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Fido & Robo

By
Milo Yield
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0
Thayne Cozart
Milo Yield

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.miloyield.com

Most folks will agree that dogs are really “man’s best friend.” After all, in general, the world’s “Fidos” are loyal, warm & cuddly, friendly, protective, non-judgmental, and forgiving. Nothing much more you could ask for as a “best friend.”

But, what about 15-pound mechanical “Robo” dogs that are capable of scaling a 16-foot fence in one second and have mechanical gamma ray detector sniffers that can analyze and quickly assess the health of soil?

That comparison is real — 00at least in Great Britain. In a news article I read this week, Robo dog is controlled via a remote screen. The four-legged machine is shown stomping on the spot in the soil that’s in need of nutritional help. It’s very similar action to a dog digging for a bone.

“Robo” has even adopted features to make it as likable as man’s best friend. It can sit on command and even wave a paw like it’s canine counterpart. Robo’s developers say their little robot dog army can help on rural land because they can be sent into deep ditches, into thick woodlands, underneath bushes and trees.

The Brit developers described some of the robo dog’s incredible features, including 3D depth sensors and stereo cameras. The developers are now working with farmers to understand what would be the most useful way to progress the robo dogs for their use in the field. Gamma ray spectroscopy and full infrared features are in the works, which would allow the machines to test soil real-time in the field. This would remove the need to send a sample back to the laboratory, reducing time and money spent.

The negative about Robo dogs, however, is this: the long-term investment is not so cheap with the gamma detector capable of measuring naturally occurring levels of radiation in the soil costing 25,000 British pounds ($32,000 dollars). But, the autonomous agricultural platform runs entirely electric and once set up can be self-deployed on a mission, monitored entirely through a computer, tablet or smart phone.

Malcolm Barrett, a British farmer working with the nature-friendly trials, claims to have seen dramatic improvements in his soil with less flooding and more worms. He says, “We’re learning more about what the soil can do for us, and what we can do for the soil. It’s helping everyone by helping the environment and we’re getting huge benefits on our farm too.”

Well, my take on Robo dogs is this: Robo may eventually find its way onto the world’s farms and ranches, but Robo will have to co-exist as second-fiddle to Fido because only Fido is able to look lovingly into your eyes and give you a warm, juicy lick on your face. Fido’s place as man’s best friend in safe.

***

Last week I related a told-as-true story that wuz told by my friend Howie Didditt at our morning Old Geezers Coffee klatch. Well, here’s another of Howie’s stories that he told as the truth.

Back in the days of his callow youth in north-central Kansas, Howie and a friend restored a 1928 Ford to running condition. Neither kid wuz old enuf to legally drive on public roads, so their inventive minds came up with a solution. To their delight, they discovered that the wheels on the old car perfectly matched the width of a standard railroad.

So, without thinking their plan through to the end, they launched their car-on-rail trip. They knew the train schedule so they weren’t worried about meeting a train. They had hours to enjoy the trip.

They hadn’t gone many hands-free driving miles when they passed through a nearby town with a grain elevator located next to the train tracks. As they passed by the elevator, they merrily waved to some of the elevator workers and continued on their way.

Eventually, they decided to turn back toward home base, but they had a big problem. They couldn’t get the old Ford turned around on the tracks. As they pondered their dilemma, who should happen to drive up on the scene but Howie’s dad and his buddy’s dad, too, in a pickup truck. Someone at the grain elevator had given them a phone call.

After getting a stern lecture about their wayward ways, and the promise of some appropriate disciplinary action, the two seniors said for safety’s sake, they’d better drive the old Ford back to its starting point.

They instructed Howie and friend to carefully drive the pickup home by staying exclusively on rural roads — no blacktop or through towns. And, that’s what the kids did.

After they arrived home, the boys waited with sinking feelings for their elders to arrive on the rail tracks.

And, eventually, the dad’s showed up. But a few minutes before they arrived, the boys could hear their Dad’s roaring with laughter and clearly enjoying their hand-free driving trip home. When they dismounted and extracted the Ford from the tracks, they mutually agreed that there’d been no real harm done and the entire episode should be filed away as a two-family memory — but with absolutely no repeat performance.

And, that’s what happened.

***

The way life forms are being shifted around scientifically these days, I thought of a new combination that could prove real handy on cattle enterprises.

