No description available.

Reuse of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the full-depth recycling (FDR) process is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible method of asphalt pavement reconstruction. Although FDR has been used for several years in some locations, the effect of RAP on the mechanical properties of recycled base materials has not been well documented. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of RAP on the mechanical properties of recycled base materials typical of northern Utah. Two sources of RAP, two sources of base, and RAP contents of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent were utilized in a full-factorial experimental design with three replicates of each unique combination. Testing procedures consisted of material classifications, compaction tests, and evaluations of strength, stiffness, and moisture susceptibility of each material blend. The California bearing ratio (CBR) test was used to measure strength, the free-free resonant column test was used to measure stiffness, and the tube suction test (TST) was used to measure moisture susceptibility. Once all the testing was completed, a fixed effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on each of the test results, or dependent variables. The independent variables were RAP content, RAP type, and base type, together with all their interactions. Results of the ANOVA were used to quantify the effects of RAP on the mechanical properties of the base materials. The data indicate that CBR values decrease as RAP content increases, with the greatest percentage reduction occurring with the addition of 25 percent RAP. For stiffness testing at the optimum moisture content determined for each blend, the general trend was a decrease in stiffness from 0 percent RAP to 25 percent RAP, followed by a steady increase in stiffness as the RAP content was increased from 25 to 100 percent. Following a 72-hr drying period at 140ºF, however, the general trend reversed; an increase in stiffness occurred as the RAP content was increased from 0 to 25 percent, and a steady decrease in stiffness was observed for RAP contents above 25 percent. The TST data suggest that additions of 25 and 50 percent RAP actually increase the moisture susceptibility of the recycled material compared to the neat base, although the blended material tested in this study was classified as non-moisture-susceptible when the RAP content was 75 percent or higher. Because of the marked impact of RAP content on the mechanical properties of recycled base materials, engineers should accurately determine asphalt layer thicknesses prior to pavement reconstruction and carefully determine the optimum blending depth for each project. While asphalt milling or base overlays may be required in some locations to avoid excessively high RAP contents, reduced blending depths may be warranted in other areas to prevent the use of low RAP contents. In summary, while the use of RAP in the FDR process is environmentally responsible and offers potentially significant cost savings, thicker pavement base layers, base stabilization, or both may be required in many instances to ensure adequate long-term pavement performance.

No description available.

No description available.

The Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, is a major pest of snap beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. To develop pertinent research objectives, background information on this pest was gathered from literature sources and personal communications with growers, extension agents and other agricultural professionals. In objective one, Mexican bean beetle preference, developmental success and plant injury were compared among three snap bean and three lima bean cultivars in field and greenhouse trials. The cultivar 'Dragon's Tongue' was the most preferred, suitable for development, and prone to injury. Growers may benefit from growing less susceptible cultivars, or by using 'Dragon's Tongue' in trap cropping or push-pull strategies. In objective two, Mexican bean beetle densities, feeding injury, and yield were compared among snap beans grown on metallized plastic (highly reflective), white plastic, black plastic, and bare soil. Metallized plastic provided the greatest level of control, and resulted in the highest yields. Managing Mexican bean beetle by growing beans on metallized plastic may be used as a stand-alone method, or in a push-pull strategy. In the final objective, the effects of snap beans grown from thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid insecticide)-treated seeds on Mexican bean beetle were assessed in greenhouse and field experiments. Thiamethoxam-treated plants killed 40 to 50% of Mexican bean beetle adults and larvae up to 16 days after planting. In the field, thiamethoxam-treated plants mitigated Mexican bean beetle densities and damage in one out of five experiments, resulting in a yield increase. In none of the five field experiments were differences detected in predatory arthropod species between thiamethoxam and non-insecticide treated beans. In summary, the results of this project suggest that non-chemical management methods, such