Novel Strategies for the Control of Wireworm in Potato Crops

The biological control of wireworm (Agriotes spp.) in potato crops has not yet caught up to conventional controls at a time in which deregistration of pesticides is increasing, leaving a paucity of options for growers. Some measure of control has been achieved with use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), and to a lesser extent, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), with varying success. Factors affecting efficacy range from instability of pathogens within a soil matrix to difficulty in accurately targeting a subterranean pest in a heterogeneous population. The overall aim of this project was to identify areas for improvement for biological control strategies for wireworm, through identification of bioactive compounds and exploring synergies between these and existing entomopathogens. Using historical research to identify botanical extracts for bioactivity against invertebrate pests, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and rosemary (Salvia rosemarinus) oils were found to elicit repellent properties in wireworm, positively associated with mortality. Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) oil produced the opposite effect, an attractant response with no adverse effects on larval health. The second aspect of the project posited a novel behavioural assay methodology, demonstrating wireworm plant preferences and complex behavioural responses to introduced botanical semiochemicals beyond that of a simple attraction or repulsion. Identified botanicals were then evaluated for compatibility with strains of Metarhizium brunneum, with each of the three exhibiting fungicidal and fungistatic effects on the EPF, but at lower concentrations improving mortality and rate of pathogenicity. Finally, wireworm behavioural responses to EPF inoculations were exploited with two fungal volatile organic compounds (VOC), 1-octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone, found to have direct bioactivity towards wireworm and marginal synergistic effects with a known biological control in the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabiditis bacteriophora. The project has clearly demonstrated methods for improvement for existing biological controls and given strong evidence for use of botanicals as crop protectant compounds in an integration pest management system for potato crops

What are the voice and swallowing concerns and outcomes of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis who undergo reconstructive surgery?

Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition causing narrowing of the upper airway leading to a range of laryngological symptoms. This thesis seeks to identify and evaluate the existing evidence base for the voice and swallowing difficulties of adult patients with LTS who undergo airway reconstruction; and identify voice and swallowing concerns and outcomes. Four studies were included: 1) a systematic review of the voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with LTS following reconstructive surgery, 2) a qualitative study focusing on voice and swallowing concerns, 3) a survey study exploring the impact of mucus and cough, 4) an observational study exploring voice and swallowing outcomes before and after airway reconstruction. The systematic review identifed no consistent reporting of outcomes and provided minimal information to guide clinical practice. The qualitative study indentified voice and swallowing concerns that were grouped into three themes; The Medical Journey which included information provision and staff expertise versus complacency; the Physical Journey which considered symptoms and treatment; the Emotional Journey encompassing identity, support networks and living with a chronic condition. Mucus and cough were raised in the qualitative research leading to a survey to investigate the issue further. They were noted to impact all aspects of health and were related to voice and swallowing issues. There was no consistent treatment advice or management, supporting the need for clearer guidance. The observational study highlighted the heterogeneity of voice and swallowing outcomes which could indicate a need for personalised assessment and management. In conclusion, adults with LTS present with a range of voice and swallowing concerns and outcomes. Clinical care should be personalised according to individuals, including pre-treatment information provision, and support beyond airway reconstruction. There is a need to develop a core outcome set for the assessment of voice and swallowing in adults with LTS.Open Acces

Model for the Evaluation of Educational Quality Using Virtual Learning Environment

This article describes a model for the evaluation of educational quality using a virtual learning environment. This model describes quantitative and qualitative aspects that are based on a set of quality attributes and evaluation procedures. Consider different dimensions and moments during the development of an online course. A conceptual model quality framework presented identifies activities of process, product and use. At the time of process, a set of elements representing stimulus to the process, which will be in compliance with quality standards are observed.This article describes a model for the evaluation of educational quality using a virtual learning environment. This model describes quantitative and qualitative aspects that are based on a set of quality attributes and evaluation procedures. Consider different dimensions and moments during the development of an online course. A conceptual model quality framework presented identifies activities of process, product and use. At the time of process, a set of elements representing stimulus to the process, which will be in compliance with quality standards are observed