Scientists need to some way incorporate the herbicide Round-up into the genetic profile of bovines.

The result would be labor-free Round-up Ready cattle herds.

***

My words of wisdom for this week are these: “Courtship is that short amount of time between lipstick and mop stick.”

And, “Anyone who marries for money earns every cent of it.”

Have a good ‘un

“Anatomical Variations: Connecting Research & Patient Care”

By
Guest Columnist
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0

The human body is composed of a typical pattern of anatomy, yet every structure varies in form from person to person. For example, humans develop with a standard set of defined muscles, yet the shape and mass of each muscle varies significantly among individuals. Sometimes, “anatomical variations” develop – that is, anatomical structures that do not conform to the typical range of regular morphology (for example, an entirely separate “extra” muscle that develops in one person).

Human anatomy is so intricate that the prevalence of an anatomical variation is thought to be certain in every individual; in this regard, what makes each of us unique is the very thing we have in common. Certain variations can elicit complex symptoms, muddle diagnoses, and complicate treatments. Fortunately, though, most anatomical variations are asymptomatic and pose little to no clinical concern. Sometimes variations can even be beneficial; for example, an accessory muscle-tendon unit can be useful autograft material in musculoskeletal reconstruction surgeries.

Anatomical variations are challenging to study because they are often found incidentally. In surgery, clinicians operate in a limited window of visibility in order to complete procedures with minimal incisions. When surgeons find an unexpected variation in their operating window, they often only see part of it and are not able to expose the entire structure. Anatomists, however, dissect the entire body (as an embalmed cadaver) and expose variations in full detail. Cadaveric case analyses of anatomical variations provide clinicians with insights for adjusting protocols to suit variations during surgery and in noninvasive treatment plans, and they help anatomists teach clinically significant variations to students learning human anatomy.

Strategic anatomist-clinician collaborations foster the mutual exchange of expert-level skills to promote the highest-quality medical education and patient care, particularly involving anatomical variations. These collaborative relationships form the fundamental underpinning of evidenced-based medicine and embrace the “bench-to-bedside” model for making translational research influential to patient care.

Modern technology has improved the study of anatomical variations. Many anatomical case analyses now involve radiologic imaging, histopathology, digital modeling, and other contemporary techniques, making them more relevant to clinicians and patient care. In the fast-paced disciplines of education and medicine, innovations such as virtual reality (VR) are being used to advance anatomy education and improve patient care. While defined variations and clinical conditions can be simulated by technology and offer many impactful benefits, tech-based programs are currently unable to generate accurate models of potential anatomical variations.

For the nearly 2500 years, human cadavers from whole body donors have served instrumental roles in establishing anatomical knowledge, including what is known about anatomical variations. Human cadavers are unparalleled for tactile feedback, unscripted anatomical variations, and clinical associations. They also convey more than anatomy; they are considered by most students as their first patients and teach students about clinical anatomy, variation, disease, ethics, humanity, respect, and many other important values. Educators, clinicians, and students remain extremely grateful to whole body donors for their selfless contributions to advancing medical education, knowledge, practice, and patient care – particularly as related to anatomical variations.

Ethan Snow, PhD is an Anatomist and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Innovation in Anatomy at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Threads. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB), providing health information based on science, built on trust.

Holiday plants

By
Guest Columnist
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0
KSU horticulture

We often tie certain plant to holidays. Easter Lillies are an Easter plant. The rose is known as a Valentine’s Day plant. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are of course known as the plants for Thanksgiving and Christmas times. These plants are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. Epiphytic plants grow on other plants and use them for support but not for nutrients. Though these cacti are different species, they will hybridize and produce varying stem shapes. Christmas cactus normally has smooth stem segments, and Thanksgiving Cactus has hook-like appendages on each segment.

 

Both of these cacti prefer bright indirect light. Too much sun can result in the leaves turning yellow. Common household temperatures are fine. Soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged. Give them a light fertilization every other week until winter. Blooming will normally cease in late winter to early spring, but continue to keep them moist and fertilized until fall. During the fall, stop fertilizing, and give the plants only enough water so the stems do not shrivel in order to encourage flower bud formation. Though these plants seem to flower best if kept a little pot bound, flowers will diminish if they are too crowded. If you haven’t repotted in several years, or if you notice a decrease in flowering from the previous year, move the plant to a larger pot in the spring. If possible, move the plants outside for the summer. Choose a shady spot because these plants will not tolerate full sun. Leave the plants outside until frost threatens.

