Regionalisation of climate variability used for modelling the dispersal of genetically modified oil seed rape in Northern Germany

The joint research project “Generic detection and extrapolation of genetically modified oilseed rape dispersal (GenEERA)” aimed at estimating the dispersal and persistence of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in a larger region by combining a small-scale individual-based model and an up-scaling approach, for which various data sources had to be evaluated to deal with local processes and spatial heterogeneities on the regional scale. The objective of the article at hand is to give a detailed account of the spatial variability of climate in Northern Germany (German Federal States of Brandenburg, Lower Saxony and Bremen, Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg). Based on this, a method was developed that includes both, the determination of representative oilseed rape fields for modelling the dispersal of GM oilseed rape at field scale, and the subsequent generalisation of the results to the landscape level on a regional scale. Accordingly, land characteristics which could be important for the dispersal and persistence of oilseed rape were regionalised within a GIS environment: The beginning of flowering was modelled by variogram analysis and kriging estimation and was used to select satellite images for the detection of rape fields and to determine the period for the individual based modelling. The monthly means (1961–1990) of precipitation (P), air temperature (T), and sunshine duration (S) were regionalised by WARD cluster analysis. The PTS-clusters were combined to four climatic regions which together with WARD clusters on wind speed and direction as well as with land use clusters (crop rotation and management), which were provided by other project partners, enabled to finally define eight regions with a maximum of internal homogeneity. A meteorological station was selected to represent each of these regions. The data on wind speed and direction (hourly means), precipitation, sunshine and air temperature (daily) measured at that location were provided for modelling growth, dispersal and persistence of genetically modified oilseed rape on selected fields on the local level. Linking each of the modelled sites with a map on ecoregions which integrates the spatial patterns of soils, elevation, vegetation and climate, the model results were considered by analogy reasoning to be valid for all those ecoregions which are represented by the modelling sites and, thus, could be spatially generalised.     

Cotton (Gossypium barbadense) production as affected by climatic factors and soil moisture status

This study investigates the statistical relationship between climatic variables and aspects of cotton production (Gossypium barbadense), and the effects of climatic factors prevailing prior to flowering or subsequent to boll setting on flower and boll production and retention in cotton. Also, the study covers the predicted effects of climatic factors during convenient intervals (in days) on cotton flower and boll production compared with daily observations. Further, cotton flower and boll production as affected by climatic factors and soil moisture status has been considered. Evaporation, sunshine duration, relative humidity, surface soil temperature at 1800 h, and maximum air temperature, are the important climatic factors that significantly affect flower and boll production. The least important variables were found to be surface soil temperature at 0600 h and minimum temperature. The 5-day interval was found to be more adequately and sensibly related to yield parameters. Evaporation; minimum humidity and sunshine duration were the most effective climatic factors during preceding and succeeding periods on boll production and retention. There was a negative correlation between flower and boll production and either evaporation or sunshine duration, while that correlation with minimum relative humidity was positive. The soil moisture status showed low and insignificant correlation with flower and boll production. Higher minimum relative humidity, short period of sunshine duration, and low temperatures enhanced flower and boll formation.     

Effects of an evaporative cooling system on plasma cortisol, IGF-I, and milk production in dairy cows in a tropical environment

Access to an evaporative cooling system can increase production in dairy cows because of improved thermal comfort. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ambient temperature on thermoregulation, plasma cortisol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), and productive status, and to determine the efficiency of an evaporative cooling system on physiological responses under different weather patterns. A total of 28 Holstein cows were divided into two groups, one with and the other without access to a cooling system with fans and mist in the free stall. The parameters were analyzed during morning (0700 hours) and afternoon milking (1430 hours) under five different weather patterns throughout the year (fall, winter, spring, dry summer, and rainy summer). Rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BS), base of tail temperature (TT), and respiratory frequency (RF) were lower in the morning (P?<?0.01). The cooling system did not affect RT, and both the groups had values below 38.56 over the year (P?=?0.11). Cortisol and IGF-I may have been influenced by the seasons, in opposite ways. Cortisol concentrations were higher in winter (P?<?0.05) and IGF-I was higher during spring-summer (P?<?0.05). The air temperature and the temperature humidity index showed positive moderate correlations to RT, BS, TT, and RF (P?<?0.001). The ambient temperature was found to have a positive correlation with the physiological variables, independent of the cooling system, but cooled animals exhibited higher milk production during spring and summer (P?<?0.01).     

