bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studium generalne dominikanów polskich w XIV wieku?
Authors: Gałuszka Tomasz
Published: October 2014

Głównym tematem artykułu jest geneza studium generalnego dominikanów polskich. W wyniku wieloletnich i skomplikowanych badań prowadzonych przez Krzysztofa Kaczmarka i Macieja Zdanka udało się ustalić, że pierwsze źródłowe dowody potwierdzające funkcjonowanie krakowskiego studium generale pochodzą z lat 1404/1405–1410. Jednak przytoczone daty stanowią jedynie terminus ante quem powstania tego ośrodka kształcenia. Autor skupił się na pewnym wydarzeniu z lat 1304–1316, które w literaturze przedmiotu nazywane jest zazwyczaj „nieudaną próbą utworzenia studium generalnego w Krakowie”. Ponowna analiza dominikańskich akt kapituł generalnych, sytuacji wewnętrznej zakonu w pierwszej połowie XIV wieku oraz dziejów polskiej prowincji dominikanów pozwoliły zaproponować lub raczej powtórnie wprowadzić do dyskusji naukowej zarzuconą dawną hipotezę: prawdopodobnie studium generalne polskich dominikanów powstało już w XIV wieku, być może niedługo po ogłoszeniu w 1304 roku zmian w rozdziale De studentibus.
Ars bene moriendi biskupa krakowskiego Piotra Tylickiego w świetle Listu Fryderyka Szembeka do Wawrzyńca Gembickiego
Authors: Wołyniec Bartłomiej Michał
Published: October 2014

W 1617 roku w krakowskiej oficynie wydawniczej Andrzeja Piotrkowczyka wydany został drukiem utwór zatytułowany O śmierci świętej pamięci Jego Mości X. Piotra Tylickiego krakowskiego biskupa […] i nabożnym ku niej przygotowaniu jego List do […] X. Wawrzyńca Gembickiego z Bożej Łaski arcybiskupa gnieźnieńskiego […]. Jego autorem był krakowski jezuita Fryderyk Szembek (1575–1644), który w pierwotnym zamyśle chciał o śmierci krakowskiego ordynariusza poinformować jedynie przyjaciela zmarłego hierarchy – arcybiskupa gnieźnieńskiego Wawrzyńca Gembickiego (1559–1624). W niedługim jednak czasie list ten na żądanie egzekutorów biskupiego testamentu oraz za wyraźnym dozwoleniem następcy Piotra Tylickiego na stolicy św. Stanisława Marcina Szyszkowskiego (1554–1630), jak i zakonnych zwierzchników autora został uzupełniony i wydany drukiem. Omawiany poniżej utwór autorstwa Fryderyka Szembeka należy do tzw. pisarstwa artis bene moriendi. Wydawane w tym nurcie książki miały co prawda różne formy, łączył je jednak przedmiot poruszanych w nich rozważań. Ogólnie rzecz ujmując, były to zbiory przykładów postaw i myśli o treści ascetycznej, służące do przygotowania człowieka na przyjęcie śmierci. Tytułowy biskup został w utworze przedstawiony z jednej strony jako wielki senator, prawdziwy potomek dawnych Polaków i miłośnik ojczyzny. Z drugiej zaś Piotr Tylicki był także dobrodziejem autora utworu oraz „dawnym i uprzejmym” przyjacielem adresata listu – arcybiskupa gnieźnieńskiego. Mimo tak wielu zalet i przymiotów w opisanym przez Fryderyka Szembeka trzyletnim okresie życia hierarchy Piotr Tylicki miał wedle autora ćwiczyć się w trzech zasadniczych cnotach. Pierwszą z nich było „wielkie nabożeństwo i takie, jakie ma być rzeczy boskich poważanie”, drugą stanowiła „pokora wielka w dostojeństwie tak wysokim”, trzecią i ostatnią było z kolei „staranie pilne o zbudowanie bliźnich i wystrzeganie się dania onym najmniejszego zgorszenia”.
Postawa Kościoła wobec wydarzeń społeczno-politycznych w Polsce na początku lat osiemdziesiątych XX wieku
Authors: Gogola Zdzisław
Published: October 2014

