A hybrid CNN-LSTM model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the rice panicle initiation stage

Nitrogen(N)and potassium(K)are two key mineral nutrient elements involved in rice growth.Accurate diagnosis of N and K status is very important for the rational application of fertilizers at a specific rice growth stage.Therefore,we propose a hybrid model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the early panicle initiation stage(EPIS),which combines a convolutional neural network(CNN)with an attention mechanism and a long short-term memory network(LSTM).The model was validated on a large set of sequential images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)from rice canopies at different growth stages during a two-year experiment.Compared with VGG16,AlexNet,GoogleNet,DenseNet,and inceptionV3,ResNet101 combined with LSTM obtained the highest average accuracy of 83.81%on the dataset of Huanghuazhan(HHZ,an indica cultivar).When tested on the datasets of HHZ and Xiushui 134(XS134,a japonica rice variety)in 2021,the ResNet101-LSTM model enhanced with the squeeze-and-excitation(SE)block achieved the highest accuracies of 85.38 and 88.38%,respectively.Through the cross-dataset method,the average accuracies on the HHZ and XS134 datasets tested in 2022 were 81.25 and 82.50%,respectively,showing a good generalization.Our proposed model works with the dynamic information of different rice growth stages and can efficiently diagnose different rice nutrient status levels at EPIS,which are helpful for making practical decisions regarding rational fertilization treatments at the panicle initiation stage.

Effect of nutrient level on phytoplankton community structure in different water bodies

Increasing levels of pollution within water bodies can cause eutrophication and an associated rapid growth in and reproduction of phytoplankton. Although most frequently occurring in bodies of water such as lakes and dams, in recent years an increasing number of river systems in China have suffered serious algal blooms. The community structure of phytoplankton may differ, however, dependent on the hydrodynamic conditions and nutrient levels within the water body. The field investigation results obtained from a stagnant river in Suzhou City and Taihu Lake, China, showed that in water with higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, Chlorophyta became the predominant species and in water with lower concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, Cyanobacteria became the predominant species. Growth experiments with competitive species, Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz and Scenedesmus quadricauda （Turp.）, were conducted at three different nutrient levels. The biomass of algae in pure and mixed cultures was measured under conditions of different N/P ratios at oligotrophic, eutrophic and hypertrophic nutrient levels. The results indicated that the most suitable state for the growth and reproduction of M. aeruginosa and S. quadricauda were eutrophic conditions in both pure and mixed cultures. Under competition, however, the lower medium nutrient levels favoured M. aeruginosa, while the higher medium nutrient levels better suited S. quadricauda. Under similar hydrodynamic conditions, the community structure of phytoplankton in the water body was determined by the dominant species in competition for nutrients.

Effect of Graded Levels of Fiber from Alfalfa Meal on Nutrient Digestibility and Flow of Fattening Pigs

The fiber level and composition have an important effect on nutrient digestibility of swine diets. Little information is known about the effects of fiber level and composition from alfalfa meal on nutrient digestibility of fattening pigs fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of alfalfa fiber on the growth performance, intestinal nutrient flow and apparent total tract digestibility（ATTD） of nutrients in fattening pigs. 24 barrows（Duroc×（Large White×Landrace）, body weight=（60.6±0.7） kg） were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 1 pig per replicate. The pigs were provided a control diet or a diet containing 5, 10 or 20% of alfalfa meal during a 14-d experiment period. Average daily gain（ADG） and the ATTD of dry matter（DM）, organic matter（OM）, crude protein（CP）, neutral detergent fiber（NDF）, acid detergent fiber（ADF） and gross energy（GE） reduced linearly as the level of alfalfa meal in the diet increased（P〈0.01）. The total tract flow of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and GE increased with the increase in dietary alfalfa（linear, P〈0.05）. Growth performance and nutrient digestion were not affected by inclusion of 5% alfalfa meal in the diet（P〉0.05）. A multiple linear regression analysis, taking into account both soluble and insoluble fiber intake, explained approximately 70% of the variation in the ATTD of DM, OM, NDF, and GE（P〈0.01）. In conclusion, alfalfa meal should be limited to less than 5% of the diet in fattening pigs to maximize growth performance and nutrient digestion. Soluble and insoluble fiber from alfalfa meal has the differential roles in nutrient digestion, which may help explain the main variation observed in nutrient digestibility. These findings suggest that knowledge of specific fiber components is necessary to accurately predict the effects of dietary fiber on nutrient digestibility.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Level on Rice Nutrient Uptake and Ammonia Volatilization

