Phenology determines seasonal variation in ectoparasite loads in a natural insect population

1. The extent to which individuals are parasitised is a function of exposure to parasites and the immune response, which in ectotherms may be associated with temperature. 2. We test the hypothesis that seasonal variation in ectoparasite burden is driven by temperature using an extensive mark-release-recapture study of adult Coenagrion puella (L.) (Zygoptera) as a model system. Mite counts were taken both at capture and on a subset of subsequent recaptures over two entire, consecutive breeding seasons. 3. Emergence date was the most significant factor in determining individual differences in mite burden, and mean counts for individuals emerging on the same days showed strong unimodal relationships with time of season. Subsequent recounting of mites on a subset of individuals showed that patterns of loss of mites were similar between seasons. 4. While temperature did not significantly affect mite burdens within seasons and ectoparasite prevalence was very similar across the two seasons, intensity of infection and rate of mite gain in unparasitised individuals were significantly higher in the cooler season. 5. We demonstrate that, while temperature may modulate the invertebrate immune response, this modulation does not manifest in variations in mite burdens in natural populations

Geos 1 observations at Malvern, England

Satellite observation techniques and data processing methods at optical tracking station in Malvern, Englan

Design Fire for Building Content in Arson Scenarios

The cost of fires caused by arson on a global-scale is estimated between 0.1 and 0.4% of a country's GDP. If arsonist uses liquid accelerants is the potential for growth much greater and the risk for loss of live is increased. It is desirable to reduce this risk by anticipating the accelerant in the design phase. In this thesis the possibility of predicting components behaviour when accelerants are added is investigated by use of small-scale experiments. The specimens were ignited with a smaller ignition source and the heat release rate was measured using oxygen calorimetry. Data was analysed using factorial analysis and functional analysis. It was showed that both methanol and heptane affected parameters such as the time to peak, peak heat release rate and growth rate in a way that made the foam and fabrics behave worse. With superposition was it possible to predict the total heat released with a 12% error on average for standard non flame retarded foam. The increase in growth rates is found to be of such magnitude that accelerant as part of the ignition source should be accounted for in the design phase if an arson scenario is deemed likely

Immune function and parasite resistance in male and polymorphic female Coenagrion puella

Background: Colour polymorphisms are widespread and one of the prime examples is the colour polymorphism in female coenagrionid damselflies: one female morph resembles the male colour (andromorph) while one, or more, female morphs are described as typically female (gynomorph). However, the selective pressures leading to the evolution and maintenance of this polymorphism are not clear. Here, based on the hypothesis that coloration and especially black patterning can be related to resistance against pathogens, we investigated the differences in immune function and parasite resistance between the different female morphs and males. Results: Our studies of immune function revealed no differences in immune function between the female morphs but between the sexes in adult damselflies. In an experimental infection females infected shortly after emergence showed a higher resistance against a fungal pathogen than males, however female morphs did not differ in resistance. In a field sample of adult damselflies we did not find differences in infection rates with watermites and gregarines. Conclusion: With respect to resistance and immune function 'andromorph' blue females of Coenagrion puella do not resemble the males. Therefore the colour polymorphism in coenagrionid damselflies is unlikely to be maintained by differences in immunity

Exposure of Larvae of the Solitary Bee Osmia bicornis to the Honey Bee Pathogen Nosema ceranae Affects Life History

Wild bees are important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops and they are threatened by several environmental stressors including emerging pathogens. Honey bees have been suggested as a potential source of pathogen spillover. One prevalent pathogen that has recently emerged as a honey bee disease is the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. While the impacts of N. ceranae in honey bees are well documented, virtually nothing is known about its effects in solitary wild bees. The solitary mason bee Osmia bicornis is a common pollinator in orchards and amenable to commercial management. Here, we experimentally exposed larvae of O. bicornis to food contaminated with N. ceranae and document spore presence during larval development. We measured mortality, growth parameters, and timing of pupation in a semi-field experiment. Hatched individuals were assessed for physiological state including fat body mass, wing muscle mass, and body size. We recorded higher mortality in the viable-spore-exposed group but could only detect a low number of spores among the individuals of this treatment. Viable-spore-treated individuals with higher head capsule width had a delayed pupation start. No impact on the physiological status could be detected in hatched imagines. Although we did not find overt evidence of O. bicornis infection, our findings indicate that exposure of larvae to viable N. ceranae spores could affect bee development

