Tropic Transfer and Bioaccumulation of Lead Along Soil-Plant-Aphid-Ladybird Food Chain

Lead (Pb) contamination of agroecosystems is a serious issue as Pb is a persistent pollutant that is retained in soil for long, causing toxicities to organisms. This study examines biotransfer of Pb from soils treated with different concentrations of Pb through a broad bean (Vicia faba L.)–aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.)–ladybird (Coccinella transversalis Fabricius) food chain and its consequent inference for natural biological control, the ladybird. The soil was amended with Pb at the rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg kg−1(w/w). The amount of Pb in plant, aphid and ladybird increased in a dose-dependent manner to Pb contents in the soil. The results showed that Pb biomagnified from soil to root with transfer coefficient always \u3e 1. Biominimization of Pb occurred at the second trophic level in aphids and at the third trophic level in ladybirds as their respective transfer coefficients from shoot to aphid and aphid to ladybird were always \u3c 1. The increased elimination of Pb via aphid excreta (honeydew) and pupal exuviae in a dose-dependent manner suggests that these are possible detoxification mechanisms at two different trophic levels which control Pb bioaccumulation along the food chain. The statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) decreases in biomass and predation rate of predatory ladybirds at 100 mg kg−1 Pb indicate that high dose of Pb in soil may have sub-lethal effects on ladybirds. Further studies at cellular and sub-cellular levels are needed to further document the potential mechanisms of achieving Pb homeostasis in ladybirds under Pb stress

The Use of Affect in Positioning Strategy

This paper examines the role of affect in marketing positioning strategy and individual positioning judgements. We examine affect in both the marketing and positioning literatures and argue that vestiges of the dual mind perspective are alive and well in positioning. Viewing 'thinking' and 'feeling' as entirely separate (as in utilitarian vs. hedonic product distinctions) runs counter to advances in neuroscience and devalues individual differences and brain functioning. As a result of our own coding of positioning dimensions, we advocate for a greater understanding of the complex interplay between affect and cognition in positioning strategy and judgements

Characteristics and risk factors of snoring and the prevalence of suspected obstructive sleep apnea in children

Background Snoring as a consequence of upper airway obstruc- tion is common in children. Snoring can be considered as normal, but might also reflect a disease such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is associated with serious morbidities. In Indonesia, data on the characteristics and risk factors of snoring and obstruc- tive sleep apnea is limited Objectives The aims of this study were to find out the character- istics and risk factors of snoring in children and to determine the prevalence of suspected OSA in snoring children. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on children aged 5-13 years using parental questionnaires scored according to the Brouilette formula. All children underwent physical examination for weight, height and tonsil size. Adenoid radiology was performed on part of the samples. Results Of the 917 questionnaires distributed, only 658 were com- pleted. The ratio of boys to girls was equal. Obesity was detected in 18.3% of children, among whom 54.2% snored. Obese children were 2.1 times more likely to snore. Besides obesity, rhinitis and atopy were found to be associated with snoring (PR= , 95%CI ; and PR= , 95%CI ; respectively). Asthma and tonsil hypertrophy were shown not to be predisposing factors of snoring. Children with adenoid hypertrophy were 1.8 times more likely to snore ha- bitually. The prevalence of snoring and suspected OSA in children aged 5-13 years were 31.6% and 5.9%, respectively. Conclusion Risk factors of snoring were obesity, adenoid hyper- trophy, atopy and rhinitis. Prevalence of snoring in children age 5- 13 years was 31.6% and that of suspected OSA cases was 5.9%