bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher Characteristics Related To The Adoption Of Agriscience Curriculum Virginia Middle School Agricultural Education Programs
Authors: Rudd Rick D. , Hillison John H.
Published: January 2011

Middle school programs in agricultural education are unique educational experiences that provide 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Virginia with a basic understanding of agriculture and its applied sciences. Curriculum innovations such as the one for Virginia middle schools provide guidance for teachers in the field and offer a base from which programs can operate. However, the benefits of educational innovations are never fully realized until the teacher in the classroom adopts and implements the changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between teacher characteristics and the adoption of agriscience curriculum in Virginia middle school agricultural education programs. The study was conducted in the fall of 1993. The population for this study consisted of the 57 middle school teachers of agricultural education in Virginia. All of the teachers were surveyed with an 81% response rate obtained.
Devleoping A Scaled To Research And Evaluate Youth Leadership Like Skills Development
Authors: Seevers Brenda S. , Dormody Thomas J. , Clason Dennis L.
Published: January 2011

In agricultural education, both 4-H and FFA have identified leadership development as central to their mission. Many Cooperative Extension Service and agricultural educators, members, and alumni think these organizations provide effective leadership programming. However, there is little research to support that viewpoint. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid, reliable scale to measure youth leadership life skills development. The first phase involved the conceptualization and operationalization of youth leadership life skills development (YLLSD). YLLSD was conceptualized as having seven sub-domains (Miller, 1976) and operationalized with 68 indicators. Each indicator used a four point Likert-type subscale. Face and content validity were assessed by a panel of experts. In the second phase, construct validity, reliability, and dimensionality were assessed. Data were collected during September and October, 1992, following the Dillman procedure. The target population was 6,388 senior 4-H and FFA members from New Mexico. A random sample of 400, stratified proportionally to ensure organizational representation was generated. A usable return rate of 66% was obtained. No differences were found between respondents and nonrespondents. During construct validity assessment, indicators of youth leadership life skills development were eliminated through item analysis, internal structure relationships, and cross-structure relationships. The final summated scale of 30 indicators had a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of .98. Factor analysis was used to assess dimensionality. Although the final scale contains indicators from the seven original conceptual domains, youth in the study perceived the construct to be unidimensional.
Rural And Adult Knowledge And Perceptions Of Agriculture
Authors: Frick Martin J. , Birkenholz Robert J. , Machtmes Krissana
Published: January 2011

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of rural and urban adults in a midwestern state regarding agriculture, food, and natural resources. Since this study was a pilot project, these two subgroups of the United States population were assessed to provide baseline data reflecting the knowledge and perceptions of United States residents regarding agriculture and the food industry. Data were collected from 886 respondents but did not constitute a representative sample of all United States citizens. However, the results of this study may have implications for other groups on a practical basis. Three objectives were specified for this study as follows: 1) To assess the level of agricultural knowledge among rural and urban adults in a midwestern state; 2) To assess the level of agricultural perceptions among rural and urban adults in a midwestern state; 3) To describe the demographic variables of both subgroups that may influence their knowledge or perceptions of agriculture. Both groups of adult respondents were most knowledgeable about the Animals concept and least knowledgeable about the Plants in Agriculture concept. Respondents were most positive about the Natural Resources concept and were the least positive about the Agricultural Policy concept. However, rural adults were also very positive about the Animals concept. Respondents living on farms were more knowledgeable about agriculture than their rural non-farm neighbors, who were more knowledgeable than their urban counterparts. Respondents with high levels of education were more knowledgeable about agriculture than those with less education.
Rural And Urban Inner-City High School Student Knowledge And Perception Of Agriculture
Authors: Frick Martin J. , Birkenholz Robert J. , Gardner Harrison , Machtmes Krissanna
Published: January 2011

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of rural and urban inner-city students in two Midwestern states regarding agriculture, food, and natural resources. Since this study was a pilot project, these two subgroups of the United States population were assessed to provide baseline data reflecting the knowledge and perceptions of United States residents regarding agriculture and the food industry. Data were collected from 1121 respondents but did not constitute a representative sample of students in the two Midwestern states. However, the results of this study may have implications for other groups on a practical basis. Three objectives were specified for this study as follows: 1) to assess the level of agricultural knowledge among rural and urban inner-city high school students in a midwest; 2) to assess the level of agricultural perceptions among rural and urban inner-city high school students in the midwest; and, 3) to compare the level of agricultural knowledge and perception of both subgroups. Both groups of respondents were most knowledgeable about Natural Resources concepts whereas the Rural Students were least knowledgeable about the Plants in Agriculture concept area compared to the Urban Inner-City High School Student respondents who were least knowledgeable about the Policy concept area. Overall, respondents had the most positive perception about the Natural Resources concept area and were the least positive about the Agricultural Policy concept area.
Learning And Teaching Styles Of Student Teachers In The Northwest
Authors: Whittington M. Susie , Raven Matt R.
Published: January 2011

