bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a framework for assessing managerial intentions: A review of support for market managers’ engagement with nutrition incentive programs
Authors: Gusto Cody , Diaz John
Published: December 2020

The last several years have seen a rapid expansion in the number of nutrition incentive programs implemented at farmers markets. While there has been increased attention paid to these efforts in terms of influencing consumer health indicators, there has been less focus on the farmers market managers responsible for implementing and admin­istering the programs. To date, most studies that have addressed manager perspectives have been qualitative case-studies where findings may have limited generalizability to other market contexts. In this integrative review of literature, we examine the current state of both scholarly and practitioner literature regarding market manager perspectives on nutrition incentive programming. Given the identification of critical gaps and salient factors in efforts to promote nutrition incentive program­ming at markets, we call for the advancement of a framework that may be shared between organiza­tions. This framework will capture essential data that inform market managers’ behavioral intention towards the nutrition incentive programs they cur­rently administer. We propose that the develop­ment of a comprehensive survey tool designed to capture managerial intentions may ultimately prompt multistate, cross-organizational collabora­tion on improving nutritional program outcomes at farmers markets.Literature Review
Zero and triviality
Authors: Haida Andreas , Trinh Tue
Published: December 2020

This paper takes issue with Bylinina & Nouwen’s (2018) hypothesis that the numeral zero has the basic weak meaning of ‘zero or more.’ We argue, on the basis of empirical observation and theoretical consideration, that this hypothesis implies that exhaustification can circumvent L-triviality, and that exhaustification cannot circumvent L-triviality. We also provide some experimental results to support our argument.
Análisis del crecimiento de los negocios informales en Nicaragua
Authors: Ramírez Chavarría María Elena , Esquivel Tinoco María Eliette , Cruz García Jessica Lissette
Published: December 2020

El comercio informal es definido como una actividad progresista establecida en diferentes lugares de la sociedad, sin tener un establecimiento específico para realizar sus ventas, ubicándose en lugares estratégicos de las ciudades. Según análisis de las determinantes de la informalidad laboral en América Latina, se establece que el 47% del empleo es informal. Este panorama permite analizar la relación entre los factores que motivan la informalidad en los negocios y la convivencia social que se genera en los municipios de Estelí, Chinandega, Ciudad Sandino y Tipitapa como referencias para este análisis. Estos municipios tienen en común el comercio como una de sus actividades principales, también son municipios con densidad poblacional alta sobre todo en la zona urbana, condición favorable para el establecimiento de negocios ya que se cuenta con una mayor demanda. El Gobierno de Nicaragua ha implementado una serie de programas y acciones que tiene como lógica estratégica facilitar la generación de nuevos emprendimientos, mejorar la calidad de los existentes y facilitar el registro de los negocios a fin de disminuir la brecha de informalidad. En Nicaragua existe una problemática de informalidad en el comercio que ha sido consecuencia de todas las etapas históricas. Los principales factores que determinan la informalidad de los negocios es el crecimiento económico desigual que genera la necesidad en un amplio sector de la población al autoempleo, altas tasas de desempleo, tramitología burocrática, falta de normas y regulaciones o leve aplicación.
La pandemia del COVID-19, su impacto en la Salud Mental y el Consumo de Sustancias
Authors: Amador Jiménez Dustin Ezequiel
Published: December 2020

El COVID-19 es una enfermedad respiratoria infecciosa muy contagiosa y se transmite rápidamente de persona a persona a través de secreciones y contactos cercanos, por lo que se convirtió rápidamente en una pandemia. En muchos países se han tomado diversas medidas preventivas como la cuarentena y el distanciamiento social durante un largo tiempo. Esta situación puede tener consecuencias a corto y largo plazo en la salud mental de las personas, al ser una fuente de estrés prolongada puede incrementar el riesgo de presentar problemas de salud mental como ansiedad, depresión, estrés postraumático y comportamientos de riesgo como un mayor consumo de sustancias como el alcohol, tabaco, sedantes y otras drogas durante el transcurso de la pandemia, como posibles estrategias de afrontamiento ante el estrés. A pesar de que se han realizado diversas investigaciones sobre el COVID-19 y la salud mental de la población, aún hay muy poca información sobre la relación entre la pandemia y el consumo de sustancias, en las circunstancias actuales y momentos posteriores. Por lo tanto, es necesario a estudiar sistemáticamente la relación entre la pandemia del COVID-19 y el uso y abuso de sustancias en mediante diseños de investigación de corte longitudinal.
Assessment as A Pedagogy and Measuring Tool in Promoting Deep Learning In Institutions of Higher Learning
Authors: Masuku Mfundo Mandla , Jili Nokukhanya Noqiniselo , Sabela Primrose Thandekile
Published: December 2020

Traditionally, the key principle of assessment was based on the depth and intensity of the knowledge taught in class. In our modern state, the notion of assessment is more about learning and less about whether it is deep or surface learning. This could be attributed to challenges facing higher education, such as marketisation, massification, access and success. This article aims to demonstrate the significance of assessment as a pedagogical and measuring tool to promote deep learning in institutions of higher learning. It analyses how different types of assessment could contribute to deep learning while enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills. The article adopted the qualitative research approach to appraise critically and examine the literature on assessment in higher education. The sequence in which assessment tasks are presented, the pedagogical approaches adopted and measurement tools used should aim to present general non-threatening questions. The article recognises Bloom’s taxonomy as it classifies educational learning objectives in the manner that accommodates deep learning. This article suggests that assessment should be made explicit, aligned with learning outcomes that consider deep learning in terms of acquisition of knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and understanding of basic concepts in what is learnt. It concludes that students need to be engaged in their assessment to enable them to develop skills and dispositions that prepare them for the future as socially responsible citizens. Research needs to be conducted on the higher education challenges that compromise the quality of assessment as this could have negative effects on the development of deep learning.
A Case Study of Safa Baitul Maal- An Islamic Micro Finance Institution in Hyderabad India
Authors: Aziz Atif , Pandey B. D.
Published: December 2020

Islamic Microfinance refers to interest free microfinance in which no interest is charged from the poorest members of the society who are (areas in which poor people are living) marked negative by commercial banks i.e. the people are not given any loans. The main aim of any Islamic microfinance institution is to help the financially backward people to set up their small businesses without adding any further financial burden on them. The other objective of Islamic Microfinance is poverty alleviation and brings the poorest of the poor in the main stream. Unlike commercial banks and conventional microfinance, the objective of Islamic Microfinance is not to make profit but to earn reward from Allah (the Creator of Universe) both in this world and Hereafter. Islamic Microfinance or Interest free microfinance is most important tool to protect poor and poorer from the clutches of Sahukars (money vendors) who give meagre amount of Rs 800-1000 to small vendors in the morning and ask for principal and interest in the evening. In this paper, the authors have taken up the study of Safa Baitul Maal (SBM) interest free microfinance based in Hyderabad India. The selected institution has also been evaluated on various aspects such as its modus operandi, current status, outreach. The institution is fairly new which started its microfinance activities in 2014 in Kishan bagh Hyderabad Telangana India. The findings are very impressive, the shariah compliance is strictly followed. The loan amount distribution which was Rs 0.1 million in 2014 has now increased to 1 million in 2019. Initially only 20 persons were given interest free loan now this number is increased to 1500 persons in 2019 and 1800 in 2020.
Bioavailability of soil Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from soil fractions
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Fontes Renildes Lucio Ferreira , Ferreira Gilvan Barbosa ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Alvarez V. Victor Hugo ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Neves Júlio Cesar Lima ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Faria Arlindo Ferreira ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Fontes Maurício Paulo Ferreira ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa
Published: December 2020