庐山不同海拔日本柳杉年轮宽度对气候因子的响应

以庐山自然保护区3个不同海拔样地采集的138根日本柳杉样芯为研究材料,利用树木年轮学方法分析其径向生长与季节和月气候因子的响应关系。结果表明:低海拔处日本柳杉径向生长对气候因子的响应相比于中、高海拔更敏感;中、低海拔径向生长与春季相对湿度呈显著正相关(P<0.05),低海拔径向生长与春季日照时数、夏季均温呈显著负相关(P<0.05),而中海拔径向生长与夏、秋季均温呈显著负相关(P<0.05);高海拔径向生长与各个季节气候因子表现出一定的相关性,但相关性不显著;3个海拔径向生长均与当年1月均温呈显著正相关(P<0.05),中、低海拔径向生长与上年7月及当年7月均温呈显著负相关(P<0.05),高温会抑制树木的生长,低海拔径向生长与当年4月空气相对湿度、降水量呈显著正相关(P<0.05),与当年4月日照时数呈显著负相关(P<0.05),随海拔的升高相关性降低;庐山日本柳杉径向生长与主要气候要素之间的相关性呈现出明显的季节性,日本柳杉径向生长主要受上年7及7月均温和4月空气相对湿度的影响,海拔是影响日本柳杉径向生长对气候因子响应的重要因素,最终建立的标准年轮宽度年表适合进行树木年轮气候学的研究。     

Efficacy of reflective insulation in reducing heat stress on dairy calves housed in polyethylene calf hutches

The objective of this study was to determine the ability of radiant insulation hutch covers to moderate the effect of ambient temperature and radiant energy on calves housed in polyethylene hutches. The insulation had a double layer of polyethylene bubble film laminated between a layer of aluminum foil and white polyethylene (reflectance = 95 %, R value (ft²?·?°F?·h/Btu)?=?2.7). In each of two experiments (exp.), hutches were either uninsulated (control) or covered with reflective insulation across the top and sides of the hutch leaving the front, back, and pen exposed. Each hutch had a 1.2?×?1.8-m attached outdoor wire pen. In both exp., rate of increase of interior hutch temperature relative to ambient temperature was lower in insulated hutches (P?<?0.001) indicating they were warmer at low THI and cooler at high THI. In exp. 1, increase in respiration rate and ear canal temperature of the calves, relative to THI, were moderated in insulated hutches (P?<?0.001). In Exp. 2, respiration rate was not affected by treatment (P?=?0.50), but increased with increasing THI (P?<?0.001). Mean ADG did not differ among treatments in either exp. (P?>?0.21). Insulating calf hutches with reflective insulation moderated hutch microclimate, and improved calf comfort, but did not translate to improvements in economically relevant variables such as ADG.     

Passive heat exposure induced by hot water leg immersion increased oxyhemoglobin in pre-frontal cortex to preserve oxygenation and did not contribute to impaired cognitive functioning

This study investigated the effects of passive heat exposure on pre-frontal cortex oxygenation and cognitive functioning, specifically to examine whether the change in pre-frontal cortex oxygenation coincided with cognitive functioning during heat exposure. Eleven male students who participated in this study immersed their lower legs to the knees in three different water temperatures, 38 °C, 40 °C, and 42 °C water in an air temperature of 28?º C and 50 % relative humidity for 60 min. After 45 min of leg immersion they performed cognitive functioning tasks assessing their short-term memory while immersing their lower legs. There were higher rectal temperature (P?<?0.05) and higher increase of oxyhemoglobin in both left (P?<?0.05) and right (P?<?0.05) pre-frontal cortex at the final stage of 45-min leg immersion in the 42 °C condition with unaltered tissue oxygenation index among the three conditions (P?>?0.05). No statistical difference in cognitive functioning among the three conditions was observed with a higher increase of oxyhemoglobin during the cognitive functioning in the 42 °C condition for the left (P?=?0.05) and right (P?<?0.05) pre-frontal cortex. The findings of this study suggest, first, passive heat exposure increases oxygen delivery in the pre-frontal cortex to maintain pre-frontal cortex oxygenation; second, there is no evidence of passive heat exposure in cognitive functioning in this study; and third, the greater increases of oxyhemoglobin in the pre-frontal cortex during cognitive functioning at the hottest condition suggests a recruitment of available neural resources or greater effort to maintain the same performance at the same level as when they felt thermally comfortable.     

