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ZusammenfassungDie Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie hat 2021 die AWMF S1-Leitlinie Long-/Post-COVID initiiert. In einem breiten interdisziplinären Ansatz wurde diese S1-Leitlinie basierend auf dem aktuellen Wissensstand gestaltet.Die klinische Empfehlung beschreibt die aktuellen Long- bzw. Post-COVID-Symptome, diagnostische Ansätze und Therapien.Neben der allgemeinen und konsentierten Einführung wurde ein fachspezifischer Zugang gewählt, der den aktuellen Wissensstand zusammenfasst.Die Leitlinie hat einen explizit praktischen Anspruch und wird basierend auf dem aktuellen Wissenszugewinn vom Autorenteam weiterentwickelt und adaptiert.

High-density grazing is a form of rangeland management aiming to strategically mimic the ways grasslands are utilized by grazers in natural situations. It aims to regenerate grasslands by improving soil and vegetation productivity and diversity. More recently, high-density grazing systems have been promoted as a key approach to mitigating climate change by increasing the amount of carbon sequestered in grassland soils. In this article, we describe the historical background of grazing and rangeland degradation in southern Africa, the principles of high-density grazing, and the problems it aims to address. We briefly discuss evidence of the potential benefits of high-density grazing, though we do not aim to provide an exhaustive review on this. We explore to what extent high-density grazing can be regarded as representative of grazing in natural ecosystems and whether the assumed link between nature and high-density grazing has been helpful in capitalizing on the potential merits of high-density grazing. While high-density grazing may represent a form of sustainable rangeland management, the main attractiveness to farmers likely relates to potential increases in livestock densities and associated productivity per unit area, as well as to potential management and social benefits. Learning from nature and inspiration by nature can play an important role in the development and communication of sustainable grazing management systems. However, it is questionable to what extent high-density grazing systems can be seen as more representative of natural ecosystems than other grazing management systems. The claimed ecological superiority of high-density grazing because of its association with nature has polarised and blurred the discussion on the potential merits of high-density grazing. Moreover, the supposed relationship between nature and high-density grazing may have led to an overselling of high-density grazing principles and an embracement of them by policy makers and development agencies without sufficient empirical basis.

The synergetic potentials of essential ecosystem services have not been well explored under mountainous farming conditions in southern Africa. Cropping practices that maximize beneficial pollinators and reduce dependency on chemical inputs through efficient crop management in the mountainous environment are needed. The synergetic potentials of insect pollination on soybeans under varying soil fertility during two seasons in Phuthaditjhaba, the Free State, South Africa was examined. We manipulated soil fertility with fertilizer treatments and used exclusion bags to manipulate pollination intensity. High intensity of pollination services increased the seed yield by approximately 0.5 tons per hectare on optimally fertilized soil and 0.3 tons per hectare on minimally fertilized soil. This study found complementary benefits of using appropriate fertilizer rates on crop pollination. It is an efficient way to minimize losses in crop production and improve yields. However, minimal fertilizer application that is common among smallholder farmers still gave substantial yield in insect pollinator-rich environments such as Phuthaditjhaba. This finding gives an immense advantage to farmers in Phuthaditjhaba who tend to minimize the use of fertilizer due to financial issues. Harnessing the prospects from these ecosystem service benefits would help local communities to attain sustainable food production (SDGs 2 and 15).

The German Society of Pneumology initiated 2021 the AWMF S1 guideline Long COVID/Post-COVID. In a broad interdisciplinary approach, this S1 guideline was designed based on the current state of knowledge.The clinical recommendations describe current Long COVID/Post-COVID symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and therapies.In addition to the general and consensus introduction, a subject-specific approach was taken to summarize the current state of knowledge.The guideline has an explicit practical claim and will be developed and adapted by the author team based on the current increase in knowledge.Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie hat 2021 die AWMF S1-Leitlinie Long-/Post-COVID initiiert. In einem breiten interdisziplinären Ansatz wurde diese S1-Leitlinie basierend auf dem aktuellen Wissensstand gestaltet.Die klinische Empfehlung beschreibt die aktuellen Long- bzw. Post-COVID-Symptome, diagnostische Ansätze und Therapien.Neben der allgemeinen und konsentierten Einführung wurde ein fachspezifischer Zugang gewählt, der den aktuellen Wissensstand zusammenfasst.Die Leitlinie hat einen explizit praktischen Anspruch und wird basierend auf dem aktuellen Wissenszugewinn vom Autorenteam weiterentwickelt und adaptiert.

