A Novel CO2-Based Insect Sampling Device and Associated Field Method Evaluated in a Strawberry Agroecosystem

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 1037-1042
Author(s):  
Emily Bick ◽  
Daniel M Dryden ◽  
Hoang Danh Nguyen ◽  
Heather Kim
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Field Method ◽  
Insect Community ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Insect Sampling

Abstract There is high demand for accurate insect sampling methods to inform integrated pest management strategies. Despite widespread application, existing sampling methods, such as portable aspirating and sweep netting, can result in overrepresentation of prominent pests, underrepresentation of natural enemies, and damage to plants. In this study, we test a novel device for insect sampling via anesthetization. Specifically, we test the effect of CO2 (application pressure and duration of exposure) on Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) anesthetization in the laboratory and on insect community density in a strawberry agroecosystem. Carbon dioxide application proves an effective means of anesthetization compared to negative controls, and an increase in net CO2 exposure results in a decrease in time until L. hesperus anesthetization. Field results indicate the CO2 method collects more parasitoids and thrips than a portable aspirator, and at the 50 PSI application pressure and 15-s exposure, the CO2 method results in a comparable number of pests collected as the research standard, a portable aspirator with 8-s aspiration time. Benefits of the CO2 method include minimal plant damage, highly explicit spatial and temporal data, and scalability.

Measuring Earwax Cortisol Concentration Using a Non-Stressful Method (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Herane-Vives
Keyword(s):  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Local Stress ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Right

BACKGROUND “Short-term” samples are not the most appropriate for reflecting Chronic Cortisol Concentration (CCC). Although hair is used for reflecting the systemic cortisol level over “long-term”, its use appears clinically problematic. Local stress and non-stress related factors may release a circumscribed cortisol secretion that is accumulated in hair. Non-stressful earwax extraction methods may provide a more accurate specimen to measure CCC. OBJECTIVE Correlate cortisol levels using hair, serum and earwax samples METHODS Earwax from both ears of 37 controls were extracted using a clinical procedure commonly associated with local pain. One month later, earwax from the left ear side was extracted using the same procedure, and earwax from the right ear side was comfortably extracted, using an earwax self-sampling device. Participants also provided one centimetre of hair that represented the retrospective month of cortisol output, and one serum sample that reflected the effect of systemic stressors on cortisol levels. Earwax (ECC), Hair (HCC) and Serum (SCC) Cortisol Concentration were correlated and compared. Confounders´ effect on cortisol levels were studied. RESULTS Serum showed the largest and hair the lowest cortisol concentration (p<0.01). Left-ECC was larger than Right-ECC (p=0.03). Right-ECC was the only sample unaffected by confounders (all p>0.05). Right-ECC and HCC showed the only significant association (r=0.39; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS The self-sampling device did not represent a local stressor for the ceruminous glands. It provided the cortisol level with the least likely to be affected by confounding factors over the previous month. ECC using the novel device may constitute another accurate, but more suitable and affordable specimen for measuring CCC.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis following Liver or Bone Marrow Transplantation

1994 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perry J. Johnson ◽  
William M. Lydiatt ◽  
James V. Huerter ◽  
Frederic P. Ogren ◽  
Julie M. Vose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Marrow Transplantation ◽  
Marrow Transplantation ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Fungal Sinusitis ◽  
Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽  
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

Invasive fungal infection of the nose and paranasal sinuses occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients and is increasingly recognized as a complication of organ transplantation. We performed a retrospective chart review of 955 bone marrow and 749 liver transplant patients to identify risk factors, presenting signs and symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and successful management strategies. We report on five cases following bone marrow transplantation and one case following liver transplantation. Neutropenia is the single most important risk factor in the development of and recovery from invasive fungal sinusitis. Early diagnosis, combined with antifungal agents, hematopoietic growth factors, and aggressive surgical debridement is the most effective means of management.

