Influences of Host Density, Temperature, and Parasite Age on the Reproductive Potential of \u3ci\u3eBathyplectes Curculionis\u3c/i\u3e (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), an Endoparasite of the Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Alfalfa weevil larvae were exposed to Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) to determine the effect of host density, temperature, and parasite age on the reproductive potential of curculionis. Percent parasitism was found to be inversely proportional to host density and most of the parasites distributed their eggs randomly regardless of host density. The number of eggs deposited was largely independent of temperature. Peak egg laying was reached in three days from which point the parasite\u27s capabilities diminished with increasing age. The longevity of ovipositing females was shorter than females that were not exposed to larvae

Remodeling Grounded Theory

'This paper outlines the concerns of the author with Qualitative Data Analysis' (QDA) numerous remodelings of Grounded Theory (GT) and the subsequent eroding impact. He cites several examples of the erosion and summarize essential elements of classic GT methodology. It is hoped that the article will clarify his concerns with the continuing enthusiasm but misunderstood embrace of GT by QDA methodologists and serve as a preliminary guide to novice researchers who wish to explore the fundamental principles of GT.' (author's abstract)

Constructivist Grounded Theory?

The author refers to and use as scholarly inspiration Charmaz's excellent article on constructivist grounded theory as a tool of getting to the fundamental issues on why grounded theory is not constructivist. The author shows that constructivist data, if it exists at all, is a very very small part of the data that grounded theory uses.' (author's abstract)

Naturalist Inquiry and Grounded Theory

'The world of Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) methodology became quite taken with Lincoln and Guba's book 'Naturalist Inquiry' (1985). The author has no issue with it with respect to its application to QDA; it helped clarify and advance so many QDA issues. However, its application to Grounded Theory (GT) has been a major block on GT, as originated, by its cooptation and corruption hence remodeling of GT by default. Lincoln and Guba have simply assumed GT is just another QDA method, which it is not. In 'The Grounded Theory Perspective II' (Glaser 2003, Chapter 9 on credibility), the author has discussed 'Naturalist Inquiry' (NI) thought regarding how Lincoln and Guba's notion of 'trustworthy' data (or worrisome data orientation) and how their view of constant comparison can and has remodeled and eroded GT. In this paper the author will consider other aspects of NI that remodel GT.' (author's abstract)

An Investigation into Palladium-Catalyzed Reduction of Perchlorate in Water

In this study, application of a catalytic reactor to facilitate chemical reduction of perchlorate was investigated. Palladium-coated pellets were used as the catalyst, and formic acid was used as the reductant. Reactor performance was evaluated under a variety of operating conditions (influent pH, reductant concentration, residence time). Very little perchlorate reduction was observed under any operating condition. At best, approximately 8% perchlorate reduction was observed. This small reduction efficiency is clearly not sufficient for environmental treatment applications. Perchlorate strongly adsorbed to the catalyst at low pH (3 - 3.3). At higher pH (4 - 10), little adsorption was observed. This pH behavior may be the result of dissociation of formic acid (pKa ~ 3.75). It is possible that perchlorate reduction was limited by the amount and speciation of formic acid in the system. Maximum perchlorate reduction was observed at high reductant concentration (10 millimolar formic acid) and low pH (minimized dissociation of formic acid to formation). Increasing the formic acid concentration and reducing the upward pH drift of the bulk fluid (via reduced residence time) may improve perchlorate reduction

Constructivist Grounded Theory?

The author refers to and use as scholarly inspiration Charmaz's excellent article on constructivist grounded theory as a tool of getting to the fundamental issues on why grounded theory is not constructivist. The author shows that constructivist data, if it exists at all, is a very very small part of the data that grounded theory uses.' (author's abstract)

Bifurcated polarization rotation in bismuth-based piezoelectrics

ABO3 perovskite-type solid solutions display a large variety of structural and physical properties, which can be tuned by chemical composition or external parameters such as temperature, pressure, strain, electric, or magnetic fields. Some solid solutions show remarkably enhanced physical properties including colossal magnetoresistance or giant piezoelectricity. It has been recognized that structural distortions, competing on the local level, are key to understanding and tuning these remarkable properties, yet, it remains a challenge to experimentally observe such local structural details. Here, from neutron pair-distribution analysis, a temperature-dependent 3D atomic-level model of the lead-free piezoelectric perovskite Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) is reported. The statistical analysis of this model shows how local distortions compete, how this competition develops with temperature, and, in particular, how different polar displacements of Bi3+ cations coexist as a bifurcated polarization, highlighting the interest of Bi-based materials in the search for new lead-free piezoelectrics

Influence of Acute Resistance Training on Memory, Executive Function, and Mood

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