Cationic micronutrients bioavailability depends on the chemical characteristics of soil fractions. Fourteen soils received individual doses of five micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B) arranged in seven treatments set according a Baconian Matrix. The soils incubated with treatments during 15 days had corn cultivated in greenhouse for 30 days, in three consecutive growth cycles. The cationic micronutrients were determined in the corn shoots after each growth cycle. Soil samples collected before the first and after each growth cycle had the available concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn determined by single extractions (Mehlich-1 and DTPA-pH 7.3) and by sequential extraction. Correlation analysis was performed for the Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations determined in the corn shoots, the available concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the soils (Mehlich-1 and DTPA) and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the soil fractions (sequential extraction). The distribution of available metals forms in fractions reflected their affinity with soil components. Soil available Cu correlated with Cu bound to organic matter. The exchangeable fraction was the main source of soil available Mn and Zn. The Fe availability related mainly to the Mn oxides, Fe oxides, and exchangeable fractions. The plants absorbed Cu mainly from the Mn-oxides and organic matter fractions. Manganese absorbed by plants originated from the exchangeable and Mn-oxides fractions. The Zn absorbed by plants originated mainly from the exchangeable fraction. Correlations of single metal extractions (Mehlich-1 and DTPA) with Cu, Mn and Zn contents in plants were positive.
Hematologic response and serum and peritoneal fluid proteinogram of cattle affected by intestinal diseases and traumatic reticuloperitonitis
Authors:   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Amazonas, Santos Jomel Francisco dos , Rego Rafael Otaviano do ,   Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Afonso José Augusto Bastos ,   Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Fagliari José Jurandir ,   Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Silva Paulo Cesar ,   Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Soares Pierre Castro ,   Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Mendonça Carla Lopes de ,   Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the hematologic response and the serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) proteinogram of cattle affected by digestive diseases. Twenty-seven animals were distributed in two groups: GI (intestinal diseases) and GII (traumatic reticuloperitonitis, TRP). The animals were previously submitted to a physical exam. Subsequently, blood samples were collected to perform the complete blood count, determine the plasma protein and fibrinogen, and obtain the serum for proteinogram in polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Simultaneously, PF was collected to perform physical and chemical evaluation and the electrophoretic profile (SDS-PAGE). ANOVA at the 5% probability level was used to compare the groups. The animals showed signs of apathy, dehydration, and gastrointestinal hypomotility in both groups. However, GI animals showed more significant clinical changes. The blood count of both groups (P > 0.05) showed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia and a regenerative left shift with hyperfibrinogenemia. The proteinogram of both body fluids allowed the identification of proteins albumin (ALB), transferrin (TRF), ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, ?1-acid glycoprotein (?1-AGP), MW 23000 Da, ?1-antitrypsin, IgA, and IgG. The [PT] PF/[PT] blood serum ratio of each of the identified proteins increased, showing statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) regarding PT, ALB, TRF, ?1-AGP, and IgG values, with GI animals showing the highest ratio. Intestinal diseases and TRP triggered a systemic and local response characterized by clinical, hematological, and serum and PF proteinogram alterations. The proteins ?1-GPA, haptoglobin, and TRF measured in PF were good inflammation biomarkers and useful as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of digestive diseases in cattle.
Cardiorespiratory and hemogasometric effects of epidural ketamine and its associations with morphine and xylazine in sheep
Authors:   Universidade Federal Fluminense, Leite Ceci Ribeiro , Ascoli Fabio Otero ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense, Oliveira Juliana de ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense, Fernandes Daniel Andrews de Moura ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense, Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira da ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brandão Felipe Zandonadi ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiorespiratory and hemogasometric effects of epidural ketamine and its associations with morphine and xylazine in ewes submitted to transcervical cervix transposition with a hegar dilator. Ten Santa Inês breed ewes were studied in a cross over model study where three epidural protocols (GK = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1; GKM = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + morphine 0.1 mg kg-1; GKX = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + xylazine 0.05 mg kg-1) were compared among each other and with a control treatment (GS= saline 1 mL/7.5 kg). The assessed variables were heart rate, respiratory frequency, ear temperature, non-invasive blood pressure and hemogasometric analysis. All parameters were assessed at baseline and then ewes were sedated with an association of acepromazine (0.1 mg kg -1) and diazepam (0.2 mg kg -1). Ten minutes after sedation all parameters were reassessed and afterwards the epidural injections were performed. Hemogasometry was repeated at 15 and 30 minutes after epidural and the other parameters assessed at 05, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after epidural. GKX showed a slight respiratory depression with lower levels of PO2 and a compensatory increase in respiratory frequency. GKM presented the lower temperature mean. All protocols showed few cardiorespiratory effects when compared with control. Epidural with 2.0 mg kg-1 ketamine isolated was considered the best option for short procedures as obstetric manipulations in sheep due to its cardiorespiratory stability when compared with the protocols using associations.
Docosahexaenoic acid associated vitamin E in the diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, França Caline Santana da , Bezerra Poliana Almeida ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Mendes Claudinéia Silva ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Rocha Laiara Fernandes ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Santana Ana Lucia Almeida ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Souza Rosileia Silva ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Bittencourt Rodrigo Freitas ,   Universidade Federal da Bahia, Machado William Morais ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Snoeck Paola Pereira das Neves ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Barbosa Larissa Pires ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of and determine the optimum level of inclusion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diluent for goat semen cryopreservation. Five Boer males underwent semen collection, totaling 10 viable collections per animal. After evaluation, the ejaculates were pooled and fractionated in Tris-yolk medium with the addition of 0; 30; 45; or 60ng mL-1 of DHA and 0.4 mmol of alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E). The semen was cryopreserved in a freezing machine (TK 3000TM) and placed in a cryogenic cylinder for subsequent analysis. Data were evaluated by regression analysis at 5% significance. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in sperm kinetic parameters evaluated by computer assisted sperm analysis: total motility (79.17 ± 17.31%), progressive motility (14.04 ± 5.73%), curvilinear speed (58.82 ± 6.35µm/s), progressive linear speed (22.49 ± 3.63µm/s), mean path speed (35.17 ± 4.52µm/s), linearity (38.69 ± 5.79%), rectilinearity (63.99 ± 6.64%), and oscillation index (59.68 ± 2.99%). There were no differences (P > 0.05) found from the membrane functional integrity test for reactive spermatozoa (69.66 ± 9.76%), plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity of intact spermatozoa (29.86 ± 7.57%), mitochondrial potential of Class I cryopreserved goat semen (72.75 ± 9.81%), and chromatin compaction of intact chromatin (96.87 ± 4.37%). Thus, the inclusion of up to 60ng mL-1 of DHA did not promote any improvement in the seminal quality parameters of post-thawed goat semen.
Effect of advancing maturity stages of corn for silage on chemical characterization, digestibility and production costs
Authors:   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Souza André Martins de , Neumann Mikael ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Bumbieris Junior Valter Harry ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Manchur Alana Dornelles ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Pontarolo Giovanna Bobato ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Heker Junior Julio Cezar ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Gavlak Thais Fernanda ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Plodoviski Daniel Corrêa ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste
Published: December 2020

