Straw decomposition of nitrogen-fertilized grasses intercropped with irrigated maize in an integrated crop-livestock system

The greatest limitation to the sustainability of no-till systems in Cerrado environments is the low quantity and rapid decomposition of straw left on the soil surface between fall and spring, due to water deficit and high temperatures. In the 2008/2009 growing season, in an area under center pivot irrigation in Selvíria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, this study evaluated the lignin/total N ratio of grass dry matter , and N, P and K deposition on the soil surface and decomposition of straw of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, P. maximum cv. Mombaça, Brachiaria. brizantha cv. Marandu and B. ruziziensis, and the influence of N fertilization in winter/spring grown intercropped with maize, on a dystroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design in split-plots; the plots were represented by eight maize intercropping systems with grasses (sown together with maize or at the time of N side dressing). Subplots consisted of N rates (0, 200, 400 and 800 kg ha-1 year-1) sidedressed as urea (rates split in four applications at harvests in winter/spring), as well as evaluation of the straw decomposition time by the litter bag method (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after straw chopping). Nitrogen fertilization in winter/spring of P. maximum cv. Tanzânia, P. maximum cv. Mombaça, B. brizantha cv. Marandu and B. ruziziensis after intercropping with irrigated maize in an integrated crop-livestock system under no-tillage proved to be a technically feasible alternative to increase the input of straw and N, P and K left on the soil surface, required for the sustainability of the system, since the low lignin/N ratio of straw combined with high temperatures accelerated straw decomposition, reaching approximately 30 % of the initial amount, 90 days after straw chopping.

Investing in Iowa’s Highways, June 15, 2011

The Iowa Transportation Commission (Commission) and Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) develop Iowa’s Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program (Five-Year Program) to inform Iowans of planned investments in our state’s multi-modal transportation system. The Five-Year Program is typically updated and approved each year in June. The Five-Year Program encompasses investments in aviation, transit, railroads, trails, and highways. This brochure describes the programming process used by the Commission and Iowa DOT to develop the highway section of the Five-Year Program. Each day Iowans are affected by some facet of highway transportation, whether it is to get to work or a medical appointment, receive mail, allow groceries and other goods to be stocked on local shelves, or the many other ways highways keep people, goods and services moving in our state. Iowa’s interstate and primary highways managed by the Iowa DOT are an important part of our personal mobility and state’s economy. They also provide essential connections to Iowa’s secondary roads and city streets. The process of making the critical decisions about what investments will be made to preserve and expand the state-managed highway network is complex. It involves input from a wide range of individuals and organizations, and is based on an expansive programming process.

Fuzzy logic applied to the modeling of water dynamics in an Oxisol in northeastern Brazil

Modeling of water movement in non-saturated soil usually requires a large number of parameters and variables, such as initial soil water content, saturated water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity, which can be assessed relatively easily. Dimensional flow of water in the soil is usually modeled by a nonlinear partial differential equation, known as the Richards equation. Since this equation cannot be solved analytically in certain cases, one way to approach its solution is by numerical algorithms. The success of numerical models in describing the dynamics of water in the soil is closely related to the accuracy with which the water-physical parameters are determined. That has been a big challenge in the use of numerical models because these parameters are generally difficult to determine since they present great spatial variability in the soil. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and use methods that properly incorporate the uncertainties inherent to water displacement in soils. In this paper, a model based on fuzzy logic is used as an alternative to describe water flow in the vadose zone. This fuzzy model was developed to simulate the displacement of water in a non-vegetated crop soil during the period called the emergency phase. The principle of this model consists of a Mamdani fuzzy rule-based system in which the rules are based on the moisture content of adjacent soil layers. The performances of the results modeled by the fuzzy system were evaluated by the evolution of moisture profiles over time as compared to those obtained in the field. The results obtained through use of the fuzzy model provided satisfactory reproduction of soil moisture profiles.