 

Normally, the plants will have received enough cool nights in the 50- to 55-degree range that flower buds will have formed. However, if they haven’t, subjecting the plants to nights greater than 12 hours long and temperatures between 59 and 69 degrees can also generate flowers. Twenty-five consecutive long nights is enough for flower initiation. Place the plants in an unused room or cover them with a dark cloth or cardboard box to insure that they receive uninterrupted darkness. After the flower buds have formed, it takes an additional nine to 10 weeks for flowers to complete development and bloom.

Horticulture 2024 Newsletter No. 45

By
Guest Columnist
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0
KSU horticulture

1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton Plant Science Center
Manhattan, KS 66506 (785) 532-6173

HNR Website access: https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Last Newsletter of 2024!
For the months of November through February, the Hort Newsletter will switch to monthly distribution. You can expect a summary of the month’s gardening topics the first Monday of each month during this time. This newsletter is a collection of gardening topics for the ENTIRE MONTH of December.

K-State Garden Hour Wednesday, December 4, 2024 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Register to attend this free webinar here:
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/

VIDEO OF THE WEEK:
Rabbit, Mole and Deer Mitigation
(K-State Garden Hour November, 2024)

Learn what plants are best suited for the landscape to avoid issues with wildlife.

GARDEN TO-DO
Cover strawberry plants with mulch so they don’t heave out of the ground this winter.

VEGETABLES
Using Old Garden Seed
Seeds typically remain viable for about 3 years if kept in cool, dark, dry conditions though there are exceptions. For example, members of the carrot family (carrots, parsnips and parsley) have short-lived seeds which are usually good for only 1 to 2 years. Colorado State University has a publication with more detailed information about the longevity of specific species. (Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds)

If you are unsure of your seed viability you can test it by placing 10 seeds on a paper towel moistened with warm water. Cover the seeds with a second moistened towel. Roll up the towels and place inside a plastic bag with several holes. Keep the bag in a warm location such as the top of a refrigerator. Remoisten the towels with warm water as needed. After the first week, check for germination. Remove sprouted seeds and check again after another week. The percent of seeds that sprout indicates the germination rate. You can decide if this rate is acceptable or if purchasing new seed is warranted.

Storing Potatoes in Cold Temperatures
Ideally, potatoes should be stored in a cool garage or basement where the relative humidity is 90% and the temperature is between 40- and 45-degrees F. Although they can be stored for long periods of time in temperatures below 40-degrees F, the starches begin converting to sugars which alters the flavor of the potatoes. If this happens in your storage area, keep the potatoes at room temperature for two to three days prior to consuming and the desired flavor should return. If stored above 45-degrees F for prolonged periods of time, the potatoes will begin to sprout. Potatoes will become soft and shriveled if the relative humidity is too low. Storing potatoes in perforated plastic bags will help maintain higher humidity levels.

ORNAMENTAL TREES
Controlling Volunteer Trees
By now hopefully you’ve heard the phrase “Right Plant, Right Place” which emphasizes the importance of proper plant selection and placement in order to minimize problems in the landscape. Though trees are a vital part of our environment, proper placement in the landscape is necessary for aesthetics, but more importantly for safety. There are situations where volunteer trees need to be controlled. Understanding the species can help you decide what control method is most appropriate.

Some species of trees can be controlled by cutting the trunk down to the ground. For example, eastern redcedar is a very common species that will not resprout after cutting. Most tree species do resprout after cutting making this method ineffective on its own. Trees that resprout, such as: Siberian elm, hackberry, Osage orange (hedgeball), oak, ash, aspen, cottonwood, maple, sycamore, willow and many others will either need to be dug out or treated with herbicide after cutting. Using herbicides for tree control is specific to trees that originated from seed rather than suckers which develop from the roots of an existing tree. Avoid using herbicides on suckers unless your goal is to remove the entire tree. Herbicides applied to suckers may likely damage and quite possibly kill the original tree.
This is a good time of year to evaluate your trees and determine if any volunteers need to be controlled.