W polskiej historiografii stan wojenny stanowi ciągle zagadnienie budzące wiele kontrowersji. Wydaje się też, iż nawet powiększający się dystans czasowy oraz psychologiczny nie ułatwia wypracowania jednoznacznej i obiektywnej oceny dramatycznych wydarzeń z lat 1981–1983. Na ową dyferencjację prezentowanych opinii duży wpływ mają bieżące trendy poprawności politycznej oraz niedostępność stale jeszcze utajnionych dokumentów z archiwów polskich i rosyjskich. Próba dokonania rzetelnej i wieloaspektowej oceny stanu wojennego nie może obyć się bez analizy napiętej sytuacji społeczno-politycznej oraz trudnego położenia gospodarczo-ekonomicznego Polski na przełomie lat siedemdziesiątych i osiemdziesiątych. Konieczne jest również uwzględnienie ważnego czynnika, jaki stanowiła założona w 1980 roku „Solidarność” – pierwszy powojenny masowy ruchu opozycyjny, zakorzeniony silnie na podłożu przesłanek chrześcijańskich. Z tego zaś punktu wychodząc, nie da się pominąć roli, jaką odegrał w okresie stanu wojennego polski Kościół katolicki, bowiem to właśnie w ramach struktur kościelnych – wobec zawieszenia działalności niemal wszystkich organizacji społecznych – udzielane było materialne, prawne i duchowe wsparcie dla ofiar represji oraz ich rodzin. Zaś postawa hierarchów oraz licznych przedstawicieli duchowieństwa (np. prymasa Glempa, abpa Dąbrowskiego, ks. Popiełuszki czy ks. Jancarza) dobitnie świadczyła o zdecydowanym potępieniu mających wówczas miejsce licznych przypadków łamania prawa, a w szczególności – aresztowań oraz internowania działaczy „Solidarności”. Rozważania powyższe – jakkolwiek ciągle niedoskonałe i zapewne przedwczesne – pozwalają wysnuć przypuszczenie, iż wydarzenia lat 1981–1983 wywołane były raczej brakiem autorytetu władz oraz podstawowych wolności społecznych aniżeli niedostatecznym zaopatrzeniem w artykuły żywnościowe, kryzysem ekonomicznym czy groźbą zbrojnej interwencji ze Wschodu. Kościół katolicki stanął w tej sytuacji w obronie praw człowieka i godności ludzkiej, czerpiąc siłę między innymi z nauczania i postawy Jana Pawła II.
Spór o obsadę stanowiska opata komendatoryjnego na Łysej Górze w okresie bezkrólewia po śmierci Jana III Sobieskiego w świetle korespondencji nuncjusza Giovanniego Antonio Davii
Authors: Kęder Wojciech
Published: October 2014

Jedną ze spraw, która przez wiele lat, poczynając od schyłku XVI wieku, powodowała zadrażnienia stosunków pomiędzy Stolicą Apostolską a Rzecząpospolitą, była sprawa nominacji na opactwa komendatoryjne, gdzie królowie zazdrośnie strzegli swoich przywilejów nominacyjnych. Drugim czynnikiem wywierającym wpływ na przebieg konfliktu była opinia szlachecka, zależna jednak w dużej mierze od decyzji królewskich. Zależność ta natomiast znikała w okresach interregnum i dlatego interesujące było prześledzenie na przykładzie sporów o obsadę godności opata w benedyktyńskim opactwie na Świętym Krzyżu, jak wyglądał ten spór w czasach, gdy decyzje leżały wyłącznie w rękach szlachty. Przebieg konfliktu o obsadę opactw w czasie bezkrólewia po śmierci Jana III Sobieskiego wskazuje, że szlachta nie zachowała niezależności w tym sporze, a miejsce króla zajęli ambitni magnaci forujący do godności opackich swoich krewnych i popleczników. Kluczowe było tu przekonanie do swoich racji sejmików szlacheckich, jak również zdobycie przychylności senatu, a później sejmu konwokacyjnego, który dla uczynienia zadość ich ambicjom nie wahał się nawet postawić pod znakiem zapytania wzajemnych relacji z Rzymem.
Klerycy z Administratury Apostolskiej w Czeskim Cieszynie studiujący na Wydziale Teologicznym Cyryla i Metodego w Pradze
Authors: Tokarz Stanisław
Published: October 2014

Administratura Apostolska w Czeskim Cieszynie nierozerwalnie łączy się z historią Śląska Cieszyńskiego oraz Polaków, którzy jako mniejszość narodowa znaleźli się poza granicami własnej ojczyzny. Dzieje tej struktury administracyjnej obrazują także skomplikowane losy Kościoła katolickiego w Czechosłowacji pod wpływami rządów komunistycznych w trudnym dla niego okresie po II wojnie światowej. Śląsk Cieszyński jest to region na granicy polsko-czeskiej, podzielony obecnie wzdłuż rzeki Olzy. Początkowo należał do Polski, następnie do Królestwa Czech, a po I wojnie światowej stał się obiektem sporu między nowo powstałymi państwami: Polską i Czechosłowacją. Rejon ten zamieszkiwali w większości Polacy, a po podziale w 1920 roku duża ich część znalazła się po zachodniej stronie rzeki Olzy. Obszar ten z czasem zaczęto nazywać Zaolziem. Kościół katolicki na tym terenie należał do diecezji wrocławskiej. Po II wojnie światowej w 1947 roku powstała Administratura Apostolska w Czeskim Cieszynie, która istniała do roku 1978, aż została oficjalnie włączona do archidiecezji ołomunieckiej. Większą część obszaru tej struktury zajmowało Zaolzie zamieszkałe początkowo w większości przez Polaków. Od roku 1953 do 1990 wszyscy klerycy z tej części Czechosłowacji kształcili się oficjalnie w Wyższym Seminarium Duchownym w Litomierzycach. Przyjeżdżali tam również klerycy z tzw. Administratury Apostolskiej w Czeskim Cieszynie. Wielu z nich wywodziło się z polskiej mniejszości Zaolzia. Część deklarowała się jako Czesi, część jako Polacy. W dokumentach litomierzyckiej uczelni możemy odnaleźć alumnów z nazwiskami polsko brzmiącymi lub po prostu czeskimi. Większość z nich urodziła się jednak na terenie Zaolzia.
Investigation into the mechanical properties of structural lightweight concrete reinforced with waste steel wires
Authors: Aghaee Kamran , Yazdi Mohammad Ali , Tsavdaridis Konstantinos Daniel
Published: October 2014