Grounded in peacebuilding and negotiation literature, we propose a Three Conditions Model that promotes collaborative engagement and can help advance sustainable solutions to complex problems – domestic and international – through self-governing agreements based on the following three conditions: (1) inclusion of, (2) common understanding among, and (3) trust between all prime actors. Collectively, these conditions make the management of complex problems, and of the conflicts arising from them, more effective and sustainable. Using the coronavirus pandemic as an example, we briefly illustrate the nature of complex problems and self-governing agreements, address the inclusion-trust dilemma that mars many negotiations and assess the utility of each condition to address the coronavirus response in the United States more effectively.

To exploit the potential of ecological intensification during sunflower cropping, it is crucial to understand the potential synergies between crop management and ecosystem services. We therefore examined the effect of pollination intensification on sunflower yield and productivity under various levels of soil fertilization over two seasons in the eastern Free State, South Africa. We manipulated soil fertility with fertilizer applications and pollination with exclusion bags. We found a synergetic effect between pollination and soil fertilization whereby increasing pollination intensity led to a far higher impact on sunflower yield when the soil had been fertilized. Specifically, the intensification of insect pollination increased seed yield by approximately 0.4 ton/ha on nutrient poor soil and by approximately 1.7 ton/ha on moderately fertilized soil. Our findings suggest that sunflower crops on adequate balanced soil fertility will receive abundant insect pollination and may gain more from both synergies than crops grown in areas with degraded soil fertility.

South Africa harbours many small-scale potato growers who produce for home consumption and local markets using variable levels of inputs (seed, nutrients, water). We assessed potato production practices, input resource use and use efficiencies, farm characteristics and yield gaps on smallholder potato farms in the KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa through a survey and a crop model (LINTUL-POTATO-DSS). We explained variability in production practices and use efficiencies based on farm and household characteristics. The potato yields observed among smallholders in this study (on average 2.9 t fresh tuber ha−1 in Mpumalanga and 6.8 t ha−1 in KwaZulu Natal) were low, relative to the calculated water-limited yields (41.5 t ha−1 in Mpumalanga and 24.5 t ha−1 in KwaZulu Natal with optimal planting times) and to yields achieved by smallholders elsewhere in Africa. Input use heavily relied on government support and correlated well with yields. Farmers with low yields tended to have poorer resource use efficiencies, probably due to a combination of interacting yield-limiting factors. Enhanced access to irrigation is likely key to reduce the risks of investing in potato production, improve yields, and optimise planting times in relation to weather patterns and market prices. Timely access to fertiliser and clean planting material may further help to increase yields. The South African government aims to transform subsistence-oriented producers into small- to medium-scale commercially-oriented producers. The results suggested only a small proportion (18% or less) of the growers may have a potential to achieve this.

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) family cytokines are secreted proteins that regulate immune responses. Each family member is a heterodimer and nature uses shared building blocks to assemble the functionally distinct IL-12 cytokines. In recent years we have gained insights into the molecular principles and cellular regulation of IL-12 family biogenesis. For each of the family members, generally one subunit depends on its partner to acquire its native structure and be secreted from immune cells. If unpaired, molecular chaperones retain these subunits in cells. This allows cells to regulate and control secretion of the highly potent IL-12 family cytokines. Molecular insights gained into IL-12 family biogenesis, structure, and function now allow us to engineer IL-12 family cytokines to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches.

Assessing research activity is important for planning future direction and adaptive approaches. We studied the trends and research activity conducted on seed improvement of underutilized crops, where research hotspots were determined based on keywords, productive research titles, and journal sources mapped from five decades (1971 to 2021). This was done using the combined data retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases, loaded in bibliometric R-package and VOSviewers software tools. Our results show the annual publication growth rate in the studies was 13.7%, with the increased number of studies and citations on seed improvement of underutilized crops (SUC) relating to seed genetic diversity, seed conservation, food security. Among the most cited studies or relevant researches were research findings carried out in the United Kingdom, India, USA and China. The strongest co-authorship linkages were found among researchers from India, the United Kingdom, Italy, Malaysia and the United States while Benin, Ghana and South Africa were among the most cited countries in Africa. The most cited journal source in the field was Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution which had a g-index of 14. Among the trending research focuses are; diverse genetic resources, nutritional values, seed enhancement, genetic analysis tools and farming system of the SUC. Research on SUC is rising with main themes on genetic resources, diversity, conservation and genetic tools-related studies. The SUC field still needs more international research collaboration and funding, with a focus on qualitative studies, adequate methodological procedures and advanced breeding resources that could help understand and promote seed improvement of underutilized crops.

