Production Practices and Sample Costs for a Diversified Organic Vegetable Operation on the Central Coast of California

Organic vegetable farms on the Central Coast region of California are generally intensive operations. That is, two and sometimes three crops may be harvested off the same acreage each year. Many approaches exist for rowing and marketing organic vegetables. This publication describes the range of soil management practices, pest management, crop rotations, cover crops, and harvest and packing methods currently used by organic growers on the Central Coast of California. Marketing options and state and federal regulations governing organic commodities are also discussed. A general sequence of operations, equipment requirements, resource use, costs, yield and return ranges are presented for thirteen vegetable crops and two cover crops. The vegetables included are cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, garlic, lettuce (leaf and romaine), onions (red and yellow), snap peas, snow peas, bell peppers (green and red), sweet corn, and winter squash (large and small varieties). Barley and vetch are the two cover crops detailed.Crop Production/Industries,

Correction: Population Genomics of the Immune Evasion (var) Genes of Plasmodium falciparum

Var genes encode the major surface antigen (PfEMP1) of the blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Differential expression of up to 60 diverse var genes in each parasite genome underlies immune evasion. We compared the diversity of the DBLalpha domain of var genes sampled from 30 parasite isolates from a malaria endemic area of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and 59 from widespread geographic origins (global). Overall, we obtained over 8,000 quality-controlled DBLalpha sequences. Within our sampling frame, the global population had a total of 895 distinct DBLalpha "types" and negligible overlap among repertoires. This indicated that var gene diversity on a global scale is so immense that many genomes would need to be sequenced to capture its true extent. In contrast, we found a much lower diversity in PNG of 185 DBLalpha types, with an average of approximately 7% overlap among repertoires. While we identify marked geographic structuring, nearly 40% of types identified in PNG were also found in samples from different countries showing a cosmopolitan distribution for much of the diversity. We also present evidence to suggest that recombination plays a key role in maintaining the unprecedented levels of polymorphism found in these immune evasion genes. This population genomic framework provides a cost effective molecular epidemiological tool to rapidly explore the geographic diversity of var genes

Drama-based education to motivate participation in substance abuse prevention

BACKGROUND: The substance abuse prevention goal of the theatre production "TUNNELS" was to provide community education on substance abuse to an audience in Durham, NC and surrounding communities. The education effort intended to increase awareness and understanding of the risk and protective factors associated with alcohol and other drug use, and to promote pro-active behaviors in substance abuse prevention within the adult community. It was hypothesized that community-based education via drama would change attitudes toward alcohol and substance abuse, and increase participation in family and community activities aimed at substance abuse prevention. METHODS: A focus group comprised of educators, substance abuse researchers and local substance abuse counselors developed "life stories" of users of alcohol and other drugs and a local playwright incorporated these and other experiences into a series of six vignettes. The production was publicized throughout the Durham area, and 700 adults attending the play signed a consent form and completed the pre-play survey. The participant pool was restricted to those adults who completed both the time-1 and time-2 surveys and resided within Durham and surrounding communities. Paired comparisons of mean responses were analyzed using a paired sample two-tailed t-test. A telephone survey three months after the play assessed attitudes toward substance abuse as a disease, and whether the respondents had increased their participation in prevention activities including discussions of the play with others. RESULTS: Viewing the play increased the knowledge base of participants regarding substance abuse as a disease, even though the audience demonstrated an appreciation of risk and protective factors prior to attending the performance. In the pre-play survey, participants indicated a strong opinion that parental involvement in teen life was important, and therefore this was not increased as a result of viewing the play. It was found that the drama increased intent to participate in substance abuse prevention activities at home and in the community. Follow-up surveys performed three months after the performance indicated that participants had discussed the play with others and had increased their participation in substance abuse prevention activities, particularly regarding donations of money. CONCLUSION: Drama incorporates a component of emotional response to the informational content, and the combination of emotion and information works together to promote individual intentions to become more involved in family and community prevention activities. This study demonstrates the efficacy of drama as a mechanism to educate and motivate. Support for this mechanism is warranted at the level of state, local community, school district, and faith-based and community organizations

