The effects of methyl parathion on the colony dynamics of Apis mellifera : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

The detrimental effects of pesticides to honey bee colonies were assessed using a combination of electronic and manual sampling techniques. Initial experiments determined that electronic bee counters could be used to identify and monitor toxic events occurring in honey bee colonies, and also identified that 30 minutes after application, the bees did not avoid direct contact with methyl parathion. Dead bee counts, flight activity, percent return of foragers, and determination of colony composition were used to assess the effects of methyl parathion on the colony dynamics of Apis mellifera. In particular, the combination of dead bee counts, colony composition analysis, and "real time" data, provided an extensive monitoring system that enabled the progression of colony recovery to be followed, and generated information of use for the application of pesticides in the local environment. The analysis of colony composition identified that brood declined in response to decreased worker bees, and that colony recovery was dependent on brood and food reserves within the hive. The foraging activity of honey bee colonies dosed with methyl parathion was lower than that of untreated colonies because their flight activity and percent return rate declined for at least six weeks following methyl parathion application. Keywords: Honey bees, Apis mellifera, Pesticide effects, Methyl parathion, Flightmonitorin

Evolution and relationships of the conifer seed cone telemachus: Evidence from the triassic of antarctica

The seed cone Telemachus is known from several Triassic localities in Gondwana. New specimens from two localities in Antarctica provide additional information about the type species, Telemachus elongatus, based on details of morphology and anatomy revealed by using a modified transfer technique on the compressed plants. Seed cones of T. elongatus are up to 6.0 cm long and characterized by conspicuous, elongate bracts. A second Antarctic species, described here as Telemachus antarcticus, is segregated, based on a shorter bract and differences in cone size. Newly recognized features of the genus include the shape, size, and disposition of the ovules; vascularization of the ovuliferous complex; and scale and bract histology. As a result of this new information, it is now possible to compare Telemachus with the permineralized Middle Triassic conifer seed cone Parasciadopitys from the Central Transantarctic Mountains. The similarities between the two genera make it possible to relate organs in different preservational modes and to develop a more complete concept for this widely distributed Gondwana conifer. Placing the Telemachus plant within a phylogenetic context makes it possible to evaluate the relationship with other so-called transitional conifers, an informal group that has been interpreted as intermediate between Paleozoic and modern conifers.Fil: Escapa, Ignacio Hernán. University of Kansas; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Decombeix, Anne-Laure. University of Kansas; Estados UnidosFil: Taylor, Edith L.. University of Kansas; Estados UnidosFil: Taylor, Thomas N.. University of Kansas; Estados Unido

Measuring physical inactivity:do current measures provide an accurate view of "sedentary" video game time?

BACKGROUND: Measures of screen time are often used to assess sedentary behaviour. Participation in activity-based video games (exergames) can contribute to estimates of screen time, as current practices of measuring it do not consider the growing evidence that playing exergames can provide light to moderate levels of physical activity. This study aimed to determine what proportion of time spent playing video games was actually spent playing exergames. METHODS: Data were collected via a cross-sectional telephone survey in South Australia. Participants aged 18 years and above (n = 2026) were asked about their video game habits, as well as demographic and socioeconomic factors. In cases where children were in the household, the video game habits of a randomly selected child were also questioned. RESULTS: Overall, 31.3% of adults and 79.9% of children spend at least some time playing video games. Of these, 24.1% of adults and 42.1% of children play exergames, with these types of games accounting for a third of all time that adults spend playing video games and nearly 20% of children's video game time. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of time that would usually be classified as "sedentary" may actually be spent participating in light to moderate physical activity

Integrating Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies: Professional Development for Elementary Classroom Teachers

Research has determined that culturally responsive teaching is a powerful tool that improves student achievement while providing more equitable educational opportunities for all students (Au, 2009; Banks, 2006; Gay, 2000; Hammond, 2015; Ladson-Billings, 2009). Schools that engage in CRT are able to build bridges of meaning between home and school experiences and between academics and students\u27 cultural realities. However, evidence also suggests that while teachers may have knowledge of multicultural education, many do not display the characteristics needed to fully apply and sustain culturally responsive pedagogical practices. The professional development and PLC supports created for this project are built upon the theoretical framework of Gloria Ladson-Billings (1995) and Geneva Gay (2000). The purpose is to provide a resource for classroom teachers, which describes CRT and outlines ways that educators can more effectively implement culturally responsive instructional strategies into their daily practice. Educators can use the strategies and tools presented in this project to plan instruction, raise expectations, and help diverse students feel valued and empowered. Some examples provided in the PD include modeling and scaffolding, collaboration and peer support, building on Funds of Knowledge, using learning activities that reflect students’ backgrounds and encouraging school-family partnerships. Culturally responsive teaching offers students the opportunity to meet learning challenges with the strength and relevance of their own cultural frame of reference. The project gives teachers the opportunity to reflect on how culture affects student learning behaviors; and how they can change classroom interactions and instruction to embrace these cultural differences