Wiedernutzung von Industriebrachen für eine ökologisch, sozial und wirtschaftlich nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung? Einschätzungen und Bewertungen zum Projekt CultNature

Dargestellt werden die Ergebnisse einer Befragung zu den ersten Einschätzungen des CultNature-Konzepts durch die für das Projekt relevanten Akteure. Ziel ist die Abschätzung des mit dem Projekt verbundenen Erwartungshorizontes. Das Projekt wurde von den relevanten Akteuren in vielen Punkten positiv beurteilt. Man kann also davon ausgehen, dass CultNature im Ruhrgebiet und den anderen Bergbaurückzugsgebieten bei den befragten Akteuren insgesamt auf Akzeptanz stößt. Die meisten Befragten gehen davon aus, dass das Flächenpotenzial für CultNature in den Bergbaurückzugsgebieten vorhanden ist. Trotz der positiven Bewertung von CultNature sind viele der Befragten der Ansicht, dass die Realisierung von CultNature mit Interessenkonflikten und Auseinandersetzungen verbunden sein kann. Die Ergebnisse zu den Aussagen über die Erfolgsbedingungen bestätigen klar, wie notwendig eine integrierte Stadtentwicklung ist

Testing for knowledge : maximising information obtained from fire tests by using machine learning techniques

A machine learning (ML) algorithm was applied to predict the onset of flashover in 1:5 scale Room Corner Test experiments with sandwich panels. Towards this end, a penalized logistic regression model was chosen to detect the relevant variables and consequently provided a tool that can be used to make predictions of unseen samples. The method indicates that a deeper understanding of the contributing factors leading to flashover can be achieved. Furthermore, it allows a more nuanced ranking than currently offered by the commonly used classification methods for reaction to fire tests. The proposed methodology shows a substantial value in terms of guidance for future large and intermediate scale testing. In particular, it is foreseen that the method will be extremely useful for assessing and understanding the behaviour of innovative materials and design solutions

Intraspecific predation in immature Coenagrion puella (L.): a switch in food selection? (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Observations on cannibalism in outdoor insectaries are presented. The behavioural interactions are described. Cannibalism (in both sexes) occurred only during periods of cold weather. It is hypothesised that intraspecific predation is a switch in food selection due to bad weather conditions

Was bindet junge Akademiker an Arbeitsplätze in der Region? Ergebnisse einer Online-Umfrage bei MINT-Studierenden in NRW

54 Prozent der befragten MINT-Absolventinnen und -Absolventen favorisieren einen zukünftigen Arbeitsplatz in NRW. Für 31 Prozent ist der Ort irrelevant, 15 Prozent wollen NRW verlassen. MINT-Absolvent/inn/en erwarten von Unternehmen insbesondere ein angenehmes Betriebsklima, interessante Arbeit und Sicherheit des Arbeitsplatzes. Gehalt, Kinderbetreuung und gute Verkehrsanbindung sind nachrangig. Für MINT-Akademiker ist die Lebensqualität in der Region ein entscheidender Attraktivitätsfaktor, Bildungsangebote spielen eine eher unbedeutende Rolle. Für die Wahl eines Arbeitsplatzes ist der regionale Standort entscheidender als Gehalt und Image des Unternehmens. Geburts- und Wohnort während des Semesters wirken sich entscheidend auf eine positive Attraktivitätsbewertung der Regionen aus. Attraktivste Regionen sind Köln/Bonn Düsseldorf und die Metropole Ruhr

Immune function keeps endosymbionts under control

How does an animal host prevent intracellular symbionts getting out of hand? A new paper in BMC Biology provides evidence that the mutualism between a beetle and its bacterial endosymbiont could be mediated through the expression of host immune genes