Effect of legume-managed fallow on weeds and soil nitrogen in following maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops in the Rift Valley highlands of Kenya

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. Cheruiyot ◽  
L. M. Mumera ◽  
L. N. Nakhone ◽  
S. M. Mwonga
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nitrogen ◽  
Rift Valley ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Field Bean ◽  
Lablab Purpureus ◽  
Weed Infestation ◽  
Short Rains ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

The use of legume crops as alternatives to a fallow in wheat–maize rotations in the Rift Valley of Kenya may suppress weeds and add nitrogen to the system. A field study was set up in the Njoro and Rongai regions to evaluate the effect of managing the traditional fallow with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), field bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril], field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and dolichos [Lablab purpureus (L) Sweet] on the following wheat and maize crops. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of improved fallow on weed control, soil nitrogen and performance of the following cereals in a bid to improve their yields. The legumes, along with wheat and maize, were grown as fallow-management treatments during the short-rains season, and their residues were incorporated into the soil before sowing the test cereal in the long-rains season. Weed biomass and species diversity reduced by 35–92% and 25–58% at Njoro, and 10–100% and 83–100% at Rongai, respectively, in the succeeding cereal against preceding traditional fallow. The perennial weeds, which included Digitaria scalarum, Pennisetum clandestinum and Conyza sp., were substantially reduced in the managed fallow. Legume-managed fallow significantly improved soil nitrogen status and the yield of the following cereals. Grain yield in managed fallow increased on average by about 39 and 17% over locations in maize and wheat, respectively. Despite yielding less soil-incorporated residue, the impact of legumes was greater than that of the traditional fallow yielding large amount of organic material. Among the legume species, dolichos showed outstanding positive effect on succeeding cereal crop, probably due to increased soil nitrate levels. Field bean and chickpea have a potential seed advantage, although the latter is susceptible to 100% loss by Helicoverpa armigera. Hence, managing the traditional short-rains fallow with legumes could reduce weed infestation, in addition to improving soil nitrogen for subsequent crops.

scholarly journals Impact of Component Dispersion in DC to DC Low-Power Low-Voltage Power Converter Array

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 917
Author(s):  
Jean-Christophe CREBIER ◽  
Theo LAMORELLE ◽  
Silvain MARACHE ◽  
Thanh Hai PHUNG ◽  
Van-Sang NGUYEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Closed Loop ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Power Converter ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Loop Control ◽  
In Series ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

The paper deals with arrays of numerous power conversion cells, associated in series and/or in parallel to build larger step up or step down direct current (DC)/DC isolated converters. The work focuses on the impact of the spread and distribution of the conversion cell characteristics on the characteristics and performance of the power converter array (PCA). Based on a characterization protocol, about 130 conversion standard cells (CSC) are characterized and classified from a statistical point of view. Three families are defined and representatives are chosen and implemented in various configurations, in open and closed loop control, to analyze the impact of their spread characteristic over the global converter, the PCA. The paper is based on an extended practical set up and protocols, all described in details. Guidelines on CSCs implementation with respect to their dispersion are provided at the end on the paper.

scholarly journals Centralised classification of library materials- a benchmarking study.

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (74) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Weaver ◽  
Eileen Hiller ◽  
Ian Jennings ◽  
Jennifer Brook ◽  
Heather Moreton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subject Area ◽  
Library Management ◽  
Matching Process ◽  
Management Group ◽  
Bibliographic Records ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University ◽  
Subject Indexing ◽  
The Impact

The Library Management Group of The University Of Huddersfield set up a pilot study to examine altemative procedures for classifying and cataloguing library material in the Health sciences. The study tested the impact of using classification and subject index terms in bibliographic records for titles in the health subject area. The work of the group concentrated on two areas: -establishing a benchmark for throughput in Technical Services in terms of speed, cost and availability of externally supplied class numbers -analysis of differences in classification numbers and subject indexing terms between those human assigned and system assigned. Samples of data were analysed using SPSS software; a fuzzy matching process was undertaken for the subject string analysis. The results showed considerable savings to be made in terms of both speed and cost. lt was instrumental in the decision to change the existing method of acquiring classification numbers.The hit rate for records and the impact on the shelf arrangement were at an acceptable level. The study produced reliable information to provide a benchmark for future developments (for exarnple outsourcing shelf ready books) and performance indicators.

scholarly journals One Year of Laboratory Based COVID-19 Surveillance System in Belgium: Main Indicators and Performance of the Laboratories

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjan Meurisse ◽  
Adrien Lajot ◽  
Yves Dupont ◽  
Marie Lesenfants ◽  
Sofieke Klamer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
First Year ◽  
Positivity Ratio ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
One Year ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

Abstract Background: With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an existing national laboratory based surveillance system was adapted to daily monitor the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in the Belgium by following the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections, the number of performed tests and the positivity ratio. We present these main indicators of the surveillance over a one-year period as well as the impact of the performance of the laboratories, regarding speed of processing the samples and reporting results, for surveillance.Methods: We describe the evolution of test capacity, testing strategy and the data collection methods during the first year of the epidemic in Belgium.Results: Between the 1th of March 2020 and the 28th of February 2021, 9,487,470 tests and 773,078 COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases were reported. Two epidemic waves occurred, with a peak in April and October 2020. The capacity and performance of the laboratories improved continuously during 2020 resulting in a high level performance. Since the end of November 2020 90 to 95% of test results are reported at the latest the day after sampling was performed.Conclusions: Thanks to the effort of all laboratories a performant exhaustive national laboratory based surveillance system to monitor the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 was set up in Belgium in 2020. On top of expanding the number of laboratories performing diagnostics and significantly increasing the test capacity in Belgium, turnaround times between sampling and testing as well as reporting were optimized over the first year of this pandemic.

scholarly journals Analysis of Impact of Laser Linewidth and Chromatic Dispersion on Carrier to Noise Ratio in Radio over Fiber

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 3969-3972
Keyword(s):  
Phase Noise ◽  
Line Width ◽  
Chromatic Dispersion ◽  
Radio Over Fiber ◽  
Laser Linewidth ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

Radio over Fiber is a powerful technology to cater the today’s demands of the customer regarding coverage and capacity. The behaviour and performance of the RoF link is analyzed with MZM external modulator by transmitting ASK data in downlink with the simulation set up on OptiSystem. The impact of chromatic dispersion and laser phase noise due to RF oscillator on Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR) in radio over fiber systems is studied. The CNR penalty of 3-4 dB is observed for the variation of 10 to 1000MHz Line width of the laser.

Concurrent Design Introduction Activity at IHC Merwede

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Fijneman ◽  
Arne Matthyssen ◽  
Robert Plat
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Design ◽  
Concurrent Design ◽  
Design Team ◽  
Design Work ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
The Face ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

J-CDS and IHC Merwede have set up a programme to perform a hands-on introductory Concurrent Design (CD) Lite™ activity on a relevant subject. The goal of this CD Lite™ activity is to convey a first idea of the CD methodology to a selected team of IHC engineers. This activity will be evaluated to assess the potential and applicability of the full Concurrent Design methodology at IHC Merwede. Concurrent Design is a methodology for the early design phases. With a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders the design work is done in collocated sessions. The strong points of Concurrent Design are creating an integrated design in the form of parameters and enabling good communication and exchange of information between team members, including the customer. An activity consists of several clear phases: preparation, the collocated design sessions, followed by a reporting phase. The CD Lite™ activity consists of a preparation and two full days of sessions. The central questions for the sessions is to assess the scalability of two current trencher systems, a plough and a mechanical trencher, to cope with higher demands and requirements, most notably an increased target depth of the trench. The design is driven by reliability, availability and performance. In the sessions, the design team worked out two design options in three iterations and made comparisons between these to see in how far they are able to meet the requirements. The goal was achieved to provide some answers related to the trencher system questions for 2 options by performing 3 iterations per option. The main goal was achieved, i.e. in the short time of preparation and 2 days of sessions the CDLite™ experience has given the first insight to the design team and part of the management of IHC Merwede of the potential of Concurrent Design. The team members were positive about the CD methodology and the process. Positive remarks were given on the structured and transparent way of cooperation and the fast interaction that is possible with CD. The face to face communication was found very valuable. Having a team of experts in the room was perceived to be beneficial for the decision process. These experts can give a direct response to issues or problems, giving an insight on the impact of their decisions. Through working on a central database, it becomes clear what the relevant parameters in a design are in a design cycle. This approach is expected to improve the design process at IHC Merwede, especially in the field of innovative product developments that continue to push back the technical limitations in the maritime sector.

scholarly journals A Europe-Wide Experiment for Assessing the Impact of Genotype-Environment Interactions on the Vitality and Performance of Honey Bee Colonies: Experimental Design and Trait Evaluation

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Costa ◽  
Ralph Büchler ◽  
Stefan Berg ◽  
Malgorzata Bienkowska ◽  
Maria Bouga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Local Strain ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bee Colonies

