A Combined Molecular and Morphological Revision of Cirrospilini LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with a Focus on Zagrammosoma Ashmead and Cirrospilus Westwood

The tribe Cirrospilini (Hymenoptera: Chalcidodea: Eulophidae) is revised in a combined molecular and morphological phylogenetic context, using ribosomal (18S, 28S, ITS2) and mitochondrial (COI) data, and scoring specimens for morphological characters. Twenty genera are now recognized in the tribe. Colpoclypeus Lucchese and Trichospilus Ferrière are included in Cirrospilini, while Cirrospiloidelleus Girault is removed. Melittobiopsis Timberlake is also removed from Cirrospilini, and raised to Melittobiopsini Perry n. tribe., sister to Eulophini Ashmead. Cirrospilus Westwood is revised and is split into 6 morphologically distinct genera: Atoposoma Masi stat. rev., Burkseus Perry, Cirrospilus str. s., Gyrolasella Girault stat. rev., Pseudozagramma Perry n. gen., and Vagus Perry n. gen. The new synonymy of Semielacher Bouček under Cirrospilus is proposed. The first worldwide key to all genera is presented, as well as distribution maps, and extensive specimen, host, and host plant records. Zagrammosoma Ashmead is molecularly revised using ribosomal (28S, ITS2) and mitochondrial (COI) data, with 24 species now recognized, including descriptions of 9 new species. A worldwide key, distribution maps, and image plates of all species are provided

The impact of surgical technique on coronal plane motion in total knee arthroplasty

There are two predominant techniques used by most surgeons to perform total knee arthroplasty: gap balancing and measured resection. The purpose of the current study was to observe if surgical technique has an effect on post-operative coronal plane balance throughout range of motion and to observe if surgical technique has an effect on tibial and femoral component migration. This was a randomized, prospective controlled trial. Twenty-three patients (24 knees) were enrolled: twelve knees in each group. All knees showed migration of their components from the initial RSA to their RSA at 6 months. Migration was similar for both groups, but in the GB group, the tibial component internally rotated whereas the measured resection group externally rotated (p=0.03). There was no difference between the GB group and the MR group in terms of coronal plane balance throughout range of motion exhibited post-TKA implantation (p=0.56). Our data demonstrated that post-operative coronal plane balance throughout range of motion of the knee is most easily predicted by pre-implant operative coronal plane balance

Johnsongrass competition and control in corn

Field studies were conducted at two locations in East and Middle Tennessee to determine the competitive effects of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] on corn (Zea mays L.). The objective of these studies was to determine: (1) the competitive effects of johnsongrass on corn in relation to yield reduction and total biomass produced, (2) the critical johnsongrass-free requirement of corn, (3) the critical duration of johnsongrass competition in corn, (4) the percent johnsongrass control obtained from EPTC (S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) and butylate (S-ethyl diisobutylthiocarbamate) plus the herbicide antidote R-25788 (N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide) and EPTC plus R-25788 and the herbicide extender R-33865 (0,0-dietyl-0-phenolphosphorothioate) and (5) the economic threshold of johnsongrass in corn. All experiments were conducted as randomized complete block designs with four replications. Individual plots in both the threshold and the competition studies consisted of four rows, spaced 91 cm apart by 6.1 m long. Critical data were obtained from the two center rows. Spring Hill The critical johnsongrass-free requirement of corn was determined to be between two and four weeks after planting. A johnsongrass-free period of less than four weeks after planting allows sufficient johnsongrass regrowth resulting in significant yield reductions. The critical duration of johnsongrass competition in corn was determined to be between four and six weeks after planting. Significant stover yield reductions occurred when johnsongrass was allowed to grow with corn for four or more weeks after planting, while six or more weeks of johnsongrass competition were required to significantly reduce grain yields. Season-long johnsongrass competition in corn reduced grain yields by 50% and stover yields by 67% and resulted in 20% lodging. EPTC or butylate, plus the herbicide antidote did not provide acceptable johnsongrass control. Johnsongrass plant populations of 16/6.1 meters of row or higher significantly reduced corn grain yield. Knoxville From evaluation of both the corn grain yield and the corn stover yields it was determined that no critical johnsongrass-free requirement existed for corn under these growing conditions. The critical duration of johnsongrass competition in corn was determined to be between six and eight weeks after planting. Seasonlong johnsongrass competition in corn resulted in an 18% reduction in grain yields and a 37% reduction in stover yields. EPTC plus the herbicide antidote and the herbicide extender resulted in good end-of-season johnsongrass control; approximately 80%. Yields from corn treated with the same herbicide were not significantly different from the weed-free check

