Mapping Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Across Sugarcane Fields with Different Comparisons by Using DUALEM Data

The application of visible and near‐infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy to characterize soil samples has gained growing interest as a fast and cost‐effective methodology for soil fertility assessment. In order to profit from the full potential of vis–NIR spectroscopy, the acquisition of soil spectra directly in‐situ would increase the possibility to obtain data rapidly and at a high spatial and temporal resolution. In the present study, we test and propose the best practice to characterize a set of fertility‐related parameters (i.e. texture, organic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity and major nutrients) of agricultural soils by measuring vis–NIR spectra in the field. To reach this goal, we compare the spectra obtained from different scanning positions with two portable spectrometers, that is, a micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS)‐based spectrometer and a research‐grade vis–NIR spectrometer. On the basis of 134 soil sampling points, vis–NIR spectra were recorded from: (1) the cutaway side of a soil sample collected with an Edelman auger to a depth of 20 cm, (2) the raw soil surface, as well as (3) the cleaned and smoothed soil surface. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) calibration models were built for the selected soil parameters, scanning positions and different spectral pretreatments for both spectrometers. The model performance was evaluated based on the ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ), the R 2 , the root mean squared error (RMSE) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Overall, the following soil parameters were successfully predicted: clay, sand, pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen and exchangeable magnesium. In contrast, total and exchangeable Ca, K and P, as well as total Mg could not be predicted at a satisfactory level for both the spectrometers. The best scanning position for the successfully calibrated models was along the cutaway sides of the Edelman auger. Although the research‐grade spectrometer gave better performance indicators for most of the parameters, the calibrations with the MEMS‐based spectrometer still resulted in satisfactory predictions. Based on these findings, the proposed best practice for obtaining in‐situ soil vis–NIR scans is to scan along the cutaway sides of a soil core using at least five replicate scans.

Cation exchange capacity (CEC – cmol (+) kg−1) is the capacity of a soil to hold exchangeable cations, one of which is exchangeable potassium (K). The data from both CEC and exchangeable cations are frequently useful for fertiliser recommendations; however, they are expensive to measure in the laboratory. To add value to limited CEC and K data, digital data can be beneficial where large amounts can be acquired expeditiously and are often strongly correlated. In this research, we seek to develop a linear regression (LR) between apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa – mS m–1) from Veris-3100 shallow (0 – 0.3 m) and deep (0 – 0.9 m) array configurations and measured topsoil (0 – 0.2 m) and subsoil (0.5 – 0.7 m) CEC. Moreover, we compare these LRs, with a LR between estimates of σ derived from the inversion of ECa using a quasi-three-dimensional algorithm (invVeris V1.1) and topsoil and subsoil CEC. We also want to determine the minimum number of calibration sample sites (i.e., 45, 40, 35, …, 5) required to produce a strong LR (i.e., coefficient of determination: R2 > 0.7) and substantial (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient; LCCC > 0.8) or consistent prediction agreement. This requires dividing the n = 60 sample sites into calibration (n = 45) and validation (n = 15) sets. A similar approach was used to develop a multiple LR (MLR) to predict topsoil K considering digital data (i.e., ECa, elevation and trend surface parameters). While the LRs between topsoil CEC with shallow ECa (R2 = 0.38), and subsoil CEC with deep ECa (0.36) were weak (0.5 > R2 > 0.3), the LR (0.75) between σ and CEC was strong (using the S2 algorithm and a damping factor [λ] = 1). A poor LR (0.47) was also found between K and ECa; however, a MLR model (ECa, elevation and trend surface parameters) was strong (0.73). In terms of minimum calibration sample size for CEC, it was found that n = 10 sites (i.e., at 2 depths) or more were required. With respect to K, the minimum calibration sample size was n = 10 (i.e., single depth). To improve calibration equations and areal prediction agreement of CEC and K, and reduce confidence intervals (CI) across the four fields, we recommend the use of tighter transect spacings (< 6 m), and the inclusion of soil (i.e., small CEC and K) and digital (e.g., small ECa) data from adjacent fields and on nearby farms. The final DSM of CEC and K could be used to prescribe potash (K2O) fertilisers.

