bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing Ecosystem Services with Cover Crop Mixtures on Organic Farms
Authors: Blesh Jennifer , VanDusen Beth M. , Brainard Daniel C. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Mixtures provided BNF while maintaining non‐BNF services equivalent to cereal rye.
Winter pea in mixture with a brassica provided the same N input as sole‐planted pea.
Crimson clover fixed more N than red clover in the overwintering cover crop period.
Brassica mixtures matched or exceeded rye N retention and weed suppression in fall.
Participants supported use of cover crop mixtures on diversified vegetable farms.
Cover crops are central to an ecological approach to nutrient management that could reduce N losses from agroecosystems. Mixed‐species cover crops that include multiple functional groups, such as legumes and non‐legumes, may improve sustainability by supplying an organic N source to fields while providing other ecosystem services, such as N retention and weed suppression. This on‐farm experiment determined the contributions of two‐ and three‐species cover crop mixtures, which combined legumes, brassicas, and cool‐season grasses, to management‐relevant ecosystem services. In August 2015, we planted mixture treatments of interest with participating farmers on nine Michigan vegetable farms. We also included a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) monoculture treatment, which is the most common overwintering cover crop in the region. In fall 2015 and spring 2016, we measured aboveground biomass production, biological N fixation (BNF), N assimilation and N retention in aboveground biomass, and weed suppression and compared the results with a no–cover crop control. Overall, we did not find consistent benefits of cover crop mixtures compared with cereal rye for individual services other than BNF. However, several mixtures that included legume species provided BNF while maintaining the same level of weed suppression and N retention as sole‐planted cereal rye. Farmers indicated support for the use of cover crop mixtures on diversified vegetable farms, although some expressed concerns about legume seed costs and disease risk with brassica cover crops. On‐farm experimentation allowed us to address ecological questions of direct relevance to farmers within actual social and environmental contexts.
Crop–Livestock Interaction Effect on Soil Quality and Maize Yield in Northern Ghana
Authors: Rahman N. Abdul , Larbi A. , Opoku A. , Tetteh F.M. , Hoeschle‐Zeledon I. 
Published: February 2019

Core IdeasSoil chemical and biological sub‐indices increased with sheep and goats corralling.Soil physical sub‐quality index declined with sheep and goats corralling.Sheep and goats corralling increased soil quality index of fallow arable lands.Interactions of sheep and goats corralling, plant density and nitrogen fertilizer increased maize yield in northern Ghana.Keeping livestock overnight on fallow arable lands (Corralling) is a traditional method of soil fertility amendment in West Africa. However, there is limited quantitative data on the interaction effects of stocking density of sheep and goats corralling (SDSG), maize plant density (MPD) and nitrogen fertilizer rate (NFR) on soil quality and yield of maize. A 2‐yr study was conducted to determine the interaction effects of three SDSG (0, 70, and 140 head ha−1), three MPD (66,667, 100,000, and 133,333 plants ha−1) and three NFR (0, 60, and 90 kg ha−1N) on soil quality index (SQI) and maize yield in northern Ghana. The study was conducted using a split‐split plot experiment replicated on eight farms. An adult sheep or goat was corralled in an area of 4 m2and 1 m2for the 70 and 140 head ha−1SDSG respectively for five nights during the dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. Principal component and correlation matrix analysis were used to select minimum data set for SQI. The SQI for sheep and goats corralling increased by 51% compared with the control. The SDSG×MPD, SDSG×NFR and MPD×NFR interactions were significant on maize grain and biomass yields. The results suggest that, small‐scale maize‐livestock farmers could use either SDSG of 70 head ha−1with 90 kg ha−1NFR or SDSG of 140 head ha−1with 60 kg ha−1NFR and MPD at 133,333 plants ha−1to increase grain yield on Ferric lixisols in northern Ghana and similar ecologies in West Africa.