TOI-2196 b: Rare planet in the hot Neptune desert transiting a G-type star

The hot Neptune desert is a region hosting a small number of short-period Neptunes in the radius-instellation diagram. Highly irradiated planets are usually either small (R ≲ 2 R⊕) and rocky or they are gas giants with radii of ≳1 RJ. Here, we report on the intermediate-sized planet TOI-2196 b (TIC 372172128.01) on a 1.2 day orbit around a G-type star (V = 12.0, [Fe/H] = 0.14 dex) discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite in sector 27. We collected 41 radial velocity measurements with the HARPS spectrograph to confirm the planetary nature of the transit signal and to determine the mass. The radius of TOI-2196 b is 3.51 ± 0.15 R⊕, which, combined with the mass of 26.0 ± 1.3 M⊕, results in a bulk density of 3.31−0.43+0.51 g cm−3. Hence, the radius implies that this planet is a sub-Neptune, although the density is twice than that of Neptune. A significant trend in the HARPS radial velocity measurements points to the presence of a distant companion with a lower limit on the period and mass of 220 days and 0.65 MJ, respectively, assuming zero eccentricity. The short period of planet b implies a high equilibrium temperature of 1860 ± 20 K, for zero albedo and isotropic emission. This places the planet in the hot Neptune desert, joining a group of very few planets in this parameter space discovered in recent years. These planets suggest that the hot Neptune desert may be divided in two parts for planets with equilibrium temperatures of ≳1800 K: a hot sub-Neptune desert devoid of planets with radii of ≈ 1.8−3 R⊕ and a sub-Jovian desert for radii of ≈5−12 R⊕. More planets in this parameter space are needed to further investigate this finding. Planetary interior structure models of TOI-2196 b are consistent with a H/He atmosphere mass fraction between 0.4% and 3%, with a mean value of 0.7% on top of a rocky interior. We estimated the amount of mass this planet might have lost at a young age and we find that while the mass loss could have been significant, the planet had not changed in terms of character: it was born as a small volatile-rich planet and it remains one at present

Population Genomics of the Immune Evasion (var) Genes of Plasmodium falciparum

Var genes encode the major surface antigen (PfEMP1) of the blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Differential expression of up to 60 diverse var genes in each parasite genome underlies immune evasion. We compared the diversity of the DBLα domain of var genes sampled from 30 parasite isolates from a malaria endemic area of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and 59 from widespread geographic origins (global). Overall, we obtained over 8,000 quality-controlled DBLα sequences. Within our sampling frame, the global population had a total of 895 distinct DBLα “types” and negligible overlap among repertoires. This indicated that var gene diversity on a global scale is so immense that many genomes would need to be sequenced to capture its true extent. In contrast, we found a much lower diversity in PNG of 185 DBLα types, with an average of approximately 7% overlap among repertoires. While we identify marked geographic structuring, nearly 40% of types identified in PNG were also found in samples from different countries showing a cosmopolitan distribution for much of the diversity. We also present evidence to suggest that recombination plays a key role in maintaining the unprecedented levels of polymorphism found in these immune evasion genes. This population genomic framework provides a cost effective molecular epidemiological tool to rapidly explore the geographic diversity of var genes