Meteorology and the physical activity of the elderly: the Nakanojo Study

Seasonal changes in ambient temperature and day length are thought to modify habitual physical activity. However, relationships between such environmental factors and the daily physical activity of older populations remain unclear. The present study thus examined associations between meteorological variables and the number of steps taken per day by elderly Japanese. Continuous pedometer counts over a 450-day period were collected from 41 healthy subjects (age 71±4 years), none of whom engaged in any specific occupational activity or exercise programs. An electronic physical activity monitor was attached to a belt worn on the left side of the body throughout the day. Daily values for mean ambient temperature, duration of bright sunshine, mean wind speed, mean relative humidity, and precipitation were obtained from local meteorological stations. The day length was calculated from times of sunrise and sunset. Based on the entire group of 41 subjects (ensemble average), a subjects step count per day decreased exponentially with increasing precipitation (r²=0.19, P<0.05). On days when precipitation was <1 mm, the step count increased with the mean ambient temperature over the range of –2 to 17°C, but decreased over the range 17–29°C. The daily step count also tended to increase with day length, but the regression coefficient of determination attributable to step count and mean ambient temperature (r²=0.32, P<0.05) exceeded that linking the step count and day length (r²=0.13, P<0.05). The influence of other meteorological factors was small (r²0.03) and of little practical significance. On days when precipitation is <1 mm, physical activity is associated more strongly with ambient temperature than with day length, duration of bright sunshine, wind speed, or relative humidity. Our findings have practical implications for health promotion efforts designed to increase the physical activity of elderly people consistently in the face of seasonal variations in environmental conditions.     

Larger bees facilitate the deposition of oilseed rape pollen (Brassica napus L.)

Oilseed rape is the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal in the world. Pollinators are vital in the production of oilseed rape. However, pollination efficiency could be influenced by the morphology and foraging behaviors of pollinators. To evaluate the effect of pollinator size and foraging behavior on pollination efficiency, the intertegular distances (ITDs) of five bumble bees (Bombus pyrosoma, B. lantschouensis, B. melanurus, B. sichelii and B. sibiricus) and two honey bees (Apis mellifera and A. cerana) were evaluated. Their foraging activities and single visit depositions (SVDs) on oilseed rape were observed and counted. The ITDs of bumble bees were significantly larger than honey bees (P < 0.05). The single-visit duration of A. mellifera (2.43 ± 0.06 s) was significantly longer than other bees (P < 0.05). The interval time of the A. cerana was longer than other bees (P < 0.05). Larger bees tended to deposit more pollen on stigmas at each visit than smaller bees. The interspecific ITD of bees had a positive effect on SVD (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between ITD and SVD among individuals of the same species. In conclusion, the size of bees had a positive impact on pollination efficiency. Bees with a greater ITD deposited substantially more pollen and had a significantly shorter interval between flowers. Understanding the foraging behavior and pollination efficiency of these bee species and developing habitats to support them should enable growers to achieve resilient production.     

Effect of volatile substances of Streptomyces platensis F-1 on control of plant fungal diseases

Headspace volatile substances (VS) produced by Streptomyces platensis F-1 were preliminarily identified using GC–MS. The effects of VS released by S. platensis F-1 on the control of leaf blight/seedling blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani, leaf blight of oilseed rape caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and fruit rot of strawberry caused by Botrytis cinerea, as well as on the growth of these three pathogenic fungi, were investigated. Results showed that sixteen volatile compounds were tentatively identified in 1-week-old cultures of S. platensis F-1 grown on autoclaved wheat seeds. They could be chemically grouped into alcohols, esters, acids, alkanes, ketones and alkenes. The most abundant composition in volatiles of S. platensis F-1 is geosmin, an earthy-muddy–smelling compound. Two antifungal compounds, phenylethyl alcohol and (+)-epi-bicyclesesquiphellandrene, were detected in the volatile profile of S. platensis F-1. Consistent fumigation of healthy tissues of rice, oilseed rape and strawberry to VS of S. platensis effectively reduced the incidence and/or the severity of leaf blight/seedling blight of rice (R. solani), leaf blight of oilseed rape (S. sclerotiorum) and fruit rot of strawberry (B. cinerea). A significant (P < 0.05) suppression of the mycelial growth of R. solani, S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea by the VS of S. platensis was observed. The potential of using VS of S. platensis F-1 as a biofumigant to control plant fungal diseases is discussed.     

