Seasonal changes in dry matter yield from Karst pastures as influenced by morphoclimatic features.

Pastures are strongly affected by local environmental variables in terms of their species richness, plant composition and herbage production. A multi-site monitoring study was conducted over three years to investigate the influence of morphoclimatic factors on the seasonal variations in dry matter (DM) yield from Karst pastures. Seven sites located on the Italian and Slovenian Karst regions were investigated that differed in terms of their geological and geomorphological features, as well as their soil types. At each site, the daily DM yield (kg ha-1 d-1) was determined using Corral-Fenlon method which permits to simulate herbage utilization from grazing herds. The morphoclimatic features were also analysed, with the aim to evaluate the link between seasonal DM yield and geomorphological and environmental factors. Generalized non-linear mixed models were built to study the observed seasonal variations in DM yield, using day of the year (DOY), growing degree days (GDD), and cumulative rainfall. Furthermore, environmental descriptors were included in the model in order to evaluate their effects on DM yield. The seasonal variations in yield showed two growing periods (spring and late summer), which were described by Gaussian curves. For the spring growing period, the model improved when the interaction between soil granulometry and growing degree days corresponding to the curve peak was taken into account. This confirms the influence of soil type and air temperature on pasture yield. For the late summer growing period, the interaction between the sand classes and the number of rainy days from the beginning of the period to the peak of the curve improved the model. The curve parameters of our models are correlated with environmental descriptors depending on the lithology and particle size of soils. The results are essential for the optimization of pasture management and avoiding degradation due to over- or under-grazing.

Bending properties of a new nickel-titanium alloy with a lower percent by weight of nickel.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bending properties of Hyflex instruments, which exhibit a lower percent in weight of nickel (52 Ni %wt) and compare them with other commercially available nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments. METHODS: Ten instruments with tip size 25, 0.06 taper of each of the following NiTi rotary instrumentation techniques were selected for the study: Hyflex, EndoSequence, ProFile, Hero, and Flexmasters. All instruments from each group were tested for stiffness by comparing their bending moment when they attained a 45-degree bend. Experimental procedures strictly followed testing methodology described in ISO 3630-1. All data were recorded and subjected to statistical evaluation by using analysis of variance test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that Hyflex files were found to be the most flexible instruments, with a significant difference (P < .05) in comparison with the other instruments. Among the other files, a significant difference has been reported for EndoSequence instruments compared with ProFile, Hero, and FlexMaster (P < .05), whereas no significant differences have been reported among those 3 files (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study have illustrated an increased flexibility of the new NiTi alloy over conventional NiTi alloy, and they highlight the potential of the new manufacturing process.

A SEM study of canal cleanliness after a new nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation technique.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the degree of smear layer removal after root canal preparation with TF(®) instruments, combined with two different irrigating solutions.For the present study twenty-two freshly extracted human roots were selected. All teeth had been extracted for periodontal purpose. Crown were cut off with a separating disk, so all roots were approximately 10-12 mm long.After having chosen the two control roots, the remaining ones were randomly divided into two groups each containing 10 roots. The two experimental groups were prepared as follows.A crown-down instrumentation technique was used, following TF(®) manufacturer's instructions.Irrigation of Group A consisted of 2 ml of solution: 6% sodium hypochlorite (Chlor-Extra(®), Vistadental Racine, Mi, USA) after each instrument followed at the end by a 17% EDTA minute (Smear Clear(®), SybronEndo, Orange, Ca) irrigation for 1 min. Both irrigants contain tensioactive agents.Group B specimens were irrigated with 2 ml of sterile saline solutions after each instrument. Two control roots were not instrumented and irrigated. Teeth were then examined by scanning electron microscopy.Values obtained were tabulated and statistical analyses were carried out using a non parametric tests.RESULTS SHOWS SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN THE MEAN SCORE BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS: most experimental group A canals showed clean or minimal debris in the observed areas, especially in the coronal and middle thirds.