bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations of global and continental water balance components as impacted by climate forcing uncertainty and human water use
Authors: Müller Schmied Hannes , Adam Linda , Eisner Stephanie , Fink Gabriel , Flörke Martina , Kim Hyungjun , Oki Taikan , Portmann Felix Theodor , Reinecke Robert , Riedel Claudia , Song Qi , Zhang Jing , Döll Petra
Published: July 2016

Abstract. When assessing global water resources with hydrological models, it is essential to know about methodological uncertainties. The values of simulated water balance components may vary due to different spatial and temporal aggregations, reference periods, and applied climate forcings, as well as due to the consideration of human water use, or the lack thereof. We analyzed these variations over the period 1901–2010 by forcing the global hydrological model WaterGAP 2.2 (ISIMIP2a) with five state-of-the-art climate data sets, including a homogenized version of the concatenated WFD/WFDEI data set. Absolute values and temporal variations of global water balance components are strongly affected by the uncertainty in the climate forcing, and no temporal trends of the global water balance components are detected for the four homogeneous climate forcings considered (except for human water abstractions). The calibration of WaterGAP against observed long-term average river discharge Q significantly reduces the impact of climate forcing uncertainty on estimated Q and renewable water resources. For the homogeneous forcings, Q of the calibrated and non-calibrated regions of the globe varies by 1.6 and 18.5 %, respectively, for 1971–2000. On the continental scale, most differences for long-term average precipitation P and Q estimates occur in Africa and, due to snow undercatch of rain gauges, also in the data-rich continents Europe and North America. Variations of Q at the grid-cell scale are large, except in a few grid cells upstream and downstream of calibration stations, with an average variation of 37 and 74 % among the four homogeneous forcings in calibrated and non-calibrated regions, respectively. Considering only the forcings GSWP3 and WFDEI_hom, i.e., excluding the forcing without undercatch correction (PGFv2.1) and the one with a much lower shortwave downward radiation SWD than the others (WFD), Q variations are reduced to 16 and 31 % in calibrated and non-calibrated regions, respectively. These simulation results support the need for extended Q measurements and data sharing for better constraining global water balance assessments. Over the 20th century, the human footprint on natural water resources has become larger. For 11–18% of the global land area, the change of Q between 1941–1970 and 1971–2000 was driven more strongly by change of human water use including dam construction than by change in precipitation, while this was true for only 9–13 % of the land area from 1911–1940 to 1941–1970.
Combined deep sampling and mass-based approaches to assess soil carbon and
nitrogen losses due to land-use changes in karst area of southwestern China
Authors: Hu Yecui , Du Zhangliu , Wang Qibing , Li Guichun
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The conversion of natural vegetation to human-managed ecosystems, especially the agricultural systems, may decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks. The objective of present study was to assess SOC and TN stocks losses by combining deep sampling with mass-based calculations upon land-use changes in a typical karst area of southwestern China. We quantified the changes from native forest to grassland, secondary shrub, eucalyptus plantation, sugarcane and corn fields (both defined as croplands), on the SOC and TN stocks down to 100 cm depth using fixed-depth (FD) and equivalent soil mass (ESM) approaches. The results showed that converting forest to cropland and other types significantly led to SOC and TN losses, but the extent depended on both sampling depths and calculation methods selected (i.e., FD or ESM). On average, the shifting from native forest to cropland led to SOC losses by 19.1, 25.1, 30.6, 36.8 and 37.9 % for the soil depths of 0–10, 0–20, 0–40, 0–60 and 0–100 cm, respectively, which highlighted that shallow sampling underestimated SOC losses. Moreover, the FD method underestimated SOC and TN losses for the upper 40 cm layer, but overestimated the losses in the deeper layers. We suggest that the ESM together with deep sampling should be encouraged to detect the differences in SOC stocks. In conclusion, the conversion of forest to managed systems, in particular croplands significantly decreased in SOC and TN stocks, although the effect magnitude to some extent depended on sampling depth and calculation approach selected.
Experimental sand burial affects seedling survivorship, morphological
traits, and biomass allocation of Ulmus pumila var. sabulosa in the Horqin Sandy Land, China
Authors: Tang Jiao , Busso Carlos Alberto , Jiang Deming , Musa Ala , Wu Dafu , Wang Yongcui , Miao Chunping
Published: July 2016

