Quantification and Mapping of Surface Residue Cover for Maize and Soybean Fields in South Central Nebraska

The area cultivated under conservation tillage practices such as no-till and minimal tillage has recently increased in Midwestern states, including Nebraska. This increase, consequently, resulted in changes in some of the impacts of cropping systems on soil, such as enhancing soil and water quality, improving soil structure and infiltration, increasing water use efficiency, and promoting carbon sequestration. However, there are no methods currently available to quantify the percent crop residue cover (CRC) and the area under conservation tillage for maize and soybean at large scales on a continuous basis. This research used Landsat-7 (ETM+) and Landsat-8 (OLI) satellite data to evaluate six tillage indices [normalized difference tillage index (NDTI), normalized difference index 7 (NDI7), normalized difference index 5 (NDI5), normalized difference senescent vegetative index (NDSVI), modified CRC (ModCRC), and simple tillage index (STI)] to map CRC in eight counties in south central Nebraska. A linear regression CRC model showed that NDTI performed well in differentiating the CRC for different tillage practices at large scales, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.62, 0.68, 0.78, and 0.07 for 25 March, 18 April, 28 May, and 6 June 2013 Landsat images, respectively. A minimum NDTI method was then used to spatially map the CRC on a regional scale by considering the timing of planting and tillage implementation. The measured CRC data were divided into training (calibration) and testing (validation) datasets. A CRC model was developed using the training dataset between minimum NDTI and measured CRC with an R2 of 0.89 (RMSD = 10.63%). A 3 × 3 matrix showed an overall accuracy of 0.90 with a kappa coefficient of 0.89. About 26% of the maize area and 15% of the soybean area had more than 70% CRC in south central Nebraska. This research and the procedures presented illustrate that multi-spectral Landsat images can be used to estimate and map CRC (error within 10.6%) on a regional scale and continuous basis using locally developed tillage practice versus crop residue algorithms. Further research is needed to incorporate soil and residue moisture content into the CRC versus tillage index to enhance the accuracy of the models for estimating CRC

EC03-101 Nebraska Seed Guide, 2004

This circular is a progress report of corn hybrid performance tests conducted by the Agronomy/Horticulture Department and the Northeast, South Central, West Central and Panhandle Research and Extension Centers of Nebraska and University of Wyoming at Torrington. Conduct of experiments and publication of results is a joint effort of the Agricultural Research Division and the Cooperative Extension Service

EC03-101 Nebraska Seed Guide, 2004

This circular is a progress report of corn hybrid performance tests conducted by the Agronomy/Horticulture Department and the Northeast, South Central, West Central and Panhandle Research and Extension Centers of Nebraska and University of Wyoming at Torrington. Conduct of experiments and publication of results is a joint effort of the Agricultural Research Division and the Cooperative Extension Service

The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer : employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health

This study explored employer's perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory/thematic analysis approach was completed. Employers' experience with RTW assistance for workers with cancer appears to be a dynamic process. Results indicate that good practice includes six phases: (1) reacting to disclosure, (2) collecting information, (3) decision-making related to initial actions, (4) remaining in touch, (5) decision-making on RTW, and (6) follow-up. The exact details of the process are shaped by country, employer type, and worker characteristics; however, there was consistency related to the need for (1) structured procedures, (2) collaboration, (3) communication skills training, (4) information on cancer, and (5) financial resources for realizing RTW support measures. Notwithstanding variations at country, employer, and worker levels, the employers from all nine countries reported that good practice regarding RTW assistance in workers with a history of cancer consists of the six phases above. Employers indicate that they would benefit from shared collaboration and resources that support good practice for this human resource matter. Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted

Organic Fertilizer Abrasive Grits Increase Soil Available Nitrogen, Plant Height, and Biomass

In organic cropping systems, air‐propelled abrasive grits can be used to control in‐row weeds. If the applied abrasive grit is an approved organic fertilizer, these applications may serve a dual purpose of weed control and crop fertility. Laboratory soil incubations examined the N mineralization rates of several grit types with differing C/N ratios (Agra Grit [crushed walnut shells, 170:1], corncob grit [91:1], Sustane [composted turkey litter, 5.0:1], Phytaboost Plant Food [crushed and pelletized soybean meal, 5.0:1]). A greenhouse study determined plant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), kale (Brassica napus pabluaria DC), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) growth response in soils amended with these grits. The N mineralization rates varied by grit type, soil, and application rate. The N mineralized from Phytaboost within 56 d was similar among the amounts of N a whereas the amount of N mineralized from Sustane was inversely related to the amount of N applied. Agra Grit and corncob grit immobilized soil N due to their high C/N ratios. In soils amended with Sustane, plant height and biomass were 15–43% and 34–83% greater than for plants grown in soils with Agra Grit, corncob grit, and the nontreated soil. Applications of organic fertilizer as air‐propelled grit may improve crop growth; however, if weed control is imperfect, these grits may increase weed growth. Grits with high C/N ratios may immobilize soil available N but not affect plant growth

EC05-130 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska

One of the major thrusts of all University of Nebraska weed science faculty is the Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska. This guide is not just the work of one or two people, rather it is a joint effort of all the authors to produce a comprehensive, information-packed resource. Each weed science faculty member is responsible for particular sections of the guide. The process of reviewing the current content, checking labels and research data and updating the content can be an extensive process. Each year new herbicide active ingredients and trade names are introduced and figuring out what a herbicide is and what it can control can be a sizeable task. The authors also meet twice a year to discuss feedback from readers, how the current guide is being used, and what changes should be made in the future. This circular deals principally with herbicides as an aid for crop production. The suggestions for use are based on results at Nebraska research centers and elsewhere. Consult product labels for additional information

Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska

Each year we strive to provide a publication that is updated, informative, and easy to use. Last year’s edition has been revised to include the latest research-based information and several new sections outlined below. We hope you find these revisions useful and that they make this guide an even better resource than the previous edition

Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska

Each year we strive to provide a publication that is updated, informative, and easy to use. Last year’s edition has been revised to include the latest research-based information and several new sections outlined below. We hope you find these revisions useful and that they make this guide an even better resource than the previous edition

EURADOS Working Group-12 Studies in Interventional Radiology for Medical Staff Dosimetry

EURADOS (European Radiation Dosimetry Group) Working Group 12 (dosimetry in medical imaging) established a subtask devoted to the dosimetry of the medical staff employed in interventional radiology practices. As it is widely known, such practices are characterized by high doses, with respect the other medical procedures, both for the patient and the radiologist. For interventional cardiology there are several publications concerning medical staff dosimetry, on the contrary, for interventional radiology, data are more limited. For that reason WG-12 decided to study the irradiation scenario, employing simplified anthropomorphic models (MIRD type) with Monte Carlo simulations, reconstructing some specific interventional radiology practices (PTC and TIPS). In these procedures, where the X-ray C-arm is mainly fixed in PA projection and the beam directed to the patient abdomen, the radiologist is next to the patient right side, in correspondence to the liver region. The usage of the ceiling shielding is not very frequent, due to the difficulties in positioning it between the radiation source (the X-ray and the patient as the scattering source) and the operator. The aim of the simulations program is: to evaluate the dose received by the radiologist, in a region simulating the presence of the dosemeter fixed on the lead apron at the breast level ; to estimate the corresponding effective dose ; to make a sensitivity analysis on different parameters affecting the calculated results (as the reciprocal position between the two operators, the beam quality and the X-ray field dimension). Indeed a particular attention is devoted to the eye lens dosimetry, that has become a “critical issue” for personnel dosimetry, after ICRP has reconsidered the radiation sensitivity of the lens of the eye. In the present work the general scheme, the assumptions and the followed methodology are presented with some very preliminary results of the simulations and the measurements

Self-affirmation improves music performance among performers high on the impulsivity dimension of sensation seeking

In the light of evidence that self-affirmation can mitigate the negative effects of stress on outcomes, this study tested whether a self-affirmation manipulation could improve undergraduate students’ achievement in a formal musical performance examination. The study also investigated the association between impulsivity and music performance and explored whether impulsivity moderated any impact of self-affirmation on exam performance. Methods: At baseline, participants provided demographic information and completed the UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale (short-form), which assesses five dimensions of impulsivity (negative and positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking). In the subsequent 14 days, participants (N = 65) completed either a self-affirmation manipulation or a control task, before reading a message about the impact of practice on music performance. Music performance was formally assessed 14 days later. Findings: Sensation seeking was the only dimension of impulsivity associated with exam performance, with participants high in sensation seeking receiving lower grades. Critically, self-affirmation promoted better music performance among those high in sensation seeking. Discussion: Self-affirmation may provide a useful intervention to augment the performance of musicians who would otherwise perform worse than their counterparts under formal evaluative circumstances, such as those high in sensation seeking