Building an Open Social Learning Community Around a DSpace Repository on Statistics

4th International Conference on Open RepositoriesThis presentation was part of the session : Conference PostersIn this paper we describe a project which aims to build an open social learning community around a learning object repository (LOR) based on DSpace containing learning resources about Statistics. We combine the preservation capabilities of DSpace with the facilities of a tagging mechanism such as Delicious. On top of this ensemble we intend to build a new browsing interface for improving users' learning experience when using the LOR. We also intend to gather and analyze usage data in order to better understand the real learning process in virtual learning environments.Spanish Government Grant under Refs. TIN2006-15107-C06 and EA2008-015

Possible attenuation of the G2 DNA damage cell cycle checkpoint in HeLa cells by extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields

BACKGROUND: The issue remains unresolved as to whether low frequency magnetic fields can affect cell behaviour, with the possibility that they may be in part responsible for the increased incidence of leukaemia in parts of the population exposed to them. METHODS: Combined treatment of HeLa cells with gamma-irradiation (1, 3 and 5 Grays) and extra low frequency magnetic fields of ~50 Hz was carried out under rigorously controlled conditions. RESULTS: Synchronised cells progressing from S-phase arrived at mitosis on average marginally ahead of irradiation controls not exposed to ELF. In no instance out of a total of twenty separate experiments did this "double-insult" further delay entry of cells into mitosis, as had been anticipated. CONCLUSION: This apparently "non-genotoxic" agent (ELF) appears to be capable of affecting cells that would normally arrest for longer in G2, suggesting a weakening of the stringency of the late cycle (G2) checkpoint

A webinar series and interactive grower outreach for pesticide resistance management in greenhouses

Through an interactive webinar series and accompanying online materials, this project is reaching growers and extension educators with resistance management IPM techniques. To ensure the relevance and usefulness of the information, we have worked with NY growers to evaluate their understanding of pesticide resistance and to develop IPM based plans for resistance management to train other growers in New York State, EPA Region 2 and beyond in IPM methods for pesticide resistance management. The anticipated outcomes include a reduction in pesticide exposure and the reduction in potential release of pesticides to the environment through a reduction in pesticide use

Ornamental Crops Electronic Communications

In an effort to effectively distribute Integrated Pest Management information to extension educators and growers of ornamental crops a three digital communication conduits have been established

Powdery Mildew Management with Biopesticides on Greenhouse Grown Plants

Greenhouse production of vegetables and herbs is a growth industry in New York State. There were123 operations and 2,568 acres in production listed (USDA’s 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties). The total acreage of high tunnel, hydroponic, and traditional greenhouses growing food crops to harvest increased by 58% since 2009. There is also a trend in floriculture greenhouses to increase vegetable transplant production due to the increased interest in home vegetable gardening, and to add vegetable production during the ornamental off-­?season. Disease issues differ in field and greenhouse vegetable production, and conventional pesticides registered for ornamentals are rarely labeled for food crops in greenhouses. Growers request information about an integrated approach to pest management, including cultural methods and biopesticides. Our objectives for this ongoing project are to gain first hand experience with biopesticides and to develop efficacy data

Weed Suppressive Groundcovers

Plants found to be weed suppressive through Cornell research can be used to naturally suppress weeds.   These attractive plants represent a new market potential for NY greenhouse producers.  We have published a color brochure and website to describe these plants and promote their use to suppress weeds.  We also coordinated the establishment of demonstration gardens at several locations across the state.  The recently published brochures have been well received.   The increase in sales of these plants will be tracked prior to and during the two year period of this project.  An analysis of the results will be conducted.  The results will be shared state wide

Nursery IPM Practices - Survey

A survey of New York Nursery growers was conducted in 2007 to assess current cultural and pest management practices.  Nearly 150 growers responded to a series of questions regarding production systems, pest problems, management approaches, information and training sources and educational needs.  The results indicate an opportunity and interest on the growers’ behalf to provide IPM information particularly around pest identification, and biological control.   There also appear to be opportunities to increase knowledge of the timing of controls and access to good decision making resources

Survey of IPM Practice Adoption in New York State Greenhouses

A survey of New York greenhouses was run to evaluate the level of adoption of IPM practices and to compare the results with a baseline survey completed in 2000.  Questions covered important crops and pests, cultural practices related to IPM, scouting, disease/weed/insect management, and where respondents receive their IPM information.  Three hundred and ninety four surveys were completed; a 44% response rate.  Most respondents use at least some preseason sanitation methods.  Analysis of pH and nutrient levels in water, growing media, or foliage is not a common practice.  Also, improvement could be made in calibration of sprayers. Scouting is widely accepted as an IPM practice and most growers use some additional elements of IPM in their pest management.  Cornell Cooperative Extension is the most common source of information cited.  Overall response rates were similar to those in 2000, although the adoption of scouting and use of scouting information has increased by 30 percentage points