با برآورد ظرفیت تبادل کاتیونی با استفاده از ویژگی‏های پایه ای و زودیافت خاک می‏توان در وقت و هزینه صرفه‏جویی کرد. هدف این بررسی، مقایسه دو روش رگرسیون درختی و رگرسیون خطی چندگانه در برآورد ظرفیت تبادل کاتیونی (CEC) با استفاده از ویژگی‏هایخاک است. برای این منظور از داده های 106 نمونه خاک UNSODA استفاده شد. جهت برآورد CEC با استفاده از روش‏های رگرسیون درختی و رگرسیون خطی از ویژگی های اجزای بافت خاک،pH، ماده آلی و چگالی ظاهری استفاده شد. کارآیی روش رگرسیون درختی در برابر روش رگرسیون خطی چندگانه در برآورد CEC مقایسه شدند. نتایج نشان داد که در برآورد CEC با استفاده از روش های رگرسیونی تنها ضرایب ماده آلی (183/3) و درصد رس (274/0) که بیشترین همبستگی را با CEC دارند معنی دار شده و مدل رگرسیونی بر اساس این دو پارامتر توسعه یافت. همچنین از میان پارمترهای ورودی در روش رگرسیون درختی تنها پارامترهای ماده آلی و درصد رس در درخت رگرسیون ظاهر شد. روش رگرسیون درختی در دو مجموعه داده صحت سنجی و اعتبار سنجی بر اساس آماره های ارزیابی R2، RMSE، ME و GMER کارآیی بالاتری نسبت به روش های رگرسیونی خطی در برآورد CEC داشت. از میان روش های رگرسیونی خطی، مدل پیشنهادی کارآیی بالاتری نسبت به مدل های بل و ونکولن و بروسما و همکاران داشت.

BackgroundAutomatic noninvasive oscillometric blood pressure (NIBP) devices measure mean arterial pressure (MAP); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) are algorithmically derived from MAP. The most invalid NIBP measure is SBP, yet stroke practitioners use it to manage blood pressure (BP) in accordance with thrombolysis guidelines. We determined agreement between SBP, DBP, and MAP measured manually and by NIBP in patients treated with alteplase.MethodsA multisite prospective observational study of NIBP and manual BP agreement was conducted in patients treated with alteplase immediately after bolus and infusion initiation using methods established in guidelines for the assessment of device agreement. Dual auscultatory stethoscopes were used by 2 investigators to ensure agreement with each manual BP variable and MAP was calculated using the standard formula for manual BP measures. Data were analyzed using Bland–Altman analyses and Lin concordance correlation coefficient.ResultsA total of 7 hospitals participated, collecting 5 sets of manual/NIBP BPs in 95 patients treated with alteplase (475 paired measures). Range in limits of agreement were SBP: −28.91 to 21.41 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.8; DBP: −21.0 to 19.0 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.69; and MAP: −27.5 to 16.5 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.7. There was no difference in device agreement by BP device manufacturer brand. Differences in SBP, DBP, and MAP between NIBP and manual sphygmomanometry failed to reach guideline recommendations requiring 80% of measures to fall within a 5 mmHg difference and 95% of measures to fall within a 10 mmHg difference.ConclusionNIBP devices produce significantly different BP measures then manual sphygmomanometry auscultated BP. Because NIBP devices rely on the MAP and do not directly measure SBP and DBP, definition of what constitutes safe MAP boundaries in patients treated with alteplase should be determined when automatic BP measurement is used in clinical practice.

