bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Na2CO3 on seed germination, seed reserve utilization and seedling growth in bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.)
Authors: Sepehri1* Ali , Saman2 Maryam , Bayat1 Somayeh
Published: August 2016

Alkalinity is one of the main limiting factors of seed germination in alkaline soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Na2CO3 levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mM) on seed germination, seed reserve utilization and seedling vigour of three local bitter vetch cultivars (Buinzahra, Shahreza and Tarom). The results indicated that increasing Na2CO3 concentrations caused a decrease in germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), seedling length, seedling dry weight (SLDW) and seed reserve utilization efficiency (SRUE). The rate of reduction in shoot length in comparison with the control in different concentrations of Na2CO3 was detected from Buinzahra as 30-92%, Shahreza 39-97% and Tarom 13-83%. Decrease in root length was more than shoot length in all the cultivars at each Na2CO3 level, as compared to the control. The weight of mobilized seed reserve (WMSR) and seed reserve depletion percentage (SRDP) decreased with increasing Na2CO3 levels up to 10 mM in Buinzahra and Tarom cultivars and up to 15 mM in Shahreza. WMSR and SRDP then rapidly raised with higher alkalinity levels. These results suggest that reduction of seed germination and decline in seedling dry weight in response to alkalinity stress is a consequence of decline in seed reserve utilization efficiency.
Seasonal abundance of Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae), A larval parasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera(Hubner) hardwick in chickpea
Authors: Pillai A. Kuzhandhaivel , Selvaraj S. , Agnihotri Meena
Published: August 2016

Climate change is likely to affect the insect host and the activity and abundance of biological control agents. Therefore, the present studies were conducted to understand the seasonal abundance of larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae on chickpea at Pantnagar during the cropping season 2010-11 and 2011-12 revealed that the larval parasitoid exhibited its marked first appearance in 3rd standard meteorological week (SMW) and attained peak population in 7th (85.80%) and 8th (87.65%) SMW, respectively. Statistical analysis between the weather parameters and the population of the larval parasitoid showed a significant negative correlation with maximum temperature (r= - 0.698* and r= - 0.705*) and minimum temperature (r= - 0.706* and r= - 0.790*) whereas significant positive correlation with maximum relative humidity (r= 0.800** and r = 0.824**) and minimum relative humidity (r= 0.636* and r= 0.254) during 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. The results indicated that changes in weather factors as a result of climate change would have considerable influence on survival and development of C.chlorideae.
White Paper: Brain Scan Research
Authors: Hunter Noel , Schultz William
Published: August 2016

Recently, there have been intense debates within the mental health field regarding the validity of the current diagnostic system, how to best work with individuals in distress, and what constitutes “mental illness.” Proponents of a more biologically focused psychiatry are calling for a shift from a system of many discrete mental disorders based on somewhat arbitrary lists of symptoms to one that focuses on differences in brain activity, brain structure, and/or soon-to-be-discovered biomarkers as the basis for diagnostic categorization. Several national and federally funded organizations throughout the world, including the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States, have publicly avowed to support technologies and research focused on discovering brain-based pathology at the explicit expense of studies examining psychosocial factors and preventative measures for human suffering. Although the motivation for this shift is understandable, it continues to rely on a disease model based on an implausible reductionist view of human nature and contradicts robust research findings. It is likely that this new research focus will not only fail to achieve the breakthroughs it aims for, it will also serve to entrench current flawed assumptions about emotional distress to the detriment of many. By focusing on a narrow, brain-based etiology of emotional suffering, crucial factors, such as poverty, violence, family disharmony, and discrimination are marginalized or ignored. The need for a more comprehensive approach is discussed.
Invited Editorial: Responding to Incivility in the Classroom: A Case Study
Authors: Rabow Jerome , Payne Keisha E.
Published: August 2016

This paper briefly reviews the literature of incivility in the university. We then describe a case study of incivility in a university classroom. We analyze how incivility can be handled as a teaching moment that facilitates deeper learning. Rather than seeing incivility as the disruption of learning, we argue that it provides the possibilities for engagement in a form of pedagogy that stresses inclusiveness and democratic values.
Competitive Intelligence Practices And Performance Of Firms Listed On The Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Authors: Waithaka Paul
Published: August 2016

Performance is critical for every listed firm, as it enhances shareholder’s value and capability to generate earnings from invested capital. Some of the firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) have been performing poorly as indicated by the rising number of firms issuing profit warnings. The competitive business environment is continuously working to drive down the rate of return on invested capital. To counter these competitive forces, firms have resorted to gathering information at their disposal and converting it into competitive intelligence through analysis and human judgment. This study sought to determine the effect of competitive intelligence practices on performance of firms listed on the NSE. Firm performance was evaluated using both financial and non-financial measures. The non-financial measures used in the study were goal achievement and customer satisfaction, while Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) were the financial measures used. The target population was the sixty firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire; while secondary data was obtained from the firm’s published annual reports available at the NSE using a document review guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that competitive intelligence practices have a positive and a statistically significant effect on the non-financial performance of firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The intelligence practices were found to have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on the financial performance of listed firms. Managers of listed firms should raise the utilization level of competitive intelligence practices to enable the firms to make accurate predictions on changes in the business environment, compete better in the marketplace against rivals, improve on innovation and automation, track competitors’ activities and improve the competitiveness of their firms by identifying threats and opportunities before they become obvious. The study suggests that future researches should focus on extending knowledge on competitive intelligence practices to non-listed corporate sector firms to support the generalization of the findings to all sectors in the economy.
Investigación Acción En Un Entorno Educativo: Programa Para Promover Creencias Positivas Hacia Una Cultura De Paz Y De Prevención A La Violencia
Authors: Trejos Analinnette Lebrija
Published: August 2016

The objective of the research is validating a program to promote positive beliefs towards a culture of peace and prevention of school violence from a psychological perspective and health promotion. Beliefs are understandings and assumptions about the world that are perceived as truths and that underlie the attitudes and decision making of individuals. We carried out a total of 6 workshops, of two hours each given weekly, and two evaluation sessions, to 43 students divided into a study group and a control group, with a simple random sample type. During the week, we used process-measuring instruments. The workshops were based on competence of life and education for peace. The study was conducted in a school located in Panama City. The subjects were teenagers from eighth grade (mid-school), aged 13 to 15 years. The study is a pretest – posttest study with control group, action research that allowed reflection and participation of students on the issue of violence. Quantitative and qualitative results indicate that the program managed to positive change the beliefs of students towards violence; the results and the theoretical background support that a change of attitudes in the long-term requires that these types of Programs are embedded in the academic process as a constant and systematic element.
Integrated Development Model (IMD): A Systematic Review and Reflection
Authors: Salvador Jordan Tovera
Published: August 2016

This paper evaluates a recognized supervision model and reflects on how this model has affected one’s personal role as an instructional supervisor. Integrated Development Model of Supervision (IMD) is one of the most sought after developmental models of supervision in the past decades and even up to the present. Developmental models of supervision are usually derived from the idea that the supervisee has the capability to develop from novice to expert with the guidance and counseling of the supervisor. Each of the developmental stages of supervision has specific skills and competencies that are notable and observable amongst the supervisee and supervisor. However, just like any other models of supervision, developmental models have loopholes identified by experts such as: (1) these models are simplistic and vague, (2) emphasizing on the amalgamation of the advances to developmental supervisions, (3) no new models of supervision have emerged, (4) does not allow differing routes to development for dissimilar trainees and (5) does not report any waning on the part of the supervisee. IDM was formulated based from the ambiguities of the early developmental models and to answer the gaps in shifting between each developmental stage.
Professionals’ Dichotomous Take on Instructional Supervision Styles for Technical Institutions in Ghana
Authors: Y D Quansah Joseph , John Gayomey , Elvis Attakora-Amaniampong
Published: August 2016

Learning is central to the purpose of a school and teaching is a basic tool to promote learning. This, then underlines the significance of instructional supervision and its types as magic bullet to effective teaching and learning in most educational institutions. However, contemporary research within the Ghanaian context is salient on the professionals’ preferred supervision types in public technical educational institutions. This study employed a descriptive research survey design to accomplish this. Three set of questionnaires were developed after literature survey and data was collected from 502 participants consisting of 484 teachers, 9 circuit supervisors and 9 principals. These participants were selected based on a multi-stage sampling technique, from the nine Technical Institutions in the Greater Accra region. The data, mainly categorical in nature was analysed using mean and percentages with the aid of SPSS version 18. The findings of the study showed that teachers preferred instructional supervision that is premised on the mutual relationship between the teachers and the supervisors while principals and external supervisors preferred the formal rules-based supervision. This study suggests a hybrid instructional supervision which merges the two types of instructional supervision. The formal rules-based and collegial based types of instructional supervision, if teachers’ performance are to be enhanced.
Non – Formal Education Activities For The Enhancement Of Knowledge And Skills: Investigation Of Non-Explicit Motives For Participation
Authors: Koskeris Andreas , Karalis Thanassis
Published: August 2016

