Characterization of microclimate and turbulent fluxes at a Mediterranean kiwi orchard covered with hail-protection net

Screens and covers are increasingly used to protect crops from pests and extreme meteorological events. Their use affects plant microclimate and physiological responses as well, but this is only partly understood, particularly when considering the interaction among the cover and the training system. This study focuses on the microclimatic effects of the use of a hail protection net and an horizontal (pergola) kiwifruit canopy. The system splits the orchard environment in three distinct layers, determining a shaded understory, a space comprised between the canopy and the net, and the atmosphere above the net. To accent the effects, we considered a high-water demanding crop-kiwifruit, in an environment characterized by high evaporative demand (Bernalda, southern Italy).Three full eddy covariance and radiative balance equipment were used to assess fluxes (carbon dioxide, water vapor, and sensible heat) in the three layers and monitor meteorological variables (air temperature and relative humidity, wind, upward and downward short and long wave radiation, carbon dioxide and water vapor concentrations). Data from a typical clear-sky summer day are considered in this paper.While the net strongly reduced wind speed, it had a modest impact on all other variables. Conversely, the tick canopy layer had a major impact on all variables, determining a highly shaded, cooler and more humid understory, with very light wind. Nevertheless, the combination of high relative humidity and presence of the net was able to reduce the net loss of longwave radiation from the canopy during night, mitigating its cooling under these conditions.The reduction in wind speed and the increase in incoming longwave radiation around the crop, observed at night time, indicate potential valuable mechanisms that may be exploited to decrease water needs and prevent late frosts in the context of climate change, where extreme climatic events are more frequent and crop water requirements continue to increase

Análise quantitativa de crescimento do pinhão manso: efeitos combinados de um sistema de fornecimento de micronutrientes e NPK

Studies approaching jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) growth through quantitative analysis parameters are limited, especially regarding the response to different fertilizer types and doses. In order to investigate the effects of a micronutrient delivery system (MDS) fertilizer, a full quantitative analysis of growth in jatropha young plants was performed, comparing this system effectiveness under different NPK doses. Plants were grown in 3.9 L pots containing local soil, with or without MDS (main plot), combined with NPK doses (0; 1.8; 4.7 and 7.4 g L-1) in subplots. Dose-response curves of quantitative analysis variables were generated for three periods of time (40, 80 and 120 days after sown) as a sub-subplot. Quantitative analysis of growth showed that most parameters evaluated in this study were improved by MDS application, resulting in benefits for jatropha initial development, regardless of NPK doses. Even without NPK supplementation or under the lowest dose evaluated (1.8 g L-1), MDS provided better growth of J. curcas plants, being usually equivalent to the highest doses of NPK (4.7 and 7.4 g L-1) without MDS. The effective response of jatropha young plants to MDS supplementation indicates that this kind of fertilizer played a relevant role in the species metabolism, resulting in faster growth and enhanced biomass allocation.Estudos abordando o desenvolvimento do pinhão manso (Jatropha curcas L.) através de análises de  parâmetros quantitativos são limitados, especialmente em relação à resposta a diferentes tipos e doses de fertilizantes. Para investigar os efeitos de um sistema de fornecimento de micronutrientes (MDS), realizou-se uma análise quantitativa completa do crescimento de plantas jovens de pinhão manso comparando a eficácia deste sistema sob diferentes doses de NPK. As plantas foram cultivadas por 120 dias em potes de 3,9 L contendo solo local, com ou sem MDS (parcela principal), combinado com doses de NPK (0; 1,8; 4,7 e 7,4 g L-1) nas subparcelas. Curvas dose-resposta das análises quantitativas das variáveis foram geradas para três períodos (40, 80 e 120 dias após semeadura), como uma subsubparcela. As análises quantitativas de crescimento mostraram que a maioria dos parâmetros avaliados neste estudo foi melhorada pela aplicação do MDS, resultando em benefícios para o crescimento inicial do pinhão-manso, independemente da dose de NPK. Mesmo sem suplementação de NPK ou sob a dose mais baixa avaliada (1,8 g L-1), o MDS proporcionoumelhor crescimento do pinhão manso, sendo geralmente equivalente às maiores doses de NPK (4,7 e 7,4 g L-1) sem MDS. A resposta efetiva das plantas jovens do pinhão manso à suplementação com MDS indica que este tipo de fertilizante desempenhou um papel relevante no metabolismo desta espécie, resultando em um crescimento mais rápido e melhor alocação de biomassa

Eficácia de um sistema de fornecimento de micronutrientes em plantas de jatropha está relacionado com incrementos na fotossíntese, troca gasosa e alocação de biomassa

