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In this study, we investigated important morphological traits of select populations of Iranian fiber hemp. The analysis of variance showed significant diversity among the populations. Four of the eight genotypes showed a large biomass suitable for the fiber industry. Kerman, Sirjan, Dezful, and Arak genotypes had the highest plant height and the largest stem diameter. These populations had late-flowering habits with a short inflorescence length. Our classification revealed that of the four high-fibrous candidates, three were classified in one group, comprising Kerman, Sirjan, and Dezful genotypes. The fourth one, Arak, was placed in the second group. Significantly positive correlations were observed between final plant height, footstalk diameter, and number of days to first-flower emergence. A strong correlation occurred between morphological traits and geographical data pertaining to the genotypes. Our findings indicated that a high elevation and a low average annual temperature are suitable for the growth of medicinal cannabis. Warmer weather made the plants taller with thicker stems and late blooming habits, which are more relevant for use in the fiber industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a nutrient-dense salad crop with high antioxidant capacity and glucosinolate concentration and with the potential to contribute to nutrient security as a locally grown outdoor aquatic crop in northern temperate climates. However, phosphate-based fertilizers used to support plant growth contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats, often pristine chalk streams, downstream of farms, increasing pressure to minimize fertilizer use and develop a more phosphorus-use efficient (PUE) crop. Here, we grew genetically distinct watercress lines selected from a biparental mapping population on a commercial watercress farm either without additional phosphorus (P-) or under a commercial phosphate-based fertilizer regime (P+), to decipher effects on morphology, nutritional profile, and the transcriptome. Watercress plants sustained shoot yield in P-conditions, through enhanced root biomass, but with shorter stems and smaller leaves. Glucosinolate concentration was not affected by P-conditions, but both antioxidant capacity and the concentration of sugars and starch in shoot tissue were enhanced. We identified two watercress breeding lines, with contrasting strategies for enhanced PUE: line 60, with highly plastic root systems and increased root growth in P-, and line 102, maintaining high yield irrespective of P supply, but less plastic. RNA-seq analysis revealed a suite of genes involved in cell membrane remodeling, root development, suberization, and phosphate transport as potential future breeding targets for enhanced PUE. We identified watercress gene targets for enhanced PUE for future biotechnological and breeding approaches enabling less fertilizer inputs and reduced environmental damage from watercress cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

California has large and diverse biomass resources and provides a pertinent example of how biomass use is changing and needs to change, in the face of climate mitigation policies. As in other areas of the world, California needs to optimize its use of biomass and waste to meet environmental and socioeconomic objectives. We used a systematic review to assess biomass use pathways in California and the associated impacts on climate and air quality. Biomass uses included the production of renewable fuels, electricity, biochar, compost, and other marketable products. For those biomass use pathways recently developed, information is available on the effects—usually beneficial—on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and there is some, but less, published information on the effects on criteria pollutants. Our review identifies 34 biomass use pathways with beneficial impacts on either GHG or pollutant emissions, or both—the "good." These included combustion of forest biomass for power and conversion of livestock‐associated biomass to biogas by anaerobic digestion. The review identified 13 biomass use pathways with adverse impacts on GHG emissions, criteria pollutant emissions, or both—the "bad." Wildfires are an example of one out of eight pathways which were found to be bad for both climate and air quality, while only two biomass use pathways reduced GHG emissions relative to an identified counterfactual but had adverse air quality impacts. Issues of high interest for the "future" included land management to reduce fire risk, future policies for the dairy industries, and full life‐cycle analysis of biomass production and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community colleges are actively involved in distance-learning programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Over 76% of community colleges offer some form of distance learning in CTE. Over the years, only a few isolated studies have compared the effectiveness of distance CTE courses to traditional face-to-face courses. Typically, the findings of previous studies indicate no significant differences between the two methods. This study was designed to address the lack of systematic studies of this question. It also examines how student motivation and learning strategies differ for campus-based and online students. Finally, it investigates how online and campus-based courses differ in terms of course interaction, content organization, student support, and transactional distance (i.e., feelings of closeness to the instructor and the program).

Community colleges have played a key role in connecting high school tech prep, industry training, and baccalaureate education. As an institution of higher education known for its adaptability and willingness to provide customized training, the community college has been influenced by industry and federal policy (e.g., Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act). Federal policy has generally acted to increase the role community colleges play in workforce preparation. Community colleges are employing distance technologies to deliver a range of skill-based career and technical education (CTE) through credit and noncredit courses and programs. A significant majority of the distance CTE courses address hands-on skill development. At first glance, distance learning would seem to be antithetical to skill training. However, with businesses demanding increasing flexibility and a desire to re-skill their employees, the need for just-in-time skill training continues to increase. Because of the hands-on nature of skill-based learning, the delivery of distance instruction can impose barriers that must be overcome by the institution. Colleges are overcoming this barrier by blending distance learning with more traditional approaches to provide the hands-on experience needed to develop technical skills. (Contains 3 tables.)

Examines the historical development of modern African American children's literature, from the griot in Africa to recent award-winning authors and illustrators. Addresses connections between African American children's literature and reading comprehension. Discusses culturally conscious literature which, though culturally rich and authentic and geared toward African Americans, is accessible to all. Definitions and benefits of the literature are included. (SM)

Lists recommended books that focus on Indians and the Indian-American experience in the United States. Includes folktales, myths, legends, nonfiction, fiction and titles published in India. Suggests how to select titles for classroom or library. (MMU)

Globally important chalk streams in England are in poor ecological health, in part due to inadequate water quality. Addressing this issue requires an understanding of the governance systems that surround water quality. The complexity and uncertainty inherent in hydrological systems has led to the emergence of integrated and adaptive forms of governance. In these multi‐actor governance systems, the structure of the relationships between actors (the social network) has been shown to affect governance processes and outcomes.Using participatory social network analysis, we mapped and analysed the social networks for the River Test and River Itchen in Hampshire, United Kingdom, to identify actors and their roles, determine the network characteristics and identify interventions to improve governance.Although the results suggest a well‐connected network of actors from the state, private sector and civil society, we find that decision‐making is not decentralised. Bureaucratic governance by central state actors dominates. However, trust in these central state actors and private actors in the networks is low, which undermines collaboration and co‐ordination in the network.Devolving authority to local actors, building trust in the networks and improving connections to important actors could help to improve governance outcomes for water quality. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]