Role of computer simulation in the application of knowledge to animal industries

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Black ◽  
GT Davies ◽  
JF Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Relative Price ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mechanistic Models ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Financial Return ◽  
Widespread Application

The net financial return of an enterprise depends on the interaction among a great many factors. Some of these factors relate to the animal, some to its diet, some to its environment, some to the prevalence of disease and some to circumstances outside the production enterprise such as the premiums paid for products of different quality, the relative price structure of feeds and products, and the availability and cost of capital, labour, breeding stock and other resources. Although there has been a great deal of research into many of these factors, the complexity of the interactions between them makes it virtually impossible for the human mind to assess accurately the consequences of alternative management strategies on either the efficiency of production or the long-term profitability of a livestock enterprise. By transforming the concepts and knowledge into mathematical equations and integrating them in computer programs using simulation modelling techniques, this vast store of information can be applied directly to improving the management of commercial animal enterprises. Models are also valuable for defining research priorities. These simulation models should, as far as possible, be based on descriptions of the mechanisms perceived to determine animal function, not on empirical relationships of correlation and association. This need for mechanistic models has major implications for the direction and nature of future research into animal function. Mechanistic models of animal performance alone are unlikely to result in the widespread application of knowledge to the animal industries. Models must be integrated with other modules that cover the major areas of an enterprise determining its profitability, as well as with programming features that make the whole Decision Support Software System easy to use and interpret by industry personnel. The animal model is likely to represent less than 20% of a commercially useful package. A major factor limiting the application of animal growth models is lack of an adequate description of the conditions within commercial enterprises. Collection of such data is difficult and frequently regarded as unattractive by scientists and funding organisations, but it is essential for effective application of existing knowledge through simulation models. Furthermore, industry must make frequent measurements of factors determining animal performance and enterprise profitability if the significance of predictions from animal models is to be evaluated fully. An example is presented illustrating how simulation models can improve the biological efficiency and profitability of a commercial animal enterprise when this information is available.

scholarly journals A Novel Earwax Method to Measure Acute and Chronic Glucose Levels

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1069
Author(s):  
Andrés Herane-Vives ◽  
Susana Espinoza ◽  
Rodrigo Sandoval ◽  
Lorena Ortega ◽  
Luis Alameda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postprandial Glucose ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Clinical Method ◽  
Postprandial Glycemia ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Standard Serum

Diabetes is the fourth cause of death globally. To date, there is not a practical, as well as an accurate sample for reflecting chronic glucose levels. We measured earwax glucose in 37 controls. Participants provided standard serum, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and earwax samples at two time-points, one month apart. The specimens measured baseline fasting glucose, a follow-up postprandial glucose level and a between sample chronic glucose, calculated using the average level on the two occasions. The baseline earwax sample was obtained using a clinical method and the follow-up using a novel self-sampling earwax device. The earwax analytic time was significantly faster using the novel device, in comparison to the clinical use of the syringe. Earwax accurately reflected glucose at both assessments with stronger correlations than HbA1c. Follow-up postprandial concentrations were more significant than their respective fasting baseline concentrations, reflecting differences in fasting and postprandial glycemia and more efficient standardization at follow up. Earwax demonstrated to be more predictable than HbA1c in reflecting systemic fasting, postprandial and long-term glucose levels, and to be less influenced by confounders. Earwax glucose measurements were approximately 60% more predictable than HbA1c in reflecting glycemia over a month. The self-sampling device provided a sample that might accurately reflect chronic glycemia.