The study of concrete incorporating different waste fibres has started to increase rapidly due to economic reasons and positive environmental effects. In the study reported here, waste steel wires from steel reinforcement and used formworks were blended with structural lightweight concrete, with the aim of replacing commercial steel fibres of controlled quality with recycled fibres. Compression, tensile, flexural and impact tests were performed to assess the mechanical properties of 28 d old concrete specimens reinforced with mixed waste steel wires, mixed steel fibres as well as plain concrete. The percentages of fibres examined in the fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) specimens were 0·25%, 0·50% and 0·75% (volume fraction of the concrete). With varying fibre contents, similar trends were observed in all the types of FRCs studied. It was thus concluded that waste steel wires could be used as a suitable alternative to industrial steel fibres for structural lightweight concrete applications.
Impact of demand and airport characteristics on baggage claim
Authors: Ronzani Giovanna Miceli , Correia Anderson Ribeiro
Published: October 2014

This paper analyses and quantifies the impact of demand and airport characteristics on the level of service (LoS) provided to passengers at baggage claim areas. A computer simulation was used to analyse operations and generate LoS indicators under various alternative scenarios. In total, 720 scenarios for domestic baggage claim facilities were analysed in this research. With Brazil hosting the Football World Cup and the Olympic Games, studies on baggage claim areas and airport characteristics are very important to ensure that Brazilian airports are ready for the anticipated volume of traffic demand. São Paulo/Guarulhos international airport was used as a case scenario and collection of data at this airport was only possible for domestic flights. The factors that oscillated most in the variable response (average waiting time) were the time taken for baggage to be moved from the aircraft to the carousel and the time passengers take to get from the aircraft to the carousel. This indicates that these two factors are those that have the greatest influence on average waiting times at the baggage claim area and suggests that management at the airport should pay considerable attention to the management/coordination of activities responsible for these variables.
A social–ecological framework for “micromanaging” microbial services
Authors: Peralta Ariane L , Stuart Diana , Kent Angela D , Lennon Jay T
Published: October 2014

Despite playing a central role in the regulation of ecosystem services, microorganisms are often neglected when evaluating feedbacks between social and ecological systems. A social–ecological framework is a tool for evaluating how social factors affect ecosystems through human actions and how ecological factors in turn affect social systems through ecosystem services. Here, we consider linkages and trade‐offs between social and biophysical factors that arise when unique microbial attributes such as complexity, dispersal, and rapid evolution are integrated into a social–ecological framework. Using case studies from food production systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and synthetic biology, we show that unintended dis‐services can arise when microbial information is limited or is ignored as a result of socioeconomic policies and practices. In contrast, when knowledge about microorganisms is integrated into a social–ecological framework, we can identify how to best maximize microbial services. New scientific tools used to characterize microbial traits, communities, and functions will enhance our ability to monitor microorganisms in diverse systems. However, communication and collaboration among stakeholders – including policy makers, landowners, resource managers, and scientists – are also needed to foster more effective “micromanagement” of microbial services.
Quantifying seasonality along a latitudinal gradient: from stream temperature to growth of invasive mosquitofish
Authors: Carmona-Catot Gerard , Santos Alejandra F. G. N. , Tedesco Pablo A. , García-Berthou Emili
Published: October 2014

Most ecosystems undergo substantial variation over the seasons, ranging from changes in abiotic features, such as temperature, light and precipitation, to changes in species abundance and composition. How seasonality varies along latitudinal gradients is not well known in freshwater ecosystems, despite being very important in predicting the effects of climate change and in helping to advance ecological understanding. Stream temperature is often well correlated with air temperature and influences many ecosystem features such as growth and metabolism of most aquatic organisms. We evaluated the degree of seasonality in ten river mouths along a latitudinal gradient for a set of variables, ranging from air and water temperatures, to physical and chemical properties of water and growth of an invasive fish species (eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki). Our results show that although most of the variation in air temperature was explained by latitude and season, this was not the case for water features, including temperature, in lowland Mediterranean streams, which depended less on season and much more on local factors. Similarly, although there was evidence of latitude‐dependent seasonality in fish growth, the relationship was nonlinear and weak and the significant latitudinal differences in growth rates observed during winter were compensated later in the year and did not result in overall differences in size and growth. Our results suggest that although latitudinal differences in air temperature cascade through properties of freshwater ecosystems, local factors and complex interactions often override the water temperature variation with latitude and might therefore hinder projections of species distribution models and effects of climate change.
A multi‐scale assessment of animal aggregation patterns to understand increasing pathogen seroprevalence
Authors: Brennan Angela , Cross Paul C. , Higgs Megan D. , Edwards W. Henry , Scurlock Brandon M. , Creel Scott
Published: October 2014

Understanding how animal density is related to pathogen transmission is important to develop effective disease control strategies, but requires measuring density at a scale relevant to transmission. However, this is not straightforward or well‐studied among large mammals with group sizes that range several orders of magnitude or aggregation patterns that vary across space and time. To address this issue, we examined spatial variation in elk (Cervus canadensis) aggregation patterns and brucellosis across 10 regions in the Greater Yellowstone Area where previous studies suggest the disease may be increasing. We hypothesized that rates of increasing brucellosis would be better related to the frequency of large groups than mean group size or population density, but we examined whether other measures of density would also explain rising seroprevalence. To do this, we measured wintering elk density and group size across multiple spatial and temporal scales from monthly aerial surveys. We used Bayesian hierarchical models and 20 years of serologic data to estimate rates of increase in brucellosis within the 10 regions, and to examine the linear relationships between these estimated rates of increase and multiple measures of aggregation. Brucellosis seroprevalence increased over time in eight regions (one region showed an estimated increase from 0.015 in 1991 to 0.26 in 2011), and these rates of increase were positively related to all measures of aggregation. The relationships were weaker when the analysis was restricted to areas where brucellosis was present for at least two years, potentially because aggregation was related to disease‐establishment within a population. Our findings suggest that (1) group size did not explain brucellosis increases any better than population density and (2) some elk populations may have high densities with small groups or lower densities with large groups, but brucellosis is likely to increase in either scenario. In this case, any one control method such as reducing population density or group size may not be sufficient to reduce transmission. This study highlights the importance of examining the density‐transmission relationship at multiple scales and across populations before broadly applying disease control strategies.
Fine‐scale dynamics and community stability in boreal peatlands: revisiting a fen and a bog in Sweden after 50 years
Authors: Pedrotti E. , Rydin H. , Ingmar T. , Hytteborn H. , Turunen P. , Granath G.
Published: October 2014