Touch and Massage for Medically Fragile Infants

Research investigating the efficacy of infant massage has largely focused on premature and low birth weight infants. The majority of investigations have neglected highly acute patients in academic neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The current study was developed with two aims: (Phase 1) to develop, implement and demonstrate the feasibility and safety of a parent-trained compassionate touch/massage program for infants with complex medical conditions and (Phase 2) to conduct a longitudinal randomized control trial (RCT) of hand containment/massage versus standard of care in a level III academic Center for Newborn and Infant Critical Care (CNICC). Certified infant massage instructors (CIMIs) taught parents to massage their hospitalized infants. Massage therapy and instruction were performed for seven consecutive days and health outcomes were collected for up to 1 month following treatment. Caregivers, nurses and certified infant massage therapists indicated moderate to high levels of satisfaction and feasibility with the implementation of hand containment/massage in a level III academic center CNICC. In addition, infant behavioral and physiological measures were within safe limits during the massage sessions. All caregivers participating in the massage group reported high levels of satisfaction 7 days into the intervention and at the 1-month follow-up with regards to their relationship with their infant, the massage program's impact on that relationship and the massage program. Due to unequal and small sample sizes, between group analyses (control versus massage) were not conducted. Descriptive infant characteristics of health outcomes are described. Preliminary data from this study indicates feasibility and safety of infant massage and satisfaction among the caregivers, CIMIs and the nurses in the CNICC. An important contribution from this study was the demonstration of the infants’ safety based on physiological stability and no change in agitation/pain scores of the infants receiving massage. Massage in a tertiary urban academic NICU continues to be an area of needed study. Future studies examining infant health outcomes, such as weight gain, decreased length of hospitalization and caregiver–infant bonding, would provide greater insight into the impact of massage for medically fragile infants

The Vehicle, Spring 1980

Vol. 3, No. 2 Table of Contents White LanguageStarla Stensaaspage 4 The Grand Canyon at SunsetElisabeth Cristpage 5 WitheringSheila Kattypage 5 In Defense of the DandelionKathleen Alakspage 6 HaikuScott Fishelpage 7 Double SolitaireCathy Georgepage 8 AdolescenceNancy Douglaspage 9 Sunrises as SunsetsRobert Schumacherpage 9 War Is Not All HellChris Goerlichpage 11 Young SoldierRobert Swansonpage 11 Without Really Looking For ThemSheila Kattypage 12 JourneyJean Wallacepage 15 I Barely Remember the Poet/TeacherStarla Stensaaspage 16 To SearchKaren Buchananpage 17 Four-Hundred and Twenty-Four DaysAnnette Heinzpage 19 Killing CarpJerry McAnultypage 20 War of the WillsLaurel Anzelmopage 21 Life of a Sexual MetaphorChris Goerlichpage 23 Hazy Days in Mid-JulyKaren Buchananpage 24 August\u27s EndCynthia Rozminpage 24 Visiting GrandmotherRobert Swansonpage 26 UntitledNancy Van Cleavepage 27 The AlbinoDenise Davinroypage 27 This ChristmasRobert Schumacherpage 28 Burnt OfferingGinny Stroheckerpage 29 Long-term VacationDenise Davinroypage 29 Storm\u27s EveJeffrey Stousepage 30 Lovers: A Weaver in the StatesStarla Stensaaspage 31 Gitchegumme BeachScott Fishelpage 32 Dear Husband, What Do You Think?Katherine Adamspage 33 Cat\u27s Eve InnCynthia Rozminpage 34 BassScott Fishelpage 34 Fall Morning in the Okanagan ValleyJerry McAnultypage 35 MusicMary McDanielpage 36 AnticipationNancy Douglaspage 41 Don\u27t Let Your Bread LoafJohn Stockmanpage 41 The FieldElise Hempelpage 42 the g.a.Carla Vitezpage 42 Quality in Search of An AuthorRobert Schinaglpage 43 February 9thLisa Livingstonpage 44 By A Pond in SpringJohn Stockmanpage 46 Night SoundsJeffrey Stousepage 47 Art CoverKaren Dankovich PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 3 PhotographScott Fishelpage 10 PhotographLisa Larsonpage 18 EtchingKaren Dankovichpage 25 PhotographScott Fishelpage 30 PhotographScott Fishelpage 40 PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 45 PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 48https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1037/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, Spring 1980

