Unionoida (Mollusca: Margaritiferidae, Unionidae) in Arkansas, Third Status Review

We analyzed stream inventories, phylogeographic studies, community and population estimates, life history and reproductive biology research, and suitable habitat investigations conducted from 1997-2008, as well as the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission mussel database, to update the conservation status for all native freshwater unionoid bivalves thought to occur in Arkansas. Prior to this study, Harris et al. (1997) reviewed the distribution and status of 75 freshwater mussels considered native to Arkansas and ranked 22 species as endangered, threatened or special concern. We now recognize 85 mussel taxa in Arkansas; however, some of those have yet to be described or their nomenclature remains in a state of flux. The previous inclusion of Fusconaia subrotunda (I. Lea 1831) and Obovaria subrotunda (Rafinesque 1820) in the Arkansas native mussel fauna was based on misidentifications. Within the Arkansas mussel fauna, 19 species (22%) are now considered Endangered, 5 species (6%) are ranked as Threatened, 20 species (24%) are of Special Concern, and unfortunately, 1 species has probably been extirpated

ALARA considerations in upgrading a radiation calibration facility

The Los Alamos Radiation Calibration and Evaluation Facility has been upgraded with Cs-137 sources which replaced the Co-60 and Ra-226 radiation sources in the gamma wells used for calibration of beta-gamma exposure rate meters. The facility upgrade involved the transfer of 33.7 TBq of Cs-137, 2.4 TBq of Co-60, and 74 MBq of Ra-226. Due to the intense radiation fields anticipated from the transfers, several phases of planning were conducted addressing each specific job task (source leak testing, source removal, source transportation, and source installation). Controls used to reduce personnel exposures ALARA for the various jobs included: the determination of direct and scattered radiation dose rates using the Los Alamos Monte Carlo Code and by knowledge of process to estimate collective dose; the completion of mock-up exercises or ``dry-run`` of the transfers to reduce time in the actual handling of the sources; the use of a 3.7 m electromagnet and 0.91 m mechanical handling tool to increase distance during the transfers; consideration of localized shielding to reduce exposure; the set up of remote video cameras and monitors over the well ports and lead storage casks to ensure proper source removal and installation; the issue of alarming electronic pocket dosimeters (EPDs) to personnel directly involved in the transfers to measure the integrated and peak dose rates to limit stay times in the radiation areas; the incorporation of a contingency plan to cover unexpected events during a transfer; and the establishment of an exclusion zone to minimize dose to the public. Completion of the facility upgrade resulted in a collective dose of 1.14 mSv

No Means Yes? Perpetuating Myths in the Sexological Construction of Women's Desire

The diagnosis and treatment of desire disorders are contentious issues within sexual medicine today. The issue of women's sexual desire (or rather lack of sexual desire) in particular, has highlighted a variety of problems within the current diagnostic framework for sexual dysfunctions. In an effort to rectify some of these problems, the concept of receptivity has been put forward by a number of clinicians with the suggestion that this better reflects women's experiences of desire. It is argued here, however, that he concept of receptivity presents serious problems for women in heterosexual relationships. Rather than helping women, furthering this concept may simply reinforce male sexual demands, curtail women's sexual autonomy, and promote coercive sex as an acceptable norm. It should therefore not be adopted by therapists

Tomato-aphid-hoverfly: A tritrophic interaction incompatible for pest management

peer reviewedTrichome-based tomato resistance offers the potential to reduce pesticide use, but its compatibility with biological control remains poorly understood. We evaluated Episyrphus balteatus De Geer (Diptera, Syrphidae), an efficient aphidophagous predator, as a potential biological control agent of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on trichome-bearing tomato cultivars. Episyrphus balteatus’ foraging and oviposition behavior, as well as larval mobility and aphid accessibility, were compared between two tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Roma’) and two other crop plants; broad bean (Vicia faba L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Hoverfly adults landed and laid more eggs on broad beans than on three species of Solanaceae. Hoverfly larval movement was drastically reduced on tomato, and a high proportion of hoverfly larvae fell from the plant before reaching aphid prey. After quantifying trichome abundance on each of these four plants, we suggest that proprieties of the plant surface, specifically trichomes, are a key factor contributing to reduced efficacy of E. balteatus as a biological agent for aphid control on tomatoes

Are academic outcomes of higher education provision relevant to and deliverable in the workplace setting?

Current developments in higher education strongly indicate that the way ahead in many disciplines is much closer co-operation between academia and industry. There is growing demand that recognition should be given to learning, irrespective of the environment in which it occurs. This article reflects on what are deemed to be essential components of a degree, and considers how they might be transformed into forms suitable for demonstration in the work environment. The discussion is supported by findings of a survey carried out in conjunction with a development - Structured Industrial Practice Studies - which integrates academic learning and learning in the work environment for full-time students. The findings, however, are of relevance beyond the particular model of learning and mode of attendance. There appears to be potential for achieving in the workplace aspects of courses which, in recent times, have been the prerogative of higher education establishments. However, such potential is variable between working environments and is dependent on higher education providers adapting to different structures in delivery