Background estimation in a wide-field background-limited instrument such as Fermi GBM

The supporting instrument on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) is a wide-field gamma-ray monitor composed of 14 individual scintillation detectors, with a field of view which encompasses the entire unocculted sky. Primarily designed as transient monitors, the conventional method for background determination with GBM-like instruments is to time interpolate intervals before and after the source as a polynomial. This is generally sufficient for sharp impulsive phenomena such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) which are characterised by impulsive peaks with sharp rises, often highly structured, and easily distinguishable against instrumental backgrounds. However, smoother long lived emission, such as observed in solar flares and some GRBs, would be difficult to detect in a background-limited instrument using this method. We present here a description of a technique which uses the rates from adjacent days when the satellite has approximately the same geographical footprint to distinguish low-level emission from the instrumental background. We present results from the application of this technique to GBM data and discuss the implementation of it in a generalised background limited detector in a non-equatorial orbit.Comment: Proceedings of SPIE, Vo. 8443, Paper No. 8443-3

Parasitoids of blackheaded fireworm (Rhopobota naevana Hbn.) larvae on cranberries, and larval escape behaviour

The parasitoids Hemisturmia tortricis (Coq.) (Tachinidae), Sympiesis bimaculatipennis (Girault) (Eulophidae) and one male of the genus Microplitis (Braconidae) were reared from black-headed fireworm larvae collected on a cranberry farm in the Fraser Valley, B.C. Fireworm larvae escape ovipositing parasitoid females by dropping from an "escape hatch" hole cut in the bottom of the feeding shelter.Key words: Vaccinium macrocarpon; Hemisturmia tortricis; Sympiesis bimaculatipennis; Microplitis; Tortricidae; biological control; behaviou

Diagnostic molecular markers to detect and identify primary parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Ericaphis fimbriata on highbush blueberry

This research provides mitochondrial COI sequences and species-specific reverse primers for Aphidius ericaphidis Pike and Starý, Ephedrus incompletus Provencher, and Praon unicum Smith (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), which are primary parasitoids of Ericaphis fimbriata (Richards) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an important vector of Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) on highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericales: Ericaceae) in the Pacific Northwest. The COI sequences are deposited under accession numbers EU574902, EU574904, GU237131, KC211020-211024, KC211027-211032.  The combination of three primers in a multiplex PCR assay detects and differentiates DNA from adults of all three parasitoid species.  When individual field-collected aphids were challenged with the multiplex PCR assay, immatures of the two numerically dominant species, A. ericaphidis and P. unicum, were readily detected as was multiparasitism by these two species.  The uncommon species, E. incompletus, was detected less frequently by multiplex PCR assay than by rearing from the aphid hosts.  The diagnostic molecular markers are useful tools for estimating of rates of parasitism and for identifying immatures of parasitoid species within aphid hosts, particularly if used in combination with rearing and dissection assays of field-collected aphids

“It gives me confidence”: Caregiver Coaching From the Perspective of Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Caregiver coaching is utilized in early intervention services with families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing to increase caregivers’ skills and confidence in supporting their child’s language development, but few studies have examined coaching from the perspective of the caregivers. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of caregivers’ experiences of coaching in the context of listening and spoken language intervention services. Using semi-structured, qualitative interviews, this study examined 13 caregivers’ perspectives at three intervention sites in the US and Canada. Results indicate that caregivers perceive that practitioner characteristics, expectations, and the evolution of the coaching relationship over time contribute to a positive caregiver coaching relationship. This study contributes to the understanding of the caregiver coaching experience and has implications for new and experienced practitioners working to improve their practice by establishing and strengthening collaborative caregiver coaching relationships with the families they serve

“It’s About Walking Alongside a Family”: Practitioner Perspectives on Caregiver Coaching With Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Practitioners utilize caregiver coaching in early intervention services, but coaching principles and practices are not well understood in the context of listening and spoken language (LSL) services with families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The purpose of this study was to examine practitioners’ experiences with coaching, including definitions, training, and practices they utilize in their work with families. Using semi-structured, qualitative interviews and video observation discussions, this study examined the perspectives of 14 practitioners providing LSL services to families at three intervention sites in the US and Canada. Results indicate that practitioners’ underlying beliefs about their coaching proficiency and caregivers’ capacity impact their coaching practices and how they engage with caregivers. Results highlight practices such as mentoring and accountability that supported practitioners’ coaching skills. This study contributes to the understanding of caregiver coaching in LSL practice and has implications for practitioners working to improve their coaching skills, which may improve LSL services and optimize child outcomes