Vol. 3, No. 2 Table of Contents White LanguageStarla Stensaaspage 4 The Grand Canyon at SunsetElisabeth Cristpage 5 WitheringSheila Kattypage 5 In Defense of the DandelionKathleen Alakspage 6 HaikuScott Fishelpage 7 Double SolitaireCathy Georgepage 8 AdolescenceNancy Douglaspage 9 Sunrises as SunsetsRobert Schumacherpage 9 War Is Not All HellChris Goerlichpage 11 Young SoldierRobert Swansonpage 11 Without Really Looking For ThemSheila Kattypage 12 JourneyJean Wallacepage 15 I Barely Remember the Poet/TeacherStarla Stensaaspage 16 To SearchKaren Buchananpage 17 Four-Hundred and Twenty-Four DaysAnnette Heinzpage 19 Killing CarpJerry McAnultypage 20 War of the WillsLaurel Anzelmopage 21 Life of a Sexual MetaphorChris Goerlichpage 23 Hazy Days in Mid-JulyKaren Buchananpage 24 August\u27s EndCynthia Rozminpage 24 Visiting GrandmotherRobert Swansonpage 26 UntitledNancy Van Cleavepage 27 The AlbinoDenise Davinroypage 27 This ChristmasRobert Schumacherpage 28 Burnt OfferingGinny Stroheckerpage 29 Long-term VacationDenise Davinroypage 29 Storm\u27s EveJeffrey Stousepage 30 Lovers: A Weaver in the StatesStarla Stensaaspage 31 Gitchegumme BeachScott Fishelpage 32 Dear Husband, What Do You Think?Katherine Adamspage 33 Cat\u27s Eve InnCynthia Rozminpage 34 BassScott Fishelpage 34 Fall Morning in the Okanagan ValleyJerry McAnultypage 35 MusicMary McDanielpage 36 AnticipationNancy Douglaspage 41 Don\u27t Let Your Bread LoafJohn Stockmanpage 41 The FieldElise Hempelpage 42 the g.a.Carla Vitezpage 42 Quality in Search of An AuthorRobert Schinaglpage 43 February 9thLisa Livingstonpage 44 By A Pond in SpringJohn Stockmanpage 46 Night SoundsJeffrey Stousepage 47 Art CoverKaren Dankovich PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 3 PhotographScott Fishelpage 10 PhotographLisa Larsonpage 18 EtchingKaren Dankovichpage 25 PhotographScott Fishelpage 30 PhotographScott Fishelpage 40 PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 45 PhotographCindy Hubbarttpage 48https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1037/thumbnail.jp

Measurable effects of local alcohol licensing policies on population health in England.

BACKGROUND: English alcohol policy is implemented at local government level, leading to variations in how it is put into practice. We evaluated whether differences in the presence or absence of cumulative impact zones and the 'intensity' of licensing enforcement-both aimed at regulating the availability of alcohol and modifying the drinking environment-were associated with harm as measured by alcohol-related hospital admissions. METHODS: Premises licensing data were obtained at lower tier local authority (LTLA) level from the Home Office Alcohol and Late Night Refreshment Licensing data for 2007-2012, and LTLAs were coded as 'passive', low, medium or highly active based on whether they made use of cumulative impact areas and/or whether any licences for new premises were declined. These data were linked to 2009-2015 alcohol-related hospital admission and alcohol-related crime rates obtained from the Local Alcohol Profiles for England. Population size and deprivation data were obtained from the Office of National Statistics. Changes in directly age-standardised rates of people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related conditions were analysed using hierarchical growth modelling. RESULTS: Stronger reductions in alcohol-related admission rates were observed in areas with more intense alcohol licensing policies, indicating an 'exposure-response' association, in the 2007-2015 period. Local areas with the most intensive licensing policies had an additional 5% reduction (p=0.006) in 2015 compared with what would have been expected had these local areas had no active licensing policy in place. CONCLUSIONS: Local licensing policies appear to be associated with a reduction in alcohol-related hospital admissions in areas with more intense licensing policies