Duckweed as an Agricultural Amendment: Nitrogen Mineralization, Leaching, and Sorghum Uptake
Authors: Kreider Andrew N. , Fernandez Pulido Carlos R. , Bruns Mary Ann , Brennan Rachel A. 
Published: February 2019

Excessive N and P in surface waters can promote eutrophication (algae‐dominated, low‐O2waters), which decreases water quality and aquatic life. Duckweed (Lemnaceae), a floating aquatic plant, rapidly absorbs N and P from water and its composition shows strong potential as a soil amendment. Therefore, it may be used to transfer N and P from eutrophic water bodies to agricultural fields. In this work, dried duckweed was incorporated into agricultural soil in microcosm, column, and field tests to evaluate biological N cycling, nutrient retention, and crop yield compared with compost, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and an amendment‐free control. In microcosm tests, 25 ± 13% of duckweed N was mineralized, providing on average less mineral N than DAP (107 ± 21%), but more than compost (11 ± 12%). In columns, duckweed treatments leached only 2% of the N added, significantly less than DAP, which leached 60% of its N. Compared with the control, DAP leached significantly more phosphate (78%), whereas duckweed and compost treatments leached less (56 and 27%, respectively). Crop yield, as well as runoff N and P, were measured in field tests growing forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench.]. Although less total N was applied to duckweed plots than to DAP plots (75 vs. 130 kg ha−1, respectively), duckweed was found to retain 30% more total mineral N in a tilled agricultural field than DAP, while supporting a comparable yield. These tests indicate that duckweed may provide a sustainable source of N and P for agriculture.Core IdeasIn microcosm tests, 25% of organic N in duckweed was mineralized within 5 d.In 22‐d column tests, duckweed leached only 2% of the N applied from its biomass.In 22‐d column tests, duckweed leached 56% less phosphate than the control.In field tests, duckweed reduced inorganic N runoff by 30% compared with mineral fertilizer.In field tests, sorghum yield was comparable for duckweed and mineral fertilizer treatments.
NAPPN: Who We Are, Where We Are Going, and Why You Should Join Us!
Authors: Carroll April Agee , Clarke Jennifer , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A. , Lawrence‐Dill Carolyn J. , Lorence Argelia 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
NAPPN is the North American Plant Phenotyping Network.
We are a scientific community focused on high‐throughput plant phenomics.
We promote cross‐disciplinary communication among the many fields that contribute to phenomics research.
The area of high‐throughput plant phenomics focuses on developing and deploying hardware and software, including sensors, analysis techniques, and computational methods, with the requisite expertise to rapidly discover and measure a wide array of plant traits. From there, scientists in many disciplines are employed to generate the knowledge to develop plants and plant products that support humanity with reduced environmental impacts. To advance in an area that requires expertise from fields such as biology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and statistics, reaching out across disciplines is a must and training in new areas can help. Here we report on how the North American Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) was founded, describe its mission to bridge disciplinary and national boundaries, and outline future plans for its expansion. To get involved with NAPPN and join as a member at no cost, visit the organization's website at http://nappn.plant‐phenotyping.org/.
Measurement of Soil Salinity: Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Yemoto Kevin 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
Methods are presented for measuring soil salinity in soil volumes < 200 m3.
Focus is given to lab measurements of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids from soil extracts.
Discussion is also given to the use of suction cup extractors, porous matrix/salinity sensors, electrical resistivity, and electromagnetic induction to measure salinity in soil lysimeter columns and small field plots.
In this summary, we provide a brief overview of the chapter entitled “Soil Salinity: Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids”, recently published in the Methods of Soil Analysis (vol. 2) series.
Mapping Soil Spatial Variability with Apparent Soil Electrical Conductivity (ECa) Directed Soil Sampling
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Scudiero Elia 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
Protocols and guidelines are presented for measuring and mapping the spatial variability of soil properties using apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa).
The protocols focus on ECa–directed soil sampling.
Mobile ECa equipment, protocols, guidelines, special considerations, data reliability, and strengths and limitations of ECa–directed soil sampling are presented.