Learning style refers to the predominant and preferred manner in which individuals take-in, retain, process, and recall information. Teaching style is defined as the predilection toward behavior in the teaching-learning exchange that comes from attitudes, aspirations, and, personal and social histories and cultures. The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the preferred learning style and teaching style of student teachers in agricultural education at the University of Idaho and Montana State University. The Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and the VanTilburg/Heimlich Teaching Style Preference were administered to students majoring in agricultural education at the University of Idaho and Montana State University, who had student taught during 1992 and 1993. A high percentage of agricultural education majors who had student taught at Montana State University and University of Idaho were 25 years or older. The GEFT findings suggest that female agricultural education student teachers in this study are more fieldindependent than females in the general population. Overall, Montana State University and University of Idaho preservice agricultural education student teachers preferred the field-independent learning style. Montana State University and University of Idaho students prefer student-centered teaching styles.
Factors Influencing The Adopters And Nonadopters
Authors: King Robert N. , Rollins Timothy
Published: January 2011

This study identified incentives and barriers to the diffusion and adoption of an agricultural innovation, the pre-sidedress nitrogen test (PSNT), evaluated technology transfer processes (educational programs), identified strategies and tactics for technology transfer, and profiled adopters and non adopters. A random sample of 220 adopters and nonadopters indicated that economic and technical information as well as change agents' attitudes impacted the adoption decision. Farm management information and economic concepts required to facilitate adoption decisions were absent during the original educational program. Adopters indicated that economic variables, saving money and inexpensive to use, influenced their adoption decision. Both adopters and nonadopters either did not possess or adhere to the prerequisite knowledge and skills in soil sampling to correctly perform the PSNT. When promoting agricultural innovations, educational programs should include economic and technical information. Change agents attitudes, as reported by farmers, were significant in discriminating adopters from nonadopters. Educators must consider and motivate change agents to promote and follow up on an innovation's use. Change agents need to recall and discuss prerequisite information to help farmers relate to the innovation and use it correctly. Holistic and multi-disciplinary approaches are necessary to promote an agricultural innovation.
University Students' Perceptions Of Issues Related To Agriculture
Authors: Terry Jr. , Lawver David E.
Published: January 2011

Some of the most controversial issues currently being debated in society are related to agriculture. Discussions and decisions about topics concerning the environment, food safety, animal welfare, and health, all impact the processes used in the food and fiber industries. As these issues become more prominent in society, it is important for citizens to understand how these industries affect their way of life. Generally speaking, Americans have low levels of awareness and inaccurate perceptions about agriculture and its impact upon society and the environment. Contributing to this situation is a flood of misinformation about agriculture and agricultural products currently being promoted. Such ignorance and misconceptions are a concern because of the influence Americans have upon the decision-making process through our political system. This research investigated the perceptions of university students concerning issues related to agriculture. Over all, students were found to have favorable perceptions about the safety of food and the impact of agriculture upon the economy and environment. Males tended to be more positive about animal welfare and methods used in production agriculture. Gender, college major, and hometown were also related to perceptions about other issues related to agriculture.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND COOPERATIVE EXTENSION: THE EARLY AGREEMENTS
Authors: Hillison John
Published: January 2011