Significance StatementThe chapter describes the conflicting interests of water users in the uThukela catchment of the Maloti-Drakensberg (MD) mountain system, including the implications of poor management on ecosystem health and livelihoods. As this is a strategic water resource area for both Lesotho and South Africa, effective management towards sustainability is critical, but is currently retarded by the complexities of shared but disputed boundaries, and competing land uses. Improved rangeland management practices, backed by education and awareness, can improve the resilience of the system. However, this requires the buy-in of all stakeholders to reduce degradation and invest in improvement of the catchment. Otherwise, degradation will exacerbate water shortages in an already water scarce region – especially during El Nino-linked droughts, predicted to become more intense with climate change.

Leguminous plants are known to require phosphorus fertilizers and inoculation with nitrogen fixing rhizobia for optimum yield but other nutrients may also be lacking. In this study, the most limiting nutrients for legume growth were determined in soils where the crops had not responded to P and rhizobial inoculation in field trials, using the double pot technique. Soils were collected from 17 farmers' fields in West Kenya, Northern Nigeria, Eastern and Southern Rwanda, South-west and North-west Sierra Leone. Plant growth and mean biomass were measured on soils to which a full nutrient solution, containing phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) and micronutrients (MN) were added, and which were compared to a control (no nutrient added), and individual omissions of each nutrient. The relationship between soil properties and nutrient deficiencies was explored. Nutrient limitations were found to differ between soils, both within and across countries. Generally, each soil was potentially deficient in at least one nutrient, with K, P, Mg, MN and S emerging as most limiting in 88, 65, 59, 18, and 12% of tested soils, respectively. While K was the most limiting nutrient in soils from Kenya and Rwanda, P was most limiting in soils from Nigeria. P and K were equally limiting in soils from Sierra Leone. Mg was found limiting in two soils from Kenya and three soils from Rwanda and one soil each in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Micronutrients were found to be limiting in one soil from Nigeria and one soil from Rwanda. Estimates of nutrient deficiency using growth and mean biomass were found to be correlated with each other although the latter proved to be a more sensitive measure of deficiency. With few exceptions, the relation between soil parameters and nutrient deficiencies was weak and there were no significant relations between deficiency of specific nutrients and the soil content of these elements. Although our results cannot be translated directly to the field, they confirm that individual and multiple nutrient deficiencies were common in these “non-responsive” soils and may have contributed to reported low yields. This highlights the need for balanced nutrition in legume production in SSA.

The surface erosion of polyethylene is interrogated using pulsed x rays at the Z Machine (Sandia National Laboratories) and with proton beams at the Gamble II generator (Naval Research Laboratory) to validate a coupled model for volumetric thermal ablation, photoionization, finite-rate decomposition, and molecular recombination of radicals. The intense radiation pulses (up to [Formula: see text] over tens of nanoseconds) are used to generate one-dimensional vapor flows with low ionization fractions and a simplified geometry compared to typical laser ablation, allowing for evaluation of the model under local thermal equilibrium conditions. Areal momentum carried by the ensuing uniaxial hydrodynamic shock is used to indicate the extent of ablation. The threshold fluence for ablation is found to be in close correspondence with the bulk melt transition, and reasonable agreement with the model is obtained for peak temperatures in polyethylene up to 5500 K and heating rates up to [Formula: see text] where thermal decomposition reactions are also active.

Summary Molecular-level understanding of plasma cell (PC) differentiation has been modeled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vitro. However, this system does not involve the B-cell receptor (BCR)—a critical component of B cell biology. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro PC differentiation system dependent on BCR signaling that easily scales up for cell number-demanding applications, including protein complex purification. We describe how to set up this system and detail applications for endogenous complex purification of chromatin-associated proteins. For further details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sciammas et al. (2011) and Ochiai et al. (2018, 2020)., Graphical abstract, Highlights • In vitro plasma cell differentiation system via B-cell receptor signaling • Antibody conjugation of protein A or G beads for immunoprecipitation • Purification of endogenous protein complexes and chromatin-associated proteins • Gel extraction and digestion of proteins in preparation for LC-MS/MS analysis, Molecular-level understanding of plasma cell (PC) differentiation has been modeled using LPS stimulation in vitro. However, this system does not involve the B-cell receptor (BCR)—a critical component of B cell biology. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro PC differentiation system dependent on BCR signaling that easily scales up for cell number-demanding applications, including protein complex purification. We describe how to set up this system and detail applications for endogenous complex purification of chromatin-associated proteins.