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and grain yield, the morphological and chemical composition, production costs and the ruminal disappearance of the whole corn plant and grain-free corn plant harvested at different reproductive stages. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments, where each treatment corresponded to a stage of corn maturity. The advance of plant cycle promoted an increase in dry biomass and grain yields per unit area, reducing production costs. Higher participation of grains and lower participation of structural components promoted a reduction in NDF and ADF, with the lowest values in dough grain (R4) and dent grain (R5) stages. The advancement of stages promoted an increase in production and a reduction in costs, but significantly reduced the quality of grain-free plants, increasing the NDF, ADF and ADL; but R4 and R5 presented NDFd of 84.80 % and 82.79 %, respectively, showing to be a good quality fiber. R4 stage had the highest rumen disappearance values after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Based on chemical data, ruminal disappearance, ruminal degradation kinetics of the whole corn plant and without grains, the R4 stage of the evaluated hybrid is the stage at which the plant had the best quality, representing the appropriate stage to harvest the material for making silage, aiming at the production of a silage with good chemical quality.
Morphophysiology of tropical grasses under different water supply in two growing seasons: II. BRS Massai and BRS Tamani grasses
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Maranhão Samuel Rocha , Pompeu Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Araújo Ricardo Alves de ,   Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Lopes Marcos Neves ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí, Cândido Magno José Duarte ,   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Souza Henrique Antunes de ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Cavalcante Ana Clara Rodrigues ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Fontinele Renato Gomes ,   Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Rogério Marcos Cláudio Pinheiro ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological parameters and the biomass flow and structural characteristics of BRS Massai and BRS Tamani grasses under different irrigation conditions. The rating of gas exchange, biomass flow and structural characteristics were performed in dry periods and dry/rainy season, under the water supply of 30; 60; 90 and 120% of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement 4x2 (water supply and grass). The experiment was conducted in pots with capacity for 7.5 dm³, using as substrate layer of 0-0.2 m soil. There was no effect (P < 0.05) between the gas exchange in the dry period, having the largest growing parameters of irrigation schemes. In the transition period of dry/rainy, we observed a reversal behavior in relation to the dry period, showing a rapid recovery of grasses under the minor water supply. It was observed quadratic behavior to concentrations of CO2 in the leaf mesophilic (Ci) with maximum point to the BRS Massai grass and minimum point to the BRS Tamani grass, where the major and minor Ci were 119 and 48 ppm in the water supply of 107 and 35% of ETo, respectively. In relation to the biomass flow, the BRS Tamani grass presented greater stem elongation rate and leaf senescence rate in relation to BRS Massai in both periods assessed. In the dry period, we observed a higher biomass production of green leaf blades in the BRS Tamani grass, while in the transition dry/rainy season, the results for this variable were similar, and at the same time that observed higher accumulation of green culm biomass to the BRS Tamani grass, which certainly affected its structure. It is concluded that the application of a minimum daily water supply of 30% of ETo allows the maintenance of BRS Massai and BRS Tamani grasses without incurring the death of tillers and reduction of regrowth vigor, whereas the water supply of 90% of ETo favors the morphophysiological characteristics, especially of BRS Tamani grass.
Enzymatic activity in azuki bean seedlings subjected to salinity and water deficiency
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Omura Mônica Satie , Freiria Gustavo Henrique ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Pellizzaro Verônica ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Bertoncelli Douglas Junior ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Furlan Felipe Favoretto ,   Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná, Oliveira Eli Carlos de ,   Omnia Brasil, Takahashi Lúcia Sadayo Assari ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina
Published: December 2020