Improving phenological forecasting models for rape stem weevil,Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll., based on long‐term multisite datasets

New threshold‐based models to predict the start of invasion by the stem‐boring pest, the rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll.) of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), were developed and compared to published models using long‐term datasets on weather and weevil phenology from experimental locations in Germany and Luxembourg. Threshold values for daily records of maximum air temperature, mean soil temperature, sunshine duration and total precipitation were adjusted to local conditions on the date of first weevil migration in spring. Mean error and the root mean squared error were used to assess model quality, where the error is defined as the number of days between predicted and observed arrival of weevils on the crop (regardless of sign). Best model results predicted first crop invasion by rape stem weevil when the thresholds of daily maximum air temperature ≥7.8°C, mean soil temperature ≥6.6°C, daily total precipitation ≤1.0 mm and sunshine duration ≥1 h were matched. This model takes into account meteorological variables likely to influence conditions at the overwintering site of the weevils in the soil, as well as variables that may limit weevil flight. Adjusted air temperature threshold values were consistently lower for Luxembourg sites than for those optimized for Germany. A simple model relating the date of first weevil invasion to accumulated daily maximum air temperature above 0°C (from 1 January) was also evaluated. This proved less suitable for forecasting crop invasion by C. napi. We suggest that phenological models using locally adjusted meteorological‐based thresholds have the potential to offer sufficiently accurate forecasts of first immigration flights by C. napi for appropriate timing of insecticide application. In addition, the developed models are suitable tools to be used in climate change impact studies.     

Effects of outdoor temperature on changes in physiological variables before and after lunch in healthy women

Previous studies of autonomic nervous system responses before and after eating when controlling patient conditions and room temperature have provided inconsistent results. We hypothesized that several physiological parameters reflecting autonomic activity are affected by outdoor temperature before and after a meal. We measured the following physiological variables before and after a fixed meal in 53 healthy Japanese women: skin temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, salivary amylase, blood glucose, heart rate, and heart rate variability. We assessed satiety before and after lunch using a visual analog scale (100 mm). We recorded outdoor temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity. Skin temperature rose significantly 1 h after eating (greater in cold weather) (P?=?0.008). Cold weather markedly influenced changes in diastolic blood pressure before (P?=?0.017) and after lunch (P?=?0.013). Fasting salivary amylase activity increased significantly in cold weather but fell significantly after lunch (significantly greater in cold weather) (P?=?0.007). Salivary amylase was significantly associated with cold weather, low atmospheric pressure, and low relative humidity 30 min after lunch (P?P?=?0.001). The decreased low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio, increased Δ LF/HF ratio, and increased Δ salivary amylase activity imply that cold outdoor temperature is associated with dominant parasympathetic activity after lunch. Our results clarify the relationship between environmental factors, food intake, and autonomic system and physiological variables, which helps our understanding of homeostasis and metabolism.     

Direct nitrous oxide emissions from oilseed rape cropping – a meta‐analysis

Oilseed rape is one of the leading feedstocks for biofuel production in Europe. The climate change mitigation effect of rape methyl ester (RME) is particularly challenged by the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during crop production, mainly as nitrous oxide (N₂O) from soils. Oilseed rape requires high nitrogen fertilization and crop residues are rich in nitrogen, both potentially causing enhanced N₂O emissions. However, GHG emissions of oilseed rape production are often estimated using emission factors that account for crop‐type specifics only with respect to crop residues. This meta‐analysis therefore aimed to assess annual N₂O emissions from winter oilseed rape, to compare them to those of cereals and to explore the underlying reasons for differences. For the identification of the most important factors, linear mixed effects models were fitted with 43 N₂O emission data points deriving from 12 different field sites. N₂O emissions increased exponentially with N‐fertilization rates, but interyear and site‐specific variability were high and climate variables or soil parameters did not improve the prediction model. Annual N₂O emissions from winter oilseed rape were 22% higher than those from winter cereals fertilized at the same rate. At a common fertilization rate of 200 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1, the mean fraction of fertilizer N that was lost as N₂O‐N was 1.27% for oilseed rape compared to 1.04% for cereals. The risk of high yield‐scaled N₂O emissions increased after a critical N surplus of about 80 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1. The difference in N₂O emissions between oilseed rape and cereal cultivation was especially high after harvest due to the high N contents in oilseed rape's crop residues. However, annual N₂O emissions of winter oilseed rape were still lower than predicted by the Stehfest and Bouwman model. Hence, the assignment of oilseed rape to the crop‐type classes of cereals or other crops should be reconsidered.     

