Presence–Absence Sampling Plans for Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the Midwest Region of the United States

Stink bugs represent an increasing risk to soybean production in the Midwest region of the United States. The current sampling protocol for stink bugs in this region is tailored for population density estimation and thus is more relevant to research purposes. A practical decision-making framework with more efficient sampling effort for management of herbivorous stink bugs is needed. Therefore, a binomial sequential sampling plan was developed for herbivorous stink bugs in the Midwest region. A total of 146 soybean fields were sampled across 11 states using sweep nets in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The binomial sequential sampling plans were developed using combinations of five tally thresholds at two proportion infested action thresholds to identify those that provided the best sampling outcomes. Final assessment of the operating characteristic curves for each plan indicated that a tally threshold of 3 stink bugs per 25 sweeps, and proportion infested action thresholds of 0.75 and 0.95 corresponding to the action thresholds of 5 and 10 stink bugs per 25 sweeps, provided the optimal balance between highest probability of correct decisions (≥ 99%) and lowest probability of incorrect decisions (≤ 1%). In addition, the average sample size for both plans (18 and 12 sets of 25 sweeps, respectively) was lower than that for the other proposed plans. The binomial sequential sampling plan can reduce the number of sample units required to achieve a management decision, which is important because it can potentially reduce risk/cost of management for stink bugs in soybean in this region.

Monitoring House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Activity on Animal Facilities

Monitoring house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) activity on animal facilities is a necessary component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program to reduce the negative impacts of these flies. This article describes monitoring methods appropriate for use on animal facilities with discussion of monitoring device use and placement. Action thresholds are presented where these have been suggested by researchers. Sampling precision is an important aspect of a monitoring program, and the number of monitoring devices needed to detect a doubling of fly activity is presented for monitoring methods where this information is available. It should be noted that both action thresholds and numbers of monitoring devices will be different for every animal facility. Suggested action thresholds and numbers of monitoring devices are presented only to provide guidance when initiating a fly monitoring program. Facility managers can adjust these values based upon the fly activity data recorded at their facility. Spot cards are generally recommended as an easy-to-use method for monitoring fly activity for most animal facilities. Fly ribbons or similar sticky devices are recommended where several pest fly species may be abundant and identifying the activity of each species is important, but a sampling period of <7 d may be needed in dusty conditions or when fly density is high. Fly ribbons are not recommended for outdoor use. Insecticide-baited traps may be used in outdoor locations where environmental conditions limit the use of spot cards, fly ribbons, and sticky traps.

Sampling Techniques and Setting Thresholds

This chapter looks at sampling techniques and setting thresholds. The cornerstone of any integrated insect management regime is accurately identifying pest insects (including assessing population density) and developing appropriate action thresholds. Various methods have evolved by which the populations of insects present in the turf environment may be determined relatively rapidly and efficiently. These methods have become standard techniques for reporting insect densities. The chapter differentiates between passive sampling techniques (use of traps) and active visual inspection techniques (actual quantification of insect populations). Thresholds in turf integrated pest management usually are more accurately considered tolerance levels, or action thresholds. The tolerance level, or action threshold, for turfgrass insects is site-specific and depends on many factors.

34 Newborn Jaundice Screening Nomogram for Universal Screening in Saskatchewan

Background Transcutaneous (TcB) meters support clinical decision making at point-of-care, reduces nurses’ time to screen, decreases the frequency of painful blood draws and minimizes health care costs. Best practice for TcB screening is unknown and international guidelines vary. Meter bias may result in over- or underestimation of TSB in a Canadian population. The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests screening between 24 and by 72 hours of age and reducing total serum bilirubin (TSB) action thresholds by the 95th confidence interval of the meter. To support point-of-care decision making, a tertiary center and community follow-up program uses universal screening and follow-up protocols. ​ Objectives The aim of this analysis is to develop a locally validated TcB nomogram with action thresholds based on age and risk for clinical use at point-of-care. ​ Design/Methods This prospective cross-sectional study includes newborns ≥35 weeks gestation <14 days old requiring TSB sampling in hospital or community and 13 JM-105 meters. Participants are included if TcB reading ranges from 1-340µmol/L (0.1-20.0 mg/dL) and TSB is collected within 1 hour of TcB measurement. TSB samples are analyzed using Roche™ Bilirubin Total Gen.3. To measure how close the TcB reading is to TSB, the difference is found by subtracting TSB from mean TcB. Lin’s Concordance statistics are calculated for each meter. Using a 2-dimentional 95th Confidence Interval ellipse, we select 13 JM-105 meters with similar accuracy and precision for use by the universal screening program. Using a quadratic model we fit a line based on the lower 95th predictive interval of the grouped meter data collected from 13 meters to Canadian Paediatric Society low, medium and high risk TSB thresholds for intensive phototherapy. ​ Results The study population includes 498 newborns that received 620 visits and 705 meter readings with thirteen JM-105 with mean birth weight 3.38 kilograms (SD=0.51) with thirteen JM-105. Along with the clinical screening protocol, nomograms for newborns 35-37 weeks gestation (high and medium risk thresholds) and 38+ weeks gestation medium and low risk thresholds) are presented. Newborns with TcB that plots in a potential treatment range will receive a TSB to determine if intensive phototherapy is required. Conclusion To support point-of-care decision making, a tertiary center and community follow-up program uses universal screening and follow-up protocols. TcB nomograms with action thresholds based on age and risk support point-of-care decision making.