In this summary, we provide a brief overview of the chapter entitled “Field‐Scale Soil Electrical Conductivity”, recently published in the Methods of Soil Analysis (vol. 1) series.
Influence of Stone Content on Soil Hydraulic Properties: Experimental Investigation and Test of Existing Model Concepts
Authors: Naseri Mahyar , Iden Sascha C. , Richter Niels , Durner Wolfgang 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of stony soils was determined in medium moisture range.
Evaporation method works for stony soils, even if stone contents are high.
Theoretical scaling models showed a good agreement with measurements for moderate stone contents.
Model results and measurements differ markedly for soils with high stone contents.
Studying the role of gravel, stones, or rock fragments on effective soil hydraulic properties (SHPs) is crucial for understanding and predicting soil water processes such as evaporation, redistribution, and water and solute transport through soils containing significant amounts of coarse inclusions. We conducted a laboratory study in which we investigated the effect of stones on the water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves of soil–stone mixtures. Stony soils were created by packing predefined masses of soil particles (sand and sandy loam) with diameters <2 mm and crushed basalt (2–5 and 7–15 mm). The resulting mixtures ranged from 0 to 40% (v/v) stone content. The SHPs were determined with the simplified evaporation method. The measurements yielded plausible water retention and hydraulic conductivity curves across a wide moisture range. Results qualitatively showed the expected dependencies of SHPs on volumetric stone content, characterized by a reduction of soil water content and hydraulic conductivity across the whole pressure head range. Measured data suggested that coarse inclusions in soil tend to widen the effective pore‐size distribution. Prediction of SHPs of the stony soils, performed by fitting a flexible SHP model to the data of the background soil and scaling it with approaches from the literature, worked well for low stone contents. However, for volumetric stone contents of 25 and 40%, measured SHPs differed substantially from the properties predicted by simple scaling models.
Adaptive management of water resources based on an advanced entropy method to quantify agent information
Authors: Cheng Kun , Wei Shuai , Fu Qiang , Pei Wei , Li Tianxiao 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Adaptive management is currently an important method to optimize the management of complex water resources systems. Regional water resources adaptive management was conducted based on the advanced theory of a complex system multi-agent model; the state of an agent was tracked and modified by information entropy theory, which was improved by using individual standard deviations. With the goal of optimizing the adaptation of each agent of the region, water resources in the major grain production area of China were managed under the constraints of the total annual available water resources and water use efficiency requirements for 2015 and 2030. By introducing the adaptive water resources management in 2015, the domestic benefits and economic benefits increased by 2.90% and 14.81%, respectively, with respect to observed values. The ecological benefits declined by 3.63%, but ecological water demand was fully satisfied, and the ecological water environment was improved. Given the water use efficiency targets in 2030, applying adaptive management resulted in an increase of domestic, economic, and ecological benefits of 34.29%, 21.14%, and 1.78%, respectively. The results show that the adaptive management method presented can help managers to balance the benefits of various agents to determine the direction of water resources management decisions.
Qualitative exploration of local knowledge, attitudes and use of Moringa oleifera seeds for home-based water purification and diarrhoea prevention in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Aduro Agatha , Ebenso Bassey 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This qualitative study explored stakeholders' knowledge of diarrhoea; their attitude to and perceptions of the use of Moringa oleifera seeds for home-based water treatment (HWT) and diarrhoea prevention in a low resource setting. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 13 respondents comprising rural community dwellers, health implementers and policy makers, and analysed using thematic analysis. Most rural community members interviewed had no knowledge of specific causes of diarrhoea or of the link between unsafe water and diarrhoeal diseases. They also practised inadequate or no methods of HWT. Although respondents were unaware of the use of M. oleifera seeds for HWT, community members and policymakers were keen on adopting it after observing demonstrations of its use for this purpose. Reasons for this behaviour change included easy accessibility to and a familiarity with M. oleifera for other uses. These results highlight the importance of providing health education on diarrhoea and water safety to motivate and empower community members to adopt healthy HWT behaviours. The use of M. oleifera seeds for HWT should be taught and advocated because it is a cheap, efficient and acceptable method of water purification for stakeholders.
