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Conservation agriculture for smallholder farmers in rainfed and irrigated systems in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain: Lessons learned
No full textConservation Agriculture (CA), which delivers multiple benefits for crop cultivation, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. However, CA is not a single, ready-made or simple technology that can be adopted everywhere without necessary farm-level refinement. The CA practitioners may need to incorporate changes in practices and each needs a few years of experience to fully learn how to optimize the technology on a particular crop on each farm. Implementation of CA is challenging in resource-limited, intensively cropped and rice-based smallholder farms. This chapter is a reflection on lessons learned during the last two decades of research, farmers’ adoption and service providers’ (LSP) feedback on CA practice in rainfed and irrigated systems where farmers grow three crops per year including at least one transplanted rice crop. We review smallholder farmers and LSP affordable and preferred CA planters, and the performance of CA in crop establishment and management, weed management, role and involvement of farmers’ groups, farm level benefits, rice and upland crops. Case studies are also presented on the benefits of CA practice including resources optimization, long-term trends of crop yield and profit margin, soil organic carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG) implications. These lessons may be useful for new practitioners, extensionists, researchers, teachers, students and policy planners to implement CA in smallholder regions considering food security, soil health and livelihoods and their contribution to mitigation of global warming
Fetal growth, birth size and energetic cost of gestation in southern right whales
Get PDFThe cost of reproduction greatly affects a species’ life history strategy. Baleen whales exhibit some of the fastest offspring growth rates in the animal kingdom. We quantified the energetic cost of gestation for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) by combining whaling catch records of pregnant females with photogrammetry data on southern right whale mothers and calves from two breeding grounds in Argentina and Australia. The relationship between calf birth size and maternal length was determined from repeated measurements of individual females before and after giving birth. Fetal growth was determined from generalized linear models fitted to fetal length data from whaling operations between 1961 and 1967. Fetal length was converted to volume and mass, using the volume-to-length relationship of newborn southern right whales calves, and published tissue composition and energy content estimates. Fetal maintenance costs (heat of gestation) and the energy content of the placenta were predicted from published relationships and added to the fetal growth cost to calculate the total cost of gestation. Our findings showed that fetal growth rates and birth size increased linearly with maternal length, with calves being born at ∼35% maternal length. Fetal length increased curvilinearly through gestation, which resulted in an exponential increase in fetal volume and mass. Consequently, the cost of gestation was very low during the first (0.1% of total cost) and second trimester (4.9%), but increased rapidly during the last trimester (95.0%). The heat of gestation incurred the highest cost for pregnant females (73.8%), followed by fetal growth (21.2%) and the placental energy content (5.0%)
Comparison of the cardiometabolic profiles of adolescents conceived through ART with those of a non-ART cohort
Get PDFSTUDY QUESTION
Is the cardiometabolic health of adolescents conceived through ART worse than that of their counterparts conceived without ART?
SUMMARY ANSWER
The majority of cardiometabolic and vascular health parameters of adolescents conceived through ART are similar or more favourable, than those of their counterparts of similar age and conceived without ART.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
It has been proposed that the cardiometabolic health of offspring conceived with ART may be unfavourable compared to that of their counterparts conceived without ART. The literature pertaining to cardiometabolic health of offspring conceived after ART is contradictory, but generally suggests unfavourable cardiometabolic health parameters, such as an increase in blood pressure (BP), vascular dysfunction and adiposity, as well as unfavourable glucose and lipid profiles. With over 8 million children and adults born through ART worldwide, it is important to investigate whether these early signs of adverse cardiometabolic differences persist into adolescence and beyond.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
The Growing Up Healthy Study (GUHS) is a prospective cohort study that recruited 303 adolescents and young adults conceived after ART (aged 13–21 years) and born between 1991 and 2001 in Western Australia. Their health parameters, including cardiometabolic factors, were assessed and compared with counterparts from the Raine Study Generation 2 (Gen2). The 2868 Gen2 participants were born 1989–1992 and are representative of the Western Australian adolescent population. At ∼17 years of age (2013–2017), 163 GUHS participants replicated assessments previously completed by Gen2 at a similar age.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Cardiometabolic parameters were compared between a total of 163 GUHS and 1457 Gen2 adolescents. Separate male (GUHS n = 81, Gen2 n = 735) and female (GUHS n = 82, Gen2 n = 722) analyses were conducted. Assessments consisted of a detailed questionnaire including health, lifestyle and demographic parameters, anthropometric assessments (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and skinfold thickness), fasting serum biochemistry, arterial stiffness and BP (assessed using applanation tonometry). Abdominal ultrasonography was used to assess the presence and severity of hepatic steatosis, and thickness of abdominal fat compartments. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was diagnosed if there was sonographic fatty liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. Chi2, Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests, performed in SPSS V25, examined cohort differences and generalized estimating equations adjusted for the following covariates: singleton vs non-singleton pregnancy, birthweight (z-score), gestational age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption in the past 6 months and parent cardiovascular status. Arterial stiffness measures and waist circumference were additionally adjusted for height, and female analyses were additionally adjusted for use of oral contraceptives in the preceding 6 months.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