The effects of different nitrogen application levels on nutrient uptake and ammonia volatilization were studied with the rice cultivar Zheyou 12 as a material.The accumulative amounts of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium in rice plants across all growth stages showed a trend to increase with increasing nitrogen application levels from 0 to 270 kg/hm 2,but decreased at nitrogen application levels exceeding 270 kg/hm 2.Moreover,the accumulative uptake of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium by the rice plants was increased by application of organic manure in combination with 150 kg/hm 2 nitrogen.The nitrogen uptake was high during the jointing to heading stages.Correlation analysis showed that rice yield was positively correlated with the accumulative uptake of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium by the rice plants.The highest correlation coefficient observed was between the amount of nitrogen uptake and rice yield.The rate and accumulative amounts of ammonia volatilization increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer application level.Compared with other stages,the rate and accumulative amount of ammonia volatilization were higher after base fertilizer application.The ammonia volatilization rates in response to the nitrogen application levels of 270 kg/hm 2 and 330 kg/hm 2 were much higher than those in the other treatments.The loss of nitrogen through ammonia volatilization accounted for 23.9% of the total applied nitrogen at the nitrogen application level of 330 kg/hm 2.

The effects of dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility and the relationship between apparent total tract digestibility of total dietary fiber, and soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber and available energy. Sugar beet pulp was as the only fiber source. The experiment was designed as a 6 x 6 Latin square with an adaptation period of 7 d followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. Feed intake tended to decrease （P =0.] O） as total dietary fiber level increased. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy decreased （P 〈0.0]） when total dietary fiber increased but the digestibility of soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber increased （P 〈0.01）. The digestible energy and metabolizable energy content of diets decreased （P 〈0.01） as the total dietary fiber increased.

Effect of Different Protein Levels on Nutrient Digestion Metabolism and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Calves

The current study has been performed to examine the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth, nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as biochemical parameters in calves. Nine healthy newborn calves were selected, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed 3 milk replacers with different protein levels （18, 22, and 26%）, respectively. Five period-digestion-metabolism trials were taken between 12-20, 22-30, 32-40, 42-50, and 52-60 days after birth. All 3 groups showed a similar growth curve during 11 to 61 experimental days, however, the growth rate of the 22% crude protein （CP） group was 8.89% higher than that of the 18% CP group and 19.48% higher than that of the 26% CP group, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry material （DM） declined gradually with age, whereas, the apparent digestibility of N, extract ether （EE） rose slightly. Compared to the 22% CP and 26% CP group, calves fed with 18% CP apparently had a lower digestibility than DM, EE, and nitrogen （N）. The average apparent digestibilities of N were 69.39, 75.36, and 74.55%, respectively. Both the apparent digestibility and retention of calcium （Ca） and phosphorus （P） were steady throughout the experiment, but the average apparent digestibility of P in the 26% CP group was only 63.83%, which was markedly lower than that of the 18% CP group （70.40%） and 22% CP group （69.73%）. In addition, the serum concentrations of total protein （TP）, albumin （ALB）, and globulin （GLOB） of the 22% CP group were higher than those in the 18% CP and 26% CP groups. The urea N （BUN） content in the 18% CP group, on the other hand, was significantly lower than that of the other two groups. The highest glucose （GLU） concentration was found in the 22% CP group （5.38 mmol L^-1）, at the end of the trials. The protein levels in the milk replacer affected the digestion metabolism of nutrition and the serum biochemical parameters of calves at different physiological phases. Calves fed with 22% CP milk replacer had a better growth performance than the other groups.

Growth and nutrient accumulation of Brazil nut trees(Bertholletia excelsa) in agroforestry at different fertilizer levels

The Brazil nut tree（Bertholletia excelsa） is a frequent component of agroforestry systems in the Amazon because of its adaptation to nutrient-poor upland soils and multiple uses.We investigated the aboveground biomass production（kg dry weight）,nutrient uptake and requirements（N,P,Ca,Mg,K） of Brazil nut trees of different sizes grown under agroforestry conditions and fertilized at different levels.Eight of 70 experimental trees with different size were harvested and stem,branches and leaves were separated.Nutrient contents were determined for three trees of varying size.Average tree growth was fast,but variability was high,suggesting considerable potential for the improvement of this economically important species.The trees responded to increased levels of fertilizer and lime with significantly increased foliar nutrient contents and growth,probably because of the improved availability of Mg and Ca for which the species seems to have a relatively high demand.In contrast to Brazil nut trees grown in forest or dense plantations,the agroforestry trees invested a substantial part of their biomass and nutrients in large branches and developed spreading crowns.To improve stem form,reduce competition with associated crops for light and recycle nutrients,regular pruning of lower branches or planting arrangements that favor self-pruning are recommended.These measures would also increase the recycling of Ca and Mg,large quantities of which are contained in the branches.

Foliar Nutrient Balance Standards for Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) at High-Yield Level

Maize is one of the most nutrient demanding staple crops. Tissue nutrient diagnosis of maize is currently conducted using critical nutrient concentration or dual ratio ranges, but such diagnoses are pathological as biased by data redundancy, sub-compositional incoherence and non-normal distribution. The use of orthogonal balances, a compositional data analysis technique, avoids such biases. Our objective was to develop foliar nutrient balance standards for maize. We collected 758 grain yields (15.5% moisture content) and foliar samples at silk stage in maize fields of southern Quebec, Canada, and analyzed ten nutrients in tissues (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe). Nutrients were arranged into ad hoc balances and computed as isometric log ratios (ilr). An optimized binary classification performed by a customized receiver operating characteristic procedure showed that a critical Mahalanobis distance of 4.21 separated balanced from imbalanced specimens about yield cut-off of 11.83 Mg grain·ha-1 with test performance of 86%. Quebec maize balance standards differed from published standards computed from DRIS norms collected in other agroecosystems. The Redfield N/P ratio in maize leaves was found to be the least variable balance across regions of the world. The DRIS dual ratios and raw concentration values were found to be geometrically inadequate for conducting diagnosis. The unbiased nutrient balance diagnosis combined the critical Mahalanobis distance and a mobile representation of nutrient balances with ilr means of true negative (TN) specimens centered at fulcrums and back-transformed ilr values of TN specimens into raw concentrations loading the buckets below. Nutrients can be appreciated as relative shortage, adequacy or excess in the concentration domain following statistical analysis and diagnosis in the unbiased balance domain.

Nutrient and Chlorophyll <i>α</i>Variability at a Micro-Scale Level in a Suspended Mussel Culture

Mussel farming by the long-line system, in the shallow waters of the NW Thessaloniki Gulf, Greece, is a vital economic activity for the local communities. The management practices play an important role both in the environmental quality and the support of the healthy growth of mussels. Αn experimental line of mussels in suspension placed at different sock distances as a management practice was systematically monitored for nutrients, chlorophyll α and dissolved oxygen. The study at four different mussel densities (distances of the socks) lasted from July 2014 to April 2015, covering the growth, reproduction and harvest cycle of mussels. Additional sampling took place in two selected sock distances, 30 and 70 cm, in the second sampling period, May-August 2015. The variability of nutrients along with chlorophyll α and dissolved oxygen, seasonally, spatially and vertically, was examined with the application of multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed low variation of nitrates among the sites but statistically significant differences of dissolved oxygen, ammonium, phosphate and chlorophyll α. The application of environmental indicators (TRIX, EI) in the data set was a useful tool in the identification of different variation schemes of the measured parameters in the cultures of various mussel densities.

Nutritional Composition and Anti-Nutrient Levels in Raw and Processed Varieties of Finger Millet Promoted for Nutritional Security

