The ethology of the wasp, Pseudomasaris Edwardsii (Cresson), and a description of its immature forms (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea, Masaridae)

In a greenhouse, each nest of Pseudomasaris edwardsii (Cresson) was constructed of nectar-moistened soil, was solitary and was placed in open but concealed niches attached to a variety of substrates. The wasp anchored her egg by its posterior tip to the bottom of the cell, deposited a jellylike cylindrical provision composed of Phacelia pollen and nectar and constructed a cell cap. Soil carried to the nest was attached to the post genal surfaces of the female\u27s head, and the pollen and nectar were transported in her honey stomach. Cells were clustered and attached to each other and to the substrate along their lateral margins. Most nests were covered with separate layers of soil (surface ornamented in various ways) that camouflaged the nest against natural enemies and protected it against extreme temperatures. The larva, after consuming its provision, spun a cocoon which closely adhered to the inner surface of the cell, and then voided its feces across the bottom of the cell. The post-defecated larva subsequently migrated to the anterior limit of the cell where it firmly appressed against the cocoon as it assumed a strongly decurved, overwintering, prepupal position. Rearings in the laboratory indicated that the species is univoltine and nonproterandrous. The immature forms of P. edwardsii and Euparagia scutellaris Cresson are described and represent the first descriptions of the immatures within the family Masaridae. Relationship of these immatures is discussed and both are compared with the immature forms of other known vespoids

Comparative Notes on the Biology and Development of \u3ci\u3eEpeolus compactus\u3c/i\u3e Cresson., a Cleptoparasite of \u3ci\u3eColletes kincaidii\u3c/i\u3e Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae, Colletidae)

The biology of the nomadine bee, Epeolus compactus Cresson, is described based on composite notes taken from field, laboratory, and greenhouse studies of the host bee, Colletes kincaidii Cockerell. Details of Epeolus egg deposition are described and compared with other known noma dine bees. We document the release of a glandular secretion during egg deposition by E. compactus which dissolves the polyester host cell lining on contact. Late embryogenesis and hatching of Epeolus are described and adaptive features are discussed. The cleptoparasitic habits of the first instar are outlined, and anatomical differences expressed by various ins tars are compared. Methods used by Epeolus in parasitizing host nests excavated by the nesting Colletes female, or in host nests constructed in existing burrows, are reported. Possible reasons why rates of parasitism differ between kinds of nest architectures constructed by the host bee are discussed in some detail. Potentially useful biosystematic characters of immature stages of Epeolus are compared with those of other known nomadine bees

Economic and Human Features for Energy and Environmental Indicators: A Tool to Assess Countries’ Progress towards Sustainability

Energy and environmental data represent fundamental information for the analysis of sustainable development. On the other hand, these aspects should be associated with economic and human dimensions in order to obtain a more holistic vision. From this perspective, some indicators are discussed and analyzed in this paper in order to assess the performance of a country. As regards the energetic aspects, the data of total primary energy supply and exergy losses were considered. The environmental aspects were taken into account by considering the greenhouse gas emissions and the particulate matter emissions. These energy and environmental data were put in relation to the GDP (gross domestic product) and HDI (human development index, a multidimensional index proposed by United Nations), respectively. So, two sets of indicators were introduced—the set E for economic properties and the set H for human aspects. A case study was conducted by analyzing a group of countries that meet two criteria: the same macro-geographical area and comparable numbers of citizens. The European area—in particular, its six most populous countries—was chosen. From the results obtained, it is possible to point out that some countries present different rankings depending on whether set E or set H is considered. Another important aspect discussed is the temporal evolution of the indicators (the interval from 1990 to 2017 was considered). Political decision-makers can be supported by the use of the indicators of set H in order to evaluate well-being related to their choices on actions related to the energy and environment. These indicators can be used both to analyze the trends of a country and to compare them with the performance of some other similar countries

A survey of alfalfa pollinators and polination in the San Joaquin Valley of California with emphasis on establishment of the alkali bee