This study aimed at comparing the growth and physiological changes in Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha or physic nut) young plants fertilized or not with a commercial product based on a micronutrient delivery system (MDS), under different doses of NPK. Measurements of growth, chlorophyll content, and leaf gas exchange were performed in the greenhouse, where plants were arranged in a split-split plot design. Plants were grown for 120 days in 3.9 L pots containing local soil, with or without MDS (main plot), combined with NPK doses (0; 1.8; 4.7 and 7.4 g L-1) in subplots. Dose-response curves showed that most variables were positively responsive to NPK doses in plants growing without MDS, whereas slight responses or even opposite behavior was observed in MDS-fertilized plants. MDS application under low NPK doses resulted in higher biomass allocation in leaves and roots, increases in number of leaves and chlorophyll content, plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, leaf transpiration, and water use efficiency, as well as decreases in intercellular CO2 in the leaf and vapor-pressure deficit. The enhanced biomass allocation, photosynthesis and gas exchange in MDS-supplemented plants indicates the relevant role played by this fertilizer in jatropha metabolism, resulting in more vigorous plants.Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o crescimento e as mudanças fisiológicas em plantas jovens de Jatropha curcas L. (pinhão manso), fertilizadas ou não, com um produto comercial baseado em um sistema de fornecimento de micronutrientes (MDS), sob diferentes doses de NPK. Medidas de crescimento, teor de clorofila e troca gasosa foliar foram realizados em casa de vegetação, onde as plantas foram arranjadas em um delineamento de blocos casualizados com parcela subdividida. As plantas foram cultivadas por 120 dias em potes de 3,9 L contendo solo local, com ou sem MDS (parcela principal), combinado com doses de NPK (0; 1,8; 4,7 e 7,4 g L-1) nas subparcelas. Curvas doseresposta mostraram que a maioria das variáveis responderam positivamente às doses de NPK em plantas crescendo sem MDS, enquanto respostas fracas ou mesmo comportamento oposto foi observado em plantas fertilizadas com MDS. A aplicação de MDS em doses baixas de NPK resultaram em maior alocação de biomassa nas folhas e raízes, aumento no número de folhas e teor de clorofila, altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, pesos secos da parte aérea e raiz, condutânciaestomatal, fotossíntese, transpiração foliar e eficiência no uso da água, bem como na redução do CO2 intercelular na folha e déficit de pressão de vapor. O aumento na alocação de biomassa, fotossíntese e troca gasosa em plantas suplementadas com MDS indica o papel relevante deste fertilizante no metabolismo de pinhão manso, resultando em plantas mais vigorosas

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). METHODS/DESIGN: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH2O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure 6430 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration metho

Carbono nos latossolos sob pastagem da região do cerrado: relações com o pH e a CTC.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os teores de C em Latossolos sob pastagem da região do Cerrado e relacionar seus teores à capacidade de troca de cátions em diferentes faixas de pH. Foram amostrados horizontes superficiais (0-20 cm) de Latossolos sob pastagem no trecho entre as cidades de Goiânia, GO e Barra do Garças, MT, localizadas na região do Cerrado. Os resultados permitiram concluir que os teores de carbono total encontrados correspondem aproximadamente à metade dos teores esperados para solos em bom estado de conservação. A maioria dos solos apresentou valores de pH que podem ser classificados como médio ou adequado. Verificou-se aumento dos coeficientes de correlação entre o C e a CTC com o aumento do pH dos solos

Characterization of the Brazilian vegetable brassicas production chain.

To meet the challenges and list the trends within the activities of different agents, a multiple case study was held in the states of Amazon, Minas Gerais, Paraná and Rio de Janeiro

Diversidade genética em germoplasma internacional de pinhão-manso.

O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) é uma oleaginosa em potencial, que tem despertado ointeresse de produtores, governos e instituições de pesquisa, visando aodesenvolvimento de tecnologia que possibilite sua utilização como cultura agroenergética

Effect of Savanna windrow wood burning on the spatial variability of soil properties.

As Savanas tropicais cobrem uma área de aproximadamente 1,9 bilhões de hectares ao redor do mundo e estão sujeitas a incêndios regulares a cada 1-4 anos. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da queima de madeira proveniente do desmatamento do Cerrado na variabilidade espacial das propriedades químicas do solo, em campo. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se métodos geoestatísticos. Os semivariogramas para pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K foram calculados de acordo com modelos esféricos, enquanto o fósforo apresentou efeito pepita puro. Os semivariogramas cruzados mostraram correlações entre pH(H2O) e pH(CaCl2) com outras variáveis com dependência espacial (Ca e Mg trocáveis e K disponível). Os mapas de variabilidade das concentrações de pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K também apresentaram padrões semelhantes de variabilidade espacial, indicando que a queima da vegetação após o desmatamento causou arranjo espacial bem definido. Mesmo após 20 anos de uso com agricultura, a distribuição espacial de pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K disponível foi afetada pela queima da madeira que ocorreu após enleiramento, durante o desmatamento inicial

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Treatment in a Mouse Model of ALS: Optimization of Cell Dose

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a multicausal disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and brain. Cell therapy may be a promising new treatment for this devastating disorder. We recently showed that a single low dose (10(6) cells) of mononuclear human umbilical cord blood (MNC hUCB) cells administered intravenously to G93A mice delayed symptom progression and modestly prolonged lifespan. The aim of this pre-clinical translation study is to optimize the dose of MNC hUCB cells to retard disease progression in G93A mice. Three different doses of MNC hUCB cells, 10x10(6), 25x10(6) and 50x10(6), were administered intravenously into pre-symptomatic G93A mice. Motor function tests and various assays to determine cell effects were performed on these mice.Our results showed that a cell dose of 25x10(6) cells significantly increased lifespan of mice by 20-25% and delayed disease progression by 15%. The most beneficial effect on decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain and spinal cord was found in this group of mice. Human Th2 cytokines were found in plasma of mice receiving 25x10(6) cells, although prevalent human Th1 cytokines were indicated in mice with 50x10(6) cells. High response of splenic cells to mitogen (PHA) was indicated in mice receiving 25x10(6) (mainly) and 10x10(6) cells. Significantly increased lymphocytes and decreased neutrophils in the peripheral blood were found only in animals receiving 25x10(6) cells. Stable reduction in microglia density in both cervical and lumbar spinal cords was also noted in mice administered with 25x10(6) cells.These results demonstrate that treatment for ALS with an appropriate dose of MNC hUCB cells may provide a neuroprotective effect for motor neurons through active involvement of these cells in modulating the host immune inflammatory system response