Effects of different weed control practices on soil quality in Mediterranean crops

Effects of different weed control practices on soil quality in mediterranean crops This research approaches the question of weed control sustainability, from the point of view of soil quality maintenance and enhancing. A big choice of practices and products for weed control are available nowadays, but the actual definition of "sustainable practice" not always considers soil fertility. Soil processes timescale is wider than the productive, commercial and legislative ones. Also the definition of survey protocols is a process slower than the evolution of weed control methods. The faster reaction in the soil ecosystem after an external pressure is given by the organisms living in it, and the microbial community is finally the most effective agent in nutrient recycling processes. In this investigation, the same soil analysis protocol was applied on soil samples exposed to different weed management and control methods. Using soil quality indexes and bioindicators, soil properties variations after the different weed control treatments were compared. In particular soil carbon pool and how microbial community recycles was surveyed. A standard protocol to both find variations in long-term soil quality and survey the short-term impact of weed control practices on soil biological processes was defined. Weed management practices can interact with the nutrients recycling processes performed by the microorganisms living in the soil. These processes have a central role in maintaining soil fertility, one of the most important resources for agriculture. Three weed management practices were compared: the use of synthetic (oxyfluorfen) or natural (essential oils and aqueous extracts) herbicides and two mechanical methods (tillage and mulching). Soil fertility was monitored measuring soil physical-chemical values and elaborating soil quality indexes and bioindicators.Efectos de diferentes prácticas de control de arvenses sobre la calidad del suelo en cultivos mediterráneos Esta investigación aborda la cuestión de la sostenibilidad del control de las plantas arvenses, desde el punto de vista del mantenimiento y mejora de la calidad del suelo. Una gran variedad de prácticas y productos para el control de las arvenses están disponibles hoy en día, pero la definición real de "práctica sostenible" no siempre considera la fertilidad del suelo. La escala de tiempo de los procesos del suelo es más amplia que los procesos productivos, comerciales y legislativos. También la definición de protocolos para la investigación es un proceso más lento que la evolución comercial de los métodos de control de malas hierbas. La reacción más rápida en el ecosistema del suelo después de una presión externa es dada por los organismos que viven en ella, y la comunidad microbiana es el agente más eficaz en los procesos de reciclaje de nutrientes. En esta investigación se aplicó el mismo protocolo de análisis de suelo en muestras de suelo expuestas a diferentes métodos de manejo y control de arvenses. Utilizando índices de calidad del suelo y bioindicadores, se compararon las variaciones de propiedades del suelo después de los diferentes tratamientos de control de arvenses. En particular se estudiaron la reserva de carbono en el suelo y la forma en que la comunidad microbiana recicla. Se definió un protocolo estándar para encontrar variaciones en la calidad del suelo a largo plazo y para analizar el impacto a corto plazo de las prácticas de control de arvenses en los procesos biológicos del suelo. Las prácticas de manejo de malas hierbas pueden interactuar con los procesos de reciclaje de nutrientes realizados por los microorganismos que viven en el suelo. Estos procesos tienen un papel central en el mantenimiento de la fertilidad del suelo, uno de los recursos más importantes para la agricultura. Se compararon las prácticas de manejo de arvenses de frutales: el uso de herbicidas sintéticos (oxyfluorfen) o naturales (aceites esenciales y extractos acuosos) y dos métodos mecánicos (labranza y mulching). Se monitoreó la fertilidad del suelo midiendo los valores físico-químicos del suelo y elaborando índices de calidad del suelo y bioindicadores.Efectes de diferents pràctiques de control d'arvenses sobre la qualitat del sòl en cultures mediterrànies Aquesta investigació aborda la qüestió de la sostenibilitat del control de les plantes arvenses, des del punt de vista del manteniment i millora de la qualitat del sòl. Una gran varietat de pràctiques i productes per al control de les arvenses estan disponibles avui en dia, però la definició real de "pràctica sostenible" no sempre considera la fertilitat del sòl. L'escala de temps dels processos del sòl és més àmplia que els processos productius, comercials i legislatius. També la definició de protocols per a la investigació és un procés més lent que l'evolució comercial dels mètodes de control de males herbes. La reacció més ràpida en l'ecosistema del sòl després d'una pressió externa és donada pels organismes que hi viuen, i la comunitat microbiana és l'agent més eficaç en els processos de reciclatge de nutrients. En aquesta investigació es va aplicar el mateix protocol d'anàlisi de sòl en mostres de sòl exposades a diferents mètodes de maneig i control d'arvenses. Utilitzant índexs de qualitat del sòl i bioindicadors, es van comparar les variacions de propietats del sòl després dels diferents tractaments de control d'arvenses. En particular es van estudiar la reserva de carboni en el sòl i la forma en què la comunitat microbiana el recicla. Es va definir un protocol estàndard per trobar variacions en la qualitat del sòl a llarg termini i per analitzar l'impacte a curt termini de les pràctiques de control d'arvenses en els processos biològics del sòl. Les pràctiques de maneig de males herbes poden interactuar amb els processos de reciclatge de nutrients realitzats pels microorganismes que viuen a terra. Aquests processos tenen un paper central en el manteniment de la fertilitat del sòl, un dels recursos més importants per a l'agricultura. Es van comparar les pràctiques de maneig d'arvenses de fruiters: l'ús d'herbicides sintètics (oxyfluorfè) o naturals (olis essencials i extractes aquosos) i dos mètodes mecànics (conreu i mulching). Es va monitorejar la fertilitat del sòl mesurant els valors fisicoquímics del sòl i elaborant índexs de qualitat del sòl i bioindicadors.Oddo, M. (2017). Effects of different weed control practices on soil quality in Mediterranean crops [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/90655TESI

