scholarly journals Niche conservatism and invasion potential of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata in two invaded regions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong Qin ◽  
Jia-En Zhang ◽  
Benliang Zhao ◽  
Zhaoji Shi ◽  
Zeheng Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The United States ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Pomacea Canaliculata ◽  
Niche Conservatism ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Invasion Potential ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables

Abstract The most noxious apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata) native to South America, currently has two distinct invaded ranges in China and the United States. Whether the environmental niches of the two closely related species have changed or remained stable (niche conservatism hypothesis) during the invasion process has become an important issue in forecasting their potential geographic distributions. For each Pomacea snail, two ecological niche models (ENMs, employing BIOMOD2) were generated based on bioclimatic variables and occurrence records in: (1) the native range; (2) the different invasive range. Conservation of ecological niche between the native and invasive snail populations were then tested by principal component and niche dynamics analysis. According to all models, precipitation contributed most to distribution of P. maculata, whereas low temperature was another most influential factor for spread of P. canaliculata. Niche conservatism were indicated by niche similarity tests and high niche stability for both Pomacea snails during their invasions in two regions. Niche expansions of P. canaliculata were relatively larger than unfilling values, whereas niche expansions of P. maculata were lower than unfillings. High niche unfilling for P. maculata in the United States revealed a great potential for further expansion in this region. We discuss the possible roles of physiological tolerances, genetic variation, residence time and hybridization in shaping niche changes for Pomacea snails during their invasion processes. Findings of this work can improve the understanding of potential mechanisms for niche differentiation and provide a theoretical basis for forecasting the invasion potential of Pomacea snails.

Using Accountability to Improve Student Learning in Higher Education Music Programs

2019 ◽  
pp. 745-765
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Ward
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
United States ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
The United States ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Curricular Development ◽  
Accreditation Standards ◽  
Improve Student Learning

Educational accountability has become an increasingly influential factor in higher education. This chapter examines various government oversight and accreditation standards in Central and South America, Europe, and the United States and how student learning in higher education in music can be improved through meeting these standards. The author specifically describes music accreditation procedures of the National Association of Schools of Music and the American Music Therapy Association in the United States. Using accreditation standards as a guideline for program improvement, the author offers a variety of assessment best practices to engage higher education faculty in the assessment process, to improve instruction, to guide curricular development, and to ultimately improve student learning.

scholarly journals Dietary patterns related to total mortality and cancer mortality in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela R. Entwistle ◽  
Donald Schweizer ◽  
Ricardo Cisneros
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The United States ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Abstract Purpose This study investigated the association between dietary patterns, total mortality, and cancer mortality in the United States. Methods We identified the four major dietary patterns at baseline from 13,466 participants of the NHANES III cohort using principal component analysis (PCA). Dietary patterns were categorized into ‘prudent’ (fruits and vegetables), ‘western’ (red meat, sweets, pastries, oils), ‘traditional’ (red meat, legumes, potatoes, bread), and ‘fish and alcohol’. We estimated hazard ratios for total mortality, and cancer mortality using Cox regression models. Results A total of 4,963 deaths were documented after a mean follow-up of 19.59 years. Higher adherence to the ‘prudent’ pattern was associated with the lowest risk of total mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.98), with evidence that all-cause mortality decreased as consumption of the pattern increased. No evidence was found that the ‘prudent’ pattern reduced cancer mortality. The ‘western’ and the ‘traditional’ patterns were associated with up to 22% and 16% increased risk for total mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34; and 5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27, respectively), and up to 33% and 15% increased risk for cancer mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.62; and 5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.24, respectively). The associations between adherence to the ‘fish and alcohol’ pattern and total mortality, and cancer mortality were not statistically significant. Conclusion Higher adherence to the ‘prudent’ diet decreased the risk of all-cause mortality but did not affect cancer mortality. Greater adherence to the ‘western’ and ‘traditional’ diet increased the risk of total mortality and mortality due to cancer.

scholarly journals Potential geographic distribution of the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae) in current and future conditions for Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0008212
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Echeverry-Cárdenas ◽  
Carolina López-Castañeda ◽  
Juan D. Carvajal-Castro ◽  
Oscar Alexander Aguirre-Obando
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Continental Extension ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Valle Del Cauca ◽  
Potential Geographic Distribution