Anaerobic 35°C and 55°C Treatment of a BCTMP/TMP Effluent: Sulphur Management Strategies

1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 433-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Stephenson ◽  
R. M. R. Branion ◽  
K. L. Pinder
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Sulphide ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Sulphate Reduction ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Thermomechanical Pulp ◽  
Treatment Efficiency ◽  
Sulphur Compounds ◽  
Experimental Apparatus ◽  
Molybdenum Addition

Pulp manufacture uses sulphur in a variety of forms and these sulphur compounds ultimately end up in the effluent. Under anaerobic conditions, sulphite and sulphate are reduced to sulphide, presenting problems of toxicity, odour, corrosion, and reduced methane yields and treatment efficiencies. The fate of these inorganic sulphur compounds in a bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp/thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP/TMP) effluent mixture was examined in two phase anaerobic reactors at 35°C and 55°C. The following sulphur management strategies were investigated: 1) controlling the pH of the acidogenic reactor, 2) inhibiting the sulphur reducing bacteria via molybdenum addition to the feed tank, and 3) stripping the hydrogen sulphide dissolved in the methane phase reactor liquor by recycling hydrogen sulphide-free off gas. The laboratory scale experimental apparatus consisted of upflow anaerobic sludge bed pre-treatment or acidogenic reactors followed by hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge bed/fixed film methanogenic reactors. At 35°C, controlling the pH of the acidogenic reactors with sodium carbonate from 5.5 (uncontrolled) to 8.0 in order to shift the formed sulphide species to the less toxic ionic form appeared to be ineffective in promoting wastewater treatment efficiency. Molybdenum addition to the wastewater at levels from 0.1 to 1.0 mM was effective at 1.0 mM in retarding sulphate reduction or sulphide formation. Hydrogen sulphide stripping, using ferric chloride scrubbed and recycled off gas, appeared to be the most effective means of sulphur management for this type of wastewater under these conditions. Tbermophilic 55°C anaerobic treatment was also studied using the same effluent, inocula and sulphur management strategies. Overall, both the treatment efficiency and the sulphate reduction were lower for the thermophilic runs compared to the mesophilic runs. Raising the acidogenic phase reactor pH from 7.0 to 7.5 to 8.0 appeared to have no significant effect on organic carbon removal efficiency or on sulphate reduction. Molybdenum inhibition of sulphur reduction was not as marked as for the 1.0 mM level at 35°C, perhaps due to the already low baseline sulphate reduction efficiency at 55°C. Stripping hydrogen sulphide from the reactor liquor helped to promote the treatment efficiency and lowered the sulphide and sulphate levels. Similar to the 35°C study, sulphide removal by gas stripping appeared to be the most effective means of sulphur management

Conditioning Intensity and Dendritic Cell (DC) Activation: Implications for GVHD Control Using DC Depleting Antibodies.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3112-3112
Author(s):  
Brie E. Turner ◽  
Melinda Christensen ◽  
Janusz Lange ◽  
Ann-Marie Burns ◽  
Derek N.J. Hart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Haematopoietic Stem Cell ◽  
Antibody Concentration ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Conditioning Regimens ◽  
Control Disease ◽  
Conditioning Intensity

