Multi-location Study Research Articles

Identification of Novel Variants of Three Zephyranthes Species Through Multilocation Assessment

Zephyranthes spp. (Rain lily) are priced ornamentals known for their brightly coloured flowers that gently naturalize the surroundings. They contain rich sources of alkaloids that are well known for their pharmacological activities. Breeding work in rain lily is extensively difficult; it is performed to add value as ornamentals. The present study was undertaken to identify and develop three novel variants of Zephyranthes- Z. rosea, Z. citrina, Z. candida through multilocation assessment. Initial field trial was conducted with fifteen germplasm for each species during spring 2018, 2019 and identified one lines for each species- RRL-PRL-05 (Z. rosea), RRL-YRL-02 (Z. candida) and RRL-WRL-27 (Z. citrina). RRL-PRL-05 with bright pink flowers and flat, broad leaves; RRL-YRL-02 showed bright yellow flowers with flat narrow leaves while RRL-WRL-27 showed white flowers with fine hairlike leaves. Multilocation study conducted for two consecutive years showed the identified lines to be stable for quantitative characters and colour combinations. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 265-271, 2024 (June)

Spatial Bayesian distributed lag non-linear models (SB-DLNM) for small-area exposure-lag-response epidemiological modelling.

Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) are the reference framework for modelling lagged non-linear associations. They are usually used in large-scale multi-location studies. Attempts to study these associations in small areas either did not include the lagged non-linear effects, did not allow for geographically-varying risks or downscaled risks from larger spatial units through socioeconomic and physical meta-predictors when the estimation of the risks was not feasible due to low statistical power. Here we proposed spatial Bayesian DLNMs (SB-DLNMs) as a new framework for the estimation of reliable small-area lagged non-linear associations, and demonstrated the methodology for the case study of the temperature-mortality relationship in the 73 neighbourhoods of the city of Barcelona. We generalized location-independent DLNMs to the Bayesian framework (B-DLNMs), and extended them to SB-DLNMs by incorporating spatial models in a single-stage approach that accounts for the spatial dependence between risks. The results of the case study highlighted the benefits of incorporating the spatial component for small-area analysis. Estimates obtained from independent B-DLNMs were unstable and unreliable, particularly in neighbourhoods with very low numbers of deaths. SB-DLNMs addressed these instabilities by incorporating spatial dependencies, resulting in more plausible and coherent estimates and revealing hidden spatial patterns. In addition, the Bayesian framework enriches the range of estimates and tests that can be used in both large- and small-area studies. SB-DLNMs account for spatial structures in the risk associations across small areas. By modelling spatial differences, SB-DLNMs facilitate the direct estimation of non-linear exposure-response lagged associations at the small-area level, even in areas with as few as 19 deaths. The manuscript includes an illustrative code to reproduce the results, and to facilitate the implementation of other case studies by other researchers.

Effect of Foliar Application of some Macro and Micronutrients on the Growth and Yield of Maize

Abstract: Maize is the most cultivated cereal crop in Ghana and plays a significant role in consumer diets. An ideal way of improving yield is through the use of balanced macro and micronutrient doses. Fertilizers supplied through soils are subjected to leaching, fixation, surface runoff, erosion, volatilization, extremely high or low pH render nutrients unabsorbable by plants. Foliar application of fertilizer supplies nutrients directly to the stomata and cuticle of the leaves which saves time and increases yield as proposed by crop physiologist. The experiment was designed as a multi-location study comprising eight treatments. These treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of University for Development Studies, Nyankpala (9° 24’ 39’’ N, 0° 59’ 2’’ W 170 m) and Kpaliga (9° 26’ 44’’ N, 0° 57’ 58’’ W 170 m) in the Northern region of Ghana. Application of nitrogen in a split form has the ability to broaden the leaf surface area to receive the foliar applied micronutrients. However, increasing nitrogen at basal application and reducing it at top dressing (NP2K treatments) stands a better chance of broadening the leaf surface area. The general progression of leaf area index could be attributed to the adequate supply of macronutrients. NP2K+[P+Zn+Fe] produced the highest grain yield. There was significant difference between foliar zinc and control (NP2K). Maize plants responded to foliar application of phosphorus, zinc and iron, but not in terms of yield differences. It will be needful to repeat this experiment since the drought affected the response of maize to foliar applied fertilizer to yield. Socio economic analysis should be done to show whether the increment in grain yield will compensate for the cost of application of foliar fertilizer.