Salinity and water deficiency are factors that limit the initial development of crops, directly interfering with the efficiency of food production. Studies on the behavior of cultivable species under stress are important to determine management actions; therefore, the mechanisms involved in post-stress recovery should be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water and salt stress on enzymatic activity in azuki bean seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized, 4 × 6 factorial arrangement (four reagents: CaCl2, KCl, NaCl, and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) × six osmotic potentials: 0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.8, -1.2, and -1.6 MPa). The quantification of protein content and analysis of enzyme (catalase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) activity in seedlings were performed on the 10th day after sowing. NaCl is toxic and recovery of azuki bean seedlings was less likely under salt stress owing to reduced enzymatic activity. In contrast, seedlings subjected to KCl treatment showed increased production of antioxidant enzymes.
Detection of mycobacteria in coalho cheese sold in Northeastern Brazil
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Medeiros Giovanni Brito , Rodrigues Onaldo Guedes ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Bezerra Neto Pirajá Saraiva ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Medeiros Rosália Severo de ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Sarti Elaine Cristina Fernandes Baez ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Araújo Flábio Ribeiro de ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Azevedo Sérgio Santos de ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Higino Severino Silvano dos Santos ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present study was to detect and identify Mycobaterium spp. in 50 samples of coalho cheese sold in the Northeast region of Brazil. Of the 50 analyzed samples, 35 were produced by the artisanal process, using raw milk, and 15 originated from industrialized establishments that pasteurize milk. Conventional and real-time nested PCR for the rv2807 gene of the M. tuberculosis complex was performed directly from the 50 analyzed samples. Samples of coalho cheese were grown simultaneously in Stonebrink medium, and conventional PCR was performed from the bacterial isolates with primers that flank differentiation region 4 (DR4), specific to M. bovis, mb400F. Bacterial isolates negative by PCR for RD4 were subjected to PCR for hsp65 of Mycobacterium spp., with subsequent DNA sequencing. The cultures were negative for the M. tuberculosis complex, but two samples (4%) from the artisanal process (with raw milk) exhibited identity with hsp65 of Mycobacterium lehmanii (Sequence ID: KY933786.1, identities: 312/363 [86%]); and Mycobacterium rutilum (sequence ID: LT629971.1, identities: 331/371 [89%]), showing to be indicative environmental contamination. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are emergent and ubiquitous microorganisms; therefore, they deserve greater attention in the cheese production chain, both in terms of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
The no-tillage, with crop rotation or succession, can increase the degree of clay dispersion in the superficial layer of highly weathered soils after 24 years
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Figueiredo Alex , Melo Thadeu Rodrigues de ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Oliveira Jean Carlo Santos de ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Machado Wesley ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Oliveira José Francirlei de ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Franchini Julio Cezar ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Debiasi Henrique ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Guimarães Maria de Fátima ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina
Published: December 2020

Clay dispersion is directly related to water erosion, especially during detaching and dragging of particles. No-till is one of the most important strategies for soil and water conservation in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and when associated with crop rotation, may reduce the degree of clay dispersion. The study aimed to evaluate, after 24 years, the effect of different soil management systems and crop systems on the degree of clay dispersion of a Rhodic Ferralsol. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4x2 factorial scheme, with four soil managements (continuous no-tillage, no-tillage with chiseling every three years, disk plowing followed by light harrowing and heavy disking followed by light harrowing) and with two crop systems (crop succession and rotation). The degree of clay dispersion was evaluated and associated with soil chemical attributes from layer 0.00-0.10 m. The degree of clay dispersion is affected by the soil management systems with no effect of crop systems. The soil management system with the lowest soil disturbance (continuous no-tillage) has a higher degree of clay dispersion than the ones that disturb the soil, regardless of the agricultural implement used or soil disturbance intensity. The soil electrochemical imbalance, primarily caused by soil potential acidity, is positively correlated to the increase in the degree of clay dispersion of the superficial soil layer under continuum no-tillage.
Chickpea seed vigor evaluated by computerized seedling analysis
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Araújo Joyce de Oliveira , Dias Denise Cunha Fernandes dos Santos ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Medeiros André Dantas de ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Silva Laércio Junio da ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Nascimento Warley Marcos ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária
Published: December 2020

