A Comparison of Two Methods of Quantifying Mating Success in Low Density Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Populations

The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a defoliating pest native to Europe and invasive to North America. The gypsy moth is subject to depressed mating success in low density populations, which may restrict spread of the forest pest. Research focusing on gypsy moth density as it relates to mating behavior has often used counts of males caught in pheromone-baited delta traps as a proxy to estimate the probability of female mating success. The purpose of this project was to determine whether pheromone trap counts provide accurate estimates of female mating success probability, by comparing data gathered from pheromone-baited delta traps to data gathered on mating success of tethered females. To determine the relationship between number of males caught in delta traps and the probability of successful mating, male catch counts in traps were compared to mating success of tethered females in a mass male release experiment. The relationship between delta trap catch of males and female mating success was quantified using a Bayesian framework, which explicitly incorporates uncertainties in the model. Vegetative cover in the study plots was reduced to a single measure through principal components analysis and included as an independent factor in the model. The data suggest that delta traps reduce the male’s ability to find a female by 67%; thus, results garnered from delta trap catch counts tend to underestimate the underlying ability of males to locate and mate with females. Thick understory vegetation further reduced the male’s ability to locate a female, and further reduced the effectiveness of delta traps. Future studies that seek to use counts of males in pheromone-baited traps as a proxy for mating success should consider using an adjustment factor to equate the two methods of quantifying reproductive behavior in the gypsy moth.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1271/thumbnail.jp

Increasing CLABSI Bundle Compliance in the NICU

Central lines are frequently used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the administration of medications and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) have the potential to cause harm in the vulnerable neonate. Current evidence shows that having a CLABSI bundle compliance rate of 95 percent or greater correlates with a reduction in CLABSI occurrences. The purpose of this project is to increase compliance to CLABSI prevention practices in the NICU through education and ongoing central line audits. Baseline line audit data revealed an 80 percent compliance rate (n = 50) and 50 percent of nurses answered at least one question incorrectly in a survey of the central line care protocol (n = 10). Post-intervention data showed an increase in CLABSI bundle compliance to 91 percent (n =24). Additionally, after taking a 1-hour CLABSI prevention class, 20 percent of nurses answered at least one question incorrectly on the protocol survey (n = 5). During the time of this study, there were no CLABSIs. It is recommended that central line audits continue in order to monitor for potential CLABSI risks. It is also recommended that ongoing CLABSI prevention education be provided to nursing staff in order to achieve a 95 percent compliance rate

PROTEIN, METHIONINE, AND CYSTEINE UPREGULATION IN \u3ci\u3ePHASEOLUS VULGARIS\u3c/i\u3e ‘BLACK TURTLE BEAN’ SEEDS THROUGH SULFUR FERTILIZATION AT V2 AND R2 STAGES OF GROWTH

The purpose of this research was to increase protein, methionine, and cysteine content in Phaseolus vulgaris L., common bean in relation to the inhibitory compound tannin. Previous research has shown that sulfur fertilization increases total protein, methionine and cysteine content in various crops, but always in tandem with inhibitory compound increases. If successful, the resulting bean seed will have a better nutrient profile for malnourished populations around the world. Granular gypsum was applied at 0 kg S ha-1 [kilograms of sulfur per hectare], 10 kg S ha-1, 20 kg S ha-1, 40 kg S ha-1, 60 kg S ha-1, and 80 kg S ha-1 in two experiments. The main difference between experiments was timing of application (V2 and R2 stage of growth application respectively). Soluble protein, crude protein, methionine, cysteine, and tannin content were compared to controls. Ratios of soluble protein: tannin, crude protein: tannin, methionine: tannin, and cysteine: tannin were also compared. Yield depression occurred at 20 kg S ha-1 for both application timings. Fertilization at the V2 stage of growth decreased soluble protein at 10 kg S ha-1 compared to controls. Crude protein increased at 10 and 40 kg S ha-1 compared to 80 kg S ha-1; drought may have influenced this outcome. For V2 application, methionine peaked at 20 kg S ha-1 while cysteine peaked at 80 kg S ha-1. For R2 application, crude protein decreased at 10 kg S ha-1, 40 kg S ha-1, and 80 kg S ha-1, and cysteine was lower at 60 kg S ha-1 compared to controls. Tannin contents were higher at 80 kg S ha-1. These results may suggest nutrient imbalance in the soil. Sulfur application at the V2 stage of growth produced the highest protein to tannin ratios compared to R2 application, though amino acid to tannin ratios were similar for both fertilization timings. We conclude that sulfur fertilization at V2 stage of growth gives the most improvement in nutritional quality compared to R2 application, with 20 kg S ha-1 giving the best overall quality increases in Phaseolus vulgaris bean seeds

Chalk and Cheese: A comparison of England and Scotland’s emerging approaches to regeneration

To suggest that the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG’s) publication Regeneration to Enable Growth: What Government Is Doing in Support of Community-Led Regeneration, issued in early 2011, was a disappointment to many is something of an understatement. Consequently, the House of Commons Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee’s verdict on the Coalition Government’s regeneration strategy for England was keenly awaited by commentators and practitioners alike. Regeneration, the CLG Select Committee’s report published on 3 November 2011, certainly did not pull any punches, focusing in particular on the Government’s ‘different approach’ to regeneration and its likely effectiveness. This article reviews the current condition of regeneration policy in England – set against the views of the Select Committee and those submitting evidence to it and the Government’s response to its findings, and in comparison with the Scottish Government’s new regeneration strategy, set out in Achieving a Sustainable Future – and considers whether it is fit for purpose

Trafficking in persons monitoring report: January 2009–June 2011

Since 2008, the Australian Government has increased the tempo on investigating and understanding these crimes, and the Australian Institute of Criminology’s research and monitoring program is part of this effort.  The Government has introduced new legislation to crack down on trafficking slavery and servile marriages. Human trafficking is a serious but underreported problem as victims are unwilling to come forward. Since 2004 only 14 people have been convicted of people trafficking-related offences (nine of the 14 defendants were convicted of slavery offences, three of sexual servitude, one of people trafficking and one of labour exploitation). Between January 2009 and June 2011 there were 73 police investigations in Australia and 145 trafficked people entering the government’s victim support program—slightly more than in the previous period. Victims continue to be overwhelmingly from south-east Asia, one-third from Thailand alone. Authored by Jacqueline Joudo Larsen, Lauren Renshaw, Samantha Gray-Barry, Hannah Andrevski, and Toby Corsbie

Should Autism Spectrum Conditions Be Characterised in a More Positive Way in Our Modern World?

In a special issue that focuses on complex presentations related to Autism, we ask the question in this editorial whether an Autism Spectrum Condition without complexity is a disorder, or whether it represents human diversity? Much research into Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) over the years has focused on comparisons between neuro-typical people and people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. These comparisons have tended to draw attention to ‘deficits’ in cognitive abilities and descriptions of behaviours that are characterised as unwanted. Not surprisingly, this is reflected in the classification systems from the World Health Organisation and the American Psychiatric Association. Public opinion about ASC may be influenced by presentations in the media of those with ASC who also have intellectual disability. Given that diagnostic systems are intended to help us better understand conditions in order to seek improved outcomes, we propose a more constructive approach to descriptions that uses more positive language, and balances descriptions of deficits with research finding of strengths and differences. We propose that this will be more helpful to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, both in terms of individual self-view, but also in terms of how society views Autism Spectrum Conditions more positively. Commentary has also been made on guidance that has been adjusted for people with ASC in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic