308 research outputs found
The Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium: A State-Wide Collaborative Network for Sustainable, Outreach, Education, and Action
This paper explores the organizational theory, programs, and concomitant challenges faced by a state-level higher education consortium for sustainability in the United States, the Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC). We provide insights for other institutions of higher education that may want to form consortia or consider changes to existing consortia. PERC members collaborate to advance sustainability on member campuses, in local communities, and across the Commonwealth. PERC envisions thriving, just communities on a healthy planet, and seeks to inspire higher education communities throughout the Commonwealth to lead transformational sustainability efforts through example, expertise, and collaboration. This chapter provides a brief theoretical background in PERC as a collaborative. It shares history and context for PERCâs mission and activities as well as an overview of its programs. It includes reflections on challenges to collaboration and coordination, including from COVID-19, changing digital technology, disparities among PERC institutions, accelerating sustainability challenges in the Anthropocene, anti-intellectualism and hyperpartisanship in the Commonwealth and the United States, and PERCâs own staffing, volunteerism, participation, and funding challenges. The chapter closes by revisiting the organizationâs 2021â2025 Strategic Plan as an invitation to consider how cooperation, coordination, and collaboration among higher education institutions can positively impact sustainability across sectors
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Changes to particulate versus mineral-associated soil carbon after 50 years of litter manipulation in forest and prairie experimental ecosystems
Models of ecosystem carbon (C) balance
generally assume a strong relationship between NPP,
litter inputs, and soil C accumulation, but there is little
direct evidence for such a coupled relationship. Using a
unique 50-year detrital manipulation experiment in a
mixed deciduous forest and in restored prairie grasslands
in Wisconsin, combined with sequential density
fractionation, isotopic analysis, and short-term incubation,
we examined the effects of detrital inputs and
removals on soil C stabilization, destabilization, and
quality. Both forested sites showed greater decline in
bulk soil C content in litter removal plots (55 and 66%)
compared to increases in litter addition plots (27 and
38% increase in surface soils compared to controls). No
accumulation in the mineral fraction C was observed
after 50 years of litter addition of the two forested plots,
thus increases in the light density fraction pool drove
patterns in total C content. Litter removal across both
ecosystem types resulted in a decline in both free light
fraction and mineral C content, with an overall 51%
decline in mineral-associated carbon in the intermediate
(1.85â2.4 g cmâ»Âł) density pool; isotopic data suggest
that it was preferentially younger C that was lost. In
contrast to results from other, but younger litter
manipulation sites, there was with no evidence of
priming even in soils collected after 28 years of
treatment. In prairie soils, aboveground litter exclusion
had an effect on C levels similar to that of root
exclusion, thus we did not see evidence that root-derived
C is more critical to soil C sequestration. There
was no clear evidence that soil C quality changed in
litter addition plots in the forested sites; ÎŽÂčÂłC and ÎÂčâŽC
values, and incubation estimates of labile C were similar
between control and litter addition soils. C quality
appeared to change in litter removal plots; soils with
litter excluded had ÎÂčâŽC values indicative of longer mean residence times, ÎŽÂčÂłC values indicative of loss of
fresh plant-derived C, and decreases in all light fraction
C pools, although incubation estimates of labile C did
not change. In prairie soils, ÎŽÂčÂłC values suggest a loss of
recent C4-derived soil C in litter removal plots along
with significant increases in mean residence time,
especially in plots with removal of roots. Our results
suggest surface mineral soils may be vulnerable to
significant C loss in association with disturbance, land
use change, or perhaps even climate change over
centuryâdecadal timescales, and also highlight the need
for longer-term experimental manipulations to study
soil organic matter dynamics.Keywords: Carbon sequestration,
Carbon stabilization,
SOM,
Prairie,
Detrital manipulation treatments,
Soil organic matter,
DIRT,
Radiocarbon dating,
Forest,
Density fractionatio
An international intercomparison of stable carbon isotope composition measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater
We report results of an intercomparison of stable carbon isotope ratio measurements in seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (ÎŽ 13CâDIC) which involved 16 participating laboratories from various parts of the world. The intercomparison involved distribution of samples of a Certified Reference Material for seawater DIC concentration and alkalinity and a preserved sample of deep seawater collected at 4000âm in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The betweenâlab standard deviation of reported uncorrected values measured with diverse analytical, detection, and calibration methods was 0.11â° (1Ï ). The multiâlab average ÎŽ 13CâDIC value reported for the deep seawater sample was consistent within 0.1â° with historical measured values for the same water mass. Application of a correction procedure based on a consensus value for the distributed reference material, improved the betweenâlab standard deviation to 0.06â°. The magnitude of the corrections were similar to those used to correct independent data sets using crossover comparisons, where deep water analyses from different cruises are compared at nearby locations. Our results demonstrate that the accuracy/uncertainty target proposed by the Global Ocean Observing System (±0.05â°) is attainable, but only if an aqueous phase reference material for ÎŽ 13CâDIC is made available and used by the measurement community. Our results imply that existing Certified Reference Materials used for seawater DIC and alkalinity quality control are suitable for this purpose, if a âCertifiedâ or internally consistent âconsensusâ value for ÎŽ 13CâDIC can be assigned to various batches.publishedVersio
A Protective Monoclonal Antibody Targets a Site of Vulnerability on the Surface of Rift Valley Fever Virus
Summary: The Gn subcomponent of the Gn-Gc assembly that envelopes the human and animal pathogen, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), is a primary target of the neutralizing antibody response. To better understand the molecular basis for immune recognition, we raised a class of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nAbs) against RVFV Gn, which exhibited protective efficacy in a mouse infection model. Structural characterization revealed that these nAbs were directed to the membrane-distal domain of RVFV Gn and likely prevented virus entry into a host cell by blocking fusogenic rearrangements of the Gn-Gc lattice. Genome sequence analysis confirmed that this region of the RVFV Gn-Gc assembly was under selective pressure and constituted a site of vulnerability on the virion surface. These data provide a blueprint for the rational design of immunotherapeutics and vaccines capable of preventing RVFV infection and a model for understanding Ab-mediated neutralization of bunyaviruses more generally. : Allen et al. reveal a molecular basis of antibody-mediated neutralization of Rift Valley fever virus, an important human and animal pathogen. They isolate and demonstrate the protective efficacy of a monoclonal antibody in a murine model of virus infection, providing a blueprint for rational therapeutic and vaccine design. Keywords: phlebovirus, Rift Valley fever virus, antibody, structure, bunyavirus, virus-host interactions, immune response, vaccine, antiviral, neutralizatio
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The Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program Data Harmonization: Rationale for Data Elements and Standards
ObjectiveOne aim of the Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program is to develop an integrated model of chronic low back pain that is informed by combined data from translational research and clinical trials. We describe efforts to maximize data harmonization and accessibility to facilitate Consortium-wide analyses.MethodsConsortium-wide working groups established harmonized data elements to be collected in all studies and developed standards for tabular and nontabular data (eg, imaging and omics). The BACPAC Data Portal was developed to facilitate research collaboration across the Consortium.ResultsClinical experts developed the BACPAC Minimum Dataset with required domains and outcome measures to be collected by use of questionnaires across projects. Other nonrequired domain-specific measures are collected by multiple studies. To optimize cross-study analyses, a modified data standard was developed on the basis of the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium Study Data Tabulation Model to harmonize data structures and facilitate integration of baseline characteristics, participant-reported outcomes, chronic low back pain treatments, clinical exam, functional performance, psychosocial characteristics, quantitative sensory testing, imaging, and biomechanical data. Standards to accommodate the unique features of chronic low back pain data were adopted. Research units submit standardized study data to the BACPAC Data Portal, developed as a secure cloud-based central data repository and computing infrastructure for researchers to access and conduct analyses on data collected by or acquired for BACPAC.ConclusionsBACPAC harmonization efforts and data standards serve as an innovative model for data integration that could be used as a framework for other consortia with multiple, decentralized research programs
Movement of the human foot in 100 pain free individuals aged 18â45 : implications for understanding normal foot function
Background:
Understanding motion in the normal healthy foot is a prerequisite for understanding the effects of pathology and thereafter setting targets for interventions. Quality foot kinematic data from healthy feet will also assist the development of high quality and research based clinical models of foot biomechanics. To address gaps in the current literature we aimed to describe 3D foot kinematics using a 5 segment foot model in a population of 100 pain free individuals.
