Resistance to conventional and novel insecticides in the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Sciences, University of Luton, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhilosophyThe incidence, influencing factors and mechanisms of resistance to insecticides from a range of chemical groups were examined in UK and European populations of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Toxicological assessments of populations from a range of plant production glasshouses and comparisons with the responses of a laboratory susceptible strain disclosed levels of resistance to pyrethroid, organophosphate, insect growth regulator (IGR) and neonicotinoid insecticides. Responses to conventional compounds indicated varying levels of resistance, potentially reflecting disparate usage between collection sites. All strains examined possessed resistance to the IGR, buprofezin; some populations were virtually immune to this commonly used control agent. Selection experiments demonstrated reciprocal crossresistance between buprofezin and a further IGR, teflubenzuron, both of which are frequently incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for this species. Results for the leading neonicotinoid, imidacloprid, revealed resistance in both UK and European strains, representing the first documented cases of neonicotinoid resistance in this species worldwide, and the first in any insect species within the UK. The lethal effects of vapour emitted by applications of buprofezin and the anti-feedant effects of imidacloprid were demonstrated in T. vaporariorum for the first time. The potential consequences of these factors for both the control and selection of resistance were highlighted. Mechanistic studies using electrophoresis and kinetic spectrophotometer readings showed that neither non-specific esterases nor modified acetylcholinesterases were involved with resistance to either pyrethroid or specific organophosphate insecticides

Developing a Visitor Profile: The Hill of Tara for Hill of Tara Conservation Management Plan

A Conservation Management Plan for the State-owned lands at the Hill of Tara was commissioned by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in January 2018. As an element of this at the request of the Heritage Council and the Discovery Programme, a visitor profile was undertaken by staff and students of the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). According to the Office of Public Works (OPW), over 200,000 people visit Tara archaeological site each year, and the site is being actively promoted as part of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand by Fáilte Ireland. As part of the Conservation Management Plan consideration is required as to how the site should be managed in the future, and a visitor profile is the first step in identifying aspects of visitation to the site. The objective of the research work was to develop a visitor profile of the Tara archaeological site in County Meath. The survey was administered to visitors to the Hill of Tara over one day, 18 July 2018. The survey was administered by three volunteer students from the BA in Tourism Management (DT406), DIT, facilitated by Dr. Catherine Gorman. These students were informed of the survey and were offered an opportunity to volunteer to undertake the wor

The Use of Networking in Developing and Marketing the Irish Ecclesiastical Product

This project seeks to explore the development potential of trails and networks, focusing on ecclesiastical sites in the Republic of Ireland. Two concurrent strands were undertaken: Investigation of visitor markets and their requirements The ecclesiastical / tourist resource and the experience it has to offer to the visitor. The following considerations were taken into account; Richness and range of the ecclesiastical product inIreland Issues of access, structure, interpretation and management Advocation of a market oriented approach using factors and requirements as parameters to segment the markets The approach to the project included the following: Development of a series of geographical clusters. Development of a number of national themed clusters. Identification of the key constructs to ensure effective networking within a cluster. Development of a series of maps to illustrate clusters. Identification of a suggested process through which local communities / destinations can advance should they wish to develop a cluster or destination A key output of this project is this document which could act as a resource for local players to employ as a catalyst for discussion around the development of a tourism cluster, focused on ecclesiastical sites

Students in Action Initiative

The Students in Action Project in the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism was established in 2012 as a way of engaging students and working with stakeholders in a destination. The overall aim of the project was to immerse students in an active collaborative learning environment within the destination to identify ways in which tourism could be enhanced. In the 2014/2015 academic year the project involved over 300 students from a variety of programmes and modules working with local stakeholders in Wexford Town. To date the project has been successful in its aims to develop staff, student and community engagement and has generated positive impacts in terms of lecturer and student collaborations and has also provided substantial outcomes for the destination. Going forward, while posing challenges in terms of funding, timetabling and logistical issues, the project provides extensive opportunities for further enhancement of student engagement and collaborative learning

Percutaneous Transvenous Melody Valve-in-Ring Procedure for Mitral Valve Replacement

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous transvenous mitral valve-in-ring (VIR) implantation using the Melody valve in an ovine model.BackgroundThe recurrence of mitral regurgitation following surgical mitral valve (MV) repair in both adult and pediatric patients remains a significant clinical problem. Mitral annuloplasty rings are commonly used in MV repair procedures and may serve as secure landing zones for percutaneous valves.MethodsFive sheep underwent surgical MV annuloplasty (24 mm, n = 2; 26 mm, n = 2; 28 mm, n = 1). Animals underwent cardiac catheterization with VIR implantation via a transfemoral venous, transatrial septal approach 1 week following surgery. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and echocardiographic data were recorded before and after VIR.ResultsVIR was technically successful and required <1 h of procedure time in all animals. Fluoroscopy demonstrated securely positioned Melody valves within the annuloplasty ring in all animals. Angiography revealed no significant MV regurgitation in 4 and moderate central MV regurgitation in the animal with the 28-mm annuloplasty. All animals demonstrated vigorous left ventricular function, no outflow tract obstruction, and no aortic valve insufficiency.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of a purely percutaneous approach to MV replacement in patients with preexisting annuloplasty rings. This novel approach may be of particular benefit to patients with failed repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation and in pediatric patients with complex structural heart disease