An architecture of connection : a YMCA for Benton, Kentucky

This thesis attempts to reaffirm community by resisting sprawl and challenging conventional zoning. The thrust of the project is to gather and connect the people of a small town, Benton, Kentucky, by using a mixed-use YMCA facility. It resists the spreading-out of communal activities and returns them to the traditional place of gathering, the Courthouse Square. It is an example of the way architecture plays a role in community development

Mechanical strength of silica fiber splices after exposure to extreme temperatures

By using a combination of type-I and regenerated gratings, the mechanical strength of optical fiber splices after exposure to temperatures over 1300 C was characterized. Splice strength was found to decrease with temperature with a secondorder polynomial dependence after exposure to environments hotter than 500 C. Splices exposed to temperatures above 1300 C were 80% more fragile than non-exposed splices. The lack of optical attenuation and the narrowing distribution of breaking strengths for higher temperatures suggest surface damage mechanisms, such as hydrolysis, play a key role in weakening post-heating and that damage mechanisms dominate over strengthening induced by crack melting

Understanding Social Care

There is a good chance you are reading this because you are planning to be, or already are, a social care practitioner. Yet for many in Irish society, even those entering the field themselves, the meaning of the term ‘social care’ is not self- evident. A common question directed at social care students and professionals alike is, ‘What do you do?’ Misconceptions abound and in many cases practitioners are not accorded the recognition or status they deserve, partly as a consequence of a limited understanding of what the term means This chapter explores the notion of social care itself. Some definitions are examined, phrase by phrase, to see what is involved. A short history of social care in Ireland is provided, placing the current set of institutions and practices in a historical context. Aspects of social care practice are described, such as what qualities practitioners possess; what sort of work is involved; what practitioners do and where they do it; how much they get paid; and the difference between a social care practitioner and a social worker

Spotlight on Student Achievement: Analyses of Statewide Assessment Data in Math in Common Districts

The Math in Common (MiC) initiative was launched in 2013, amid the introduction of many education policy changes in California. The California State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) in 2010, although there was a delay in associated state policy supports for CCSS-M implementation. For instance, there was no state-approved list of CCSS-M-aligned instructional materials until 2014, and the first standards-aligned summative achievement test was not administered until spring 2015.The MiC initiative aimed to support 10 California districts in implementing the CCSS-M and improving mathematics teaching and learning in grades K-8. Another goal of the initiative was for participating districts to identify and share best practices that could help the state's other 900-plus districts accelerate implementation of the CCSS-M and improve their math achievement (S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, 2012).Five years into the initiative, and with several years of data available from the state's standards-aligned summative achievement test, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), we are in a position to examine some trends in student achievement scores in the CCSS-M era. Analyzing these data can help us understand how MiC districts, with their infusion of both material and intellectual resources, are performing in relation to the state mathematics standards, and how this progress looks when compared to peer districts and to districts across the entire state.This report documents the uneven math gains made by MiC districts, schools, and students, by analyzing the patterns of those gains, which range from outperforming statewide trends to more moderate growth. While progress in student achievement in the MiC districts has been slow, there are some promising signs to share with the field

Where Did They Go: Retention Rates for Students of Color at Predominantly White Institutions

The United States higher education system is comprised of students from various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Despite appearing diverse on the surface, many predominantly White institutions (PWIs) encounter impediments in retaining and graduating students of color. Over the past few decades, universities have made tremendous strides to correct past transgressions, which contributed to high dropout and transfer rates amongst students of color. Despite college’s efforts to be inclusive, discriminatory acts still occur on college campuses. Research has shown that campus racial climate contributes to the retention of students of color within the college. This literature review will delve into various factors that obstruct retention rates amongst students of color at PWIs and methods in which PWIs can enhance their current retention rates