In recent years, more and more adults are seeking for opportunities for additional professional engagement and strengthening their position. Non-formal education offers such a pathway since they are designed to better suit the specific needs of adults. But to make this possible, it is important to direct the relevant scientific research towards analytical investigation of needs and incentives which motivate adults to participate in non-formal education. This investigation is useful to be directed in points beyond the obvious (e.g. acquisition of additional qualifications) to identify particular issues (e.g. need for communication) which should be taken into account for the design of efficient seminars. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the above direction by identifying individual approaches and social needs which affect participation in such actions. By focusing on specific subjects of training, literature study and surveying using questionnaires and focused interviews, it was revealed that apart from the obvious goals of acquiring new knowledge and skills, there are other "internal" needs of adults who urge them to participate in seminars. These have to do mainly with two categories of needs: - The strengthening of self-confidence in relation with continuous developments of our time - The need to improve and strengthen social relations These findings are an important basis for feedback on specific elements that are not often recorded and which should be taken into account during the needs analysis in order to design adult education activities.
Economic Integration In ECOWAS: 40 Years After
Authors: Okom Michael P.
Published: August 2016

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was launched in Lagos on 28 May, 1975, amidst fanfare and big dreams of economic nirvana: economic integration, development and prosperity. The template for the institutional mechanisms and infrastructure for the realization of the dreams were encapsulated in the Treaty itself and the relevant Protocols. The legal and institutional framework presented a picture perfect structure which only needed concerted and focused action, to realize ECOWAS’ lofty goals and objectives. 37 years after, this still remains a mirage. This paper examines the cause for this untoward status-quo and proffers ideas as to how the drive towards the actualization of the ECOWAS as a viable, virile, economic bloc can be attained.
The Ritual (Traditional) Songs In The Villages Of Tirana
Authors: Duqi Kreshnik
Published: August 2016

This work intends to reflect on and to analyze the rituals ever-present during the holidays and the traditional celebrations during the year. The stimulus for this study was the interest shown towards ritual songs, which with the passing of the time are being forgotten and fade away as a result of social and cultural development. In this study we intend to point out some general characteristics of the songs of the spring season, including important holidays and rituals such as: “The First day of Summer”, “Llazoret (collecting eggs from the neighbors as a sign of spring coming)”, “Saint George”, etc; and also other songs which represent the traditional rituals related to agriculture and livestock farming to whom are dedicated specific ceremonies too. In this study we have analyzed some of these songs in order to better understand their origin and to reach some conclusions too. We found out that the song “Llazoret” is sung in different areas of Tirana’s villages, but with some variations. The grouping of the songs used in this study testifies that the origin of these songs is very old. Outside the rituals these songs lost their original meaning and that’s the reason why many of them are disappeared and the rest is dying slowly because of the obliteration.
La Sodeci, Un Outil Strategique Dans La Distribution D’eau Potable En Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Atta , Abou Diabagate , Ghislaine Konan Honorée
Published: August 2016

This study aims to make SODECI (water distribution) better known by the Ivorian populations. Indeed, very few studies have been made on it to make it known. Therefore, this study raises the problem of ignorance of this strategic tool in the supply of drinking water in Côte d'Ivoire. To solve this problem, a methodology based on documentary research and interview has allowed to track its development route. Thus, from its creation, it will undergo a remarkable development but it will later face crises that will affect it without undermining its fundamentals. Until late 2015, it served 964 villages and 13,745,067 inhabitants that is a national coverage of 68%. The fruit of his prowess is put to the credit of an exceptional managerial policy and a civic attitude during the Ivorian crisis that rocked and split the country in 2002.
The Relation Between Self-Esteem Development and Learning Breaststroke Swimming Performance
Authors: Mousa Ay Khitam
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the relation between self-esteem development and learning to perform the breaststroke swimming skill. Twenty four female students from physical education faculty at the university of Jordan (19 ± 0.5) years of age, who were assigned in swimming course (2) in the first semester 2014/2015. After completing the self-esteem Questionnaire (Robson Self-Esteem Questionnaire, 1989) the subjects were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (n=12) received physical practice of the breaststroke swimming skill performance, and dialogues for self-esteem development, and control group (n=12) received only physical practice of the breaststroke swimming skill performance. Two measurements were taken; both groups were measured at the beginning (pre-test), in order to establish that all students started at the same level of performance and global self-esteem level, after the pre-test of the breaststroke skills performance, all subjects filled out the self-esteem questionnaire. After the completion of the intervention the final measurements were taken (post-test), to note the impact of the intervention on the student`s performance in breaststroke swimming skills and selfesteem improvement. Statistical analysis included t-Test for mean at pre and post test for the two groups and t-Test for mean at post test in the two groups. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in post test between the two groups in favor of the experimental group. In conclusions learning new swimming skills performance engaged to dialogues for self-esteem development enhanced learning and improved skills performance of the breaststroke swimming.
Apport Des Images Satellites MODIS Dans L’étude De L’évolution De La Végétation Forestière De l’Est Algérien
Authors: Ahmed Laala , Djamel Alatou , Amina Adimi
Published: August 2016