In adjusted analyses, GUHS females had a lower BMI (22.1 vs 23.3 kg/m2, P = 0.014), and thinner skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, mid-abdominal; 16.9 vs 18.7 mm, P = 0.021, 13.4 vs 15.0 mm, P = 0.027, 19.7 vs 23.2 mm, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas males were not significantly different. Waist circumference was lower in GUHS adolescents (males: 78.1 vs 81.3 cm, P = 0.008, females: 76.7 vs 83.3 cm, P = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the two groups in glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in both sexes. In females, serum triglycerides were lower in GUHS adolescents (1.0 vs 1.2 mmol/l, P = 0.029). GUHS males had higher serum HDL-C (1.1 vs 1.0 mmol/l, P = 0.004) and a lower TC/HDL-C ratio (3.2 vs 3.6, P = 0.036). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of NAFLD or steatosis severity scores between the cohorts in males and females. GUHS females had less subcutaneous adipose tissue (9.4 vs 17.9 mm, P < 0.001), whereas GUHS males had greater visceral adipose thickness (44.7 vs 36.3 mm, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in pre-peritoneal adipose thickness. Pulse wave velocity was lower in GUHS males (5.8 vs 6.3 m/s, P < 0.001) and heart rate corrected augmentation index was lower in GUHS females (−8.4 vs −2.7%, P = 0.048). There were no significant differences in BP or heart rate in males or females between the two groups.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Despite the substantial study size and the unique study design of the ART cohort, we were unable to differentiate between different types of ART, due to the low number of ICSI cycles (e.g. IVF vs ICSI), draw definite conclusions, or relate the outcomes to the cause of infertility. Considering the differences in time points when both cohorts were studied, external factors could have changed, which could not be accounted for. Given the observational nature of this study, causation cannot be proven.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Contrary to our hypothesis and previous findings focussing mainly on childhood, this study reports mostly similar or favourable cardiometabolic markers in adolescents conceived with ART compared to those conceived without ART. The greater visceral adipose thickness, particularly present in males, requires further investigation. While these findings are generally reassuring, future well-designed and appropriately powered studies are required to definitively address the issue of cardiometabolic health in ART adults.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This project was supported by NHMRC project grant number 1042269 and R.J.H. received education grant funding support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals. R.J.H. is the Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia and a shareholder in Western IVF. He has received educational sponsorship from MSD, Merck-Serono and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. P.B. is the Scientific Director of Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, Western Australia. J.L.Y. is the Medical Director of PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia
Foliage applied boron along with boron-tolerant bacteria (Bacillus sp. MN54) ensures better nodulation, growth, grain yield and grains-B biofortification of chickpea
No full textBoron (B) deficiency is the leading constraints in chickpea production in calcareous soils; albeit the range between B deficiency and toxicity is very narrow. Boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) can optimize plant functions under B-deficient conditions by improving its uptake and can also tolerate B toxicity. This two-year pot study was conducted to optimize the best level of B as foliar application along with BTB (Bacillus sp. MN54) inoculation to improve nodulation, yield and grain-B concentration of chickpea. Two sets of pots, one with BTB inoculation and other without BTB were prepared. Foliar treatments of B were applied to plants at concentrations of 0.000, 0.023, 0.046, 0.069, and 0.092 M while plants sprayed with distilled water were taken as control. Boron application improved root and growth-related traits, nodulation, yield-related traits and grains-B concentration compared with no B and water spray controls. Among levels tested, foliar application of 0.046 M B solution was better in improving root system, nodulation, yield-related traits; while higher B levels resulted more grains-B concentration. Seed inoculation with BTB further augmented chickpea productivity compared to non-inoculation controls. Foliar application of B (0.046 M) coupled with BTB enhanced number of grains per plant (40%), nodules population (60%) and grain yield (43%) compared with control. Lower levels of B (≤0.069 M) seemed good to improve yield-related traits while its higher levels improved grains-B concentration. In crux, foliar application of 0.046 M B solution along with seed inoculation with BTB (Bacillus sp. MN54) seemed a pragmatic option to improve nodulation, yield and grains-B concentration of chickpea
Mediating relational agency in a collaborative classroom: A sociocultural perspective
No full textThe impetus for the first project was to change peer relations to stop students bullying each other..
