Farmer land allocation for maize, groundnut and cotton production in Chipata District, Eastern Province, Zambia

Small-scale farmers in the Chipata District of Zambia rely on their farm fields to grow maize and groundnuts for food security. Cotton production and surplus food security crops are used to generate income to provide for their families. With increasing population pressure, available land has decreased and farmers struggle to provide the necessary food requirements and income to meet their family’s needs. The purpose of the study was to determine how a farmer can best allocate his land to produce maize, groundnuts and cotton when constrained by labor and capital resources to generate the highest potential for food security and financial gains. Data from the 2008-2009 growing season was compiled and analyzed using a linear programming model. The study determined that farmers make the most profit by allocating all additional land and resources to cotton after meeting their minimum food security requirements. The study suggests growing cotton is a beneficial practice for small-scale subsistence farmers to generate income when restricted by limited resources

Gene \u3cem\u3emdpC\u3c/em\u3e Plays a Regulatory Role in the Methyl-\u3cem\u3etert\u3c/em\u3e-butyl Ether Degradation Pathway of \u3cem\u3eMethylibium petroleiphilum\u3c/em\u3e Strain PM1

Among the few bacteria known to utilize methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) as a sole carbon source, Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 is a well-characterized organism with a sequenced genome; however, knowledge of the genetic regulation of its MTBE degradation pathway is limited. We investigated the role of a putative transcriptional activator gene, mdpC, in the induction of MTBE-degradation genes mdpA (encoding MTBE monooxygenase) and mdpJ (encoding tert-butyl alcohol hydroxylase) of strain PM1 in a gene-knockout mutant mdpC−. We also utilized quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assays targeting genes mdpA, mdpJ and mdpC to determine the effects of the mutation on transcription of these genes. Our results indicate that gene mdpC is involved in the induction of both mdpA and mdpJ in response to MTBE and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) exposure in PM1. An additional independent mechanism may be involved in the induction of mdpJ in the presence of TBA

Effect of Benzene and Ethylbenzene on the Transcription of methyl-\u3cem\u3etert\u3c/em\u3e-butyl Ether Degradation Genes of \u3cem\u3eMethylibium petroleiphilum\u3c/em\u3e PM1

Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and its degradation by-product, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), are widespread contaminants detected frequently in groundwater in California. Since MTBE was used as a fuel oxygenate for almost two decades, leaking underground fuel storage tanks are an important source of contamination. Gasoline components such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) are often present in mixtures with MTBE and TBA. Investigations of interactions between BTEX and MTBE degradation have not yielded consistent trends, and the molecular mechanisms of BTEX compounds’ impact on MTBE degradation are not well understood. We investigated trends in transcription of biodegradation genes in the MTBE-degrading bacterium, Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 upon exposure to MTBE, TBA, ethylbenzene and benzene as individual compounds or in mixtures. We designed real-time quantitative PCR assays to target functional genes of strain PM1 and provide evidence for induction of genes mdpA (MTBE monooxygenase), mdpJ (TBA hydroxylase) and bmoA (benzene monooxygenase) in response to MTBE, TBA and benzene, respectively. Delayed induction of mdpA and mdpJ transcription occurred with mixtures of benzene and MTBE or TBA, respectively. bmoA transcription was similar in the presence of MTBE or TBA with benzene as in their absence. Our results also indicate that ethylbenzene, previously proposed as an inhibitor of MTBE degradation in some bacteria, inhibits transcription of mdpA, mdpJ and bmoAgenes in strain PM1

Dreams

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/4188/thumbnail.jp

When the Whip-Poor-Will Sings Marguerite

VERSE 1The whip-poor-will at twilight’s glow was singing,The cricket chirp’d it’s “Goodnight” lullaby,The dear old village bells were sweetly ringing,As you held me in your arms and said, “Goodbye;”You told me of a love that naught could sever,Of happy days when you and I should wed,You kissed my lips to part perhaps, forever.Then held my hand a moment while you said: CHORUSWhen the whip-poor-will sings Marguerite,And forget-me-nots bloom at your feet,You may know though you yearn, that to you I’ll return,Love’s old story again to repeat;So be true little girl I entreat,Till the time when again we shall meet,Let love’s star brightly shine,I’ll return sweetheart mine,When the whip-poor-will sings Marguerite. VERSE 2For weary days I’ve waited your returning,I’ve longed to see your dear face once again,The whip-poor-will is singing, I am yearning,For my longing and my waiting was in vain;‘Neath dear old southern shies tonight you’re sleeping,The Swanee river flows upon its way,For old time’s sake your love I still am keeping,At twilight’s glow, I seem to hear you say: CHORU

The Motor Fuel Tax Evasion Issue in Kentucky

Tax evasion is an elusive and burgeoning problem. Methods of tax evasion are continually changing and adapting to new methods of tax enforcement. However, there are strategies that can reduce the potential loss due to fuel tax evasion. This study of fuel tax evasion in Kentucky and the southeastern states provides additional information regarding the causes and nature of the road fund tax evasion problem, and identifies state and federal/state efforts to mitigate the tax evasion challenge. The concepts, issues, and recommendations in this report can aid in reducing evasion of the Kentucky motor fuels tax., thereby, enhancing the efficiency and equity in the administration of the motor fuels tax and increase the resources collected in the Kentucky Road Fund

In Twilight Town

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/3628/thumbnail.jp

Darby And Joan

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/1270/thumbnail.jp

I Want A Girl From Home Sweet Home

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/1702/thumbnail.jp