Baseline Survey for Street Dogs in Guam

As is the case for many inhabited islands in Pacific region, dogs are common, including freeroaming street dogs that may be owned or unowned. Reproduction among dogs is largely unchecked, and many owned dogs do not receive adequate levels of basic care in the home or veterinary care when needed. For all of these reasons, Humane Society International (HSI) is exploring options for improving the management of street dog populations and promoting better treatment and care of all dogs on Guam and on the nearby islands of Rota and Saipan. One of the initial steps in this process was to plan and implement a baseline dog survey on Guam, which was accomplished in intermittent phases in February – May 2014. The results of this baseline survey are the focus of this report

BCS 100 Module 7: Climate Change

This module will give students an overview of the factors that cause climate change, the shortterm and longer-term records for global and Arctic air temperature, and forecasted temperatures for the next century. As well, some of the observed and predicted biophysical impacts of climate change are discussed

Baseline Surveys in Mauritius for Street Dog Management

In June-July 2013 and December 2013, Humane Society International (HSI), in conjunction with partner organizations, conducted a series of surveys in the nation of Mauritius to characterize its street dog population, owned dog population, human practices toward dogs, and attitudes about humane issues. Based on data from these surveys, we estimated that Mauritius has a total owned dog population of approximately 246,000, and a roaming street dog population of approximately 57,000. Several indicators suggest that a large majority of the street dog population in Mauritius is owned, and that the number of truly stray dogs is relatively low. Sterilization rates for owned dogs and street dogs were approximately 30%, well below the sterilization rate of 65% - 70% that is necessary to reduce reproductive capacity below replacement levels and achieve population size reduction over time. The failure to sterilize owned dogs is primarily a function of the widely held perception in Mauritius that sterilization is “not necessary”. Despite this attitude, the Mauritian public expressed a broadly-held dissatisfaction with current street dog density, identified many problems and inconveniences associated with street dogs, and expressed overwhelming support for a systematic and effective street dog management program. The apparent disconnect between the desire to reduce street dog numbers versus the actions of individual dog owners emphasizes the need for effective humane education within the framework of an integrated dog management program. Such a program, if properly designed and implemented, would gradually reduce the number of street dogs over time, improve the quality of life for Mauritius’s street dogs, and reduce the problems caused by street dogs. The surveys discussed in this report establish a baseline against which future progress can be measured and evaluated and provide information that is critical in designing an effective humane street dog management program in Mauritius

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability with COVID-19 Outcomes

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability With COVID-19 Outcomes by Gloria Boone (Under the Direction of Gulzar Shah) ABSTRACT This research explored 102 Illinois counties\u27 COVID-19 data to determine whether demographic characteristics and social vulnerability are associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections and deaths. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups and has been deadlier for African American and Hispanic people. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge base regarding social vulnerability and assist public health officials in targeting resources and designing interventions. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to assess demographic characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, and social vulnerability to the increased likelihood of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Multiple regression was performed to assess COVID-19 outcomes with race, ethnicity, and gender. Results of the study found a positive association for COVID-19 infections with race, gender, minority status, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, disability status, and multi-unit housing. Results of the study also found positive associations for COVID-19 deaths in race, gender, minority status, English proficiency, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, households with a disability, and multi-unit housing. INDEX WORDS: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Ethnicity, Health disparities, SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome infection, Social vulnerability, Social vulnerability inde

PUBH 3231 – Epidemiology and Biostatistics

This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will be exposed to the historical development of epidemiology, concepts of causality, definitions of health and disease, and sources of community health data. Current principles and practices in the cause, prevention and control of diseases in various community settings will be emphasized

Baseline Survey for Street Dogs in Guam

As is the case for many inhabited islands in Pacific region, dogs are common, including freeroaming street dogs that may be owned or unowned. Reproduction among dogs is largely unchecked, and many owned dogs do not receive adequate levels of basic care in the home or veterinary care when needed. For all of these reasons, Humane Society International (HSI) is exploring options for improving the management of street dog populations and promoting better treatment and care of all dogs on Guam and on the nearby islands of Rota and Saipan. One of the initial steps in this process was to plan and implement a baseline dog survey on Guam, which was accomplished in intermittent phases in February – May 2014. The results of this baseline survey are the focus of this report

The Implications of Galaxy Formation Models for the TeV Observations of Current Detectors

This paper represents a step toward constraining galaxy formation models via TeV gamm a ray observations. We use semi-analytic models of galaxy formation to predict a spectral distribution for the intergalactic infrared photon field, which in turn yields information about the absorption of TeV gamma rays from extra-galactic sources. By making predictions for integral flux observations at >200 GeV for several known EGRE T sources, we directly compare our models with current observational upper limits obtained by Whipple. In addition, our predictions may offer a guide to the observing programs for the current population of TeV gamma ray observatories.Comment: 6 pages, 11 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 6th TeV Workshop at Snowbird, U

Reciprocal and non-reciprocal recombination between closely linked markers

Reciprocal and non-reciprocal recombination between closely linked marker