Evaluating Pollination Deficits in Pumpkin Production in New York

Potential decreases in crop yield from reductions in bee-mediated pollination services threaten food production demands of a growing population. Many fruit and vegetable growers supplement their fields with bee colonies during crop bloom. The extent to which crop production requires supplementary pollination services beyond those provided by wild bees is not well documented. Pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo L., requires bee-mediated pollination for fruit development. Previous research identified the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens (Cresson), as the most efficient pumpkin pollinator. Two concomitant studies were conducted to examine pollination deficits in New York pumpkin fields from 2011 to 2013. In the first study, fruit weight, seed set, and B. impatiens visits to pumpkin flowers were compared across fields supplemented with B. impatiens colonies at a recommended stocking density of five colonies per hectare, a high density of 15 colonies per hectare, or not supplemented with bees. In the second study, fruit weight and seed set of pumpkins that received supplemental pollen through hand-pollination were compared with those that were open-pollinated by wild bees. Results indicated that supplementing pumpkin fields with B. impatiens colonies, regardless of stocking density, did not increase fruit weight, seed set, or B. impatiens visits to pumpkin flowers. Fruit weight and seed set did not differ between hand- and open-pollinated treatments. In general, we conclude that pumpkin production in central New York is not limited by inadequate pollination services provided by wild bees and that on average, supplementation with B. impatiens colonies did not improve pumpkin yiel

The Training Function In Buisness

The problem statement to be discussed is the training function in business today, including a review of training alternatives available and how these alternatives can be made to fit a company\u27s needs in a cost-effective manner. The method used for this paper is a review of recent articles regarding training. The majority of the materials reviewed were written by professional training management persons or training consultants. These people should have a working knowledge of the training function. Information was also drawn from personal experience, since a portion of my job includes being education officer for the company. The resulting information provides a review of the training management function, how training is affected by the size of the business and its goals and objectives. Also, attention is given to the costs and benefits of training and how they may be determined. The overall goal of this paper was to give an overview of training in business and raise the awareness that training is really still in its infancy. The conlusions reached concur with that goal

Barnevernsansattes møte med foreldrekonflikter

Introduksjon: Denne studien handler om barnevernsansattes møte med foreldrekonfliktsaker. Innen forskningen hevdes det at det foreligger et juridisk grenseland mellom barnevernloven og barneloven. Videre hevdes det at saksbehandlere som arbeider med foreldrekonfliktsaker opplever at dette som utfordrende, dette på bakgrunn av tidspress, samarbeid og motstridende sannheter. Jeg ønsker å bidra til å få mer kunnskap om barnevernsfaglig arbeid med foreldrekonflikter, ut ifra saksbehandlerens ståsted. Formål: Å få økt kunnskap om hvordan foreldrekonflikter kan prege barneverntjenestens arbeid, og hvordan saksbehandlere som er ansatt i barneverntjenesten opplever å møte saker hvor foreldrene er i konflikt. Med dette så ønsker jeg å få kunnskap om konflikter hvor konflikten er såpass alvorlig at det kan gå utover barnets omsorgssituasjon. Metode: Det ble gjennomført semistrukturerte intervju med til sammen fem informanter fra ulike barneverntjenester. Datamaterialet ble analysert ved bruk av en tematisk analyse, og fire hovedkategorier ble kodet frem. Funnene er diskutert i lys av blant annet konfliktteori og maktteori, og begreper som barnets beste. Resultater: Overordnet for mine funn var at saksbehandlerne kunne oppleve det som utfordrende å arbeide med foreldrekonflikter. Mye var på grunn av at det foreligger juridiske skjæringspunkt mellom barnevernloven og barneloven, og det kunne dermed foreligge en usikkerhet om hvilken rolle barneverntjenesten skulle innta, og at det kan foreligge en opplevelse av avmakt på grunnlag av dette. Videre så tilsier mine funn at foreldrekonfliktsakene er tidkrevende og utfordrende i form av at det er vanskelig for saksbehandleren å undersøke barnets omsorgssituasjon på grunn av motstridende sannheter og skyldfordeling.publishedVersio

