The theoretically best estimate of the reliability coefficient is stated in terms of a precise definition of the equivalence of two forms of a test. Various approximations to this theoretical formula are derived, with reference to several degrees of completeness of information about the test and to special assumptions. The familiar Spearman-Brown Formula is shown to be a special case of the general formulation of the problem of reliability. Reliability coefficients computed in various ways are presented for comparative purposes.

Unoccupied aerial application systems (UAAS) are gaining popularity for weed management to increase applicator safety and to deliver herbicide treatments where treatment sites limit ground-based spray equipment. Several studies have documented UAAS application strategies and procedures for weed control in terrestrial settings, yet literature describing remote spray technology for use in aquatics remains limited. Currently, applicators seek guidance for UAAS deployment for aquatic weed management to overcome site access restrictions, deal with environmental limitations, and improve ground-based applicator safety in hazardous treatment scenarios. In the present case studies, we evaluate a consumer-available UAAS to deliver the herbicide, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, as both foliar and directed in-water spray applications. The first case study showed that the invasive floating-leaved plant, yellow floating heart, was controlled 80% to 99% by 6 wk after treatment (WAT) following UAAS foliar herbicide treatments. The second case study demonstrated that UAAS directed in-water herbicide application reduced variable-leaf watermilfoil visible plant material by 94% at 5 WAT. Likewise, directed in-water applications from UAAS eliminated the need to deploy watercraft, which improved overall operational efficiency. Data from both case studies indicate that UAAS can provide an effective and efficient treatment strategy for floating-leaved and submersed plant control among common herbicide treatment scenarios. Future integration of UAAS in aquatic weed control programs is encouraged, especially among smaller treatment sites (≤4 ha) or where access limits traditional spray operations.

Expanding the current aquatic herbicide portfolio, reducing total spray volumes, or remotely delivering herbicide using novel spray technologies could improve management opportunities targeting invasive aquatic plants, where options are more limited. However, research on giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta Mitchell) response to foliar herbicide applications at carrier volumes ≤140 L ha−1 is incomplete. Likewise, no data exist documenting S. molesta control with unoccupied aerial application systems (UAAS). Following the recent >100-ha incursion of S. molesta in Gapway Swamp, NC, a case study was developed to provide guidance for ongoing management efforts. In total, three field trials evaluated registered aquatic and experimental herbicides using a 140 L ha−1 carrier volume. Select foliar applications from UAAS were also evaluated. Results at 8 wk after treatment (WAT) indicated the experimental protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, PPO-699-01 (424 g ai ha−1), in combination with endothall dipotassium salt (2,370 g ae ha−1) provided 78% visual control, whereas control when PPO-699-01 (212 g ai ha−1) was applied alone was lower at 35%. Evaluations also showed diquat (3,136 g ai ha−1) alone, glyphosate (4,539 g ae ha−1) alone, and metsulfuron-methyl (42 g ai ha−1) alone achieved 86% to 94% visual plant control at 8 WAT. Sequential foliar applications of diquat, flumioxazin (210 g ai ha−1), and carfentrazone (67 g ai ha−1) at 6 wk following exposure to in-water fluridone treatments were no longer efficacious by 6 WAT due to plant regrowth. Carfentrazone applications made from a backpack sprayer displayed greater control than applications made with UAAS deploying identical carrier volumes at 2 WAT; however, neither application method provided effective control at 8 WAT. Additional field validation is needed to further guide management direction of S. molesta control using low carrier volume foliar applications.

This paper presents the current state of mathematical modelling of the electrochemical behaviour of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as they are charged and discharged. It reviews the models developed by Newman and co-workers, both in the cases of dilute and moderately concentrated electrolytes and indicates the modelling assumptions required for their development. Particular attention is paid to the interface conditions imposed between the electrolyte and the active electrode material; necessary conditions are derived for one of these, the Butler–Volmer relation, in order to ensure physically realistic solutions. Insight into the origin of the differences between various models found in the literature is revealed by considering formulations obtained by using different measures of the electric potential. Materials commonly used for electrodes in LIBs are considered and the various mathematical models used to describe lithium transport in them discussed. The problem of upscaling from models of behaviour at the single electrode particle scale to the cell scale is addressed using homogenisation techniques resulting in the pseudo-2D model commonly used to describe charge transport and discharge behaviour in lithium-ion cells. Numerical solution to this model is discussed and illustrative results for a common device are computed.

