Phenotypic Variation and Genetic Purity of the Original \u27Prime-Jim®\u27 x \u27Arapaho\u27 Population

In 2013, Castro et al., produced the first linkage map for primocane-fruiting blackberries using the cross ‘Prime-Jim®’ x ‘Arapaho.’ This mapping population has been maintained since the original experiment with the hopes of conducting future studies. Further research was determined to be needed on the population to better characterize additional phenotypic traits, and since nine years had passed since the seedlings were established, there was a need to assess the continued genetic purity of the population using molecular methods. Phenotypic data was collected to analyze the variation of the population including soluble solids content, titratable acidity, average weight, shape, and firmness. While the population showed significant variation for each quantitative trait measured, the molecular results showed that none of the evaluated progeny matched the marker banding patterns expected based on previous results. Thus, the population was determined to be mislabeled or possibly some plants had grown together contributing to the impurity found. I recommended starting over with a new cross for future molecular mapping studies

Evaluating rammed earth aalls: a case study

The following research has been undertaken as a response to the recent controversy regarding the suitability of rammed earth wall construction as an effective building envelope. Empirical (in-situ) measurements of temperature and heat flux are taken on the walls of an existing rammed earth building in New South Wales, Australia. An analysis is performed which examines the influence of walls, floor, ceiling and windows on the recorded temperatures within the building. It appears that diffuse sky radiation transmitted by the windows is an important factor in the summer heat load, and that night time cooling coupled with thermal mass has a valuable conditioning effect.<br /

A Hawk-Dove game in kleptoparasitic populations

Kleptoparasitism, the parasitism by theft, is a widespread biological phenomenon. In this paper we extend earlier models to investigate a population of conspecifics involved in foraging and, potentially, kleptoparasitism. We assume that the population is composed of two types of individuals, Hawks and Doves. The types differ according to their strategic choices when faced with an opportunity to steal and to resist a challenge. Hawks use every opportunity to steal and they resist all challenges. Doves never resist and never steal. The fitness of each type of individual depends upon various natural parameters, for example food density, the handling time of a food item, density of the population, as well as the duration of potential fights over the food. We find the Evolutionarily Stable States (ESSs) for all arameter combinations and show that there are three possible ESSs, pure Hawks, pure Doves, and a mixed population of Hawks and Doves. We show that for any set of parameter values there is exactly one ESS. We further investigate the relationship between our findings and the classical Hawk-Dove game as defined in Maynard Smith 1982. We also show how our model extends the classical on

Farm practices and their effects on farm earnings

Includes bibliographical references

Matrix methods for calculating zeros, coefficients, Christoffel numbers, and derivatives of some orthogonal polynomials

Jacobi matrix method for calculating zeros, coefficients, Christoffel numbers, and derivatives of orthogonal polynomial

Generation of tuneable 589nm radiation as a Na guide star source using an optical parametric amplifier

We describe a 5.5W 589nm source based on a passively modelocked Nd:YVO4 laser and a multi-stage Lithium Triborate optical parametric amplifier seeded by a tuneable semiconductor laser. We show this system can produce rapidly tuneable, transform-limited pulses in near diffraction-limited beams at 589nm, useful for Na guide star applications. The attraction of this scheme is that it can be assembled from commercially available hardware and is readily scalable to high average powers

A game-theoretic model of kleptoparasitic behavior in polymorphic populations

Kleptoparasitism, the stealing of food by one animal from another, is a widespread biological phenomenon. In this paper we build upon earlier models to investigate a population of conspecifics involved in foraging and, potentially, kleptoparasitism. We assume that the population is composed of four types of individuals, according to their strategic choices when faced with an opportunity to steal and to resist an attack. The fitness of each type of individual depends upon various natural parameters, for example food density, the handling time of a food item and the probability of mounting a successful attack against resistance, as well as the choices that they make. We find the evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) for all parameter combinations and show that there are six possible ESSs, four pure and two mixtures of two strategies, that can occur. We show that there is always at least one ESS, and sometimes two or three. We further investigate the influence of the different parameters on when each type of solution occurs

A scale-model room as a practical teaching experiment

A practical experiment is described which was used to help university students increase their understanding of the effect of construction methods and window design on passive solar heating and electrical heating. A number of one tenth scale model rooms were constructed by students and sited out-of-doors in the late autumn. The models were fabricated to mimic available commercial construction techniques with careful consideration being given to window size and placement for solar access. Each model had a thermostatically controlled electric heating element. The temperatures and electricity use of the models were recorded using data-loggers over a two week period. The performances of the models based on energy consumption and internal temperature were compared with each other and with predictions based upon thermal mass and R-values. Examples of questions used by students to facilitate this process are included. The effect of scaling on thermal properties was analysed using Buckingham&rsquo;s p-theorem.<br /