Innovative strategic planning for a sustainable green university: University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

University of Ruhuna (UOR) consists of ten faculties thatspread over 366 acres in six different locations in the Southern Province ofSri Lanka. Economically viable and mutually benefited public-privatepartnerships, which ensure the common direction for the different goalsof stakeholders, are the principles of strategic green planning of theUniversity. This paper presents two key sustainable initiatives of UOR. Theproposed strategic landscaping project has been focused to utilize theopen space which accounts for 60-70% of the total land area. The totalopen space will be divided into manageable zones based on geographicalcharacteristics. Private sponsorships will be sought to cover the initialcapital and maintenance cost, allowing sponsors to do selectedpromotional activities within their zones. The second project is theestablishment of a sustainable, modern agribusiness venture. Thirty acresof land will be rented out for a private company and the company has toshare the profit with the University. University will provide consultationand technical support to the project. Cultivation of Cinnamon, Pepper andother unique spicy crops, production of organic fertilizer and bio char,protected agriculture project, Cinnamon oil extraction plant and solarpower project are the key components of this initiativeKeyword: Green university, Public-private partnerships, Strategic planning,Sustainabl

Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation-by-Distance Driven Population Divergence of Oryza rufipogon in Sri Lanka

Wild relatives of rice are an important genetic resources in rice breeding. Oryza rufipogon is a diploid perennial species belongs to AA genome group and sexually compatible with cultivated rice. The putative ancestor of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) is endangered in Sri Lanka due to habitat loss and land fragmentation. However, no proper studies have been performed on population diversity and habitat fragmentation of the Sri Lankan wild rice species used in our breeding programs. In this study, we explore the genetic diversity of five Oryza rufipogon populations using 33 microsatellite loci to infer the effects of habitat fragmentation and isolation by-distance (IBD) on genetic structure. Results of AMOVA revealed among population variance (43.7%) and within population (56.31%) variance. Partial Mantel tests (r2=0.306; p value=0.027) showed that population divergence of Sri Lankan O. rufipogon based on isolation by distance was statistically significant. Genetic diversity of O. rufipogon was recorded at population level (0.41) and the individual level (0.62). Preferred habitats of O. rufipogon are swampy areas like marshes, open ditches, swamps, ponds, pools, along river banks, at the edges of lakes and in or at the margins of rice fields. Some populations grow under submergence and saline conditions. The water depth preferences are between 0.2-4.0 m. As a result of human activities such as agriculture, urbanization and industry have destroyed natural habitats, leading to increasing habitat fragmentation. Conclusively, these results indicate that IBD due to historical rather than recent fragmentation, followed by local adaptation, has driven population divergence in O. rufipogon. Understanding genetic diversity and eco-geographic variation of wild rice in Sri Lanka is timely requirement it provides opportunities to design conservation strategies and basic information for proper utilization of wild genetic resources in rice genetic improvement and breeding.Keywords: Crop improvement, Habitat, Mantel test, Genetic structure, Wild ric

Spectral Signatures of Immature \u3cem\u3eLucilia sericata\u3c/em\u3e (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Hyperspectral remote sensing is an innovative technology with applications in many sciences and is a non-destructive method that may offer more precise aging within development stages. Hyperspectral reflectance measurements from the anterior, midsection, and posterior of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) larvae and pupae were conducted daily from samples of the developing insects beginning at second instar. Only midsection measurements were conducted on second instar larvae due to their size, to ensure that the measurement was not of reflective surroundings. Once measured, all insects were washed with deionized water, blotted with filter paper, and re-measured. Daily age prediction during the post-feeding stage was not impacted by the unwashed insect measurements and was best predicted based on posterior measurements. The second and third instar larvae, which move about their food source, had different contributing coefficients to the functional regression model for the hyperspectral measurements of the washed compared with unwashed specimens. Although washing did not affect the daily prediction within these stages, it is still encouraged in order to decrease the effect of food source on spectral reflectance. Days within the intra-puparial period were best predicted based on anterior measurements and were not well distinguished from one another in the first few days based on midsection and posterior measurements

Hyperspectral measurements of immature \u3cem\u3eLucilia sericata\u3c/em\u3e (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) raised on different food substrates