To investigate the effects of long-term fertilization on the accumulation and availability of heavy metals in reddish paddy soil and to analyze the major influencing factors, soil samples were collected after the later rice was harvested in 2018 from a long-term fertilization field experiment that began in 1984. Six treatments were selected, namely CK (control without fertilization), PK (P and K fertilizer), and NPK (N, P, and K fertilizer), and different proportions of organic fertilizer plus chemical fertilizer (M1NPK: 30%M+70%NPK; M2NPK: 50%M+50%NPK; and M3NPK: 70%M+30%NPK), soil chemical properties, total and available heavy metal contents, and the relationships between the available forms of heavy metals and soil chemical parameters and total heavy metals (THM) were analyzed. The results showed that ① long-term fertilization changed the soil chemical properties; compared with those of CK, PK significantly increased the contents of soil available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK), NPK significantly increased the soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), AP, and AK, and the organic fertilizer treatments significantly increased the contents of SOM, CEC, AP, AK, and nitrate (NO3--N). ② There were slight variations in the THM contents under the chemical fertilizer treatments (PK and NPK), whereas the organic fertilizer treatments significantly increased the total contents of Cu, Zn, and Cd. ③ The chemical fertilizer treatments significantly increased the available Cr and As, whereas the organic fertilizer treatments significantly increased the available Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Fe. ④ There were significant positive correlations between the available Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Fe and the SOM, CEC, AP, and NO3--N. In addition, the available Zn and Cd were significantly positively correlated with the soil pH, whereas the available Pb was significantly negatively correlated with soil pH, SOM, CEC, and NO3--N. ⑤ There were significant positive correlations between the available and total contents of Cu, Zn, and Cd, whereas there were significant negative correlations between the available and total contents of Cr and Fe. ⑥ Redundancy analysis showed that SOM and pH accounted for 80.7% and 5.5% of the variation in THM, whereas the soil CEC, AP, and pH accounted for 81.1%, 4.9%, and 3.3% of the variation in the available heavy metals, respectively. ⑦ The partial least squares path model analysis showed that the path coefficients of the THM, CEC, and AP on the available state of heavy metals were 0.459, 0.417, and 0.293, respectively. Long-term application of organic manure, such as pig manure, significantly improved the soil chemical properties and affected the availability of heavy metals, and soil CEC and AP may play key roles in regulation.

Dehydration, induced by extended sun‐drying or by short periods in an oven at 105° C., reduced the cation exchange capacity of a soil. This reduction generally increased with the annual rainfall, being most pronounced in the wettest soils of the Islands. Furthermore, in a given profile of these extremely wet soils, this reduction increased with depth. This trend is culminated in a subsoil of a Hydrol Humic Latosol (307% moisture) which dropped in capacity value from 125.8 me./100 g. to 37.6 me./100 g. in 100 days of sun‐dehydration. Removal of natural vegetative cover in a virgin area caused a reduction of 16.8% in cation exchange capacity for the surface soil at the end of 10 months in a Humic Latosol. Also, in this same area comparative figures for the virgin and cultivated surface soils show that extended cultivation with subsequent susceptibility to dehydration has caused a loss of 27.8% of the cation exchange capacity of the soil. Soils which are located in dominantly dry areas showed a seasonal effect on cation exchange capacity. Samples taken after a rainy season showed slightly higher values than those taken during a dry season in a given site. Dehydrated soils increased significantly in cation exchange capacity upon rehydration in dry and moderately wet area soils. This display of reversibility was not evident in wet area soils.

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil is an important characteristic that determines the soil buffering capacity to maintain cationic nutrients and pollutants against leaching to the subsurface layers. Radial basis function neural networks (RBFN) were applied into the estimation of cation exchange capacity (CEC) from soil physicochemical properties. A total of 457 soil samples collected from surface to deep underground horizons under various climatic and geographic conditions were successfully compiled in the comprehensive modelling research. Soil horizon; pH; organic carbon content; and clay, silt, and sand contents were taken as the input variables. Four RBFN models applied in CEC estimates for A, B, C horizons as well as the aggregate soils from all horizons were developed, with high correlation coefficients of 0.9397, 0.8368, 0.8014, and 0.8335 between the predicted and measured values of the external test samples, respectively, after optimization of the network architectures. Furthermore, the influence of each input variable on the soil CEC was particularly evaluated and sequenced by sensitivity analysis, confirming that clay content, organic carbon content, and soil horizons are the most important determinants of CEC estimate. Due to the existing nonlinear and uncertain characteristics of natural soil properties demonstrated in this paper, the optimized RBFN models showed high superiority in large-scale data simulation of complicated soil samples compared with multiple linear regressions (MLR). All the results confirm that an artificial neural network is a precise, sensitive, and robust method in the quantitative study of CEC in widely distributed soil samples in the complex ecosystem.