Abstract. As a native tree species, Ulmus pumila var. sabulosa (sandy elm) is widely distributed in the Horqin Sandy Land, China. However, seedlings of this species have to withstand various depths of sand burial after emergence because of increasing soil degradation, which is mainly caused by overgrazing, climate change, and wind erosion. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes in its survivorship, morphological traits, and biomass allocation when seedlings were buried at different burial depths: unburied controls and seedlings buried vertically up to 33, 67, 100, or 133 % of their initial mean seedling height. The results showed that partial sand burial treatments (i.e., less than 67 % burial) did not reduce seedling survivorship, which still reached 100 %. However, seedling mortality increased when sand burial was equal to or greater than 100 %. In comparison with the control treatment, seedling height and stem diameter increased at least by 6 and 14 % with partial burial, respectively. In the meantime, seedling taproot length, total biomass, and relative mass growth rates were at least enhanced by 10, 15.6, and 27.6 %, respectively, with the partial sand burial treatment. Furthermore, sand burial decreased total leaf area and changed biomass allocation in seedlings, partitioning more biomass to aboveground organs (e.g., leaves) and less to belowground parts (roots). Complete sand burial after seedling emergence inhibited its re-emergence and growth, even leading to death. Our findings indicated that seedlings of sandy elm showed some resistance to partial sand burial and were adapted to sandy environments from an evolutionary perspective. The negative effect of excessive sand burial after seedling emergence might help in understanding failures in recruitments of sparse elm in the study region.
Studying local earthquakes in the area Baltic-Bothnia Megashear using the
data of the POLENET/LAPNET temporary array
Authors: Usoltseva Olga , Kozlovskaya Elena
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Earthquakes in areas within continental plates are still not completely understood, and progress on understanding intraplate seismicity is slow due to a short history of instrumental seismology and sparse regional seismic networks in seismically non-active areas. However, knowledge about position and depth of seismogenic structures in such areas is necessary in order to estimate seismic hazard for such critical facilities such as nuclear power plants and nuclear waste deposits. In the present paper we address the problem of seismicity in the intraplate area of northern Fennoscandia using the information on local events recorded by the POLENET/LAPNET (Polar Earth Observing Network) temporary seismic array during the International Polar Year 2007–2009. We relocate the seismic events using the program HYPOELLIPS (a computer program for determining local earthquake hypocentral parameters) and grid search method. We use the first arrivals of P waves of local events in order to calculate a 3-D tomographic P wave velocity model of the uppermost crust (down to 20 km) for a selected region inside the study area and show that the velocity heterogeneities in the upper crust correlate well with known tectonic units. We compare the position of the velocity heterogeneities with the seismogenic structures delineated by epicentres of relocated events and demonstrate that these structures generally do not correlate with the crustal units formed as a result of crustal evolution in the Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic. On the contrary, they correlate well with the postglacial faults located in the area of the Baltic-Bothnia Megashear (BBMS). Hypocentres of local events have depths down to 30 km. We also obtain the focal mechanism of a selected event with good data quality. The focal mechanism is of oblique type with strike-slip prevailing. Our results demonstrate that the Baltic-Bothnia Megashear is an important large-scale, reactivated tectonic structure that has to be taken into account when estimating seismic hazard in northern Fennoscandia.
Customer Satisfaction in the Banking Industry in Ghana: A Case of GCB Bank Limited in Wa Municipality
Authors: Adams Abdul-Moomin , Bashiru Motin , Abdulai Ibrahim Abu
Published: July 2016

The banking industry in the Wa Municipality has experienced some growth over the past decade. This results in increased competition among banks in the industry as each bank tries to capture a greater market share. Banks achieve competitive advantage through innovations of products that reflect customers’ expectations. Despite this competition, customer satisfaction in GCB Bank Limited is perceived to be low. However, there is no empirical evidence to establish whether the products and services delivered by the bank meet customers’ expectation. This study was set out to assess the quality of products and services of GCB bank; and to assess the level of customer satisfaction with products and services of GCB bank. The study employed the cross-sectional research design and the mixed research approach so that the research findings could be generalized. Primary data were collected from 155 customers of GCB bank using questionnaires. The customers were selected through accidental sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that current account, savings account and ATM services were at least of high quality to majority of the respondents. However, over 40% of the respondents were not satisfied with the quality of the bank’s products and services. Management of GCB bank should organize a regular in-service training programme on customer service for the entire staff of the Wa branch in order to improve their customer service skills which would ultimately impact positively on the performance of the bank.
The Paradox of Liberal Politics in the South African Context: Alfred Hoernlé's Critique of Liberalism's Pact with White Domination
Authors: Bernasconi Robert
Published: July 2016

This article traces the evolution by which in the context of 1930s South Africa the liberal philosopher Alfred Hoernlé came to recognize the inability of classical liberalism to address the problems of a society in which a racial hierarchy had become deeply entrenched. Although he must be criticized for his patriarchal approach and for the pessimism that led him to take White attitudes toward Black South Africans as an unchangeable part of the situation that simply had to be accepted, his insight into the limits of liberalism still resonates. While most White commentators were still thinking of racism in terms of beliefs and attitudes, he already understood that the problem lay in the systemic adoption of “techniques of domination” or what we today might call institutional racism. Although his proposal in 1939 that “Total Separation” was “a legitimate application of sound liberal ideas” was deeply problematic in context and might well have had a serious negative impact, it should be understood that it was intended to highlight the fundamental paradox into which liberalism fell when attempting to solve the problems it had helped to create by its belief in a civilizing mission that began with violence.
Racial Mixedness in the Contemporary United States and South Africa: On the Politics of Impurity and Antiracist Praxis
Authors: Valentine Desiree
Published: July 2016