A Europe-Wide Experiment for Assessing the Impact of Genotype-Environment Interactions on the Vitality and Performance of Honey Bee Colonies: Experimental Design and Trait EvaluationAn international experiment to estimate the importance of genotype-environment interactions on vitality and performance of honey bees and on colony losses was run between July 2009 and March 2012. Altogether 621 bee colonies, involving 16 different genetic origins of European honey bees, were tested in 21 locations spread in 11 countries. The genetic strains belonged to the subspeciesA. m. carnica, A. m. ligustica, A. m. macedonica, A. m. mellifera, A. m. siciliana.At each location, the local strain of bees was tested together with at least two "foreign" origins, with a minimum starting number of 10 colonies per origin. The common test protocol for all the colonies took into account colony survival, bee population in spring, summer and autumn, honey production, pollen collection, swarming, gentleness, hygienic behaviour,Varroa destructorinfestation,Nosemaspp. infection and viruses. Data collection was performed according to uniform methods. No chemical treatments against Varroa or other diseases were applied during the experiment. This article describes the details of the experiment set-up and the work protocol.

scholarly journals The Impact of Entrepreneurial Training and Performance of SMEs In Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 126-134
Author(s):  
Richard Sarfo Gyasi ◽  
Cai Li ◽  
Isaac Gumah Akolgo ◽  
Yvonne Owusu-Ampomah
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Entrepreneurial Training ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Economic Landscape ◽  
The Impact

In developing countries such as Ghana, the economic landscape is changing, with a move from foreign direct investment to self-employment and entrepreneurship. Academics, practitioners and governments worldwide increasingly recognized the role of education and training in providing entrepreneurs with the necessary business skills and acumen to plan, set up and grow their business ideas. The main aim of the study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial training intervention on innovations and performance of small scale automobile businesses in Ghana. Data was collected from small scale automobile business owners and managers in Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The convenient sampling method was used to select eight hundred and ninety-six (896) respondents for the study. The data was analyzed meaningfully following the appropriate protocols by categorizing and coding. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0, SMART PLS 3.2.8 and Microsoft Excel 2007 were used in analyzing the data. The study reveals that; there is a significant relationship between entrepreneurial training interventions and performance of small scale automobile firms in Ghana.

scholarly journals One year of laboratory-based COVID-19 surveillance system in Belgium: main indicators and performance of the laboratories (March 2020–21)

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjan Meurisse ◽  
Adrien Lajot ◽  
Yves Dupont ◽  
Marie Lesenfants ◽  
Sofieke Klamer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
First Year ◽  
Positivity Ratio ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
One Year ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

Abstract Background With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an existing national laboratory-based surveillance system was adapted to daily monitor the epidemiological situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the Belgium by following the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, the number of performed tests and the positivity ratio. We present these main indicators of the surveillance over a one-year period as well as the impact of the performance of the laboratories, regarding speed of processing the samples and reporting results, for surveillance. Methods We describe the evolution of test capacity, testing strategy and the data collection methods during the first year of the epidemic in Belgium. Results Between the 1st of March 2020 and the 28th of February 2021, 9,487,470 tests and 773,078 COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases were reported. Two epidemic waves occurred, with a peak in April and October 2020. The capacity and performance of the laboratories improved continuously during 2020 resulting in a high level performance. Since the end of November 2020 90 to 95% of the test results are reported at the latest the day after sampling was performed. Conclusions Thanks to the effort of all laboratories a performant exhaustive national laboratory-based surveillance system to monitor the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 was set up in Belgium in 2020. On top of expanding the number of laboratories performing diagnostics and significantly increasing the test capacity in Belgium, turnaround times between sampling and testing as well as reporting were optimized over the first year of this pandemic.

scholarly journals Construction of Ideal Remote Assessment Environments and the Impact of Self-Selected Music on Student Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Joshua K. C. Tsang ◽  
Kyle J. Wilby
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Online Assessment ◽  
Online Assessments ◽  
Remote Assessment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

Background: Remote online assessments require students to construct their own assessment environments, including selection of strategies (such as the use of music) to reduce stress. This study aimed to determine the impact of self-selected music on student performance during a remote online assessment and to identify factors important for constructing ideal assessment environments. Methods: Final year students were randomized to complete a voluntary remote online 2-hour care plan test. Those randomized to ‘music’ were required to play self-selected music during the assessment and those randomized to ‘non-music’ were asked not to play music. Prior to the assessment, perceived stress and resilience were measured. Performance between groups was compared and associations between stress, resilience, and performance determined. A post-survey identified music preferences/acceptability, and factors identified for ideal remote assessment environments. Results: A total of 79 students completed the study (n=40 music, n=39 non-music). The median assessment score in the music group was 90% (range 58 to 99%) and 88% (range 58 to 99%) in the non-music group (not significant). No associations were found between scores and perceived stress or resilience. The majority of students randomized to music (62.5%) found it helpful. Thirteen categories of factors were identified to contribute to an ideal remote assessment environment with the most common being lighting, location, quietness, distractions, and seating/set-up. Conclusion: Findings support the notion that remote online assessment environments should not come as ‘one size fits all’ and many factors (including self-selected music) may influence a student’s ability to perform to a high standard.

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