Simulating Gibberellic Acid Effect on Pasture Yield on Naturally Deposited and Fixed Area Urine

Nitrate (NO3−-N) leaching from urine patches is a serious environmental concern in dairy pastoral systems. In our previous research, we established that application of a plant growth hormone, gibberellic acid (GA), can potentially reduce NO3−-N leaching in urine patches; however, this was investigated in two locations in New Zealand. The performance of GA in influencing pasture nitrogen (N) uptake and NO3−-N leaching needs to be undertaken in multi-locations to draw conclusions. However, multi-location studies are a challenge due to a lack of funding and time constraints, so models such as the agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM) have been used. Therefore, field studies were conducted to determine whether APSIM can be used to quantify and simulate the effect of GA on NO3−-N leaching and pasture yield in three experimental sites known as Ashburton, Stratford, and Rotorua in New Zealand. Treatments examined were control (no urine applied), urine at 600 kg N ha−1, urine + GA at 8 g ha−1. The observed data was used to calibrate and validate the model. APSIM simulated that application of GA reduced NO3−-N leaching (relative to urine treatment) by 4.6, 5.1, and 8.8 kg NO3−-N ha−1 in Ashburton, Stratford, and Rotorua, respectively. APSIM reliably simulated pasture dry matter yield, and this was confirmed by the coefficient of determination ranging from R2 = 0.8562 to 0.995 in all treatments and experimental sites. This study demonstrated that APSIM can effectively be used to simulate the effect of GA application on NO3−-N leaching and pasture yield. Therefore, APSIM can be applied in other areas to simulate NO3−-N leaching and pasture yield.

Insect Pest Incidence with the System of Rice Intensification: Results of a Multi-Location Study and a Meta-Analysis

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar has spread to many parts of the world, including India. This study assessing insect pest prevalence on rice grown with SRI vs. conventional methods at multiple locations in India was prompted by reports that SRI-managed rice plants are healthier and more resistant to pest and disease damage. Field experiments were conducted under the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project over a 5-year period. The split-plot design assessed both cultivation methods and different cultivars, hybrids and improved varieties. Across the eight locations, SRI methods of cultivation showed a lower incidence of stem borer, planthoppers, and gall midge compared to conventional methods. Whorl maggots and thrips, on the other hand, were observed to be higher. Grain yield was significantly higher with SRI management across all locations. Higher ash, cellulose, hemicellulose, as well as silica content in rice plants under SRI management could explain at least in part the SRI plants’ resistance to pest damage. Analysis of guild composition revealed that in SRI plots, there were more natural enemies (insect predators and parasitoids) present and fewer crop pests (phytophages). A meta-analysis that considered other published research on this subject revealed a lower incidence of dead hearts, white ear-heads, and leaf folders, along with higher grain yield, in SRI plots.

Cover crops did not improve soil health but hydroclimatology may guide decisions preventing cash crop yield loss