Abstract Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) and treatment related mortality (TRM) are the major limitations to the widespread application of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for haematological and non-haematological malignancies. Dendritic cells (DC) as the key initiators and directors of the immune response are central to allogeneic transplant interactions. Preparative conventional conditioning (CC) regimens aim to control disease and ablate the host immune response to facilitate normal haematopoietic reconstitution. The conditioning also unleashes a cytokine storm that activates the residual host immune system, driving host DC and donor T cell interactions that result in GVHD. Reducing the intensity of conditioning (RIC) regimens maintains immune anti-leukaemic activity of T replete HSCT, reduces TRM and delays the onset of GVHD, but the overall incidence of GVHD is unchanged. We hypothesise that this is due to increased persistence of host DC. We propose that strategic administration of DC depleting antibodies could be an effective means to control GVHD. Whilst there is some information on the effects of CC on DC; we have shown that mature plasmacytoid (p) DC are increased in mouse spleen after conditioning by radiation, there is no information on the effects of RIC on DC. We have established murine models of conditioning (CC = Cyclophosphamide [CY] + 800cGy and RIC = Fludarabine [FLU] + CY + 200cGy). The effects on DC numbers, activation and subset composition (myeloid (m) DC and DC), cytokine and systemic endotoxin levels were studied on each day of the conditioning regimens in the absence of HSCT. Mice receiving CC have a significantly higher percentage of DC which are pDC compared to RIC (p&lt;0.001) which results in a decrease in the overall percentage of mDC. However, mice that received RIC have significantly higher absolute numbers of host pDC than CC mice. Preliminary data shows no difference in endotoxin levels in mice receiving RIC or CC without HSCT. However, there may be a transient increase in endotoxin levels in mice after 2 FLU injections (p=0.12). No such increase was seen after CC. There were significantly higher levels of TNF-α (p=0.02) and IL1-β (p=0.03) in mice receiving RIC rather than CC without HSCT. The higher absolute numbers of DC, altered subset ratio and cytokine production appears to account for the delayed onset of GVHD in RIC transplant recipients. Intra-peritoneal (ip) injection of N418, a monoclonal antibody to mouse leukocyte integrin CD11c depleted murine DC in vivo. Preliminary experiments show elimination of 50% of DC after injection of N418 (500mg). Subsequent experiments show that 1mg of N418 is sufficient to significantly delay, but not prevent, GVHD in a full MHC mismatched model of HSCT (p=0.025). The action of N418 is specific, as DC depletion was not seen in mice treated with 1 mg hamster Ig. Together, these observations suggest that increasing antibody concentration and prolonged administration may be required to prevent GVHD. The successful application of DC depletion to control GVHD will improve the safety of HSCT for patients with leukaemia.

Operating Conditions and System Considerations for a Reversible Solid Oxide Cell System for Electrical Energy Storage

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher H. Wendel ◽  
Pejman Kazempoor ◽  
Robert J. Braun
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Thermal Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Solid Oxide ◽  
System Level ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Electrical Energy Storage

Electrical energy storage (EES) is an important component of the future electric grid. Given that no other widely available technology meets all the EES requirements, reversible (or regenerative) solid oxide cells (ReSOCs) working in both fuel cell (power producing) and electrolysis (fuel producing) modes are envisioned as a technology capable of providing highly efficient and cost-effective EES. However, there are still many challenges from cell materials development to system level operation of ReSOCs that should be addressed before widespread application. One particular challenge of this novel system is establishing effective thermal management strategies to maintain the high conversion efficiency of the ReSOC. The system presented in this paper employs a thermal management strategy of promoting exothermic methanation in the ReSOC stack to offset the endothermic electrolysis reactions during charging mode (fuel producing) while also enhancing the energy density of the stored gases. Modeling and parametric analysis of an energy storage concept is performed using a thermodynamic system model coupled with a physically based ReSOC stack model. Results indicate that roundtrip efficiencies greater than 70% can be achieved at intermediate stack temperature (∼680°C) and pressure (∼20 bar). The optimal operating conditions result from a tradeoff between high stack efficiency and high parasitic balance of plant power.

scholarly journals A Novel Earwax Method to Measure Acute and Chronic Glucose Levels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andres Herane-Vives ◽  
Susana Espinoza ◽  
Rodrigo Sandoval ◽  
Lorena Ortega ◽  
Luis Alameda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glycated Haemoglobin ◽  
Postprandial Glucose ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Clinical Method ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Standard Serum

Increased chronic glucose is associated with pandemic diseases. To date, there is not a practical, as well as accurate sample for reflecting that level. We measured earwax glucose in 37 controls. They provided standard serum samples, Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) and earwax samples on two time-points, one month a part. The specimens measured baseline fasting glucose, a follow-up postprandial glucose level and a between sample chronic glucose, calculated using the average level on the two occasions. The baseline earwax sample was obtained using a clinical method and the follow-up using a novel self-sampling earwax device. The earwax analytic time was significantly faster using the novel device in comparison to the clinical use of the syringe. Earwax accurately reflected glucose at both assessments with stronger correlations than HbA1c. Follow-up postprandial concentrations were more significant than their respective fasting baseline concentrations, reflecting differences in fasting and postprandial glycaemia and more efficient standardisation at follow up. Earwax demonstrated to be more predictable than HbA1c in reflecting systemic fasting, postprandial and long-term glucose levels and immune by confounders. Earwax glucose was approximately 60% more predictable than HbA1c in reflecting glycaemia over a month. The self-sampling device provided a sample that might accurately reflect chronic glycaemia.

