Development of a dynamic population model as a decision support system for Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella L) management

In 2004 RIMpro-Cydia was developed as a dynamic population model that simulates the within-year biology of a local codling moth population. The model is meant to be used by growers and advisors to optimize the control of codling moth populations in organic and integrated managed orchards. The model is based on literature data and unpublished research data. Fractional boxcar trains are used to mimic the dispersion in the developmental processes. The model is run in real time on the data input of local weather stations, starting on 1 January. The output of the model was compared with the results of field observations in three years in an untreated orchard. In the years 2005 to 2007 the progress in egg deposition as predicted by the model was in general agreement with the field data. The start of the egg deposition period was predicted well. The end of the egg deposition period was predicted when in the field about 10% of the eggs was still to be laid. There was no consistency in the relation between cumulated pheromone trap catches and the cumulative egg deposition as calculated from the field data

Magneto-Optical Spectrum Analyzer

We present a method for the investigation of gigahertz magnetization dynamics of single magnetic nano elements. By combining a frequency domain approach with a micro focus Kerr effect detection, a high sensitivity to magnetization dynamics with submicron spatial resolution is achieved. It allows spectra of single nanostructures to be recorded. Results on the uniform precession in soft magnetic platelets are presented.Comment: 5 pages, 7 figure

Parametrical optimization of laser surface alloyed NiTi shape memory alloy with Co and Nb by the Taguchi method

Different high-purity metal powders were successfully alloyed on to a nickel titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) with a 3 kW carbon dioxide (CO2) laser system. In order to produce an alloyed layer with complete penetration and acceptable composition profile, the Taguchi approach was used as a statistical technique for optimizing selected laser processing parameters. A systematic study of laser power, scanning velocity, and pre-paste powder thickness was conducted. The signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) for each control factor were calculated in order to assess the deviation from the average response. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to understand the significance of process variables affecting the process effects. The Taguchi method was able to determine the laser process parameters for the laser surface alloying technique with high statistical accuracy and yield a laser surface alloying technique capable of achieving a desirable dilution ratio. Energy dispersive spectrometry consistently showed that the per cent by weight of Ni was reduced by 45 per cent as compared with untreated NiTi SMA when the Taguchi-determined laser processing parameters were employed, thus verifying the laser's processing parameters as optimum

Big Changes in How Students are Tested

For the past decade, school accountability has relied on tests for which the essential format has remained unchanged. Educators are familiar with the yearly testing routine: schools are given curriculum frameworks, teachers use the frameworks to guide instruction, students take one big test at year’s end which relies heavily upon multiple-choice bubble items, and then school leaders wait anxiously to find out whether enough of their students scored at or above proficiency to meet state standards. All this will change with the adoption of Common Core standards. Testing and accountability aren’t going away. Instead, they are developing and expanding in ways that aim to address many of the present shortcomings of state testing routines. Most importantly, these new tests will be computer-based. As such, they will potentially shorten testing time, increase tests’ precision, and provide immediate feedback to students and teachers

The effect of match standard and referee experience on the objective and subjective match workload of English Premier League referees

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of match standard and referee experience upon the objective and subjective workload of referees during Premier and Football league soccer matches. We also examined the relationship between heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for assessing match intensity in soccer referees. Heart rate responses were recorded using short-range telemetry and RPE scores were collected using a 10-point scale. Analysis revealed a significant relationship between mean match HR and match RPE scores (r = 0.485, p < 0.05, n =18). There were significant differences in match HR (Premier league 83.6 2.6 %HRmax vs. Football league 81.5 2.2 %HRmax, p < 0.05) and match RPE scores (Premier league 7.8 0.8 vs. Football league 6.9 0.8, p < 0.05) between standards of competition. Referee experience had no effect upon match heart rate and RPE responses to Premier and Football league matches. The results of the present study demonstrate the validity of using HR and RPE as a measure of global match intensity in soccer referees. Referee experience had no effect upon the referees’ objective and subjective match workload assessments, whereas match intensity was correlated to competition standard. These findings have implications for fitness preparation and evaluation in soccer referees. When progressing to a higher level of competition, referees should ensure that appropriate levels of fitness are developed in order to enable them to cope with an increase in physical match demands

Fruitmot in peer

Op appel ontstaat de meeste fruitmotaantasting in de loop van juni of juli. In jaren met een tweede generatie kan er in augustus nog schade bijkomen. Op peer (Conference) treedt in de meeste jaren nauwelijks vroege aantasting op, terwijl vanaf augustus de schade soms sterk toeneemt. Proeven bij PPO in Randwijk lieten zien hoe dit verschil ontstaat. Van fruitmoteieren die op vruchten van Elstar werden gelijmd, leverde grofweg een derde tot de helft een rups, en dus een aangetaste vrucht op. Bij Elstar veranderde de gevoeligheid van de vruchten voor aantasting gedurende het seizoen niet veel. Bij Conference wel: aan het begin van het seizoen overleefden veel minder rupsen dan later in de zomer. De proefresultaten zijn aanleiding om de bestrijdingsstrategie voor fruitmot op Conference aan te passen en rond begin augustus, als de vruchten extra gevoelig zijn, een fruitmotbestrijding uit te voeren

Coupling of climate models and ice sheet models by surface mass balance gradients: application to the Greenland Ice Sheet

It is notoriously difficult to couple surface mass balance (SMB) results from climate models to the changing geometry of an ice sheet model. This problem is traditionally avoided by using only accumulation from a climate model, and parameterizing the meltwater run-off as a function of temperature, which is often related to surface elevation (<i>H</i><sub>s</sub>). In this study, we propose a new strategy to calculate SMB, to allow a direct adjustment of SMB to a change in ice sheet topography and/or a change in climate forcing. This method is based on elevational gradients in the SMB field as computed by a regional climate model. Separate linear relations are derived for ablation and accumulation, using pairs of <i>H</i><sub>s</sub> and SMB within a minimum search radius. The continuously adjusting SMB forcing is consistent with climate model forcing fields, also for initially non-glaciated areas in the peripheral areas of an ice sheet. When applied to an asynchronous coupled ice sheet – climate model setup, this method circumvents traditional temperature lapse rate assumptions. Here we apply it to the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS). Experiments using both steady-state forcing and glacial-interglacial forcing result in realistic ice sheet reconstructions