Pierwotna nadczynność przytarczyc o niewielkim nasileniu — porównanie leczenia farmakologicznego i obserwacji klinicznej w ramach trwającego pięć lat badania klinicznego

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an increasingly common endocrine disorder. Most patients with PHPT do not have disease-specific symptoms. The management of these patients has been widely debated. Recent studies have shown the importance of following up asymptomatic patients in order to reduce co-morbidity. However, there are conflicting opinions as to medical management. The aim of our study was to compare the outcome of PHPT patients on antiresorptive therapy vs. observation only.Material and methods: We longitudinally evaluated 157 PHPT patients (126 females) aged 22–90 years. Patients who did not undergo surgery were divided into two groups: those on anti-resorptive therapy (N = 52), and those without any treatment (N = 37). Patients who were disease-free after surgery (N = 50) served as controls.Results: The values of serum calcium (S-Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and indices of bone metabolism did not differ significantly among the three groups of subjects. No differences in 25(OH)-vitamin D levels were noted. Bone mineral density (BMD) was not significantly different at the spinal level. Finally, we found no evidence of an effect of medical treatment on quality of life (QoL). However, QoL significantly improved in the surgery group after parathyroidectomy (PTX).Conclusions: This study provided up-to-date information in terms of biochemical progression on the natural history of PHPT patients. No significant differences emerged between anti-resorptive therapy and observation only. It is not yet possible to assess the effect of pharmacological treatments on QoL in statistical terms. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (6): 456–463)Wstęp: Pierwotna nadczynność przytarczyc (PHPT) jest coraz częściej spotykanym zaburzeniem endokrynologicznym. Większość dotkniętych nim pacjentów nie ma szczególnych objawów podmiotowych, a metody leczenia schorzenia pozostają przedmiotem dyskusji. Najnowsze publikacje wskazują na konieczność obserwowania pacjentów bezobjawowych, co ma na celu zmniejszenie zapadalności na schorzenia współistniejące. Opinie na temat leczenia farmakologicznego są jednak podzielone. Celem niniejszego badania było porównanie przebiegu PHPT u pacjentów przyjmujących leki zmniejszające resorpcję kości i u pacjentów poddanych jedynie obserwacji.Materiał i metody: Przeanalizowano dane 157 pacjentów (w tym 126 kobiet) w wieku 22–90 lat chorujących na PHPT. Pacjentów nieleczonych chirurgicznie podzielono na dwie grupy: grupa leczonych preparatami hamującymi resorpcję kości (n = 52) i grupa nieleczona farmakologicznie (n = 37). W grupie kontrolnej znaleźli się pacjenci bez objawów choroby po zabiegu chirurgicznym (n = 50).Wyniki: Stężenia wapnia w surowicy (S-Ca), aktywność parathormonu (PTH) i wskaźniki metabolizmu kostnego nie różniły się istotnie w trzech badanych grupach pacjentów. Nie stwierdzono różnic pod względem stężenia witaminy 25-OH-D (hydroksycholekalcyferolu). Gęstość mineralna kości (BMD) w obrębie kręgosłupa nie różniła się istotnie pomiędzy grupami. Nie stwierdzono też wpływu farmakoterapii na jakość życia (QoL). Odnotowano jednak, że QoL poprawiła się istotnie po zabiegu paratyreoidektomii (PTX) w grupie operowanej.Wnioski: Niniejsze badanie przynosi informacje na temat naturalnego przebiegu i zmian biochemicznych u chorych na PHPT. Nie stwierdzono istotnych różnic pomiędzy grupą pacjentów leczonych preparatami hamującymi resorpcję kości a pacjentami nieleczonymi. Nie można jednak było ocenić statystycznie wpływu leczenia farmakologicznego na QoL. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (6): 456–463

