2,346 research outputs found
Community Variation of Gastrointestinal Parasites Found in Urban and Rural Coyotes (Canis latrans) of Calgary, Alberta
We compared parasite variation in coyote feces collected in eight urban sites within Calgary, Alberta, to those in six rural sites outside the city limits. Four hundred and sixty fresh fecal samples (\u3c 4 days old) were collected weekly between July 2009 and June 2010. Fecal flotation analysis identified parasites to the level of genus. We calculated parasite richness, diversity, and evenness. Parasite richness was significantly greater in rural than urban sites. Disparities in the parasite community included a significant variation in parasite richness, diversity, and evenness among rural and urban sites. Toxascaris leonina and Cystoisospora spp. were shared among all urban sites, while these species in addition to Taenia-like spp. and Trichuris spp. were shared among all rural sites. Both urban and rural sites yielded evidence of Toxocara canis, Taenia-like spp., and Giardia spp., which are potential zoonotic parasites. Toxocara canis was at highest prevalence in a core urban site, Inglewood Wildlands, which exhibits unique biotic and abiotic characteristics. Factors of exposure to parasites, such as diet, behavior, and environmental factors, are suggested to be most influential on variation in urban and rural coyote parasitism. We suggest coyotes are an important focal species for further research in urban disease ecology, due to the resilient nature of the carnivore and its propensity to co-exist with people and domestic animals
The ‘Blueprint’ framework for career management skills: a critical exploration
This article examines the Blueprint framework for career management skills as it has been revealed across sequential implementations in the USA, Canada and Australia. It is argued that despite its lack of an empirical basis, the framework forms a useful and innovative means through which career theory, practice and policy can be connected. The framework comprises both core elements (learning areas, learning model and levels) and contextual elements (resources, community of practice, service delivery approach and policy connection). Each of these elements is explored
Broadband Spectral Investigations of SGR J1550-5418 Bursts
We present the results of our broadband spectral analysis of 42 SGR
J1550-5418 bursts simultaneously detected with the Swift/X-ray Telescope (XRT)
and the Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM), during the 2009 January active
episode of the source. The unique spectral and temporal capabilities of the XRT
Windowed Timing mode have allowed us to extend the GBM spectral coverage for
these events down to the X-ray domain (0.5-10 keV). Our earlier analysis of the
GBM data found that the SGR J1550-5418 burst spectra were described equally
well with a Comptonized model or with two blackbody functions; the two models
were statistically indistinguishable. Our new broadband (0.5 - 200 keV)
spectral fits show that, on average, the burst spectra are better described
with two blackbody functions than with the Comptonized model. Thus, our joint
XRT/GBM analysis clearly shows for the first time that the SGR J1550-5418 burst
spectra might naturally be expected to exhibit a more truly thermalized
character, such as a two-blackbody or even a multi-blackbody signal. Using the
Swift and RXTE timing ephemeris for SGR J1550-5418 we construct the
distribution of the XRT burst counts with spin phase and find that it is not
correlated with the persistent X-ray emission pulse phase from SGR J1550-5418.
These results indicate that the burst emitting sites on the neutron star need
not be co-located with hot spots emitting the bulk of the persistent X-ray
emission. Finally, we show that there is a significant pulse phase dependence
of the XRT burst counts, likely demonstrating that the surface magnetic field
of SGR J1550-5418 is not uniform over the emission zone, since it is
anticipated that regions with stronger surface magnetic field could trigger
bursts more efficiently.Comment: accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa
Recommended from our members
A survey of pedagogical approaches and quality mechanisms used in education programs for mental health professionals
The provision of high-quality education and training that is responsive, relevant, accessible and evidence based is critical if the vision for quality mental health services presented in recent policy initiatives in Ireland is to be fulfilled. This paper reports the findings related to pedagogical approaches and quality assurance mechanisms utilized within mental health education. The study involved canvassing all Higher Education Institutions in Ireland. A total of 227 courses in 31 educational institutes were identified and 149 questionnaires were returned from 129 Course Coordinators. Various quality processes were identified in existing programs; however, formal feedback from service providers, service users and carers was seldom reported. Ongoing evaluation and quality assurance strategies are a key element of governance and there is a need to develop strategies that explore the impact of education programs on mental health education and health outcomes. Recommendations are made in terms of future interprofessional mental health education and practice
Burst and persistent emission properties during the recent active episode of the anomalous x-ray pulsar 1E 1841-045
Copyright American Astronomical SocietyThe Swift/Burst Alert Telescope detected the first burst from 1E 1841-045 in 2010 May with intermittent burst activity recorded through at least 2011 July. Here we present Swift and Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor observations of this burst activity and search for correlated changes to the persistent X-ray emission of the source. The T-90 durations of the bursts range between 18 and 140 ms, comparable to other magnetar burst durations, while the energy released in each burst ranges between (0.8-25) x 10(38) erg, which is on the low side of soft gamma repeater bursts. We find that the bursting activity did not have a significant effect on the persistent flux level of the source. We argue that the mechanism leading to this sporadic burst activity in 1E 1841-045 might not involve large-scale restructuring (either crustal or magnetospheric) as seen in other magnetar sources.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio
Mutual synchronization and clustering in randomly coupled chaotic dynamical networks
We introduce and study systems of randomly coupled maps (RCM) where the
relevant parameter is the degree of connectivity in the system. Global
(almost-) synchronized states are found (equivalent to the synchronization
observed in globally coupled maps) until a certain critical threshold for the
connectivity is reached. We further show that not only the average
connectivity, but also the architecture of the couplings is responsible for the
cluster structure observed. We analyse the different phases of the system and
use various correlation measures in order to detect ordered non-synchronized
states. Finally, it is shown that the system displays a dynamical hierarchical
clustering which allows the definition of emerging graphs.Comment: 13 pages, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Potential for Zika virus introduction and transmission in resource-limited countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region: a modelling study.