Multi‐decadal studies of community and ecosystem dynamics are rare; however, this time frame is most relevant for assessing the impact of anthropogenic influences and climate change on ecosystems. For this reason, we investigated changes in vegetation and microtopography over 52 years in two contrasting mire ecosystems, one ombrotrophic (bog) and one minerotrophic (fen), representing different successional stages and contrasting hydrological settings. In both peatlands, floristic composition was recorded in the same permanent plots (n = 55‐56, 0.25 m2) in both 1960 and 2012 and microtopography was mapped over a large area (ca. 2500 m2) that encompassed these same plots. We quantified and compared the community‐level changes and internal spatial dynamics, tested associations between pH/microtopography and community/species change, and examined how the area and location of hummock microforms had changed over time. The bog exhibited little site level change in vegetation, where few species changed significantly in cover and plot frequency. However, detailed analyses revealed some large within‐plot changes over time in the bog, illustrating that bogs can be highly dynamic systems at a fine scale. In contrast, the rich fen experienced a clear directional change; specifically, bryophyte abundance decreased by 70% and brown mosses were almost extinct. Although pH had decreased over time at the rich fen, this decrease at the plot‐level was not associated with the decline of brown moss abundance. The microtopographic structure did not change substantially at the bog where ∼70% was covered by lawn/hummocks; however, in the rich fen hummocks expanded (from 10% to 16% cover) and moved or expanded down slope. Our study suggests, that at the site‐level, the bog ecosystem was more resistant to environmental changes over time compared to the rich fen, as evidenced by shifts in vegetation and microtopography. The contrasting scales of vegetation dynamics observed within a bog (i.e., within‐plot changes vs. site‐level) indicate that plant‐environment feedbacks contribute to the peatland level stability. While in rich fens, internal feedbacks may be weaker and the ecosystem's vegetation and microtopographic structure are vulnerable to shifting hydrological fluxes.
Regulating the Nutritional Adequacy of Infant Formula in the United States
Authors: Kent George
Published: October 2014

Infant formula must be not only safe but also effective in doing what it is supposed to do, meaning it must be nutritionally adequate. Regulatory agencies have given a great deal of attention to the safety of infant formula, but they have not given enough attention to the issue of nutritional
adequacy. In 1981, the Codex Alimentarius Commission said, “Infant formula means a breast-milk substitute specially manufactured to satisfy, by itself, the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months . . .” However, in new rules published in June 2014, the only
functional test of infant formula required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was to require research as whether infant formula led to adequate physical growth. The research is to be done by the manufacturers. The FDA issued no clear guidance on how the research findings were to
be assessed and used. The FDA could do much more to ensure that parents, healthcare workers, and relevant government agencies know how different methods of infant feeding compare in relation to their nutritional adequacy.
Working and Breastfeeding: Practical Ways You Can Support Employed Breastfeeding Mothers
Authors: Robertson Barbara D.
Published: October 2014

The Business Case for Breastfeeding indicates that 80% of mothers stop breastfeeding within the first month of returning to work (Cardenas & Major, 2005). Unfortunately, research on returning to work and breastfeeding is limited. However, it is possible for clinicians to
support working mothers and increase their rates of success. This article outlines some practical ways to support breastfeeding mothers as they return to work.
Soil Nitrate following Biofuel Feedstock Grasses and Irrigation in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Girma Kefyalew , Okwany Romulus O. , Fransen Steven
Published: October 2014

Managing the soil profile NO3–N through crop selection and irrigation is an important consideration for the sustainable production of cellulosic biofuel feedstock crops. Data from two seasons were collected and analyzed from a 4–yr study conducted in Prosser, WA, to assess the effect of biofuel feedstock grasses and irrigation levels on soil profile NO3–N. The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. The main plots had three irrigation levels (60, 80, and 100% evapotranspiration, ET), and the subplots contained three cultivars of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) cultivars. Soil and root samples were collected in fall 2011 (Season1) and winter of 2012 (Season2). Soil profile NO3–N concentrations were highest at the lowest irrigation levels. In Season1, the soil profile NO3–N concentration averaged over depths was 1.7 mg kg−1 for the switchgrass cultivars and 5.6 mg kg−1 for gamagrass. In Season2, the concentrations were 1.4 and 2.2 mg kg−1 for the switchgrass cultivars and gamagrass, respectively. We found a significant correlation between switchgrass root mass and soil profile NO3–N; r = 0.63‐Kanlow; r = 0.58‐ Blackwell; and r = 0.46‐ Shawnee. Our results suggest that soil profile NO3–N was lower under the switchgrass cultivars than gamagrass. More root mass and NO3–N were accumulated at lower irrigation levels. The results reported here can help in developing practical decision tools for managing fertilizer N in biomass biofuel crops.
Integrating Sheep Grazing into Cereal‐Based Crop Rotations: Spring Wheat Yields and Weed Communities
Authors: Miller Zach J. , Menalled Fabian D. , Sainju Upendra M. , Lenssen Andrew W. , Hatfield Patrick G.
Published: October 2014