The monitoring of forest dynamics is needed to better quantify the intensity of climate change and their impacted on forest resources of Algeria. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) was often used to take this step. It is considered a fluctuating parameter in space and in time, very used today to measure the physiological activity of plants and characterize the vigor of vegetation. In this study we tried to characterize the one hand the spatial and temporal variability of NDVI of forest ecosystems of eastern Algeria and also spatially identify via statistical calculations the stressed forest parcels where chlorophyll activity leaves shows fluctuations and anomalies. The data used are those of the spectral index NDVI MODIS sensor for detecting photosynthetic signal returned by the tree canopy. It appears from this study that the vegetative activity of the forest ecosystems of eastern Algeria is always strong in the coastal massifs and decreases according to a latitudinal gradient oriented approximately North-South. In terms of the ecosystems, this activity is greater for deciduous stands than for softwoods. Moreover, the mapping of the standard deviation of NDVI allowed us, first, to spatially discriminate stressed forest parcels that are considered priorities for the establishment of effective conservation strategy and, secondly, to identify the most threatened tree species that requires a rapid response and collaboration between the institutions concerned to protect it.
Corruption In Nigerian Society & The Insouciancing Of The Church In The Light Of Micah 3:9-12
Authors: Itebiye Bernard O.
Published: August 2016

This paper is a critical discourse on the seeming silence of the Church about the issue of Corruption in Nigerian Society, using Micah 3: 9-12 as a case study. It aimed at finding out the relevance of Prophet Micah’s massage to the contemporary Nigerian church and society in the light of the claim that Religion is necessary for morality, vis-à-vis the seeming damaging conclusion that many religious activities these days no longer impede corruption. The analyses employed Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework. Data gathered both from the primary and secondary sources were analyzed through the hermeneutical, descriptive and analytical methods. The findings of the paper are that there is a high level of corruption in Nigerian Society and the Church is silent or saying little and that Corruption, in whatever name it is called, including its encouragement by insouciance, can affect the society in many ways. The paper is of the view that the church, like Micah in his time, cannot remain silent or seen to be promoting what it ought to condemn. The paper concludes that The Nigerian Political elites should be constantly reminded of such passages as Micah 6:8 where we are told that what the Lord truly requires of those who know him is “to love tenderly, to do justice, and to walk humbly before your God.” And that Religious leaders and organizations should be reminded that they can help turn many Nigerians away from what appears to be an incredibly high sense of devotion to the cult of material prosperity and material success towards the spiritual values of truth, justice, holiness and purity.
Focus Groups in Hospitality Research Why are they not used in Jordan?
Authors: Masadeh Mousa , Al-Ababneh Mukhles , Al-Sabi Samer , Maaiah Bashar
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons for the lack of focus groups in Jordan by conducting a focus group with twenty four Academics from Jordanian Universities. Focus groups are commonly used for academic purposes and taught at colleges and universities. The outcome of focus groups for marketing, especially in the tourism industry, is a beneficial learning tool. Focus groups, however, are rarely used for a number of reasons. This research tool is foreign to university students, and unless they study abroad, they are not exposed to a wide range of research and education tools. There are barriers that exist with focus groups. These barriers include: government and educational funding, cultural limitations, personal expectations, teaching materials and resources. Following this research, the recommendations are to have focus groups implemented in Jordanian school systems and to conduct focus group training sessions, encourage students to use them as a research tool and explain the link between focus groups and the hospitality industry. By limiting curriculums in Jordanian education systems, students will not have the proper knowledge or skills once they graduate to compete with markets outside of Jordan. Recommendations are discussed based on the author’s research findings.
On the Clock Paradox
Authors: Abdesselam A.
Published: August 2016

Special Relativity presents before us several thought challenging paradoxes. The most famous one is the clock or twin paradox which arises from the well-known time dilation phenomenon. In this paper, we will give a brief but pedagogical treatment of this paradox. The crucial point is that the relativity of simultaneity, for events happening at different places, plays a fundamental role in understanding the apparent disagreement between the rest and the moving observers. Once this has been taken care of, the disagreement and the paradox would disappear.
Preparing Low Cost Solution Based On Customized Process Of Parallel Clustering Solution
Authors: Manigandan E. , Shanthi V. , Kasthuri Magesh
Published: August 2016

