Atomisers for the Aerial Application of Pesticides in Tsetse (Glossina sp) and Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) Control

Aerial application of insecticides is likely to remain an important component in realistically-costed vector and migratory pest control operations for the foreseeable future. The objective of this work was to identify or design improved atomisers for use in two such operations, tsetse (Glossina sp. ) and African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) control, the former requiring an insecticide aerosol ýx'ith a VMD of 20 to 30ýim at rates upto 0.5 litres/minute and the latter a fine spray with a VMD of 80 to 120ýtm at rates around 16 litres/minute. In both cases rotary atomisation was confirmed as the most appropriate technique. Assessments were made of seven commerciall%, available atomisers and two existinc, prototypes, on the basis of existing reports and new data generated under simulated flight conditions in a wind tunnel. Droplet sizing was carried out using an optical array probe set to give a resolution of 54m over a range of 3.6 -3) 12.54m. None of the atomisers tested met the specification for tsetse-spraying, the limiting factors being rotation speed and inability to distribute low volumes of liquid across their full atomising surface. The Micronair AU4000 and AU5000 and the Micron X-I were found to be suitable for armyworm control, the Micron X-1 having the additional ability to produce spray with VMDs down to 40ýim. A review of rotary atomiser literature provided design guidelines for the design of an atomiser capable of meeting tsetse specifications. The principle effect of liquid flow 4D within the atomiser was found to be on the uniformity of fluid distribution. Premature ligament formation and formation of cross-flow vortices were identified as factors which could adversely influence fluid distribution under some conditions. Ligzan ment seperation from disks can be aided byI slender teeth, providing that these have a spaciniz similar to the natural spacing of ligaments predicted by Taylor instability theoInry . The effect of rotation speed and atomiser diameter on droIp let diameter is determined by the degree of stretching of the ligament due to its acceleration relative to the atomiser, implying that a finer spray would be achieved using a smaller rotating diameter disc than a larger diameter disc with the same peripheral speed. A series of experimental studies was carried out usinrgD higZDh speed photogZ_r_a phy in conjunction with the droplet sizinaprobe. Disturbancesh a,,i,n, g the forrn predicted for C cross-flow vortices were observed in liquid on a plain spinning disc. A sin(-)'Ieligament generator was constructed. With increasing rotation speed this rt\'taled a series of increasingly unstable ligament disintegration modes in which interaction with the surroundin4g15 air became a controlling-- factor. Complete shattering of the ligament occured at a Weber number of between 4 and 5, similar to reported values for liquid jets in a cross flo%v of cyas. Droplet sizing indicated that the specified performance for tsetse operations could be obtained from 50mm diameter atomisers with a total of around _'30000is suing points at a rotation speed of 26000 RPNI. This Zý sucy(yestecdN l,i ndcr rather than disc-based atomisers. A slit was found to be impractical as a means of distributing liquid unifom-ily at high rotation speeds but distribution was sucýe: ssfully achieved using a porous flow resistor. Prototype wind- and electi-ically-driven atornisers were constructed using rotating porous cylinders fed internally by spray bars designed with the help of finite element methods. Ligament formation was found to occur from a film of liquid on the outer surface of the cylinder, the variation in spacing with feedrate and rotation speed suggesting Taylor instability to be the controlling factor. The prototype atomisers achieved a performance suitable for tsetse control operations. This was not enhanced by the provision of discrete issuing points

Sensitivity of predicted bioaerosol exposure from open windrow composting facilities to ADMS dispersion model parameters

Bioaerosols are released in elevated quantities from composting facilities and are associated with negative health effects, although dose-response relationships are not well understood, and require improved exposure classification. Dispersion modelling has great potential to improve exposure classification, but has not yet been extensively used or validated in this context. We present a sensitivity analysis of the ADMS dispersion model specific to input parameter ranges relevant to bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting. This analysis provides an aid for model calibration by prioritising parameter adjustment and targeting independent parameter estimation. Results showed that predicted exposure was most sensitive to the wet and dry deposition modules and the majority of parameters relating to emission source characteristics, including pollutant emission velocity, source geometry and source height. This research improves understanding of the accuracy of model input data required to provide more reliable exposure predictions