as cultivar selection and planting beans on reflective mulch, can provide effective control of Mexican bean beetle. Thiamethoxam-treated seed may also provide control of this pest, but only within two to three weeks after planting; otherwise, there is typically no effect on beetles, injury or yield. This doctoral research has laid a foundation for an integrated pest management approach for Mexican bean beetle. / Ph. D. / Integrated pest management (IPM) is an economical and environmentally-sensible approach to pest management that considers numerous control and decision-making strategies. This dissertation examined non-chemical strategies and the use of an insecticide seedtreatment for management of Mexican bean beetle, a major pest of green beans in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. To develop pertinent research objectives, background information on this pest was gathered from literature sources and personal communications with growers, extension agents and other agricultural professionals. In objective one, Mexican bean beetle preference, developmental success and plant injury were compared among various bean cultivars in field and greenhouse trials. The cultivar ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ was the most suitable host for Mexican bean beetle, and consequently incurred the greatest injury. Growers in high risk areas for Mexican bean beetle may benefit from growing less susceptible cultivars. In objective two, Mexican bean beetle severity and yield were compared among green beans grown on reflective metallized plastic, white plastic, black plastic, and bare soil. Metallized plastic provided the greatest level of control, and resulted in the largest yields. Our results suggest that growing beans on reflective surfaces may be an effective, chemical-free management strategy for Mexican bean beetle. In the final objective, the effects of green beans grown from thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid insecticide)-coated seeds was examined on Mexican bean beetle severity, non-pest arthropods, and crop performance in greenhouse and field experiments. Bean plants grown from insecticide-coated seeds were highly-toxic to Mexican bean beetle for about 16 days after planting. In one out of five experiments, thiamethoxam-treated plants reduced pest levels, resulting in increased yields. More often, Mexican bean beetles arrived after the insecticide had disappeared from plants and there was no effect. There were no detectable effects from the thiamethoxam treatment on non-pest arthropods in any experiment. Overall, seed-treatments may provide occasional control of Mexican bean beetle, but non-chemical methods may be as effective and more practical. This doctoral research project has provided a foundation for an integrated pest management approach for Mexican bean beetle.

Les maladies infectieuses représentent aujourd’hui un problème majeur de santé publique. Devant l’augmentation des résistances bactériennes, l’émergence de nouveaux pathogènes et la propagation rapide de l’épidémie, le suivi et la surveillance de la transmission de la maladie devient particulièrement importants. Face à une telle menace, la société doit se préparer à l'avance pour réagir rapidement et efficacement si une telle épidémie est déclarée. Cela nécessite une mise en place des dispositifs de suivi et de prévention. Dans ce contexte, nous nous intéressons, dans le présent travail, à l’élaboration d’un Système d’Information Décisionnel Spatio-temporel pour le suivi et la surveillance du phénomène de propagation de l’épidémie de la grippe saisonnière au sein de la population de la ville d’Oran (Algérie). L’objectif de ce système est double : il consiste, d’une part, à comprendre comment l’épidémie se propage par l’utilisation du réseau social Small World (SW) et du modèle à compartiments d’épidémie SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed), et d’autre part, à stocker dans un entrepôt les données multiples tout en les analysant par un outil d’analyse en ligne de donnée Spatiale dit SOLAP (Spatial On-Line Analytical Processing). / Today, infectious diseases represent a major public health problem. With the increase of bacterial resistance, the emergence of new pathogens and the rapid spread of epidemic, monitoring and surveillance of disease transmission becomes important. In the face of such a threat, the society must prepare in advance to respond quickly and effectively if an outbreak is declared. This requires setting up monitoring mechanisms and prevention.In this context, we are particularly interested by development a Spatiotemporal decision support system for monitoring and preventing the phenomenon of seasonal influenza epidemic spread in the population of Oran (city at Algeria).The objective of this system is twofold: on one hand, to understand how epidemic is spreading through the social network by using SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed) compartmental model within Small World network, and on the other hand, to store multiple data in data warehouse and analyzing it by a specific online analysis tool Spatial OLAP (Spatial on-line Analytical Processing).