IntroductionCover crop (CC) is an essential tool to improve or maintain soil health, potentially improving cash crop productivity. Several recent reports of cash crop yield reduction following cover cropping necessitated this research to guide efficient CC decisions in the season before corn (Zea mays) or soybean (Glycine max) is to be grown.MethodsTherefore, we designed this multi-year, multi-location study to include the farmers who plant CC following the harvest of a small grain crop, majorly wheat (Triticum aestivum) or oats (Avena sativa), and then grow corn or soybean cash crop in the subsequent season. We also selected the farmers who used a fall CC mix that was winter-terminated, to avoid further complexities. The major objective of this study was to document soil health changes and cash crop yields following CC in eight selected locations around SD for three consecutive CC seasons between 2017-2020. Experimental plots were laid out at the farmer-cooperators’ CC fields, where no cover (NC) ‘control’ was tested against CC in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Soil samples were analyzed for selected soil health indicators (SHIs): potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), soil respiration (SR), soil microbial biomass (SMB), soil nitrate-nitrogen, soil organic matter (SOM), and other basic soil properties (pH, electrical conductivity, etc.); crop and residue biomass were calculated, and cash crop economic yields were measured. Results and discussionNo statistically significant (p<0.05) advantage was found for SHIs or cash crop yields under CC plots compared to NC plots as these fields had healthy soils (long-term no-till was practiced, high SOM levels >30 g kg-1). These findings directed us to investigate hydroclimatological parameters and climatological indices such as accumulated precipitation, standardized precipitation index (SPI), and standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI) for their impact on CC’s influence on cash crop yields. ConclusionOur analyses indicated that hydroclimatology, especially SPEI for the month before CC planting can be used as a tool to guide successful CC decisions, reducing the risk of cash crop yield loss. Further investigations with SPI and SPEI, along with other climatological parameters are needed to explore and design better CC management tools.

Soil-leaf nutrient relationships with fruit quality and yield of litchi (Litchi chinensis) in northern India

In litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonner.) orchards of northern India, imbalanced nutrient applications and poor soil health status are the major constraints for lower orchard efficiency and poor fruit productivity. Soil and leaf nutrient indexing are considered supportive tools to recognize the nutritional status of litchi orchards and assess the relationship between nutrients, fruit yield and quality attributes. Hence a multi-location study was carried out at Hoshiarpur (S-I), Gurdaspur (S-II), and Pathankot (S-III) districts of Punjab during 2018–20 to study the soil-leaf nutrient relationships with fruit quality and yield of litchi. Nutritional analysis of leaf samples from litchi orchards demonstrated that Ca content was lower in 28.1% of orchards, followed by N (26.4%) and Mn (23.2%). Soil-leaf nutrient matrix was positively and significantly correlated with each other for K, Ca, and Mg content. A significant positive relationship between leaf N and K with fruit yield, size, weight, proportion of pulp (%) and pulp/stone ratio were observed. A significant and negative correlation was registered for colour value (hue angle, hο) with leaf K and Ca contents depicted better pericarp red colour. It was observed that leaf N and K contents are primarily associated with the enhancement of fruit yield. Leaf Ca, Zn, Fe, and Cu content substantially influenced the fruit’s physical and quality parameters of litchi.

Impact of Rice Cultivation Methods on Insect Pest Incidence and Their Management

Under the influence of fluctuating global climate scenario and limited resources of water availability, different methods of rice cultivation like System of rice intensification (SRI), Direct seeded rice (DSR), Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and Aerobic rice have become popular as alternatives to conventional transplanting method. Due to these shifting cultivation situations, insect pest profiles have also undergone changes with associated influence on beneficial insects and other natural enemies. Multi-location studies carried out under All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) have revealed significantly less incidence of major pests like stem borers, planthoppers in SRI compared to normal rice transplanting method. Overall, the SRI method leads to more robust plant health with enhanced capacity to resist pest attacks. In case of DSR, AICRIP studies have consistently revealed higher incidence of all the insect pests in the normal transplanted method compared to DSR. However, few reports have indicated association of insect pest outbreaks with higher seed rate and plant densities. Limited studies have shown that AWD also has the potential to minimize the incidence of insect pests and diseases compared to irrigated rice. However, soil borne pests, particularly root-knot nematode can be more damaging under aerobic conditions. Field cum laboratory studies carried out at ICAR IIRR on impact of cultivation systems on the rich insect biodiversity in rice have revealed association of higher total abundance and greater richness of beneficial insect species with SRI management.