A well-known demonstration is adapted to simplify the illustration of heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of ammonia. Various metal catalyst wires are placed above the liquid level in a flask containing concentrated ammonia. After brief preheating, some metal wires continue to glow, providing visual evidence of an overall exothermic reaction taking place at the catalyst surface. Thermal heating by a butane flame prior to insertion and in situ resistive heating using a power supply yield identical results. Active catalysts are the group 9 and 10 elements Rh, Ir, Pd, and Pt. Besides the illustration of the Sabatier principle, the effect of the ammonia-to-oxygen ratio can also be visualized, and active metals vary in the production of a grayish smoke. These observations provide a starting point to discuss catalytic selectivity, a topic of great relevance to industrial catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

Background Current methods for murine brain microvasculature isolation requires the pooling of brain cortices while disregarding the rest of the CNS, making the analysis of single individuals non feasible. New method Efficient isolation of brain microvessels requires the elimination of meninges, vessels of high caliber vessels and choroid plexus, commonly done by rolling the over filter paper, but can’t be done on other CNS regions. We overcome this hurdle by using a double-pronged pick, as well as elution and filtration through cell strainers after centrifugation. Results We were able to develop a region-specific murine CNS microvessels isolation, that allows for the comparison of the neurovascular unit from these regions both within the same individual and between multiple individuals and/or treatment groups without pooling. Additionally, we were able to adapt this method to macaque CNS tissue. Comparison with existing method(s) Although similar to a previously published method that requires no enzymatic dissociation and no ultracentrifugation, it does differ in its ability to isolate from a single experimental animal and from non-cortical tissues. However, it relies heavily on the researcher dissecting skills and careful elution and filtration of re-suspended samples. Conclusions CNS region-specific microvessels comparison can inform of molecular and/or cellular differences that would otherwise be obscured by excluding non-cortical tissue. Additionally, it allows for the unmasking of variations between individuals that remained hidden when pooling of multiple samples is the norm. Lastly, isolation of region-specific microvessels for non-human primate CNS allows for more translationally relevant studies of the BBB.

In this paper recent results on monitoring and control of plasma ion assisted deposition (PIAD) processes are presented. An industrial PIAD system equipped with diagnostics for deposition rate and optical thickness was augmented by active plasma resonance spectroscopy to access electron density near the substrate. A series of experiments implementing different schemes to control the level of plasma assistance, while depositing a model 5-layer quarterwave stack SiO2/TiO2, were conducted. Data on in situ spectral transmission of the coatings was used to reconstruct optical properties and the thickness of each layer. Conventional control of anode voltage of the assist source Advanced Plasma Source (APS) was found to exhibit remarkable variations of electron density as drifts during deposition and shifts between separate runs. We demonstrate that measuring the electron density and using that signal in the feedback loop control of the APS greatly improves the layer-to-layer repeatability and run-to-run reproducibility of coating performance. Best results were obtained combining electron density control with optical monitoring for endpoint detection.

Research to inform a sustainable future for southern African mountains as social–ecological systems requires major investment. This is needed to strengthen existing relationships, build new relationships among academia, policy, and practice, and drive a robust research capacity program. This is particularly important in disciplines where there is currently limited capacity for mountain-related research in the region. For many pertinent issues in southern African mountains, the urgent need for foundational research is a reality; without this, it is impossible to build toward multidisciplinary outcomes and to drive transdisciplinary efforts. Keys to strengthening solution-oriented research are improved coordination between actors in similar disciplines (eg water security), strong relationships to achieve maximum synergy instead of competition, and major investment in emerging young researchers. The Afromontane Research Unit is leading the way for southern African mountains.

