SWAT Model Performance Using Spatially Distributed Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat) and Varying-Resolution DEMs

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is a hydrologic flux parameter commonly used to determine water movement through the saturated soil zone. Understanding the influences of land-use-specific Ksat on the model estimation error of water balance components is necessary to advance model predictive certainties and land management practices. An exploratory modeling approach was developed in the physically based Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) framework to investigate the effects of spatially distributed observed Ksat on local water balance components using three digital elevation model (DEM) resolution scenarios (30 m, 10 m, and 1 m). All three DEM scenarios showed satisfactory model performance during calibration (R2 > 0.74, NSE > 0.72, and PBIAS ≤ ±13%) and validation (R2 > 0.71, NSE > 0.70, and PBIAS ≤ ±6%). Results showed that the 1 m DEM scenario provided more realistic streamflow results (0.315 m3/s) relative to the observed streamflow (0.292 m3/s). Uncertainty analysis indicated that observed Ksat forcings and DEM resolution significantly influence predictions of lateral flow, groundwater flow, and percolation flow. Specifically, the observed Ksat has a more significant impact on model predictive confidence than DEM resolution. Results emphasize the potential uncertainty of using observed Ksat for hydrological modeling and demonstrate the importance of finer-resolution spatial data (i.e., 1 m DEM) applied in smaller watersheds

Genetic surveillance in the Greater Mekong subregion and South Asia to support malaria control and elimination.

BackgroundNational Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) currently make limited use of parasite genetic data. We have developed GenRe-Mekong, a platform for genetic surveillance of malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) that enables NMCPs to implement large-scale surveillance projects by integrating simple sample collection procedures in routine public health procedures.MethodsSamples from symptomatic patients are processed by SpotMalaria, a high-throughput system that produces a comprehensive set of genotypes comprising several drug resistance markers, species markers and a genomic barcode. GenRe-Mekong delivers Genetic Report Cards, a compendium of genotypes and phenotype predictions used to map prevalence of resistance to multiple drugs.ResultsGenRe-Mekong has worked with NMCPs and research projects in eight countries, processing 9623 samples from clinical cases. Monitoring resistance markers has been valuable for tracking the rapid spread of parasites resistant to the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination therapy. In Vietnam and Laos, GenRe-Mekong data have provided novel knowledge about the spread of these resistant strains into previously unaffected provinces, informing decision-making by NMCPs.ConclusionsGenRe-Mekong provides detailed knowledge about drug resistance at a local level, and facilitates data sharing at a regional level, enabling cross-border resistance monitoring and providing the public health community with valuable insights. The project provides a rich open data resource to benefit the entire malaria community.FundingThe GenRe-Mekong project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP11188166, OPP1204268). Genotyping and sequencing were funded by the Wellcome Trust (098051, 206194, 203141, 090770, 204911, 106698/B/14/Z) and Medical Research Council (G0600718). A proportion of samples were collected with the support of the UK Department for International Development (201900, M006212), and Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Genetic and molecular bases of yield-associated traits: a translational biology approach between rice and wheat

Transferring the knowledge bases between related species may assist in enlarging the yield potential of crop plants. Being cereals, rice and wheat share a high level of gene conservation; however, they differ at metabolic levels as a part of the environmental adaptation resulting in different yield capacities. This review focuses on the current understanding of genetic and molecular regulation of yield-associated traits in both crop species, highlights the similarities and differences and presents the putative knowledge gaps. We focus on the traits associated with phenology, photosynthesis, and assimilate partitioning and lodging resistance; the most important drivers of yield potential. Currently, there are large knowledge gaps in the genetic and molecular control of such major biological processes that can be filled in a translational biology approach in transferring genomics and genetics informations between rice and wheat