Reforming the Iowa Civil Justice System, January 30, 2012

Executive Summary I. Survey The Task Force conducted a wide-ranging survey of more than 9,000 licensed Iowa attorneys and judges to obtain their input on a variety of civil justice system topics. The survey results helped inform the Task Force of problem areas in Iowa’s civil justice system. II. Two-Tier Justice System The Task Force recommends a pilot program based on a two-tier civil justice system. A two-tier system would streamline litigation processes—including rules of evidence and discovery disclosures—and reduce litigation costs of certain cases falling below a threshold dollar value. III. One Judge/One Case and Date Certain for Trial Some jurisdictions in Iowa have adopted one judge/one case and date certain for trial in certain cases. The assignment of one judge to each case for the life of the matter and the establishment of dates certain for civil trials could enhance Iowans’ access to the courts, improve judicial management, promote consistency and adherence to deadlines, and reduce discovery excesses. IV. Discovery Processes Reforms addressing inefficient discovery processes will reduce delays in and costs of litigation. Such measures include adopting an aspirational purpose for discovery rules to “secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action,” holding discovery proportional to the size and nature of the case, requiring initial disclosures, limiting the number of expert witnesses, and enforcing existing rules. V. Expert Witness Fees The Task Force acknowledges the probable need to revisit the statutory additional daily compensation limit for expert witness fees. Leaving the compensation level to the discretion of the trial court is one potential solution. VI. Jurors Additions to the standard juror questionnaire would provide a better understanding of the potential jurors’ backgrounds and suitability for jury service. The Task Force encourages adoption of more modern juror educational materials and video. Rehabilitation of prospective jurors who express an unwillingness or inability to be fair should include a presumption of dismissal. VII. Video and Teleconferencing Options When court resources are constrained both by limited numbers of personnel and budget cuts, it is logical to look to video and teleconferencing technology to streamline the court process and reduce costs. The judicial branch should embrace technological developments in ways that will not compromise the fairness, dignity, solemnity, and decorum of judicial proceedings. VIII. Court-Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) Litigants and practitioners in Iowa are generally satisfied with the current use of private, voluntary ADR for civil cases. There is concern, however, that maintaining the status quo may have steep future costs. Court-annexed ADR is an important aspect of any justice system reform effort, and the Task Force perceives benefits and detriments to reforming this aspect of the Iowa civil justice system. IX. Relaxed Requirement of Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law A rule authorizing parties to waive findings of fact and conclusions of law could expedite resolution of nonjury civil cases. X. Business (Specialty) Courts Specialty business courts have achieved widespread support across the country. In addition, specialty courts provide excellent vehicles for implementing or piloting other court innovations that may be useful in a broader court system context. A business specialty court should be and could be piloted in Iowa within the existing court system framework of the Iowa Judicial Branch. Appendix included as a separate document, is 176 pages.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of benthic invertebrate communities in an alpine glacier-fed alluvial system