Android based mobile environment for moodle users

This paper is about the development of a platform that eases, throughout Android based mobile devices, mobility of users of virtual courses at Technological University of Panama. The platform deploys computational techniques such as “web services,” design patterns, ontologies and mobile technologies to allow mobile devices communicate with Moodle CMS. This creates a collaborative and customized environment of interaction and alerts that allows an efficient, flexible, and transparent communication. The environment is based on service oriented client server architecture, achieved through the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) methodology that eases reuse. The client will have alerts, file downloads, forums and chats, grading, quizzes, and calendar, among other functionalities.This paper is about the development of a platform that eases, throughout Android based mobile devices, mobility of users of virtual courses at Technological University of Panama. The platform deploys computational techniques such as “web services,” design patterns, ontologies and mobile technologies to allow mobile devices communicate with Moodle CMS. This creates a collaborative and customized environment of interaction and alerts that allows an efficient, flexible, and transparent communication. The environment is based on service oriented client server architecture, achieved through the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) methodology that eases reuse. The client will have alerts, file downloads, forums and chats, grading, quizzes, and calendar, among other functionalities

A System for Mobile Learning: A Need in a Moving World

This paper presents MLEA, a mobile learning application that brings together functionalities of Android devices, Moodle LMS and needs of Mobile learning system users. The application is an answer to young adult learners ‘preferences for mobile technologies. It also provides for professors to close the bridge with their students as well as the trends in higher education. The paper describes in detail the architecture of the design of MLEA, including the creation of web services through the project pattern DAO and a factory method to ensure flexibility.This paper presents MLEA, a mobile learning application that brings together functionalities of Android devices, Moodle LMS and needs of Mobile learning system users. The application is an answer to young adult learners ‘preferences for mobile technologies. It also provides for professors to close the bridge with their students as well as the trends in higher education. The paper describes in detail the architecture of the design of MLEA, including the creation of web services through the project pattern DAO and a factory method to ensure flexibility

Judgments of ethically questionable financial practices: a new perspective

Purpose: Research has suggested that ethics judgments should be made from an impartial perspective. However, people are often partial about their money. This study aims to investigate the extent to which perspectives – the perspective of those who can gain from the use of a financial practice and the perspective of those who can incur losses due to it – affect lay people’s ethics and legality judgments of the practice. In addition, it asks which factors influence their investment intentions. / Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a between-participant scenario experiment, in which participants are presented with cases of predatory trading and front running. Each participant is asked to take either a gain or loss perspective through the formulation of the presented cases. Subsequently, all participants make ethics, legality and investment intention judgments. / Findings: The authors establish that perspectives significantly affect people’s ethics judgments and, to a lesser extent, their legality judgments. People’s investment intentions depend on their perspectives, too, as well as on their financial considerations, ethics judgments, legality judgments and trust. / Originality/value: Research has focused on relatively stable determinants of people’s ethics judgments of financial practices. This paper shows that the situational prospect of profit can sway lay people’s judgments. When people take the gain perspective, they judge financial practices to be more ethical than when they take the loss perspective. Furthermore, people’s perspectives can distort their legality judgments and influence their investment intentions

Finding Ways to Bring Education to Everyone in Panama Through Mobile Learning

This paper presents the main features developed for a mobile learning application to expand the possibilities of learning for students from rural areas or those constrained by schedule and location to attend school. The work presented is focused on methodologies and tool selections to develop the system. Still remains one of the main concerns about the system, which consists on making sure the system is light in terms of power consumption and bandwidth needs.This paper presents the main features developed for a mobile learning application to expand the possibilities of learning for students from rural areas or those constrained by schedule and location to attend school. The work presented is focused on methodologies and tool selections to develop the system. Still remains one of the main concerns about the system, which consists on making sure the system is light in terms of power consumption and bandwidth needs

Untitled [Informational letter by CCISSA co-chairs]

A paper by the co-chairs of the Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa (CCISSA) explaining why they will be co-hosting a Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois with Church World Services.https://digitalcommons.colum.edu/soweto/1006/thumbnail.jp