In Colombia, little is known on the distribution of the Asian mosquito Aedes albopictus, main vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in Asia and Oceania. Therefore, this work sought to estimate its current and future potential geographic distribution under the Representative Concentration Paths (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5 emission scenarios by 2050 and 2070, using ecological niche models. For this, predictions were made in MaxEnt, employing occurrences of A. albopictus from their native area and South America and bioclimatic variables of these places. We found that, from their invasion of Colombia to the most recent years, A. albopictus is present in 47% of the country, in peri-urban (20%), rural (23%), and urban (57%) areas between 0 and 1800 m, with Antioquia and Valle del Cauca being the departments with most of the records. Our ecological niche modelling for the currently suggests that A. albopictus is distributed in 96% of the Colombian continental surface up to 3000 m (p < 0.001) putting at risk at least 48 million of people that could be infected by the arboviruses that this species transmits. Additionally, by 2050 and 2070, under RCP 2.6 scenario, its distribution could cover to nearly 90% of continental extension up to 3100 m (≈55 million of people at risk), while under RCP 8.5 scenario, it could decrease below 60% of continental extension, but expand upward to 3200 m (< 38 million of people at risk). These results suggest that, currently in Colombia, A. albopictus is found throughout the country and climate change could diminish eventually its area of distribution, but increase its altitudinal range. In Colombia, surveillance and vector control programs must focus their attention on this vector to avoid complications in the national public health setting.

scholarly journals Ecological Niche Modeling to Calculate Ideal Sites to Introduce a Natural Enemy: The Case of Apanteles opuntiarum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to Control Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in North America

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Nidia Bélgica Pérez-De la O ◽  
Saúl Espinosa-Zaragoza ◽  
Víctor López-Martínez ◽  
Stephen D. Hight ◽  
Laura Varone
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
North America ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Actual Distribution ◽  
Cactoblastis Cactorum ◽  
Environmental Suitability ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Lepidoptera Pyralidae ◽  
Cactus Moth

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is an invasive species in North America where it threatens Opuntia native populations. The insect is expanding its distribution along the United States Gulf Coast. In the search for alternative strategies to reduce its impact, the introduction of a natural enemy, Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez and Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is being pursued as a biological control option. To identify promising areas to intentionally introduce A. opuntiarum for the control of C. cactorum, we estimated the overlap of fundamental ecological niches of the two species to predict their common geographic distributions using the BAM diagram. Models were based on native distributional data for both species, 19 bioclimatic variables, and the Maxent algorithm to calculate the environmental suitability of both species in North America. The environmental suitability of C. cactorum in North America was projected from Florida to Texas (United States) along the Gulf coastal areas, reaching Mexico in northern regions. Apanteles opuntiarum environmental suitability showed a substantial similarity with the calculations for C. cactorum in the United States. Intentional introductions of A. opuntiarum in the actual distribution areas of the cactus moth are predicted to be successful; A. opuntiarum will find its host in an environment conducive to its survival and dispersal.

scholarly journals Geographic Distribution of Environmental Relative Moldiness Index Molds in USA Homes

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Vesper ◽  
Jennie Wakefield ◽  
Peter Ashley ◽  
David Cox ◽  
Gary Dewalt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Distribution Pattern ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The United States ◽  
Spatial Distributions ◽  
Healthy Homes ◽  
Variable Clustering ◽  
Settled Dust ◽  
Geographical Distribution Pattern

Objective. The objective of this study was to quantify and describe the distribution of the 36 molds that make up the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI).Materials and Methods. As part of the 2006 American Healthy Homes Survey, settled dust samples were analyzed by mold-specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) for the 36 ERMI molds. Each species' geographical distribution pattern was examined individually, followed by partitioning analysis in order to identify spatially meaningful patterns. For mapping, the 36 mold populations were divided into disjoint clusters on the basis of their standardized concentrations, and First Principal Component (FPC) scores were computed.Results and Conclusions. The partitioning analyses failed to uncover a valid partitioning that yielded compact, well-separated partitions with systematic spatial distributions, either on global or local criteria. Disjoint variable clustering resulted in seven mold clusters. The 36 molds and ERMI values themselves were found to be heterogeneously distributed across the United States of America (USA).