This article is motivated by a concern about the increasing embrace of apolitical and ahistorical notions of racial “mixedness” and “impurity.” It draws on recent examples from the United States and South Africa in order to direct attention to the difficulties of identifying logics that, on the face of it, seem to evade conventional claims of racism, but nevertheless, as it will argue, rely on racist notions that must be challenged. These include examples in the United States and South Africa of individuals self-identifying as a stand-alone mixed race category (and furthermore espousing this as a “pure” category of belonging) as well as white Afrikaners in South Africa uncritically appropriating claims to mixed heritage. This article is critical of these phenomena because of what it finds to be a lack of politically and historically situated understandings of the notions of purity and impurity and their relation to racism.
Say Versus Do: Analysis of Fitch Ratings and Bond Grades for a Regional Airport
Authors: LeMay Stephen A. , Burns Kalee , Hawkins Richard R.
Published: July 2016

In this short article, we examine the airport bond rating system by Fitch Ratings, including what Fitch documents “say” are important versus the level of analysis that is actually “done.” One thing that is apparently not done is construction of a travel model for measuring competition between airports. We do this for the Pensacola, Florida, airport. Results indicate the Fort Walton Beach facility is the largest threat and the staff at Fitch Ratings have, to some degree, focused on the wrong airport. We also found that, while ratings affect interest rates, the relationship to risk is less clear.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE VARIABILIDADES E TENDÊNCIAS INTERANUAIS EM MEDIDAS HIDRO-CLIMÁTICAS NA REGIÃO HIDROGRÁFICA DO TOCANTINS-ARAGUAIA, BRASIL (IDENTIFICATION OF VARIABILITY AND INTER-ANNUAL TRENDS IN HYDRO-CLIMATE MEASURES AT THE TOCANTINS RIVER BASIN DISTRICT-ARAGUAIA, BRAZIL)
Authors: Penereiro Júlio César , Martins Luíza La Salvia , Beretta Victor Zeni
Published: July 2016

Mudanças promovidas pelo clima e por ações antrópicas podem gerar significativos impactos sobre o regime hidrológico de uma bacia hidrográfica. Neste estudo, avaliou-se a ocorrência de tendências em séries temporais anuais de precipitação pluviométrica, temperaturas mínima, média e máxima e de vazões em rios, registradas em localidades pertencentes à bacia hidrográfica do Tocantins–Araguaia, no nordeste do Brasil. Procurou-se identificar, por meio de testes estatísticos, eventuais pontos de mudança no comportamento das séries temporais que, dependendo da localidade, possuem diferentes períodos de intervalo de tempo. Para tanto, utilizaram-se a Análise de Regressão Linear e os testes não paramétricos de Mann-Kendall e de Pettitt. Os resultados, apresentados em forma de tabelas, gráficos e mapas, indicam que a maioria dos locais avaliados não registraram tendências, em particular na precipitação. Contudo, as análises dos dados de vazão e temperaturas revelaram locais com tendências significativas confirmadas. Os dados de vazão acusaram comportamentos diferenciados para as tendências entre os rios Tocantins e Araguaia, destacando que antes e depois da barragem de Tucuruí, no rio Tocantins, se registrou tendência positiva e negativa a partir de 1986, respectivamente, coincidindo com a entrada de operação da usina hidroelétrica de Tucuruí.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE ALTITUDE E TEMPERATURA: UMA CONTRIBUIÇÃO AO ZONEAMENTO CLIMÁTICO NO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA, BRASIL (RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALTITUDE AND TEMPERATURE: A CONTRIBUITION TO CLIMATIC ZONNING FOR THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL)
Authors: Fritzsons Elenice , Eduardo Mantovani Luiz , Silveira Wrege Marcos
Published: July 2016

A relação da altitude com a temperatura é especialmente importante para as regiões tropicais e subtropicais onde uma diferença altitudinal de algumas centenas de metros provoca mudanças sensíveis no ambiente, adaptação da biota e consequente sucesso na introdução de espécies para cultivo agrícola. A temperatura do ar sofre alterações com a altitude, latitude e longitude e em função do relevo cada local pode apresentar um gradiente térmico específico. Neste trabalho, o Estado de Santa Catarina foi delimitado em grupos climáticos homogêneos e se estabeleceram análises de correlação entre a temperatura média de janeiro, de julho e média anual, com as respectivas altitudes dos grupos assim formados. A correlação da altitude com a temperatura média anual de janeiro, considerando dados de 44 estações meteorológicas, foi mais forte comparada à temperatura média de julho. Para os coeficientes de correlação mais elevados foram obtidas retas de regressão linear simples e os respectivos coeficientes de determinação das retas. O gradiente térmico médio obtido para o conjunto de todas as estações do Estado foi de -1ºC/213m, o que equivale a uma redução de aproximadamente 0,48oC a cada 100 metros de altitude. Foram também obtidos gradientes térmicos médios em função da latitude e longitude. A altitude, latitude e longitude, nesta ordem, influenciam a temperatura média do ar.
CHUVAS NO NORTE GAÚCHO: UM ESTUDO SOBRE A TENDÊNCIA DAS CHUVAS E MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS (RAINFALL IN NORTH GAÚCHO: A STUDY OF RAINFALL TREND AND CLIMATE CHANGE)
Authors: Sanches Fabio De Oliveira , May Gisele Carla , Silva Roberto Valmir da , Ferreira Ricardo Vicente
Published: July 2016

