The study was conducted to examine the importance of forage resources in limiting peak population density of black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus). The research design combined field studies of jackrabbit diet and vegetation impact with computer simulation of herbivore nutrition and population dynamics. The relationships between available forage, dietary intake, energy and protein balance and population changes were compared for high and low population density. Hypotheses tested were : (1) Dietary composition is unaffected by availability above 10 kg/ha; (2) Jackrabbits do not require more forage than is available at high population densities; (3) Dietary composition is not significantly different at high and low densities; (4) Dietary composition is not significantly different between sexes; (5) Nutritional balance of lactating females is not significantly altered at high density; and (6) Nutritional balance of females entering the breeding season is not significantly altered at high density. The field studies were designed to measure dietary preference by the jackrabbits, the availability of herbage, and utilization of selected plant species. Jackrabbits ate nearly all forage types available but primarily consumed dominant shrubs in fall and winter, suffrute scents in fall and winter, grasses in spring and summer, and forbs in summer. There was no significant difference between dietary composition or preference rating among density periods or sexes. Dietary percentage of preferred forage species was directly related to availability above 10 kg/ha. Jackrabbits removed an average of 30 to 40 percent of individual plants of Kochia americana, but only browsed on 5 toll percent of all available plants. Total removal of Kochiastanding crop averaged only 3.7 percent. The model used in the simulation studies incorporated relationships involving existence, activity and production (growth, gestation and lactation) requirements to estimate forage requirements. Intake and requirements affect energy and protein balance which are related to body weight changes and production. Model mortality rates are modified by nutritional deficiency as a fraction of the requirements. The following conclusions resulted from model simulations. Forage requirements are less than 1 percent of available forage, even at high population density. Nutritional balance of lactating females was unaffected by observed diets or population density. Nutritional balance of females entering the breeding season is unaffected by diet but may be affected by early breeding date or large litter sfze. Individual nutritional response and its interaction with food does not cause significant change in population mortality rates. Nutritional deficiency may contribute to mortality, particularly during lactation or winter periods, but these effects are independent of population density.

No description available.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and effects of vision impairment co-existing with other comorbid conditions. Utilizing the 2008 National Health Interview Survey, the most recent nationally representative data including expanded vision, health conditions, and activity questions, this study examined the effect of vision impairment co-existing with selected comorbid conditions among non-institutionalized older adults age ≥ 55 years. Specifically, this study compared 4 groups: (a) older adults with neither vison impairment nor comorbid conditions, (b) older adults with vision impairment only, (c) older adults with comorbid conditions only, and (d) older adults with both vision impairment and each of the comorbid conditions to examine the prevalence and effect of vision impairment and comorbid conditions on selected mobility and vision activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Using complex sample techniques to conduct frequency analyses and logistic regression procedures, this study compared these groups of older adults to document the likelihood of experiencing mobility and vision activity limitations, and participatory restrictions. These results suggest that older adults reporting vision impairments are a heterogeneous population, overwhelmingly use corrective lenses, and experience substantial mobility and vision activity limitations, and participatory restrictions; however, relatively few report using low vision aids or rehabilitation services. In addition, these results revealed, even when controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, region of residence, and health status, older adults with vision impairment and any of the selected comorbid conditions were statistically significantly more likely to report mobility and vision activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Moreover, when comparing older adults reporting vision impairment co-existing with comorbid conditions older adults reporting either vision impairment only or a comorbid condition only, the results suggest vision impairment had the largest statistically significant effect on the likelihood of mobility or vision activity limitations, or participatory restriction in 29 of the 44 logistic regression analyses. These findings are significant as vision impairment is framed as a public health concern, and can inform improvements in programs and services for older adults. Finally, these findings highlight the need for expanded research examining the effect of specific eye diseases and comorbid conditions among older adults.

No description available.

