Heliospheric Transport of Neutron-Decay Protons

We report on new simulations of the transport of energetic protons originating from the decay of energetic neutrons produced in solar flares. Because the neutrons are fast-moving but insensitive to the solar wind magnetic field, the decay protons are produced over a wide region of space, and they should be detectable by current instruments over a broad range of longitudes for many hours after a sufficiently large gamma-ray flare. Spacecraft closer to the Sun are expected to see orders-of magnitude higher intensities than those at the Earth-Sun distance. The current solar cycle should present an excellent opportunity to observe neutron-decay protons with multiple spacecraft over different heliographic longitudes and distances from the Sun.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, to be published in special issue of Solar Physic

Dog ownership and physical activity: A review of the evidence

Background: Dog walking is a strategy for increasing population levels of physical activity (PA). Numerous cross-sectional studies of the relationship between dog ownership and PA have been conducted. The purpose was to review studies comparing PA of dog owners (DO) to nondog owners (NDO), summarize the prevalence of dog walking, and provide recommendations for research. Methods: A review of published studies (1990-2010) examining DO and NDO PA and the prevalence of dog walking was conducted (N = 29). Studies estimating the relationship between dog ownership and PA were grouped to create a pointestimate using meta-analysis. Results: Most studies were conducted in the last 5 years, were cross-sectional, and sampled adults from Australia or the United States. Approximately 60% of DO walked their dog, with a median duration and frequency of 160 minutes/week and 4 walks/week, respectively. Meta-analysis showed DO engage in more walking and PA than NDO and the effect sizes are small to moderate (d = 0.26 and d = 0.16, respectively). Three studies provided evidence of a directional relationship between dog ownership and walking. Conclusions: Longitudinal and interventional studies would provide stronger causal evidence for the relationship between dog ownership and PA. Improved knowledge of factors associated with dog walking will guide intervention research

[Collection optimale et recherche pour les ressources génétiques végétales]

Natural resource Management and Policy ; 16International audienceL'article part de l'hypothèse qu'il est intéressant de conserver des ressources génétiques compte tenu des innovations qui pourront être faites dans l'avenir à partir de celles-ci. En partant d'une formalisation du niveau d'innovation réalisable en fonction de la taille de la collection, il est possible de rechercher la taille optimale de la collection. Les travaux réalisés jusque-là montrent alors que la valeur marginale d'une accession collectée dans un lieu donné peut être rapidement faible si la valorisation de la collection n'est faite que sur un caractère. L'article propose une méthode dans laquelle la collecte est faite dans différentes régions avec une valorisation pour différents caractères. On peut montrer alors que la valeur marginale d'une accession de ressources génétiques peut être élevée si elle apporte des gènes originaux pour un caractère spécifique

[Collection optimale et recherche pour les ressources génétiques végétales]

Natural resource Management and Policy ; 16International audienceL'article part de l'hypothèse qu'il est intéressant de conserver des ressources génétiques compte tenu des innovations qui pourront être faites dans l'avenir à partir de celles-ci. En partant d'une formalisation du niveau d'innovation réalisable en fonction de la taille de la collection, il est possible de rechercher la taille optimale de la collection. Les travaux réalisés jusque-là montrent alors que la valeur marginale d'une accession collectée dans un lieu donné peut être rapidement faible si la valorisation de la collection n'est faite que sur un caractère. L'article propose une méthode dans laquelle la collecte est faite dans différentes régions avec une valorisation pour différents caractères. On peut montrer alors que la valeur marginale d'une accession de ressources génétiques peut être élevée si elle apporte des gènes originaux pour un caractère spécifique

The distribution of cotton looper (Anomis flava Fabr.) larvae and larval damage on cotton and its relationship to the photosynthetic potential of cotton leaves at the attack sites

Data are given for the distribution of larvae and larval damage of the cotton looper, Anomis flava Fabr., during periods of natural attack on cotton in the south-east Queensland region. A distinct distributional pattern developed in which larvae and major damage to leaves were centrally located on both the horizontal and vertical axes of the plant. The distribution and damage potential of the larval population was subsequently greatly modified by a nucleopolyhedrosis virus epizootic disease commonly recorded in cotton looper populations in the region. Major damage was caused to leaves 14-21 days old which were approximately midway through their photosynthetic capacity range and continuing to decline in photosynthetic importance. The data are considered relative to the inclusion of loopers in a complete pest management program currently being developed for cotton in the south-east Queensland region

Effect of damaging main stem terminals at various stages of flowering, on yield of cotton in south-east queensland

Damage by the cotton tipworm, Crocidosema plebeiana Zeller, was simulated in field trials by the removal of terminal buds (tipping) at different phenological stages coinciding with tipworm presence on cotton grown in south-eastern Queensland. The effect of this damage was considered in relation to the induced changes in crop morphology, fruit production, yield and harvestability of cotton grown under field conditions. No significant differences in fruit formation and yield were established. There were significant delays in times to 50 per cent flowering and boll opening in plants tipped before squaring had commenced. Changes in the location of monopodial branches arising from the main stem were induced in plants tipped pre-squaring but this did not significantly affect the harvestability