Evaluation of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Genotypes and Their Feeding Values on Rearing Performance of Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Southwest Ethiopia

The quality of feed plays an important role in the growth and development of silkworms and eventually in the economic traits of cocoons. This study was conducted to evaluate ten castors (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes and their feeding values on the rearing performance of Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) at Tepi, southwest Ethiopia. A total of ten castor genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), and the suitability of castor genotypes as feed for a mixed strain of Eri-silkworm was also evaluated in a completely randomized design (CRD) under laboratory conditions. A hundred worms were used in each replication. Castor genotypes showed significant differences in fresh leaf yield. Among the castor genotypes tested, genotype 219645 recorded 439 g of ten fresh leaf yields. Results of Eri-silkworm rearing performance depict that a shorter larval period (22 days), a higher effective rate of rearing (94.54%), and a shorter life cycle (58 days) were observed in Eri-silkworm fed on leaves of the 200390 genotype, while a higher larval weight (6.16 g) was recorded in the Abaro genotype. However, higher cocoon weight (3.26 g), pupal weight (2.46 g), shell weight (0.45 g), and silk ratio (13.80%) were found in Eri-silkworms fed on leaves of genotype 219645. Hence, based on silkworm rearing performance, genotype 219645 showed relatively superior results and is recommended for future development work. Further studies should continue giving more emphasis to the multilocation study of genotype 219645 to understand its performance in the diverse growing environment.

Multi-location evaluation of fungicides for managing blast (Magnaporthe grisea) disease of forage pearl millet in India

Blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea has emerged as a major threat in recent years to forage pearl millet in India. Due to lack of resistant cultivars to blast disease, the disease can be best managed through fungicides. However, no comprehensive multi-location study in managing blast disease in forage pearl millet has been conducted in India. Therefore, field trials for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) were conducted at four geographically different locations (Ludhiana, Palampur, Jhansi and Bhubaneswar) of India. Carbendazim, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, tricyclazole, chitosan and neem oil were tested for their efficacy through seed treatment alone or seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays at 15 days interval. Results showed the superiority of tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin as seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays in reducing the blast disease area under disease progress as well as rate of infection at Ludhiana, Jhansi and Palampur. Tricyclazole as seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays was found superior over others in reducing the area under disease progress curve as well as rate of infection at Bhubaneswar. Reduction in blast disease area under disease progress curve and rate of infection by applying these treatments helped in achieving a significant increase in the green fodder yield at the tested locations. Through this study, an effective strategy for location specific management of blast disease of forage pearl millet has been formulated.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) a winter multipurpose oilseed crop for the Mediterranean region: Lesson learnt from on-farm trials

Mediterranean farmers have a really limited choice for winter crops to put in rotation with cereals, thus creating big challenges for weed and disease management. Crop diversification has undisputable environmental benefits and plays a central role in the agroecological transition toward sustainable and resilient farming systems. Among other crop candidates, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is recently attracting the attention of Mediterranean farmers, due its broad environmental suitability, low input needs, high plant vigor, also in marginal soil conditions, and tolerance to low temperatures. Thus, in the whole Mediterranean basin, safflower could be grown with a winter cycle, differently than sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The availability in the market of high-oleic safflower varieties tremendously enlarges the applications of its oils, easily meeting the needs of the domestic bio-based industry. Aiming at evaluating the feasibility of high-oleic safflower as a winter oilseed crop in the Mediterranean region, a multi-year and multi-location study has been carried out, across multiple growing seasons (2019–2021), at eight locations across Emilia-Romagna (ER) and Tuscany (TU) regions (Italy), traditionally devoted to winter cereal cultivation. In each region, the locations were chosen as representative of optimal, mean, and marginal conditions. The trials were managed as on-farm experiments by local farmers, to define safflower suitability to available equipment and practices. All trials were rainfed and carried out under low input agronomic management and using mechanical weed control. The safflower seed yield was not affected by growing region (grand mean: 1775 kg DM ha‐1), while 1000-seed weight and seed oil content were significantly influenced by growing environment. In particular, safflower produced significantly heavier seeds in Emilia Romagna (40.8 vs. 38.2 g, ER vs. TU, respectively, P ≤ 0.05), while seed oil content was higher in Tuscany (TU vs. ER, 40.3 vs. 36.1% DM respectively, P ≤ 0.05). Safflower confirmed its compositional stability with oleic acid representing > 75% of total fatty acids, but, again, some differences were revealed between regions, with ER having significantly higher oleic acid content than TU (78.8 vs. 75.9%, ER vs. TU, respectively). High oleic safflower, grown in winter, confirmed to be an interesting opportunity for Mediterranean farmers who are willing to differentiate their rotations while producing an oilseed crop with several biobased applications and able to increase local production of vegetable oil and protein.