Die Allele (*R1, *R2, *S1 und *S2) des A. gambiae complement-like thioester-containing Protein 1 (TEP1) bestimmen die Fitness der Mücken, welches die männlichen Fertilität und den Resistenzgrad der Mücke gegen Pathogene wie Bakterien und Malaria-Parasiten. Dieser Kompromiss zwischen Reproduktion und Immunnität hat Auswirkungen auf die Größe der Mückenpopulationen und die Rate der Malariaübertragung. Wie die genetische Diversität von TEP1 die genetische Struktur natürlicher Vektorpopulationen beeinflusst, ist noch unklar. Die Zielsetzung dieser Doktorarbeit waren: i) die biogeographische Kartographierung der TEP1 Allele und Genotypen in lokalen Malariavektorpopulationen in Mali, Burkina Faso, Kamerun, und Kenia, und ii) die Bemessung des Einflusses von TEP1 Polymorphismen auf die Entwicklung humaner P. falciparum Parasiten in der Mücke. Die Analysen der TEP1 Polymorphismen zeigten, dass die natürliche Selektion auf Exone, sowie Introne wirkt, was auf eine starke funktionale Beschränkung an diesem Lokus hindeutet. Außerdem zeigen unsere Daten die strukturierte Erhaltung natürlicher genetischer Variation im TEP1 Lokus, in welchem die Allele und Genotypen spezifische evolutionäre Wege verfolgen. Diese Ergebnisse weisen auf die Existenz von arten- und habitatspezifischen Selektionsdrücken hin, die auf den TEP1 Lokus wirken. Resultate haben gezeigt, dass TEP1*S1 und *S2 Mücken gleichermassen empfänglich für Plasmodium-Infektionen sind. Insgesamt tragen die Resultate der biogeographischen Kartographierung des TEP1 Lokus und der Züchtungs- und Infektionsexperimente zu einem besseren Verständnis über den Einfluss der verschiedenen Vektorarten und lokale Umwelteinflüsse auf die Vektorpopulationen und Malariaübertragung bei. Des weiteren kann die hier beschriebene hochdurchsatz-genotypisierungs Methode, zur Studie lokaler A. gambiae Mückenpopulationen, in der Feldforschungsarbeit eingesetzt werden. Dieser neue Ansatz wird die epidemiologisch relevante Überwachung und Vorhersage dynamischer Prozesse in lokalen Malariavektorpopulationen unterstützen, welche die Entwicklung neuer Strategien der Vektorkontrolle ermöglichen könnten. / The alleles (*R1, *R2, *S1 and *S2) and genotypes of A. gambiae complement-like thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) determine the fitness in male fertility and the degree of mosquito resistance to pathogens such as bacteria and malaria parasites. This trade-off between the reproduction and the immunity impacts directly on mosquito population abundance and malaria transmission respectively. How TEP1 genetic diversity influences the genetic structure of natural vector populations and development of human malaria parasites is unclear. The aims of this thesis were to: i) map distribution of TEP1 alleles and genotypes in local malaria vector populations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Kenya, and ii) assess the impact of TEP1 polymorphism on development of human P. falciparum parasites in mosquitoes. Analyses of TEP1 polymorphism revealed that natural selection acts in concert on both exons and introns, suggesting strong functional constrains acting at this locus. Moreover, our data demonstrate a structured maintenance of natural TEP1 genetic variation, where the alleles and the genotypes follow distinct evolutionary paths. These findings suggest the existence of species- and habitat-specific selection patterns that act on TEP1 locus. Results revealed that the TEP1*S1 and *S2 mosquitoes are equally susceptible to Plasmodium infections. Collectively, results of my thesis on the biogeographic TEP1 mapping, and on the breeding and infection experiments contribute to a better understanding of how the vector species and local environmental factors, shape vector population structures and malaria transmission. Furthermore, the high throughput TEP1 genotyping approach reported here could be used for field studies of local A. gambiae mosquito populations. This new approach will benefit surveilance and prediction of dynamics in local malaria vector populations that may have epidemiological significance, and therefore inform the development of novel vector control measures.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-10-14T12:30:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-22T13:05:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-22T13:05:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 vanessadealmeidabelo.pdf: 412659 bytes, checksum: 2be0607436379c3a9ca0f2415972f9be (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-15 / Nos países tropicais, as perdas causadas pela infestação de carrapatos em bovinos acarretam um grande impacto no sistema de produção animal. Recentes estudos têm mostrado a importância de fatores genéticos ligados a resistência a carrapato em Bos taurus indicus e Bos taurus taurus e que as citocinas têm um papel crítico na prevenção ou progressão de doenças. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os níveis de expressão dos genes IL-10 e IL-4 relacionados ao perfil imunológico Th2 associado à susceptibilidade ao carrapato e os genes IL-2 e IFN- relacionados ao perfil imunológico Th1 associado à resistência ao parasito. Além destes genes, analisou-se o perfil de expressão do gene TLR-2, importante no processo de reconhecimento de patógenos e os genes IL-8 e TNF-α importantes no processo inflamatório inicial. Seis animais mais resistentes e seis animais mais susceptíveis de uma população F2 de 332 animais, originária do cruzamento de animais F1(½ Holandês: ½ Gir), foram selecionados baseado na contagem de carrapatos e valor genético. Amostras de tecido foram coletadas de pele no 5° e 12° dias após a infestação para extração de RNA total. As PCRs em tempo real foram realizadas usando o gene GAPDH como controle endógeno. Os animais resistentes e susceptíveis apresentaram aumento de expressão do gene IL-10 no 5° (p<0,01) e 12 ° dias após a infestação (p<0,05). O gene IL-2, nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis, no 5° dia após a infestação não apresentou alteração da expressão sendo que 12° dia, em ambos os grupos de animais, este gene passou a ser mais expresso em relação ao animal controle sugerindo um perfil de resposta imunológica do tipo de Th2 nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis nos primeiros dias após a infestação. O gene IL-4 apresentou uma tendência ao aumento de expressão nos animais resistentes e susceptíveis em relação ao controle, sendo o perfil Th2 sugerido atribuído a IL-10 produzida por linfócitos T regulatórios (p>0,05). O gene TNF- apresentou aumento de expressão nos animais susceptíveis no 5° dia após a infestação com posterior diminuição no 12° dia após a infestação (p<0,05). Nos animais resistentes não foi observada alteração da expressão deste gene, isto sugere que ele possa estar mais atuante no início do processo inflamatório, logo após a fixação do carrapato. A mesma observação estende-se para o gene IL-8, em que não foi verificada alteração de expressão nos animais resistentes, embora nos animais susceptíveis este gene apresentou diminuição da expressão no 12° dia após a infestação (p<0,05). Quanto ao gene IFN-, não houve diferença de expressão entre os animais resistentes e susceptíveis, sendo que este gene parece não estar relacionado ao mecanismo de resistência. O gene TLR-2 apresentou diminuição da expressão em ambos os grupos de animais. Estes resultados sugerem que a resposta imune adquirida avaliada neste trabalho não apresenta papel preponderante no mecanismo de resistência e que resposta imune inata poderia está envolvida no mecanismo de resistência ao carrapato. Portanto, avaliação da resposta imunológica horas após a fixação do carrapato poderia nos fornecer resultados mais conclusivos. / In tropical countries losses caused by tick infestation in cattle lead to a major impact on animal production systems. Recent studies have shown the importance of genetic factors linked to tick resistance in Bos indicus and Bos taurus as well as the critical role in the prevention or progression of diseases mediated by cytokines. The aim of this work was to evaluate gene expression of IL-10 and IL-4 in relation to tick susceptibility associated with the Th2 profile and gene expression of IL-2 and IFN- in relation to tick resistance associated with the Th1 profile. In addition, the expression of TLR-2, important in the process the recognition of pathogens, and TNF-α and IL-8 genes, important in the initial inflammatory process, were evaluated. Six tick-resistant and six tick-susceptible animals from a F2 population of 332 animals, originated from the cross of F1 animals (½ Holstein: ½ Gir), were selected based on tick count and breeding value for tick resistance. Skin biopsies were collected in the 5th and 12th days after tick infestation. The GAPDH was used as endogenous control to normalize the amount of starting cDNA target in the real-time PCR assay. Both resistant and susceptible animals showed increased gene expression of IL-10 in the 5th and 12th days after infestation in relation to control animal (p<0.05). The IL-2 gene showed no change of expression in the 5th day after infestation for the resistant and susceptible animals. In the 12th post infestation, both resistant and susceptible animals showed increased gene expression in relation to control animal. These results suggest an enhancement of Th2 profile through the increase of IL-10 mRNA levels and a possible inhibition of the Th1 pattern in both groups (resistant and susceptible) starting 5 days after infestation and return to normal by day 12. Despite our results suggest the occurrence of the Th2 profile, the susceptible and resistant animals did not show variation on gene expression for IL-4 in relation to control animal. The susceptible animals showed increased expression of TNF-α in the 5th day after infestation. However, in the 12th day post infestation it was noted a decrease in the gene expression level. The resistant animals showed no change in the expression of this gene in relation to control animals suggesting that TNF-α could be more actively expressed in the early steps of the inflammatory process. Similarly, the resistant animals showed no variation in the expression of IL-8 while the susceptible animals showed increased expression in the 12th day post infestation. There were no differences of expression between resistant and susceptible animals in relation to IFN-γ what suggests that this gene might not be involved in the resistance mechanism. The TLR-2 gene showed decreased expression in both resistant and susceptible animals (p<0.05). Finally, there was no difference in expression between susceptible and resistant animals in relation to all selected genes in the 5th and 12th days after infestation. These results suggest that the acquired immunity evaluated in this work might not have preponderant role in the resistance mechanism. The innate immunity might be playing a major role in the bovine tick resistance/susceptibility mechanism in early hours after infestation.