Computerized seedling analysis is a promising tool for assessing seed vigor, providing reliable and less subjective results. The aim of this study was to define a method for evaluating the vigor of chickpea seeds through computerized image analysis, using the Seedling Analysis System (Sistema de Análise de Plântula - SAPL®) as a basis. Two chickpea cultivars were evaluated, consisting of five seed lots of cv. BRS Aleppo and four seed lots of cv. Cícero. Test were performed on the seeds of each cultivar for initial characterization of the physiological potential of the lots, and the results were compared with the determinations made via SAPL®. The results showed high correlations between the variables obtained from computerized analysis and from traditional vigor tests, especially for the close relationship between the cold test and low temperature germination test with the corrected vigor index (r > 0.9) evaluated on the fourth day after the beginning of the test. The total length of seedlings, length of the primary root, and growth and corrected vigor indices obtained through computerized analysis of seedlings on the 4th day after sowing allowed separation of the lots regarding vigor. Computerized analysis of seedlings using SAPL® is effective in determining the vigor of chickpea seed lots.
Chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry under salt stress and potassium-phosphorus fertilization
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Dias Adaan Sudario , Lima Geovani Soares de ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Gheyi Hans Raj ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Furtado Guilherme de Freitas ,   Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Rural, Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos ,   Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências Agrárias, Nobre Reginaldo Gomes ,   Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Moreira Rômulo Carantino Lucena ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Fernandes Pedro Dantas ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu as a function of irrigation water salinity and potassium-phosphorus fertilization combinations in the second year of cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment in Campina Grande, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water ECw (0.6, 1.4, 2.2, 3.0 and 3.8 dS m-1) and four combinations of potassium-phosphorus fertilization (100/100, 85/85, 60/60 and 45/45% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation for the second year of cultivation 200 g of K2O and 120 g of P2O5 per plant per year) with three replicates. Irrigation with saline waters hampered the biosynthesis of chloroplast pigments and the photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu in the second year of cultivation. Water salinity from 2.6 dS m-1 reduced the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II of West Indian cherry plants cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. Fertilization with 60/60 and 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promotes an increase in the synthesis of chlorophylls a and b, respectively, in the first and second production cycles of the second year of cultivation. Supply of 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promoted an increase in maximum and variable fluorescence in plants subjected to water salinities of 0.6, 2.2, and 3.8 dS m-1 in the second cycle and reduced the initial fluorescence, regardless of the salinity level in the first and second production cycles of West Indian cherry.
The Relationship Between Financial Flexibility and Market Value Added: The Mediation Effect Role of the Corporate Size (A Practical Study on a Sample of Jordanian Industry Sector Firms)
Authors: Altameemi Arshed Fouad
Published: December 2020

The current study aims at testing the effect of ‘Financial Flexibility’ (FF) on the market value-added by the firm size as a mediator variable. This study’s statistic sample consists of 26 companies listed on the Amman stock exchange from 2010 to 2019. The FF and market value-added are independent and dependent variables, respectively. The data analysis was done by the Baron - Kenny methodology (1986) and Sobel-Test to analyze the hypothesizes based on the corporate size’s mediation effect role. The results concluded from the study of the effect of the company size on the relationship between FF and market value-added stated that the FF has a positive statistically significant impact, and there a partial mediation of the firm size effect upon this relationship due to the mediation effect is statistically significant based on Sobel test.
Effects of Biochar on Properties of Tropical Sandy Soils Under Organic Agriculture
Authors: Prakongkep Nattaporn , Gilkes Robert J. , Wisawapipat Worachart , Leksungnoen Parapond , Kerdchana Chanida , Inboonchuay Tawatchai , Delbos Evelyne , Strachan Laura-Jane , Ariyasakul Potchara , Ketdan Channarong , Hammecker Claude
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the influences of biochar made from local agricultural wastes on sandy soils in farmer fields where biochar has been used as a soil amendment for more than three years. The major objective of this study was to gain insight into the effects of long-term biochar application on properties of sandy soil.

Unamended soil properties were compared to biochar-amended soils properties using the paired samples t-test (p < 0.05). The statistical results of the study indicated that cation exchange capacity, exchangeable potassium, available phosphorus, field capacity, plant available water, water-stable aggregate size fractions (> 1 and < 0.25 mm), median aggregate size and aggregate stability were significantly different at p < 0.05. Clearly, biochar present for 3 or more years can improve soil physicochemical properties.

We conclude that sandy soil properties, especially soil physical properties, are very strongly affected by biochar application combined with conservative soil management. Biochars affect both physical and biological mechanisms of soil aggregate formation because the biochar particle sizes influence the arrangement of clay on biochar and biochar grains provide a favorable microbial habitat and food source for fungi creating microorganism-biochar-soil associations which enhance water-stable aggregates and water holding capacity.
Rice Disease Image Recognition Based on Improved Multi-scale Stack Autoencoder
Authors: Meng Jun , Lv Xingchen , Fu Lifang , Wu Qiufeng
Published: December 2020

Recently, deep learning methods are widely used in the rice diseases identification. However, the actual image background of rice disease is complex, the classification performance is not ideal. Therefore, this paper proposed a multi-scale feature extraction method based on stacked autoencoder, named the multi-scale stacked autoencoder (MSSAE), to improve the recognition accuracy of rice diseases. This method extracts the complex rice disease image’s features by two steps. In the first step, the images are preprocessed. Then, the MSSAE extract the multi-scale features through preprocessed rice diseases data in different scales. Through comparative analysis of experiments, the new method achieved greater than 95% precision in the detection of rice diseases. It indicated that the MSSAE model has an outstanding identification performance for actual crop disease image recognition.
Addition of Mancozeb to DMI + QoI, and SDHI + QoI Co-formulations Improving Control of Asian Soybean Rust
Authors: Reis Erlei Melo , Zanatta Mateus , Reis Andrea Camargo
Published: December 2020