Summary The present thesis work focused on the ecology of benthic invertebrates in the proglacial floodplain of the Rhone in the Swiss Alps. The main glacial Rhone River and a smaller glacial tributary, the Mutt River, joined and entered a braiding multi-thread area. A first part concentrated on the disruption of the longitudinal patterns of environmental conditions and benthic invertebrate fauna in the Rhone by its tributary the Mutt. The Mutt had less harsh environmental conditions, higher taxonomic richness and more abundant zoobenthos compared to the Rhone upstream of the confluence. Although the habitat conditions in the main stream were little modified by the tributary, the fauna was richer and more diverse below the confluence. Colonisation from the Mutt induced the occurrence of faunal elements uncommon of glacial streams in the upper Rhone, where water temperature remains below 4°C. Although the glacial Rhone dominated the system with regard to hydrology and certain environmental conditions, the Mutt tributary has to be seen as the faunal driver of the system. The second part of the study concerned the spatio-temporal differentiation of the habitats and the benthic communities along and across the flood plain. No longitudinal differentiation was found. The spatial transversal differentiation of three habitat types with different environmental characteristics was successfully reflected in the spatial variability of benthic assemblages. This typology separated marginal sites of the flood plain, left bank sites under the influence of the Mutt, and the right bank sites under the influence of the Rh6ne. Faunistic spatial differences were emphasized by the quantitative structure of the fauna, richness, abundances and Simpson index of diversity. Seasonal environmental variability was positively related with Simpson index of diversity and the total richness per site. Low flow conditions were the most favourable season for the fauna and November was characterized by low spatial environmental heterogeneity, high spatial heterogeneity of faunal assemblage, maximum taxonomic richness, a particular taxonomic composition, highest abundances, as well as the highest primary food resources. The third part studied the egg development of three species of Ephemeroptera in the laboratory at 1.5 to 7°C and the ecological implications in the field. Species revealed very contrasting development strategies. Baetis alpinus has a synchronous and efficient egg development, which is faster in warmer habitats, enabling it to exploit short periods of favourable conditions in the floodplain. Ecdyonurus picteti has a very long development time slightly decreasing in warmer conditions. The high degree of individual variation suggests a genetic determination of the degree-days demand. Combined with the glacial local conditions, this strategy leads to an extreme delay of hatching and allows it to develop in very unpredictable habitats. Rhithrogena nivata is the second cold adapted species in Ephemeroptera. The incubation duration is long and success largely depends on the timing of hatching and the discharge conditions. This species is able to exploit extremely unstable and cold habitats where other species are limited by low water temperatures. The fourth part dealt with larval development in different habitats of the floodplain. Addition of data on egg development allowed the description of the life histories of the species from oviposition until emergence. Rhithrogena nivata and loyolaea generally have a two-year development, with the first winter passed as eggs and the second one as larvae. Development of Ecdyonurus picteti is difficult to document but appears to be efficient in a harsh and unpredictable environment. Baetis alpinus was studied separately in four habitats of the floodplain system with contrasting thermal regimes. Differences in success and duration of larval development and in growth rates are emphasised. Subvention mechanisms between habitats by migration of young or grown larvae were demonstrated. Development success and persistence of the populations in the system were thus increased. Emergence was synchronised to the detriment of the optimisation of the adult's size and fecundity. These very different development strategies induce a spatial and temporal distribution in the use of food resources and ecological niches. The last part of this work aimed at the synthesis of the characteristics and the ecological features of three distinct compartments of the system that are the upper Rhone, the Mutt and the floodplain. Their particular role as well as their inter-dependence concerning the structure and the dynamics of the benthic communities was emphasised. Résumé Ce travail de thèse est consacré à l'écologie des invertébrés benthiques dans la zone alluviale proglaciaire du Rhône dans les Alpes suisses. Le Rhône, torrent glaciaire