Placebo response complicates the interpretation of treatment response in both clinical practice and clinical trials in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a pilot study comparing subjective ADHD symptom rating scales with scores obtained using the Quotient™ ADHD System (an objective computerized technology for assessment of hyper-activity, inattention, and impulsivity in ADHD), it was found that agreement between these 2 measures was not as strong as anticipated. This observation prompted us to evaluate placebo responses associated with subjective and objective assessments. Eligible study participants aged 6 to 14 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition ADHD diagnosis based on clinician interviews were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment sequence groups (placebo, low dose, and medium dose; or low dose, medium dose, and placebo) using either atomoxetine HCl or osmotic controlled-release (OROS) methylphenidate HCl as the active treatment in a 3-week, triple-blind (subject, parent, rater) trial. Subjects were exposed to placebo and different medication doses to evaluate the comparative sensitivity of objective and subjective measures in assessing changes in clinical condition. Placebo response was defined using 3 thresholds: any improvement, > 25% improvement, or > 40% improvement from baseline on Quotient™ Global Scaled Score (QGSS) or the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) Total score from baseline to the visit when placebo was administered. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was used to measure agreement between baseline and placebo scores for the objective and subjective assessments. Of 30 subjects with placebo and baseline scores, 80%, 47%, and 27% met the 3 response thresholds (ie, any, > 25%, or > 40% improvement, respectively) on the ADHD-RS Total score compared with 27%, 7%, and 0% on the QGSS. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.81 and 0.39 for the QGSS and the ADHD-RS Total score, respectively. Although larger trials are warranted, we tentatively conclude that using objective measures and higher response thresholds may enhance assay sensitivity in clinical trials and hence limit necessary patient enrollments to rule out type II statistical error.

To externally validate the Palacios' equation estimating the new baseline glomerular filtration rate (NB-GFR) after partial or radical-nephrectomy (PN, RN) for Renal cancer carcinoma (RCC). Our research group recently published two studies that investigated the association between renal function and cancer-specific survival in RCC. The first one included 3457 patients undergone RN or PN for a cT1-2 RCC coming from five high-volume centers; the second one considered 1767 patients undergone RN or PN for a cT1-4 RCC in a single high-volume center. From such datasets, available complete patients' data were used to calculate the predicted NB-GFR through the Palacios' equation: predicted NB-GFR = 35.03 + 0.65 ∙ preoperative GFR - 18.19 ∙ (if radical nephrectomy) - 0.25 ∙ age + 2.83 ∙ (if tumor size > 7cm) - 2.09 ∙ (if diabetes). The observed NB-GFR was calculated by the CKD-EPI equation on serum creatinine at 3-12months after surgery. Concordance between observed and predicted NB-GFR was evaluated by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. 2419 patients were included (1210, cohort #1; 1219, cohort #2). The median observed NB-GFR value in cohorts #1 and #2 was 73.0ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 56.1-90.1) and 64.2ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 49.6-83); the median predicted NB-GFR was 71.1ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 58-81.5) and 62.6ml/min/1.73m2 (IQR 47.9-75.9). The concordance line showed a slope of 0.80 and 0.86, and an intercept at 11.02 and 5.41ml/min/1.73 m2 in the cohort#1 and #2, respectively. The Palacio's equation moderately over-estimated and under-estimated NB-GFR, for values below and above the cut-off of 50ml/min/1.73 m2 and 35ml/min/1.73m2 in cohort#1 and #2. The Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.79 (95% CI 0.77-0.81) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.82-0.85). We confirm the predictive performances of Palacios' equation, supporting its utilization in clinical practice.

Accuracy of a plastic facial cast fabricated with a custom tray in comparison with cone beam computed tomography

Adaptation of fine root plasticity to soil nutrients heterogeneity in natural forest ecosystems has not been well explored. The study aimed to determine seasonal variations of fine root traits in Pinus koraiensis natural forests and explore the relationship between fine root traits and soil properties. Root and soil samples were collected from the coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest (BP), monospecific P. koraiensis forest (MP), and coniferous mixed forest (CP). Soil available phosphorus (P) content for MP was 31.7% and 39.8% lower than for BP and CP. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) for MP was lower by 23.5% and 27.2% than for BP and CP, respectively. In July, specific root lengths and root surface areas for BP and CP (mixed forests) were significantly higher than for MP (monospecific forest). A structural equation model showed that CEC had a significant effect on fine root traits. Root diameter, root volume density, and root surface area density were negatively correlated with CEC. Fine root traits plasticity of P. koraiensis are closely related to soil available nutrient contents, CEC, and species composition at the ecosystem level.

Estimating resting metabolic rate in older Chinese adults:A community-based study integrating dietary predictors.

