levels and lowest ADF levels was found in F30 treatment, the highest protein levels and the lowest NDF levels in F10 treatment, and the highest levels of fibrous substances, ADF and NDF, in F20 treatment. Data suggest that teff could be successfully integrated into Mediterannean grasslands with the prospect for improving their nutritional quality and the possibility for increasing protein yield through the application of frequent cuttings

Prognostic factors in oral cancer surgery - results from a UK tertiary centre

Introduction Oral cancer surgery is complicated by the diverse nature of clinical and histopathological presentations that occur. Current National guidance recognises the significant role that surgical margin status plays in the overall survival of patients. Many other histopathological factors influence patient survival, the importance of which varies between the literature. Materials and methods In this prospective longitudinal study, all patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma who had primary surgical treatment under general anaesthesia were included. Surgery was performed by one surgical team within this tertiary referral centre. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 7 years following their surgery. Results A total of 250 patients were included from 2015 to 2022. Patients were 61.44 years old (SD 13.23) at diagnosis, and 56.4% were male (n = 141). Pathology was mainly pT1 (39.1%) and the most common sites were the border of tongue (31.2%) and floor of mouth (18.8%). 43.4% of patients had clear surgical margins, with overall survival being significantly associated with margin status (p = 0.0079). Extra-capsular spread was significantly associated with higher risk of death from metastatic head and neck cancer (p = 0.014), whereas presence of high-grade dysplasia at surgical margins and depth of invasion of tumour were not. Conclusion This study has reinforced the importance of surgical margin clearance and as such the development of intra-operative techniques to ensure this is imperative. The significance of extra-capsular spread in survival has also been demonstrated. Discussion regarding the current deficiency in accurate pre-operative diagnostic methods for extra capsular spread is covered

Improving quality of life through the routine use of the Patient Concerns Inventory for head and neck cancer patients: a cluster preference randomized controlled trial

This trial is funded by the RfPB on behalf of the NIHR (PB-PG-0215-36047).Background: The consequences of treatment for Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients has profound detrimental impacts such as impaired QOL, emotional distress, delayed recovery and frequent use of healthcare. The aim of this trial is to determine if the routine use of the Patients Concerns Inventory (PCI) package in review clinics during the first year following treatment can improve overall quality of life, reduce the social-emotional impact of cancer and reduce levels of distress. Furthermore, we aim to describe the economic costs and benefits of using the PCI. Methods: This will be a cluster preference randomised control trial with consultants either ‘using’ or ‘not using’ the PCI package at clinic. It will involve two centres Leeds and Liverpool. 416 eligible patients from at least 10 consultant clusters are required to show a clinically meaningful difference in the primary outcome. The primary outcome is the percentage of participants with less than good overall quality of life at the final one-year clinic as measured by the University of Washington QOL questionnaire version 4 (UWQOLv4). Secondary outcomes at one-year are the mean social-emotional subscale (UWQOLv4) score, Distress Thermometer (DT) score ≥ 4, and key health economic measures (QALY-EQ-5D-5 L; CSRI). Discussion: This trial will provide knowledge on the effectiveness of a consultation intervention package based around the PCI used at routine follow-up clinics following treatment of head and neck cancer with curative intent. If this intervention is (cost) effective for patients, the next step will be to promote wider use of this approach as standard care in clinical practice. Trial registration: 32,382. Clinical Trials Identifier, NCT03086629. Protocol: Version 3.0, 1st July 2017.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Analysis of the Quiescent Low-Mass X-ray Binary Population in Galactic Globular Clusters

Quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries (qLMXBs) containing neutron stars have been identified in several globular clusters using Chandra or XMM X-ray observations, using their soft thermal spectra. We report a complete census of the qLMXB population in these clusters, identifying three additional probable qLMXBs in NGC 6440. We conduct several analyses of the qLMXB population, and compare it with the harder, primarily CV, population of low-luminosity X-ray sources with 10^31<L_X<10^32.5 ergs/s. The radial distribution of our qLMXB sample suggests an average system mass of 1.5^{+0.3}_{-0.2} Msun, consistent with a neutron star and low-mass companion. Spectral analysis reveals that no globular cluster qLMXBs, other than the transient in NGC 6440, require an additional hard power-law component as often observed in field qLMXBs. We identify an empirical lower luminosity limit of 10^32 ergs/s among globular cluster qLMXBs. The bolometric luminosity range of qLMXBs implies (in the deep crustal heating model of Brown and collaborators) low time-averaged mass transfer rates, below the disk stability criterion. The X-ray luminosity functions of the CV populations alone in NGC 6397 and 47 Tuc are shown to differ. The distribution of qLMXBs among globular clusters is consistent with their dynamical formation by either tidal capture or exchange encounters, allowing us to estimate that seven times more qLMXBs than bright LMXBs reside in globular clusters. The distribution of harder sources (primarily CVs) has a weaker dependence upon density than that of the qLMXBs. Finally, we discuss possible effects of core collapse and globular cluster destruction upon X-ray source populations.Comment: Submitted to ApJ. 22 pages, seven figure