Finger millet (FM) is rich in nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. However, the levels of nutrients and their bioaccessibility depend on the variety, the levels of ant nutrients, the chemical form of nutrients, and the type of processing methods used. The study determined the levels of selected nutrients, anti-nutrients, and bioaccessibility in raw and processed varieties of finger millet being developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Kenya. Raw finger millet seeds from KALRO Centers in Kenya were processed by malting for 60 hours and roasting at 110°C for 5 minutes as the optimal conditions. Levels of minerals were determined by AAS and AES, anti-nutrients by UV-visible spectrophotometer, proteins by the Pierce kit method, and vitamins by HPLC. The IE4115 and IE3779 showed the highest levels of nutrients and lowest levels of antinutrients hence preferred for processing and bioaccessibility studies. The level (mg/100 g) of selected minerals;K, Cr3+, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, and Zn were found to be highest in the following varieties of the FM;IE3779 (688.519 ± 1.57), IE 4115 (1.29 ± 0.07), IE4115 (294.38 ± 1.93), IE3779 (466.67 ± 4.17), IE4115 (250.92 ± 0.33), KERICHO P (16.98 ± 0.05) and IE4115 (64.10 ± 2.35) respectively. For β-carotene, vitamin B, B2, B3, B6 and B9 the levels were highest in the following varieties of FM;KAKW3 (0.023 ± 0.02), IE4115 (14.85 ± 0.16), IE4115 (12.998 ± 0.04), IE4115 (5.843 ± 0.07), IE3779 (0.06 ± 0.04) and KAKW4 (9.832 ± 0.08). Phytates, tannins, phenols, and oxalates were found to be lowest in the following varieties: IE3779 (14.20 ± 2.90, IE4115 (27.83 ± 0.73), NKFM1 (9.69 ± 0.07) and IE4115 (0.25 ± 0.01). The highest bioaccessibility values reported for K, Mg, Ca, P, Cr3+, Fe, and Zn were 89.53% (malting, IE3779), 49.28% (malting, IE4115), 60.41% (Malting, IE4115), 69.40% (malting, IE4115), 12.9% (malting, IE4115), 59.84% (malting, KAKW3) and 66.89% (roasting, IE3779) respectively (Table 8). For beta carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 the values were 73.33% (malting, p224), 78.84% (malting, IE4115), 78.34 (malting, IE3779), 97.63% (malting, IE4115), 91.64% (malting, IE4115), and 77.52% (roasting, IE4115) (table The result on levels and bioaccessibility showed that IE4115 and IE3779 varieties were more nutritious and therefore should be promoted for nutritional security.

Effects of Different Drip Irrigation Fertilizers on Nutrient Levels in Celery and Soil under Drip Irrigation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different fertilizers on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ＇absorption and distribution by celeo, and the changes of soil nutrients in the 0 -40 cm soil layer under drip irrigation, so as to provide a theoretical basis for nutrient management of greenhouse celery culti- vation and special fertilizer development. With celery as an experiment material and the ratio of conventional fertilization as control treatment, the effects of different ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on nutrient absorption by celery and changes of soil nutrients were investigated by plot experiment in greenhouse. The results showed that the contents and distribution proportions of N and P in leaf were higher than those in stem, while for K, the content and distribution proportion were higher in stem than in leaf. The absorption amount of K was the highest in celery, followed by N, and the absorption amount of P element was the least. The mean ratio of N, P and K in celery was 1：0.556： 1.609. There were evident dynamic changes in contents of soil available nutrients in the 0 -20 cm soil layer in various growth stages of celery under different drip irrigation fertilizers. The contents of soil available nutrients were higher on the 28＇h , 47~ and 83＇h d ＂after fieht planting, while those before field planting and after harvest were lower. So the amounts of soil available nutrients were closely related to the growth stage of celery. In the whole growth period of celery, the mean input amounts of N, P205 and K20 were 805, 1 049 and 916 kg/hm2 , respectively, but the absorption amounts of nutrients by celery were far less than inputs, and the amounts of N, P205 and K20 absorbed by celery＂ were only 23% -26% , 10% and 31% -35% of the appli- cation amounts, respectively. The apparent balance of N, P2 O5 and Kz O were 613,943 and 609 kg/hm2 , respectively, indicating excess fertilization in this experi- ment. Under this experiment condition, Tj （ N： PzOs： K20 = 1 ： 0.63： 1.08） favored increase of celery yield and absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and petassium by celery. The results will provide a scientific basis for study and utilization of special fertilizer for drip irrigation on celery. Key words Drip irrigation; Fertilizer for drip irrigation; Celery; Soil nutrient; Apparent balance

Cumulative effects of excess high-normal alanine aminotransferase levels in relation to new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in China