Background Surgical approaches to autoimmune thyroid disease are currently hampered by concerns over postoperative complications. Risk profiles and incidences of postoperative complications have not been investigated systematically, and studies with sufficient power to show valid data have not been performed. Methods A prospective multicentre European study was conducted between July 2010 and December 2012. Questionnaires were used to collect data prospectively on patients who had surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease and the findings were compared with those of patients undergoing surgery for multinodular goitre. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors for thyroid surgery-specific complications, transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and hypoparathyroidism. Results Data were available for 22 011 patients, of whom 18 955 were eligible for analysis (2488 who had surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease and 16 467 for multinodular goitre). Surgery for multinodular goitre and that for autoimmune thyroid disease did not differ significantly with regard to general complications. With regard to thyroid surgery-specific complications, the rate of temporary and permanent vocal cord palsy ranged from 2·7 to 6·7 per cent (P = 0·623) and from 0·0 to 1·4 per cent (P = 0·600) respectively, whereas the range for temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism was 12·9 to 20·0 per cent (P < 0·001) and 0·0 to 7·0 per cent (P < 0·001) respectively. In logistic regression analysis of transient and permanent vocal cord palsy, autoimmune thyroid disease was not an independent risk factor. Autoimmune thyroid disease, extent of thyroid resection, number of identified parathyroid glands and no autotransplantation were identified as independent risk factors for both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Conclusion Surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease is safe in comparison with surgery for multinodular goitre in terms of general complications and RLN palsy. To avoid the increased risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, special attention needs to be paid to the parathyroid glands.

We adapted and used a crop simulation model based on light interception and use efficiency (LINTUL-Cassava) to improve our understanding of water-limited yields of cassava under rain-fed conditions in Southern Togo. Data collected in four different fields in two locations, Sevekpota and Djakakope, during two consecutive growing seasons from 2012 to 2014 were used. Data from Sevekpota in Year 2, when a larger amount of rainfall was received than in Year 1, were used for model parameterisation and calibration. The model was evaluated with data from Year 1 in Sevekpota and Years 1 and 2 in Djakakope. The model calibration and testing results indicated an overall good agreement between simulated and observed storage roots and total biomass dry matter. A decline in leaf area index (LAI) towards the end of the cropping season and the regrowth at the onset of the new rainy season matched fairly well with the simulated dormancy and recovery from the dormancy phase. The model also captured the decline in yield of storage roots due to leaf regrowth at the recovery from dormancy as observed in Sevekpota. Best harvest periods to minimise storage root losses can be identified on that basis. The assessment of the effect of drought as the difference between simulated potential yields, assuming water content at field capacity, and water-limited yields indicated that drought can cause 9–59% loss of yield. The largest yield loss was recorded in Sevekpota in Year 1, and was mainly due to water stress occurring between 78 and 125 days after planting. The best planting period simulated was around mid-February, which is one to two months earlier than the usual planting time in Southern Togo. Further experimental studies are required to confirm this finding and assess how this can practically fit into existing cropping systems. These findings enhance our understanding of water-limited yield of cassava and unveil possibilities of improving it in future.

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) can contribute to combating vitamin A deficiency and establishing more resilient cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. There is limited understanding of the factors that affect yield and quality of OFSP on smallholder farmers’ fields. This study aimed to assess the performance of six OFSP varieties, identify factors limiting productivity and explore options to close the gap between actual and attainable OFSP yields on fields of smallholder farmers. Data were collected in the 2015/16 growing season from 221 on-farm variety demonstrations in seven districts in Central and Southern Malawi. Dependent variables of interest included crop establishment, vine yields, storage root formation, root yields, percentage of marketable root yield, and weevil infestation. Using linear mixed models, a range of biophysical, climatic, management and socio-economic factors and variables was used to identify associations with these dependent variables. The root yield gap was explored using a multivariate boundary line model to identify the most yield limiting factors. Results show a large variability across farmers’ fields and a wide range of interacting factors affecting the variables of interest. Varieties Chipika and Kadyaubwerere attained good yields and were preferred by farmers in terms of taste. Varieties Zondeni and Anaakwanire gave a poor root yield, but a good vine yield. Timely planting is crucial to attain good root yields by making better use of the available rainfall. There was a varietal effect on weevil infestation and Kaphulira was most affected. Weevil control is required for market-oriented producers to enhance the percentage of marketable roots. The average attainable fresh root yield ranged from 18 t ha−1 for Zondeni to 32 t ha−1 for Mathuthu, against actual yields of 5–9 t ha−1. Elevation, planting date, rainfall and crop establishment could explain only 28 percent of the average yield gap, while 49 percent was explained for Mathuthu. Other factors that may explain the yield gap, but were not included in the model are: tillage methods and soil nutrient limitations. Male host farmers received better quality cuttings and planted in better soil moisture conditions, resulting in better establishment and vine yields. OFSP productivity can be enhanced through gender-sensitive extension, by ensuring male and female farmers can plant clean planting material of a suitable variety early in the rainy season. This requires additional efforts in vine multiplication of the required variety prior to the onset of the rains.