Immature Lucilia sericata (Meigen) raised on beef liver, beef heart, pork liver and pork heart at a mean temperature of 20.6°C took a minimum of 20 days to complete development. Minimum development time differences within stages were observed between the meat types (pork/beef), but not the organ types (liver/heart). Daily hyperspectral measurements were conducted and a functional regression was completed to examine the main effects of meat and organ type on daily spectral measurements. The model examined post feeding larval spectral measurements of insects raised on beef liver alone, the effect of those raised on pork compared with those raised on beef, the effect of those raised on heart compared with those raised on liver and the interactional effect of those raised on pork heart compared with those raised on beef liver. The analyses indicated that the spectral measurements of post feeding L. sericata raised on pork and beef organs (liver and heart) are affected by the meat and organ type

Comparison of Competitive Ability of Cultivated Rice and Weedy Rice with Existing Weeds at Seedling Stage

Weeds are the most important biological restraint in rice ecosystems which cause to reduceyield quantitatively and qualitatively. Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L. f. spontanea) is one of themost widespread and problematic weed, cause high yield losses when co-occurs with ricecrop. Weedy rice is taxonomically classified as the same species as cultivated rice (O. sativa),but is strongly characterized by its seed shattering and dormancy, which assist to successfullycompete with rice crop and other weeds.The competition between crops and weeds is often affected by many factors, includingcultivation methods and type of crop. The control of weedy rice has been difficult due to itsmorphological similarity to cultivated rice. Therefore the possible approach is use of preeminent characters for rice crop improvement in breeding programs. This study was carriedout in an experimental garden to evaluate the weed-crop competition under differentcultivation conditions at seedling stage. Weedy rice and improved rice (variety At 362) wereused under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. 14-day old riceseedlings were used for transplanting plots.The eight patterns of planting methods (T1-Improved rice transplanted with weeds, T2-Improved rice transplanted without weeds, T3-Improved rice direct seeded with weeds, T4-Improved rice direct seeded without weeds, T5-Weedy rice transplanted with weeds, T6-Weedy rice transplanted without weeds, T7-Weedy rice direct seeded with weeds, T8-Weedyrice direct seeded without weeds.) were used as treatments. Plant height and number of tillerswere measured at seedling stage.The results of ANOVA revealed that the planting pattern, block effect and their interactionwere significantly (p<0.05) affected to both tested characters. The significantly (p<0.05)highest plant height (90.083±12.32501 cm) and tiller number (3.7083±1.428869) wereobserved in T6 (weedy rice transplanted plot without weeds) while lowest plant height (55.88cm) and tiller number (2.083) observed in T3 (improved rice direct seeded plot with weeds).All planting models, Weedy rice showed the higher performances compared to that ofimproved rice and both had poor performances at direct seeded field. The results suggest thatweedy rice perform successfully with infestation of weeds in transplanted fields because ofits enhanced competitive ability.

Venous thromboembolism after penetrating femoral and popliteal artery injuries: an opportunity for increased prevention

Background: Trauma patients with penetrating vascular injuries have a higher rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The objective of this study was to determine the risk of VTE formation in penetrating femoral and popliteal vascular injuries and the effects of endovascular management of these injuries. Methods: A retrospective study of Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study registry was conducted during a 5-year period (2013-2017). All adult patients with a penetrating mechanism with femoral/popliteal vascular injuries were studied. Primary outcome was incidence of VTE in patients with isolated arterial injuries versus combined arterial/venous injuries. Secondary endpoints were intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and mortality. Statistical comparisons were accomplished using Fisher\u27s exact tests, and parametric two-sample t-tests or non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: Of the 865 patients with penetrating extremity vascular injuries, 207 had femoral or popliteal artery injuries. Patients with isolated arterial injuries (n=131) had a significantly lower deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rate compared with those with concurrent venous injuries (n=76) (3.1% vs. 13.2%, p=0.008). There were 14 patients in the study who developed DVTs. Among the four patients with isolated femoral or popliteal arterial injuries who had developed DVTs, three had an open repair. Among patients with isolated arterial injuries, those with DVT spend significantly more time on the ventilator (median=2 vs. 0, p=0.0020) compared with patients without DVT. Patients with DVT also had longer stay in the hospital (median=17.5 vs. 8, p=0.0664) and in the ICU (median=3 vs. 1, p=0.0585). Conclusions: Risk of DVT exists in patients with penetrating isolated femoral and popliteal artery trauma. Open repair was associated with significantly higher DVT rates in isolated arterial injuries. Level of evidence: Level IV therapeutic care/management