Short term associations of ambient nitrogen dioxide with daily total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality: multilocation analysis in 398 cities

ObjectiveTo evaluate the short term associations between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality across multiple countries/regions worldwide, using a uniform analytical protocol.DesignTwo stage, time series approach, with...

Relative performance of white clover (

Assessment of the relative performance of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivars, using multi-year and multi-location seasonal growth trials, is key to identification of material with specific and broad adaptation. This paper is based on a multi-year and multi-location study of 56 white clover entries comprising 14 commercial cultivars and 42 experimental synthetic lines evaluated for seasonal growth under rotational grazing across four locations in New Zealand over 4 years. The four locations (and animals grazing) were: Kerikeri (beef cattle), Aorangi (beef cattle), Ruakura (dairy cattle), Lincoln (sheep). Significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variation among the 56 entries, and genotype × year, genotype × location and genotype × season interactions, were estimated. We were able to identify cultivars and experimental synthetics with specific and broad adaptation to the three grazing management types. Cvv. AberDance, Apex, Demand, Prestige, Quartz and Riesling, with leaf size ranging from small to medium–large, showed highly above-average performance under sheep grazing. Synthetic lines 15 and 45 also had highly above-average performance under sheep grazing. Cvv. Legacy and Kopu II showed above-average performance under cattle and dairy grazing. Synthetics 15, 48, 49, 44, 22 and 18 and cv. Quartz had above-average performance under all three grazing managements. Synthetics 27, 33 and 38 had highly above-average performance across all three grazing managements and were superior to all 14 cultivars evaluated. Several of these superior synthetics are being tested across multiple grazing environments. Among the 14 cultivars evaluated, Legacy and Quartz showed superior seasonal growth performance across the three grazing managements. Quartz is being evaluated in several on-farm trials across temperate regions of the world.

Vulnerability patterns to heat and cold across Europe: a spatial two stage analysis of temperature-mortality risks in 800 urban areas

Background: Despite efforts of previous multi-location studies to characterize temperature vulnerability patterns across large regions, evidence on spatial variation of risks and its drivers remains patchy, as geographical coverage was limited to locations with available observed health data. This study offers a comprehensive geographical assessment of the differences in vulnerability to non-optimal temperature across a representative sample of 800 European cities. Methods: We firstly estimated the exposure-response associations in 150 cities of 14 European countries for whichobserved daily temperature-mortality data was collected in the MCC Collaborative Research Network. Second, we developed a novel spatial multivariate meta-regression model that characterizes risk in terms measurable meta-predictors and residual spatial structures. The meta-predictors were represented by city-level factors available in the European Union (EU) database Urban Data Platform (UDP), including environmental, socio-economic, and infrastructural characteristics. We then used the selected meta-regression model to predict temperature-mortality associations in the 800 cities, with a full coverage of the EU region.Results: The predicted mortality risks showed large geographical heterogeneity across Europe, with relative risks in the range 1.00-2.30 for heat and 1.22-2.07 for cold, respectively. Heat-related mortality displayed a clear geographical distribution, with an increasing North-South gradient and a high-risk area in Central Europe, while a more diffuse pattern was observed for cold. The geographical variation is largely explained by a set of meta-predictors, specifically gross domestic product, annual levels of particulate matter, and access to green areas.Conclusions: This first EU-wide analysis on temperature-related mortality provided a comprehensive picture of the geographical distribution of vulnerability to heat and cold. We found clear geographical differences in risks associated with non-optimal temperature, with the identification of areas of high vulnerability. These differences seem partly explained by measurable urban characteristics. These findings can contribute to the design and implementation of EU-wide public health and climate policies.