The study involves the establishment, management, and behavioral observations of Nomia melanderi Cockerell and Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) in California, a survey of native bees within western Fresno County, a determination of selfing and/or parthenocarpy in two fields of alfalfa, and observations on the honeybee as an alfalfa pollinator. The alkali bee is characterized. It is an endemic species limited to western North America. Eight artificial alkali bee nesting sites were constructed during the establishment program. Details of materials used during construction and their importance are discussed. Alkali bee cores used for introduction into California were procured in eastern Oregon and western Idaho, trucked to California, and planted in artificial sites. The heavy usage of insecticides in the area of study proved to be the greatest problem in the survival of the alkali bee. Observed toxicities of Dimethoate, Sevin, Malathion, Systex-Toxaphene, Toxaphene, DDT, Phosdrin, Dibrom, TEPP, Dylox, and Kelthane on the alkali bee were compared. The occurrence of multiple generations of the alkali bee in California is reported. Explanation of this behavior is based upon high soil temperatures (82° F. and above) during the nesting season. The importance of multiple generations is discussed. Biologies and importance of alkali bee parasites in California are described. Procedures for the control of some species are outlined. Methods of constructing trap nests for Megachile rotundata and their distribution throughout the San Joaquin Valley are described. Collections of these trap nests were then made and placed in one field so that readings on frequency of tripping, number of pollen loads required to provision cells, and time required to collect leafcuttings could be made. Observations on mating positions were described. The smallest males and largest females were reproductively isolated because of size difference. Parasites (Melittobia chalybii Ashmead and Monodontomeris montivagus Ashmead) and competitors (Ashmediella aridula Cockerell and Hylaeus grossicornis (Swenk and Cockerell) of Megachile rotundata are discussed. Melittobia chalybii Ashmead, a chalcid wasp, is potentially the most serious parasite and could decide the success or failure of M. rotundata in California. A survey of native bees was made in the area of study. Eight native species were found and their biologies described. Preferred pollen host plants were determined. Reasons why native bee biologies should be studied and understood are given. Two cages, one placed in a Tan Verde seed field and the second in a Ranger field, were used to calculate amount of seed produced from pathways other than by cross-pollination. Comparison of seed harvested from caged plots and field plots indicated that seed produced by non cross-pollination mechanisms could account for the average seed yields in California during recent years. Germination tests indicated, however, that seed produced by mechanisms other than cross-pollination is inferior. Only seven honey bees were observed collecting alfalfa pollen throughout the period of study. Consequently, no valid comparison between its pollinating capacity and that of wild bees could be made

Evolution of the Phenolic Content and Extractability Indices During Ripening of Nebbiolo Grapes from the Piedmont Growing Areas over Six Consecutive Years

The phenolic composition and extractability indices of grape berries play a key role in assessing redwine quality because the relationship between grape phenolic maturity and wine phenolic compositionis well known. In this work, grape quality indices were determined in Nebbiolo grapes from two growingareas of Langhe (South Piedmont), at different stages throughout the ripening process in six consecutiveyears (2004 to 2009), with the aim of evaluating the ripening- and growing area-related changes in thegrape indices separately. The effect of vintage was also investigated. Ripeness data were compared withanalogous data determined in Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Carema area (North Piedmont). The vintageeffect far outweighed any changes in the grape indices introduced by the ripening stage, even those arisingfrom differences in the production area. In the Langhe and Carema zones, the average berry mass, pH,total acidity, total anthocyanins extractable at pH 3.2, total flavonoids and non-anthocyanin flavonoidsextractable at pH 1, and the seed maturity index were seasonally dependent. The more ripening-affectedparameters were the technological ones. This work highlights the importance of determining the phenolextractability, since it provides relevant information that allows improved management of the macerationstage

Nanosponge-based composite gel polymer electrolyte for safer li-o2 batteries

Li-O2 batteries represent a promising rechargeable battery candidate to answer the energy challenges our world is facing, thanks to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the poor cycling stability of the Li-O2 system and, overall, important safety issues due to the formation of Li dendrites, combined with the use of organic liquid electrolytes and O2 cross-over, inhibit their practical applications. As a solution to these various issues, we propose a composite gel polymer electrolyte consisting of a highly cross-linked polymer matrix, containing a dextrin-based nanosponge and activated with a liquid electrolyte. The polymer matrix, easily obtained by thermally activated one pot free radical polymerization in bulk, allows to limit dendrite nucleation and growth thanks to its cross-linked structure. At the same time, the nanosponge limits the O2 cross-over and avoids the formation of crystalline domains in the polymer matrix, which, combined with the liquid electrolyte, allows a good ionic conductivity at room temperature. Such a composite gel polymer electrolyte, tested in a cell containing Li metal as anode and a simple commercial gas diffusion layer, without any catalyst, as cathode demonstrates a full capacity of 5.05 mAh cm−2 as well as improved reversibility upon cycling, compared to a cell containing liquid electrolyte

Uncertainty Quantification for SAE J2954 Compliant Static Wireless Charge Components

The present work aims at quantifying how, and how much, the uncertainties on the components and material parameters of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for the static charge of electric vehicles affect the overall efficiency and functionality of the final produced device. With the aim of considering the perspective of a possible industrial developer, the parameters selected for the uncertainty quantification are chosen to be the capacitance values of the compensation capacitors and the electromagnetic material parameters used for the construction of the magnetic structure of a WPT system, i.e. the parameters of the elements to be purchased. The analysis is based on a standard system among the ones provided by the current SAE J2954 recommended practice

Volatile profile of white wines fermented with sequential inoculation of Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mixed fermentations with Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae affect the chemical composition of wines, by modulating various metabolites of oenological interest. The current study was carried out to elucidate the effect of sequential inoculation of the above mentioned species on the production of white wines, especially on the chemical and aromatic characteristics of Chardonnay, Muscat, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc wines. Titratable acidity and glycerol content exhibited evident differences among the wines after fermentation. For volatile compounds, mixed fermentations led to a reduction of the total esters, including ethyl acetate, which is a compound responsible for wine deterioration. However, Sauvignon blanc wines fermented by mixed cultures contained significantly higher levels of esters and thiols, both associated with positive sensory attributes. These findings suggest that sequential inoculations possess great potential in affecting and modulating the chemical and aromatic profile of white wines, especially those produced from Sauvignon blanc grapes