Methods:
Kinematics of the leg, calcaneus, midfoot, medial and lateral forefoot and hallux were measured in 100 self reported healthy and pain free individuals during walking. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise foot movements. Contributions from different foot segments to the total motion in each plane were also derived to explore functional roles of different parts of the foot.
Results:
Foot segments demonstrated greatest motion in the sagittal plane, but large ranges of movement in all planes. All foot segments demonstrated movement throughout gait, though least motion was observed between the midfoot and calcaneus. There was inconsistent evidence of movement coupling between joints. There were clear differences in motion data compared to foot segment models reported in the literature.
Conclusions:
The data reveal the foot is a multiarticular structure, movements are complex, show incomplete evidence of coupling, and vary person to person. The data provide a useful reference data set against which future experimental data can be compared and may provide the basis for conceptual models of foot function based on data rather than anecdotal observations
Crop Updates 2009 - Genetically Modified Crops, Nutrition, Soils, & Others
This session covers fifteen papers from different authors:
1. Performance of Canola Breeders Roundup ReadyÂź canola hybrid CHYB-166 in 2008, Wallace Cowling, Canola Breeders Western Australia Pty Ltd
2. The implications of GM glyphosate resistant lupin, Art Diggle, Caroline Peek, Frank DâEmden, Fiona Evans, Bob French, Rob Grima, Sam Harburg, Abul Hashem,, John Holmes, Jeremy Lemon, Peter Newman, Janet Paterson, Steve Penny,Department of Agriculture and Food, Peter Portmann, Agriconnect
3. Nufarm Roundup ReadyÂź Canola Systems Trialsâ 2008 Mark Slatter, Research and Development Officer, Victoria, Nufarm (0438 064 845) Angus MacLennan, Business Development Manager, New South Wales, Nufarm (0408 358 024) Cooperators: Monsanto, Nuseed, Pacific Seeds, Pioneer Seeds
4. Roundup ReadyÂź canolaâ2008 Limited Commercial Release. Getting the system right, Andrew Wells and Mark Slatter, Nufarm Australia Limited (Reprint from 2008 GRDC Cropping Updates with Introductory note)
NUTRITION
5. Fertilising in a changing price environment, Bill Bowden1, Wayne Pluske2 and Jeremy Lemon1, 1Department of Agriculture and Food, 2Back Paddock Company
6. Making better fertiliser for Western Australian cropping systems, Wen Chen1 2, Geoff Anderson1, Ross Brennan1and Richard Bell2 1Department of Agriculture and Food, 2School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University
7. The nitrogen fertiliser replacement value of biosolids from wastewater treatment, Hannah Rigby1, Deborah Pritchard1, David Collins1, Katrina Walton2, David Allen2 and Nancy Penney31School of Agriculture and Environment,Curtin University of Technology, Muresk Campus, 2Chemistry Centre of Western Australia 3Water Corporation of Western Australia
8. Fertilising to soil type (usually) pays, Michael Robertson, Bill Bowden and Roger Lawes, CSIRO, Floreat and Department of Agriculture and Food
SOILS
9. Management of subsoil acidity and compaction using a combination of lime, deep ripping and controlled traffic, Stephen Davies, Chris Gazey, Breanne Best and David Gartner, Department of Agriculture and Food
10. Optimising gypsum applications through remote sensing and Variable Rate Technology, Frank DâEmden, Department of Agriculture and Food and Quenten Knight,Precision Agronomics Australia
11. Case study of a 17 year agricultural lime trial, Chris Gazey1, Joel Andrew2and Ryan Pearce3 1Department of Agriculture and Food; 2Precision SoilTech; 3ConsultAg