Der Einsatz des Telemonitorings bei schlafbezogenen Atmungsstorungen (SBAS) kann zukunftig die Betreuung der Patienten wesentlich unterstutzen. Ziel ist es dabei, den Arzten zu ermoglichen, Therapieprobleme zeitnah zu erfassen und so die Therapieadharenz der Patienten zu verbessern. Diagnostik und Therapie stellen aber auch in der telemedizinischen Form immer eine arztliche Masnahme dar. Auswahl der zu erfassenden Daten, ihre Wertung und daraus resultierende Konsequenzen obliegen damit ausschlieslich der Entscheidung von Arzten und der arztlichen Verordnung im Einvernehmen mit den Patienten. Unter Berucksichtigung berufsrechtlicher und ethischer Voraussetzungen muss sichergestellt sein, dass die umfassenden Veranderungen der Prozessablaufe in der Schlafmedizin so gestaltet werden, dass die qualitativ hochwertige Versorgung der Patienten gewahrleistet ist. In diesem Positionspapier nehmen die Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin, die Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin, der Verband pneumologischer Kliniken und der Bundesverband der Pneumologen, Schlaf- und Beatmungsmediziner Stellung zu wichtigen Aspekten fur die Umsetzung des Telemonitorings bei SBAS und beschreiben die erforderlichen Rahmenbedingungen.

We studied the effects of potassium (K) and its interactions with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and harvest time on the productivity, water use efficiency (WUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of cassava under rain-fed conditions. A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years on K-deficient soils in Djakakope and on relatively K-rich soils in Sevekpota in Southern Togo, West Africa. Fifteen fertiliser combinations involving K and N rates of 0, 50 and 100 kg ha−1 each, and P rates of 0, 20 and 40 kg ha[sbnd]1 were tested. Monthly measurements of leaf area index from 3 to 11 months after planting and daily weather data were used to estimate light interception, RUE, potential water transpiration and WUE of cassava. Overall WUE was 3.22 g dry matter kg−1 water transpired and RUE was 1.16 g dry matter MJ−1 intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). On the K-deficient soils, application of K increased WUE and RUE by 36–41% compared with 2.81 g dry matter kg−1 water transpired and 0.92 g dry matter MJ−1 intercepted PAR achieved without K, respectively. However, the effect of K on cassava growth depended on N availability. Applications of N had relatively weak effects on RUE and WUE, but induced a positive correlation between RUE/WUE and K mass fractions in the plant, and increased the cumulative amount of light intercepted by 11–51%, and the cumulative amount of water transpired through increased leaf area by 13–61%. No significant effect of P on WUE and RUE was observed. Increased cassava yields could be achieved under rain-fed conditions in West Africa through enhanced K management to increase RUE and WUE, along with sufficient N supply for improved light interception and water transpiration by the crop.

The development of delirium in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a feared complication, which is often associated with sustained worsening of motor symptoms and psychopathological sequelae. Little is known regarding the prevalence and incidence rates, course and prognosis. Clinical studies from which recommendations for evidence-based management of delirium in IPD can be derived are lacking.To summarize the state of the art regarding epidemiological and clinical features of delirium in IPD. Discussion of prevention strategies and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options.A literature search was carried out in PubMed.The IPD is an independent risk factor for the development of delirium. Patients with IPD show poorer clinical outcome frequently with cognitive worsening and motor complications following development of delirium.So far no validated rating scales for recognition and course evaluation of delirium in IPD are available. Preventive strategies and non-pharmacological measures should be consistently implemented to improve management. There are insufficient data concerning pharmacotherapy with quetiapine and clozapine, whereas other neuroleptics are contraindicated for delirium in IPD due to antidopaminergic side effects.