SHORT-TERM RESPONSE OF SOIL MICROORGANISMS TO ESSENTIAL OILS WITH ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL EXTRACTED FROM MEDITERRANEAN PLANTS

Essential oils (EOs) with allelopathic compounds have been used to reduce or avoid weed germination and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential phytotoxic effects of EOs extracted from different Mediterranean plants on soil microbial biomass and activity. EOs were extracted from leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (EUC); Eriocephalus africanus L. (ERI); Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link (TCP); Citrus reticulata Blanco var. ‘Clemenules’ (TAN) and Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck var. ‘Eureka’ (LEM). Each EO was supplied to pots containing 560 g of soil at three different doses (low, medium, high). After 15, 30, 90, 120 days the supply of EOs, soils were destructively analyses for microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial respiration. EOs extracted from E. camaldulensis (EUC), C. limon (LEM) and T. capitatus (TCP), at the highest concentration decreased MBC up to 30 days since their addition, with no further effects at two last samplings. EOs extracted from ERI and TAN did not affect MBC. Soil respiration was not affected by any experimental factor, whereas the metabolic quotient was increased by EO extracted from TCP. Our results suggested that essential oils with allelopathic potential extracted from mediterranean plants can negatively affect soil microorganisms and, consequently, their use as herbicides should take into account these findings

five year longitudinal evaluation of mild primary hyperparathyroidism medical treatment versus clinical observation

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an increasingly common endocrine disorder. Most patients with PHPT do not have disease-specific symptoms. The management of these patients has been widely debated. Recent studies have shown the importance of following up asymptomatic patients in order to reduce co-morbidity. However, there are conflicting opinions as to medical management. The aim of our study was to compare the outcome of PHPT patients on antiresorptive therapy vs. observation only. Material and methods: We longitudinally evaluated 157 PHPT patients (126 females) aged 22–90 years. Patients who did not undergo surgery were divided into two groups: those on anti-resorptive therapy (N = 52), and those without any treatment (N = 37). Patients who were disease-free after surgery (N = 50) served as controls. Results: The values of serum calcium (S-Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and indices of bone metabolism did not differ significantly among the three groups of subjects. No differences in 25(OH)-vitamin D levels were noted. Bone mineral density (BMD) was not significantly different at the spinal level. Finally, we found no evidence of an effect of medical treatment on quality of life (QoL). However, QoL significantly improved in the surgery group after parathyroidectomy (PTX). Conclusions: This study provided up-to-date information in terms of biochemical progression on the natural history of PHPT patients. No significant differences emerged between anti-resorptive therapy and observation only. It is not yet possible to assess the effect of pharmacological treatments on QoL in statistical terms. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (6): 456–463

Effect of Short and Long Term Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Chemical Composition and Herbicidal Activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. Essential Oils

[EN] Water shortage throughout the world, especially in arid regions in the later decades has led to search for alternatives to save potable fresh water. Treated wastewater (TWW) appears to be an opportunity for irrigation. However, it could represent a stress factor for plants, and influence their metabolism, changing their secondary metabolites and, consequently, their biological properties. Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil (EO) had been reported to possess phytotoxic activity. The main objective of this work was to compare the chemical composition and herbicidal activity of E. camaldulensis EO obtained from leaves of young plants and old trees irrigated with well water (WW) and TWW. Germination tests were performed in vitro against Amaranthus hybridus, Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli and Lolium perenne. The EOs composition was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A high percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes, with 1,8-cineole as main compound, was found in the EOs from leaves of young plants irrigated with both types of water. The EO from leaves of old trees irrigated with WW contained a main fraction of monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.17%) with p-cymene as principal compound. The highest herbicidal potential was shown by the EO from young plants irrigated with TWW. It completely inhibited A. hybridus and L. perenne germination, and nearly blocked the others at all concentrations assayed. It also showed strong phytotoxic activity on seedling length. The results suggest the possible use of TWW to irrigate Eucalyptus crops as it enhances the EOs herbicidal potential that could be used as natural herbicides.This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Tunisia.Maaloul, A.; Verdeguer Sancho, MM.; Oddo, M.; Saadaoui, E.; Jebri, M.; Michalet, S.; Dijoux-Franca, M.... (2019). Effect of Short and Long Term Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Chemical Composition and Herbicidal Activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. Essential Oils. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca. 47(4):1374-1381. https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha47411374S1374138147