<p dir="ltr">Fluorescence microscopy, a cornerstone in biological imaging, faces inherent challenges due to photon budget constraints that affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), ultimately limiting imaging performance. This thesis explores theoretical frameworks to address two fundamental issues: the denoising limit of fluorescence microscopy images and the resolution limit in the presence of photon noise. Firstly, we extend the application of the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) to establish a variance lower bound for image denoising algorithms in fluorescence microscopy. By incorporating constraints specific to the imaging system and biological specimens, we provide a benchmark for evaluating the performance of state-of-the-art denoising algorithms. Our analysis reveals that this lower bound is determined by factors such as photon count, readout noise, detection wavelength, effective pixel size, and numerical aperture of the microscope system. Secondly, building upon the pioneering work by Ernest Abbe and leveraging modern fluorescence and nanoscopy advancements, we propose a novel theoretical framework to quantify the resolving power of fluorescence microscopes under finite photon conditions. This model integrates the traditional diffraction limit with photon statistics to determine the practical resolution limit, highlighting the trade-offs between photon noise and resolution enhancement in techniques like confocal microscopy. This dual approach not only refined the theoretical understanding of fluorescence microscopy's capabilities but also assisted in designing and optimizing more effective imaging protocols. Through these investigations, this thesis provided a comprehensive theoretical foundation for improving fluorescence microscopy imaging techniques, paving the way for future innovations in biological imaging.</p>

För majoriteten av Umeå universitetscampus finns en anslutningspunkt för fjärrvärme från Umeå Energi. Under januari 2024 uppstod problem när fjärrvärmeeffekten överskred den abonnerade nivån under några extremt kalla dagar, vilket resulterade i straffavgifter från leverantören. Projektets syfte är att analysera och lösa överbelastningsproblemen genom att hitta och jämföra olika förbättringar för värmesystemen på campus. Effektsignaturer analyserades för utvärdering av variationen i den inköpta fjärrvärmen på Umeå universitetscampus, för drift under och utanför verksamhetstid. Resultaten visar en maximal potentiell effektreduktion på 29,4% vid DVUT (dimensionerande vinterutetemperatur). En strategisk driftstrategi kan tillämpas genom att ändra styrsystemets globala tidsschema till röd dag för att uppnå effektreduktion i byggnader utan närvaro. Detta motsvarar en maximal potentiell ekonomisk besparing på 1,7 miljoner kronor för den totala effektreduktionen. Effektkartläggning av Fysikhusets värmesystem utfördes. Resultatet vid DVUT visade att radiatorerna endast stod för 30% av fjärrvärmeeffekten, LA001 (ventilationsaggregat i Fysikhuset, laborationssalar) 64% och LA002 (ventilationsaggregat i Fysikhuset, kontor) 6%. Fysikhusets variation i fjärrvärmebehov under och utanför verksamhetstid vid DVUT visar en minimal skillnad på endast 0,3%, vilket främst beror på värmesystemens utformning och verksamheten som bedrivs. Radiatorernas effektbehov i Fysikhuset vid DVUT analyserades vid sänkning av inomhustemperatur från 21°C till 18°C. Resultaten visar en effektreduktion på 8,7kW och en ekonomisk besparing på 5 746kr, jämfört med radiatorernas normala effektbehov på 43,5kW. Sänkning av ventilationsflöde i Fysikhuset enligt BBR (Boverkets byggregler) visar potential för betydande effektreduktion, med möjlighet att minska ventilationen upp till 61,8% under närvaro och 89,1% utanför närvaro, vilket kan leda till en ekonomisk besparing på mellan 4 700 - 59 500kr. Beräkningar visar att för varje grad (°C) sänkning av tilluftstemperaturen i Fysikhusets ventilation kan en effektreduktion på LA001 och LA002 uppnå 4kW och 3,7kW per grad respektive, vid DVUT. / For most of the buildings on Umeå University campus there is one main connection point for district heating from Umeå Energi. In January 2024 problems occurred when the district heating output exceeded the subscribed level during some extremely cold days, resulting in penalty charges from the supplier. The purpose of the project is to analyse and solve the overload problems by finding and comparing different improvements for the heating systems on campus. Power signatures were analysed for evaluation of the variation in the purchased district heating at Umeå University campus, for operation during and outside business hours. The results