With many universities having merged or discussing merger of agricultural education and cooperative extension administrative units, it is time to examine the history of competition and collaboration between the two agencies. Historical research methods using both primary and secondary sources were used to accomplish the objectives of this study. The major objectives were to examine the common historical factors of the two agencies, examine the controversies of the two agencies, and examine the memoranda of understanding established for them. Both have common clientele groups with youth and adults and a common subject matter area of agriculture. After passage of the Smith-Lever and Smith-Hughes Acts, a federal memorandum of understanding was established by members of the Federal Board for Vocational Education and USDA. Over a period of 20 years, the original memorandum was revised a few times, but basically it stayed intact. Today's agricultural educator and cooperative extension leader need to look at the historical memoranda of understanding to find precedent-setting points of agreement and points of controversy in order to best facilitate collaboration.
An analysis of long-term regional-scale ozone simulations over the Northeastern United States: variability and trends
Authors: Hogrefe C. , Hao W. , Zalewsky E. E. , Ku J.-Y. , Lynn B. , Rosenzweig C. , Schultz M. G. , Rast S. , Newchurch M. J. , Wang L. , Kinney P. L. , Sistla G.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. This study presents the results from two sets of 18-year air quality simulations over the Northeastern US performed with a regional photochemical modeling system. These two simulations utilize different sets of lateral boundary conditions, one corresponding to a time-invariant climatological vertical profile and the other derived from monthly mean concentrations extracted from archived ECHAM5-MOZART global simulations. The objective is to provide illustrative examples of how model performance in several key aspects – trends, intra- and interannual variability of ground-level ozone, and ozone/precursor relationships – can be evaluated against available observations, and to identify key inputs and processes that need to be considered when performing and improving such long-term simulations. To this end, several methods for comparing observed and simulated trends and variability of ground level ozone concentrations, ozone precursors and ozone/precursor relationships are introduced. The application of these methods to the simulation using time-invariant boundary conditions reveals that the observed downward trend in the upper percentiles of summertime ozone concentrations is captured by the model in both directionality and magnitude. However, for lower percentiles there is a marked disagreement between observed and simulated trends. In terms of variability, the simulations using the time-invariant boundary conditions underestimate observed inter-annual variability by 30%–50% depending on the percentiles of the distribution. The use of boundary conditions from the ECHAM5-MOZART simulations improves the representation of interannual variability but has an adverse impact on the simulated ozone trends. Moreover, biases in the global simulations have the potential to significantly affect ozone simulations throughout the modeling domain, both at the surface and aloft. The comparison of both simulations highlights the significant impact lateral boundary conditions can have on a regional air quality model's ability to simulate long-term ozone variability and trends, especially for the lower percentiles of the ozone distribution.
Attribution of observed changes in stratospheric ozone and temperature
Authors: Gillett N. P. , Akiyoshi H. , Bekki S. , Braesicke P. , Eyring V. , Garcia R. , Karpechko A. Yu. , McLinden C. A. , Morgenstern O. , Plummer D. A. , Pyle J. A. , Rozanov E. , Scinocca J. , Shibata K.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Three recently-completed sets of simulations of multiple chemistry-climate models with greenhouse gases only, with all anthropogenic forcings, and with anthropogenic and natural forcings, allow the causes of observed stratospheric changes to be quantitatively assessed using detection and attribution techniques. The total column ozone response to halogenated ozone depleting substances and to natural forcings is detectable in observations, but the total column ozone response to greenhouse gas changes is not separately detectable. In the middle and upper stratosphere, simulated and observed SBUV/SAGE ozone changes are broadly consistent, and separate anthropogenic and natural responses are detectable in observations. The influence of ozone depleting substances and natural forcings can also be detected separately in observed lower stratospheric temperature, and the magnitudes of the simulated and observed responses to these forcings and to greenhouse gas changes are found to be consistent. In the mid and upper stratosphere the simulated natural and combined anthropogenic responses are detectable and consistent with observations, but the influences of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances could not be separately detected in our analysis.
Eddy covariance VOC emission and deposition fluxes above grassland using PTR-TOF
Authors: Ruuskanen T. M. , Müller M. , Schnitzhofer R. , Karl T. , Graus M. , Bamberger I. , Hörtnagl L. , Brilli F. , Wohlfahrt G. , Hansel A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Eddy covariance (EC) is the preferable technique for flux measurements since it is the only direct flux determination method. It requires a continuum of high time resolution measurements (e.g. 5–20 Hz). For volatile organic compounds (VOC) soft ionization via proton transfer reaction has proven to be a quantitative method for real time mass spectrometry; here we use a proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF) for 10 Hz EC measurements of full mass spectra up to m/z 315. The mass resolution of the PTR-TOF enabled the identification of chemical formulas and separation of oxygenated and hydrocarbon species exhibiting the same nominal mass. We determined 481 ion mass peaks from ambient air concentration above a managed, temperate mountain grassland in Neustift, Stubai Valley, Austria. During harvesting we found significant fluxes of 18 compounds distributed over 43 ions, including protonated parent compounds, as well as their isotopes and fragments and VOC-H+ – water clusters. The dominant BVOC fluxes were methanol, acetaldehyde, ethanol, hexenal and other C6 leaf wound compounds, acetone, acetic acid, monoterpenes and sequiterpenes. The smallest reliable fluxes we determined were less than 0.1 nmol m−2 s−1, as in the case of sesquiterpene emissions from freshly cut grass. Terpenoids, including mono- and sesquiterpenes, were also deposited to the grassland before and after the harvesting. During cutting, total VOC emission fluxes up to 200 nmolC m−2 s−1 were measured. Methanol emissions accounted for half of the emissions of oxygenated VOCs and a third of the carbon of all measured VOC emissions during harvesting.
LITOS – a new balloon-borne instrument for fine-scale turbulence soundings in the stratosphere
Authors: Theuerkauf A. , Gerding M. , Lübken F.-J.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. We have developed a new compact balloon payload called LITOS (Leibniz-Institute Turbulence Observations in the Stratosphere) for high resolution wind turbulence soundings in the stratosphere up to 35 km altitude. The wind measurements are performed using a constant temperature anemometer (CTA) with a vertical resolution of ~2.5 mm, i.e. 2 kHz sampling rate at 5 m/s ascent speed. Thereby, for the first time, it is possible to study the entire turbulence spectrum down to the viscous subrange in the stratosphere. Including telemetry, housekeeping, batteries and recovery unit, the payload weighs less than 5 kg and can be launched from any radiosonde station. Since autumn 2007, LITOS has been successfully launched several times from the Leibniz-Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) in Kühlungsborn, Germany (54° N, 12° E). Two additional soundings were carried out in 2008 and 2009 in Kiruna, Sweden (67° N, 21° E) as part of the BEXUS program (Balloon-borne EXperiments for University Students). We describe here the basic principle of CTA measurements and prove the validity of this method in the stratosphere. A first case study allows a clear distinction between non-turbulent regions and a turbulent layer with a thickness of some tens of meters. Since our measurements cover the transition between the inertial and viscous subrange, energy dissipation rates can be calculated with high reliability.
Assessment of climate change impact on hydrological extremes in two source regions of the Nile River Basin