Pollinators and pollination of oilseed rape crops (Brassica napus L.) in Ireland: ecological and economic incentives for pollinator conservation

Pollinators are beneficial for many wild and crop plants. As a mass-flowering crop, oilseed rape has received much focus in terms of its pollination requirements but despite a threefold increase in area of cultivation of this crop in Ireland over the past 5 years, little is known about its pollination here. We surveyed the flower visiting insects found in commercial winter oilseed rape fields and evaluated the importance of different pollinator groups, investigated the contribution of insect pollination to oilseed rape seed production, and estimated the economic value of insect pollination to the crop at a national level. Our data showed that winter oilseed rape is visited by a wide variety of insect species, including the honeybee, bumblebees, solitary bees, and hoverflies. The honeybee, Eristalis hoverflies and bumblebees (especially Bombus sensu stricto and B. lapidarius) were the best pollinators of winter oilseed rape based on the number of pollen grains they carry, visitation rates per flower and their relative abundance per field. Exclusion of pollinators resulted in a 27 % decrease in the number of seeds produced, and a 30 % decrease in seed weight per pod in winter crops, with comparable values from a spring oilseed rape field also. The economic value of insect pollination to winter oilseed rape was estimated as €2.6 million per annum, while the contribution to spring oilseed rape was €1.3 million, resulting in an overall value of €3.9 million per annum. We can suggest the appropriate conservation and management of both honeybees and wild pollinators in agricultural areas to ensure continued provision of pollination services to oilseed rape, as a decrease in insect numbers has the potential to negatively influence crop yields.     

Litterfall production, decomposition and nutrient use efficiency varies with tropical forest types in Xishuangbanna, SW China: a 10-year study

Litterfall production, decomposition and nutrient use efficiency in three different tropical forest ecosystems in SW China were studied for 10 years. Annual mean litterfall production in tropical seasonal forest (TSF) (9.47?±?1.65 Mg ha^?1) was similar to that in man-made tropical forest (MTF) (9.23?±?1.29 Mg ha^?1) (P?>?0.05) but both were significantly lower than that in secondary tropical forest (STF) (12.96?±?1.71 Mg ha^?1) (P?<?0.05). The annual variation of litterfall was greater in TSF (17.4%, P?<?0.05) than in MTF (14.0%) or STF (13.2%). The annual mean decomposition rate of litterfall increased followed the order of MTF (2.72)?<?TSF (3.15)?<?STF (3.50) (P?<?0.05), which was not correlated with annual precipitation or annual mean temperature, but was rather related to litter quality. The nutrient use efficiency was found to be element-dependent and to vary significantly among the three forest types (P?<?0.05). These results indicate that litterfall production and decomposition rates in different tropical forest systems are related to plant species composition and are influenced strongly by coexisting species and their life stage (age) but less so by the species richness. Constructing multi-species and multistory man-made tropical forest is an effective way to enhance biological productivity and maintain soil nutrients on degraded tropical land.     

Evaporative heat loss from group-housed growing pigs at high ambient temperatures

The effects of relative humidity and ambient temperature on evaporative heat loss were studied in 12 trials each with a group of 10 gilts with an initial BW of 61.7 kg (58.0–65.5 kg). The ambient temperature inside a respiration chamber was increased by 2 °C d⁻¹ starting at 16 °C and ending at 32 °C. Relative humidity was set at 50%, 65% or 80% and remained constant within each trial. The animals had free access to feed and water. Skin temperature (SkinT), total heat production (HP), evaporative heat loss (EvapH), respiration rate (RR), and wallowing of the animals were recorded. SkinT was lowest at 80% relative humidity (P<0.05). For each degree Celsius rise in SkinT, wallowing increased by 0.19% (P<0.05). For each degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature, total HP decreased by 115 kJ pig⁻¹ d⁻¹ and EvapH increased by 290 kJ pig⁻¹ d⁻¹ (P<0.05). It was concluded that under constant high ambient temperature and relative humidity, the pigs clearly employ respiratory evaporation to lose heat. Wallowing showed the importance of skin EvapH with higher temperatures, especially at high relative humidity. This study shows the importance of evaporative cooling from the skin. The implication is that pigs at high ambient temperatures, especially in combination with a high relative humidity, should be able to wet themselves. For animal welfare and environmental reasons, it is important that they are able to wet their skin.     

The Effectiveness of Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy on Heart Failure and Low-Triiodothyronine Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the role of thyroid hormone therapy in patients with heart failure and low-triiodothyronine syndrome.MethodsThe electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biology Medicine disc were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published before November 27, 2021. The mean difference was pooled for randomized controlled trials using a random-effects model.ResultsThe meta-analysis showed that thyroid hormone treatment improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (weighted mean difference [WMD] 5.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.38 to 6.85, I² = 63.12%, P < 0.01). The cardiac output improved with thyroid hormone therapy (WMD 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.89, I² = 84.28%, P < 0.01). The early-to-late diastolic transmitral flow velocity in the thyroid hormone group was also improved compared to the control group (WMD 0.29, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.42, I² = 95.08%, P < 0.01). The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was decreased with thyroid hormone treatment (WMD ?5.17, 95% CI: ?7.47 to ?2.88, I² = 90.18%, P < 0.01). The brain natriuretic peptide decreased with thyroid hormone treatment (standardized mean difference ?1.49, 95% CI: ?2.15 to ?0.84, I² = 90.18%, P < 0.01). Noradrenaline decreased with thyroid hormone therapy (WMD ?349.86, 95% CI: ?401.05 to ?298.67, I² = 0%, P < 0.01). Free triiodothyronine increased with thyroid hormone treatment (standardized mean difference 2.18, 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.60, I² = 98.20%, P < 0.01).ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that thyroid hormone replacement therapy was effective in patients with heart failure and low-triiodothyronine syndrome.     

Combined Impact of Exercise and Temperature in Learning and Memory Performance of Fluoride Toxicated Rats

In previous studies, we investigated a link between high fluoride exposure and functional IQ deficits in rats. This study is an extension conducted to explore the combined influence of physical exercise and temperature stress on the learning ability and memory in rats and to assess whether any positive modulation could be attenuated due to exercise regimen subjected to F-toxicated animals at different temperatures. Accumulation of ingested fluoride resulted significant inhibition in acetylcholinesterase activity (P?<?0.05), plasma cortisol levels (P?<?0.05), and impaired the acquisition, performance, latency time, and retention in fluoride-exposed animals. Fluoride-toxicated rats took more number of sessions during the learning phase [F _{5, 35}?=?19.065; P?<?0.05] and post hoc analysis on the number of correct choices revealed that there was a significant effect of treatments [F _{5, 30}?=?15.763; P?<?0.05]; sessions [F _{8, 240}?=?58.698; P?<?0.05]; and also significant difference in the interactions [F _{40, 240}?=?1.583; P?<?0.05]. The latency data also revealed a significant difference between groups [F _{5, 30}?=?28.085; P?<?0.05]; time?=?[F _{8, 240}?=?136.314; P?<?0.05]; and there was a significant difference in the interactions [F _{40, 240}?=?2.090; P?<?0.05]. In order to ascertain if interdependence between fluoride concentrations and the foregoing free radical parameters, respective correlation coefficients were calculated and results clearly emphasize the positive role of exercise in the promotion of cognitive functions by decreasing fluoride levels in rat hippocampus. A significant recovery in cognitive function was noticed in all the exercised animals due to reduced burden of brain oxidative stress. In comparison to exercise regimens performed at different temperatures, high (35?°C) and low temperatures (20?°C) led to a slower acquisition and poor retention of the task when compared to thermo neutral temperatures (25 and 30?°C). Thus exercise up-regulate antioxidant defenses and promote learning abilities in fluorotic population.     

Explore the influence of soil quality on crop yield using statistically-derived pedological indicators

The aim of this paper is (1) to find and discuss the best multivariate statistical method in exploring the soil productivity function in an East-Hungarian region; (2) to evaluate and interpret the edaphic indicators and Hungarian soil quality index (HSQI); and (3) to identify the main determinant factors and indicators in this region. Soil pH, carbonate content, soluble and exchangeable Na⁺, clay, humus, available phosphorus and potassium content were analyzed. Topographical position and HSQI were evaluated as well. Yield data (maize, winter wheat, sunflower) of 10 years were standardized using calculated relative yield of each crop. Having simple indicators, stepwise linear regressions for mean relative yield were inadequate for choice uncorrelated indicators which have significant influence on yields. The variables were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation. According to the eigenvalues greater than 1, the PCA yielded three principal components (PCs) explaining a total of 89.471% of the variance for the entire data set. These factors could be well interpreted as derived complex indicators. Having the three PCs, a stepwise linear regression process (PCR) was conducted with dependent variables mean relative yield. The explained variance for mean relative yield was as high as adjusted R² = 0.771 (p < 0.001). The three PC factors together explained the mean relative yield better than the simple indicators and the HSQI. So, the variables can effectively explain the yield and the variability together with other variables as linear combinations. Consequently, PCR is a successful method to reveal the site specific relationship between soil properties and yields and to revision the HSQI at local level.     

