What is the Best Soybean Row Width? A U.S. Perspective

What is the best row width for soybeans? That seemingly simple question has been the subject of debate and research for about 80 years - ever since people stopped thinking of soybeans as a hay crop and started considering it a grain crop

Depth-Variable Settlement Patterns and Predation Influence on Newly Settled Reef Fishes (Haemulon spp., Haemulidae)

During early demersal ontogeny, many marine fishes display complex habitat-use patterns. Grunts of the speciose genus Haemulon are among the most abundant fishes on western North Atlantic coral reefs, with most species settling to shallow habitats (≤12 m). To gain understanding into cross-shelf distributional patterns exhibited by newly settled stages of grunts (\u3c2 cm total length), we examined: 1) depth-specific distributions of congeners at settlement among sites at 8 m, 12 m, and 21 m, and 2) depth-variable predation pressure on newly settled individuals (species pooled). Of the six species identified from collections of newly settled specimens (n = 2125), Haemulon aurolineatum (tomtate), H. flavolineatum(French grunt), and H. striatum (striped grunt) comprised 98% of the total abundance; with the first two species present at all sites. Prevalence of H. aurolineatum and H. flavolineatumdecreased substantially from the 8-m site to the two deeper sites. In contrast, H. striatum was absent from the 8-m site and exhibited its highest frequency at the 21-m site. Comparison of newly settled grunt delta density for all species on caged (predator exclusion) and control artificial reefs at the shallowest site (8-m) revealed no difference, while the 12-m and 21-m sites exhibited significantly greater delta densities on the caged treatment. This result, along with significantly higher abundances of co-occurring piscivorous fishes at the deeper sites, indicated lower predation pressure at the 8-m site. This study suggests habitat-use patterns of newly settled stages of some coral reef fishes that undergo ontogenetic shifts are a function of depth-variable predation pressure while, for at least one deeper-water species, proximity to adult habitat appears to be an important factor affecting settlement distribution

Looking Back, Looking Forward: How the Economic Downturn Continues to Impact School Districts

This study is the fourth in a series of studies conducted by the American Association of School Administrators on the impact of the economic downturn on schools. Collectively, the findings of the AASA Economic Impact Study series demonstrate that school districts in every part of the country are subject to the realities of the economic downturn. While this benchmark data cannot predict a trend, it is difficult to deny that the financial crisis is increasingly threatening the progress schools have obtained and the stability they have enjoyed in the past. This latest study, “Looking Back, Looking Forward: How the Economic Downturn Continues to Impact School Districts,” is based on a study of school administrators conducted in February and March 2009. This survey asked many of the same questions as the “AASA Study of the Impact of the Economic Downturn on Schools,” conducted in October 2008. Therefore, it is possible to compare and contrast key findings from the two studies

Impact of the Economic Downturn on Schools

In Fall 2008, in response to the recent economic downturn, as evidenced in state budget shortfalls, federal buy‐outs and interventions, and a series of additional events characterizing a slowing, stagnant economy, AASA examined the impact on school districts across the nation. While there are regional differences, the findings of AASA’s Economic Impact Survey, presented here, demonstrate that superintendents in every part of the country are subject to the realities of the economic downturn. While this benchmark data cannot predict a trend, it is difficult to deny that superintendents, in increasing numbers, are confronted by the looming financial crisis that threatens the progress schools have obtained and the stability they have enjoyed in the past

Traumatic brain injury and its effect on performance measures of Major League Soccer players

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a growing concern among professional athletes. Concern increased in soccer after several players immediately returned to play following TBI during the 2014 World Cup. The purpose of our study was to determine if individual performance measures (total years pro, total seasons, total games played, total games started, total minutes, total goals, total assists, total shots, and total shots on goal) were affected by TBI that occurred while competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). We also investigated if there were differences in career performance measures of MLS players with TBI versus without TBI in their career. Our sample consisted of 97 field players that competed in MLS between 1996-2014. After determining if the player suffered a TBI while competing in MLS, they were placed in either the TBI or the non-TBI group. We compared individual game performance measures of the TBI group prior to the year of TBI to performance measures occurring after the year of TBI. Furthermore, we compared total career performance measures of both groups and noted statistically significant differences between performance measures. Our research showed that certain individual player performance measures decreased after TBI. The players competed in fewer games, started fewer games, and played fewer minutes. Comparisons of the TBI to the non-TBI group, the TBI group competed longer in MLS and the non-TBI group had a greater number of hypotheses were supported, showing TBI has an impact in player performance.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/urs_2015/1008/thumbnail.jp