12. Soil organic carbon in WA agricultural soils, FC Hoyle and A Bennett, Department of Agriculture and Food
OTHER
13. Is the no-till revolution complete in WA? Frank DâEmden1, Rick Llewellyn2 and Ken Flower3 1Department of Agriculture and Food, 2CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, 3University of Western Australia
14. Progression Planning (The Concept), Julian Krieg and Owen Catto, Wheatbelt Menâs Health
15. Is the Department of Agriculture and Food still a primary source of cropping information? Cindy Parsons, Department of Agriculture and Foo
Crop Updates 2005 - Farming Systems
This session covers forty four papers from different authors:
PLENARY
1. 2005 Outlook, David Stephens and Nicola Telcik, Department of Agriculture
FERTILITY AND NUTRITION
2. The effect of higher nitrogen fertiliser prices on rotation and fertiliser strategies in cropping systems, Ross Kingwell, Department of Agriculture and University of Western Australia
3. Stubble management: The short and long term implications for crop nutrition and soil fertility, Wayne Pluske, Nutrient Management Systems and Bill Bowden, Department of Agriculture
4. Stubble management: The pros and cons of different methods, Bill Bowden, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia and Mike Collins, WANTFA
5. Effect of stubble burning and seasonality on microbial processes and nutrient recycling, Frances Hoyle, The University of Western Australia
6. Soil biology and crop production in Western Australian farming systems, D.V. Murphy, N. Milton, M. Osman, F.C. Hoyle, L.K Abbott, W.R. Cookson and S. Darmawanto, The University of Western Australia
7. Urea is as effective as CAN when no rain for 10 days, Bill Crabtree, Crabtree Agricultural Consulting
8. Fertiliser (N,P,S,K) and lime requirements for wheat production in the Merredin district, Geoff Anderson, Department of Agriculture and Darren Kidson, Summit Fertilizers
9. Trace element applications: Up-front verses foliar? Bill Bowden and Ross Brennan, Department of Agriculture
10. FertcareÂź, Environmental Product Stewardship and Advisor Standards for thee Fertiliser Industry, Nick Drew, Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA)
SOIL AND LAND MANAGEMENT
11. Species response to row spacing, density and nutrition, Bill Bowden, Craig Scanlan, Lisa Sherriff, Bob French and Reg Lunt, Department of Agriculture
12. Investigation into the influence of row orientation in lupin crops, Jeff Russell, Department of Agriculture and Angie Roe, Farm Focus Consultants
13. Deriving variable rate management zones for crops, Ian Maling, Silverfox Solutions and Matthew Adams, DLI
14. In a world of Precision Agriculture, weigh trailers are not passé, Jeff Russell, Department of Agriculture
15. Cover crop management to combat ryegrass resistance and improve yields, Jeff Russell, Department of Agriculture and Angie Roe, Farm Focus Consultants
16. ARGT home page, the place to find information on annual ryegrass toxicity on the web, Dr George Yan, BART Pty Ltd
17. Shallow leading tine (SLT) ripper significantly reduces draft force, improves soil tilth and allows even distribution of subsoil ameliorants, Mohammad Hamza, Glen Riethmuller and Wal Anderson, Department of Agriculture
PASTURE ANS SUMMER CROP SYSTEMS
18. New annual pasture legumes for Mediteranean farming systems, Angelo Loi, Phil Nichols, Clinton Revell and David Ferris, Department of Agriculture
19. How sustainable are phase rotations with Lucerne? Phil Ward, CSIRO Plant Industry