Big Data analysis is the field of data processing where it involves collections of large volume of data sets which are generally so large and really complex in nature and also there is no unified scientific solution globally for any data analysis due to its nature of difficulties to process them by adopting traditional approaches and technologies. Handling large volume of data and preparing them for deep analysis to evaluate them and prepare required information as required by the mining process is the most complex and sometimes costlier task in real-time. There are many solutions for the data mining process like clustering, special mining, k-means mining to name a few. But the real challenge in data mining process is choosing the correct solution or algorithm to apply for mining the input data and tuning the processing step in such a way that we establish a cost effective solution for the entire mining process. There may be many solutions where mining is efficient but cost of operation is not effective and sometimes it is vice-versa. Hence there is always an ever increasing demand for an efficient solution which is cost effective as well as efficient in data mining technique. The intent of this paper is researching on how we implement a concept called Parallel clustering which gives higher benefit in terms of cost and time in data mining processing without compromising the efficiency and accuracy in expected result. This paper discusses one such custom algorithm and its performance as compared to other solutions.
Aptitudes À L’agriculture Des Eaux Souterraines Du Departement d’Agboville (Sud-Est De La Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Orou Rodrigue Kotchi , Soro Gbombélé , Soro Drissa Tanina , Traoré Abou , Fossou Rosine Marie N’guessan , Soro Nagnin
Published: August 2016

In the department of Agboville, farmers are interested in the using of groundwater to improve the performance of their crops. But they didn’t know the effects of this water on the crops without. The main objective of this study is to determine the quality of groundwater to prevent the risk of soil alkalinization and salinization in the department of Agboville. Hydrochemical analysis of 28 wells used for irrigation of crops was carried out. The dry residue (RS), the osmotic pressure (π), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), the percentage of sodium exchange (ESP), salinity potential (SP), and the coefficient or the Kelly ratio (RK) were determined. Wilcox diagram was also applied for this study. The results show that groundwater department are soft and lightly mineralized wiht a low salinity. 75% of samples from groundwater haves low salinity and 25% have an average salinity. The values of the Salinity Potential (SP <5), Kelly Ratio (RK <1) and SAR (SAR <10 méq/L) show that all sampled groundwater are good qualities for agriculture. According to Wilcox diagram, groundwaters are excellent quality for agriculutre. The osmotic pressure (𝜋 ), the dry residue (RS) and the conductivity values 75% of the sampled waters are excellent quality and 25% average quality for agriculture. Groundwaters from the department of Agboville have a low risk of alkalizing and can be used in irrigation for most crops.
Systemic Blastomyces Infection Presenting as a Soft-Tissue Infection of the Finger
Authors: Schwarzman Garrett , Nordin David
Published: August 2016

Case:

A thirty-eight-year-old male patient presented with fusiform swelling of the left ring finger after minor trauma. After medical evaluation by the emergency department, primary care service, and rheumatology service, he was referred to the orthopaedic service, where he underwent 2 surgical debridements. Cultures from the second surgery revealed a diagnosis of blastomycosis, and the patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole.

Conclusion:

Our case report demonstrates a rare presentation and diagnosis of blastomycosis. Knowledge of atypical infections such as this can allow for earlier diagnosis and more appropriate treatment.
Winter Annual Legumes Seeded into Bermudagrass: Production, Nutritive Value, and Animal Preference
Authors: Freeman Sharon R. , Poore Matthew H. , Glennon Heather M. , Shaeffer April D.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Overseeding winter annual legumes can extend grazing season and reduce feed costs.

Overseeding winter annual legumes into bermudagrass improved subsequent hay quality.

Overseeding winter annual legumes can increase nutrient harvest from the soil.

Overseeding cool‐season annual legumes into bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] offers an economical solution to pasture shortage experienced by beef cattle (Bos spp.) farmers during winter on the southeastern Coastal Plain of the USA. Using Austrian winter peas [Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir.], ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), ‘Yucchi’ and ‘Apache’ arrowleaf clover (T. vesiculosum Savi), and ‘AU Merit’ hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) in replicated complete blocks (four replicates in each of two growing seasons), our objectives were to (i) determine the nutritive value of forage provided by several legumes as they mature; (ii) evaluate legume impact on the nutritive value of subsequent bermudagrass hay harvests; (iii) obtain estimates of the quantity of N they potentially add to the system; and (iv) evaluate the preferences of grazing cattle for the various legumes. All legumes improved early‐spring dry matter (DM) yield compared with control plots without overseeding (3310 vs. 1120 lb/acre for legumes and control; P < 0.01). Legumes increased the crude protein (CP) content of bermudagrass hay harvested during the subsequent growing season (14.1, 14.8, 13.7, 14.8, and 12.0% for crimson, vetch, peas, arrowleaf, and control, respectively; P < 0.01); however, peas and arrowleaf reduced hay DM yield (P = 0.04). Across species, legumes added approximately 89 lb/acre N to the system by fixation, and overseeding offered a potential addition of 64 grazing days/acre (1200‐lb cows). Legumes improved the potential removal of both N and P from the system, and cattle readily consumed the legumes. Overseeding may have the potential to reduce N fertilization and lengthen grazing season; however, with added seed costs, it may not improve profitability.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control and Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Injury with Pyrasulfotole plus Bromoxynil and Tank Mixtures
Authors: Brandon Rex E. , Xue Qingwu , Bean Brent W. , Blaser Brock C. , Bell Jourdan
Published: August 2016