principal, reçoit les eaux de la Mutt, affluent glaciaire secondaire, puis pénètre dans une zone de tressage formée de plusieurs bras. La première partie de l'étude se concentre sur la disruption par la Mutt des processus longitudinaux, tant environnementaux que faunistiques, existants dans le Rhône. Les conditions environnementales régnant dans la Mutt sont moins rudes, la richesse taxonomique plus élevée et le zoobenthos plus abondant que dans le Rhône en amont de la confluence. Bien que les conditions environnementales dans le torrent principal soient peu modifiées par l'affluent, la faune s'avère être plus riche et plus diversifiée en aval de la confluence. La colonisation depuis la Mutt permet l'occurrence de taxons inhabituels dans le Rhône en amont de la confluence, où la température de l'eau se maintient en dessous de 4°C. Bien que le Rhône, torrent glaciaire principal, domine le système du point de vu de l'hydrologie et de certains paramètres environnementaux, l'affluent Mutt doit être considéré comme l'élément structurant la faune dans le système. La deuxième partie concerne la différentiation spatiale et temporelle des habitats et des communautés benthiques à travers la plaine alluviale. Aucune différentiation longitudinale n'a été mise en évidence. La différentiation transversale de trois types d'habitats sur la base des caractéristiques environnementales a été confirmée par la variabilité spatiale de la faune. Cette typologie sépare les sites marginaux de la plaine alluviale, ceux sous l'influence de la Mutt (en rive gauche) et ceux sous l'influence du Rhône amont (en rive droite). Les différences spatiales de la faune sont mises en évidence par la structure quantitative de la faune, la richesse, les abondances et l'indice de diversité de Simpson. La variabilité saisonnière du milieu est positivement liée avec l'indice de diversité de Simpson et la richesse totale par site. L'étiage correspond à la période la plus favorable pour la faune et novembre réunit des conditions de faible hétérogénéité spatiale du milieu, de forte hétérogénéité spatiale de la faune, une richesse taxonomique maximale, une composition faunistique particulière, les abondances ainsi que les ressources primaires les plus élevées. La troisième partie est consacrée à l'étude du développement des oeufs de trois espèces d'Ephémères au laboratoire à des températures de 1.5 à 7°C, ainsi qu'aux implications écologiques sur le terrain. Ces espèces présentent des stratégies de développement très contrastées. Baetis alpinus a un développement synchrone et efficace, plus rapide en milieu plus chaud et lui permettant d'exploiter les courtes périodes de conditions favorables. Ecdyonurus picteti présente une durée de développement très longue, diminuant légèrement dans des conditions plus chaudes. L'importante variation interindividuelle suggère un déterminisme génétique de la durée de développement. Cette stratégie, associée aux conditions locales, conduit à un décalage extrême des éclosions et permet à l'espèce de se développer dans des habitats imprévisibles. Rhithrogena nivata est la seconde espèce d'Ephémères présentant une adaptation au froid. L'incubation des oeufs est longue et son succès dépend de la période des éclosions et des conditions hydrologiques. Cette espèce est capable d'exploiter des habitats extrêmement instables et froids, où la température est facteur limitant pour d'autres espèces. La quatrième partie traite du développement larvaire dans différents habitats de la plaine alluviale. Le développement complet est décrit pour les espèces étudiées de la ponte jusqu'à l'émergence. Rhithrogena nivata et loyolaea atteignent généralement le stade adulte en deux ans, le premier hiver étant passé sous forme d'oeuf et le second sous forme de larve. Le développement de Ecdyonurus picteti est difficile à documenter, mais s'avère cependant efficace dans un environnement rude et imprévisible. Baetis alpinus a été étudié séparément dans quatre habitats de la plaine ayant des régimes thermiques contrastés. La réussite et la durée du développement embryonnaire ainsi que les taux de croissance y sont variables. Des mécanismes de subvention entre habitats sont possibles par la migration de larves juvéniles ou plus développées, augmentant ainsi la réussite du développement et le maintien des populations dans le système. L'émergence devient synchrone, au détriment de l'optimisation de la taille et de la fécondité des adultes. Ces stratégies très différentes induisent une distribution spatiale et temporelle dans l'usage des ressources et des niches écologiques. La dernière partie synthétise les caractéristiques écologiques des trois compartiments du système que sont le Rhône amont, la Mutt et la zone alluviale. Leurs rôles particuliers et leurs interdépendances du point de vue de la structure et de la dynamique des communautés benthiques sont mis en avant.