Choosing and Caring for Your Christmas Tree
Some commercial sites sell cut trees that have already been stored for several weeks. Evaluate the trees carefully before purchasing to find one that will last the entire holiday season. Here are some red flags to avoid:

Dull, gray-green needles
Dry, stiff and brittle needles
Needles drop from tree easily

When you get your tree home, recut the trunk about one-inch above the base. This will open up the plant tissues that enable the tree to pull in water. Place the trunk into the stand with water immediately after cutting.
As with traditional houseplants, avoid placing your Christmas tree near heat sources or drafty windows and doors. Maintain the water level in the tree stand reservoir. If the cut end of the tree is exposed to air it will begin to seal over and need to be recut again. Fresh cut trees tend to absorb a lot of water during their first couple of weeks so check the water level at least every other day.
Living trees are a great option for homeowners who have space in their landscape. This requires a bit more planning by selecting a tree that will work in your landscape and climate. It is also a good idea to dig the hole where the tree will be planted before the ground freezes so it can be planted soon after the holidays.
Living trees should only be kept indoors for a few days. Trees kept indoors too long will come out of dormancy and initiate new growth. If the tree is then moved outdoors during winter, it will not be hardy to the cold conditions and can suffer extreme damage or even death. Water the tree in well during planting and apply a layer of mulch to prevent the water from freezing.
What to Do with the Christmas Tree After Christmas
After the holidays, many municipalities allow cut Christmas trees to be placed curbside. Trees are then collected and burned or ground up for mulch. If you miss the designated date, or your trash collector doesn’t accept trees, there are several options to maximize the use of the tree.

An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds and fish. Placing it in the landscape provides shelter for birds. Sinking your Christmas tree in a pond is an easy way to improve fish habitats. The tree serves as a reef, as the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life. Larger fish are drawn by the shade and the presence of prey.
FLOWERS
Caring for Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) look exotic but are rather easy to maintain under the right growing conditions. While in bloom, water the plants when the soil surface is just becoming dry to the touch. Never let the plants remain in standing water and well-drained soil is a must.
Holiday cacti bloom in response to the shorter days and cooler nights of winter. If you are gifted a Christmas cactus this season, to prolong the bloom, keep the daytime temperature between 60-65 degrees F and the nighttime temperature between 55-65 degrees F. Keep your cactus in total darkness for at least 12 of every 24 hours. The plant should receive bright, indirect light the rest of the time. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the cactus to drop its blooms. When transporting it home be mindful of the outdoor temperature and protect your plant from the cold.
The segments of the holiday cactus that look like leaves are actually stems known as “phylloclades”. When blooming is done, you can prune the cactus between these segments. Each cut phylloclade remaining on the parent plant will produce one to two new stem segments. This will encourage branching and a fuller plant. The cuttings removed from the plant can be established into new plants. Dip the cut-end of the stem into water and then rooting hormone, which can be purchased at garden centers or online. Secure this end into potting mix and keep it moist and in a warm location with bright light. Once roots develop you can transplant it into a cactus/succulent media.
Poinsettia Care
Modern poinsettia varieties hold onto their beauty for a long time with proper care. Place your poinsettia in an area with bright light, but don’t let it touch cold window panes. The day temperature should be 65 to 75 degrees F with 60 to 65 degrees F at night. Temperatures above 75 degrees will shorten bloom life and below 60 degrees may cause root rot. Move plants away from drafty windows at night.

Poinsettias do not tolerate saturate soil so avoid overwatering. On the other hand, if the plant is allowed to wilt, it will begin to drop leaves. To maintain proper moisture, examine the potting soil daily by sticking your finger about one-half inch deep into the soil. If it is dry to this depth, the plant needs water. Place the plant in the sink and add lukewarm water to the soil surface until water runs out of the drainage hole. When the pot finishes draining it can be placed in a saucer or back in the foil wrap.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?
Since childhood I’ve heard that poinsettias are poisonous and should not be kept in a home that has pets indoors. The origins of this rumor are not certain though the effects are widespread. Studies have been done to report side effects for humans and pets after consuming poinsettias. Though pets may have some negative gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume parts of a poinsettia, the plants are not considered a major health risk to animals or humans. Regardless, poinsettias are not considered edible and could cause discomfort if ingested, especially in large quantities. Homes with pets that are prone to chewing should keep indoor plants out of reach.
As a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, poinsettias are related to the rubber tree. The rubber tree is responsible for the production of natural latex. For this reason, anyone with a latex intolerance may be sensitive to direct contact with poinsettias as well.
MISCELLANEOUS
Monitor Indoor Plant Temperatures
Now is a good time to check on houseplants to ensure they aren’t getting too cold. Plants next to windows or near exterior doors are at the greatest risk. Many houseplants including: Chinese evergreen (Algaonema), flamingo flower (Anthurium), croton (Codiaeum), false aralia (Dizygotheca), and ming and balfour aralia (Polyscias) are highly sensitive to cold temperatures.