Crop diversification and integration of livestock into cropping systems may improve the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. However, few studies have examined the integration of these practices in the semiarid areas of the Northern Great Plains (NGP). A 3‐yr experiment was conducted near Bozeman, MT, to compare the effects of crop rotation diversity and weed management practices imposed during fallow periods [sheep (Ovis aries) grazing, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage] on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields and weed pressure. Management treatments were applied to replicated whole plots, within which the split‐plots received crop rotation treatments [continuous spring wheat (CSW) and a 3‐yr rotation of annual forage, fallow, and spring wheat, where each phase was present in each year]. In the initial 2 yr, the realized rotational treatments were wheat–fallow and CSW. In the final year, wheat was grown following all phases of the diversified rotation. Yields were similar among management treatments within the wheat–fallow and CSW rotations. Weed pressure was generally low but perennial weeds were more abundant in grazing‐managed, wheat–fallow systems. The integration of livestock into the annual hay crop–fallow–spring wheat rotation was associated with a nearly 30‐fold increase in weed pressure and a yield reduction of 51.2% compared to conventional management. The results suggest that although targeted sheep grazing is a viable alternative to conventional fallow management in CSW and wheat–fallow rotations, successful integration of livestock in diversified cropping systems requires more effective weed management practices.
Pigment Changes in Cool‐Season Turfgrasses in Response to Ultraviolet‐B Light Irradiance
Authors: Nangle Edward J. , Gardner David S. , Metzger James D. , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis , Guisti Maria M. , Danneberger Tom K. , Petrella Dominic P.
Published: October 2014

Pigments and phenolics that absorb ultraviolet light (UV) are involved in the protection of the photosynthetic apparatus during periods of high ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation and can be of benefit to turfgrasses. This study initiated in October 2010 and repeated in March 2011 aimed to characterize protective pigment responses to elevated UV‐B in cool‐season turfgrass. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) cultivars L93 and Penncross were tested. Turfgrass pigment responses were measured over a 1‐wk period during which they were subjected to 16 kJ m−2 d−1 of UV‐B in growth chambers. Photoperiod was 14 h and plants were subjected to 26.2 mol m−2 d−1 photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 20° C day and 17°C night. Turfgrass samples were collected at Day 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Measurements included chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll pigmentation, and flavonoid, phenolic, anthocyanins, and carotenoid concentrations. Chlorophyll fluorescence increased and chlorophyll quantities decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in UV‐B conditions compared to control. All species had significantly (P < 0.05) higher quantities of total phenolics and flavonoids at the top of the tissue canopy relative to roots and shoot tissue near the soil surface. Anthocyanins were only found in creeping bentgrass L93. Carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and β‐carotene declined in the UV‐B treatment for both creeping bentgrass L‐93 and Penncross after 7 d, but did not decrease for perennial ryegrass or tall fescue. Carotenoids may play a greater role in UV‐B tolerance than anthocyanins in cool‐season turfgrasses due to their ubiquitous presence.
Irrigation, Seeding Rates, and Row Type Effects on Grain Sorghum in the Midsouth
Authors: Bruns H. Arnold
Published: October 2014

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is considered more drought tolerant than most other crops and may help reduce depletion of aquifers used by agriculture for irrigation. A study at Stoneville, MS, in 2012 and 2013 examined the effects of seeding rates (98,000, 148,000, 197,600, and 248,000 kernels ha−1), row type (single‐ vs. twin‐row) and furrow irrigation vs. no irrigation on yield and yield components of grain sorghum grown on a clay soil. Irrigation did not affect any of the yield components or grain yield in this experiment. Increased seeding rates did increase heads ha−1 (154,274, 181,682, 196,580, and 225,625) but resulted in less grain per head (46.5, 40.0, 37.2, and 33.3 g) and no difference in 1000 kernel weight, thus resulting in no difference in yields. Twin‐row seedings produced more heads per ha (199,340) than single‐row plantings (179,740) but smaller 1000 kernel weights (26.3 vs.27.4 g) and less grain per head (37.1 vs. 41.7 g) resulting in no difference in yield between row type. Furrow irrigation, twin‐row planting, and seeding rates above 98,000 kernels ha−1 did not increase grain sorghum yields in this experiment.
On‐Farm Evaluation of Corn and Soybean Grain Yield and Soil pH Responses to Liming
Authors: Pagani Agustín , Mallarino Antonio P.
Published: October 2014

