7,945 research outputs found
Use of Radiography in Behavioral Studies of Turfgrass-Infesting Scarab Grub Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
The behavior of turfgrass-infesting scarab grubs in response to soil physical properties may affect the stress that each species exerts on turfgrass and the efficacy of control tactics. To gain a more realistic picture of the events that occur within the soil matrix, we have developed a nondestructive X-ray technique to study soil insect movement and behavior in simulated and natural soil blocks in the laboratory Laboratory studies using this technique were done to determine the effect of some soil physical factors on scarab grub movement patterns. Species-specific differences were demonstrated in the responses of four scarab grub species (Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman; European chafer, Rhizotrogus mqalis (Razoumowsky); oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis Waterhouse; and northern masked chafer Cyclocephala borealis (Arrow) ) to changing temperature and moisture conditions. Studies also were done to determine the effect of soil moisture on the movement and persistence of an insecticide (isofenphos) applied to turfgrass and its effect on European chafer grub movement and mortality This study showed that isofenphos was relatively nonmobile under our experimental conditions, and that insecticide efficacy depended on factors, such as soil moisture, that influence the position of grubs in the soil profile. We believe that a better understanding of the interactions among grub behavior, insecticide persistence, and movement, as illustrated by this research, will improve our ability to manage scarab grubs in turfgrass and will be applicable to additional soil systems
Can Computers Motivate? The Association Between End User Computing Levels, Job Motivation, And Job Core Characteristics: A Field Study
While end user computing (EUC) has been studied from the standpoint of classification and management, less attention has been placed on how the utilization of the technology impacts on users jobs. This study proposes that differing levels of EUC activity will be associated with differing levels of job characteristics and computer related job outcomes. The study focused on the jobs of 121 middle managers and professional workers enrolled in an MBA program at a southeastern university. The study finds that with successive levels of complexity in EUC utilization, there are corresponding increases in the levels of users' experiencing of job core characteristics
Differential Susceptibility of Japanese Beetle, Oriental Beetle, and European Chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae to Five Soil Insecticides
Efficacy of bendiocarb, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, ethoprop, and isofenphos was evaluated against last-instar larvae of European chafer, Rhizotrogus majalis (Razoumowsky), Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and Oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis Waterhouse, by incorporating insecticides into soil at one-half New York State recommended rates in a laboratory bioassay. Mortality was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wk. The experiment was repeated three times with white grubs collected at different times and from different locations in New York. White grub species differed significantly in their response to some of the insecticides; European chafer was generally least susceptible. Diazinon provided high mortality of Oriental beetle and European chafer grubs but very low mortality of Japanese beetles. Isofenphos provided generally low mortality of all three grub species, although the levels of mortality varied among species. Ethoprop provided uniform mortality of all three grub species. Results of these studies indicate the need to develop species-specific insecticide recommendations for the white grub complex
Protocol for: The use of intra-gastric balloons as an adjunct to a lifestyle support programme to promote weight loss in severely obese adolescents
Background:
Severe childhood and adolescent obesity (BMI>3.5SD) remains a significant public health priority with an increasing incidence [1] and is associated with significant morbidity including immediate and long-term cardiovascular, metabolic and psychological consequences [2]. Current non-invasive treatments including lifestyle modification and pharmaceutical intervention are of limited effectiveness in this population, which leaves permanent bariatric surgery as the only viable option. As an alternative, intra-gastric balloons offer a reversible, potentially safer and less invasive option for severely obese adolescents for whom all other available treatments have been exhausted.
Methods/design: -
BOB is a non-randomised pilot study. A cohort of 12 obese adolescents (BMI > 3.5SD, puberty stage 4 or more) aged 13 - 16 years, will be recruited to the study, where an intragastric balloon (ORBERA – inflated to 500-700ml) will be inserted into the stomach for 6 months, whilst receiving intense, weekly, behavioural support for the family. Follow-up will continue for 18 months after balloon removal with reduced behavioural support. The primary outcome measure will be the change in body weight and BMI standard deviation score from baseline following six months with the intragastric balloon and lifestyle therapy. Secondary outcome measures include the assessment of weight maintenance at 18 months post balloon removal, biomedical outcomes including blood glucose levels, physical activity and physical fitness, and psychosocial outcomes such as paediatric health-related quality of life
A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Educational Needs of Employers and Non-English Speaking Workers in Arboriculture
Arboricultural employers and non-English speaking workers were surveyed to acquire information about their outreach educational needs. Results suggest that language barriers sometimes reduce job performance and threaten worker safety and relationships. Respondents stated that employee performance would improve if workers received English language and cultural training. Method of education mattered, with face-to-face learner and educator contact as the preferred method. It is recommended that arboriculture employers and outreach educators provide English language and cultural outreach education opportunities to arboriculture workers whose first language is not English, then follow this with arboriculture training and information (such as pesticide safety)
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