Quantifying and predicting population connectivity of an outbreaking forest insect pest

Context Dispersal has a key role in the population dynamics of outbreaking species such as the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) as it can synchronize the demography of distant populations and favor the transition from endemic to epidemic states. However, we know very little about how landscape structure influences dispersal in such systems while such knowledge is essential for better forecasting of spatially synchronous population dynamics and to guide management strategies. Objectives We aimed to characterize the spatial environmental determinants of spruce budworm dispersal to determine how these features affect outbreak spread in Quebec (Canada). We then apply our findings to predict expected future landscape connectivity and explore its potential consequences on future outbreaks. Methods We used a machine-learning landscape genetics approach on 447 larvae covering most of the outbreak area and genotyped at 3562 SNP loci to identify the main variables affecting connectivity. Results We found that the connectivity between outbreak populations was driven by the combination of precipitation and host cover. Our forecasting suggests that between the current and next outbreaks, connectivity may increase between Ontario and Quebec, and might decrease in the eastern part, which could have the effect of limiting outbreak spread from Ontario and Quebec to the eastern provinces. Conclusions Although we did not identify any discrete barriers, low connectivity areas might constrain dispersal in the current and future outbreaks and should in turn, be intensively monitored. However, continued sampling as the outbreak progresses is needed to confirm the temporal stability of the observed patterns.

Kia Maia ki te Kanga o Ta Koutou Ahi: Keeping the Home Fires Burning

<p>This thesis articulates physical activities of tangata whenua occupation and use as being central to the operations of ahi ka and fundamental to the demonstration of mana whenua and mana moana. The focus on use and occupation of land expresses ahi ka as a practical tool, but more importantly, as a catalyst of Maori tribal identity and cultural permanency. The customary framework of Nga Tatai Ahi Ka is applied to demonstrate intricacies, flexibility and fragility of ahi ka as a holistic tool, symbolic of identity, permanency and well-being. A richer understanding of ahi ka shows that its practical functions exceeds mere occupation and use by contributing to the socio-political, cultural, spiritual and intellectual landscape of Maori tribal peoples. The visioning of ahi ka casts the indigenous net wider by examining the local context of Mer Islands located in the Torres Strait Archipelago. Meriam customs and practices reveal the Malo ra Gelar framework as a holistic law of organisation, akin to ahi ka . Together, the Nga Ta tai Ahi Ka and Malo ra Gelar frameworks illustrate two complex and pragmatic knowledge systems as an assertion of two indigenous peoples' holistic relationships to their surrounding landscape. The usefulness of this research serves to open up new spaces of inquiry into ahi ka and Malo ra Gelar as holistic applications of self-determination, self-identification, and sovereignty of our future landscape, destinies and realities. Furthermore, its application could extend towards other indigenous nations to continuously challenge their colonial landscapes by privileging their holistic approaches as assertions of autonomy over people and place.</p>

Kia Maia ki te Kanga o Ta Koutou Ahi: Keeping the Home Fires Burning

<p>This thesis articulates physical activities of tangata whenua occupation and use as being central to the operations of ahi ka and fundamental to the demonstration of mana whenua and mana moana. The focus on use and occupation of land expresses ahi ka as a practical tool, but more importantly, as a catalyst of Maori tribal identity and cultural permanency. The customary framework of Nga Tatai Ahi Ka is applied to demonstrate intricacies, flexibility and fragility of ahi ka as a holistic tool, symbolic of identity, permanency and well-being. A richer understanding of ahi ka shows that its practical functions exceeds mere occupation and use by contributing to the socio-political, cultural, spiritual and intellectual landscape of Maori tribal peoples. The visioning of ahi ka casts the indigenous net wider by examining the local context of Mer Islands located in the Torres Strait Archipelago. Meriam customs and practices reveal the Malo ra Gelar framework as a holistic law of organisation, akin to ahi ka . Together, the Nga Ta tai Ahi Ka and Malo ra Gelar frameworks illustrate two complex and pragmatic knowledge systems as an assertion of two indigenous peoples' holistic relationships to their surrounding landscape. The usefulness of this research serves to open up new spaces of inquiry into ahi ka and Malo ra Gelar as holistic applications of self-determination, self-identification, and sovereignty of our future landscape, destinies and realities. Furthermore, its application could extend towards other indigenous nations to continuously challenge their colonial landscapes by privileging their holistic approaches as assertions of autonomy over people and place.</p>

Role of entrepreneurship awareness in engineering education

Entrepreneurship education teaches engineering students in all disciplines the knowledge, tools, and attitudes that are required to identify opportunities and bring them to life. Despite an increased focused on developing and understanding engineering undergraduates’ entrepreneurial mindsets, best practices related to assessing this mindset remain nascent. While some of these existing studies sought to understand perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs, the existing literature is limited in direct attempts to measure students’ entrepreneurial mindsets or beliefs. In this article, we tried to examine the importance of entrepreneurship efforts in engineering education, national support for entrepreneurship, student and faculty attitudes and engagement. We then offer our perspective on the future landscape for innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering education.

Tocotrienols as an Anti-Breast Cancer Agent

In the past few years, breast cancer has become the most prevalent type of cancer. The majority of patients receive combinatorial chemotherapy treatments, which may result in increased risk of developing drug resistance, a reduced quality of life, and substantial side effects. Treatment modalities that could lessen the physical toll of standard treatments or act in synergy with chemotherapeutic treatments would benefit women worldwide. Research into tocotrienols has thus far demonstrated their potential to be such an agent, with tocotrienols surpassing the pharmacological potential of tocopherols. Further research using in vitro and preclinical breast cancer models to support clinical trials is needed. This review uses bibliometric analysis to highlight this gap in research and summarizes the current and future landscape of tocotrienols as an anti-breast cancer agent.