show a maximum potential power reduction of 29,4% at DVUT (dimensioned winter outdoor temperature). An operating strategy can be applied by changing the control system's global time schedule to public holiday to achieve a power reduction in unoccupied buildings. This corresponds to a maximum potential financial saving of SEK 1,7 million for the total effect reduction. Power mapping of the building “Fysikhusets” heating system was carried out. The results at DVUT showed that the radiators accounted for only 30% of the district heating power, LA001 (ventilation unit in Fysikhuset, laboratory rooms) 64% and LA002 (ventilation unit in Fysikhuset, offices) 6%. The district heating demand variation in Fysikhuset during and outside of operating hours at DVUT shows a minimal difference of only 0,3%, which is mainly due to the design of the heating systems and the operations that are carried out in the building. A power reduction on the radiators in Fysikhuset was analysed by lowering the indoor temperatures from 21°C to 18°C, the results showed a power reduction of 8,7 kW and a financial saving of SEK 5 746. Compared to the radiators normal power requirement of 43,5kW. Reduction of ventilation flow in Fysikhuset according to BBR (Boverket´s building regulations) shows potential for significant power reduction, with the possibility of reducing ventilation up to 61,8% during attendance and 89,1% without attendance, which can lead to a financial saving of between SEK 4,700 - 59,500. Calculations show that for each degree (°C) lowering of the supply air temperature in Fysikhusets ventilation, a power reduction on LA001 and LA002 can reach 4kW and 3,7kW for each degree respectively, at DVUT.

Yes / The aim of this article is to examine the limitations encountered by amputees in the performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and its impact on their life satisfaction. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 amputees at the Nsawam Orthopaedic Training Centre (OTC). The Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11 (LISAT-11) were used to collect data from the respondents. All statistical analyses were made using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 23.0 and summarized in tables. A multivariate analysis was used to establish the relationship between activity limitation and life satisfaction. The respondents experienced some limitations in executing ADLs and IADLS with an overall mean activity limitation score of (36.57±10.93). There was a moderate life satisfaction of respondents with a mean score of (3.86±1.15). A multivariate analysis revealed that, there was a strong negative statistically significant relationship between activity limitations and life satisfaction [ß =--0.13, p=0.000] The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health and its agencies who are involved in the management and rehabilitation of amputees must explore these limitations to inform decision making during the planning and preparation of rehabilitation programs, resource allocation, and policy formulation for amputees to improve their overall satisfaction and well-being.

<p dir="ltr">Lack of adequate pollination limits yield in many specialty crops, and this pollen limitation is determined by crop pollination requirements and pollinator community dynamics. Bee communities and degree of pollen limitation is variable between crops and regions, necessitating a crop-specific, regional approach to describing pollination services. Despite primarily producing agronomic crops, Indiana produces a wide variety of specialty crops, including apples, blueberries, watermelons, and tomatoes (grown for processing in open fields and fresh market in high tunnels). Each crop has variable bloom phenology, pollination requirements, and associated management practices (e.g., thinning in apples and protective cover in high tunnels), with potential implications for their pollinator communities and pollination services. This thesis aims to 1) use flower observations and pan traps to compare pollinator communities between crops, including the contributions of managed and wild bees, community diversity, and composition and 2) assess pollen limitation in each crop using pollination experiments. The study took place on commercial farms throughout Indiana over the course of three summers (2022-2024). We found that distinct pollinator communities persisted in each crop system, with spring-blooming apples and blueberries dominated by honey bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i>) and summer-blooming tomatoes and watermelons dominated by wild bees, particularly <i>Bombus</i> spp. in tomatoes and <i>Lasioglossum</i> spp. in