Research Training and Productivity among Faculty: The Canadian Association of Professors of Psychiatry and the Canadian Psychiatric Association Survey

1996 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nady El-Guebaly ◽  
Mark Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Target Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Academic Faculty ◽  
Time Faculty

Objective: This survey assesses the research training and productivity of academic faculty in Canadian departments of psychiatry and compares the findings with those of colleagues in the United States. Method: A questionnaire was adapted to suit the Canadian milieu and was distributed to a target population of 2484, including a core 522 full-time faculty. Results: The response rate among full-time faculty was 65%, but only 26.5% for clinical and adjunct faculty. A small proportion (16%) of our MD and a greater proportion (57%) of our PhD respondents were included in a fairly lenient definition of researcher. Departments seek to recruit PhDs with an active involvement in research. Overall there appear to be more similarities than differences in research interests with our colleagues in the United States. The pharmaceutical industry was the most frequently mentioned source of research funding for MDs, while the availability of a mentor was perceived as the most influential factor determining the choice of a research career. Conclusions: Recommendations include adequate exposure to research during medical school and residency as well as appropriate inducements for the recruitment and retention of practising researchers.

scholarly journals Development of the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle E. Wormley ◽  
Wendy Romney ◽  
Anna E. Greer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Teaching Effectiveness ◽  
Clinical Teaching ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clinical Instructors ◽  
Valid Measure ◽  
Teaching Learning

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a valid measure for assessing clinical teaching effectiveness within the field of physical therapy.Methods: The Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire (CTEQ) was developed via a 4-stage process, including (1) initial content development, (2) content analysis with 8 clinical instructors with over 5 years of clinical teaching experience, (3) pilot testing with 205 clinical instructors from 2 universities in the Northeast of the United States, and (4) psychometric evaluation, including principal component analysis.Results: The scale development process resulted in a 30-item questionnaire with 4 sections that relate to clinical teaching: learning experiences, learning environment, communication, and evaluation.Conclusion: The CTEQ provides a preliminary valid measure for assessing clinical teaching effectiveness in physical therapy practice.

scholarly journals Consensus and conflict among ecological forecasts of Zika virus outbreaks in the United States

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin J. Carlson ◽  
Eric Dougherty ◽  
Mike Boots ◽  
Wayne Getz ◽  
Sadie Ryan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ecological Models ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Epidemiological Models ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Hoc

ABSTRACTEcologists are increasingly involved in the pandemic prediction process. In the course of the Zika outbreak in the Americas, several ecological models were developed to forecast the potential global distribution of the disease. Conflicting results produced by alternative methods are unresolved, hindering the development of appropriate public health forecasts. We compare ecological niche models and experimentally-driven mechanistic forecasts for Zika transmission in the continental United States, a region of high model conflict. We use generic and uninformed stochastic county-level simulations to demonstrate the downstream epidemiological consequences of conflict among ecological models, and show how assumptions and parameterization in the ecological and epidemiological models propagate uncertainty and produce downstream model conflict. We conclude by proposing a basic consensus method that could resolve conflicting models of potential outbreak geography and seasonality. Our results illustrate the unacceptable and often undocumented margin of uncertainty that could emerge from using any one of these predictions without reservation or qualification. In the short term, ecologists face the task of developing better post hoc consensus that accurately forecasts spatial patterns of Zika virus outbreaks. Ultimately, methods are needed that bridge the gap between ecological and epidemiological approaches to predicting transmission and realistically capture both outbreak size and geography.

scholarly journals Prediction of high CPT yielding ecotypes of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Graham) Mabb. in Western Ghats using Ecological Niche Modeling

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 2451-2458
Author(s):  
Cordilea Hannah ◽  
Joyce Sudandara Priya ◽  
Kasthuri Bhai N.
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Nothapodytes Nimmoniana ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Chemical Content

Camptothecin (CPT) is one of anticancer drug that is widely used for treating various cancers. In India, the drug is primarily sourced from natural habitats of the red listed species Nothapodytes nimmoniana. Ecological niche models are potential tools to define and predict the “ecological niche” of a species that exhibit ecological variations. The predicted ecological niche of a species indicates their survival fitness against Bioclimatic variables. The habitat suitability was predicted using Maxent for different ecotypes of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Graham.) Mabb. In this study the synonymised populations of N. nimmoniana in the Western Ghats were cogitated as five different ecotypes. The predicted habitat suitability of different ecotypes were evaluated and correlated against CPT content using high performance thin layer chromatography. The study shows a significant positive correlation between the predicted habitat quality and chemical content. The ecotypes growing in sites predicted as highly suitable showed high content of camptothecin compared to those growing in poorly suitable sites. Thereby enabling precise identification of “chemical hot-spots” which will eventually establish a strong foot hold on monoculture of the species, an effort towards conservation.

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