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Fuel for Growth and Development
Abstract
World Statistics Day is the ideal time to showcase diverse applications of data, and how the work of statisticians is helping improve the lives of people around the world. The next 20 pages offer merely a glimpse of the full range of problems to which statistical analysis is applied, despite touching on a wide range of issues: from economic development to trade and transport, data sharing, human rights and hunger. We begin, though, with a special introduction from John Pullinger, the UK National Statistician and current chair of the UN Statistical Commission, on the importance of World Statistics Day.
... Destructive plant sampling was completed for corn at the V6 (six leaves with collar visible), V10 (10 leaves with collar visible), and VT (tassel stage) growth stages (Abendroth et al., 2011) and divided in shoot and root parts. Soybean plants were sampled at the V3 (three sets of unfolded trifoliolate leaves) and R3 (beginning pod) growth stages (Pedersen, 2003) and divided in shoot and root parts. Root samples were triple rinsed using tap water to separate the growing media, packed in re-sealable zipper storage plastic bags, and stored at 4°C in a cold room. ...
... This tendency was similar for both shoot and root plant parts with Table 5. Soybean root dry weight, length, surface area, average diameter, and volume as well as shoot dry weight and root/shoot ratio as affected by soybean genotype and growth stage in the greenhouse. (Pedersen, 2003). ‡ Numbers followed by different letters within rows for each main effect and the genotype × growth stage interaction represent statistically significant differences at p ≤ 0.05. ...
... ‡ Numbers followed by different letters within rows for each main effect and the genotype × growth stage interaction represent statistically significant differences at p ≤ 0.05. (Pedersen, 2003). ‡ Numbers followed by different letters within rows for each main effect and the genotype × growth stage interaction represent statistically significant differences at p ≤ 0.05. ...
Core Ideas
Drought‐tolerant corn increased root length up to 33% over conventional corn.
Differences in root growth among soybean genotypes were site‐specific.
Nutrient dilution effect occurred in both corn shoot and root, but not in soybean.
N, P, Mn, and Zn concentrations were higher in the root biomass for soybean compared with corn.
Larger root systems can help crops to explore more soil volume and increase nutrient uptake. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential differences in root system growth of two corn (Zea mays L.) and two soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants of contrasting genotypes. Two experiments were conducted as part of this study (greenhouse and field). The corn genotypes used in the study were considered as drought tolerant (DT) and conventional (CR)–not drought tolerant; whereas soybean genotypes were considered as highly suitable for poorly drained soils (PD) and suitable for well‐drained soils (GD). During the growing season, shoots and roots biomass were recorded and analyzed for total nutrient concentration. Roots were scanned and processed to measure root length, surface area, diameter, and volume. In the greenhouse, corn root length and volume showed greater values for the DT at the VT growth stage compared with the CR. The DT also showed higher N, Mn, and Zn uptake. In the field, the DT showed greater root length at one location. For soybean, the GD showed increased root surface area and volume at one location when compared with the PD. The PD showed higher Zn uptake than the GD. Furthermore, evaluations of nutrient dilution as a function of root biomass was similar to those observed for shoot biomass for corn, but not clear for soybean. This study emphasizes the importance of root system evaluations among different genotypes as it can help on strategies to increase nutrient uptake by crops.
... Maize and soybean are annual crops and hence the mass of individual plants changes significantly over the growing season. Each progress through vegetative and reproductive stages of development (Abendroth, Elmore, Boyer, & Marlay, 2011;Pedersen, 2009). During the vegetative stages plant mass changes rapidly as new leaves appear and the stem increases in size. ...
... The developmental process for soybean is more complex than maize. In addition to GDD, soybean plants are sensitive to the period of sunlight (photoperiod) (Pedersen, 2009). ...
... Soybean plants were sampled at the R2 growth stage (Pedersen 2003) and partitioned into shoot and root parts. Root samples were pre-cleaned in the greenhouse to remove most of the soil, and later tap water was used to separate the remaining soil. ...