watermelon. We also found evidence of pollen limitation with respect to fruit set in all crop systems except for apples (measured at harvest, after apple thinning occurred). Evidence of pollen limitation with respect to fruit weight was detected only in field tomatoes and apples, but not other crops. Meanwhile, insect pollination increased fruit set and weight in almost every crop, except for high tunnel tomatoes, implying reduced pollination services in this semi-protected system. Our results highlight the importance of protecting wild pollinator communities in Indiana, particularly in watermelons and tomatoes, and identify yield gaps in multiple crops, especially tomatoes, which could be addressed by increasing pollination services. This crop-specific information is a valuable first step in encouraging growers to adopt pollinator friendly management decisions and protecting pollination services in Indiana.</p>

La levure Candida shehatae est le microorganisme modèle d’étude choisi. Cette levure peutconvertir le xylose et le glucose en éthanol, contrairement à Saccharomyces cerevisiae, levuretraditionnellement utilisée dans les procédés industriels, qui ne peut convertir le xylose.L’optimisation des performances de production d’éthanol à partir de xylose passe par unemaximisation des trois critères suivants : la productivité volumique, le titre final et lerendement éthanol/xylose. Pour diriger le flux de carbone vers la production d'éthanol defaçon optimale, le paramètre majeur qu’il faut contrôler est le degré de limitation en oxygène.Les cultures sont réalisées sur milieu minéral en mode fed-batch et conduites en deux phases :aérobie puis limitation en oxygène. Une valeur moyenne de la vitesse spécifique derespiration (qO2) de 1,19 mmolO2/gX/h permet de maximiser les trois critères deperformances sur xylose : le rendement en éthanol (0,327 gETOH/g-xylose), la productivitéspécifique maximale (0,22 gETOH/gX/h) et le titre en éthanol final (48,81 g/L). Pour lafermentation du glucose, le rendement en éthanol le plus élevé (0,411 gETOH/g-glucose) estobtenu lorsque qO2 est faible et a pour valeur moyenne 0,30 mmolO2/gX/h; tandis que laproductivité spécifique et le titre en éthanol final atteignent les valeurs maximales de 0,35gETOH/gX/h et 54,19 g/L pour respectivement qO2 de 1,7 et de 2,5 mmolO2/gX/h.Pour la consommation simultanée des deux substrats, un phénomène de répression du glucosesur le xylose est démontré par expérience en chemostat de pulse glucose en régime stabilisésur xylose. La simple présence intra-cellulaire des enzymes de la voie du xylose (XR andXDH) ne permet pas la co-consommation efficace des deux sucres et le glucose estpréférentiellement consommé.Afin de structurer la connaissance acquise sur le métabolisme de C. shehatae et pouvoiroptimiser par simulation les co-cultures C. shehatae / S. cerevisiae pour la productiond’éthanol à partir de mélanges xylose/glucose, un modèle cinétique de C. shehatae estconstruit. Ce modèle est validé avec des cultures sur substrats purs (xylose et glucoseséparés). Un modèle cinétique de co-culture est ensuite développé de manière à simulerdifférentes stratégies de fermentation pour l’optimisation de la production d’éthanol surmélange xylose/glucose de type hydrolysats de paille de blé / The yeast Candida shehatae was the model microorganism of the study. This yeast canconvert xylose and glucose into ethanol, unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae traditionally usedin industrial processes, which cannot convert xylose. Performance optimization of ethanolproduction from xylose is performed through maximization of the following three criteria:volumetric productivity, final ethanol titer and yield of ethanol over xylose. To direct thecarbon flux towards ethanol production, the major parameter which must be controlled is thelevel of oxygen limitation. Cultures are carried out in fed-batch in mineral medium andperformed in two phases: the first one is not limited in oxygen and the second one is oxygenrestricted. A mean value of qO2 equal to 1.19 mmolO2/gX/h maximizes the three criteria ofperformance on xylose: ethanol yield (0.327 gETOH/g-xylose), the maximum specificproductivity (0.22 gETOH/gX/h) and the final ethanol titer (48.81 g/L). For glucosefermentation, ethanol yield is the highest (0.411 gETOH/g-glucose) when qO2 is low as anaverage value of 0.30 mmolO2/gX/h, while the specific productivity and the ethanol final titerreach maximum values of 0.35 gETOH/gX/h and 54.19 g/L for respectively qO2 of 1.7 and2.5 mmolO2/gX/h.For the simultaneous consumption of the two substrates, a phenomenon of glucose repressionover xylose is observed in chemostat experiment with