BACKGROUND Within the normal range,elevated alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels are associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).AIM To investigate the associations between repeated high-normal ALT measurements and the risk of new-onset MAFLD prospectively.METHODS A cohort of 3553 participants followed for four consecutive health examinations over 4 years was selected.The incidence rate,cumulative times,and equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of excess high-normal ALT levels(ehALT)were measured.Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyse the association between the cumulative effects of ehALT and the risk of new-onset MAFLD.RESULTS A total of 83.13%of participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.The incidence rate of MAFLD showed a linear increasing trend in the cumulative ehALT group.Compared with those in the low-normal ALT group,the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of the equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of ehALT were 1.651[95%confidence interval(CI):1.199-2.273]and 1.535(95%CI:1.119-2.106)in the third quartile and 1.616(95%CI:1.162-2.246)and 1.580(95%CI:1.155-2.162)in the fourth quartile,respectively.CONCLUSION Most participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.Long-term high-normal ALT levels were associated with a cumulative increased risk of new-onset MAFLD.

Effect of wall-disruption on nutrient composition and in vitro digestion of camellia and lotus bee pollens

The nutrient digestion,absorption and biological activity of bee pollen may be limited due to the complex pollen wall.Here,the effect of superfine grinding technology on the release of nutrients from bee pollen were investigated,and their antioxidant activities and in vitro digestion were explored in this study.Results showed that the content of nutrients in bee pollen increased after wall disruption.Among them,fat content increased by 22.55%-8.31%,protein content increased by 0.54%-4.91%,starch content increased by 36.31%-48.64%,soluble sugar content increased by 20.57%-29.67%,total phenolic acid content increased by 11.73%-86.98%and total flavonoids content increased by 14.29%-24.79%.At the same time,the antioxidant activity increased by 14.84%-46.00%.Furthermore,the active components such as phenolic compounds in the wall-disruption bee pollen were more readily to be released during the in vitro digestion,and easier to be absorbed because of their higher bioaccessibility.Antioxidant activities during in vitro digestion were also improved in walldisruption bee pollen.These findings provide evidence that bee pollen wall disruption was suggested,thus,it is more conducive to exerting the value of bee pollen in functional foods.

Dynamics and genetic regulation of macronutrient concentrations during grain development in maize

Nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) are essential macronutrients that are crucial not only for maize growth and development, but also for crop yield and quality. The genetic basis of macronutrient dynamics and accumulation during grain filling in maize remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated grain N, P, and K concentrations in 206 recombinant inbred lines generated from a cross of DH1M and T877 at six time points after pollination. We then calculated conditional phenotypic values at different time intervals to explore the dynamic characteristics of the N, P, and K concentrations. Abundant phenotypic variations were observed in the concentrations and net changes of these nutrients. Unconditional quantitative trait locus(QTL) mapping revealed 41 non-redundant QTLs, including 17, 16, and 14 for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively. Conditional QTL mapping uncovered 39 non-redundant QTLs related to net changes in the N, P, and K concentrations. By combining QTL, gene expression, co-expression analysis, and comparative genomic data, we identified 44, 36, and 44 candidate genes for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively, including GRMZM2G371058 encoding a Doftype zinc finger DNA-binding family protein, which was associated with the N concentration, and GRMZM2G113967encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase, which was related to the K concentration. The results deepen our understanding of the genetic factors controlling N, P, and K accumulation during maize grain development and provide valuable genes for the genetic improvement of nutrient concentrations in maize.

Subsoil tillage enhances wheat productivity,soil organic carbon and available nutrient status in dryland fields

Tillage practices during the fallow period benefit water storage and yield in dryland wheat crops.However,there is currently no clarity on the responses of soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),and available nutrients to tillage practices within the growing season.This study evaluated the effects of three tillage practices(NT,no tillage;SS,subsoil tillage;DT,deep tillage)over five years on soil physicochemical properties.Soil samples at harvest stage from the fifth year were analyzed to determine the soil aggregate and aggregate-associated C and N fractions.The results indicated that SS and DT improved grain yield,straw biomass and straw carbon return of wheat compared with NT.In contrast to DT and NT,SS favored SOC and TN concentrations and stocks by increasing the soil organic carbon sequestration rate(SOCSR)and soil nitrogen sequestration rate(TNSR)in the 0-40 cm layer.Higher SOC levels under SS and NT were associated with greater aggregate-associated C fractions,while TN was positively associated with soluble organic nitrogen(SON).Compared with DT,the NT and SS treatments improved soil available nutrients in the 0-20 cm layer.These findings suggest that SS is an excellent practice for increasing soil carbon,nitrogen and nutrient availability in dryland wheat fields in North China.