It is known that soil acidity can limit crop yield, but additional research is needed to identify more precisely optimum soil pH for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and the within‐field variation in yield response to liming. The objective of this study was to identify optimum soil pH for these crops by studying the variation of soil pH and grain yield response to liming within several Iowa fields. Fourteen 4‐yr strip‐trials were established in acidic Molisols from 2007 to 2009. The methodology used global positioning systems (GPS), dense soil sampling (0.12–0.18‐ha cells), yield monitors, and geographical information systems (GIS). One‐time treatments replicated two to five times were an unlimed control and limestone at 6.72 Mg ha−1 effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE), incorporated into the soil in fields managed with tillage. Soil samples (15‐cm depth) were collected before liming and annually after crop harvest. The lowest initial soil pH at each site ranged from 4.75 to 5.70. Maximum pH increase was reached 1 to 3 yr after liming. Grain yield response to lime varied greatly. Corn yield responded more frequently than soybean yield but the magnitude of the response did not differ consistently. Liming seldom increased yield with pH > 6.0 in soils having a high subsoil pH (≥ 7.4) and CaCO3 within a 1‐m depth but often increased yield up to pH 6.5 with lower pH subsoil. The results provided improved criteria for site‐specific soil pH and lime management.
Worldwide Genetic Diversity for Mineral Element Concentrations in Rice Grain
Authors: Pinson Shannon R. M , Tarpley Lee , Yan Wengui , Yeater Kathleen , Lahner Brett , Yakubova Elena , Huang Xin‐Yuan , Zhang Min , Guerinot Mary Lou , Salt David E.
Published: October 2014

With the aim of identifying rice (Oryza spp.) germplasm having enhanced grain nutritional value, the mineral nutrient and trace element concentrations (or ionome) of whole (unmilled) grains from a set of 1763 rice accessions of diverse geographic and genetic origin were evaluated. Seed for analysis of P, Mg, K, S, Ca, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Sr, and Zn concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was produced over 2 yr in Beaumont, TX, under both flooded and unflooded watering regimes. The distributions of all element concentrations analyzed were skewed toward higher concentration. A significant portion of this ionomic variation has a genetic basis (broad sense heritabilities 0.14–0.75), indicating an ability to breed for improved grain concentration of all elements except possibly Ni. Variation in grain elemental concentrations was not strongly associated with plant height, heading time, or grain shape, suggesting these physiological factors are not of primary importance in controlling ionomic variation in rice grain. Accessions high in specific elements were sometimes found to have similar genetic or geographic origins, suggesting they share a heritable mechanism underlying their enhanced ionomes. For example, accessions with high Ca, Mg, or K were more common in the indica than in the japonica subgroup; low As was most common among temperate japonica accessions; and several lines high in Mo originated in Malaysia or adjacent Brunei.
Morphological Traits Associated with Weed‐Suppressive Ability of Winter Wheat against Italian Ryegrass
Authors: Worthington Margaret , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Jordan David , Weisz Randy , Murphy J. Paul
Published: October 2014

Weed‐suppressive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars have been suggested as a complement to chemical and cultural methods of weed control. The objectives of this study were to assess the range of weed‐suppressive ability against Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] existing in winter wheat lines adapted to North Carolina and to identify wheat morphological traits that could facilitate indirect selection for weed suppression in the southeastern United States. Fifty‐three commercially available cultivars and advanced experimental lines were overseeded with a uniform, high rate of Italian ryegrass, evaluated for various morphological traits throughout the growing season, and investigated for weed‐suppressive ability at a total of four field sites. Genotypic differences in Italian ryegrass seed head density (P ≤ 0.05) were detected among the wheat lines. Reduced Italian ryegrass seed head density was correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with high vigor during tillering and heading (Zadoks growth stage [GS] 25, 29, 55), erect growth habit (GS 29), low normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (GS 29), high leaf area index (LAI) at stem extension (GS 31), early heading date, and tall height throughout the growing season (GS 29, 31, 55, 70 to 80) in three of four sites. Multiple regression models show that 71% of variation in weed‐suppressive ability was accounted for by final height (GS 70 to 80) and either height or plant vigor at late tillering (GS 29). Thus, breeders could improve weed‐suppressive ability using weighted index selection for genotypes that are tall or vigorous during tillering with tall final height.
Diversity and Genetics of Tassel Branch Numbers in Maize
Authors: Brewbaker James L.
Published: October 2014

The diversity and genetics of tassel branch numbers (TBN) in maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated in a series of five studies. Diversity was assessed in races and inbreds and genetics assessed in diallels, generation mean analyses (GMAs), near‐isogenic lines (NILs), and recombinant inbred lines (RILs). High diversity characterized 215 tropical maize races that averaged 27.0 ± 3.27 TBN and 80 modern inbreds that averaged 14.8 ± 1.45 TBN. There was a close correlation between TBN values and husk numbers (r = 0.674). Both were much higher in tropical lowlands than in highlands. Correlations of the native elevations of races were r = −0.465 for TBN and r = −0.732 for husk numbers. Reduced tassel size and branch numbers have been viewed as advantages for grain yield, but this could also be attributed to the correlation with husk numbers. The related genetic controls of meristematic activity in tassel and ear are implicated. Heritability studies included an eight‐entry diallel, five sets of progenies for GMA analysis, three sets of RILs, and evaluation of 169 NILs of inbred Hi27. A new mutant Brta (branched tassel) on Chromosome 2 was identified that doubled branch numbers. Inbred TBNs were highly correlated with means of their hybrids (r = 0.918); mean square ratios of general combining ability (GCA) to specific combining ability (SCA) averaged 11.2; and heritability values were high (h = 67%) with negligible dominance and epistasis effects. Midparent heterosis for TBN was high (32%). Variances and means were highly correlated (r = 0.677) and CVs low (average 10.4%). The RIL segregations were interpreted on the basis of three or four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) biased by high‐variance –mean correlations. Inheritance of TBN is concluded to involve additive polygenic systems that could involve many loci in the genus Zea. Reducing TBN in tropical maize offers little challenge to breeders, but seems of doubtful value.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Oil Content in Soybean Seed
Authors: Wang Jiao , Chen Pengyin , Wang Dechun , Shannon Grover , Shi Ainong , Zeng Ailan , Orazaly Moldir
Published: October 2014