O presente trabalho procurou avaliar a tendência das chuvas anuais, trimestrais e mensais para parte do Alto Uruguai gaúcho no período de 1957-2014, buscando identificar evidências de mudanças climáticas. A avaliação qualitativa das tendências lineares foi feita por meio da aplicação do teste de Mann-kendall. Os resultados demonstraram que o comportamento das chuvas (anuais, trimestrais e mensais) variou em função dos fenômenos de maior escala (ENOS, "Modo Sul"). Os resultados do teste de Mann-kendall demonstraram que a tendência das chuvas anuais, trimestrais e mensais não apresentaram indícios de mudanças climáticas para a região do Alto Uruguai gaúcho. Dessa forma, o comportamento dos dados e suas tendências são decorrentes da variabilidade natural das chuvas subtropicais no Brasil.
TREND OF AIR TEMPERATURE IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL (TENDÊNCIA DA TEMPERATURA DO AR NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ, BRASIL)
Authors: Neves Gabriela Leite , Virgens Filho Jorim Sousa , Leite Maysa Lima , Santos Eliane Nascimento
Published: July 2016

Considering the importance of climatologic series and the local temperature variability analyses, this study aimed to evaluate the trend of maximum and minimum air temperature in the State of Paraná, Brazil. It were used daily data for the period 1980 to 2009 of 28 locations. The trend magnitude was obtained through linear regression and statistical significance using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test. The spatial distribution of changes found was represented in geo-referenced maps elaborated through the ARCGIS v.10.0 with the spline interpolation method. The results revealed that the State of Paraná presents great variability in air temperature changes, with differences between places ranging from reductions of 0.5 reductions to increases of 0.6 °C/decade. These increases occurred mainly during the winter and the spring and reductions in the autumn. It was not possible to define simultaneity between the trends due to different changes found, which may be related to local factors such as relief, vegetation and regional activities.
Contra capa
Authors: Mendonça Francisco De Assis
Published: July 2016

Contra capa
O BOLSA FAMÍLIA E AS ELEIÇÕES PRESIDENCIAIS NO BRASIL: UM MODELO DE PREDIÇÃO ELEITORAL
Authors: Lins Rodrigo , Silva Lucas , Figueiredo Filho Dalson , Rocha Enivaldo
Published: July 2016

Este artigo apresenta um modelo de predição para as eleições presidenciais no Brasil. A hipótese sustenta que quanto maior a dependência do programa Bolsa Família, maior é a quantidade de votos auferidos pelo candidato mandatário. O desenho de pesquisa combina estatística descritiva, multivariada e espacial para analisar um banco de dados original elaborado a partir de dados secundários. Os resultados sugerem que: (1) em 2006, o modelo previu 50,82% versus um observado de 48,61% (erro de 2,21%); (2) em 2010, o modelo previu 47,49% versus um observado de 46,91% (erro de 0,58%) e (3) em 2014, o modelo estimou 45,25% versus um observado de 41,25% (erro de 3,66%). Comparativamente, nosso modelo apresentou um erro médio de 2,15%, sendo mais preciso do que outros presentes na literatura. Com esse artigo, esperamos difundir a utilização de modelos de predição na Ciência Política brasileira.
The Impact of Soil Erosion as a Food Security and Rural Livelihoods Risk in South Africa
Authors: Ighodaro Ikponmwosa David , Lategan Francois S. , Mupindu Wiseman
Published: July 2016

This study evaluates soil erosion/attrition as a major food security and rural livelihoods risk in South Africa, with the Upper and Lower Areas of Didimana, Eastern Cape Province, as a case study. The survey research method was adopted for the study. Farmers and extension officers’ behaviours relating to soil erosion control was negative even though the impact of erosion in the area was high. Approximately 75% of farmers indicated that they lose more than 21% of their crops yearly due to erosion and 55% said their crops and livestock, as well as their household feeding, suffer due to the problem. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicate that farm yield and farmers’ access to market are positively related to farmers’ adoption tendencies regarding erosion control, implying that farmers are more willing to adopt recommendations if their yields and access to market can increase. Similarly, age of farmers is positively related with erosion impact, indicating that older people have a higher tendency to cause erosion in the study area. This is true, as the area consists more of older people, who are generally known to resist change, thus low in adoption. Therefore, it is perceived that if farmers manage soil erosion appropriately, they will achieve higher yields. More so, pull factors like improved rural infrastructures and adequate agricultural incentives for youths are suggested to lure more youth in taking into farming in the study area.
Effect of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in Western Kenya
Authors: Mbogo Peter Okoth , Dida Mathews Mito , Owuor Barrack
Published: July 2016