20. Management practicalities of summer cropping, Andrea Hills and Sally-Anne Penny, Department of Agriculture
21. Rainfall zone determines the effect of summer crops on winter yields, Andrea Hills, Sally-Anne Penny and David Hall, Department of Agriculture
22. Summer crops and water use, Andrea Hills, Sally-Anne Penny and David Hall, Department of Agriculture, and Michael Robertson and Don Gaydon, CSIRO Brisbane
23. Risk analysis of sorgum cropping, Andrea Hills and Sally-Anne Penny, Department of Agriculture, and Dr Michael Robertson and Don Gaydon, CSIRO Brisbane
FARMER DECISION SUPPORT AND ADOPTION
24. Variety release and End Point Royalties â a new system? Tress Walmsley, Department of Agriculture
25. Farming system analaysis using the STEP Tool, Caroline Peek and Megan Abrahams, Department of Agriculture
26. The Leakage Calculator: A simple tool for groundwater recharge assessment, Paul Raper, Department of Agriculture
27. The cost of Salinity Calculator â your tool to assessing the profitability of salinity management options, Richard OâDonnell and Trevor Lacey, Department of Agriculture
28. Climate decision support tools, Meredith Fairbanks and David Tennant, Department of Agriculture
29. Horses for courses â using the best tools to manage climate risk, Cameron Weeks, Mingenew-Irwin Group/Planfarm and Richard Quinlan, Planfarm Agronomy
30. Use of seasonal outlook for making N decisions in Merredin, Meredith Fairbanks and Alexandra Edward, Department of Agriculture
31. Forecasts and profits, Benefits or bulldust? Chris Carter and Doug Hamilton, Department of Agriculture
32. A tool to estimate fixed and variable header and tractor depreciation costs, Peter Tozer, Department of Agriculture
33. Partners in grain: âPutting new faces in new placesâ, Renaye Horne, Department of Agriculture
34. Results from the Grower group Alliance, Tracey Gianatti, Grower Group Alliance
35. Local Farmer Group Network â farming systems research opportunities through local groups, Paul Carmody, Local Farmer Group Network
GREENHOUSE GAS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
36. Changing rainfall patterns in the grainbelt, Ian Foster, Department of Agriculture
37. Vulnerability of broadscale agriculture to the impacts of climate change, Michele John, CSIRO (formerly Department of Agriculture) and Ross George, Department of Agriculture
38. Impacts of climate change on wheat yield at Merredin, Imma Farré and Ian Foster, Department of Agriculture
39. Climate change, land use suitability and water security, Ian Kininmonth, Dennis van Gool and Neil Coles, Department of Agriculture
40. Nitrous oxide emissions from cropping systems, Bill Porter, Department of Agriculture, Louise Barton, University of Western Australia
41. The potential of greenhouse sinks to underwrite improved land management in Western Australia, Richard Harper and Peter Ritson, CRC for Greenhouse Accounting and Forest Products Commission, Tony Beck, Tony Beck Consulting Services, Chris Mitchell and Michael Hill, CRC for Greenhouse Accounting
42. Removing uncertainty from greenhouse emissions, Fiona Barker-Reid, Will Gates, Ken Wilson and Rob Baigent, Department of Primary Industries - Victoria and CRC for Greenhouse Accounting (CRCGA), and Ian Galbally, Mick Meyer and Ian Weeks, CSIRO Atmospheric Research and CRCGA
43. Greenhouse in Agriculture Program (GIA), Traci Griffin, CRC for Greenhouse Accounting
44. Grains Greenhouse Accounting framework, D. Rodriguez, M. Probust, M. Meyers, D. Chen, A. Bennett, W. Strong, R. Nussey, I. Galbally and M. Howden
CONTACT DETAILS FOR PRINCIPAL AUTHOR
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