Organisational adaptation of multi-agent systems in a peer-to-peer scenario

Organisations in Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) have proven to be successful in regulating agent societies. Nevertheless, changes in agents' behaviour or in the dynamics of the environment may lead to a poor fulfilment of the system's purposes, and so the entire organisation needs to be adapted. In this paper we focus on endowing the organisation with adaptation capabilities, instead of expecting agents to be capable of adapting the organisation by themselves. We regard this organisational adaptation as an assisting service provided by what we call the Assistance Layer. Our generic Two Level Assisted MAS Architecture (2-LAMA) incorporates such a layer. We empirically evaluate this approach by means of an agent-based simulator we have developed for the P2P sharing network domain. This simulator implements 2-LAMA architecture and supports the comparison between different adaptation methods, as well as, with the standard BitTorrent protocol. In particular, we present two alternatives to perform norm adaptation and one method to adapt agents'relationships. The results show improved performance and demonstrate that the cost of introducing an additional layer in charge of the system's adaptation is lower than its benefits.

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning Advisory Council Progress on the Long-range Justice System Plan, January 2010

Iowa Code Section 216A.135 requires the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning Advisory Council (CJJPAC) to submit a long-range plan for Iowa's justice system to the Governor and General Assembly every five years. The Criminal and Juvenile Justice Advisory Council directed that the 2005 plan be developed with input from the public. A public hearing was held in September 2004, utilizing the Iowa Communications Network at five sites across Iowa. Using the information gained, the Council developed new goals and strategies and modified others from the 2000 plan. The 2005 Long Range Goals for Iowa’s Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems, organized as follows, are meant to facilitate analyses and directions for justice system issues and concerns in Iowa.

MEPDG Work Plan Task No. 7: Existing Pavement Input Information for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide, 2009

The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) existing Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) with respect to the input information required for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) rehabilitation analysis and design. To accomplish this objective, all of available PMIS data for interstate and primary roads in Iowa were retrieved from the Iowa DOT PMIS. The retrieved data were evaluated with respect to the input requirements and outputs for the latest version of the MEPDG software (version 1.0). The input parameters that are required for MEPDG HMA rehabilitation design, but currently unavailable in the Iowa DOT PMIS were identified. The differences in the specific measurement metrics used and their units for some of the pavement performance measures between the Iowa DOT PMIS and MEPDG were identified and discussed. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the Iowa DOT PMIS should be updated, if possible, to include the identified parameters that are currently unavailable, but are required for MEPDG rehabilitation design. Similarly, the measurement units of distress survey results in the Iowa DOT PMIS should be revised to correspond to those of MEPDG performance predictions. *******************Large File**************************

Treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, a permanent challenge or a waste of resources? Prediction of outcome using a multi-organ-dysfunction score.

OBJECTIVES: in a retrospective study, attempts have been made to identify individual organ-dysfunction risk profiles influencing the outcome after surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: out of 235 patients undergoing graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysms, 57 (53 men, four women, mean age 72 years [s.d. 8.8]) were treated for ruptured aneurysms in a 3-year period. Forty-eight preoperative, 13 intraoperative and 34 postoperative variables were evaluated statistically. A simple multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) score was adopted. RESULTS: the perioperative mortality was 32%. Three patients died intraoperatively, four within 48 h and 11 died later. A significant influence for pre-existing risk factors was identified only for cardiovascular diseases. Multiple linear-regression analysis indicated that a haemoglobin <90 g/l, systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and ECG signs of ischaemia at admission were highly significant risk factors. The cause of death for patients, who died more than 48 h postoperatively, was mainly MOD. All patients with a MOD score >/=4 died (n=7). These patients required 27% of the intensive-care unit (ICU) days of all patients and 72% of the ICU days of the non-survivors. CONCLUSION: patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms from treatment should not be excluded. However, a physiological scoring system after 48 h appears justifiable in order to decide on the appropriateness of continual ICU support.

Development of an Expert System for Forecasting Frost on Bridges and Roadways in Iowa, HR-305, 1991

An expert system has been developed that provides 24 hour forecasts of roadway and bridge frost for locations in Iowa. The system is based on analysis of frost observations taken by highway maintenance personnel, analysis of conditions leading to frost as obtained from meteorologists with experience in forecasting bridge and roadway frost, and from fundamental physical principles of frost processes. The expert system requires the forecaster to enter information on recent maximum and minimum temperatures and forecasts of maximum and minimum air temperatures, dew point temperatures, precipitation, cloudiness, and wind speed. The system has been used operationally for the last two frost seasons by Freese-Notis Associates, who have been under contract with the Iowa DOT to supply frost forecasts. The operational meteorologists give the system their strong endorsement. They always consult the system before making a frost forecast unless conditions clearly indicate frost is not likely. In operational use, the system is run several times with different input values to test the sensitivity of frost formation on a particular day to various meteorological parameters. The users comment. that the system helps them to consider all the factors relevant to frost formation and is regarded as an office companion for making frost forecasts.