Effects of soil potassium levels on dry matter and nutrient accumulation and distribution in cotton

Background Potassium(K)is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development.However,plant fertilization ignoring the soil K level is very likely to cause excessive fertilizer use,and further arouse a series of side effects.This study investigated the response of cotton growth to different soil K levels and the uptake of major nutrients,aiming to evaluate the appropriate K supply level for cotton growth.Using a random block design with 6 soil K levels,we conducted 18 micro-zones field experiments over two continuous years.The soil available K concentration of each treatment was K1(99.77-100.90 mg·kg^(-1)),K2(110.90-111.26 mg·kg^(-1)),K3(123.48-128.88 mg·kg^(-1)),K4(140.13-145.10 mg·kg^(-1)),K5(154.43-155.38 mg·kg^(-1)),and K6(165.77-168.75 mg·kg^(-1)).Cotton nutrient contents,soil nutrient contents,accumulation and distribution of dry matter in cotton were determined,and the relationships between K content in soil and plants and dry matter accumulation were analyzed.Results The soil K content had a significantly positive relationship with dry matter and K accumulation in cotton plants.There were significant differences in dry matter accumulation,single-plant seed cotton yield,mineral nutrient uptake and the proportion of K accumulation in reproductive organs among different soil K levels.The results showed that there was significant difference between K4 and lower K level treatments(K1 and K2),but no significant difference between K4 and higher K level treatments(K5 and K6)in dry matter,single-plant seed cotton yield,or accumulation,distribution and seed cotton production efficiency of N,P and K.Conclusion The soil K level of K4 was able to provide sufficient K for cotton growth in our experiment.Therefore,when the soil K level reached 140.13 mg·kg^(-1),further increasing the soil K concentration no longer had a significant positive effect on cotton growth.

Optimized NPK fertilizer recommendations based on topsoil available nutrient criteria for wheat in drylands of China

The optimized management of crop fertilization is very important for improving crop yield and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers.Critical nutrient values can be used for evaluating the nutritional status of a crop,and they reflect the nutrient concentrations above which the plant is sufficiently supplied for achieving the maximum potential yield.Based on on-farm surveys of 504 farmers and 60 field experimental sites in the drylands of China,we proposed a recommended fertilization method to determine nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),and potassium(K)fertilizer input rates for wheat production,and then validated the method by a field experiment at 66 different sites in northern China.The results showed that wheat grain yield varied from 1.1 to 9.2 t ha^(-1),averaging 4.6 t ha^(-1),and it had a quadratic relationship with the topsoil(0-20 cm)nitrate N and soil available P contents at harvest.However,yield was not correlated with the inputs of N,P,and K fertilizers.Based on the relationship(exponential decay model)between 95–105%of the relative yield and topsoil nitrate N,available P,and available K contents at wheat harvest from 60 field experiments,the topsoil critical nutrient values were determined as 34.6,15.6,and 150 mg kg^(-1)for soil nitrate N,available P,and available K,respectively.Then,based on five groups of relative yield(>125%,115–125%,105–115%,95–105%,and<95%)and the model,the five groups of topsoil critical nutrient levels and fertilization coefficients(Fc)were determined.Finally,we proposed a new method for calculating the recommended fertilizer input rate as:Fr=Gy×Nr×Fc,where Fr is the recommended fertilizer(N/P/K)input rate;Gy is the potential grain yield;Nr is the N(N_(rN)),P(N_(rP)),and K(N_(rK))nutrient requirements for wheat to produce 1,000 kg of grain;and Fc is a coefficient for N(N_c)/P(P_c)/K(K_c)fertilizer.A 2-year validated experiment confirmed that the new method reduced N fertilizer input by 17.5%(38.5 kg N ha^(-1))and P fertilizer input by 43.5%(57.5 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1))in northern China and did not reduce the wheat yield.This outcome can significantly increase the farmers’benefits(by 7.58%,or 139 US$ha^(-1)).Therefore,this new recommended fertilization method can be used as a tool to guide N,P,and K fertilizer application rates for dryland wheat production.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Lower-Level Health Care Facilities of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania: Status towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Way Forward