<p dir="ltr">Bacterial Wilt, caused by <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i>, is among the most devastating plant diseases in the world. This pathogen causes significant loss in crops such as tobacco, potato, and tomato. <i>R. solanacearum</i> root infection and xylem colonization determine disease outcome. To date, little is known about the defense mechanism mediated by roots to prevent <i>R. solanacearum</i> vascular colonization during the initial infection stages. Plant early responses are important since they may impact disease outcomes<i>.</i><i> </i>Here, we report the formation of root hairs and primary root growth inhibition in tomato seedlings as <i>Ralstonia</i>-induced phenotypes that depend on tomato genotype and <i>Ralstonia</i> species. The <i>Ralstonia</i>-induced root phenotypes are independent of a functional type III secretion system and exopolysaccharide production (EPS). We also found that <i>R. solanacearum</i><i> </i>K60 infection increased auxin levels throughout the root meristem in wilt-susceptible tomato roots. Our data suggest proper auxin signaling and transport are important for susceptibility to <i>R. solanacearum</i> K60. Blocking auxin transport pharmacologically or genetically led to fewer wilting symptoms, suggesting that auxin is important during early infection stages and disease outcomes in tomato. We previously found that a tomato mutant defective in auxin transport and signaling, known as <i>diageotropica</i> (<i>dgt</i>), has enhanced resistance to <i>R. solanacearum</i> K60. We characterized the resistant response in the <i>dgt</i> mutant, and we found that the resistant response in the <i>dgt</i> mutant may be due to increased lignin content preventing pathogen vasculature colonization. <i>DGT</i> encodes a cyclophilin protein that regulates auxin transport and signaling. Mutations in the cyclophilin DGT promote resistance to <i>R. solanacearum</i> K60. DGT has been reported to regulate auxin transport and signaling. However, the molecular mechanism regarding how DGT mediates these processes is still unknown. We used Yeast Two-Hybrid to identify candidate protein interactors, and we found that SlbZIP1/SlbZIP29, Sl14-3-3, and SlMYB110 may interact with DGT to regulate both development and defense responses. Understanding the role of DGT, auxin, and lignin in defense responses to <i>R. solanacearum</i> K60 in tomato is necessary for Solanaceae crop improvement.</p>

The primary objective of this dissertation is to utilise, adapt and extend current stochastic models and statistical inference techniques to describe the transmission of nosocomial pathogens, i.e. hospital-acquired pathogens, and multiply-resistant organisms within the hospital setting. The emergence of higher levels of antibiotic resistance is threatening the long term viability of current treatment options and placing greater emphasis on the use of infection control procedures. The relative importance and value of various infection control practices is often debated and there is a lack of quantitative evidence concerning their effectiveness. The methods developed in this dissertation are applied to data of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus occurrence in intensive care units to quantify the effectiveness of infection control procedures. Analysis of infectious disease or carriage data is complicated by dependencies within the data and partial observation of the transmission process. Dependencies within the data are inherent because the risk of colonisation depends on the number of other colonised individuals. The colonisation times, chain and duration are often not visible to the human eye making only partial observation of the transmission process possible. Within a hospital setting, routine surveillance monitoring permits knowledge of interval-censored colonisation times. However, consideration needs to be given to the possibility of false negative outcomes when relying on observations from routine surveillance monitoring. SI (Susceptible, Infected) models are commonly used to describe community epidemic processes and allow for any inherent dependencies. Statistical inference techniques, such as the expectation-maximisation (EM) algorithm and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) can be used to estimate the model parameters when only partial observation of the epidemic process is possible. These methods appear well suited for the analysis of hospital infectious disease data but need to be adapted for short patient stays through migration. This thesis focuses on the use of Bayesian statistics to explore the posterior distributions of the unknown parameters. MCMC techniques are introduced to overcome analytical intractability caused by partial observation of the epidemic process. Statistical issues such as model adequacy and MCMC convergence assessment are discussed throughout the thesis. The new methodology allows the quantification of the relative importance of different transmission routes and the benefits of hospital practices, in terms of changed transmission rates. Evidence-based decisions can therefore be made on the impact of infection control procedures which is otherwise difficult on the basis of clinical studies alone. The methods are applied to data describing the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus within intensive care units in hospitals in Brisbane and London