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ABSTRACT For forage production to be efficient and environmentally sustainable, the extent and timing of nitrogen fertiliser applications should match the uptake and growth capabilities of a grass crop. A two‐year field experiment, comprising four diverse grass cultivars, was conducted to assess the impact of two contrasting N‐application rates on forage and root biomass (RB) production and nitrogen‐use‐efficiencies (NUEs). Replicated field plots of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and two Festulolium (ryegrass × fescue hybrid) cultivars were compared at Low N (LN) 178 and High N (HN) 356 kg ha−1 over 2 years. HN applications increased dry matter yield (DMY) in Year 1 (p

Everybody is faced with unique challenges and experiences during his/her life cycle. Some experiences are sudden and untimely, whereas others are expected. Terminal illness remains an unpleasant experience of an emotional, psychological, social and spiritual nature, whether it was sudden or expected. In order to deal with or care for the terminally ill in an effective way, it is important for professionals such as pastors to understand the terminally ill person’s fears, his/her needs and emotional experiences. In this article attention is given to the latter as well as to the specialised skills and techniques that could be implemented to ensure efficient humane and compassionate care for the terminally ill.

Automated remote sensing has revolutionized the fields of wildlife ecology and environmental science. Yet, a cost-effective and flexible approach for large scale monitoring has not been fully developed, resulting in a limited collection of high-resolution data. Here, we describe BioSense, a low-cost and fully programmable automated sensing platform for applications in bioacoustics and environmental studies. Our design offers customization and flexibility to address a broad array of research goals and field conditions. Each BioSense is programmed through an integrated Raspberry Pi computer board and designed to collect and analyze avian vocalizations while simultaneously collecting temperature, humidity, and soil moisture data. We illustrate the different steps involved in manufacturing this sensor including hardware and software design and present the results of our laboratory and field testing in southwestern United States.

Background Cognitive decline may progress for decades before dementia onset. Better cardiovascular health (CVH) has been related to less cognitive decline, but it is unclear whether this begins early, for all racial subgroups, and all domains of cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CVH on decline in the 2 domains of cognition that decline first in White and Black women at midlife. Methods and Results Subjects were 363 Black and 402 White women, similar in baseline age (mean±SD, 46.6±3.0 years) and education (15.7±2.0 years), from the Chicago site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Cognition, measured as processing speed and working memory, was assessed annually or biennially over a maximum of 20 years (mean±SD, 9.8±6.7 years). CVH was measured as Life's Essential 8 (blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, physical activity, diet, sleep). Hierarchical linear mixed models identified predictors of cognitive decline with progressive levels of adjustment. There was a decline in processing speed that was explained by race, age, and the 3‐way interaction of race, CVH, and time (F1,4308=8.8, P=0.003). CVH was unrelated to decline in White women but in Black women poorer CVH was associated with greater decline. Working memory did not decline in the total cohort, by race, or by CVH. Conclusions In midlife Black women, CVH promotion may be a target for preventing the beginnings of cognitive decline, thereby enhancing independent living with aging.

Abstract Genetic stock identification (GSI) is an important fisheries management tool to identify the origin of fish harvested in mixed stock fisheries. Periodic updates of genetic baselines can improve performance via the addition of unsampled or under‐sampled populations and the inclusion of more informative markers. We used a combination of baselines to evaluate how population representation, marker number, and marker type affected the performance and accuracy of genetic stock assignments (self‐assignment, bias, and holdout group tests) for steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Snake River basin. First, we compared the performance of an existing genetic baseline with a newly developed one which had a reduced number of individuals from more populations using the same set of markers. Self‐assignment rates were significantly higher (p

Purpose: Business models define the activity system that an organization employs to create and capture value. As such, business models are essentially the application of strategic management. The term business model, however, suffers from definitional ambiguity which makes the construction of effective business models problematic. We argue that this ambiguity is largely due to a lack of clarity around value. This paper seeks to provide clarity around value and in doing so aid in the development of effective business models. Design: Theoretical paper that deconstructs value into use value and exchange value and develops these concepts. Findings: We deconstruct value into use value and exchange value to explain the micro-conditions of value creation and capture. In doing so, we also provide an explanation of how VRIN and non-VRIN resources can be traded for gain as well as opening up greater strategic options for managers in their development of business models. Originality / Value: Against the background of the study’s focus on BMI, its comparably broad literature basis, and its quantitative and qualitative analysis approach, which provides straightforward recommendations for future research, the study caters an original contribution to the field.