Background: Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in health care settings is a critical prerequisite for achieving national health goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for each United Nations member state to reach by 2030. Each member state is required to reach by 2022, 2025 and 2030 at least 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively of basic level of service of the five elements which are water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management and environmental cleaning. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate and document the current state of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services in all lower-level health care facilities in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania as of July 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 public dispensaries in the Dar es Salaam region’s five councils: Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni and Temeke Municipalities, and Ilala City. The interviewee form and observational checklists were both digitalized using the Kobo tool software. The respondents were health care facility in-charges or nurse in-charges. Data were downloaded, validated, and imported to Stata version 15 for analysis. Results: The basic WASH level per JMP is far below the target in 2022. Each member state by 2022 is required to reach at least 60% of the basic level of service of each element. We found a low coverage of basic WASH in the 99 dispensaries included in this study. The basic WASH coverage was met in only 10 (10.1%) of the dispensaries, while the remaining 89 (89.9%) dispensaries fall on limited WASH services. Conclusion: This study revealed lower coverage of basic WASH services in dispensaries. An urgent need is required to improve the status of WASH in all the dispensaries and facilitate the provision of quality health care services, patient safety and reduce health care associated infections.

Correlation of serum nutrient levels with immune cell differentiation and inflammatory response activation in children with pneumonia

Objective:To investigate the correlation of serum nutrient levels with immune cell differentiation and inflammatory response activation in children with pneumonia.Methods:200 children with pneumonia who were treated in our hospital between April 2015 and August 2017 were selected as the pneumonia group, and 100 healthy children who were vaccinated in this hospital during the same period were selected as the normal control group. The differences in serum levels of nutrients, Th1/Th2 cytokines, Th17/Treg cytokines and inflammatory mediators were compared between the two groups. Pearson test was used to assess the relationship between serum nutrient levels and disease severity.Results: Serum Vit A, Fe and Zn levels of pneumonia group were lower than those of control group. The differences in serum Vit D, Ca and Mg levels were not statistically significant between the two groups of children. Serum Th1 cytokines IL-2 and TNF-β contents of pneumonia group were lower than those of control group whereas Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 contents were higher than those of control group;Th17 cytokines IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 contents were higher than those of control group whereas Treg cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β contents were lower than those of control group;inflammatory mediators CRP, PCT and MCP-1 contents were significantly higher than those of control group. Pearson test showed that serum nutrients Vit A, Fe and Zn levels in children with pneumonia were directly correlated with the degree of immune cell differentiation and inflammatory response.Conclusion: Serum Vit A, Fe, Zn and other nutrient levels abnormally decrease in children with pneumonia, and the specific level are directly correlated with the severity of the disease.

Litterfall production modeling based on climatic variables and nutrient return from stands of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L.

Native grasslands in the Pampas of South America are increasingly being replaced by Eucalyptus and Pinus stands.The short rotation regimes used for the stands require high nutrient levels,with litterfall being a major source of nutrient return.To model the litterfall production using climatic variables and assess the nutrient return in 14-year-old Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus taeda stands,we measured litter production over 2 years,using conical litter traps,and monitored climatic variables.Mean temperature,accumulated precipitation,and mean maximum vapor pres-sure deficit at the seasonal level influenced litterfall produc-tion by E.grandis;seasonal accumulated precipitation and mean maximum temperature affected litterfall by P.taeda.The regression tree modeling based on these climatic vari-ables had great accuracy and predictive power for E.grandis(N=33;MAE(mean absolute error)=0.65;RMSE(root mean square error)=0.91;R^(2)=0.71)and P.taeda(N=108;MAE=1.50;RMSE=1.59;R^(2)=0.72).The nutrient return followed a similar pattern to litterfall deposition,as well as the order of importance of macronutrients(E.grandis:Ca>N>K>Mg>P;P.taeda:N>Ca>K>Mg>P)and micronutrients(E.grandis and P.taeda:Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu)in both species.This study constitutes a first approximation of factors that affect litterfall and nutrient return in these systems.