scholarly journals Is There an Association between Physical Activity and Sleep in Community-Dwelling Persons with Dementia: An Exploratory Study Using Self-Reported Measures?

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bartfay ◽  
Paige Stewart ◽  
Wally Bartfay ◽  
Efrosini Papaconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Sleep Quantity ◽  
Exercise Classes

Sleep disturbances are common in persons with dementia (PWD). While pharmacotherapy is widely used, non-pharmacological interventions are beginning to surface as first-line management strategies. This study sought to investigate if physical activity was associated with more favourable sleep patterns in PWD, and to compare the sleep quantity and quality between active and inactive PWD. We conducted an exploratory study to tackle these research questions. Self-reported telephone questionnaires were administered to 40 caregivers of PWD, who answered questions as proxies on behalf of their care recipient. Just over half (55%) of our participants met the criteria for being active. Walking was the most popular form of physical activity for both active and inactive PWD. Active PWD also preferred exercise classes and gardening, whereas inactive PWD favoured chair exercises. Compared to their inactive counterparts, active PWD were more likely to experience appropriate sleep quantity (p = 0.00). The active group also reported significantly better overall sleep quality (p = 0.003). Together, our findings suggest that physical activity may be associated with improved sleep in PWD. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether physical activity can be promoted as a safe and effective means to improve quality-of-life in this population.

The use of sampling methods in studies of the distribution of larvae of Boophilus microplus on pastures.

1961 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 752 ◽  
Author(s):  
. Wilkinson.P.R
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Heavy Grazing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Creek Bank ◽  
Dry Soil

Three methods of sampling pasture for larvae of Boophilus microplus (Can.) were tested by traversing plots which had been artificially infested with known numbers of larvae. A wheeled device gave the highest yield, picking up about 5% of larvae encountered, as against 2.5-3% for white cloth leggings and 0.5% for a cotton blanket 18 in. wide. In a later test in naturally infested pasture there was no significant difference between numbers of larvae picked up by a modified form of a sampling device described by Blagoveschenskii (1957) and the wheeled sampler. However, Blagoveschenskii's sampler was easier to use than the wheeled sampler. The leggings can be used in rough or heavily timbered country which is unsuitable for the other sampling devices. Further tests indicated that a suitable length for sampling transects is 50 yd, and that it was advantageous to carry out both "forward" and "return" traverses on each transect. There was no evidence of difference in yield between early morning and noon traverses. Legging samplers, supplemented by blanket dragging, were used to obtain information on the relation of larval infestation to cattle habits in an 80-acre paddock, and to compare infestations on a "creek-bank" and a "hillside" plot, in a 400-acre paddock. It was concluded that: (1) Larvae were widespread in the pasture and at times abundant even in dry grass on dry soil. (2) Cattle "camps" may be only lightly infested despite the high number of diurnal "cattle-hours" spent there, and possible reasons for this are discussed. (3) Cattle do not rest in a fixed locality at night but appear to prefer well-drained areas of pasture, which may become heavily infested. (4) The grazing habits of cattle, as indicated by dung pat counts, varied with the season in the 400-acre paddock. In the drought of late 1951 heavy grazing of the creek frontage coincided with heavy larval infestation of the creek bank plot. (5) The wide distribution of larvae reduces the economic feasibility of controlling tick infestations by treatment of pastures with acaricides, particularly where the number of cattle per square mile is low.

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