The reduced sensitivity of Phakopsora pachyrhizi to site-specific fungicides used to control Asian soybean rust by the current co-formulations needs investigation. To improve the rust control the performance of cyproconazole + picoxystrobin, tebuconazole + picoxystrobin, cyproconazole + azoxystrobin, epoxyconazole + pyraclostrobin, fluxapyroxade + pyraclostrobin, benzovindiflupyr + azoxystrobin, prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin and cyproconazole + trifloxystrobin mixtures added by five doses of the multisite mancozeb were evaluated. The fungicides were sprayed at four growth stages the first performed at R1 growth stage and the others with 15-18 days intervals. The rust severity was quantified, the control was calculated, the percentage of chlorophyll and the yield of soybean were determined. The mean of rust control by the mixtures without addition of the multi-site fungicide was 46% (21 to 71%). There was an increase in control efficiency due to addition and mancozeb doses in all treatments. Control over 80% was obtained with tebuconazole + picoxystrobin, fluxapyroxade + pyraclostrobin, benzovindiflupyr + azoxystrobin, and prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin added at least of 2.0 kg/ha mancozeb. In unsprayed plots the maximum 78% severity corresponded to 59% damage. There was an increase in chlorophyll content and soybean yield as a function of the mancozebe increased doses: 2,019 kg/ha in the unsprayed control and in the best treatment 5,132 kg/ha. Actual control reduction due to fungal decrease in sensitivity can be improved by the multi-site fungicide addition.
Determination and Evaluation of Se-Rich High-Quality Rice Produced by Compound Nutrient Solution
Authors: Wu Su-xi , Wang Ying-xi , Han Xiaomiao , Yi Cui-ping , Tao Jun
Published: December 2020

Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world. Its biggest flaw is the low content of protein and essential amino acids, which severely limits its nutritional value. In order to produce high-quality rice with rich Se, we sprayed different concentrations of compound nutrient solution (containing Se (selenium), amino acid compound, zinc and boron) on the rice at different growth stages; and then determined the main nutrient content of their polished rice. The results showed that spraying low concentration compound nutrient solution (Each liter contained 20 mg of Se, 333 mg of complex amino acids, 33 mg of zinc and 33 mg of boron) to rice in the heading stage produced rice with the highest total starch and fat content and lower amylose content. Spraying high concentration compound nutrient solution to rice during the filling stage produced rice with the highest Se content. Multiple sprays of compound nutrient solution produced rice with low protein and low starch. Spraying low concentration compound nutrient solution on rice in milky stage significantly increased the content of protein, total starch, fat, all essential amino acids (Lysine increased by more than 57%), amylopectin and Se in rice; significantly reduced amylose content; significantly improved the nutritional value and taste quality of rice. The conclusion is that spraying low concentration compound nutrient solution on rice in the milky stage can produce rice with the highest content of protein and essential amino acids, higher content of total starch, fat and Se, and the lowest amylose content; significantly improve the nutritional value and taste quality of rice. The technical solution can comprehensively and effectively improve the nutritional value and flavor quality of rice, and has great development and application value.
A probit Analysis of Determinants of Adoption of Improved Sorghum Technologies Among Farmers in Tanzania
Authors: Kimbi Thedy Gerald , Akpo Essegbemon , Kongola Eliud , Ojiewo Chris O. , Vernooy Ronnie , Muricho Geoffrey , Ringo Justin , Lukurugu Gerald Alex , Varshney Rajeev , Tabo Ramadjita
Published: December 2020

The adoption of improved sorghum technologies by smallholder farmers is still low in Tanzania. Many farmers fail to acquire quality inputs due to different underlying reasons. This article analyzes factors underlining the adoption of improved technologies among sorghum farmers in Tanzania and evaluates profitability of grain production. A total of 212 individual farmers were interviewed through structured questionnaires from nine districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, probit regression model and gross margin analysis. Results show that 39.2%, 26.5%, 16.9%, 8.4% and 7.2% of sorghum farmers adopted seeds of improved varieties, insecticides, inorganic fertilizers, threshing machine and optimum seed rate, respectively. Probit estimates indicated that age, sex, number of years in school, group membership, farm size, availability of free seeds, seed accessibility, grain market accessibility and grain market price were the significant factors influencing adoption of these technologies. Adopters obtained higher profitability (822,288 Tshs/ha) than non-adopters (374,363 Tshs/ha) of improved varieties. Further policy actions are needed to improve determinants of adoption, breeding technologies and accessibility of agricultural inputs to ensure benefits to farmers and the sorghum sub-sector.
An Overview of forest cover and management in Italy
Authors: Di Marzio Nicolò
Published: December 2020