Analyses of the effect of submersion in various aquatic environments on the bone collagen degradation via ImageJ® and Orbit®
No full textIsobaric heat capacity measurements on ternary mixtures of natural gas components methane, propane and n-heptane by differential scanning calorimetry at temperatures from 197 K to 422 K and pressures up to 32 MPa
No full textHeat capacities for single-phase mixtures of the natural gas components methane (1), propane (2) and n-heptane (3) have been determined at temperatures (197 to 421) K and pressures up to 32 MPa using two differential scanning calorimeters with a combined standard uncertainty of (2.0 to 2.6) % (k = 1). In addition, measurements were performed at pressures (0.01 to 4.40) MPa higher than saturation conditions to estimate the heat capacities of the mixtures at their bubble points. The ternary mixture data were compared with three models: the Groupe Européen de Recherches Gazières (GERG) 2008 multi-parameter equation of state (EOS), the Peng-Robinson (PR) EOS, and the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT)-γ Mie EOS incorporating group contributions. The relative deviations of the measured heat capacities from the values calculated by the three models show similar, systematic dependences on density, with larger deviations at cryogenic temperatures. The root mean square deviations from the measurements (with ideal gas heat capacity corrected) were 8.2%, 7.0% and 5.9% for the GERG-2008, PR and SAFT-γ Mie EOS, respectively. The presence of n-heptane increased the deviation up to 20% at the lowest temperature. The addition of methane to the binary mixture [0.500 C3H8 + 0.500 C7H16] was found to always increase the heat capacity. This work shows that the SAFT-γ Mie EOS can describe the single-phase measurements at above-ambient temperatures, while none of the models provides reliable predictions for cryogenic single-phase and near-bubble-point measurements
Field application of pure polyethylene microplastic has no significant short-term effect on soil biological quality and function
No full textPlastics are now widespread in the natural environment. Due to their size, microplastics (MPs; defined as particles 0.05) on the soil bacterial community diversity (as measured by amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene), the size and structure of the PLFA-derived soil microbial community, or the abundance and biomass of earthworms. In addition, metabolomic profiling revealed no dose-dependent effect of MP loading on soil biogenic amine concentrations. The growth and yield of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Mulika) were also unaffected by MP dose, even at extremely high (≥1000 kg ha−1) loading levels. Nitrogen (N) cycling gene abundance before and after N fertiliser application on the MP loaded experimental plots showed relatively little change, although further experimentation is suggested, with similar trends evident for soil nitrous oxide (N2O) flux. Overall, we illustrate that MPs themselves may not pose a significant problem in the short term (days to months), due to their recalcitrant nature. We also emphasise that most MPs in the environment are not pure or uncontaminated, containing additives (e.g. plasticisers, pigments and stabilisers) that are generally not chemically bound to the plastic polymer and may be prone to leaching into the soil matrix. Understanding the effect of additives on soil biology as well as the longer-term (years to decades) impact of MPs on soil biological and ecological health in the field environment is recommended
The use of dexamethasone to attenuate stress responses of post-weaned pigs exposed to a mixing challenge
No full textWeaning piglets usually involves mixing of non-littermate pigs into a new environment that causes social and physical stress due to the vigorous fighting and contributes to the post-weaning growth check. Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic corticosteroid shown to attenuate stress responses via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothesis tested in this study was that DEX given before the imposition of a stressful challenge, namely mixing non-littermate pigs, would ameliorate the stress response, sustain gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function, and increase growth performance. At weaning (d0), 96 male piglets (6.5 ± 0.9 kg) were allocated into pens with their littermates (4/pen) and allowed to acclimate for 14 days, at which point they were allocated to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments from d14 to d28 with the respective factors being (i) treatment (administration of DEX or saline; DEX v SAL) and (ii) group type (mixing of non-littermate pigs or pigs kept as littermates; MIXED v NonMIXED). The study finished on d28 after weaning. On d12 and 13, pigs in the DEX treatment were given intramuscular injections of 0.2 mg/kg DEX at 0600 h and 1800 h (total 4 doses/pig; 0.8 mg/kg), while pigs in the control treatment were given the same volume of SAL. On d14 at 0800 h, 48 pigs were mixed with non-littermates and 48 pigs remained with their littermates. Individual body weights were measured weekly, and blood was collected at 1200 h on d11, d14 (4 h after mixing), and d16. On d14 and 16, four pigs per treatment group (n = 16) were given an intra-gastric dose of a solution containing 2.5 mL/kg 20% mannitol and 0.036 g/kg Co-EDTA to test gastrointestinal permeability. Plasma cortisol was greater (P = 0.001) in MIXED pigs at both 4 h after mixing (d14) and 2d after mixing (d16). Pigs given DEX tended (P = 0.100) to have a reduced cortisol concentration at day 14 regardless of the mixing treatment. The concentration of d-mannitol in plasma was reduced (P = 0.024) in pigs dosed with DEX compared to control pigs two days after mixing (d16). Growth performance was not improved by DEX treatment during the study. These results suggest that DEX has the ability to reduce some plasma stress markers and reduced intestinal permeability, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties, although DEX treatment did not improve performance
Developing a framework to increase solar photovoltaic microgrid penetration in the tropical region: A case study in Indonesia
No full textSolar photovoltaic (PV) microgrid has the potential to electrify and decarbonise rural communities in tropical countries, such as Indonesia. The tropical region receives a significant amount of solar radiation throughout the year, benefiting from its equator position. Despite its potential abundance, most equatorial countries have low solar PV microgrid penetration on their grids. Its deployment is hampered by prevailing challenges, such as reliability and bankability. The paper outlines the critical barriers and drivers in developing solar PV microgrids in the tropical region. A framework incorporating technical, economic, and socio-regulatory aspects is developed specifically to leverage the microgrid penetration in Indonesia. Successful implementation of this four-stage framework requires multi-stakeholder governance and engagement