glucose pulse on xylose steady state.The presence of intracellular enzymes of the xylose pathway (XR and XDH) is not sufficientfor efficient co-consumption of both sugars and glucose is preferentially consumed.In order to structure the knowledge obtained on the metabolism of C. shehatae and tooptimize by simulation the co-culture C. shehatae / S. cerevisiae to produce ethanol fromxylose/ glucose mixtures, a kinetic model of C. shehatae is built. This model is validated withpure substrate cultures (xylose and glucose separated). A kinetic model of co-culture is thenbuilt in order to simulate several fermentation strategies to optimize the ethanol productionfrom xylose/glucose mixture similar to wheat straw hydrolysates

Il est désormais établi que la disponibilité en fer (Fe) contrôle environ 50% de la production primaire des océans du monde. Cependant, les processus régissant l’intensité des puits et des sources du Fe ainsi que la prédominance relative de ces sources au sein des divers bassins océaniques, sont elles-mêmes peu contraintes. Par ailleurs, une fois entrées dans le système océanique, la disponibilité et l’accessibilité des diverses formes de Fe pour les organismes marins restent incertaines. La réactivité du Fe au sein de l’environnement marin dépend de son état d’oxydoréduction et de complexation. Le fer dissous (DFe) est souvent considéré comme la fraction la plus biodisponible pour le phytoplancton et les ligands organiques du Fe augmentent vraisemblablement le temps de résidence du Fe et permettent des concentrations de DFe bien plus élevées que sa solubilité inorganique ne le permet dans l’eau de mer (10 pmol L-1).Dans ce contexte et s’inscrivant dans le programme international GEOTRACES, cette thèse a pour but principal d’implémenter notre savoir du cycle biogéochimique du Fe dans l’océan et ses interactions avec la structure des communautés phytoplanctoniques, en particulier afin de mieux contraindre les formes biodisponibles du Fe. Ainsi, les objectifs de cette thèse reposent sur trois questions scientifiques : 1) Quelles sont les distributions, sources, et puits de Fe ? 2) Quel est le lien entre la structure des communautés phytoplanctoniques et les concentrations en DFe ? 3) Comment la spéciation organique du DFe impacte ses concentrations et sa biodisponibilité ? Ces trois questions ont été explorées sur de deux zones d’études contrastées : l’océan Nord Atlantique (GEOVIDE, GA01 GEOTRACES voyage, PIs G. Sarthou and P. Lherminier) étant occasionnellement et saisonnièrement appauvri en Fe et l’océan Austral (HEOBI, GIpr05 GEOTRACES voyage, PIs A. Bowie, T. Trull, Z. Chase) l’étant de manière permanente. / It is now recognized that iron (Fe) availability dictates the efficiency of the global biological carbon pump such that any perturbation of Fe sources will lead to changes in the carbon cycles with consequences on both other major nutrient cycles and the climate system, controlling about 50% of the worldwide ocean primary production. However, the underlying processes themselves that affect the pathways releasing and trapping Fe, and the relative predominance of Fe sources among the different ocean basins are still poorly constrained. More importantly, the extent to which both the chemical and the physical speciation of Fe are available and accessible for marine organisms, once it enters the ocean, remains uncertain. The reactivity of Fe within the marine environment will depend on its redox and complexation state, with DFe generally considered the most bioavailable form for phytoplankton and Fe-binding organic ligands likely increasing the residence time of Fe that enables enhanced DFe concentrations way above its inorganic solubility in seawater (c.a. 10 pmol L-1).In this context and as part of the international GEOTRACES program, this thesis aims at improving our knowledge on Fe biogeochemical cycle in the ocean and its interactions with the phytoplankton community structure to better constrain the bioavailable forms of Fe. The objectives of this thesis revolve around three scientific questions: 1) What are the distributions, sources, and sinks of dissolved iron? 2) What is the link between the phytoplankton community structure and dissolved iron concentrations? 3) How the organic speciation of dissolved iron affects its concentrations and bioavailability for the phytoplankton community? These three questions were investigated through two contrasted areas: the North Atlantic Ocean (GEOVIDE, GA01 GEOTRACES voyage, PIs G. Sarthou and P. Lherminier) and the Southern Ocean (HEOBI, GIpr05 GEOTRACES voyage, PIs A. Bowie, T. Trull, Z. Chase) the former being occasionally seasonally depleted in Fe, the latter permanently.