THE EFFECTS OF AN AEROBIC-BASED CONDITIONING PROGRAM ON VETERANS WITH PTSD SYMPTOMS AND SLEEP DEFICIENCIES

Veterans have been shown to have increased posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and poorer sleep quality when compared to their civilian counterparts. The purpose of the first study was to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in veterans with PTSD (N = 20). The purpose of the second study was to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on PTSD symptoms in veterans with poor sleep quality (N = 20). Study one measured sleep scores as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at multiple time points during an aerobic training routine over an 8-week period. Within study one, there was a control group (N = 10) and an intervention group (N = 10). The difference between the control group’s mid-test PSQI and the intervention group’s mid-test PSQI when controlling for pre-test scores, was statistically significant p = .028. Additionally, the difference between the control group’s post-test PSQI and the intervention group’s post-test PSQI when controlling for pretest scores was statistically significant p = .017. The difference between the control group’s post-test PSQI (M = 13.84, SD = 3.86) and the intervention group’s post-test PSQI when controlling for mid-test scores was not statistically significant p = .957. Study two measured PTSD symptoms as measured by the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Version 5 at multiple time points during an aerobic training routine over an 8-week period. Within study, there was a control group (N = 10) and an intervention group (N = 10). The difference between the control group’s mid-test PCL-5 (M = 55.45, SD = 14.99) and the intervention group’s mid-test PCL-5 when controlling for pre-test scores was statistically significant p = .003. Additionally, the difference between the control group’s post-test PCL-5 and the intervention group’s post-test PCL-5 when controlling for pre-test scores was statistically significant p = .005. The difference between the control group’s post-test PCL-5 and the intervention group’s post-test PCL-5 when controlling for mid-test scores, was not significant p = .655. Both of these studies highlight the application of aerobic exercise as a means to reduce PTSD and poor sleep quality in veterans.Ph.D

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN VETERANS

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between physical activity and PTSD symptomology in veterans. Military veterans (males = 74, females = 4) were included in the study if they served, active or reserve, for a period of at least one complete contract (2-8 years). Recruitment of veterans was accomplished via word of mouth and Facebook. Participants completed an online 31-question survey, which included a demographics section, a PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist version 5) section, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multiple linear regression was used to predict the intensity of PTSD symptoms (as determined by the PCL-5 value) in relation to the amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity when controlling for sedentary time. The α level was set at .05 for all analyses. The regression analysis was not significant, indicating that time spent engaged in moderate to high intensity activity was not a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms, when controlling for sedentary time (R= .27, p =.094). However, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, exploring the relationship between PTSD symptoms and metabolic equivalent (MET)x min/week, demonstrated a moderate inverse relationship (r = -.26, p = .02), suggesting that as level of physical activity increased, symptoms of PTSD decreased. Results from this analysis indicate that 7% of the variation in PTSD symptomology can be explained by variations in amount of physical activity. While this 7% difference may seem to be a modest change in the baseline, it represents the difference between clinical and subclinical classifications of PTSD in veterans. Other more common ways of treating PTSD include medication with Zoloft and Paxil. Both drugs are approved by the Federal Drug Administration for the use in treating combat related PTSD; however, neither of these two drugs have been shown to be effective in treating these particular ailments (Castro, 2014). This highlights the need for a different approach in treating veterans suffering from PTSD

Ninia hudsoni (SERPENTES: DIPSADIDAE) as prey of the coral snake Micrurus hemprichii ortonii (SERPENTES: ELAPIDAE) in northwestern amazonia

Objetivo: Realizar una descripción de un evento depredatorio por parte de la serpiente coral Micrurus hemprichii ortonii sobre la serpiente Ninia hudsoni. Alcance: Contribuir al conocimiento de la historia natural de serpientes neotropicales, particularmente en lo referente a interacciones tróficas. Metodología: Disección en laboratorio. Principal resultado: Este es el primer registro de interacción trófica entre M. h. ortonii y N. hudsoni. Conclusiones: La relación entre la longitud total de la presa respecto a la longitud rostro-cloaca del depredador, fue muy alta (> 90%), indicando que esta especie de serpiente coral puede ingerir presas de gran volumen y tamaño respecto a su propio cuerpo.Objective: To make a description of a predatory event by the Micrurus hemprichii ortonii coral snake on the Ninia hudsoni snake. Scope: Contribution to the knowledge of the natural history of Neotropical snakes, particularly in relation to trophic interactions. Methodology: Dissection in the laboratory. Main result: This is the first record of the trophic interaction between M. h. ortonii and N. hudsoni. Conclusions: The relation between the total length of the prey and the snout-vent length of the predator was very high (>90%), indicating that this species of coral snake can ingest preys of great volume and size in relation to its own body

Current Distribution and Population Persistence of Five Lepidopteran Pests in U.S. Soybean

The distribution of lepidopteran pests in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a current knowledge gap limiting accurate prioritization of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research. Regional characterizations of lepidopteran distribution in soybean are now more than 25 yr old. The goal of this study was to generate a contemporary assessment of the distribution and population persistence of lepidopteran soybean pests. To understand which species are currently infesting soybean and their persistence, we conducted a survey of soybean entomologists with responsibility for approximately 33.6 million hectares of production in 31 U.S. states. Soybean entomologists were asked questions about presence of lepidopteran pests and their persistence in their state. We focused this survey on five lepidopteran pests: corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), green cloverworm (Hypena scabra Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), painted lady (Vanessa cardui L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includens Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Soybean entomologists also provided insight into regionally relevant or sporadic lepidopteran soybean pests. Participants were also questioned about common scouting practices in each state. Results of this survey highlight dissimilar geographic distribution and relative persistence of lepidopteran pests in soybean. Clear differences in occurrence and abundance among species provide important contemporary distributions and persistence estimates. Assessments of scouting practices demonstrate a need to improve IPM adoption in some states. Results of this study and its complementary pest profile (concurrently published in JIPM) provide a contemporary foundation for studies of lepidopteran soybean pests

Bayesian Optimization of insect trap distribution for pest monitoring efficiency in agroecosystems

Insect trap networks targeting agricultural pests are commonplace but seldom optimized to improve precision or efficiency. Trap site selection is often driven by user convenience or predetermined trap densities relative to sensitive host crop abundance in the landscape. Monitoring for invasive pests often requires expedient decisions based on dispersal potential and ecology to inform trap placement. Optimization of trap networks using contemporary analytical approaches can help users determine the distribution of traps as information accumulates and priorities change. In this study, a Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm was used to learn more about the optimal distribution of a fine-scale trap network targeting Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), a significant agricultural pest across North America. Four years of pheromone trap monitoring was conducted at the same 21 locations distributed across ~7,000 square kilometers in a five-county area in North Carolina, USA. Three years of data were used to train a BO model with a fourth year designated for testing. For any quantity of trap locations, the approach identified those that provide the most information, allowing optimization of trapping efficiency given either a constraint on the number of locations, or a set precision required for pest density estimation. Results suggest that BO is a powerful approach to enable optimized trap placement decisions by practitioners given finite resources and time

Accessibility and Engagement

To reach more students, many colleges are using technology to teach courses via a blended learning model, which allows students to attend class face to face or through a video network. The blended–synchronous format (a blended learning model) is defined as the synchronous instruction of face-to-face and remotely located students. Although it provides flexibility for students in terms of location, the blended–synchronous model also has challenges, including accessibility. This study aimed to understand the expectations and experiences of graduate students who attend blended–synchronous courses. The authors surveyed students in a midwestern, mid-sized research university, who were enrolled in programmes that use the blended–synchronous model. The survey focused on their experiences with, and expectations for, their typical mode of attendance. An analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests determined whether there were significant differences between students who attended in person or via a video network (VN) regarding their ideal expectations and actual experiences with classroom engagement. Authors coded open-ended responses to capture and interpret key themes. Results indicated students did not experience significant differences in their ideal or actual classroom engagement regardless of the mode of attendance, although there were significant differences in actual experiences of accessibility—VN students are less able to hear and see the instructor and classmates. Additionally, a sense of “us versus them” emerged between the two groups, with VN students struggling to participate actively. Systems need to be developed to increase participation and social interaction in blended–synchronous courses

Accessibility and Engagement

To reach more students, many colleges are using technology to teach courses via a blended learning model, which allows students to attend class face to face or through a video network. The blended–synchronous format (a blended learning model) is defined as the synchronous instruction of face-to-face and remotely located students. Although it provides flexibility for students in terms of location, the blended–synchronous model also has challenges, including accessibility. This study aimed to understand the expectations and experiences of graduate students who attend blended–synchronous courses. The authors surveyed students in a midwestern, mid-sized research university, who were enrolled in programmes that use the blended–synchronous model. The survey focused on their experiences with, and expectations for, their typical mode of attendance. An analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests determined whether there were significant differences between students who attended in person or via a video network (VN) regarding their ideal expectations and actual experiences with classroom engagement. Authors coded open-ended responses to capture and interpret key themes. Results indicated students did not experience significant differences in their ideal or actual classroom engagement regardless of the mode of attendance, although there were significant differences in actual experiences of accessibility—VN students are less able to hear and see the instructor and classmates. Additionally, a sense of “us versus them” emerged between the two groups, with VN students struggling to participate actively. Systems need to be developed to increase participation and social interaction in blended–synchronous courses