Striga hermonthica (Striga) weed is widespread in Kenya, where it causes significant cereal crop losses, particularly when susceptible varieties are grown. The use of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes that support reduced Striga hermonthica emergence can form an important basis for developing resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of diverse maize hybrids to Striga weed infestation and to identify high yielding and stable hybrids. Six experimental maize hybrids and three commercial hybrid checks (DK8031, PhB3253 and H513) were evaluated under Striga and Striga free conditions at Nyahera and Maseno in western Kenya in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The data collected included grain yields and other yield components; emerged Striga counts and Striga damage rating (on a scale of 1-5) at 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in grain yield and yield components; emerged Striga counts and Striga damage syndrome in both years. Negative correlation (r) was observed between emerged Striga and yield as well as between Striga damage ratings and yield. Maseno experimental hybrids produced much better grain yields and were more stable compared to commercial varieties under Striga infestation and in Striga free fields. Deployment of the tolerant/resistant high yielding well adapted hybrids coupled with other management options such as rotation with legumes and cultural practices could possibly help in depletion of Striga seed bank in the soils in western Kenya. EH12 and EH14 maize hybrids were formally released for commercialization in the Striga endemic areas of western Kenya.
Evaluation of Soil Chemical Properties under Paddy Production System in Central Kenya: Soil Exchangeable Cations
Authors: Kundu Caroline A. , Ishii Masaya , Sato Kuniaki , Masunaga Tsugiyuki , Wanjogu Raphael K. , Njagi Raymond E. , Yamauchi Akira , Makihara Daigo
Published: July 2016

Lowland irrigated schemes contribute the most rice produced in Kenya. However, production is low and highly variable due to management problems. Production could be increased with appropriate soil management which requires that baseline fertility status of the soils and how they vary be known. This study examined the variability of selected soil chemical properties in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Central Kenya. Soil samples were collected from the top 0-15 cm depth in August 2013 and 2014 and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and the exchangeable cations potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and sodium (Na+). Significant variability in soil EC as well as soil cation concentration was observed among units. Overall results showed soil pH ranged from 4.56 (very strongly acidic) to 8.05 (moderately alkaline). Soil EC varied from 0.17 to 1.52 dS m-1 with higher elevation areas recording lower values (< 0.50 dS m-1) and lower elevation areas recording higher EC values (> 0.50 dS m-1). On average, exchangeable Ca2+ was 38.17 cmolc kg-1, Mg2+ 23.80 cmolc kg-1, Na+ 1.24 cmolc kg-1 and K+ 0.35 cmolc kg-1. The soil exchange complex was mainly dominated by Ca2+ and Mg2+ and cation concentration in the soil was in the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+. Soil K is low and severe cation imbalances exist with regard to K+ and other cations thus making K+ deficient for plant uptake. Management practices and farming systems which enhance soil K status should be encouraged to help boost and sustain rice yield.
Assessment of Seed Maize Systems and Potential Demand for Climate-Smart Hybrid Maize Seed in Africa
Authors: Marechera George , Muinga Grace , Irungu Patrick
Published: July 2016

Africa lacks a steady supply of good quality seed due in part to lack of timely development and conveyance of seed technologies to farmers. This study evaluated the performance of national seed systems of five countries in eastern and southern Africa where a consortium of public-private organizations are implementing the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project. WEMA aimed at developing and deploying drought-tolerant and insect-pest-protected maize hybrids (climate-smart hybrids) to smallholder farmers royalty-free. The objectives of the study were to assess the main components of the seed maize systems, their institutional frameworks, and estimate the potential demand for WEMA climate-smart hybrid maize seed to guide in upscaling the seed technology to other African countries. Primary data was gathered from key experts in the seed maize value-chain of each country. Secondary data came from national statistics bureaux to estimate the potential demand for WEMA seed maize. Results showed that farmers in all five countries except South Africa overwhelming rely on the informal seed system. The formal seed system is over-regulated creating unnecessary delays in the release and commercialization of improved seed varieties. It also increases the cost of developing new seed technology. Except South Africa, the demand for seed maize in the other four WEMA countries will grow by 4.1% annually from 31,614 to 35,863 metric tons of certified seed over 2014-2020 period. The study advances several recommendations to improve the efficiency of the seed maize systems, which when implemented, will undoubtedly improve food security in Africa.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 8
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: July 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 8, 2016.
Potential of Cover Crops in Promoting Mycorrhizal Diversity and Soil Quality in Organic Farms
Authors: Soti P. G. , Rugg Savannah , Racelis Alexis
Published: July 2016

Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in agroecosystems with their ability to enhance nutrient and water uptake and aid in weeds and pest suppression. Mycorrhizal fungi have a symbiotic association with plants, one which is highly influenced by the interaction between soil and plant conditions. In this study, we analyzed the potential to increase the density and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi of using four different cover-crops: lablab (Lablab purpureus), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), and sudangrass (Sorghum drummondii). We examined changes in the density, diversity and structure of mycorrhizal fungi before and after planting the cover crops. Our results indicate that, while the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi was not influenced by the cover-crop type, different cover crops were associated with changes in the density and structure of mycorrhizal fungi. In addition, the cover-crop type also had an impact on the soil organic matter and nutrient status. Of the four we tested, sunn hempwas associated with higher rates of percent organic matter, abundance of mycorrhiza spores, and specific micronutrients, signaling multiple benefits as a warm season cover crop, especially in organic farms that aim to minimize chemical applications.
Technical and Economic Evaluation of Three Types of Tomato Nutrient Solutions under Semi-Controlled Conditions
Authors: Arbelaez Lady , Rivera John , Hurtado-Salazar Alejandro , Ceballos-Aguirre Nelson
Published: July 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three types of nutrient solutions on the development, performance, quality and cost of chonto tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under semi-controlled conditions. The assessment was conducted in the farm Tesorito, Manizales, Colombia. An experimental design was established in randomized complete blocks (RCB), with 3 treatments, 4 replicates per treatment and 10 effective plants per replicate. The variables were: height of the first cluster, production per plant, yield t ha-1 and qualities of the fruit. The economic variables were production costs, cost-benefit ratio (C/BR), rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV). In general, production per plant was greater than 4.7 kg plant-1 and the average yield was 92 t ha-1. The use of conventional fertilization (tt2) generated increased production of premium quality fruit with a value of 37.11 t ha-1, demonstrating that conventional soil fertilization implemented in this culture under semi-controlled conditions in the company of drip irrigation system in the root zone improve outcomes of productive variables, increasing profitability and competitiveness with a net profit of USD$ $ 25203.68 ha-1, with average selling price of USD$ 0.45 per kilogram and a unit production margin of USD$ 0.21 per kilogram, making this technology attractive and economically viable.
Putting the t in tools: a roadmap for implementation of new global and regional transgender guidance
Authors: Wolf R Cameron , Adams Darrin , Dayton Robyn , Verster Annette , Wong Joe , Romero Marcela , Mazin Rafael , Settle Edmund , Sladden Tim , Keatley JoAnne
Published: July 2016

Transgender (trans) activists and global health partners have collaborated to develop new tools and guidance for assessing and addressing HIV and other health needs within trans populations. Trans women experience a heavy burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), high incidence of violence and difficulties accessing gender‐affirming services. At the same time, little has been published on trans men's health, HIV issues, needs and experiences. Young trans people are especially marginalized and vulnerable, with few programmes and services specifically tailored to their needs. Trans‐specific data and guidance are needed to adapt the global response to HIV to meet the needs of the trans population. While the needs of this group have only recently received attention, global, regional and other technical guidance documents are being developed to address these gaps. Regional blueprints for comprehensive care for trans people in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific are now available. These tools – supported by the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with regional trans groups – provide a contextual map, indicating opportunities for interventions in health, HIV, violence, stigma and discrimination, social protection and human rights. Global guidance includes the World Health Organization's Policy Brief: Transgender People and HIV, and the interagency publication, Implementing Comprehensive HIV and STI Programmes with Transgender People. Community empowerment and capacity building are the focus of the new tools for global and regional transgender guidance. The goal is to strengthen and ensure community‐led responses to the HIV challenge in trans populations. This article describes the new tools and guidance and considers the steps needed to use them to appropriately support and engage transgender populations within national AIDS, STI, and sexual and reproductive health responses and programmes. The time to use these tools and guidance for advocacy, strategic planning, capacity building, programme design and training is now.
A partnership approach to providing on‐site HIV services for probationers and parolees: a pilot study from Alabama, USA
Authors: Lichtenstein Bronwen , Barber Brad Wayne ,   The West Alabama AIDS Outreach Partnership Group
Published: July 2016

Introduction

HIV in the United States is concentrated in the South, an impoverished region with marked health disparities and high rates of incarceration, particularly among African Americans. In the Deep South state of Alabama, a policy directive to reduce prison overcrowding has diverted large numbers of convicted felons to community supervision. Probation and parole offices have yet to provide the HIV education and testing services that are offered in state prisons. This study sought to implement on‐site HIV services for probationers and parolees through an intersectoral programme involving law enforcement, university and HIV agency employees. The three main objectives were to (1) involve probation/parole officers in planning, execution and assessment of the programme, (2) provide HIV education to the officers and (3) offer voluntary pretest HIV counselling and testing to probationers and parolees.

Methods

The partnered programme was conducted between October and December 2015. Offenders who were recently sentenced to probation (“new offenders”), received HIV education during orientation. Offenders already under supervision prior to the programme (“current offenders”) learned about the on‐site services during scheduled office visits. Outcomes were measured through officer assessments, informal feedback and uptake of HIV services among offenders.

Results

A total of 86 new and 249 current offenders reported during the programme (N=335). Almost one‐third (31.4%) of new offenders sought HIV testing, while only 3.2% of current offenders were screened for HIV. Refusals among current offenders invoked monogamy, time pressures, being tested in prison, fear of positive test results and concerns about being labelled as gay or unfaithful to women partners. Officers rated the programme as worthwhile and feasible to implement at other offices.