Oil is one of the major chemical constituents that affect the quality of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] products. Soybean seed with high oil content is a valuable source for cooking oil and biodiesel production. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for oil content to advance soybean breeding efforts. Two F2–derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, consisting of 242 and 214 individuals from the cross of R05–638 × R05–1415 (Population 1) and R05–4256 × V97–1346 (Population 2), respectively, were used for QTL mapping. The F2 plants from the mapping populations were genotyped by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Seeds from F2:3, F2:4, and F2:5 lines were tested for oil content using near infrared transmittance technique based on 13% moisture. Six oil QTL regions located on chromosomes 5, 6, 14, 15, and 20 were identified. Among the QTL identified, a major oil QTL (14–40%) on chromosome 20 linked with eight SNP markers was confirmed across genetic populations, locations, and years; this QTL had negative effect on seed protein content. In Population 2, two novel QTL located on chromosomes 6 and 14 accounting for between 11 and 15% and 8 and 15% of the variation in seed oil content, respectively, were detected. These QTL with linked markers can be used for marker‐assisted selection for increased seed oil content in soybean breeding programs.
Potential Use of Biochar in Growing Media
Authors: Nemati M. Reza , Simard Frederic , Fortin Jean-Pierre , Beaudoin Jacynthe
Published: October 2014

One of the greatest challenges in the growing media (GM) industry is sourcing superior quality, inexpensive, readily available, and environmentally friendly constituents. Biochar has been widely considered for its potential use in agriculture, in the energy sector, and for environmental purposes, but little attention has been paid to the use of biochar in GM. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of biochar as an alternative for aggregates (e.g., perlite) and peat moss in the GM industry. A laboratory experiment was conducted comparing five organic substrates composed of different combinations of peat moss, perlite, and three types of biochar. The main physical and chemical properties of the biochars and organic substrates were measured. A leaching experiment was also performed to evaluate the nutrient‐holding capacity of the investigated substrates. Biochar showed a good potential for replacement of perlite and, to a lesser extent, peat moss in GM. Biochar increases cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) and pH, and it decreases nutrient leaching (11% reduction) in GM. Biochar affected the physical properties of GM, and this was mainly related to its particle‐size distribution (PSD). In spite of all of its benefits, biochar is still not a standardized product, and its properties may differ from one source to another. However, the GM industry requires high quality, homogeneous, and consistent components. To define suitable properties for biochar products in the GM industry, a standardization program should be put in place. Economically, biochar presents a greater potential in the replacement of aggregates than peat moss. Special attention should be paid to the presence of fine dust particles in some biochar.
Soil Bulk Density and Moisture Content Influence Relative Gas Diffusivity and the Reduction of Nitrogen‐15 Nitrous Oxide
Authors: Klefoth Roland R. , Clough Tim J. , Oenema Oene , Van Groenigen Jan-Willem
Published: October 2014

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas and contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. Soil physical conditions may influence N2O reduction and subsequent N2O emissions. We studied how soil water‐filled pore space (WFPS) and soil bulk density (ρb) affect N2O reduction and surface fluxes. Columns were repacked with soil and arranged in a factorial design at three levels of WFPS (60, 75, and 90%) and three levels of soil ρb (0.94, 1.00, 1.07 Mg m−3). Over 19 d, 15N‐enriched N2O was introduced at the base of the soil columns and N2O fluxes were measured. Relative gas diffusivities (Dp/Do) were also calculated. Soil ρb and WFPS interacted to affect the recovery of N2O‐15N and the antecedent inorganic‐N contribution to surface fluxes. Reduction rates of N2O‐15N ranged from 0.15 to 0.47 mg N2O‐N g−1 soil d−1. Calculated Dp/Do values correlated (P < 0.01) with soil NH4+–N (r = −0.73), NO3−–N (r = 0.93), cumulative N2O‐N flux (r = 0.76), and N2O‐N 15N enrichment (r = 0.80) and were affected by a soil WFPS × soil ρb interaction. Soil N transformations and the net surface N2O flux is dependent on the soil's Dp/Do, and WFPS alone does not suffice to discriminate between N2O emission sources. Consequently, the soil surface N2O flux may be comprised of N2O originating from deeper soil layers transported upward and/or from production in the topsoil.
Fixed point results for F-contractive mappings of Hardy-Rogers-type
Authors: Cosentino Monica , Vetroa Pasquale
Published: October 2014

Recently, Wardowski introduced a new concept of contraction and proved a fixed
point theorem which generalizes Banach contraction principle. Following this
direction of research, in this paper, we will present some fixed point
results of Hardy-Rogers-type for self-mappings on complete metric spaces or
complete ordered metric spaces. Moreover, an example is given to illustrate
the usability of the obtained results.
Spectral distances of graphs based on their different matrix representations
Authors: Jovanovic Irena , Stanic Zoran
Published: October 2014

