Spatial Heterogeneity of Driving Factors of Wind Erosion Prevention Services in Northern China by Large-Scale Human Land-Use Management

Large-scale human land-use management is an effective method for ecosystem restoration and wind erosion prevention service (WEPS) improvement. However, the spatial differences of driving factors and the feedback in subsequent management have received less attention. This study analysed the temporal and spatial changes in the WEPS in northern China from 2000 to 2015, classified the driving modes between the WEPS and environmental factors, distinguished the main driving factors, and proposed suggestions for successive projects. The results showed that, compared with 2000, the amount of WEPSs in 2015 increased by 12.60%, and forest and grassland in the WEPS-increased area was 1.34 times that in the declining area. There were east–west differences in the driving mechanism of WEPS improvement. In addition to climatic and topographic factors, the western division was mainly affected by changes in vegetation quality, whereas the eastern division was affected by the combined influence of vegetation quality and quantity. This study shows the necessity of land-use management and project zoning policies, and provides a reference for policy formulation and management of large-scale ecological projects.

The Ranking Prediction of NBA Playoffs Based on Improved PageRank Algorithm

It is of great significance to predict the results accurately based on the statistics of sports competition for participants research, commercial cooperation, advertising, and gambling profit. Aiming at the phenomenon that the PageRank page sorting algorithm is prone to subject deviation, the category similarity between pages is introduced into the PageRank algorithm. In the PR value calculation formula of the PageRank algorithm, the factor W(u, v) between pages is added to replace the original Nu (the number of links to page u). In this way, the content category between pages is considered, and the shortcoming of theme deviation will be improved. The time feedback factor in the PageRank-time algorithm is used for reference, and the time feedback factor is added to the first improved PR value calculation formula. Based on statistics from 1230 games during the NBA 2018-2019 regular season, this paper ranks the team strength with improved PageRank algorithm and compares the results with the ranking of regular-season points and the result of playoffs. The results show that it is consistent with the regular-season points ranking in the eastern division by the use of improved PageRank algorithm, but there is a difference in the second ranking in the western division. In the prediction of top four in playoffs, it predicts three of the four teams.

Lymphatic filariasis in Fiji: progress towards elimination, 1997–2007

Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a major public health problem in the Pacific Region, including in Fiji. Through transmission by the mosquito vector Aedes, Fiji has suffered the burden of remaining endemic with LF despite efforts at elimination prior to 1999. In the year 1999, Fiji agreed to take part in the Pacific Programme for Elimination of LF (PacELF) and the Global Programme to Eliminate LF. Methods This study reviewed and collated past data on LF in Fiji between 1997 and 2007. Sources included published papers as well as unpublished PacELF and WHO program meeting and survey reports. Records were held at Fiji’s Department of Health and Medical Services, James Cook University and the WHO office in Suva, Fiji. Results Baseline surveys between 1997 and 2002 showed that Fiji was highly endemic for LF with an estimated 16.6% of the population antigen positive and 6.3% microfilaria positive at that time. Five rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA) using albendazole and diethylcarbamazine commenced in 2002. Programmatic coverage reported was 58–70% per year, but an independent coverage survey in 2006 in Northern Division after the fifth MDA suggested that actual coverage may have been higher. Monitoring of the program consisted of antigen prevalence surveys in all ages with sentinel and spot check surveys carried out in 2002 (pre MDA), 2004, and 2005, together with knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. The stop-MDA survey (C survey) in 2007 was a nationwide stratified cluster survey of all ages according to PacELF guidelines, designed to sample by administrative division to identify areas still needing MDA. The national antigen prevalence in 2007 was reduced by more than a third to 9.5%, ranging from 0.9% in Western Division to 15.4% in Eastern Division, while microfilaria prevalence was reduced by almost four-fifths to 1.4%. Having not reached the target threshold of 1% prevalence in all ages, Fiji wisely decided to continue MDA after 2007 but to move from nationwide implementation to four (later five) separate evaluation units with independent timelines using global guidelines, building on program experience to put more emphasis on increasing coverage through prioritized communication strategies, community participation, and morbidity alleviation. Conclusion Fiji conducted nationwide MDA for LF annually between 2002 and 2006, monitored by extensive surveys of prevalence, knowledge, and coverage. From a high baseline prevalence in all divisions, large reductions in overall and age-specific prevalence were achieved, especially in the prevalence of microfilariae, but the threshold for stopping MDA was not reached. Fiji has a large rural and geographically widespread population, program management was not consistent over this period, and coverage achieved was likely not optimal in all areas. After learning from these many challenges and activities, Fiji was able to build on the progress achieved and the heterogeneity observed in prevalence to realign towards a more stratified and improved program after 2007. The information presented here will assist the country to progress towards validating elimination in subsequent years.

Microbial Analysis of Drinking Water from Nadi to Lautoka Area in Viti Levu Fiji

Introduction: Access to sufficient and safe drinking water is essential for human health and welfare. Countries in the Pacific Region like Fiji frequently face issues with access to safe drinking water and supply problems. Fluctuations in water resource availability, often untreated water and faulty treatment facilities, pollution, lack of proper water management frameworks and most importantly lack of water monitoring resources are all factors that influence Pacific Island Countries. Apart from this, Pacific Islands and their water supplies are susceptible to climate hazards such as floods, cyclones and drought. The Western Division of Fiji Islands is highly prone to adverse climatic conditions; therefore regular monitoring of the various drinking water sources is essential to ensure safety of people. This study was conducted in the Lautoka to Nadi corridor where 25 sites were randomly selected for water analysis processing from January to February 2019. Method: Physio-chemical analysis, such as measuring pH and turbidity as well as simple microbial analysis, was conducted on the water samples. Specific growth media was used to determine the different types of bacteria (Coliform, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) present in the water samples; Lauryl Tryptose Broth, Eosin Methlylene Blue Agar, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate was used. Turbidity was measured using a digital turbidity meter and pH value was determined employing a digital meter. Results and Discussion: From the analysis it was determined that overall the pH levels of samples (6.02-8.30) falls within the permissible limits; whereas turbidity was generally higher in untreated water sources with ranges from 3 to 8 nephelometric turbidity units. Microbial content was higher in untreated water samples. Other sources such as springs and creeks recorded the most significant number of Coliforms when compared to other sources and some samples indicated the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Conclusion: From the study it can be concluded that all the water samples tested positive for bacterial contamination particularly Coliforms and it was higher in untreated water. Water from the Municipality had almost all physio-chemical and bacteria parameters within the World Health Organization limits, except for turbidity which was generally above 1NTU. However, this was not the case for untreated water which in some samples contained high levels of harmful bacteria. Monitoring needs to be carried out to better understand water quality and implement counter measures.

RBMS1 Methylation and mRNA Expression Are Differentially Regulated in Placenta Tissue from Obese Women (P11-131-19)

Objectives The maternal diet and obesity adversely affect placental structure/function, inflammation, and alters placental DNA methylation. RNA-binding motif single-stranded interacting protein 1 (RBMS1) regulates DNA replication and gene transcription and is expressed in the placenta. Although specific roles for RBMS1 in the context of obesity have not yet been fully explored, RBMS1 has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus risk. No data are available regarding the function of RBMS1 in placental tissue and whether placental expression of RBMS1 is regulated differentially in obesity. Methods Placental tissue from obese (BMI > 25, n = 15) and non-overweight (BMI < 25, n = 3) women was obtained from The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) Western Division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Epigenetic changes in placental RBMS1 DNA methylation and histone acetylation were assessed by DNA methylation assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Placental RBMS1 gene expression was measured by RT-PCR and RBMS1 protein localization was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The anti-inflammatory effect of RBMS1 was measured in vitro using human placental fibroblast cells (HS 795.PI). Placental short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results RBMS1 mRNA (P = 0.0029) and DNA methylation (P < 0.05) were increased in placentae from obese mothers. RBMS1 protein expression was localized to placental resident macrophages and fibroblastic cells. In vitro, RBMS1 recombinant protein attenuated LPS-induced IL-6 mRNA expression in HS 795.PI cells (P < 0.001), suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory role for RBMS1 in the context of placental inflammation. SCFA analysis demonstrated an increase in placental butyrate (P = 0.0327), a known histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in placenta from obese women. Conclusions These data suggest a possible anti-inflammatory role for RBMS1 in the context of placental inflammation. Increased placental RBMS1 expression in obese women may serve as an adaptive response to reduce placental inflammation. Funding Sources USDA Agricultural Research Service Project #3062-51000-052-00D.