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has expanded to include UAV sprayers capable of applying pesticides. Very little research has been conducted to optimize application parameters and measure the potential of off-target movement from UAV-based pesticide applications. Field experiments were conducted in Raleigh, NC during spring 2018 to characterize the effect of different application speeds and nozzle types on target area coverage and uniformity of UAV applications. The highest coverage was achieved with an application speed of 1 m s−1 and ranged from 30% to 60%, whereas applications at 7 m s−1 yielded 13% to 22% coverage. Coverage consistently decreased as application speed increased across all nozzles, with extended-range flat-spray nozzles declining at a faster rate than air-induction nozzles, likely due to higher drift. Experiments measuring the drift potential of UAV-applied pesticides using extended-range flat spray, air-induction flat-spray, turbo air–induction flat-spray, and hollow-cone nozzles under 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9 m s−1 perpendicular wind conditions in the immediate 1.75 m above the target were conducted in the absence of natural wind. Off-target movement was observed under all perpendicular wind conditions with all nozzles tested but was nondetectable beyond 5 m away from the target. Coverage from all nozzles exhibited a concave-shaped curve in response to the increasing perpendicular wind speed due to turbulence. The maximum target coverage in drift studies was observed when the perpendicular wind was 0 and 8.94 m s−1, but higher turbulence at the two highest perpendicular wind speeds (6.71 and 8.94 m s−1) increased coverage variability, whereas the lowest variability was observed at 2.24 m s−1 wind speed. Results suggested that air-induction flat-spray and turbo air–induction flat-spray nozzles and an application speed of 3 m s−1 provided an adequate coverage of target areas while minimizing off-target movement risk.

Background: EMBRACE (NCT02462759) Part 1 is a randomized, double-blind, sham-procedure controlled study assessing safety/tolerability of intrathecal nusinersen (12-mg equivalent dose) in symptomatic infants/children with SMA who were not eligible to participate in ENDEAR or CHERISH. Methods: Eligible participants had onset of SMA symptoms at ≤6 months with 3 SMN2 copies; onset at ≤6 months, age >7 months and 2 copies; or onset at >6 months, age ≤18 months, and 2/3 copies. Safety/tolerability was the primary endpoint. Exploratory endpoints included Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination Section 2 (HINE-2) motor milestone attainment, change in ventilator use, and growth. Results: EMBRACE Part 1 was terminated early based on positive results from ENDEAR. Safety/tolerability was similar to previous trials. More nusinersen-treated (11/14;79%) vs. sham–treated individuals (2/7;29%) were HINE-2 motor milestone responders. Between Day 183 and 302, mean (SD) hours of ventilator use changed by +1.236 (3.712) hours in nusinersen-treated (n=12) and +2.123 (3.023) hours in sham–treated individuals (n=7). Similar increases in weight and body length were observed in nusinersen-treated and sham–treated individuals by Day 183. Conclusions: In EMBRACE Part 1, nusinersen demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile. These results add to the aggregated efficacy, safety/tolerability data of nusinersen in SMA.

Study Supported by: Ionis and Biogen

Predicted crop yields and wind erosion rates from a multi-year/multi-crop growth simulation model provided input into a multi-period recursive QP model to evaluate erosion implications during the transition to dryland crop production on the Texas Southern High Plains. Three farm-program participation options were considered in this study. Participation in an extension of the current farm program resulted in an increase in net returns and wind erosion rates above nonparticipation. Imposition of a soil loss limit without consideration of a flexible base option can significantly reduce discounted present values. Increasing risk aversion across producers affects crop mix selection which can result in lower per acre wind erosion rates for this particular region.

In anticipation of Congressional debates over an expanded environmental title in the 1990 farm bill, several studies on pesticide use and the impacts of reduction were undertaken (e.g., Smith et al., Knutson et al., Osteen and Szmedra, and GRC Economics). Osteen and Szmedra reported that the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides increased steadily from post-World War II to 1982 before decreasing as crop prices declined and acreage reduction programs reduced planted acreage. Heightened concerns and perceptions about the presence of pesticides and nitrates in our food and water supplies have led to calls for the reduction and/or elimination of agricultural chemicals. For example, a National Academy of Science study has concluded and therefore fostered the perception that substantial reductions in chemical use are possible without large impacts on production and/or prices.

This study examines the effects of alternative government farm programs and hypothetical price variability levels on two Texas cotton farms which were simulated stochastically over a 10-year period. Results indicate that a combination of high price variability and participation in government programs stimulates growth and wealth accumulation.