O manejo do fertilizante fósforo (P) pode alterar o crescimento da raiz e da parte aérea da soja, promovendo desequilíbrios morfológicos na planta. Com o objetivo de avaliar os ajustes morfológicos da soja (Glycine max (L.)) em diferentes colocações e taxas de adubação fosfatada em solo P, foi realizado um estudo em casa de vegetação com dois objetivos principais: 1) avaliar o efeito da adubação fosfatada sobre a raiz e acúmulo de biomassa na parte aérea e as alterações associadas no comprimento das raízes; e, 2) estimar o efeito das alterações do crescimento radicular na absorção de macro e micronutrientes na planta. Os tratamentos com fertilizantes foram: (1) transmissão P na superfície do solo (BR), (2) P5x5 cm (B) aplicada na faixa (B) e (3) banda profunda P a 20 cm de profundidade (DB); usando duas taxas: (1) 60 e (2) 120 kg P2O5 ha-1 em solo com alta fertilidade. Imagens de minirhizotron e medidas de SPAD foram realizadas uma vez por semana até o florescimento. O peso seco da raiz e da parte aérea, bem como a absorção total de macro e micronutrientes foram avaliados no mesmo estágio. O aumento dos níveis de P no solo promovidos pela adubação mostra um efeito negativo no peso seco da raiz na taxa de 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 e muito pouco estímulo à alocação de biomassa nas raízes quando a taxa de P foi aumentada para 120 kg P2O5 ha -1 em tratamentos B e DB. O tratamento de controlo (sem fertilizante) mostrou um comprimento de raiz 108% maior do que o tratamento com B-60. Essas alterações também alteraram a absorção de macro e micronutrientes e afetaram o teor de clorofila nas plantas de soja. O aumento dos níveis de P no solo promovidos pela adubação mostra um efeito negativo no peso seco da raiz na taxa de 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 e muito pouco estímulo à alocação de biomassa nas raízes quando a taxa de P foi aumentada para 120 kg P2O5 ha -1 em tratamentos B e DB. O tratamento de controlo (sem fertilizante) mostrou um comprimento de raiz 108% maior do que o tratamento com B-60. Essas alterações também alteraram a absorção de macro e micronutrientes e afetaram o teor de clorofila nas plantas de soja. O aumento dos níveis de P no solo promovidos pela adubação mostra um efeito negativo no peso seco da raiz na taxa de 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 e muito pouco estímulo à alocação de biomassa nas raízes quando a taxa de P foi aumentada para 120 kg P2O5 ha -1 em tratamentos B e DB. O tratamento de controlo (sem fertilizante) mostrou um comprimento de raiz 108% maior do que o tratamento com B-60. Essas alterações também alteraram a absorção de macro e micronutrientes e afetaram o teor de clorofila nas plantas de soja.
... In turn, SCN interacts with edaphic factors and these relationships may influence Fusarium root rot. High pH soils are more prone to problems with SCN; in a recent example, Pedersen et al. (78) showed consistent positive correlations between soil pH and SCN populations in several experiments in Iowa and Wisconsin. Soil pH can affect soilborne fungi as well; Killebrew et al. (43) found that isolation of F. virguliforme and severity of SDS was higher when soil pH was high. ...
... Reduction of ASB during very late reproductive stages did not affect yield. Soybean yield is mostly determined between growth stages R1 (beginning flowering) and R6 (full seed), and consequently stressors have the most impact when they occur during those stages, especially between R3 (beginning pod set) and R6 when seed fill is occurring (15). In our study, ASB symptoms did not appear until after growth stages R6 or R7 when the soybeans were approaching maturity and had no effect on yield even when fungicides controlled the disease. ...
Anthracnose stem blight, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum, is responsible for soybean (Glycine max) yield losses in subtropical and tropical growing regions. There are inadequate data regarding the effect of anthracnose stem blight on yield in Iowa, and it is unknown if fungicide application can manage this disease. Field studies were conducted from 2008 to 2010 to determine the effect of fungicide application timing on late-season development of this disease. We also investigated the effect of anthracnose stem blight on yield and specific yield components. Fungicides reduced late-season symptom development when compared to the untreated control; however, there were no differences in yield and yield components. While foliar fungicides can reduce late-season disease development, anthracnose stem blight typically should not affect crop management decisions involving use of foliar fungicides on soybean in Iowa.
Accepted 7 July 2014. Publication 14 August 2014.