BACKGROUND: As the epidemic of Zika virus expands in the Americas, countries across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly susceptible to the importation and possible local spread of the virus. To support public health readiness, we aim to identify regions and times where the potential health, economic, and social effects from Zika virus are greatest, focusing on resource-limited countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: Our model combined transportation network analysis, ecological modelling of mosquito occurrences, and vector competence for flavivirus transmission, using data from the International Air Transport Association, entomological observations from Zika's primary vector species, and climate conditions using WorldClim. We overlaid monthly flows of airline travellers arriving to Africa and the Asia-Pacific region from areas of the Americas suitable for year-round transmission of Zika virus with monthly maps of climatic suitability for mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus within Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. FINDINGS: An estimated 2·6 billion people live in areas of Africa and the Asia-Pacific region where the presence of competent mosquito vectors and suitable climatic conditions could support local transmission of Zika virus. Countries with large volumes of travellers arriving from Zika virus-affected areas of the Americas and large populations at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection include India (67 422 travellers arriving per year; 1·2 billion residents in potential Zika transmission areas), China (238 415 travellers; 242 million residents), Indonesia (13 865 travellers; 197 million residents), Philippines (35 635 travellers; 70 million residents), and Thailand (29 241 travellers; 59 million residents). INTERPRETATION: Many countries across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are vulnerable to Zika virus. Strategic use of available health and human resources is essential to prevent or mitigate the health, economic, and social consequences of Zika virus, especially in resource-limited countries. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Exponential Random Graph Modeling for Complex Brain Networks
Exponential random graph models (ERGMs), also known as p* models, have been
utilized extensively in the social science literature to study complex networks
and how their global structure depends on underlying structural components.
However, the literature on their use in biological networks (especially brain
networks) has remained sparse. Descriptive models based on a specific feature
of the graph (clustering coefficient, degree distribution, etc.) have dominated
connectivity research in neuroscience. Corresponding generative models have
been developed to reproduce one of these features. However, the complexity
inherent in whole-brain network data necessitates the development and use of
tools that allow the systematic exploration of several features simultaneously
and how they interact to form the global network architecture. ERGMs provide a
statistically principled approach to the assessment of how a set of interacting
local brain network features gives rise to the global structure. We illustrate
the utility of ERGMs for modeling, analyzing, and simulating complex
whole-brain networks with network data from normal subjects. We also provide a
foundation for the selection of important local features through the
implementation and assessment of three selection approaches: a traditional
p-value based backward selection approach, an information criterion approach
(AIC), and a graphical goodness of fit (GOF) approach. The graphical GOF
approach serves as the best method given the scientific interest in being able
to capture and reproduce the structure of fitted brain networks
Extended multiplet structure in Logarithmic Conformal Field Theories
We use the process of quantum hamiltonian reduction of SU(2)_k, at rational
level k, to study explicitly the correlators of the h_{1,s} fields in the
c_{p,q} models. We find from direct calculation of the correlators that we have
the possibility of extra, chiral and non-chiral, multiplet structure in the
h_{1,s} operators beyond the `minimal' sector. At the level of the vacuum null
vector h_{1,2p-1}=(p-1)(q-1) we find that there can be two extra non-chiral
fermionic fields. The extra indicial structure present here permeates
throughout the entire theory. In particular we find we have a chiral triplet of
fields at h_{1,4p-1}=(2p-1)(2q-1). We conjecture that this triplet algebra may
produce a rational extended c_{p,q} model. We also find a doublet of fields at
h_{1,3p-1}=(\f{3p}{2}-1)(\f{3q}{2}-1). These are chiral fermionic operators if
p and q are not both odd and otherwise parafermionic.Comment: 24 pages LATEX. Minor corrections and extra reference
- …