EVALUATION OF BROWN PLANTHOPPER Nilaparvata lugens (stal) RESISTANCE IN Oryza nivara WILD RICE ACCESSIONS FOUND IN SRI LANKA

Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stal is one of the most serious rice pests in Sri Lanka. The study evaluated the nature of BPH resistance in seventeen O. nivara (WRAC 01, 02, 04, 07, 11, 12, 14, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 35, 41, 46, 62, and 9864) accessions collected from different locations in Sri Lanka using standard seed box screening test. Ptb 33(resistant), Bg 379/2, Bg 300(moderately resistant) and Bg 380 (susceptible) were used as check varieties. BPH culture maintained at the Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda on Bg 380 was used for the test. BPH damage was scored (0-to-9 scale) according to the standard evaluation system for rice, developed by International Rice Research Institute. According to the results WRAC 04, 41, 25 and Ptb 33 recorded as resistant (score 0-3), WRAC 46, 35, 24, 22, 21, 14, 7, 2,1, 9864 and Bg 379/2 as resistant to moderately resistant (score 3.1-4.0), WRAC 11, 12 and Bg 300 as moderately resistant (score 4.1-5.0), WRAC 19 and 62 as moderately resistant to moderately susceptible (score 5.1-6.0), while no checked accessions were recorded as susceptible to the BPH indicating potential of using  Oryza nivara as a source of BPH resistance

Geriatric Trauma Triage: Optimizing Systems for Older Adults-a Publication of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Geriatric Trauma Committee

BACKGROUND: Geriatric trauma patients are an increasing population of the United States (US), sustaining a high incidence of falls, and suffer greater morbidity and mortality to their younger counterparts. Significant variation and challenges exist to optimize outcomes for this cohort, while being mindful of available resources. This manuscript provides concise summary of locoregional and national practices, including relevant updates in the triage of geriatric trauma in an effort to synthesize the results and provide guidance for further investigation. METHODS: We conducted a review of geriatric triage in the United States (US) at multiple stages in the care of the older patient, evaluating existing literature and guidelines. Opportunities for improvement or standardization were identified. RESULTS: Opportunities for improved geriatric trauma triage exist in the pre-hospital setting, in the trauma bay, and continue after admission. They may include physiologic criteria, biochemical markers, radiologic criteria and even age. Recent Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Best Practices Guidelines for Geriatric Trauma Management published in 2024 support these findings. CONCLUSION: Trauma systems must adjust to provide optimal care for older adults. Further investigation is required to provide pertinent guidance

Role of osmoprotectants and soil amendments for sustainable soybean (Glycine max L.) production under drought condition: A review

Water stress has a significant effect on yield and quality of soybean through negatively influencing seedling establishment, growth, phenology and finally yield of soybean. The enhancement of soybean productivity and quality against water stress, application of proline, glycine betaine and soil application of compost play a vital role for improving the physiological processes. The current review highlights the physiological responses of soybean during various growth stages under water stress. Additionally, the review evaluates the mitigation mechanism of the adverse of water deficit stress on soybean through exogenous application of osmoprotectants as well as soil application of organic amendments. The study also tried to summarize the current understandings of exogenous application of osmoprotectants such asproline and glycine betaine, and soil amendments that could be used to minimize the harmful effect of water stress on seed yield and quality of soybean

Global wild rice germplasm resources conservation alliance: World Wild-Rice Wiring

Comment Wild relatives of crop are key genetic resources serving as diversity reservoirs for crop improvement under changing environments. Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important crops in the world, providing staple food for half of the world’s population. Wild rice is thus a critical germplasm resource for sustained global food security, ensuring high production yields, improved quality, and stress resistance in the face of climate change. Wild rice is closely related to domesticated rice and has a rich genetic diversity and exceptional adaptability to extreme environments. It has played a pivotal role in the history of rice hybridization and has become a key resource for rice breeding programs. The identification of wild-type cytoplasmic male sterility resources paved the way for the achievement of the ‘‘three lines’’ goal in hybrid rice, leading to a significant increase in rice yields. In addition, the use of resistance alleles found in wild rice is making rice production more resilient to losses caused by environmental stresses. However, wild rice germplasm resources are threatened due to habitat destruction and other anthropogenic factors. At the same time, the lack of centralized distribution of wild rice has hampered the sharing of basic information on wild rice resources and the utilization and conservation of wild rice in each country, as well as collaboration among scientists