Exploring Mortality Rates for Major Causes of Death in Korea
Authors: Oh Hyo Jung , Yang Donng Min , Kim Chong Hyuck , Jeon Jae Gyu , Jung Nam Hyung , Kim Chan Young , Symanzik Jürgen , Oh Hyo Won , Edwin Akugizibwe , Il Seong , Ahn Jeong Yong 
Published: February 2019

Background:The trends and patterns of the mortality rates for causes of death are meaningful information. They can provide a basis for national demographic and health care policies by identifying the number, causes, and geographical distribution of deaths.Objective:To explore and analyze the characteristics of the mortality rates for major causes of death in Korea.Methods:Some common data analysis methods were used to describe the data. We also used some visualization techniques such as heat maps and line plots to present mortality rates by gender, age, and year.Results:Our analysis shows the crude mortality rates have continually decreased over the last 25 years from 1983, though they have increased slightly since 2006. In addition, the top eight causes of death accounted for 80% of all Korean deaths in 2015. During the period 2005-2015, the leading cause of death was cancer in male and circulatory diseases in female. The trend for respiratory diseases shows a steep upward trend in males, while a similar trend can be observed for respiratory and nervous system diseases in females.Conclusion:The deaths for circulatory, respiratory, nervous system, digestive, and infectious diseases are the highest in the age 80 to 84, while cancer is the leading cause of death for ages 75 to 79. In addition, the mortality rates for circulatory, nervous, and respiratory diseases increase rapidly after the age of 80. Therefore, policies on health and welfare for the elderly are getting more and more important.
Formación de docentes en la educación superior: la experiencia del Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
Authors: Seco Graça Maria Santos , Pereira Ana Patrícia Sousa , Alves Sandra da Graça Pereira , Filipe Luís André Pereira Veludo , Duarte Ana Lúcia 
Published: February 2019

El Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (IPL) es una institución pública portuguesa de educación superior constituida por cinco escuelas. El Servicio de Apoyo al Estudiante (SAPE) del IPL pretende promover el éxito académico y el bienestar de los estudiantes desarrollando sus actividades en tres grandes ejes: apoyo psicológico y vocacional, apoyo psicopedagógico, y orientación y acompañamiento personal. Siendo que la investigación ha destacado la importancia de la naturaleza y calidad de las prácticas pedagógicas de los docentes en la educación superior para la promoción del éxito académico de sus estudiantes, el SAPE ha venido a dinamizar, desde el año académico de 2007-2008, algunas propuestas formativas para los maestros del IPL. En este artículo pretendemos presentar los principales objetivos, temas, participantes y dinámicas de las acciones de formación realizadas del 2007 al 2010. En su conjunto, participaron en estas acciones 376 docentes de las cinco escuelas del IPL que, de forma general, las evaluaron de forma muy positiva.
Sprouts as functional food- an approach towards the identification of natural antibiotic resistance breakers
Authors: Abiraami Valli. S , Gowrie S. Uma 
Published: February 2019

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. Investigation studies related to discovery of novel antibiotics to deal with antibacterial resistance from natural edible food products have been one of the significant research interests in recent years. The main objective of the study is to identify the bioactive compounds having the natural antibiotic resistance breaking property, by giving scientific validation to the existing bioactive compounds present in the sprouts and recommending the horse gram and mixed sprouts as a natural dietary supplement, a measure for the management of the disease, Shigellosis. Qualitative screening of the phytoconstituents (using different solvent extracts) and quantitative analysis of the primary and secondary phytoconstituents were carried out in methanol and aqueous extracts of the horse gram and mixed sprouts (fresh and dried) using standard protocols in two different samples- horse gram sprouts (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) and mixed sprouts of combination (Cicer arietinum L. (Chick pea), Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (horse gram) and Vigna radiata (L.). Antibacterial activity of both the samples against human pathogens namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Shigella flexneri were studied. In horse gram and mixed sprouts, maximum zone of inhibitions were shown by Shigella flexneri, a food and water borne pathogen leading to outbreaks of Shigellosis, a major public health concern. Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum of antimicrobial carboxyfluoroquinolones. The bactericidal action of Ciprofloxacin is by inhibiting DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase and topoisomerase IV, which are required for bacterial DNA replication. Phytochemical characterization (FTIR and GC-MS) and antibacterial studies proved the presence of essential phytoconstituents like terpenoids, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Several bioactive compounds obtained from GC-MS analysis were screened for Ciprofloxacin antibiotic resistance. The specific phytoconstituents, DL-Proline from horse gram sprouts and Geranyl geraniol from mixed sprouts was tend to act as novel antibiotic resistance breakers which was proved through in silico docking.