Authors: Taye M. T. , Ntegeka V. , Ogiramoi N. P. , Willems P.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The potential impact of climate change was investigated on the hydrological extremes of Nyando River and Lake Tana catchments, which are located in two source regions of the Nile River basin. Climate change scenarios were developed for rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (ETo), considering 17 General Circulation Model (GCM) simulations to better understand the range of possible future change. They were constructed by transferring the extracted climate change signals to the observed series using a frequency perturbation downscaling approach, which accounts for the changes in rainfall extremes. Projected changes under two future SRES emission scenarios A1B and B1 for the 2050s were considered. Two conceptual hydrological models were calibrated and used for the impact assessment. Their difference in simulating the flows under future climate scenarios was also investigated. The results reveal increasing mean runoff and extreme peak flows for Nyando catchment for the 2050s while unclear trend is observed for Lake Tana catchment for mean volumes and high/low flows. The hydrological models for Lake Tana catchment, however, performed better in simulating the hydrological regimes than for Nyando, which obviously also induces a difference in the reliability of the extreme future projections for both catchments. The unclear impact result for Lake Tana catchment implies that the GCM uncertainty is more important for explaining the unclear trend than the hydrological models uncertainty. Nevertheless, to have a better understanding of future impact, hydrological models need to be verified for their credibility of simulating extreme flows.
Long-range forecasting of intermittent streamflow
Authors: van Ogtrop F. F. , Vervoort R. W. , Heller G. Z. , Stasinopoulos D. M. , Rigby R. A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Long-range forecasting of intermittent streamflow in semi-arid Australia poses a number of major challenges. One of the challenges relates to modelling zero, skewed, non-stationary, and non-linear data. To address this, a probabilistic statistical model to forecast streamflow 12 months ahead is applied to five semi-arid catchments in South Western Queensland. The model uses logistic regression through Generalised Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) to determine the probability of flow occurring in any of the systems. We then use the same regression framework in combination with a right-skewed distribution, the Box-Cox t distribution, to model the intensity (depth) of the non-zero streamflows. Time, seasonality and climate indices, describing the Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures, are tested as covariates in the GAMLSS model to make probabilistic 12-month forecasts of the occurrence and intensity of streamflow. The output reveals that in the study region the occurrence and variability of flow is driven by sea surface temperatures and therefore forecasts can be made with some skill.
An operational hydrological ensemble prediction system for the city of Zurich (Switzerland): skill, case studies and scenarios
Authors: Addor N. , Jaun S. , Zappa M.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The Sihl River flows through Zurich, Switzerland's most populated city, for which it represents the largest flood threat. To anticipate extreme discharge events and provide decision support in case of flood risk, a hydrometeorological ensemble prediction system (HEPS) was launched operationally in 2008. This models chain relies on limited-area atmospheric forecasts provided by the deterministic model COSMO-7 and the probabilistic model COSMO-LEPS. These atmospheric forecasts are used to force a semi-distributed hydrological model (PREVAH), coupled to a hydraulic model (FLORIS). The resulting hydrological forecasts are eventually communicated to the stakeholders involved in the Sihl discharge management. This fully operational setting provides a real framework to compare the potential of deterministic and probabilistic discharge forecasts for flood mitigation. To study the suitability of HEPS for small-scale basins and to quantify the added-value conveyed by the probability information, a reforecast was made for the period June 2007 to December 2009 for the Sihl catchment (336 km2). Several metrics support the conclusion that the performance gain can be of up to 2 days lead time for the catchment considered. Brier skill scores show that COSMO-LEPS-based hydrological forecasts overall outperform their COSMO–7 based counterparts for all the lead times and event intensities considered. The small size of the Sihl catchment does not prevent skillful discharge forecasts, but makes them particularly dependent on correct precipitation forecasts, as shown by comparisons with a reference run driven by observed meteorological parameters. Our evaluation stresses that the capacity of the model to provide confident and reliable mid-term probability forecasts for high discharges is limited. The two most intense events of the study period are investigated utilising a novel graphical representation of probability forecasts and used to generate high discharge scenarios. They highlight challenges for making decisions on the basis of hydrological predictions, and indicate the need for a tool to be used in addition to forecasts to compare the different mitigation actions possible in the Sihl catchment.
Developing tsunami fragility curves based on the satellite remote sensing and the numerical modeling of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand
Authors: Suppasri A. , Koshimura S. , Imamura F.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami damaged and destroyed numerous buildings and houses in Thailand. Estimation of tsunami impact to buildings from this event and evaluation of the potential risks are important but still in progress. The tsunami fragility curve is a function used to estimate the structural fragility against tsunami hazards. This study was undertaken to develop fragility curves using visual inspection of high-resolution satellite images (IKONOS) taken before and after tsunami events to classify whether the buildings were destroyed or not based on the remaining roof. Then, a tsunami inundation model is created to reconstruct the tsunami features such as inundation depth, current velocity, and hydrodynamic force of the event. It is assumed that the fragility curves are expressed as normal or lognormal distribution functions and the estimation of the median and log-standard deviation is performed using least square fitting. From the results, the developed fragility curves for different types of building materials (mixed type, reinforced concrete and wood) show consistent performance in damage probability and when compared to the existing curves for other locations.
Salinity-induced mixed and barrier layers in the southwestern tropical Atlantic Ocean off the northeast of Brazil
Authors: Araujo M. , Limongi C. , Servain J. , Silva M. , Leite F. S. , Veleda D. , Lentini C. A. D.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. High-resolution hydrographic observations of temperature and salinity are used to analyze the formation and distribution of isothermal depth (ZT), mixed depth (ZM) and barrier layer thickness (BLT) in a section of the southwestern Atlantic (0°30´ N–14°00´ S; 31°24´–41°48´ W), adjacent to the northeastern Brazilian coast. Analyzed data consists of 279 CTD casts acquired during two cruises under the Brazilian REVIZEE Program. One occurred in late austral winter (August–October 1995) and another in austral summer (January–April 1997). Oceanic observations are compared to numerical modeling results obtained from the French Mercator-Coriolis Program. Results indicate that the intrusion of subtropical Salinity Maximum Waters (SMW) is the major process contributing to the seasonal barrier layer formation. These waters are brought by the South Equatorial Current (SEC), from the subtropical region, into the western tropical Atlantic boundary. During late austral winter southeastern trade winds are more intense and ITCZ precipitations induce lower surface salinity values near the equator. During this period a 5–90 m thick BLT (median = 15 m) is observed and BLT > 30 m is restricted to latitudes higher than 8° S, where the intrusion of salty waters between 8°–12.3° S creates shallow mixed layers over deep (ZT ≥ 90 m) isothermal layers. During austral summer, shallow isothermal and mixed layers prevail, when northeasterly winds are predominant and evaporation overcomes precipitation, causing saltier waters at the surface/subsurface layers. During that period observed BLT varies from 5 to 70 m and presents thicker median value of 35 m, when comparing to the winter. Furthermore, BLT ≥ 30 m is observed not only in the southernmost part of the study area, as verified during late winter, but in the latitude range 2°–14° S, where near-surface salty waters are transported westward by the SEC flow. These results indicate that the inclusion of salinity dynamics and its variability are necessary for studying mixed and barrier layer behaviors in the tropical Atlantic, where ocean-atmosphere coupling is known to be stronger.
Assessing Climate Change Causes, Risks and Opportunities in Forestry
Authors: Burgess Paul J. , Moffat Andy J. , Matthews Robin B.
Published: January 2011