Soil physical properties mainly refer to various physical phenomena and processes produced in the three-phase system of soil solid, liquid, and gas. It mainly includes the color, texture, density, structure, porosity, moisture, compaction, heat (thermal property), air condition, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil, as well as the mechanical and physical properties and electromagnetic properties of soil. Among these properties, texture, porosity, moisture, compaction, and CEC of soil are very important for crops and need to be quickly and accurately sensed and automatically controlled in precision agriculture. The laser diffraction (LD) method is used as a fast detection method of texture. Dielectric parameters, neutron meter, and near-infrared spectroscopy are used as a main detection method of soil moisture. Frequency domain reflection (FDR), standing wave ratio (SWR), and time domain reflection (TDR) are effective methods based on dielectric parameters. Image processing is used on soil bulk density online detection. Penetrometers and on-the-go measurement are popular in the detection of soil compaction. Visible and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy has become the most promising measurement technique to provide accurate and meaningful data on soil CEC for successful decision support on soil fertility management. The determination of soil physical properties provides the basis for soil studying, soil improvement, and soil scientific management. The rapid and accurate measurement of soil physical parameters can promote water-saving irrigation and precise fertilization and improve the yield and quality of crops.KeywordsSoil textureSoil porositySoil moistureSoil compactionSoil CEC

Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance devices such as the InBody 770 (IB770) offer faster measurements and lower costs compared with other body composition assessments. This study validated measures from IB770 against the deuterium oxide dilution technique (D2O) and DXA and compared a four-compartment (4C) model using total body water (TBW) derived from IB770 compared with D2O. A total of 55 adult females (mean ± SD, age: 21.1 ± 2.6 years) completed IB770 and DXA scans and the D2O protocol. Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs), Bland-Altman analyses, and other equivalence tests evaluated agreement between IB770 and the criterion for measures of fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and TBW individually and as part of 4C models. There was substantial agreement between IB770 and D2O for TBW (MD = Mean Difference) (MD = 0.34 L, CCC = 0.98) and between the IB770 and DXA for FM (MD = -0.22 kg, CCC = 0.99). IB770 overestimated FFM compared with DXA (MD = 3.15 kg, CCC = 0.91). Both 4C models had almost perfect agreement for FM (CCC = 0.99), FFM (CCC = 0.99), and body fat percentage (CCC = 0.99). IB770 is valid for assessing TBW and can be used within the context of a 4C model in females.

The study aimed to determine the response of growth and yield of kailan on the interaction effect of a dolomite lime with bokashi of cow manure and its single factor effect. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors in three replications. The first factor was dolomite lime which consists of 2 t ha-1 (k1), 5 t ha-1 (k2), 10 t ha-1 (k3) and 15 t ha-1 (k4), while the second factor was bokashi of cow manure consisting of 0 t ha-1 (b0), 10 t ha-1 (b1), 15 t ha-1 (b2), and 20 t ha-1 (b3). By observing growth components consisting of relatif growth rate (RGR), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), shoot/root ratio (S/R), and crop yield. As well as the components of soil nutrient content of N, P, K, C-organic content, pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The results showed that the application of dolomite lime at a dose of 15 t ha-1 with bokashi fertilizer at a dose of 20 t ha-1 give the highest value of crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), shoot/root ratio (S/R), C-organic content, phosphorus (P), and Potassium in peat soil. The application of bokashi fertilizer at a dose of 15 t ha-1 was not different with 20 t ha-1 in terms of relatif growth rate (RGR), crop yield and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and respectively higher than the dose of 10 t ha-1 and without bokashi fertilizer. The application of dolomite lime at a dose of 10 t ha-1 was not different with 15 t ha-1 on the relative growth rate (RGR), and pH of peat soil, and each dose was higher than the doses of 5 t ha-1 and 2 t ha-1 . In terms of nitrogen (N) content, the application of dolomite lime at a dose of 5 t ha-1 was not different with the dose of 10 t ha-1 , and 15 t ha-1 , the N content was higher than the dose of 2 t ha-1 . The increase in the dose of dolomite lime at 20 t ha-1 of bokashi fertilizer showed a positive linier correlation, except for the Potassium which showed a quadratic correlation. The increase dose of dolomite lime in the bokashi fertilizer, the plant growth rate (PAR), net assimilation rate (NAR), shoot/root ratio (S/R), C-organic content, and phosphorus (P) would increase as well. Each single factor of the dose of dolomite lime and bokashi fertilizer showed a positive linier relationship to the relatif growth rate (RGR), crop yield, N-total, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of peat soil, except for N-total and pH in bokashi fertilizer.