Diseño, traducción y adaptación de una entrevista sociocultural a docentes sobre Aprender a Aprender

We addressed the design of an interview focused on the cultural perspective of learning to learn (L2L), developed as part of a projectcoordinated by the Italian National Institute for Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training and carried out in six European andLatin American countries (Spain and Italy, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay). The process of elaboration, translation and adaptationof the instrument is described from a general approach. This was made up of nine thematic nuclei where L2L was outlined fromthree categories: sense making, coping with the uncertainty and self-confidence. The final version of the interview is considered as aresult that challenges the sharing of a multi-local study object according to an intercultural research perspective. The study tries to identifythe connotation of L2L according to the culture of belonging in teachers of students of 5, 10, 13 and 15 years. The results are expectedto benefit the educational research by providing useful empirical evidence for studies framed in this perspective and contribute to thedesign of educational policies and teacher training based on the identification of good teaching practices of L2L.Key words: Learning to learn, non-university teachers, intercultural research, socio-cultural interview, learning skills

Diseño, traducción y adaptación de una entrevista sociocultural a docentes sobre Aprender a Aprender

Se aborda el planteamiento y diseño de una entrevista enfocada en la perspectiva cultural de Aprender a Aprender (AaA) desarrollada como parte de un proyecto coordinado por el Instituto Nacional para la Evaluación del Sistema Educativo y de Instrucción y Formación de Italia y realizado en seis países de Europa (España e Italia) y Latinoamérica (Brasil, Ecuador, México y Uruguay). Se describe desde una aproximación general el proceso de elaboración, traducción y adaptación del instrumento. Este se compuso de nueve núcleos temáticos donde AaA fue perfilado a partir de tres categorías; creación de sentido, afrontar lo nuevo y confianza en sí mismo. La versión final de la entrevista es considerada como un resultado que interpela la compartición de un objeto de estudio multi-local de acuerdo a una perspectiva de investigación intercultural. El estudio pretender identificar la connotación de AaA de acuerdo a la cultura de pertenencia en docentes de estudiantes de 5, 10, 13 y 15 años. Se espera que los resultados beneficien a la investigación educativa aportando evidencia empírica útil para estudios encuadrados en esta perspectiva y contribuyan al diseño de políticas educativas y formación docente a partir de la identificación de buenas prácticas de enseñanza de AaA.Palabras clave: aprender a aprender, profesorado no universitario, investigación intercultural, entrevista sociocultural, competencias de aprendizaje.

Street vending: transformative entrepreneurship for individual and collective well-being

Purpose This study aims to explore the lived experience of vendors as they enact street vending practice that emerges as transformative entrepreneurship and service where they live and work. Design/methodology/approach This research qualitatively explores street vending in a multi-cultural, multi-local study to understand how these businesses operate to positively impact individual, collective and societal well-being. Findings This research reveals street vending is a creative, transformative entrepreneurial activity that improves individual and collective well-being. The research exposes multiple forms of habitual and transformative value delivered by vendors, resulting in improved eudaimonic and hedonic well-being that ripples out from vendors to families, communities and society. Research limitations/implications A framework of street vending practice is provided to guide service designers and policymakers as they seek to support street vendors as they move from informal to formal and from survival to growth business modes. Originality/value This research extends existing conceptualizations of transformative entrepreneurship beyond prior focus on economic transformation and prior limitations of transformative entrepreneurship to business in growth modes.

Evidence Based Program Regarding Life Saving Interventions in Two Orphanage Houses in Benha City