Oral cancer awareness amongst hospital nursing staff: a pilot study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Oral cancer is as prevalent as cervical and testicular cancer in the United Kingdom. Nursing staff provide the oral health care for the patient population in hospital. Admission to hospital provides a 'window of opportunity' for oral cancer 'screening' via an oral health check during nursing clerking. This study aimed to investigate whether nursing staff are aware of risk factors for oral cancer, its clinical signs, and could therefore provide a 'screening' service for oral cancer.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Through the use of a questionnaire we assessed 121 nursing staff on oral health check behaviour and attitudes; their knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer; their understanding of common clinical signs of oral cancer; and their undergraduate and postgraduate training in oral health and oral cancer.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over 80% thought oral health checks were important although only 49% performed this task regularly; approximately 70% identified smoking as a risk factor but less than 30% identified alcohol. Awareness of the clinical signs of oral cancer was low with 21% identifying white patches, 15% identifying ulceration and only 2% identifying red patches despite their malignant potential. Nurses within 3 years of qualification were significantly better at recognising risk factors for oral cancer than their colleagues, identifying a need for continuing postgraduate education on oral health and oral cancer. Sixty-one percent of nursing staff received oral healthcare as an undergraduate with 34 percent receiving postgraduate training.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>An oral health check upon admission to hospital provides an opportunity for nurses to 'screen' for oral diseases including oral cancer and allows nurses a greater role in total patient care. Nurses' awareness of oral cancer risk factors and clinical signs was, however, poor. This study highlights a need for improved education of nurses on oral cancer to make the oral health check on admission viable for oral cancer screening.</p

On the age and mass function of the globular cluster M4: a different interpretation of recent deep HST observations

Very deep images of the Galactic globular cluster M4 (NGC 6121) through the F606W and F814W filters were taken in 2001 with the WFPC2 on board the HST. A first published analysis of this data set (Richer et al. 2002) produced the result that the age of M4 is 12.7 +/- 0.7 Gyr (Hansen et al. 2002), thus setting a robust lower limit to the age of the universe. In view of the great astronomical importance of getting this number right, we have subjected the same data set to the simplest possible photometric analysis that completely avoids uncertain assumptions about the origin of the detected sources. This analysis clearly reveals both a thin main sequence, from which can be deduced the deepest statistically complete mass function yet determined for a globular cluster, and a white dwarf (WD) sequence extending all the way down to the 5 sigma detection limit at I~27. The WD sequence is abruptly terminated at exactly this limit as expected by detection statistics. Using our most recent theoretical WD models (Prada Moroni & Straniero 2002) to obtain the expected WD sequence for different ages in the observed bandpasses, we find that the data so far obtained do not reach the peak of the WD luminosity function, thence only allowing one to set a lower limit to the age of M4 of ~9 Gyr. Thus, the problem of determining the absolute age of a globular cluster and, therefore, the onset of GC formation with cosmologically significant accuracy remains completely open. Only observations several magnitudes deeper than the limit obtained so far would allow one to approach this objective.Comment: 16 pages, 15 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Patients’ experience of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and their perspective on the EORTC QLQC30 and QLQ-H&amp;N35 questionnaires: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its associated treatments may affect all aspects of patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 is regularly administered to patients with HNSCC, there is a paucity of studies re-assessing the conceptual relevance of this patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure from a patient perspective. Furthermore, the content validity of the EORTC QLQ-C30 has not been widely documented in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC. The objectives of this study were to understand patients’ experiences of recurrent/metastatic HNSCC and its treatments, and to evaluate the conceptual relevance and acceptability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 from a patient perspective for use in clinical trials. Methods A literature review and clinician interviews were conducted to inform in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews with US patients who had received treatment for recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC in the preceding 12 months. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti v7; patient quotes were coded to identify concepts and themes to develop a conceptual model of HNSCC experience. Results Fourteen patients were interviewed (71% male, aged 35–84 years). Patients reported few symptoms pre-diagnosis including neck lump/swelling (n = 7/14, 50%) and/or difficulty swallowing (n = 3/14, 21%). Treatments generally comprised surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. A number of side effects from all treatments were reported. Numbness, difficulty speaking and pain were the most reported side effects of surgery (n = 4/8, 50%); weight loss and fatigue were the most reported side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (n = 8/13, 61%). All side effects negatively impacted patients’ HRQoL. Patients generally found the QLQ-C30 and QLQ H&N35 content to be understandable and conceptually relevant; excessive mucous production and neuropathic symptoms were among the suggested additions. Conclusions HNSCC and its diverse symptoms and treatments have a negative impact on many aspects of patients’ lives. A number of reported symptoms including difficulty speaking and swallowing, localised pain and fatigue may be important for treatment benefit evaluation in clinical trials from a patient perspective. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 are generally relevant and suitable for use in clinical trials. However, some items could be amended/added to ensure conceptual comprehensiveness of these measures