A study of the enzymatic hydrolysis of fish frames using model systems

A model system was employed to study the operating conditions and primary parameters of enzymic hydrolysis of cod proteins. Pancreatin, papain, and bromelain were used to hydrolyse minced cod fillets under controlled conditions and with the rate of hydrolysis being continually monitored via both the pH-stat and TNBS method. The two methods were compared and evaluated. The rate of protein solubilisation was plotted against the degree of hydrolysis (DH). Dry fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) powders having short, medium and high degrees of hydrolysis (DH of approximately 8%, 11% and 16% respectively) were produced and analysed for their molecular weight distribution, using size exclusion chromatography. Almost complete protein solubilisation (75 g soluble protein per kg hydrolysis solution) could be achieved within an hour, at 40°C, at 1% enzyme/substrate ratio (w/w) with papain and bromelain. The pH-stat was found capable of continuously following the rate of hydrolysis but only at low DH. The TNBS could be accurately used even at high DH to estimate the percentage of the peptide bonds cleaved, but required chemical analysis of withdrawn samples

Enzymatic hydrolysis of fish frames using pilot plant scale systems

Papain was used to hydrolyse fish frames under controlled conditions at a batch-pilot plant scale-process, for the pro-duction of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH). Mass balance calculations were carried out so that the rate of hydrolysis, rate of protein solubilisation and yields could be estimated. Almost complete hydrolysis could be achieved in 1 hour, at 40°C, with no pH adjustment, at 0.5% (5 g·kg−1) enzyme to substrate ratio (E/S, were S is Kjeldahl protein) using whole fish frames (including heads and flaps). This was achieved both with the addition of water (1/1 to 2/1 frames/water) but more importantly from commercial considerations without the initial addition of water (after mincing of the fish mate-rial). The degree of protein solubilisation ranged between 71% - 86% w/w. Four different processes are described, namely: 1) a soluble spray-dried FPH powder; 2) a liquid FPH; 3) a partly soluble, spray dried FPH powder and; 4) a crude, drum-dried protein for animal consumption. The amino acid profile of the FPH was identical to that of the par-ent substrate (fish frames)

Dom Quixote na América: Claude Lévi-Strauss e a Antropologia Americanista

Em D. Quixote na América, Anne-Christine Taylor aborda o paradoxo da identidade americanista de Lévi-Strauss. O alcance geral e abstrato da obra de Lévi-Strauss e a pouca expressividade teórica e empírica do americanismo na época em que este realizou suas primeiras e curtas experiências de campo poderiam sugerir que a região onde o autor se formou enquanto antropólogo não teve influência sobre o desenvolvimento teórico de sua obra. A autora mostra, pelo contrário, que se americanista ele se tornou quase por acaso, a influência da experiência e do pensamento ameríndio sobre o estruturalismo de Lévi-Strauss foi tamanha que se pode falar em uma indianização do imaginário científico de Lévi-Strauss, mesmo quando sua meta é o universal

Patient and community nurse perspectives on recruitment to a randomized controlled trial of urinary catheter washout solutions

Aims To provide evidence around the acceptability of a proposed randomised controlled trial (RCT) of catheter washout solutions. Design: A sample of senior community nursing staff (n=7) were interviewed and four focus groups with a sample of community nurses were conducted. Eleven semi-structured face-to-face interviews were undertaken with patients using a long-term catheter. Methods: An in-depth qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was employed. This approach was suitable to explore the lived experiences of subjects and gain their viewpoints and experiences. Results: Nurse participants raised concerns regarding the removal of treatment or increased risk of infection in relation to which arm of the trial patients were randomised to. There was concern that patients could get used to the increased contact with nursing staff. Six patients who agreed to participate cited personal benefit, benefiting others, and a sense of indifference. Four patients were unsure about taking part and one declined