Evaluation of an Epoxy Pavement Marking System, HR-180, 1978

The purpose of this research project is to determine if (1) epoxy lane markings will last an entire winter season without replacement, (2) epoxy lane marking is an economical alternative to standard paint on high-traffic multi-lane roadways where lane changing is frequent, and (3) there are worthwhile benefits derived from thorough cleaning of the pavement surface before painting. The success of epoxy lane marking depends on the success of the equipment with which it is mixed and applied. The epoxy lane marking material, if properly mixed and placed on a clean surface, has the durability required to withstand a high traffic volume and frequent lane changes for at least one year.

Rapid, simple and high yield production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells using a versatile episomal system.

Many research projects in life sciences require purified biologically active recombinant protein. In addition, different formats of a given protein may be needed at different steps of experimental studies. Thus, the number of protein variants to be expressed and purified in short periods of time can expand very quickly. We have therefore developed a rapid and flexible expression system based on described episomal vector replication to generate semi-stable cell pools that secrete recombinant proteins. We cultured these pools in serum-containing medium to avoid time-consuming adaptation of cells to serum-free conditions, maintain cell viability and reuse the cultures for multiple rounds of protein production. As such, an efficient single step affinity process to purify recombinant proteins from serum-containing medium was optimized. Furthermore, a series of multi-cistronic vectors were designed to enable simultaneous expression of proteins and their biotinylation in vivo as well as fast selection of protein-expressing cell pools. Combining these improved procedures and innovative steps, exemplified with seven cytokines and cytokine receptors, we were able to produce biologically active recombinant endotoxin free protein at the milligram scale in 4-6weeks from molecular cloning to protein purification.

A Computer Based Information System for County Equipment Cost Records, Interim Report, HR-173, 1975

This report describes the work accomplished to date on research project HR-173, A Computer Based Information System for County Equipment Cost Records, and presents the initial design for this system. The specific topics discussed here are findings from the analysis of information needs, the system specifications developed from these findings, and the proposed system design based upon the system specifications. The initial system design will include tentative input designs for capturing input data, output designs to show the output formats and the items to be output for use in decision making, file design showing the organization of information to be kept on each piece of equipment in the computer data file, and general system design explaining how the entire system will operate. The Steering Committee appointed by Iowa Highway Research Board is asked to study this report, make appropriate suggestions, and give approval to the proposed design subject to any suggestions made. This approval will permit the designer to proceed promptly with the development of the computer program implementation phase of the design.

A Computer Based Information System for County Equipment Cost Records, Final Report, HR-173, 1975

This appendix is divided into three sections. The first section contains abstracts of each of the eight computer programs in the system, instructions for keypunching the three input documents, and computer operating instructions pertaining to each program. The second section contains system flowcharts for the entire system as well as program flowcharts for each program. The last section contains PL/l program listings of each program.

15-OR: Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography of pulmonary embolism: technique-related artefacts or real findings?

Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography (MPMCTA) is recognized as a valuable tool to explore the vascular system, with higher sensitivity than conventional autopsy. However, a limitation is the impossibility to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE) due to post-mortem blood clots situated in pulmonary arteries. The purpose of this study was to explore an eventual possibility to distinguish between real PE and artefacts mimicking PE. Our study included 416 medico-legal cases. All of them underwent MPMCTA, conventional autopsy and histological examination. We selected cases presenting arterial luminal filling defects in the pulmonary arteries. Their radiological interpretation was confronted to the one of autopsy and histological examination. We also investigated an eventual correlation between artefacts in pulmonary arteries and those in other parts of the vascular system. In 123 cases, filling defects of pulmonary arteries were described during MPMCTA. In 57 cases, this was interpreted as artefact and in 4 cases as suspected PE. In 62 cases only a differential diagnosis was made. Autopsy and histology could clearly identify the artefacts as such. Only one case of real PE was radiologically misinterpreted as artefact. In 6 of the 62 cases with no interpretation a PE was diagnosed. In 3 out of 4 suspected cases, PE was confirmed. We found out that filling defects in pulmonary arteries are nearly always associated to other vascular artefacts. Therefore, we suggest following some rules for radiological interpretation in order to allow a reliable diagnosis of pulmonary embolism after MPMCTA.