A Controlled Study on the Characterisation of Bioaerosols Emissions from Compost

Bioaerosol emissions arising from biowaste treatment are an issue of public concern. To better characterise the bioaerosols, and to assess a range of measurement methods, we aerosolised green waste compost under controlled conditions. Viable and non-viable Andersen samplers, cyclone samplers and a real time bioaerosol detection system (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS)) were deployed simultaneously. The number-weighted fraction of fluorescent particles was in the range 22–26% of all particles for low and high emission scenarios. Overall fluorescence spectral profiles seen by the SIBS exhibited several peaks across the 16 wavelength bands from 298 to 735 nm. The size-fractionated endotoxin profile showed most endotoxin resided in the 2.1–9 μm aerodynamic diameter fraction, though up to 27% was found in a finer size fraction. A range of microorganisms were detected through culture, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of bioaerosols from composting sites, as well as informing future monitoring approaches and data interpretation for bioaerosol measurement

The systematic development of a novel integrated spiral undergraduate course in general practice

In 2007 Keele University School of Medicine rolled out its novel curriculum to which general practice makes a major contribution. In this paper we describe the systematic approach we took to developing the GP curriculum; from the underlying educational principles which guided its development, the subsequent decisions we made to the curriculum itself. This consists of 23 weeks of clinical placements in general practice; four weeks in year 3, four weeks in year 4 and 15 weeks in year 5. We describe the steps which were necessary to prepare for the implementation of the GP curriculum. We consider that the successful implementation of our general practice contribution is a result of our systematic identification of these principles, the clearly articulated design decisions and the systematic preparation for implementation involving the academic GP team and all our potential teaching practices

Correlations in the chemical composition of rural background atmospheric aerosol in the UK determined in real time using time-of-flight mass spectrometry

An aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) was used to determine, in real time, the size and chemical composition of individual particles in the atmosphere at the remote inland site of Eskdalemuir, Scotland. A total of 51980 particles, in the size range 0.3–7.4 µm, were detected between the 25th and 30th June 2001. Rapid changes in the number density, size and chemical composition of the atmospheric aerosol were observed. These changes are attributed to two distinct types of air mass; a polluted air mass that had passed over the British mainland before reaching Eskdalemuir, interposed between two cleaner air masses that had arrived directly from the sea. Such changes in the background aerosol could clearly be very important to studies of urban aerosols and attempts at source apportionment. The results of an objective method of data analysis are presented. Correlations were sought between the occurrence of: lithium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, beryllium, strontium, barium, ammonium, amines, nitrate, nitrite, boron, mercury, sulfate, phosphate, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and carbon (both elemental and organic hydrocarbon) in both fine (d 2.5 µm) particle fractions. Several previously unreported correlations were observed, for instance between the elements lithium, beryllium and boron. The results suggest that about 2 in 3 of all fine particles (by number rather than by mass), and 1 in 2 of all coarse particles containing carbon, consisted of elemental carbon rather than organic hydrocarbon (although a bias in the sensitivity of the ATOFMS could have affected these numbers). The ratio of the number of coarse particles containing nitrate anions to the number of particles containing chloride anions exceeded unity when the air mass had travelled over the British mainland. The analysis also illustrates that an air mass of marine origin that had travelled slowly over agricultural land can accumulate amines and ammonium

Scoping studies to establish the capability and utility of a real-time bioaerosol sensor to characterise emissions from environmental sources

A novel dual excitation wavelength based bioaerosol sensor with multiple fluorescence bands called Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS) has been assessed across five contrasting outdoor environments. The mean concentrations of total and fluorescent particles across the sites were highly variable being the highest at the agricultural farm (2.6 cm−3 and 0.48 cm−3, respectively) and the composting site (2.32 cm−3 and 0.46 cm−3, respectively) and the lowest at the dairy farm (1.03 cm−3 and 0.24 cm−3, respectively) and the sewage treatment works (1.03 cm−3 and 0.25 cm−3, respectively). In contrast, the number-weighted fluorescent fraction was lowest at the agricultural site (0.18) in comparison to the other sites indicating high variability in nature and magnitude of emissions from environmental sources. The fluorescence emissions data demonstrated that the spectra at different sites were multimodal with intensity differences largely at wavelengths located in secondary emission peaks for λex 280 and λex 370. This finding suggests differences in the molecular composition of emissions at these sites which can help to identify distinct fluorescence signature of different environmental sources. Overall this study demonstrated that SIBS provides additional spectral information compared to existing instruments and capability to resolve spectrally integrated signals from relevant biological fluorophores could improve selectivity and thus enhance discrimination and classification strategies for real-time characterisation of bioaerosols from environmental sources. However, detailed lab-based measurements in conjunction with real-world studies and improved numerical methods are required to optimise and validate these highly resolved spectral signatures with respect to the diverse atmospherically relevant biological fluorophores