Conclusions

The partnership approach ensured support from law enforcement and intersectoral cooperation throughout the programme. HIV training for officers reduced discomfort over HIV and fostered their willingness to be active agents for referral to HIV services. Voluntary testing was enhanced by the HIV employee's educational role, particularly during orientation sessions for new offenders. The almost one‐third success rate in HIV testing among new offenders suggests that future efforts should concentrate on this group in order to maximize participation at the probation and parole office.
Finding solid ground: law enforcement, key populations and their health and rights in South Africa
Authors: Scheibe Andrew , Howell Simon , Müller Alexandra , Katumba Munyaradzi , Langen Bram , Artz Lillian , Marks Monique
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Sex workers, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and transgender people in South Africa frequently experience high levels of stigma, abuse and discrimination. Evidence suggests that such abuse is sometimes committed by police officers, meaning that those charged with protection are perpetrators. This reinforces cycles of violence, increases the risk of HIV infection, undermines HIV prevention and treatment interventions and violates the constitutional prescriptions that the police are mandated to protect. This paper explores how relationship building can create positive outcomes while taking into account the challenges associated with reforming police strategies in relation to key populations, and vice versa.

Discussion

We argue that relationships between law enforcement agencies and key populations need to be re‐examined and reconstituted to enable appropriate responses and services. The antagonistic positioning, “othering” and blame assignment frequently seen in interactions between law enforcement officials and key populations can negatively influence both, albeit for different reasons. In addressing these concerns, we argue that mediation based on consensual dialogue is required, and can be harnessed through a process that highlights points of familiarity that are often shared, but not understood, by both parties. Rather than laying blame, we argue that substantive changes need to be owned and executed by all role‐players, informed by a common language that is cognisant of differing perspectives.

Conclusions

Relational approaches can be used to identify programmes that align goals that are part of law enforcement, human rights and public health despite not always being seen as such. Law enforcement champions and representatives of key populations need to be identified and supported to promote interventions that are mutually reinforcing, and address perceived differences by highlighting commonality. Creating opportunities to share experiences in mediation can be beneficial to all role‐players. While training is important, it is not a primary mechanism to change behaviour and attitudes.
Modulating protein quality control
Authors: Plate Lars , Paxman Ryan J , Wiseman R Luke , Kelly Jeffery W
Published: July 2016

Small molecules that modulate the unfolded protein response have the potential to treat a variety of human protein misfolding diseases.
Software development: do good manners matter?
Authors: Destefanis Giuseppe , Ortu Marco , Counsell Steve , Swift Stephen , Marchesi Michele , Tonelli Roberto
Published: July 2016

A successful software project is the result of a complex process involving, above all, people. Developers are the key factors for the success of a software development process, not merely as executors of tasks, but as protagonists and core of the whole development process. This paper investigates social aspects among developers working on software projects developed with the support of Agile tools. We studied 22 open-source software projects developed using the Agile board of the JIRA repository. All comments committed by developers involved in the projects were analyzed and we explored whether the politeness of comments affected the number of developers involved and the time required to fix any given issue. Our results showed that the level of politeness in the communication process among developers does have an effect on the time required to fix issues and, in the majority of the analysed projects, it had a positive correlation with attractiveness of the project to both active and potential developers. The more polite developers were, the less time it took to fix an issue.
Oxygen utilization rate (OUR) underestimates ocean respiration: A model study
Authors: Koeve W. , Kähler P.
Published: July 2016

We use a simple 1‐D model representing an isolated density surface in the ocean and 3‐D global ocean biogeochemical models to evaluate the concept of computing the subsurface oceanic oxygen utilization rate (OUR) from the changes of apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) and water age. The distribution of AOU in the ocean is not only the imprint of respiration in the ocean's interior but is strongly influenced by transport processes and eventually loss at the ocean surface. Since AOU and water age are subject to advection and diffusive mixing, it is only when they are affected both in the same way that OUR represents the correct rate of oxygen consumption. This is the case only when advection prevails or with uniform respiration rates, when the proportions of AOU and age are not changed by transport. In experiments with the 1‐D tube model, OUR underestimates respiration when maximum respiration rates occur near the outcrops of isopycnals and overestimates when maxima occur far from the outcrops. Given the distribution of respiration in the ocean, i.e., elevated rates near high‐latitude outcrops of isopycnals and low rates below the oligotrophic gyres, underestimates are the rule. Integrating these effects globally in three coupled ocean biogeochemical and circulation models, we find that AOU‐over‐age based calculations underestimate true model respiration by a factor of 3. Most of this difference is observed in the upper 1000 m of the ocean with the discrepancies increasing toward the surface where OUR underestimates respiration by as much as factor of 4.
The vertical structure of the eastern Pacific ITCZs and associated circulation using the TRMM Precipitation Radar and in situ data
Authors: Huaman L. , Takahashi K.
Published: July 2016