Forests play an important role in regulating the global climate by storing carbon that would otherwise be released as CO2 to the atmosphere, and affecting the global energy balance through absorption of solar radiation. Forests are also affected directly by the impact of increased CO2 levels and temperatures on ecosystem processes, and indirectly by human responses seeking to mitigate the net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) or adapting to new climates. This paper assesses the significance of these different aspects in the context of poverty reduction. It provides a brief assessment of the global effect of deforestation on net global GHG emissions; assesses the positive and negative direct effects of climate change on forest productivity, forest disturbance, carbon sequestration, water and air quality, biodiversity and cultural services; and discusses the indirect effects on forestry of human responses to minimize net GHG emissions through new markets, other land use change and global, national and local initiatives.
Climate Change and the Performance of Pressurized Irrigation Water Distribution Networks under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Daccache Andre , Weatherhead Keith , Lamaddalena Nicola
Published: January 2011

Numerous previous studies have modelled the impact of climate change on crop water requirements and hence future water resource needs for irrigated agriculture. Fewer have considered the impacts on the performance of irrigation systems and the required engineering and managerial adaptations. This study considers the impacts and adaptations for a typical pressurized pipe irrigation system. The dry years of the baseline period (1970–90) in the southern part of Italy are expected to become the average or even wet year by the 2050s, according to HadCM3 projections. Under these conditions, the large water distribution systems designed to satisfy the baseline dry years will fail unless appropriate engineering or managerial adaptations are made. The resilience of District 8 of the Sinistra Ofanto to the possible future increase in irrigation demand has been assessed. A stochastic weather generator was used to generate future weather under the IPCC A1 and B1 emissions scenarios, taking into consideration the outputs of the HadCM3 model. A daily water balance model was used to quantify the actual and future peak water demand of the district. The reliability of each hydrant under baseline and future demand was calculated using a stochastic hydraulic model and the failure zones identified. Under the current design, the system can tolerate a peak demand discharge up to 1,500 l.s−1, which is below the 2050s' average (1,720 l.s−1). Above that value, the performance of the system will fall drastically as the number of unreliable hydrants will increase. In the future, assuming the same cropping pattern, the threshold discharge (1,500 l.s−1) will be exceeded 80% of the time and, as an average, 20% of the system's hydrants will be failing during the peak demand periods. The adaptation options available to farmers and system managers in response to the increasing demand are discussed.
Climate Change Impacts on UK Top and Soft Fruit Production
Authors: Else Mark , Atkinson Chris
Published: January 2011