The systematic development of a novel integrated spiral undergraduate course in general practice

In 2007 Keele University School of Medicine rolled out its novel curriculum to which generalpractice makes a major contribution. In this paper we describe the systematic approach wetook to developing the GP curriculum; from the underlying educational principles whichguided its development, the subsequent decisions we made to the curriculum itself. Thisconsists of 23 weeks of clinical placements in general practice; four weeks in year 3, fourweeks in year 4 and 15 weeks in year 5. We describe the steps which were necessary toprepare for the implementation of the GP curriculum.We consider that the successful implementation of our general practice contribution is aresult of our systematic identification of these principles, the clearly articulated designdecisions and the systematic preparation for implementation involving the academic GPteam and all our potential teaching practices

Review of methods for assessing deposition of reactive nitrogen pollutants across complex terrain with focus on the UK

This review is a summary of the most up-to-date knowledge regarding assessment of atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen (Nr) pollutants across complex terrain in the UK. Progress in the understanding of the mechanisms and quantification of Nr deposition in areas of complex topography is slow, as no concerted attempts to measure the components of Nr in complex terrain have been made in the last decade. This is likely due to the inherent complexity of the atmospheric processes and chemical interactions which contribute to deposition in these areas. More than 300 studies have been reviewed, and we have consulted with a panel of international experts which we assembled for that purpose. We report here on key findings and knowledge gaps identified regarding measurement and modelling techniques used to quantify deposition of Nr across complex terrain in the UK, which depending on definition, may represent up to 60% of land coverage across Great Britain. The large body of peer reviewed papers, reports and other items reviewed in this study has highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses in the tools available to scientists, regulators and policy makers. This review highlights that there is no coherent global research effort to constrain the uncertainties in Nr deposition over complex terrain, despite the clearly identified risk of N deposition to ecosystems and water quality. All evidence identified that enhanced Nr deposition across complex terrain occurs, and magnitude of the enhancement is not known; however, there are major uncertainties particularly in the differences between modelled and measured wet deposition in complex terrain and representing accurate surface interactions in models. Using simplified estimates for Nr deposition, based on current understanding of current measurement and model approaches, an enhancement across UK complex terrain in the range of a factor of 1.4–2.5 (i.e. 40–150% larger than current estimates) is likely over complex upland terrain. If at the upper limits of this, then significantly more ecosystems in the UK would be at a direct risk of degradation, and the potential for long-term non-remediable water quality issues increased

Primary care nurses: effects on secondary care referrals for diabetes

Background: Primary care nurses play an important role in diabetes care, and were introduced in GP-practice partly to shift care from hospital to primary care. The aim of this study was to assess whether the referral rate for hospital treatment for diabetes type II (T2DM) patients has changed with the introduction of primary care nurses, and whether these changes were related to the number of diabetes-related contacts in a general practice. Methods: Healthcare utilisation was assessed for a period of 365 days for 301 newly diagnosed and 2124 known T2DM patients in 2004 and 450 and 3226 patients in 2006 from general practices that participated in the Netherlands Information Network of General Practice (LINH). Multilevel logistic and linear regression analyses were used to analyse the effect of the introduction of primary care nurses on referrals to internists, ophthalmologists and cardiologists and diabetes-related contact rate. Separate analyses were conducted for newly diagnosed and known T2DM patients. Results: Referrals to internists for newly diagnosed T2DM patients decreased between 2004 and 2006 (OR:0.44; 95%CI:0.22-0.87) in all practices. For known T2DM patients no overall decrease in referrals to internists was found, but practices with a primary care nurse had a lower trend (OR:0.59). The number of diabetes-related contacts did not differ between practices with and without primary care nurses. Cardiologists’ and ophthalmologists’ referral rate did not change. Conclusions: The introduction of primary care nurses seems to have led to a shift of care from internists to primary care for known diabetes patients, while the diabetes-related contact rate seem to have remained unchanged.

Технология индивидуализации обучения иностранным языкам в средней школе

Цель работы: разработать приемы индивидуализации при обучении иностранному языку в средней школе и апробировать ее опытно-экспериментальным путем. Объектом исследования является процесс обучения иностранному языку в средней школе. Предмет исследования: приемы индивидуализации обучения иностранному языку в средней школе