Eastern Range Extension of \u3ci\u3eLeptoglossus Occidentalis\u3c/i\u3e With a Key to Leptoglossus Species of America North of Mexico (Heteroptera: Coreidae)

Leptoglossus occidentalis is reported for the first time from Illinois and Michigan, and confirmed for Indiana. A key to the species of Leptoglossus occurring in America north of Mexico is presented

A GENERAL VERSUS AN INDIVIDUAL MODEL OF THE SKI JUMPING TECHNIQUE

INTRODUCTION The stochastic models which are based on the results of biomechanical analyses of the ski jump (kinematic analysis, eg ARNOT, 1995; dynamic analysis of the take-off, e.g. VAVERKA, 1987) help us to solve the basic question of the relationship between the biomechanical variables and the criterion (validity). Statistical models form the output used to select the set of observed variables which represent the parameters for the effective ski jumping technique The results of many studies have shown that the validity of the biomechanical variables are very different in different phases of the ski jump. Contrary to what has been seen in practice it has been repeatedly found that the statistical dependence between take-off variables and the criterion are relatively low (R2 = 0.2-0.3) In comparison with the flight phases (R2= 0.6-0.9). The hypothesis of an individual model for the take-off is supported by the multifactor theory of the take-off (VAVERKA, 1987) in which the principle optimisation of the take-off factors and individualisation of the take-off have been defined. This paper represents an attempt to determine a practical model for ski-jumping technique. METHODOLOGY The system for the 20 kinematic analyses of the ski-jump (VAVERKA, 1994; take-off phase) and the Peak Performance Analyses System (flight phase) have been used in this study. The set of 11 variables for both the take-off and flight phase served as the input matrix for the statistical analyses (Intersporttournee event in Innsbruck 1993-1995, n=155). The set of 18 world class level athletes were selected for the study of intra-individual variability for the take-off phase. The average number of analysed take-offs by individuals was 7.6 jumps (range=5-13 takeoffs). Analyses of variance, multiple range of analyses of variance, regression, correlation and factor analyses computed by the STATGRAPHICS package were used. RESULTS The results of the statistical analyses on the inter-individual variability (5 matrices for the take-off phase and 6 matrices for the flight phase) demonstrated a low level of validity for the take-off parameters (R2 =0.15-0.20) and increased validity for the flight parameters (R2=0. 7-0.8) The statistical analyses of differences between individuals has shown that there are the significant differences in the aerodynamics and forward-backward position for the centre of gravity (relates to the factor of rotation). CONCLUSIONS The results of the statistical analyses have shown the predominant tendencies of individualisation of the take-off model. A very successful take-off for an individual could be realised by the use of many different patterns of movement. From the results of the flight phase we can accept a general pattern for the performance this ski-jumping phase REFERENCES Arndt, A. et al. (1995). Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 11, 224-237. Vaverka, F. (1987). Biomechanics of Ski-jumping (Czech language), Monograph, Univerzita Palackeho Olomouc, 235 pp. Vaverka, F. et al. (1994). In. Biomechanics in Sports XII, Proceedings, 285-287

A KINEMATIC FOCUS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MAIN PHASES OF SKI JUMPING AND PERFORMANCE AT THE INNSBRUCK 1995 EVENT

Ski jumping is a unique sport discipline with a wide range of movements consisting of several follow-up phases. There is a selection of studies which have described each of the separate phases of the ski jump performance. However, the interaction between the movements of each of the main ski jump phases and their influence on the final performance have not been explored. The purpose of this project was to carry out a kinematic analysis of the entire ski jump performance and to determine the interrelationships between the various phases of the ski jump and between the final performance. The research was complete during the K120 world cup event Intersporttournee at Innsbruck on January 4th, 1995. The Innsbruck jumping hill provided an ideal environment for the location of each of the required cameras. In addition, the competition attracts a great a great number of top world athletes. The h t(n =50) and final (n=30) jump rounds were taped using seven cameras. Seven researchers from the three research groups who participated in this project (Czech Republic, Canada, and Slovenia) each operated a camera in order to record each of the five main phases: in-run, take-off, transition, flight 1 and flight 2. The kinematic data for each of the different phases were elaborated by using the 2D System of hematic Analysis of Ski-jumping (In-run, take-o& transition), the 3D Consport Motion Analysis System (transition), and the 2D Peak Performance System (flight 1, flight 2). The analysis also included measures of body dimensions (height, weight, and other anthropometric parameters), the length of jump, and the official in-run velocity. Analysis of variance, correlation, regression and factor analyses were used to statistically examine the data. The results of this research have added a new dimension to our understanding of the world's best ski jumpeis performances and the interrelationships between the movements in each of the critical phases