The impacts of climate change for UK fruit growing regions requiring winter chill dormancy are discussed and insights are drawn from subtropical regions where chilling requirements for these perennial crops have been overcome. A further challenge facing UK soft fruit growers is water availability for irrigation. To maintain future productivity, more sustainable production systems are needed. The authors discuss recent advances in irrigation scheduling and deficit irrigation techniques, along with their potential to reduce water inputs while maintaining yields of high-quality, healthy berries.
Livestock and Climate Change Impacts in the Developing World
Authors: Reynolds Christopher , Crompton Les , Mills Jonathan
Published: January 2011

Livestock farming is one of the most important sectors in agriculture both economically and socially. In the developing world, livestock is crucial to generating livelihoods and food security for some one billion of the world's poorest people. The demand for livestock products is growing as diets change and the world population increases, mainly in the developing world. Climate change only adds to the challenge facing the world's most disadvantaged people. It impacts on livestock production systems and in turn livestock farming impacts on climate change. This paper reviews the complex interaction between livestock production and climate change and proposes strategies that could be used to help sustain livestock as a key feature of rural livelihoods in the developing world.
Sustaining Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture under a Changing Climate
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Juan Antonio , Topcu Sevilay
Published: January 2011

Irrigated agriculture is crucial for food security and rural development in the Mediterranean region, but it will be significantly affected by climate change. Evaluating the present and future agroclimatic conditions and predicting the impacts on irrigation requirements for the dominant crops in the region may help to develop more appropriate adaptation strategies. This paper describes the expected changes in climate and assesses the irrigation requirement for key crops grown across the region, using a case study in a typical river basin in Spain. Milder but wetter winters and more extreme hot, dry summers are anticipated.

Evapotranspiration, crop water requirements and irrigation needs for major crops are expected to increase by as much as 30% by the 2080s.
Water Security – What are the Priorities for Engineers?
Authors: Perry Chris
Published: January 2011

Engineering has been the dominant discipline in the development of water resources for the benefit of mankind. Future water security under a changing climate will similarly be dependent on engineering solutions – informed and mediated by politics, economics, societal concerns and environmental issues. For engineering to find its role and priorities in the multisectoral spectrum of water-related activities, it is first essential to describe water utilization in terminology that is unambiguous for each sector, then to identify which are the critical categories of use and finally to determine the kinds of technical intervention that will mitigate scarcity and competition and improve the productivity of water use. Based on such an approach, some apparent priorities are outlined.
Performance of Forest Management Committees in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogar Ashibel M. , Enete Anselm A.
Published: January 2011

