A systematic knowledge synthesis on the spatial dimensions of Q fever epidemics

From 2007 through 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest Q fever epidemic ever reported. This study integrates the outcomes of a multidisciplinary research programme on spatial airborne transmission of Coxiella burnetii and reflects these outcomes in relation to other scientific Q fever studies worldwide. We have identified lessons learned and remaining knowledge gaps. This synthesis was structured according to the four steps of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA): (a) Rapid source identification was improved by newly developed techniques using mathematical disease modelling; (b) source characterization efforts improved knowledge but did not provide accurate C. burnetii emission patterns; (c) ambient air sampling, dispersion and spatial modelling promoted exposure assessment; and (d) risk characterization was enabled by applying refined dose–response analyses. The results may support proper and timely risk assessment and risk management during future outbreaks, provided that accurate and structured data are available and exchanged readily between responsible actors.     

Computed tomography for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of bacterial pneumonia in Indian pythons (Python molurus)

Eight Indian pythons (Python molurus) with clinical and microbiological evidence of pneumonia were examined by computed tomography (ct) before and after treatment. The results were assessed subjectively and measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Changes in the lung tissue of all the pythons were diagnosed, and the extent of the disease could be assessed. ct examinations after treatment showed an improvement in the six pythons whose clinical condition had improved, but in the other two pythons they demonstrated the severity of the disease. The subjective assessments were superior to the evaluation of measurements of attenuation in regions of interest. However, the average and the maximum attenuation provided additional information on the extent of the disease. Except for one python with only mild clinical signs, the attenuation after successful treatment was still higher than in healthy pythons.     

Effects of drainage intensity on water and nitrogen use efficiency and rice grain yield in a semi-arid marshland in Rwanda

ABSTRACT

Drainage management is important in intensification of irrigated paddy rice production. This study assessed the effects of drainage intensity on water and nitrogen use efficiency and rice grain yield in a field experiment conducted during three seasons in Rwanda. The experiment comprised 12 plots with four blocks and three treatments: DS_0.6 (0.6 m deep drain), DD1_1.2 (1.2 m deep drain, control structure open four times per week), and DD2_1.2 (1.2 m deep drain, control structure open two times per week). Outflow was calculated from water balance. Nitrogen (N) content in drainage water was determined weekly. Crop yield and N uptake were determined in grain and straw.

In all seasons, grain yield was 61–131% higher, crop N uptake was 24–90% higher, harvest index (HI) was 24–65% higher and water use efficiency (WUE) was 50–150% higher in treatments DD1_1.2 and DD2_1.2 than in DS_0.6. There was a decrease in soil carbon/nitrogen ratio at the end of Seasons 2 and 3. Recirculating straw to fields is thus necessary to replenish SOC for long-term soil fertility. A practical implication of the study is that managed deep drainage systems could enhance water use efficiency and rice grain yield in poorly drained paddy fields.     

Agricultural land needs protection

Abstract

Since 1960, the amount of arable land per capita in the world has decreased from 0.41 to 0.21 ha. During recent decades, there has also been a significant increase in the impact of soil degradation. It is estimated that 5–10 million ha of agricultural land are abandoned every year as a result of soil degradation and the construction of buildings and infrastructure. The Nordic and Baltic countries have on average more arable land per capita and larger water resources than many other areas of the world. Land and water resources are expected to become gradually more critical, and Northern European arable land is likely to increase in importance in contributing to our basic food and bioenergy demands. It is important that these land resources are protected for future generations. Therefore, soil degradation and exploitation of arable land needs more attention from individuals, society and governments.     

Control of chemical reactions by feedback-optimized phase-shaped femtosecond laser pulses

Tailored femtosecond laser pulses from a computer-controlled pulse shaper were used to optimize the branching ratios of different organometallic photodissociation reaction channels. The optimization procedure is based on the feedback from reaction product quantities in a learning evolutionary algorithm that iteratively improves the phase of the applied femtosecond laser pulse. In the case of CpFe(CO)2Cl, it is shown that two different bond-cleaving reactions can be selected, resulting in chemically different products. At least in this case, the method works automatically and finds optimal solutions without previous knowledge of the molecular system and the experimental environment.     

Direct prediction of site-specific lime requirement of arable fields using the base neutralizing capacity and a multi-sensor platform for on-the-go soil mapping

Precision Agriculture - Liming agricultural fields is necessary for counteracting soil acidity and is one of the oldest operations in soil fertility management. However, the best management...     

Coliform retention and release in biofilms formed on new and weathered irrigation pipes

Irrigation waters have come under increasing scrutiny as a potential source of pathogenic microorganisms contaminating fresh produce. It is generally assumed that the microbial concentrations entering and leaving irrigation pipe networks are identical. However, this may not be true if biofilms form on the inner surfaces of irrigation pipes. The retention and release of pathogens in biofilms are well documented in drinking water distribution systems, but very little data are available for irrigation systems. We examined the attachment and/or incorporation of total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli bacteria into biofilms in new and used aluminum irrigation pipe. Water from a local creek in Maryland was used to conduct weekly irrigation events. Prior to each event, removable sections of pipe (coupons) were scraped to determine the extent of bacterial attachment; in addition, bacterial concentrations in residual water were determined. Substantial populations of coliform bacteria were found on the pipe surfaces. Old pipes had fewer attached or biofilm-incorporated coliforms and lower coliform concentrations in the residual water. High probabilities were found for average fecal coliform and total coliform concentrations being different between creek water and sprinkler water. These results have implications for monitoring and control of microbial quality of irrigation waters.