The preliminary conceptual design for the Electron Cyclotron (EC) system of the future European DEMOnstration fusion power plant is ongoing in the EUROfusion Consortium. This represents one of the key aspects in order to assess the performances and the integration capabilities of such a system in EU DEMO as well as in the alternative reactor configuration Flexi-DEMO. Different options for the antenna, namely remote steering antenna (RSA), open ended waveguides (OEWG) and the front steering antenna (FSA) later on renamed in mid steering antenna (MSA) to notify that the MSA is protected behind the breeding blanket (BB) in DEMO, are investigated, analyzing their performance for several injection angles and launch points. This activity considers the constraints given by physics and engineering requirements, as for example the maximum power per port and the necessary local current drive to stabilize neo-classical tearing modes (NTMs) with a proper deposition width. The beam tracing calculations have been performed on different scenarios, providing information on plasma accessibility and deposited power. The microwave design and initial ideas about the ex-vessel EC transmission lines routing will be shown. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.

During a workshop and field visit in December 2019 in South Africa we discussed the Role soil C of Conservation Agriculture and carbon sequestration for climate mitigation. The insights of the workshop comprised of: (i) Integrating livestock into crop systems to achieve circularity, (ii) Economic and environmental sustainability is possible without subsidy, (iii) The transition towards sustainable farming can also be slow: Every step into the direction of sustainability if a good one, (iv) Vision and love for the land: a good farmer is a steward of the land; and (v) Ways to find hands-on local, but holistic solutions for every farm. Tijdens een workshop en veldbezoek in december 2019 in Zuid-Afrika bespraken we de rol van bodem C van natuurbehoud en koolstofvastlegging voor klimaatbeperking. De inzichten van de workshop omvatten: (i) Vee integreren in gewassystemen om circulariteit te bereiken, (ii) Economische en ecologische duurzaamheid is mogelijk zonder subsidie, (iii) De transitie naar duurzame landbouw kan ook traag zijn: Elke stap in de richting van duurzaamheid als een goede, (iv) Visie en liefde voor het land: een goede boer is een rentmeester van het land; en (v) Manieren om praktische, maar holistische oplossingen te vinden voor elke boerderij.

Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of an existential threat, we conducted a nationwide survey in March 2020 asking 445 Americans about their hopes and fears, their opinions about the coronavirus pandemic, and their attitudes for getting through the public health crisis. In the present research, we examine the coronavirus pandemic as a complex problem and explore its effects on respondents’ levels of optimism to resolve the public health crisis. While much existing research examines the influence of risk perception on optimism, we specifically measure how respondents’ levels of empathy and trust affect social resilience and relate to hopes and fears for their personal health and public health in the United States. Specifically, we examine respondents’ levels of trust in government and their neighbors as well as their levels of empathy, alienation, and social isolation. Our research confirmed the importance of empathy to counter the spread of the virus while preventing economic collapse. In addition, we found that relational factors such as alienation and trust affect individuals’ levels of optimism or pessimism for getting through the public health crisis.

A potato crop multi-model assessment was conducted to quantify variation among models and evaluate responses to climate change. Nine modeling groups simulated agronomic and climatic responses at low- (Chinoli, Bolivia and Gisozi, Burundi) and high- (Jyndevad, Denmark and Washington, United States) input management sites. Two calibration stages were explored, partial (P1), where experimental dry matter data were not provided, and full (P2). The median model ensemble response outperformed any single model in terms of replicating observed yield across all locations. Uncertainty in simulated yield decreased from 38% to 20% between P1 and P2. Model uncertainty increased with inter-annual variability, and predictions for all agronomic variables were significantly different from one model to another (p < 0.001). Uncertainty averaged 15% higher for low- versus high- input sites, with larger differences observed for evapotranspiration (ET), nitrogen uptake, and water use efficiency as compared to dry matter. A minimum of five partial, or three full, calibrated models was required for an ensemble approach to keep variability below that of common field variation. Model variation was not influenced by change in carbon dioxide (C), but increased as much as 41 and 23% for yield and ET respectively as temperature (T) or rainfall (W) moved away from historical levels. Increases in T accounted for the highest amount of uncertainty, suggesting that methods and parameters for T sensitivity represent a considerable unknown among models. Using median model ensemble values, yield increased on average 6% per 100-ppm C, declined 4.6% per °C, and declined 2% for every 10% decrease in rainfall (for non-irrigated sites). Differences in predictions due to model representation of light utilization were significant (p < 0.01). These are the first reported results quantifying uncertainty for tuber/root crops and suggest modeling assessments of climate change impact on potato may be improved using an ensemble approach.