Forest and tree resources are of extreme importance to mankind because they provide a wide variety of useful products that feature in our everyday lives. However, the forest estate of Nigeria is being depleted at an unsustainable annual rate of 3.5% and the Sahara Desert is encroaching southward by about one kilometre each year. The Nigerian state-led forest management structure has failed to check this trend; hence the introduction of forest management committees (FMCs), representing a participatory (including the government) forest management structure led by the owner community. This study examines the performance of FMCs in Cross River state. Information was obtained through oral interviews with officials and a questionnaire survey of other respondents. The results of the data analysis show that the intensity of forest management practices was significantly higher in communities with FMCs than in those without. In communities without FMCs, household income from forestry was derived mainly from timber products and was significantly higher than in communities with FMCs, where forestry income was mainly from non-wood forest products. This shows the level of forestry restriction and regulation obtainable in communities with FMCs. Among the factors identified as influencing respondents' perceptions about the use of FMCs, five were positive and statistically significant: age, level of education, level of household income from forestry, regular harvest of forest products and presence of an erosion problem in the community. The Likert scale rating of the constraints encountered by FMCs indicated that the most challenging of these were: lack of commitment of members, change in government policies, financial constraints, inter- and intra-community conflicts, inadequate support from community leadership and a negative attitude on the part of the community to forest conservation.
The Notion of Social Capital and its Value in Promoting Acceptance of Biotech Crops
Authors: Sajeev M.V. , Gangadharappa N.R.
Published: January 2011

A social capital orientation in agricultural extension can help to transform passive populations into active citizens through the adoption of a balanced approach, influencing the ability of individuals and groups to cooperate in taking advantage of emerging opportunities and synergies. This paper analyses the existing social capital status in three villages in the Bangalore rural district of Karnataka state in India, as a prerequisite for developing and initiating biotechnology interventions in the form of GM crops for combating micronutrient malnutrition. An ‘ex-post-facto cause to effect’ design was used, and a rural appraisal ascertained that the levels of malnutrition and vulnerability were significant in these villages. The majority of farmers surveyed exhibited a medium level of social capital status. Six variables – level of education, area under agriculture, annual investment in agriculture, long-term investment in agriculture, cosmopoliteness and mass media usage – had a positive and significant relationship, whereas three – area under agriculture, long-term investment in agriculture and cosmopoliteness – collectively explained 37.2% of the variation in social capital between the groups. The findings suggest a need for further research to identify better variables that can predict social capital status.
Quality Protein Maize for the Feed Industry in Kenya
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Nyanamba Timothy , Wahome Raphael
Published: January 2011

Quality protein maize (QPM) has increased levels of lysine and tryptophan, limiting amino acids for monogastric animals, so its use in animal feed reduces the need for more expensive high-protein sources. The authors, through the application of a linear programming optimization model with the composition and prices of feed components used at the coast, show that the cost reduction from substituting QPM for regular maize in poultry feed for Kenya is 5% (mainly as a result of a reduction in fishmeal). The optimal ratios based on QPM and regular maize were calculated and formulated, and trials showed that broilers raised with either mixture had the same food intake, mortality and growth. Moreover, when the chickens were fried in the style popular at the coast, there was no difference in the taste of the meat between the two batches. If QPM were to replace regular maize in broiler feed in Kenya, a 5% cost reduction would translate into a gain of US$300,000. If the cost reduction were passed on to the broiler producers as a reduction in feed price, producers would be expected to gain on average US$32 per year. If the cost reduction were not passed on to the broiler producers, it would result in an extra profit for the feed industry.
Van Der Waals Hybrid Integration of 2D Semimetals for Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Kunxuan , Wu Di , Lin Pei , Shi Zhifeng , Li Xinjian , Zeng Longhui , Chai Yang , Lau Shu Ping , Tsang Yuen Hong
Published: February 2025

Hybrid heterostructures are pivotal in the advanced broadband detection technology. The emergence of 2D semimetals has expanded the range of materials in heterostructures beyond conventional narrow‐gap materials for room‐temperature broadband detection applications due to their extraordinary optical and electrical properties. This review outlines the cutting‐edge and latest advancements in broadband photodetectors (PDs) engineered from heterostructures that synergistically combine 2D semimetals with several different dimensional materials. It begins with a fundamental investigation, offering an in‐depth explanation of the essential material properties and a summary of synthesis methodologies. Then, the discussion advances to provide an analytical overview of the categorization, underlying photodetection mechanism, and figures‐of‐merit of these advanced PDs. Subsequently, the narrative shifts to a comprehensive analysis of heterogeneous integrated devices. The review further highlights the diverse optoelectronic applications of broadband PDs, spanning image sensing, optical communication, position‐sensitive detection, integrated sensing and computing, spintronics, and computational spectroscopy are thoroughly highlighted. Finally, the review concludes by addressing the challenges and opportunities in advancing 2D semimetal materials for photodetection.
Tailoring UV Responsivity and Quantum Efficiency of ZnO Nanorod‐Polymer‐Dispersed Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Heterostructure‐Based Photodetector Device
Authors: Pathinti Ramadevi Suguru , Thyda Lavanya , Thangaraju Kuppusamy , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Vallamkondu Jayalakshmi
Published: February 2025