The investigation of the spectral distances of graphs that started in [3] (I.
Jovanovic, Z. Stanic, Spectral distances of graphs, Linear Algebra Appl., 436
(2012) 1425-1435.) is continued by defining Laplacian and signless Laplacian
spectral distances and considering their relations to the spectral distances
based on the adjacency matrix of graph. Some separate results concerning the
defined distances are given, and the initial spectral distances in certain
sets of graphs are investigated. Computational data on Laplacian and signless
Laplacian spectral distances are provided.
A discussion on "α-ψ-Geraghty contraction type mappings"
Authors: Karapınar Erdal
Published: October 2014

In this paper we discuss the subadditivity property of some auxiliary
functions which have been used to generalize the contractive conditions on
maps. Our results show that this property is not required in many cases and
therefore, can be removed. We emphasize that in several papers (see
e.g.[1]-[11]) dealing with such contraction mappings, the hypotheses of the
main theorems can be restated in the light of our results.
The best bounds for Toader mean in terms of the centroidal and arithmetic means
Authors: Hua Yun , Qi Feng
Published: October 2014

In the paper, the authors discover the best constants ?1, ?2, ?1, and ?2 for
the double inequalities ?1C(a,b) + (1-?1)A(a,b) < T(a,b) < ?1C(a,b) +
(1-?1)A(a,b) and ?2/A(a,b) + 1-?2/C(a,b) < 1/T(a,b) < ?2/A(a,b) +
1-?2-C(a,b) to be valid for all a, b > 0 with a ? b, where C(a,b) =
2(a2+ab+b2)/3(a+b), A(a,b) = a+b/2, and T(a,b) = 2/???2,0 ?a2 cos2 ? + b2 sin2 ? d ?
are respectively the centroidal, arithmetic, and
Toader means of two positive numbers a and b. As an application of the above
inequalities, the authors also find some new bounds for the complete
elliptic integral of the second kind.
Fixed points and stability in nonlinear neutral integro-differential equations with variable delay
Authors: Soualhia Imene , Ardjouni Abdelouaheb , Djoudi Ahcene
Published: October 2014

The nonlinear neutral integro-differential equation x'(t) = -?t,t-?(t) a
(t,s) g(x(s))ds+c(t)x'(t-?(t)), with variable delay ?(t) ? 0
is investigated. We find suitable conditions for ?, a, c and g so that for a
given continuous initial function ? mapping P for the above equation can
be defined on a carefully chosen complete metric space S0? in which P
possesses a unique fixed point. The final result is an asymptotic stability
theorem for the zero solution with a necessary and sufficient conditions. The
obtained theorem improves and generalizes previous results due to Burton
[6], Becker and Burton [5] and Jin and Luo [16].
On generalized Quasi Einstein manifolds
Authors: De Avik , Yildiz Ahmet , De Uday
Published: October 2014

Quasi Einstein manifold is a simple and natural generalization of an Einstein
manifold. The object of the present paper is to study some geometric
properties of generalized quasi Einstein manifolds. Two non-trivial examples
have been constructed to prove the existence of a generalized quasi Einstein
manifold.
The sequence space BVIσ(p)
Authors: Khan Vakeel , Ebadullah Khalid
Published: October 2014

In this article we introduce the sequence space BVI?(p) for p=(pk), a
sequence of positive real numbers and study the topological properties and
some inclusion relations on this space.
Second order parallel tensors on almost Kenmotsu manifolds satisfying the nullity distributions
Authors: Wang Yaning , Liu Ximin
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we prove that if there exists a second order symmetric
parallel tensor on an almost Kenmotsu manifold (M2n+1, ?, ?, ?, g) whose
characteristic vector field ? belongs to the (k,?)'-nullity distribution,
then either M2n+1 is locally isometric to the Riemannian product of an
(n+1)-dimensional manifold of constant sectional curvature -4 and a flat
n-dimensional manifold, or the second order parallel tensor is a constant
multiple of the associated metric tensor of M2n+1. Furthermore, some
properties of an almost Kenmotsu manifold admitting a second order parallel
tensor with ? belonging to the (k,?)-nullity distribution are also obtained.
Tauberian theorems for statistically (C,1)-convergent sequences of fuzzy numbers
Authors: Talo Özer , Çakan Celal
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we have determined necessary and sufficient Tauberian
conditions under which statistically convergence follows from statistically
(C,1)-convergence of sequences of fuzzy numbers. Our conditions are satisfied
if a sequence of fuzzy numbers is statistically slowly oscillating. Also,
under additional conditions it is proved that a bounded sequence of fuzzy
numbers which is (C,1)-level-convergent to its statistical limit superior is
statistically convergent.
Exponential inequality for ρ˜-mixing sequences and its applications
Authors: Shen Aiting , Zhu Huayan , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2014

Exponential inequality and complete convergence for ??-mixing sequence are
given. By using the exponential inequality, we study the asymptotic
approximation of inverse moments for ??-mixing sequences, which generalizes
the corresponding one for independent sequence.
Local polynomial estimation of time-dependent diffusion parameter for discretely observed SDE models
Authors: Wang Ji-xia , Xiaob Qing-xian
Published: October 2014

Extending the results of Yu, Yu, Wang and Lin [10], we study the local
polynomial estimation of the time-dependent diffusion parameter for
time-inhomogeneous diffusion models. Considering the diffusion parameter
being positive, we obtain the local polynomial estimation of the diffusion
parameter by taking the diffusion parameter to be local log-polynomial
fitting. The asymptotic bias, asymptotic variance and asymptotic normal
distribution of the volatility function are discussed. A real data analysis
is conducted to show the performance of the estimations proposed.