Effectual qualitative chemical evaluation of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. by using fluorescence analysis
Authors: Sharma Gaurav Kumar , Dhanawat Meenakshi 
Published: February 2019

Objective -Plants contain numerous biologically active compounds, many of these have been shown to exhibit therapeutic and antimicrobial properties and therefore they were in use as antimicrobial drugs in traditional medicines. Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Assessment of medication implies affirmation of its personality and assurance of its quality and virtue and recognition of nature of debasement. Throughout the years the nature and level of assessment of rough medications has experienced an efficient changes. Hence, in the present study an attempt has been made for effectual qualitative evaluation of dried powdered leaves and stem of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. by fluorescence analysis.
Design & Intervention- The dried powdered sample of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. leaves and stem has been used to perform fluorescence analysis under the visible day light and UV light of short wavelength (254 nm) and long wavelength (365 nm) for their characteristic colour.
Main outcome measures- The ultra violet light creates fluorescence in numerous common items, which don't noticeably fluoresce in sunshine. In the event that the substances themselves are not fluorescent, they may frequently be changed over into fluorescent subordinates or disintegration items by applying diverse reagents. The hues created by these reagents speak to the nearness of dynamic constituents.
Results- The fluorescence character of any powdered character of any powdered medication is exceptionally particular and supportive distinctive highlights for the assurance of a medication.
Conclusion- The dried powder and herbal extracts of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. leaves and stem showed varied fluorescence character which is an essential parameter for standardization of herbs.
Keywords: Euphorbia neriifolia Linn., Standardization, Fluorescence analysis, Evaluation, Euphorbiaceae.
Formulation and evaluation of floating microspheres of losartan potassium using sodium alginate and HPMC by solvent evaporation method
Authors: Purohit Kapil , Garud Navneet 
Published: February 2019

Hollow multі-unіt mіcrospheres were prepared by a solvent dіffusіon technіque іn emulsіon wіth a drug and an acrylіc polymer. These were dіssolved іn a mіxture of ethanol-dіchloromethane and poured іnto an aqueous solutіon of PVA wіth stіrrіng to form emulsіon droplets. The rate of drug release іn mіcro balloons was controlled by changіng the ratіo of polymer to drug. The mіcroballoons were floatіng іn vіtro for 12-24 hours when submerged іn aqueous medіa. Radіographіc studіes showed that mіcroballons admіnіstered orally to humans were dіspersed іn the upper part of the stomach and were held there for 3 hours agaіnst perіstaltіc movement. Floating Microspheres of Losartan potassium were formed by Solvent Evaporation method .The formulas LP7 of Losartan Potassium Floating Microspheres shows a very good drug release profiles and shown better sustained action till the end of last hour (24th hrs). It will improve patient compliance and increase in bioavailability which give better approach to treat hypertensive condition and the angiotensin receptor blocking action of Losartan lower the long term complications of Hypertension and reduce the risk of heart failure, CHF, Myocardial Infarction and also vascular damage in blood vessels and kidney.
Keywords: Losartan Potassium, Floating microspheres, Drug Entrapment, In-vitro drug release.