The development of an advanced ultraviolet (UV) photodetector that integrates a polymer‐dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDCLC) with a ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) heterostructure is reported. The ZNRs are synthesized via a hydrothermal method and then spin‐coated with PDCLC, resulting in a photodetector with notably enhanced electrical and optical performance. Under 365 nm UV illumination at 5 mW cm−2 and 10 V, the PDCLC‐coated ZNRs array achieved a high photocurrent density of 171 µA cm−2, showcasing significant gains over devices without PDCLC. The novel ZNRs‐PDCLC heterostructure demonstrated a remarkable responsivity of 172.21 mA W−1 and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 58.44%, a substantial improvement compared to ZNRs‐only (72.27 mA W−1, 23.39% EQE) and ZnO seed layer‐based devices (14.48 mA W−1, 4.8% EQE). This enhancement stems from the PDCLC effective sensitization, which promotes charge carrier activation and energy band alignment in ZnO, resulting in a dynamic, time‐responsive photodetection. These findings underscore the potential of ZNRs‐PDCLC heterostructures to drive advances in high‐performance UV photodetectors.
Microwave Annealing for Fast and Effective Hydrogen Activation in Polycrystalline Silicon Passivating Contacts
Authors: Truong Thien , Liang Wensheng , Basnet Rabin , Nemeth William , Stradins Pauls , Young David L. , Macdonald Daniel , Fong Kean Chern
Published: February 2025

Hydrogenation is a crucial step in the fabrication of high‐efficiency silicon solar cells. In this study, the effectiveness of hydrogen activation is demonstrated via microwave annealing of hydrogen‐rich dielectrics coated on poly‐Si passivating contacts. This method is compared with conventional hydrogenation techniques, such as annealing in N2 in the presence of a hydrogen‐rich source (such as hydrogenated aluminum oxide (AlOx:H), hydrogenated silicon nitride (SiNy:H), or a AlOx:H/SiNy:H stack). Key improvements observed include a reduction in J0 from 30 to <5 fA cm−2, an increase in iVoc from 690 to >730 mV, and an enhancement in effective lifetime (τeff) from 0.6 to ≈3.5 milliseconds on phosphorus‐doped poly‐Si/SiO2 passivating contact samples. With a very short annealing time of ≈1–2 min, the samples passivated by AlOx:H, SiNy:H, or the stack show similar performance to samples subjected to 30 min of nitrogen annealing. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra corroborate the findings regarding the hydrogenation of the poly‐Si layer and the c‐Si substrate, with an increase in PL intensity after microwave annealing. Ultimately, this work suggests that microwave annealing could be a promising addition, offering flexibility to traditional firing hydrogenation processes.
Efficient Site‐Directed Mutagenesis Mediated by Primer Pairs with 3’‐Overhangs
Authors: Mousavi Negar , Zhou Ethan , Razavi Arezousadat , Ebrahimi Elham , Varela‐Castillo Paulina , Yang Xiang‐Jiao
Published: February 2025

Site‐directed mutagenesis is an essential tool in molecular biology, protein engineering, plasmid engineering and synthetic biology. While the QuickChange method has been one of the most employed methods for site‐directed mutagenesis, it is hindered by low efficiency and frequent introduction of unwanted mutations at the primer sites, raising the urgent need for new, more efficient, and reliable methods. Here, we present an optimized site‐directed mutagenesis protocol that leverages partially complementary primer pairs with 3’‐overhangs to improve mutagenesis efficiency and reduce error rates. Our method significantly enhances success rates, achieving an average efficiency of ∼50% with some instances approaching the ideal threshold of 100%, while also minimizing the time required for mutant generation. Typically, only 3 colonies need to be analyzed per mutagenesis reaction, and a skillful trainee can engineer 1 to 2 dozen mutant plasmids within a week. In addition, with an in‐house protocol for preparing highly competent bacterial cells, we have further increased the reliability and cost‐effectiveness of the method. Notably, such competent cells have been kept in a liquid nitrogen tank for >12 years with minimal loss of competency. Thus, this refined method offers a robust, efficient, and scalable solution for high‐precision gene modification in vitro, with broad applications in protein and plasmid engineering. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: In vitro site‐directed mutagenesis using an optimized primer design strategy

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of high‐efficiency chemocompetent DH5α cells for transformation of mutagenized plasmid products

Basic Protocol 3: Transformation of chemocompetent DH5α cells and obtaining bacterial colonies with correctly mutagenized plasmid products

Alternate Protocol: Transformation if glycerol stocks are unavailable