Field studies were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to determine control of Palmer amaranth and crop injury resulting from a postemergence (POST) premix application of pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil and various tank‐mix partners. The objectives were to (i) determine the effects of different pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil rates and tank‐mix partners applied at early and mid‐POST (EPOST and MPOST) on Palmer amaranth control; (ii) evaluate weed control following application at different Palmer amaranth sizes; and (iii) assess sorghum injury and yield as affected by herbicides applied at the 4‐leaf, 10‐leaf, and boot stages. At both EPOST and MPOST, pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil + atrazine alone or mixed with 2,4‐D or dicamba consistently provided better Palmer amaranth control (>98% at EPOST and >90% at MPOST) than bromoxynil + atrazine (94% at EPOST and 58% at MPOST). At EPOST, control of Palmer amaranth by pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil alone varied with year, but the control was 100% at 42 days after treatment (DAT) when pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil was tank‐mixed with atrazine at 0.50 lb a.i./acre or dicamba at 0.20 lb a.i./acre. Pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil at more than 0.02 + 0.14 lb a.i./acre plus atrazine at 0.50 lb a.i./acre provided 100% control at 42 DAT when Palmer amaranth was less than 9 inches tall. In controlling 15‐ to 18‐inch‐tall Palmer amaranth, the efficacy of pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil + atrazine ranged from 83% to 99%. Pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil + atrazine resulted in up to 28% leaf burn at 3 DAT when applied to 4‐leaf sorghum, but plants completely recovered from the injury within 28 DAT. Addition of dicamba to pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil + atrazine tended to reduce sorghum injury. However, application of pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil + atrazine + dicamba at the boot stage reduced sorghum grain yields up to 37%.
Effect of Soybean Cyst Nematode–Resistant Cultivars on an HG Type 2 Population of Heterodera glycines and Sudden Death Syndrome in Indiana Soybean
Authors: Wise Kiersten A. , Faghihi Jamal , Ferris V.R.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Soybean cyst nematode influence sudden death syndrome development in Indiana.

Cultivar resistance to SDS may not be as effective where SCN populations reproduce on PI88788.

Farmers are encouraged to test SCN populations and plant Peking varieties in areas where PI88788 is less effective.
Transport of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid under Two Soil Management Practices in an Italian Vineyard
Authors: Napoli Marco , Marta Anna Dalla , Zanchi Camillo A. , Orlandini Simone
Published: August 2016

Worldwide, glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in controlling the growth of annual and perennial weeds. An increasing number of studies have highlighted the environmental risk resulting from the use of this molecule in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of the study was to determine the transport of glyphosate and its degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), through runoff and transported sediment from a vineyard under two different soil management systems: harrowed inter‐row (HR) and permanent grass covered inter‐row (GR). The study was performed over a period of 4 yr. Glyphosate and AMPA concentrations were found to be higher in runoff and in transported sediment from HR compared with GR, regardless of the amount of runoff and transported sediment. The mean annual percentages of glyphosate loss, via runoff and transported sediment, were about 1.37 and 0.73% for HR and GR, respectively. Aminomethylphosphonic acid represented approximately 30.9 and 40.0% of the total glyphosate losses in GR and HR, respectively. Moreover, results suggested that rains occurring within 4 wk after treatment could cause the transport of glyphosate and AMPA in high concentrations. Soil analyses indicated that glyphosate content was below detection within 1 yr, whereas AMPA remained in the soil profiles along the vine row and in the inter‐row. Results indicated that GR can reduce soil and herbicide loss by runoff in vineyard cropping system.

Core Ideas

Transport of glyphosate and AMPA were assessed on grass‐covered and harrowed inter‐rows.

Glyphosate was below detection in 1 yr, whereas AMPA was recovered in the soil profiles.

Permanent grass cover reduced significantly the yearly glyphosate and AMPA losses.
Foliar N Concentration and Reflectance Meters to Guide N Fertilization for Anthracnose Management of Annual Bluegrass Putting Green Turf
Authors: Inguagiato John C. , Guillard Karl
Published: August 2016