Over the centuries, alongside multiple changes in socio-economical conditions, needs and technical possibilities, Italian forest and forest management have gone through a dynamic and complex evolution process. In the last decade, forest lands in Italy have been constantly growing and nowadays cover almost 11 million hectars, accounting for 36.4% of the total National territory. Several quantitative and qualitative aspects of forest resources, regarding species composition, actual and available stock, ownership, volume of utilization, accessibility, terrain features and others, have been described through the analysis of the National Forest Inventory (INFC2005). The most represented forest typology is »coppice with standards«, while many forests are in a mature stage, waiting for conversion to transitional stands. Concerning forest logging, full length harvesting and winching-skidding extraction are the most widespread systems, but in many areas the low-openness conditions represent a limiting factor for logging distances, expecially in high slope classes, where sustainable and cost-effective operations are primary. The modern solutions allowed by technological progress, in addition to the growing environmental awareness and need of a sustainable management at multiple level require an efficient forest communications management and professional formation of operators, in a challenging scenario that Italy is called to approach.
The Common Law Remedy of Habeas Corpus Through the Prism of a Twelve-Point Construct
Authors: Okpaluba Chuks , Nwafor Anthony
Published: December 2020

The Common Law Remedy of Habeas Corpus Through the Prism of a Twelve-Point Construct

Long before the coming of the Bill of Rights in written Constitutions, the common law has had the greatest regard for the personal liberty of the individual. In order to safeguard that liberty, the remedy of habeas corpus was always available to persons deprived of their liberty unlawfully. This ancient writ has been incorporated into the modern Constitution as a fundamental right and enforceable as other rights protected by virtue of their entrenchment in those Constitutions. This article aims to bring together the various understanding of habeas corpus at common law and the principles governing the writ in common law jurisdictions. The discussion is approached through a twelve-point construct thus providing a brief conspectus of the subject matter, such that one could have a better understanding of the subject as applied in most common law jurisdictions.
Recreación educativa en la escuela: desde la actividad física hacia el fortalecimiento de la convivencia escolar
Authors: Urbina Carolina , Contreras Tabata , San Juan Madeleine , López Verónica , Nuñez Juan Carlos , Aguirre Claribel
Published: December 2020

Esta investigación presenta una propuesta para la comprensión de la recreación educativa y su relación con la convivencia en las escuelas. La propuesta se desarrolló a partir de un proceso de evaluación realizada a un programa gubernamental chileno, ejecutado desde el año 2017 en 371 escuelas a lo largo del país. Esta evaluación implicó una revisión bibliográfica, la aplicación de encuestas a sus participantes y una aproximación cualitativa con estudio de casos múltiple en tres escuelas. Si bien el programa comenzó con una orientación que enfatizó la actividad física como espacio de recreación y promotor de salud, los resultados sugieren avanzar hacia una concepción de recreación educativa que tiene implicaciones no sólo sobre la salud integral de los estudiantes sino también en el fortalecimiento de procesos sociales transversales en la comunidad educativa como son los relacionados con el despliegue de una convivencia inclusiva, democrática y pacífica en las escuelas.
La configuración cultural de la práctica del ninjutsu en Chile: aproximación desde la etnografía enactiva
Authors: Améstica Zavala Camilo Francisco
Published: December 2020

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto indagar en las características particulares de la configuración cultural de la práctica del arte marcial Ninjutsu en Chile. Se busca comprobar de manera empírica las diferencias que este tipo de disciplinas tendrían respecto de los formatos tradicionales de activi-dad física y deporte en las culturas occidentales. El trabajo fue desarrollado desde una aproximación etnográfica de compromiso corporal, en que me integro como aprendiz a un Dōjō de artes marciales de la ciudad de Viña del Mar, Chile. El mé-todo de análisis fue el de configuraciones culturales, herramienta teórica adaptada para la descrip-ción de culturas a través de la definición de los límites de significación cultural del campo de estu-dio. Los resultados de la investigación manifiestan diferencias críticas de la práctica de este tipo de arte marcial no competitiva respecto de formatos de actividad física y deportiva tradicionales de las so-ciedades occidentales.
Historicising Cultural Sport Psychology: Dare we De-centre Methodological Eurocentrism?
Authors: Ryba Tatiana , Ronkainen Noora , Lee Sae-Mi
Published: December 2020

In this essay we critically reflect on our respective journeys to and within cultural sport psychology (CSP). Since the inception, CSP scholars have advocated for opening the privileged academic space for marginalised voices and omitted subject themes; as well as cautioned researchers that the CSP project itself needs to be constantly revisited and reworked to keep it in progressive flux. We argue that, despite some notable advances, CSP remains a predominantly white Anglo-American intellec-tual space and that previous calls to engage with issues of power and privilege in the prevailing knowledge production have been largely unanswered. The lack of diverse voices within the CSP community may be a sign of stagnation. Therefore, we believe that sport psychology community would do well to discuss the ways in which CSP research and academic/applied practices may be al-ienating to the new generation of sport scholars and activists.