Climate variability impacts on diversification processes in a biodiversity hotspot: a phylogeography of ancient pseudoscorpions in south-western Australia

The south-western division of Australia is the only biodiversity hotspot in Australia and is well-known for extreme levels of local endemism. Climate change has been identified as a key threat for flora and fauna, but very few data are presently available to evaluate its impact on invertebrate fauna. Here, we derive a molecular phylogeography for pseudoscorpions of the genus Pseudotyrannochthonius that in the south-west are restricted to regions with the highest rainfall. A dated molecular phylogeny derived from six gene fragments is used for biogeographic reconstruction analyses, spatial mapping, environmental niche-modelling, and to infer putative species. Phylogenetic analyses uncover nine clades with mostly allopatric distributions and often small linear ranges between 0.5 and 130 km. Molecular dating suggests that the origins of contemporary diversity fall into a period of warm/humid Palaeogene climates, but splits in the phylogeny coincide with major environmental shifts, such as significant global cooling during the Middle Miocene. By testing several models of historical biogeography available for the south-west, we determine that Pseudotyrannochthonius is an ancient relict lineage that principally follows a model of allopatric speciation in mesic zone refugia, although there are derivations from this model in that some species are older and distribution patterns more complex than expected. Ecological niche models indicate that drier and warmer future climates will lead to range contraction towards refugia of highest rainfall, probably mimicking past variations that have generated high diversity in these areas. Their conservation management will be crucial for preserving the unique biodiversity heritage of the south-west.

Prosecution of Child Pornography—The One-Eyed Judge by Michael A. Ponsor: A Book Review

Published: Beth D. Cohen &amp; Pat Newcombe, Prosecution of Child Pornography—The One-Eyed Judge by Michael A. Ponsor, A Book Review, 40 W. NEW ENG. L. REV. 159 (2018)The safeguarding and protection of children in society is crucial. Yet, children remain a vulnerable population; they are abused, neglected, trafficked, and exploited in numerous ways. In his new book, The One-Eyed Judge, Michael Ponsor, Senior United States District Court Judge for the District of Massachusetts, Western Division, who has presided over numerous child pornography cases, explores the complexities and legal implications of child pornography and exploitation.

Challenges Faced by Secondary Teachers in Teaching Arts Education in Fiji - A Case Study of Western Division

<p>Art and craft education is the area of learning which is based upon the visual, drawing, painting, pottery, weaving, print making, making artifacts using recycled materials and to name a few. This research focuses on the challenges<strong> </strong><strong>faced by secondary teachers in teaching Arts Education.</strong> The idea was researched to establish how art and craft education can be utilized to increase levels of confidence, motivation and skills in Secondary school teachers. The research used a mixed method approach for gathering results. This study, using a questionnaire designed by the investigator, provided an insight into secondary art and craft teachers, principals and curriculum developers of art education. A group of 20 participants was selected through convenient sampling for the purpose of this study. Findings show a positive correlation between the art and craft program at the center of this research and the advancement of the skill acquisition, motivation and confidence. The recommendations after the study and analysis of results should enshrine great details on how art and craft can become a mainstream subject and shed its light on the minds of the children to gain its due respect and position to where it naturally belongs.</p>

Cutthroat Trout: Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy

<em>Abstract</em>.—Cutthroat Trout <em>Oncorhynchus clarkii </em>are currently considered a single, widespread species composed of many subspecies following the classification system proposed by Robert J. Behnke in 1979. More recently, molecular genetic and geological evidence has yielded results that are inconsistent with Behnke’s classification, which suggests that a re-evaluation of the existing phylogenetic tree is timely. Additionally, several varieties of Cutthroat Trout are either listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act or are considered to be at risk by the states in which they reside, making it important that the classification and evolutionary relationships among Cutthroat Trout be based on the best available scientific evidence. In 2015, the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society convened a special workshop in which a panel of experts was asked to weigh carefully evidence on Cutthroat Trout phylogeny and classification, from the oldest published studies to the most recent and answer two questions: (1) does Behnke’s 14-subspecies classification remain scientifically tenable and defensible given all available evidence, and (2) if not, what taxonomic classification does satisfy this array of evidence? From new information, the panel concluded that the existing classification system is no longer supported by existing evidence; however, the panel was unable to reach consensus on what a new phylogeny and classification system should be. In the interim, we suggest that the four major evolutionary lineages of Cutthroat Trout be elevated to full species designation and that several uniquely identifiable evolutionary units receive additional investigation to elucidate additional evolutionary structure. This chapter provides the background and context for topics that are covered in the following chapters and suggests fruitful lines of investigation that should help resolve outstanding questions.