Site‐specific management using objective assays to determine N requirement based on canopy reflectance could improve current recommendations for cultural control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale Manns sensu lato Crouch, Clarke, and Hillman). The objectives of this study were to determine the relationships among foliar sap nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N) concentrations, canopy reflectance indices (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI] and chlorophyll index [CI]), foliar total N concentrations, and N rate on anthracnose severity in annual bluegrass (ABG), Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn) T. Koyama. A 2‐yr field study was conducted on ABG putting green turf in Storrs, CT. Nitrogen treatments were applied as urea at 0.0 to 36.8 kg ha−1 every 14 d in spring and summer of 2011 to 2012. Anthracnose severity declined linearly with increasing biweekly N rate from 0 kg ha−1 up to the estimated critical level of 12.8 kg ha−1. A minimum critical foliar N concentration of 33.5 g kg−1 maintained anthracnose at ≤32% plot area. Canopy reflectance indices were correlated with foliar N concentration. Anthracnose severity decreased linearly as relative NDVI and relative CI increased. Maintaining relative NDVI between 0.94 to 0.98 through N fertility alone would provide a ∼76 to 93% probability of maintaining ≤32% turf area infested, or relative CI range of 0.73 to 0.93 had the same result ∼40 to 98% of the time.
Effects of Sand Compaction and Mixing on Pore Structure and the Unsaturated Soil Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Mahmoodlu M.G. , Raoof A. , Sweijen T. , van Genuchten M. Th.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

A discrete element model was used to extract the pore structure of particle packings.

Soil grain compaction and size mixing affect pore structure.

Size mixing had a greater effect than compaction on the pore size distribution.

Compaction caused the SWRCs to change uniformly with porosity.

Compaction decreased the van Genuchten α parameter but had less effect on n.

The hydraulic properties of unsaturated porous media very much depend on their pore structure as defined by the size, arrangement, and connectivity of pores. Several empirical and quasi‐empirical approaches have been used over the years to derive pore structure information from the particle size distribution. In this study, we used the discrete element method to simulate the pore structure of various sands as affected by compaction and particle mixing processes. We used five sands with different mean grain sizes to investigate the effects of different sand mixing ratios and degrees of compaction on pore structure as well as on the intrinsic permeability and the soil water retention curve. Average pore body and pore throat sizes were found to be determined mostly by the smaller particles as represented by the effective diameter D10. The effects of compaction on the average pore body and pore throat radii were used to simulate expected decreases in the permeability. We obtained mostly linear relationships between permeability and the average pore body and throat radii when mixing different unimodal sands. The intrinsic permeability of the coarser sands was found to be far more sensitive to porosity than the finer sands. Simulations of unsaturated conditions showed that the van Genuchten hydraulic parameter α increased nonlinearly with increasing grain size and mean pore body size of the sand mixtures. Compaction caused a linear decrease in α with decreasing porosity and pore body size. However, no clear correlation between the van Genuchten parameter n and porosity or D10 was found for the different compaction and mixing simulations.
Temporal Dynamics and Stability of Spatial Soil Matric Potential in Two Land Use Systems
Authors: Yang Yang , Wendroth Ole , Walton Riley J.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

The spatial variance of ψm at the 10‐cm soil depth decreased with median ψm.

Weekly precipitation and ψm had common temporal periodicities.

The response of ψm to precipitation was faster and more common in cropland.

Wavelet analysis revealed two different behaviors of water infiltration.

The ψm spatial pattern was more related to elevation than soil texture in grassland.

The spatial variability of the soil water status and its temporal behavior are essential for hydrological modeling and agricultural management. Changes in atmospheric conditions such as precipitation usually cause large temporal dynamics in the soil water status, whereas inherent soil properties such as soil texture and topography maintain their spatial pattern with time. Our objective was to identify the relevant spatial and temporal processes underlying soil water behavior. Along a 48‐ by 3‐m transect evenly distributed across two land use systems, i.e., cropland and grassland, the soil matric potential (ψm) was measured on a weekly basis from May to October 2013 at 1‐m intervals and at depths of 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 cm. The spatial variance of ψm at the 10‐cm depth decreased with weekly precipitation and the spatial median of ψm in both land use systems, owing to the enhancement of lateral water redistribution by elevated soil wetness. Temporal dynamics in ψm and its spatial variance diminished with soil depth. In contrast, the temporal stability of ψm generally increased with soil depth because of the decreasing impact exerted by precipitation. According to Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, the relative distribution of ψm in space was more strongly correlated with relative elevation than with soil texture in the grassland. These results have direct implications for irrigation management.
Extending Water Retention Curves to a Quasi‐Saturated Zone Subjected to a High Water Pressure up to 1.5 Megapascals
Authors: Sakaki Toshihiro , Komatsu Mitsuru , Takeuchi Ryuji
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

A quasi‐saturated zone with trapped air was subjected to high water pressure.

Saturation was measured using a dielectric soil moisture sensor.

Saturation increase due to compression of air was well described by Boyle's law.

The water retention curve was extended to the positive water pressure domain.

We propose a mathematical model for the water retention curve in the extended domain.