Most houseplants prefer temperatures above 50 degrees F though some require the temperature to be over 60- or 65-degrees F. If necessary, move plants away from the windows or door entrances to reduce cold temperature exposure.

QUESTION of the WEEK
Tomatoes with Fewer Seeds
As I plan my garden for next year I would like to know if there is a tomato variety that produces fewer seeds. I use most of my crop to make salsa and I’d like to minimize the number of seeds.

Any tomato variety can be used to make salsa, but for those who prefer thick salsa with as few seeds as possible, “paste” varieties, such as Roma, are the recommendation. Slicing varieties of tomatoes will produce a more watery salsa, which may still have great flavor, but will also typically have more seeds.

Contributors:
Cynthia Domenghini, Instructor and Horticulture Extension Specialist

Division of Horticulture
1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton
Manhattan, KS 66506
(785) 532-6173

For questions or further information, contact your local extension agency.
This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:
http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.
Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.

 

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.
Instructor; Horticulture Extension Specialist
Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources
Kansas State University
1712 Claflin Rd.
Manhattan, KS 66503
785-340-3013
[email protected]

Cranberry whip salad

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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0

For the first time in many years I changed the type of cranberry salad I offered for Thanksgiving. I knew I wanted something really different from the cranberry chutney I’ve made for years, or the relish cranberry salad, from my mom, which I’ve also prepared many times.

I started looking for what I’ll call a ‘fluffy’ cranberry salad. What I ended up with was a type of cranberry ambrosia salad. Some of the best pointers for the recipe would be draining the cranberry/sugar and crushed pineapple. This must be done well; so you don’t have a runny salad.

The salad is also very large, expect it to serve 10-12 persons. I prepared the cranberry and sugar mixture the night before, and let it set overnight in the refrigerator. Then; I made the salad 2-3 hours before the dinner was served. I used one cup of sugar on my 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, but I did view recipes that used only 2/3 of a cup.

We enjoyed turkey breast, Cornish game hens, dressing, noodles, green bean casserole, Brussels sprouts, deviled eggs, biscuits, and only (1) pie this year. We sent bundles home with family, which is the norm, at our abode. The most interesting part of Thanksgiving dinner was what happened to the first green bean casserole. Phillip is always in charge of this dish. He made it early as I requested and set it on the screened porch until time to go in the oven. I left to take my shower; when I got out everyone was all a flutter, Rumor, our corgi, had found that green bean casserole and had eaten about half of a 9 x 13 pan!!! Fortunately there were no serious repercussions from her escapade. No tossing her cookies either, just many outdoor trips!!!! Phillip had to scurry, but he had another dish made in record time, and we still had our annual green bean casserole.

Let’s take a look at what I ended up with in recipe land:

Fluffy Cranberry Salad

12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup sugar, may use less

1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drain well

2, medium apples, skins on, diced

1 ½ cups red grapes, sliced in half

1 cup walnut pieces

1 ½ cup mini marshmallows

8 ounces heavy whipped cream

8 ounces cream cheese

In a food processor grind the cranberries, combine with sugar and allow to set a few hours or overnight. Drain cranberries and crushed pineapple in a sieve, pressing to release extra juice. Combine cranberry and pineapple with the remaining fruits, nuts and marshmallows.

Soften the cream cheese and gently combine with the whipped cream. Stir into the salad ingredients with a gentle hand. At one point I felt it could use a little more whipped cream, so I reached for perhaps another 2-3 ounces of the whipped cream. Overall everyone at the table enjoyed the salad. I enjoyed it for 2-3 more days, it held up quite well, absolutely no weeping.

It was a great holiday, my favorite for the entire year. Ervin and I started the day as volunteers at the Branson Turkey Trot. We cheered runners and walkers on as they headed for the finish line. I’m glad we were able to participate. Funds raised this year went to ‘Pathways’, a new non profit dedicated to sex trafficking. The group has been doing outstanding work in Stone and Taney Counties.

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