Development of a wearable haptic game interface

This paper outlines the development and evaluation of a wearable haptic game interface. The device differs from many traditional haptic feedback implementation in that it combines vibrotactile feedback with gesture based input, thus becoming a two way conduit between the user and the virtual environment. The device is intended to challenge what is considered an "interface" and sets out to purposefully blur the boundary between man and machine. This allows for a more immersive experience, and a user evaluation shows that the intuitive interface allows the user to become the aircraft that is controlled by the movements of the user's hand.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1604.0547

First American records of Aphis Intybi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with notes on two other related adventive species in Argentina

P.1154-1162Aphis intybi Koch is recorded for the first time in North and South America. Measurements for the identification of this species in comparison with Aphis craccivora Koch are given. Aphis cytisorum Hartig is recorded for the third time in Argentina. Data on morphological variation, geographical distribution, and host plants of these species in Argentina are provided. Their morphological identification is supported by comparison of DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (DNA barcode) and subunit 2.S

An 18S ribosomal DNA barcode for the study of Isomermis lairdi, a parasite of the blackfly Simulium damnosum s.l.

The mermithid parasite, Isomermis lairdi Mondet, Poinar & Bernadou (Nematoda: Mermithidae), is known to have a major impact on populations of Simulium damnosum s.l. Theobald (Diptera: Simuliidae) and on their efficiency as vectors of Onchocerca volvulus (Leuckart) (Nematoda: Filarioidea). However, the value of I. lairdi and other mermithid parasites as potential means of integrated vector control has not been fully realized. This is partly because traditional taxonomic approaches have been insufficient for describing and analysing important aspects of their biology and host range. In total, rDNA barcode sequences have been obtained from over 70 I. lairdi mermithids found parasitizing S. damnosum s.l. larvae in three different rivers. No two sequences were found to vary by more than 0.5%, and cytospecies identification of mermithid hosts revealed that I. lairdi with identical rDNA barcodes can parasitize multiple cytoforms of the S. damnosum complex, including S. squamosum (Enderlein). Phylogenetic analysis using a partial sequence from the 18S ribosomal DNA barcode, grouped I. lairdi in a monophyletic group with Gastromermis viridis Welch (Nematoda: Mermithidae) and Isomermis wisconsinensis Welch (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

A rapid non-destructive DNA extraction method for insects and other arthropods

Preparation of arthropods for morphological identification often damages or destroys DNA within the specimen. Conversely, DNA extraction methods often destroy the external physical characteristics essential for morphological identification. We have developed a rapid, simple and non-destructive DNA extraction technique for arthropod specimens. This technique was tested on four arthropod orders, using specimens that were fresh, preserved by air drying, stored in ethanol, or collected with sticky or propylene glycol traps. The technique could be completed in twenty minutes for Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera, and two minutes for the subclass Acarina, without significant distortion, discolouration, or other damage to the specimens

Thysanoptera of Canada

The known Canadian Thysanoptera fauna currently consists of 147 species, including 28 non-native species, and there are five additional species found only indoors. DNA barcoding data, presence of species in adjacent regions, and preliminary evidence of the presence of host-associated cryptic species suggest that there may be as many as 255 additional species awaiting discovery or description in Canada

The aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) of British Columbia 10. Further additions

Five species of aphids and new host records were added to the taxonomic list of the aphids of British Columbia

Diversity, distribution and phenology of Lygus species (Hemiptera: Miridae) in relation to vegetable greenhouses in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, and southwestern Ontario

Lygus spp. were collected from near and inside vegetable greenhouses during three years in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia (BC) and in Leamington, Ontario (ON). In BC, the dominant species was Lygus shulli, followed in abundance by L. elisus and L. hesperus; L. lineolaris was not collected in the lower Fraser Valley. In ON, only L. lineolaris was collected. In BC, L. shulli was generally distributed throughout the region, whereas L. hesperus was captured in sweep net samples only in coastal areas. Lygus hesperus appeared to be univoltine in BC. All other species in ON and BC were apparently bivoltine. In ON, numbers of adults collected outside of greenhouses correlated with numbers collected inside greenhouses whereas this was not the case in BC. Differences in flight behaviour, abundance and greenhouse construction may account for this latter difference. Our results highlight the need for different approaches to IPM of pest Lygus species in the ON and BC greenhouse industries