On closure of an underground facility, recovery of the geoenvironmental conditions is one of the essential issues for ensuring proper implementation of closure. At the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory, Gifu, Japan, a tunnel flooding test is underway in which a section of a deep underground tunnel is filled with groundwater and the existing desaturated zone with trapped air is subjected to high water pressure. Water saturation in the unsaturated zone as a function of capillary pressure is well understood. However, the process of a saturation increase due to a further increase in water pressure is less well studied. In this study, a simplified laboratory setup using test sands with trapped air was established in a pressure chamber. The relationship between the positive water pressure up to 1.5 MPa and saturation was measured and the effect of the compression of trapped air bubbles on the change in saturation was investigated. The experimental results showed that the saturation increased further from the initial saturation of about 0.85 at zero suction. Most of the saturation increase occurred up to a water pressure of 0.5 MPa, at which the saturation reached 0.98. At 1.5 MPa, the air bubbles were compressed to a non‐detectable level so that the sands were fully saturated. A mathematical model was established based solely on Boyle's law to define the water retention curve in a broad sense for the domain where the water pressure is positive. The measured water pressure–saturation data closely followed the relationship estimated with the established model.
Implications and Application of the Raats Superclass of Soils Equations
Authors: Heinen Marius , Bakker Gerben
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

The Raats model for the water retention characteristic was analyzed.

Expressions for other related soil physical properties are provided.

The subclasses of the Raats model are described.

The Raats model was successfully applied for different porous media.

The optimized parameters did not result in one of the subclasses.

According to the Richards equation, the capacity of a soil to hold and conduct water is determined by the water retention and hydraulic conductivity characteristics. Many mathematical relationships have been proposed in the literature to describe these characteristics. Raats introduced a general functional relationship with only four parameters that included as special cases four pre‐1990 models found in the literature, including the well‐known relationships by Mualem–van Genuchten and Brooks and Corey. The aims of this study were (i) to discuss this general functional relationship and its four special cases, (ii) to present expressions for the differential moisture capacity, water diffusivity, and matric flux potential corresponding to the general functional relationship and its special cases, (iii) to discuss methods for determining the parameter elasticity and sensitivity, and (iv) to apply the Raats model to experimental data. Soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity data for 11 soils were used to optimize the values of the four major parameters in the Raats model. In none of the cases did the optimized coefficients indicate that the Raats model approached one of the four submodels that it includes.
Failing arsenic mitigation technology in rural Bangladesh: explaining stagnation in niche formation of the Sono filter
Authors: Kundu Debasish Kumar , Mol Arthur P. J. , Gupta Aarti
Published: August 2016

Arsenic contamination of shallow hand pump tube well drinking water in Bangladesh has created opportunities for radical innovations to emerge. One such innovation is the household Sono filter, designed to remove arsenic from water supplies. Applying a strategic niche management approach, and based on interviews, focus groups and a workshop, this article explains the Sono filter's failure to establish itself as a successful niche technology. Three explanatory factors are identified: lack of a strong social network (of technology producers, donors, users, and government actors) around it; diverging expectations regarding its potential to be a long-term solution; and lack of second-order learning amongst key actors. Beyond these three factors that help to explain the lack of successful niche formation, this paper clearly shows that the overwhelming dependency on fund-driven projects also deters successful niche formation in the context of the developing world.
Exame de consciência, sentimento de culpa e formação de um habitus feminino
Authors: Brito Angela Xavier de
Published: August 2016

Os rituais que marcavam a adesão à cultura escolar católica de tradição francesa praticada nos colégios femininos de elite se articulavam, sobretudo, em torno de práticas morais. O chamado exame de consciência, uma das práticas centrais nesse contexto, apesar de inspirado no conscientiam excutere previsto na Ratio Studiorum jesuíta, aplicava-se somente ao público dos colégios femininos – marcando uma vez mais a diferença na construção dos gêneros nos estabelecimentos católicos. A atribuição diária de uma nota visava fazer com que as alunas fizessem uma autocrítica sincera de seu comportamento no dia anterior, mas igualmente medir sua capacidade de interiorização das normas do colégio, o que levava à construção de uma feminilidade obediente e virtuosa. Fundado na noção de falta e de pecado, esse ritual suscitava um forte sentimento de culpa, essencial ao exercício do papel social da mulher  . Abstract The rituals that marked the adhesion to the catholic school culture of French tradition practiced at the female elite schools were above all articulated around moral practices. One of the central practices in that context, the so called conscience examination, even if it was inspired in the conscientiam excutere advocated by the Jesuít’s Ratio Studiorum, applied only to the female public – marking once again the difference in the construction of gender in the catholic establishments. The daily attribution of a note should compel the students to do a sincere self-criticism of their behaviour in the previous day, but it also intended to measure their capacity of interiorizing school norms, which aimed at the construction of a virtuous and obedient femininity. This ritual, founded on the notion of fault and sin, stirred up a strong guilt feeling, essential to the practice of women’s social role. Keywords: gender socialization, catholic school culture in the French tradition, conscience examination, guilt feeling