The effect of different fertilizer treatments on water quality parameters in rice-cum-fish culture systems

A rice–fish culture experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different fertilizer treatments on water quality parameters, i.e. dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and conductivity, as well as the nutrients nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Data gathered were subjected to analysis of variance. Dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and potassium concentrations showed significant differences (P<0.5) among the various rice‐cum‐fish management systems, with the highest mean concentration in the fish‐only management system. The insignificant difference (P>0.05) in the oxygen concentration between rice‐only and rice‐cum‐fish management systems was probably due to the narrow spacing of rice cultivars (20 × 20 cm). Under different fertilizer treatments, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and potassium concentrations were not significantly different (P>0.05), indicating that different fertilizer treatments had no effect on their concentrations. Mean temperature, pH, conductivity and phosphorus concentrations in all rice‐cum‐fish management systems and fertilizer treatments did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from each other. This might possibly be due to the hydrogeology and climatic conditions of the area. However, all levels of studied water quality parameters were tolerable to the fish (Oreochromis niloticus) in the rice–fish ecosystem. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in rice yield between the rice–fish management system and the rice‐only management system. However, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) under different fertilizer treatments, with nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (NPK) (20 : 10 : 10) giving the highest production of an estimated 14.36 kg ha^?1 year^?1, indicating that fertilizer treatments had an effect on the rice yield. Fish growth was not significantly different (P>0.05) under different rice–fish management systems, but was significant (P<0.05) under different fertilizer treatments. Chicken manure gave the best growth with 17.7±5.97 g; estimated fish yields were 343 and 602 kg ha^?1 year^?1 in fish monoculture and rice–fish culture respectively. It is recommended that farmers who are more inclined to fish or rice production in integrated rice‐cum‐fish management systems could use chicken manure and NPK (20 : 10 : 10) respectively.     

An experimental facility for free air humidity manipulation (FAHM) can alter water flux through deciduous tree canopy

A facility for free air humidity manipulation (FAHM) was established to investigate the effect of increased air humidity on trees’ performance and their canopy functioning with respect to rising air humidity predicted for Northern Europe. The FAHM system enables air relative humidity (RH) to be increased up to 18 units (%) over the ambient level during mist fumigation, depending on the wind speed inside the experimental stand. Water was dispersed inside 14 × 14 m experimental plots in the form of mist with an average particle size of 50 μm from June to August in 2008, and from May to September in 2009. The average increase in RH was 7 units (%) over the whole period of humidification in 2008 (P < 0.05). The average diurnal stem sap flux density per unit projected leaf area (F) in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) trees was 24.8% (P < 0.05) and 27.2% (P < 0.01) higher in control (C) plots compared to humidification (H) plots during misting in 2008 and 2009, respectively. However, the difference between C and H plots was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) in silver birch on the days without misting. In hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.) the average difference in F between C and H plots was 61.1% (P < 0.001) during mist fumigation in the summer of 2009. Nevertheless, the difference was considerable (38.8%; P < 0.001) also on the days without misting, reflecting the impact of plant inner factors on F as a result of long-term acclimation to fumigation. The leaves of silver birch in a humidified plot demonstrated up to 2.4 °C lower (P < 0.05) leaf temperature (T_L) compared to the control plot in 2009. The decline in T_L decreased the humidity gradient between leaf and air by about 1/3, whereas 2/3 of the effect was caused directly by changes in air humidity in the leaf boundary layer. Our preliminary data suggest that the FAHM experimental facility enables water fluxes through a deciduous tree canopy to be reduced and this effect is attributable both to the increased air humidity and decreased leaf temperature. Changes in these two basic factors may create considerable differences in the physiology, anatomy and nutrition of a whole tree, also affecting forest functioning in the light of global climate change.