Childhood injuries are an increasing public health problem globally. Evidence based programs are programs that have been strictly tested. First aid programs is a vital initial step for providing effective life-saving intervention helping to reduce injury and increase the survival rates among children . The aim of the current study was to evaluate evidence based program regarding some lifesaving interventions in two orphanage houses in Benha city. Research design: A quasi experimental design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in two orphanages houses in Benha City, one orphanages house for males and the other for females. Sample: A convenient sample of fifty children was selected. 34 males and 16 females from the above mentioned setting. Tools: Two tools were utilized I): A structured interview questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics of orphanage children and ` knowledge about injures and first aid of orphanage children. II): Observational checklist to asses orphanage children' practices regarding to first aid for injures and environmental condition of orphanage houses for sanitary and safety measures. Results: 60% of the studied children aged from 12 to less than 18 years, 74% of them had previous injury. None of the studied children had good total knowledge pre-program compared to 80%post-program. 24% of the studied children had satisfactory practices pre program compared to76% post-program. 56% of orphanages houses’ environmental conditions were not fulfilled. Also, a positive correlation with highly statistical significance was found between orphanage children' total knowledge and total practices post program implementation. Conclusion: Evidence based program regarding some lifesaving interventions had a significant effect on improvement of orphanage children' knowledge and practices regarding first aid and injuries. Recommendations: Multi-location studies in the country to evaluate the levels of knowledge and practices about first aid measures amongst orphanages children. Periodically evidence based program regarding first aid should be introduced at orphanages houses in order to decrease the early mortality and morbidity of accidents and emergencies.

Zinc Biofortified Rice Varieties: Challenges, Possibilities, and Progress in India.

Zinc malnutrition is a major issue in developing countries where polished rice is a staple food. With the existing significant genetic variability for high zinc in polished rice, the development of biofortified rice varieties was targeted in India with support from HarvestPlus, Department of Biotechnology, and Indian Council of Agricultural Research of Government of India. Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) facilitates rice varietal release through All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) and also supports rice biofortification program in India. Various germplasm sets of several national institutions were characterized at IIRR for their zinc content in brown rice using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy indicating the range of zinc to be 7.3 to 52.7 mg/kg. Evaluation of different mapping populations involving wild germplasm, landraces, and varieties for their zinc content showed the feasibility of favorable recombination of high zinc content and yield. Ninety-nine genotypes from germplasm and 344 lines from mapping populations showed zinc content of ≥28 mg/kg in polished rice meeting the target zinc content set by HarvestPlus. Through AICRIP biofortification trial constituted since 2013, 170 test entries were nominated by various national institutions until 2017, and four biofortified rice varieties were released. Only the test entry with target zinc content, yield, and quality parameters is promoted to the next year; thus, each test entry is evaluated for 3 years across 17 to 27 locations for their performance. Multilocation studies of two mapping populations and AICRIP biofortification trials indicated the zinc content to be highly influenced by environment. The bioavailability of a released biofortified rice variety, viz., DRR Dhan 45 was found to twice that of control IR64. The technology efficacy of the four released varieties developed through conventional breeding ranged from 48 to 75% with zinc intake of 38 to be 47% and 46 to 57% of the RDA for male and female, respectively. The observations from the characterization of germplasm and mapping populations for zinc content and development of national evaluation system for the release of biofortified rice varieties have been discussed in the context of the five criteria set by biofortification program.

Establishing winter annual cover crops by interseeding into Maize and Soybean

AbstractThe limited time available for cover crop establishment after maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] harvest is one of the main reasons for low cover crop adoption in the upper Midwest. Therefore, a 2‐yr multilocation study was conducted to evaluate winter annual cover crops establishment, their effect on main crop grain yields, and soil water content when interseeded into standing maize and soybean. Treatments were three interseeding dates (broadcasting at R4, R5, and R6 growth stages for maize, and R6, R7, and R8 for soybean) and three cover crops (winter camelina [WC] [Camelina sativa L.], field pennycress [PC] [Thlaspi arvense L.], winter rye [Secale cereale L.] plus a no cover crop control). Cover crop establishment and growth varied with interseeding date across locations and seasons for both maize and soybean systems. Averaged over the years, rye produced more green cover and biomass than the oilseeds in spring. However, at the northern‐most site, the greatest (40%) green cover was recorded from pennycress and indicates its potential as a cover crop. Seeding date and cover crops did not negatively affect maize or soybean grain yields or soil water content. Generally, cover crop establishment and growth were better in the soybean system than maize due to better light penetration. Further research is needed to develop better suited cultivars and/or agronomic management practices for interseeding into maize. The results of this study indicate that producers could integrate these covers to diversify and add ecosystem services to soybean production practices.