Functional mimicry of Ruffini receptors with fibre Bragg gratings and deep neural networks enables a bio-inspired large-area tactile-sensitive skin

Collaborative robots are expected to physically interact with humans in daily living and the workplace, including industrial and healthcare settings. A key related enabling technology is tactile sensing, which currently requires addressing the outstanding scientific challenge to simultaneously detect contact location and intensity by means of soft conformable artificial skins adapting over large areas to the complex curved geometries of robot embodiments. In this work, the development of a large-area sensitive soft skin with a curved geometry is presented, allowing for robot total-body coverage through modular patches. The biomimetic skin consists of a soft polymeric matrix, resembling a human forearm, embedded with photonic fibre Bragg grating transducers, which partially mimics Ruffini mechanoreceptor functionality with diffuse, overlapping receptive fields. A convolutional neural network deep learning algorithm and a multigrid neuron integration process were implemented to decode the fibre Bragg grating sensor outputs for inference of contact force magnitude and localization through the skin surface. Results of 35 mN (interquartile range 56 mN) and 3.2 mm (interquartile range 2.3 mm) median errors were achieved for force and localization predictions, respectively. Demonstrations with an anthropomorphic arm pave the way towards artificial intelligence based integrated skins enabling safe human–robot cooperation via machine intelligence

A meta-learning algorithm for respiratory flow prediction from FBG-based wearables in unrestrained conditions

The continuous monitoring of an individual's breathing can be an instrument for the assessment and enhancement of human wellness. Specific respiratory features are unique markers of the deterioration of a health condition, the onset of a disease, fatigue and stressful circumstances. The early and reliable prediction of high-risk situations can result in the implementation of appropriate intervention strategies that might be lifesaving. Hence, smart wearables for the monitoring of continuous breathing have recently been attracting the interest of many researchers and companies. However, most of the existing approaches do not provide comprehensive respiratory information. For this reason, a meta-learning algorithm based on LSTM neural networks for inferring the respiratory flow from a wearable system embedding FBG sensors and inertial units is herein proposed. Different conventional machine learning approaches were implemented as well to ultimately compare the results. The meta-learning algorithm turned out to be the most accurate in predicting respiratory flow when new subjects are considered. Furthermore, the LSTM model memory capability has been proven to be advantageous for capturing relevant aspects of the breathing pattern. The algorithms were tested under different conditions, both static and dynamic, and with more unobtrusive device configurations. The meta-learning results demonstrated that a short one-time calibration may provide subject-specific models which predict the respiratory flow with high accuracy, even when the number of sensors is reduced. Flow RMS errors on the test set ranged from 22.03 L/min, when the minimum number of sensors was considered, to 9.97 L/min for the complete setting (target flow range: 69.231 ± 21.477 L/min). The correlation coefficient r between the target and the predicted flow changed accordingly, being higher (r = 0.9) for the most comprehensive and heterogeneous wearable device configuration. Similar results were achieved even with simpler settings which included the thoracic sensors (r ranging from 0.84 to 0.88; test flow RMSE = 10.99 L/min, when exclusively using the thoracic FBGs). The further estimation of respiratory parameters, i.e., rate and volume, with low errors across different breathing behaviors and postures proved the potential of such approach. These findings lay the foundation for the implementation of reliable custom solutions and more sophisticated artificial intelligence-based algorithms for daily life health-related applications

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

26th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2017): Part 3 - Meeting Abstracts - Antwerp, Belgium. 15–20 July 2017

This work was produced as part of the activities of FAPESP Research,\ud Disseminations and Innovation Center for Neuromathematics (grant\ud 2013/07699-0, S. Paulo Research Foundation). NLK is supported by a\ud FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship (grant 2016/03855-5). ACR is partially\ud supported by a CNPq fellowship (grant 306251/2014-0)