Need For Irrigation Research Articles

Long-Term Decision Regret and Associated Factors After Urinary Reconstruction in Underserved Patients With Spinal Cord Injury.

Patients with refractory neurogenic bladder dysfunction may require urinary reconstruction due to severe incontinence, difficulty with catheterization, and to prevent upper urinary tract compromise. We evaluated long-term decisional regret and associated factors after urinary reconstruction in patients with spinal cord injury. We interviewed patients with spinal cord injuries who underwent bladder reconstruction surgery at least 10 years ago, administering validated surveys on bowel quality of life (QoL) and dysfunction, UTIs, and decisional regret. Daily bladder management and symptoms were assessed using the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score, a validated questionnaire consisting of 3 domains that examine incontinence, storage and voiding, and other health and QoL consequences of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical modality were collected through chart reviews. Decisional regret was compared among subgroups and correlated with patient-reported outcomes. We evaluated 52 patients (41 men, 78.8%; mean age 54.9 ± 10 years) with average follow-up of 30 ± 8.6 years of postinjury and 21.9 ± 5.3 years of postsurgery. Reconstruction procedures mostly included bladder augmentation (n = 38, 73.1%) and augmentation with continent catheterizable stoma (n = 9, 17.3%). Most of the patients were of Hispanic origin (n = 41, 78.8%) with complete spinal cord injuries (n = 39, 76%). The median decision regret score was 7.5 (IQR: 0-25), indicating low regret among most participants. Bladder irrigation frequency (P = .002) was associated with decision regret, while other patient and surgical factors (eg, demographics, UTI frequency, and surgery type) were not. Surgical regret was moderately correlated with diminished bowel-related QoL (ρ = 0.333, P = .016) and increased Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (ρ = 0.328, P = .018). The Incontinence (ρ = 0.286, P = .040) and Consequences (ρ = 0.299, P = .031) domains of this measure showed weak statistically significant correlations with regret, while the Storage and Voiding domain did not reach significance (ρ = 0.245, P = .080). Long-term follow-up suggests that lower urinary tract reconstruction with bowel interposition is a well-accepted and durable approach for managing refractory neurogenic bladder. Factors associated with decision regret, such as need for irrigation, should be incorporated in patient-centered decision-making.

Boosting Coffee Yields and Water Productivity: A Review of Drip Irrigation in Ethiopia

This review evaluates the effects of different irrigation methods on coffee yield and water productivity (WP) in Ethiopia's Jimma and Wollega zones, aligning with global trends. Drip irrigation consistently results in the highest coffee yields, producing 3870 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in Jimma at Melko, a 48% increase over surface irrigation and a 142% increase over rainfed conditions. In East Wollega at Wayu, drip irrigation yields 2035 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, 45% higher than surface irrigation and 213% higher than rainfed farming. Surface irrigation, although less efficient than drip, still offers significant improvements over rainfed methods, with cheery yields of 3000 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in Jimma at Melko, 2330 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in Jimma at Gera district, and 1402 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in West Wollega at Haru district, demonstrating increases of 63%, 48%, and 115%, respectively, over rainfed conditions. Rainfed agriculture consistently delivers the lowest yields, highlighting its vulnerability to water scarcity, with only 1600 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in Jimma at Melko and 650 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in West Wollega at Haru district. The review emphasizes the need for better irrigation and agronomic practices to boost productivity and climate resilience in Ethiopian coffee production. Drip irrigation also achieves the highest WP, with 0.38 kg m<sup>-</sup>³ in Jimma (Melko) and 0.17 kg m-³ in East Wollega (Wayu), surpassing the lower WP values of surface irrigation and rainfed methods. The findings advocate for more efficient irrigation techniques to enhance coffee yield and WP, in line with global practices.

Postoperative rectal irrigation after laparoscopic Swenson pull-through: is early instrumentation safe?

BackgroundIn approaching surgical correction of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), laparoscopic Swenson endorectal pull-through (Lap-S-ERPT) requires less transanal dissection and sphincter stretch. This may lead to more immediate postoperative obstructive symptoms. While...

Agricultural irrigation development in Castilla y León (Spain): driving forces and outcomes for landscape and sustainability in the 21st century

ContextAgriculture relies on irrigation in many parts of the world, and the need for irrigation is increasing due to rising demands for agricultural products and climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns. However, irrigated agriculture has been found to damage ecosystems and threaten landscape sustainability.ObjectivesAgainst this background, there has been a recent development towards large-scale irrigation in Spain. The aim of this study is to understand this development at the landscape level and its impact in the context of landscape sustainability.MethodsWe focused on two study sites in Castilla y León using a mixed-methods approach. We studied driving forces, landscape changes, and sustainability outcomes through document analysis, interviews, and aerial photograph analysis.ResultsThe development of a landscape-level underground pipe network took place at one study site and is planned for the second study site. Interviewees perceived institutional and social driving forces as particularly influential and technological driving forces as less influential. Political and economic driving forces were often interlinked. The irrigation development tied to land consolidation led to landscape changes, such as the removal of trees and increases in field size. Thus, in terms of environmental sustainability, trade-offs were found, while social sustainability outcomes were mainly positive. The impact on farmers’ economic security varied.ConclusionsFor further landscape-level irrigation developments, we recommend integrating preserving seminatural habitats and the structural diversity of the agricultural landscape in planning processes. We also recommend a shift towards more water efficient crops, evapotranspiration management, and a new funding scheme for farmers to offset rising electricity costs.

Lumbar Fusion Surgical Prophylaxis Using Cefazolin vs. Vancomycin in the Penicillin-Allergic Patient.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare peri- and postoperative infection rates among patients with mild to moderate penicillin allergies who receive cefazolin vs vancomycin as prophylaxis for lumbar fusion. Additionally, we sought to determine if patients receiving cefazolin exhibited any clinical symptoms suggestive of drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions, and to compare those rates to patients who received vancomycin. Cefazolin has been historically linked to hypersensitivity reactions in penicillin-allergic patients due to cross-reactivity. As a result, vancomycin is often given to these patients instead. To our knowledge, no studies have directly compared these two antibiotics in penicillin-allergic patients undergoing lumbar fusion. Patients with mild to moderate documented penicillin allergies who underwent lumbar fusion from 2017-2022 and received prophylactic cefazolin or vancomycin were studied. Demographic, surgical information, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were recorded. We identified drug sensitivity reactions, in hospital infections, 90-day readmissions related to infectious etiologies and need for irrigation and debridement (I&D) to treat a surgical site infection. 222 patients received cefazolin, while 180 received vancomycin. Patients receiving vancomycin had more medical comorbidities, while patients receiving cefazolin had slightly more levels fused. No significant differences existed between cohorts in postoperative infection rate. One patient given cefazolin developed a mild drug-induced skin reaction that was treated with topical steroids. No significant differences existed between cohorts in 90-day readmissions or need for I&D surgery. On bivariate analysis, patients given cefazolin had a longer LOS but this was attributed to confounding variables on multivariate analysis. Cefazolin and vancomycin are comparable at preventing postoperative infections among patients with mild to moderate documented reactions to penicillin. Our findings also suggest that penicillin-allergic patients are not at higher risk of developing drug-related hypersensitivity reactions in response to cefazolin exposure when compared to those who received vancomycin.

Key Factors in Fluid Irrigation Control: A Comparative Study of Arthroscope and Monoportal Scope in Biportal Spine Surgery.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare patient satisfaction and irrigation fluid usage between arthroscopy-based Biportal Endoscopic Decompression (A-BED) and monoportal scope-based biportal decompression, also known as Assisted Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery (AFESS). A total of 89 patients (52 A-BED, 37 AFESS) who underwent either procedure between September 2020 and April 2024 were included in the study. While arthroscopic scopes have traditionally been used in biportal surgeries, the monoportal scope offers the advantage of self-contained fluid management, allowing for more efficient irrigation. Fluid usage was measured by the number of 2 L saline bottles used per hour of surgery, and postoperative pain was assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Patient satisfaction at two weeks was similar between the groups (p < 0.71), while the AFESS group demonstrated significantly lower irrigation fluid usage (p < 0.001). Additionally, AFESS showed shorter operative times (84.8 min vs 99.3 min, p < 0.01). The monoportal scope's efficient fluid evacuation reduced the need for excess irrigation, contributing to reduced medical resource consumption without compromising patient satisfaction or safety. There was no significant influence of patient characteristics such as age, gender, or BMI on fluid usage, suggesting that the difference is primarily attributed to the surgical technique. No significant differences in complication rates or reoperations were observed between the two groups. AFESS thus shows potential for reducing irrigation-related risks and improving surgical efficiency while maintaining clinical outcomes comparable to the traditional method.

Impact of climatic trends on the water demand and irrigation planning for annual crops in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil

This study evaluated the spatial distribution of precipitation (P) and Peman-Monteith reference ET (ETo) in Brazil's São Francisco River basin (1961–2022). The analysis included Mann-Kendall trend tests and future IPCC projections on P and ETo to assess the need for supplemental irrigation (SI) of maize crop over twelve hypothetical growing seasons. The average annual P in the basin was 1300 mm year−1, decreasing from the Upper to the Lower section. Annual ETo averaged 1670 mm year−1, with higher depths in the Middle and Lower-middle sections. Trends for both P and ETo were significant(p < 0.05) in 58% of the basin. The overall trend magnitude in P was positive (average of about 0.5 mm year−2). Trend was decreasing in 56% of the sites (3.2 mm year−2) and increasing in 44% of them (5.3 mm year−2). For ETo, the overall trend was also positive (average of 3.0 mm year−2), with increasing trend in 79% of the sites (4.6 mm year−2) and a decreasing trend of 3.8 mm year−2 in 21% of the area. The need of SI varied both over the year with peaks in the May–August period and over the basin with higher depths in the Middle and Lower-middle sections. Large SI values (>800 mm) were associated with the dry season and areas with persistent trends in decreasing P and increasing ETo. Future IPCC projections indicate increased SI depths in most of the basin by 2081–2100, with the Middle and Lower-middle sections facing potentially unsustainable level for crop production.

Serotonergic Antidepressants are Associated With Higher Rates of Hematoma After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Large Propensity-matched Cohort Analysis.

Large database propensity-matched retrospective cohort analysis. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of serotonergic antidepressants on outcomes after anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). It was hypothesized that the perioperative use of serotonergic antidepressants would be associated with higher rates of hematoma formation and worse outcomes after ACSS. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been associated with worse outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using TriNetX, an aggregated and de-identified electronic health record platform. Patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery were included via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) encounter diagnosis codes. Cohorts were 1:1 propensity matched across seven demographic and medical comorbidity parameters, and outcomes were compared. The incidence of adverse outcomes, as well as healthcare utilization, within 14 days, 30 days, 90 days and 2-years post-operatively was evaluated. Following propensity matching, each cohort consisted of 9,249 patients, for a total of 18,498 patients included in final statistical analysis. SSRI/SNRI's were associated with higher odds of hematoma formation within 7-days (0.69% vs. 0.46%, OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.02-2.2], P=0.04) and within 14-days postoperatively (0.81% vs. 0.52%, OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.1-2.3], P=0.01. Within 30- and 90-days, SSRI/SNRI's were associated with higher risk of emergency department utilization (30-day OR 1.30 [1.1-1.4]; 90-day OR 1.3 [1.2-1.4]) and irrigation & debridement (I&D) (30-day OR 1.9 [1.2-3.0]). SSRIs/SNRIs were also associated with significantly higher risk of I&D within 2-years (OR 1.3 [1.1-1.6]). The use of serotonergic antidepressants perioperatively was associated with higher odds and risk of numerous outcomes, including hematoma formation, emergency department utilization and the need for irrigation & debridement. Future prospective studies are required to confirm these results. III; retrospective cohort analysis.

An Analysis Management by Mike 21 Modelling at Rolak 70 Retention Pool in Jombang Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia

Some areas in Indonesia have high level of sedimentation problems that able to cause flooding, and one apparent solution is to build a retention pool. Sedimentation is deposition of material into the reservoir or dam due to environmental damage or erosion occurs in the river basin area. Sedimentation becomes the main factor in constructing the Rolak 70 Retention Pool, as an important component in controlling floods on the Konto River when the water discharge exceeds the maximum limit. From geography perspective, the modelling location is in waters located between 112° 11′ 22.85″ South Latitude and 7° 38′ 42.23″ East Longitude. The model area has northern boundary at the tip of Rolak 70 pool, while western boundary at the outlet of Rolak 70 pool. The lowest water depth value is located in upstream area of Konto River at coordinates of 112°11’27.81″ South Latitude and 7°38’49.27″ East longitude. Weight of soil sample taken from the research site was ± 1000 grams at each point, and the result of sediment sample test performed at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory of Civil Engineering Department, Sultan Agung University, Semarang showed that the research area is dominated by sand, followed by mud and gravel. There were several tests conducted include grain size analysis, hydrometer analysis, and specific gravity analysis to determine the D50 of the sediment. In the study area, several sampling points were taken, started from upstream area of the river in front of Rolak 70 building to the Rolak 70 Retention Pool. For this purpose, a MIKE 21 software modelling was used to determine distribution and lines of sedimentation in the study area. As visible from changes found in bed level morphology that occurred in Rolak 70 Retention Pool by cross section extraction, it can be seen that the largest change occurred in analysis for line 1 and the smallest bed level changes occurred in the analysis for line 6. Then, the result revealed that sedimentation tends to occur at large locations in upstream area of Rolak 70 Retention Pool, while the smallest sedimentation potential will happen at the downstream area of Rolak 70 Retention Pool. These results can be caused by changes of speed from the river flow which tends to decrease towards the end of Rolak 70 Retention Pool. So, the river flow has no more energy to carry heavy amount of sediments originating from the upstream area of the Konto River. By the existence of this retention pool, the need for rice field irrigation will not be disturbed by sediment deposits. In addition, the Rolak 70 Retention Pool can be used as temporary storage for material from Mount Kelud eruption where these materials can be utilized as building material or other useful purposes.

Water and Irrigation Needs of Tuber Crops in Coastal Climates: A Review

One of the most essential elements for plant growth is water. Large amounts of it are required by plants constantly throughout their life cycle. It significantly affects agricultural activities like irrigation, soil management, crop production, and chemical spraying environments, as well as plant processes like photosynthesis, respiration, absorption, transport, and use of mineral nutrients. This review examines the impacts of climate change on root and tuber crops, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and changes in pest and disease dynamics. These changes significantly affect root and tuber crop production, leading to lower yields, compromised quality, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and limited access to water resources. Adaptation strategies encompass various approaches, such as agronomic practices, crop diversification, improved water management, breeding for climate resilience, and agro ecological methods. In the world, the most significant root and tuber crops are cassava, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. Water will produce maximum production for root crops; however, water stress during critical stages might adversely affect the final output of root crops. The purpose of this article of review is to understand the water and irrigation needs of tuber crops (sweet potato, greater and lesser yams, aerial yams, elephant foot yams, xanthosoma, and cassava) that are effectively produced in Maharashtra's coastal climate. This review emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change impacts on tropical root and tuber crops. It highlights the critical role of adaptive measures in ensuring long-term sustainability and food security in a changing climate.

Assessment of Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) of Sorghum Irrigated by Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Methods under Mediterranean Conditions

In recent years, subsurface drip irrigation has become increasingly important in view of the increasing drought. As it is a newly developed method, the effects of subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) and surface drip irrigation (SDI) need to be compared in terms of plant growth and yield parameters as well as water savings. The CWSI is an important index that indicates the water status in the plant and is closely related to yield and plant development parameters. The aim of the study is to compare the CWSI calculated with the SDI and SSDI methods in sorghum. The relationship between CWSI and physiological parameters (leaf number (LN), leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (CC)), as well as bioethanol and juice yield are also evaluated in the study. The study was designed in a randomized complete block design to include two drip irrigation methods (SDI and SSDI) and five different irrigation treatments (I0, I25, I50, I75, and I100) in three replications in Antalya in 2017. The full irrigation treatment was applied when 40% of the available soil water capacity in the soil profile of 0-90 cm was depleted, while the deficit irrigation treatments were applied at 75%, 50% and 25% of the full irrigation treatment. Consequently, the upper limit value was calculated as 5.5oC and the lower limit equation was determined as Tc-Ta = -1.96*VPD-0.08 under Mediterranean conditions for the sorghum plant. Compared to the SDI treatments, lower CWSI values were calculated for the SSDI treatments. Additionally, it was determined that as the CWSI increased in sorghum, leaf number, leaf area index, and chlorophyll content values decreased and as a result, juice and bioethanol yield decreased. It was determined that there was a high level of exponential relationship and a strong negative correlation between CWSI-irrigation, CWSI-ET, CWSI-leaf number, CWSI-LAI, CWSI-CC, CWSI-Juice yield, CWSI-bioethanol yield, and CWSI-IWP for both irrigation methods in sorghum. Considering the lower CWSI and higher bioethanol yield, it was concluded that the SSDI method is more suitable for sorghum.

Proximal sensor characterization of Haitian agricultural soils: A case study in the Central Plateau

Optimized agronomic production is vital to life and livelihood in Haiti. As such, rapid, low-cost soil characterization may inform specific decision making for improved crop production. Ahead of a larger soil characterization campaign (120,000 points) in Eastern Haiti, this study evaluated the use of two proximal sensors (portable X-ray fluorescence – pXRF; NixPro color sensor) at farms of Association Zanmi Agrikol (AZA) for soil characterization and evaluation of spatial variability of soil properties. Analysis of 166 surface soil samples (0–5 cm) collected in three different areas revealed that similar inter-elemental associations reported in other countries remain applicable in Haiti; weak, yet significant relationships between Al, K, and Fe contents and color parameters (L*, A*, B*) were observed. Considerable variability in soil morphology and chemical properties exist even across short distances, underscoring the need for high density sampling schemes. Soil pH (observed up to 8.4) likely imposes restrictions on the bioavailability of certain micronutrients; soil salinity was low (not agronomically limiting) across the study areas, and reflective of excessive drainage. Soil profile characterization identified one Eutrudept and one Quartzipsamment; both used for agronomic production. The proliferation of skeletal coarse fragments (e.g., cobbles, stones) and sandy matrix with depth emphasize the need for periodic supplemental irrigation and fertilization via either soil amendments (e.g., compost) or commercial fertilizers as water holding capacity and nutrient storage (e.g., clays, organic matter) are likely to be limited. Use of the NixPro color sensor showed differences in topsoil color likely reflective of differential soil organic carbon levels. The proximal sensors applied herein represent their first such use for agronomic management in Haiti and have shown considerable promise for additional study and application.

Effect of Zero Tillage on Soil Properties, Weed Dynamics and Performance of Chickpea under Rice –Chickpea Cropping System: A Review

In many nations across the world, farming is an important industry. Sustainable farming methods known as zero tillage systems entail planting seeds without tillage, which disturbs the soil. With this approach, crop residues from the previous year are left on the earth's surface and new plants are planted straight into the undisturbed soil, as opposed to plowing. This method aids in preserving the structure of the soil, decreasing soil erosion, retaining more water, and enhancing soil health. Farmers can benefit from enhanced soil health, decreased soil erosion, higher crop yields, and environmental sustainability by implementing sustainable farming practices. By limiting soil disturbance and shielding soil particles from the elements, this system aids in the reduction of soil erosion. Additionally contributes to improved soil structure, which raises soil fertility, and helps hold onto soil moisture, which lessens the need for irrigation. The amount of tillage and fuel used in zero-tillage systems can be less than in conventional tillage methods. In comparison to traditional tillage methods, systems require less fuel and tillage, which can save farmers money and lessen their carbon footprint. This is true because these systems raise soil organic matter levels, which in turn raise soil nutrient availability and improve soil fertility. Moreover, zero tillage systems can increase water retention in the soil, which can enhances crop growth and yield by improving soil structure and moisture retention, while also reducing weed competition. By reducing soil erosion, conserving soil moisture, and improving soil health, these systems help to promote environmental sustainability. Also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing fuel usage and sequester carbon in the soil through the accumulation of crop residues. Therefore, farmers should adopt zero-tillage systems to enhance their productivity, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability.

Compound droughts under climate change in Switzerland

Abstract. The co-occurrence of meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts (multivariate compound droughts) in Switzerland during growing season is problematic due to limitations in water abstractions from rivers during low-flow periods, while at the same time the need for irrigation is high. We analyse compound droughts for 52 catchments in Switzerland during the extended summer season (May–October) using the transient climate and hydrological scenarios for Switzerland (CH2018 and Hydro-CH2018) for both a scenario with mitigation (representative concentration pathway 2.6 (RCP2.6), 8 model chains) and a scenario without mitigation (RCP8.5, 20 model chains). In the RCP8.5 scenario the number of compound drought days is projected to significantly increase by mid-century across all greater regions of Switzerland. The increased frequency is mainly a result of more frequent events (significant) rather than longer event durations (non-significant). Models generally agree on the sign of change. By 2085, compound drought events are projected to occur in median once per catchment per extended summer season north of the Alps and every 1–2 years south of the Alps. Further, the increases in compound drought days mainly occur between May–October, leading to a shift in the main agricultural production season and a more pronounced seasonality with the highest occurrence probabilities between mid-July and the beginning of October. Coupled to the increase in days and events, significantly more catchments are projected to be affected by compound droughts at the same time. In the RCP2.6 (mitigation) scenario, the increase in the number of compound drought days and events is not significant by the end of the 21st century. In comparison with RCP8.5, the number of compound drought days is reduced by 50 %–55 % north of the Alps and by up to 75 % south of the Alps by the end of the century. This emphasizes the need for coordinated adaptation in combination with mitigation measures taken at an early stage.

Association of Timing With Postoperative Complications in the Management of Open Distal Radius Fractures

Background: This study investigates whether open distal radius fractures (ODRFs) treated after 24 hours from time of injury have an increased risk of infection or overall complication profile compared with those treated within 24 hours. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of all patients treated for ODRF over a 6-year period at a single large academic institution. Postoperative complications included surgical site infections, need for revision irrigation and debridement, delayed soft tissue healing, loss of reduction, nonunion, and malunion. Results: One-hundred twenty patients were treated for ODRF. Mean (SD) age at time of injury was 59.92 (17.68) years. Twenty patients (16.7%) had postoperative complications. Regarding mechanism of injury, 78 (65.0%) had a low-energy and 42 (35.0%) had a high-energy injury. Age and fracture grade were not significant factors. Mean (SD) open wound size was 1.18 (1.57) cm. Mean (SD) time from injury presentation to the emergency department (ED) and first dose of intravenous antibiotics was 3.07 (4.05) hours and mean (SD) time from presentation to the ED and operative treatment was 11.90 (6.59) hours, which did not show a significant association with postoperative complications. Twenty-four patients (20.0%) were treated greater than 24 hours after presentation to the ED, which was not significantly distinct from those treated within 24 hours. Conclusion: Patients with ODRFs treated after 24 hours were not associated with a greater risk of postoperative complications. Factors including age, energy and mechanism of injury, and fracture grade did not alter outcome in any statistically significant manner. Level of Evidence: Level IV

Oral Irrigation Devices: A Scoping Review.

Self-performed oral hygiene is essential for preventing dental caries, periodontal, and peri-implant diseases. Oral irrigators are adjunctive oral home care aids that may benefit oral health. However, the effects of oral irrigation on oral health, its role in oral home care, and its mechanism of action are not fully understood. A comprehensive search of the literature revealed no existing broad scoping reviews on oral irrigators. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on oral irrigation devices and identify evidence gaps. The Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were utilized to prepare the review. Four databases and eight gray literature sources were searched for English publications across any geographical location or setting. Two hundred and seventy-five sources were included, predominantly from scientific journals and academic settings. Most studies originated from North America. Research primarily involved adults, with limited studies in children and adolescents. Oral irrigation was safe and well-accepted when used appropriately. It reduced periodontal inflammation, potentially by modulating the oral microbiota, but further research needs to clarify its mechanism of action. Promising results were reported in populations with dental implants and special needs. Patient acceptance appeared high, but standardized patient-reported outcome measures were rarely used. Anti-inflammatory benefits occurred consistently across populations and irrigant solutions. Plaque reduction findings were mixed, potentially reflecting differences in study designs and devices. Oral irrigators reduce periodontal inflammation, but their impact on plaque removal remains unclear. Well-designed, sufficiently powered trials of appropriate duration need to assess the clinical, microbiological, and inflammatory responses of the periodontium to oral irrigation, particularly those with periodontitis, dental implants, and special needs. Patient-reported outcome measures, costs, caries prevention, and environmental impact of oral irrigation need to be compared to other oral hygiene aids.

Assessing Net Irrigation Needs in Maize–Wheat Rotation Farmlands on the North China Plain: Implications for Future Climate Scenarios

Assessment of agricultural water requirements under future climate projections has received increasing attention in recent decades. The agriculture pattern of the semi-arid North China Plain is a maize–wheat rotation system in which sufficient irrigation is required to maintain production. In this study, the effects of future climate scenarios on the net irrigation requirement of the maize–wheat rotation system were assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization crop growth model—AquaCrop. First, the baseline net irrigation requirement over the study region was obtained through AquaCrop simulation under ERA5-Land reanalysis from 2011 to 2020. In addition, the AquaCrop model was used to predict irrigation requirements in future scenarios (2021–2050) under the extreme-emission scenario of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP 5-8.5 (SSP 5-8.5). Finally, the predicted irrigation amount for maize and wheat during the period 2021–2050 under SSP 5-8.5 was compared with the baseline to assess the interannual change in irrigation water requirement. Results reveal significant agreement between the AquaCrop-derived daily soil moisture (SM) and a reference SM product with unbiased root mean square differences of 0.03 m3/m3 and 0.04 m3/m3 over maize and wheat, respectively. Furthermore, the median net irrigation requirement is expected to increase by approximately 107 mm (21%) to guarantee optimum yield.

Agriculture 4.0: Polymer Hydrogels as Delivery Agents of Active Ingredients.

The evolution from conventional to modern agricultural practices, characterized by Agriculture 4.0 principles such as the application of innovative materials, smart water, and nutrition management, addresses the present-day challenges of food supply. In this context, polymer hydrogels have become a promising material for enhancing agricultural productivity due to their ability to retain and then release water, which can help alleviate the need for frequent irrigation in dryland environments. Furthermore, the controlled release of fertilizers by the hydrogels decreases chemical overdosing risks and the environmental impact associated with the use of agrochemicals. The potential of polymer hydrogels in sustainable agriculture and farming and their impact on soil quality is revealed by their ability to deliver nutritional and protective active ingredients. Thus, the impact of hydrogels on plant growth, development, and yield was discussed. The question of which hydrogels are more suitable for agriculture-natural or synthetic-is debatable, as both have their merits and drawbacks. An analysis of polymer hydrogel life cycles in terms of their initial material has shown the advantage of bio-based hydrogels, such as cellulose, lignin, starch, alginate, chitosan, and their derivatives and hybrids, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO DESIGN FUTURE CROPS: GATEWAY TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN 21ST CENTURY

The global food production system is facing numerous challenges due to factors such as population growth, climate change, limited resources, and environmental preservation. To address these challenges, various strategies can be employed to develop future crops that are more productive, nutritious, and resilient. One strategy is to improve the yield potential of existing crops by developing new high-yielding cultivars. This can be achieved through the development of new varieties that can produce more grain under optimal conditions. Additionally, improving the nutritional quality of crops is important to address nutrient deficiencies. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering methods can be used to develop crops with enhanced nutritional value. Efficient utilization of agricultural resources is another important aspect of crop improvement. This includes developing crops that use water and nutrients more efficiently, reducing the need for irrigation and fertilizers, and minimizing environmental impacts. Increasing the resistance of crops to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events can also help reduce the use of pesticides and minimize crop losses. The domestication of wild or semi-wild plants through genetic manipulation offers new opportunities for crop design. These plants may have high nutritional value, stress tolerance, and specialized metabolites that can be incorporated into cultivated crops. Similarly, the domestication of orphan or neglected plants can contribute to crop improvement by incorporating unique traits. Genetic improvement through the transfer of genes from wild relatives or other species can also enhance crop productivity. Advancements in genomics and genetic technologies can aid in the identification and transfer of beneficial alleles. Agronomic improvements, such as maximizing the effectiveness of crop protection agents and fertilizers while minimizing their environmental impact, can also contribute to crop performance. The emerging field of synthetic biology offers opportunities for developing novel biological devices and systems that can further enhance crop productivity and resilience. Overall, these strategies can help address the challenges faced by the global food production system.

Machine learning and Sensor-Cloud Based Precision Agriculture for Intelligent Water Management for Enhanced Crop Productivity

The combination of Machine Learning algorithms with Internet of Things devices is emerging as an effective solution to redefining precision agriculture for better water management and crop cultivation. The purpose of this study is to use different learning models, such as Artificial Neural Networks , Support Vector Machines , Decision Trees , and Random Forest , to predict the irrigation need based on real-world sensor data. To retrieve the output variable, which is the irrigation requirement, data from temperature, soil moisture, water level, and humidity sensors that are available in a tomato cultivation facility are used. The dataset consists of 3422 readings, which are split into training and testing sets. A designated percentage of 70% is used for training the models, while the remaining 30% are used to test the outcomes. As the results of the study show, the ANN model is the most accurate predictor of irrigation need with the classification rate of 97.6%, followed by SVM , DT , and RF with 95.4%, 91.3%, and 88.9% correspondingly. The differences in the outcomes are demonstrated in confusion matrices, which identify the classification of the cases and indicate the percentage of correct predictions. Evidence of the predictive power of ML models implies that farmers can independently determine when to activate the pump when real-world data serve as the input. Additionally, the ability to collect real-world data using IoT sensors is beneficial, as it empowers farmers with up-to-date information to make a timely decision about pump activation. The limitations are associated with the type of crop and agricultural facility and, for this reason, future studies may investigate the generality of the conclusion with regard to other crop types and facilities.