Computing ecosystems: neural networks and embedded hardware platforms

Presented at the CHI2023 Workshop [WS2] - Beyond Prototyping Boards: Future Paradigms for Electronics ToolkitsPresented at the CHI2023 Workshop [WS2] - Beyond Prototyping Boards: Future Paradigms for Electronics ToolkitsPresented at the CHI2023 Workshop [WS2] - Beyond Prototyping Boards: Future Paradigms for Electronics ToolkitsPresented at the CHI2023 Workshop [WS2] - Beyond Prototyping Boards: Future Paradigms for Electronics ToolkitsEmbedded hardware platforms such as single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Bela) or microcontrollers (e.g., Teensy, Arduino Uno) offer an entry point for beginners into physical computing. However, deploying neural networks into these platforms is challenging for various reasons: It requires lower-level software development skills, as machine learning toolkits are typically not incorporated into these platforms. Besides, the long compilation times burden debugging and quick prototyping and experimentation. Due to the low-resource nature of embedded hardware platforms, neural networks are usually trained on a host machine, which involves a back-and-forth of data, platforms and programming languages. We inquire how these computing ecosystems might be designed to facilitate prototyping and experimentation and integrate into existing programming workflows

NIME Identity from the Performer’s Perspective

The term ‘NIME’ - New Interfaces for Musical Expression - has come to signify both technical and cultural characteristics. Not all new musical instruments are NIMEs, and not all NIMEs are defined as such for the sole ephemeral condition of being new. So, what are the typical characteristics of NIMEs and what are their roles in performers’ practice? Is there a typical NIME repertoire? This paper aims to address these questions with a bottom up approach. We reflect on the answers of 78 NIME performers to an online questionnaire discussing their performance experience with NIMEs. The results of our investigation explore the role of NIMEs in the performers’ practice and identify the values that are common among performers. We find that most NIMEs are viewed as exploratory tools created by and for performers, and that they are constantly in development and almost in no occasions in a finite state. The findings of our survey also reflect upon virtuosity with NIMEs, whose peculiar performance practice results in learning trajectories that often do not lead to the development of virtuosity as it is commonly understood in traditional performanc

Distinct fos-expressing neuronal ensembles in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex mediate food reward and extinction memories

In operant learning, initial reward-associated memories are thought to be distinct from subsequent extinction-associated memories. Memories formed during operant learning are thought to be stored in “neuronal ensembles.” Thus, we hypothesize that different neuronal ensembles encode reward- and extinction-associated memories. Here, we examined prefrontal cortex neuronal ensembles involved in the recall of reward and extinction memories of food self-administration.Wefirst trained rats to lever press for palatable food pellets for 7 d (1 h/d) and then exposed them to 0, 2, or 7 daily extinction sessions in which lever presses were not reinforced. Twenty-four hours after the last training or extinction session, we exposed the rats to either a short 15 min extinction test session or left them in their homecage (a control condition). We found maximal Fos (a neuronal activity marker) immunoreactivity in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex of rats that previously received 2 extinction sessions, suggesting that neuronal ensembles in this area encode extinction memories. We then used the Daun02 inactivation procedure to selectively disrupt ventral medial prefrontal cortex neuronal ensembles that were activated during the 15 min extinction session following 0 (no extinction) or 2 prior extinction sessions to determine the effects of inactivating the putative food reward and extinction ensembles, respectively, on subsequent nonreinforced food seeking 2 d later. Inactivation of the food reward ensembles decreased food seeking, whereas inactivation of the extinction ensembles increased food seeking. Our results indicate that distinct neuronal ensembles encoding operant reward and extinction memories intermingle within the same cortical area

A tool for simulating and communicating uncertainty when modelling species distributions under future climates

Tools for exploring and communicating the impact of uncertainty on spatial prediction are urgently needed, particularly when projecting species distributions to future conditions. We provide a tool for simulating uncertainty, focusing on uncertainty due to data quality. We illustrate the use of the tool using a Tasmanian endemic species as a case study. Our simulations provide probabilistic, spatially explicit illustrations of the impact of uncertainty on model projections. We also illustrate differences in model projections using six different global climate models and two contrasting emissions scenarios. Our case study results illustrate how different sources of uncertainty have different impacts on model output and how the geographic distribution of uncertainty can vary. Synthesis and applications: We provide a conceptual framework for understanding sources of uncertainty based on a review of potential sources of uncertainty in species distribution modelling; a tool for simulating uncertainty in species distribution models; and protocols for dealing with uncertainty due to climate models and emissions scenarios. Our tool provides a step forward in understanding and communicating the impacts of uncertainty on species distribution models under future climates which will be particularly helpful for informing discussions between researchers, policy makers, and conservation practitioners

Mesh inlay, mesh kit or native tissue repair for women having repeat anterior or posterior prolapse surgery: randomised controlled trial (PROSPECT)

Funding The project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (Project Number 07/60/18). The Health Services Research Unit and the Health Economics Research Unit are funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates. Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank the women who participated in the PROSPECT study. We also thank Margaret MacNeil for her secretarial support and data management; Dawn McRae and Lynda Constable for their trial management support; the programming team in CHaRT, led by Gladys McPherson; members of the Project Management Group for their ongoing advice and support of the study; and the staff at the recruitment sites who facilitated the recruitment, treatment and follow up of study participants.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Octupole strength in the neutron-rich calcium isotopes

Low-lying excited states of the neutron-rich calcium isotopes $^{48-52}$Ca have been studied via $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy following inverse-kinematics proton scattering on a liquid hydrogen target using the GRETINA $\gamma$-ray tracking array. The energies and strengths of the octupole states in these isotopes are remarkably constant, indicating that these states are dominated by proton excitations.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figure