... Plant Nutrient Sampling. Soybean plant nutrients were quantiÞed at the end of July when plants were in the R4 stage (pod growth; Pedersen 2004). The single uppermost trifoliolate was removed from Þve plants at each of the four sample locations per Þeld (20 trifoliolates per Þeld). ...
The soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an invasive economic pest of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) in the United States. Research has shown the endemic natural enemy community in the United States is capable of suppressing A. glycines below EILs, but this biological control is inconsistent, especially in simple agricultural landscapes. In the course of a 3-yr project (2006–2008) we sought to determine the affects of landscape composition, configuration, and plant nutrients (N, P, and K) on A. glycines and aphidophagous natural enemy abundance. Specifically, we tested whether nearby grasslands contribute to the abundance of natural enemies and the suppression of A. glycines. The study site was located around the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, composed of >2,000 ha of reconstructed prairie, located in Jasper County, IA. We sampled A. glycines, natural enemies, and plant nutrients in 100 soybean fields while characterizing the landscape surrounding each field. A. glycines abundance was lowest in 2006 but reached economically damaging populations in 2007 and 2008. The ratio of natural enemies to A. glycines decreased in each year of our study (2006 > 2007 > 2008). Variation in A. glycines and natural enemies was best explained by year and, to a lesser extent by plant nutrient levels and landscape variables. Results suggest grassland habitat did not significantly contribute to the biological control of A. glycines. Furthermore, yearly decline of natural enemy may have facilitated the colonization of A. glycines leading to outbreaks later in the season.
The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) raises concerns both about their accumulation in crops and human exposure via crop consumption. Plants take up AgNPs through their leaves and roots, but foliar uptake has been largely ignored. To better understand AgNPs-plant interactions, we compared the uptake, phytotoxicity, and size distribution of AgNPs in soybean and rice following root versus foliar exposure. At similar AgNP application levels, foliar exposure led to 17–200 times more Ag bioaccumulation than root exposure. Root but not foliar exposure significantly reduced plant biomass, while root exposure increased the malondialdehyde and H2O2 contents of leaves to a larger extent than did foliar exposure. Following either root or foliar exposure, Ag-containing NPs larger (36.0–48.9 nm) than the originally dosed NPs (17–18 nm) were detected within leaves. These particles were detected using a newly developed macerozyme R-10 tissue extraction method followed by single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In response to foliar exposure, these NPs were stored in the cell wall and plamalemma of leaves. NPs were also detected in planta following Ag ion exposure, indicating their in vivo formation. Leaf-to-leaf and root-to-leaf translocation of NPs in planta was observed but the former did not alter the size distribution of the NPs. Our observations point to the possibility that fruits, seeds, and other edible parts may become contaminated by translocation processes in plants exposed to AgNPs. These results are an important contribution to improve the risk assessment of NPs under environmental exposure scenarios.
Decreased biological nitrogen fixation in glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybeans has been attributed directly to toxicity of glyphosate or its metabolites, to N2-fixing microorganisms. As a strong metal chelator, glyphosate could influence symbiotic N2 fixation by lowering the concentration of nickel (Ni) that is essential for the symbiotic microorganisms. Evaluation of different cultivars grown on different soil types at the State University of Maringá, PR, Brazil during the summer 2008 revealed, significant decreases in photosynthetic parameters (chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, transpiration and stomatal conductance) and nickel content with glyphosate use (single or sequential application). This work demonstrated that glyphosate can influence the symbiotic N2 fixation by lowering nickel content available to the symbiotic microorganisms.
Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) -expressing cells are important participants in lung remodeling, during both normal postnatal ontogeny and after injury. Developmental dysregulation of these contractile cells contributes to bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns, and aberrant recapitulation in adults of the normal ontogeny of these cells has been speculated to underlie disease and repair in mature lungs. The significance of airway smooth muscle has been widely investigated, but contractile elements within the pulmonary parenchyma, although also of structural and functional consequence in developing and mature lungs, are relatively unstudied and little quantitative information exists. Here, we quantify the areal density of alpha-SMA expression in lung parenchyma and assess changes in its spatiotemporal distribution through postnatal ontogeny. Using an antibody against alpha-SMA, we immunofluorescently labeled contractile elements in lung sections from a postnatal growth series of rats. Images were segmented using thresholded pixel intensity. Alpha-SMA areal density in the alveolar interstitium was calculated by dividing the area of alpha-SMA-positive staining by the tissue area. The areal density of alpha-SMA in 2-day neonates was 3.7%, almost doubled, to 7.2% by 21 days, and decreased to 3% in adults. Neonates had large, elongate concentrations of alpha-SMA, and alpha-SMA localized both at septal tips and within the interstitium. In adults, individual areas of alpha-SMA expression were smaller and more round, and located predominately in alveolar ducts, at alveolar ends and bends. The results are consistent with increasing alpha-SMA expression during the period of peak myofibroblast activity, corresponding to the phase of rapid alveolarization in the developing lung.
Victims of modern slavery are often hidden from view, making it difficult to estimate how many there are. Multiple systems estimation helped Kevin Bales, Olivia Hesketh and Bernard Silverman provide an answer
En France, la croissance de la motorisation individuelle continue de ralentir et la circulation des voitures particulières plafonne depuis les années 2000, surtout dans les zones les plus urbanisées. Comment ces phénomènes s'inscrivent-ils dans le mouvement de long terme de diffusion de l'automobile des couches aisées vers les catégories modestes de la population? Nous décrivons ce processus de 1974 à 2010 pour la France métropolitaine et pour l'Île-de-France, en distinguant les ménages selon leur position dans la distribution des niveaux de vie. À l'échelle nationale, l'hypothèse que les ménages aisés, les classes moyennes et les plus modestes ont des trajectoires de motorisation et d'usage convergentes vers le même plafond automobile n'a pas été invalidée. Pour évaluer ce plafond, nous ajustons des courbes sigmoïdes de Chapman-Richards sur les séries de l'équipement et de l'utilisation de l'automobile. Plus flexibles et mieux adaptées à notre contexte que des courbes logistiques standards, elles permettent de le situer autour de 0,76 voiture par adulte, et de 16 200 kilomètres par an et par ménage si le prix des carburants se maintenait à son niveau de 2010. Ce plafond des kilométrages est modulé par une élasticité de - 0,24 rendant compte des réactions aux évolutions heurtées des prix des carburants. Toutefois en Île-de-France, le plafonnement des kilométrages a commencé d'autant plus tôt que les ménages sont plus aisés, avant le renchérissement du carburant des années 2000, laissant penser qu'il s'agit d'un mouvement de fond dont les Franciliens seraient précurseurs.
The estimation of the "dark figure" for any crime (the number of actual instances of a specific crime committed minus the reported cases of that crime within a population) has primarily rested on the ability to conduct random sample crime surveys. Such surveys are based on the assumption that victims experience crimes that are discrete, time-bound, and of relatively short duration. The crime of enslavement, however, presents a special challenge to estimation because it is of indeterminate duration. This challenge is compounded by the fact that victims of slavery are also often isolated by the stigma linked to sexual assault, or a sense of shame over their enslavement. Using a unique dataset, based in part on the random sample surveys of Julia Pennington et al. (2009), and extended through a process of extrapolation, this paper estimates the numbers of victims of slavery and human trafficking for thirty-seven countries in Europe. These estimated numbers of slavery victims are then compared with reported cases of slavery and trafficking for the same countries.
Human trafficking, as defined here, is moving human beings across borders for the purpose of enslaving them. Human trafficking may be in the sex trade, forced labor or service, extraction of body parts, or other forms of exploited labor or debt bondage. The market is believed to be extensive, with its own distribution channels, pricing systems, and other market functions. The purposes of this article are to present an understanding of cross-border human trafficking as a marketing system, to explicate the societal effects of that system, and to show how the extent of cross-border trafficking may be estimated, using as an example several countries where it is believed to be a substantial problem. Additionally, we seek to show that cross-border human trafficking may be a much more serious problem than what is visible to governments.
Studies from the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have provided anecdotal reports of sexual violence. This study offers a population-based assessment of the prevalence of sexual violence and human rights abuses in specific territories within Eastern DRC.
To assess the prevalence of and correlations with sexual violence and human rights violations on residents of specific territories of Eastern DRC including information on basic needs, health care access, and physical and mental health.
A cross-sectional, population-based, cluster survey of 998 adults aged 18 years or older using structured interviews and questionnaires, conducted over a 4-week period in March 2010.
Sexual violence prevalence and characteristics, symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), human rights abuses, and physical and mental health needs among Congolese adults in specific territories of Eastern DRC.
Of the 1005 households surveyed 998 households participated, yielding a response rate of 98.9%. Rates of reported sexual violence were 39.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.2%-47.2%; n = 224/586) among women and 23.6% (95% CI, 17.3%-29.9%; n = 107/399) among men. Women reported to have perpetrated conflict-related sexual violence in 41.1% (95% CI, 25.6%-56.6%; n = 54/148) of female cases and 10.0% (95% CI, 1.5%-18.4%; n = 8/66) of male cases. Sixty-seven percent (95% CI, 59.0%-74.5%; n = 615/998) of households reported incidents of conflict-related human rights abuses. Forty-one percent (95% CI, 35.3%-45.8%; n = 374/991) of the represented adult population met symptom criteria for MDD and 50.1% (95% CI, 43.8%-56.3%; n = 470/989) for PTSD.
Self-reported sexual violence and other human rights violations were prevalent in specific territories of Eastern DRC and were associated with physical and mental health outcomes.
Food security is a growing concern worldwide. More than 1 billion people are estimated to lack sufficient dietary energy availability, and at least twice that number suffer micronutrient deficiencies. Because indicators inform action, much current research focuses on improving food insecurity measurement. Yet estimated prevalence rates and patterns remain tenuous because measuring food security, an elusive concept, remains difficult. © 2010 American Association for the Advancement for Science. All Rights Reserved.
Slavery is illegal throughout the world, yet more than twenty-seven million people are still trapped in one of history's oldest social institutions. Kevin Bales's disturbing story of slavery today reaches from brick kilns in Pakistan and brothels in Thailand to the offices of multinational corporations. His investigation of conditions in Mauritania, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan, and India reveals the tragic emergence of a "new slavery," one intricately linked to the global economy. The new slaves are not a long-term investment as was true with older forms of slavery, explains Bales. Instead, they are cheap, require little care, and are disposable. Three interrelated factors have helped create the new slavery. The enormous population explosion over the past three decades has flooded the world's labor markets with millions of impoverished, desperate people. The revolution of economic globalization and modernized agriculture has dispossessed poor farmers, making them and their families ready targets for enslavement. And rapid economic change in developing countries has bred corruption and violence, destroying social rules that might once have protected the most vulnerable individuals. Bales's vivid case studies present actual slaves, slaveholders, and public officials in well-drawn historical, geographical, and cultural contexts. He observes the complex economic relationships of modern slavery and is aware that liberation is a bitter victory for a child prostitute or a bondaged miner if the result is starvation. Bales offers suggestions for combating the new slavery and provides examples of very positive results from organizations such as Anti-Slavery International, the Pastoral Land Commission in Brazil, and the Human Rights Commission in Pakistan. He also calls for researchers to follow the flow of raw materials and products from slave to marketplace in order to effectively target campaigns of "naming and shaming" corporations linked to slavery. Disposable People is the first book to point the way to abolishing slavery in today's global economy. © 1999, 2000, 2004, 2012 by The Regents of the University of California.
The linkage between economic activity and geography is obvious: Populations cluster mainly on coasts and rarely on ice sheets. Past studies of the relationships between economic activity and geography have been hampered by limited spatial data on economic activity. The present study introduces data on global economic activity, the G-Econ database, which measures economic activity for all large countries, measured at a 1° latitude by 1° longitude scale. The methodologies for the study are described. Three applications of the data are investigated. First, the puzzling “climate-output reversal” is detected, whereby the relationship between temperature and output is negative when measured on a per capita basis and strongly positive on a per area basis. Second, the database allows better resolution of the impact of geographic attributes on African poverty, finding geography is an important source of income differences relative to high-income regions. Finally, we use the G-Econ data to provide estimates of the economic impact of greenhouse warming, with larger estimates of warming damages than past studies.
• economic growth
• development
• climate change
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