Insect Population Dynamics, Varietal Preference and Performance of Organic Bio-Pesticides

Abstract Organic farming prohibits use of synthetic agrochemicals and encourages use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. States in the Southeastern US generally lag behind the rest of the country in organic vegetable production partly because of high insect pressures that make it difficult to grow vegetables without pesticides. This study on summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), grown using organic management practices, was conducted at a research station located in Mills River, North Carolina. The objectives of the study were to assess insect population dynamics and to evaluate performance of three OMRI-approved bio-pesticides: Azadirachtin, Pyrethrin and Spinosad against major insect pests of three summer squash varieties (Gentry, Spineless Beauty, and Zephyr). The highest populations of leafhoppers and thrips were recorded in early and late July. Squash varieties significantly influenced the populations of leafhoppers, thrips, aphids, and cucumber beetles. Bio-pesticides performed similarly against the major insect pests of squash recorded in this study Keywords: Organic Summer Squash, Insect Pests, Bio Pesticides, Organic Farmin

Psychotrauma and effective treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers and peacekeepers

Psychotrauma occurs as a result to a traumatic event, which may involve witnessing someone's actual death or personally experiencing serious physical injury, assault, rape and sexual abuse, being held as a hostage, or a threat to physical or psychological integrity. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder and was defined in the past as railway spine, traumatic war neurosis, stress syndrome, shell shock, battle fatigue, combat fatigue, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS). If untreated, post-traumatic stress disorder can impair relationships of those affected and strain their families and society. Deployed soldiers are especially at a high risk to be affected by PTSD but often receive inadequate treatment. Reviews to date have focused only on a single type of treatment or groups of soldiers from only one country. The aim of the current review was to evaluate characteristics of therapeutic methods used internationally to treat male soldiers' PTSD after peacekeeping operations in South Eastern Europe and the Gulf wars

High abundances of neurotrophin 3 in atopic dermatitis mast cell

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) is a member of the neurotrophin family, a group of related proteins that are known to regulate neuro-immune interactions in allergic diseases. Their cellular sources and role in the recruitment of mast cell precursors in atopic dermatitis have not been characterized in detail so far.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>Characterize NT-3 on a transcriptional and translational level in individuals with atopic dermatitis with special focus on mast cells.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To meet this objective NT-3 levels in the serum of AD patients were measured, the effect of NT-3 on keratinocytes was evaluated and the gene expression and regulation assessed using ELISA, immunohistochemistry and RNA quantification.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Systemic levels of NT-3 were found to be higher in individuals with AD as compared to healthy controls. A distinct genetic expression was found in the various cells of the skin. In lesional mast cells of individuals with atopic dermatitis an increased amount of NT-3 was apparent. Functional <it>in vitro </it>experiments demonstrated that NT-3 stimulation led to a suppression of IL-8 secretion by HaCat cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings could imply a role for NT-3 in the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases.</p

Scientometric analysis of the world-wide research efforts concerning Leishmaniasis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leishmaniasis is a chronic disease that is found in various countries of the world. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of leishmaniasis on the world's research output. The present study assessed benchmarking of research output for the period between 1957 and 2006. Using large database analyses, research in the field of leishmaniasis was evaluated. Furthermore, cooperation between different countries was identified.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The number of publications increased with time. Most publications came from Western countries such as the US, UK or Germany. Interestingly, countries like Brazil and India had a high research output. We found a substantial amount of cooperation between countries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although leishmaniasis is of limited geographic distribution it attracts a wide research interest. The central hub of research cooperation is the USA.</p

Bidirectional Assessment of Stress, job satisfaction and work ability of Educators in day care centres: a real-time observation study - the study protocol (BASE)

Background: Occupational demands of educators are not very well researched. Nevertheless their work is subject to several requirements. Whether these demands have an effect on the work ability and the health status of employees has also not been examined. Furthermore it is unclear if the ownership type of day care centres have an influence on job satisfaction and work ability of the pedagogical staff and what kind of resources do exist. Previous studies were mainly based on questionnaire data. Objective data does not exist. Therefore the aim of this investigation is to collect precise data relating to work of educators. Methods: Effects of different types of ownership of day care centres on job satisfaction and work ability of educators will be assessed with the help of objective real time studies in combination with multi-level psycho diagnostic measurements. Discussion: The present study is the first of its kind. Up to now there are no computer-based real time studies on workflow of pedagogical staff with regard to assess their work-related stress. Following an exhaustive documentation of educators work processes the day-to-day task can be estimated and approaches for prevention can be developed. This can substantially contribute to an overall improvement of child care in Germany

Economies of Scale in Integrated Pest Management in Vegetable and Fruit Production

Abstract Pest management is achieved directly using a variety of tools, including pesticides, and indirectly through a number of agronomic/cultural practices such as irrigation and fertilizer application; collectively these practices function to positively effect general plant health. Healthier plants are more resistant to or tolerant of pests. This study explores the scale differences that impact the pest management significance and suitability of certain agronomic practices. Scale differences were discussed using literature-based information, direct field observations, and anecdotal information on the relative advantages of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems; organic and conventional cultivation of crops; crop rotation versus mono-cropping systems; precision agriculture, and land tenure effects on the suitability of agronomic practices. It was concluded that, sometimes, scale differences are critical enough to warrant completely different approaches to the achievement of goals of small- and large-scale producers. Keywords: Economies of Scale, Integrated Pest Management, Agronomic Practices, Vegetable and Fruit Production, Small-Scale Farmer

A Density-Equalizing Mapping Analysis of the Global Research Architecture

Bacterial meningitis is caused by a variety of pathogens and displays an important public health threat all over the world. Despite the necessity to develop customized public health-related research projects, a thorough study of global meningitis research is not present, so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was a combined density-equalizing and scientometric study. To evaluate the scientific efforts of bibliometric methods, density-equalizing algorithms and large-scale data analysis of the Web of Science were applied in the period between 1900 and 2007. From this, 7998 publications on bacterial meningitis have been found. With a number of 2698, most publications have been written by U.S. authors, followed by the UK (912), Germany (749) and France (620). This dominance can also be shown in the international cooperation. The specific citation analyses reveal that the nation with the highest average citation rate (citations per publications) was Norway (26.36), followed by Finland (24.16) and the U.S. (24.06). This study illustrates the architecture of global research on bacterial meningitis and points to the need for customized research programs with a focus on local public health issues in countries with a low development index, but high incidences, to target this global public health problem

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Selected Practices by Small Livestock Producers in Alabama

Socioeconomic factors are generally believed to affect practices of small livestock producers. Yet, there has been limited research on the issue, especially in Alabama. This study, therefore, focused on the impact of socioeconomic factors on practices of small livestock producers in Alabama. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 producers from South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit analysis. The socioeconomic factors reflected a higher proportion of part-time farmers; many more middle-aged persons, with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education; and a higher proportion with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority practiced rotational grazing; had parasite problems; used veterinary services; kept records, and nearly half conducted soil tests regularly. In addition, several socioeconomic factors had significant effects on selected practices; farming status had a significant effect on rotational grazing; education and income had significant effects on parasite problems; age had a significant effect on veterinary services; and race/ethnicity and education had significant effects on record keeping. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors are important and must be considered in program implementation. Keywords: Socioeconomic Factors, Practices, Small Livestock Producer