The atmospheric circulation associated with the eastern Pacific single and double ITCZs, particularly its vertical structure, is little known due to the sparce observations. Using precipitation profiles from the Tropical Rainfall Measure Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar, with approximations to the liquid water and energy budget equations, we estimated vertical profiles of latent heating and vertical velocity in the far eastern Pacific (95°W–85°W) ITCZs in the 800–730 hPa layer. We combined this with Eastern Pacific Investigation of Climate campaign (EPIC2001) and other in situ data to produce a preliminary characterization of the meridional‐vertical circulation. We found evidence of a double‐cell structure in boreal fall between the ITCZ and the equator, with both shallow and upper level peaks in vertical velocity. In spring, the flow poleward of the two ITCZs has a single‐cell structure, although around the equator it shows some hints of the double cells. Reanalysis and satellite‐based data are shown to be unreliable for describing the vertical structure of the circulation.
ITRF2014: A new release of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame modeling nonlinear station motions
Authors: Altamimi Zuheir , Rebischung Paul , Métivier Laurent , Collilieux Xavier
Published: July 2016

For the first time in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) history, the ITRF2014 is generated with an enhanced modeling of nonlinear station motions, including seasonal (annual and semiannual) signals of station positions and postseismic deformation for sites that were subject to major earthquakes. Using the full observation history of the four space geodetic techniques (very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), satellite laser ranging (SLR), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and Doppler orbitography and radiopositioning integrated by satellite (DORIS)), the corresponding international services provided reprocessed time series (weekly from SLR and DORIS, daily from GNSS, and 24 h session‐wise from VLBI) of station positions and daily Earth Orientation Parameters. ITRF2014 is demonstrated to be superior to past ITRF releases, as it precisely models the actual station trajectories leading to a more robust secular frame and site velocities. The ITRF2014 long‐term origin coincides with the Earth system center of mass as sensed by SLR observations collected on the two LAGEOS satellites over the time span between 1993.0 and 2015.0. The estimated accuracy of the ITRF2014 origin, as reflected by the level of agreement with the ITRF2008 (both origins are defined by SLR), is at the level of less than 3 mm at epoch 2010.0 and less than 0.2 mm/yr in time evolution. The ITRF2014 scale is defined by the arithmetic average of the implicit scales of SLR and VLBI solutions as obtained by the stacking of their respective time series. The resulting scale and scale rate differences between the two solutions are 1.37 (±0.10) ppb at epoch 2010.0 and 0.02 (±0.02) ppb/yr. While the postseismic deformation models were estimated using GNSS/GPS data, the resulting parametric models at earthquake colocation sites were applied to the station position time series of the three other techniques, showing a very high level of consistency which enforces more the link between techniques within the ITRF2014 frame. The users should be aware that the postseismic deformation models are part of the ITRF2014 products, unlike the annual and semiannual signals, which were estimated internally with the only purpose of enhancing the velocity field estimation of the secular frame.
Aquifer heterogeneity controls on adverse human health effects and the concept of the hazard attenuation factor
Authors: de Barros F. P. J. , Bellin A. , Cvetkovic V. , Dagan G. , Fiori A.
Published: July 2016

We analyze the probability distribution of the hazard attenuation factor for a noncarcinogenic reactive compound captured by a well in heterogeneous porous formations. The hazard attenuation factor is defined as the ratio between the hazard index HI at a detection well and at the source. Heterogeneity of the aquifer is represented through the multi‐indicator model (a collection of blocks of independent permeability) while flow and transport are solved by the means of the self‐consistent approach that is able to deal with any degree of heterogeneity. Due to formation heterogeneity, HI is a random variable and similar for hazard attenuation index. The latter can be fully characterized by its cumulative distribution function (CDF), which in turn can be related to the statistics of the travel time of solute particles, from the source to the detection well. The approach is applied to the case of a solute which undergoes decay and a well with a screen much smaller than the correlation scale of hydraulic conductivity. The results show that the probability of exceeding a given acceptable threshold of the hazard index is significantly affected by the level of heterogeneity comparable to the one observed for the MADE site, and the distance between the source and the well.
Low‐Altitude Rural to Urban Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
Authors: Atkins Ella M. , Di Donato Pedro F.A.
Published: July 2016

This chapter describes low‐altitude small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) missions and anticipated operational paradigms. Since low‐altitude operations occur close to the ground, flight operation zones are defined based on overflown property type or zone. Urban and suburban operations ranging from package delivery to aerial surveillance will require high‐integrity sUAS to assure safety to overflown people and property, whereas low‐altitude flight in rural and other sparsely populated or segregated zones can safely support flights with low‐integrity sUAS such as the existing multicopter. Vehicle and system‐wide support to enable high‐integrity sUAS are summarized, and zone‐specific public and civil sUAS mission types are overviewed with consideration of compelling use cases for each zone. Requirements for UAS traffic management (UTM) support to coordinate safe sUAS transitions between low‐altitude zones and between low‐ and high‐altitude airspace are summarized.