From Reg Elta to Spatial Station: four decades of ZEISS electronic tacheometers (Trimble).

This paper presents a basic overview of the historical\ud development of electronic tachymeters, through\ud solutions developed by the German manufacturer\ud Zeiss. This factory is responsible for the first\ud instrument of its kind in the world, which is described\ud with special attention. Subsequently, the possibilities of\ud different tachymeters are illustrated in chronological\ud order, over their three decades of evolution. Finally,\ud an overview on the current state of development and\ud production of Zeiss tachymeters is given, since the plant\ud became an integral part of Trimble's large concern

A Comparison of Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity between Paddy Fields under Traditional and Modern Management in Western Japan

We compared aquatic invertebrate diversity in paddy fields under traditional and modern management practices. We also examined the general factors that may be related to diversity within each paddy field. The Kitadan area was farmed with traditional management practices, with much longer periods of irrigations compared with the Kahoku area, which was farmed with modern agricultural practices using intermittent irrigation. We measured physicochemical factors and collected aquatic invertebrates from the two areas. Collected animal specimens were taxonomically identified and classified based by desiccation tolerance ability. At Kitadan, the total biodiversity parameters increased over time, while, biodiversity fluctuated temporally at Kahoku. The mean Shannon-Wiener diversity index was higher at Kitadan than at Kahoku. However, the mean taxon richness was not significantly different between locations. Both paddy fields were dominated by highly desiccation-tolerant invertebrates at the beginning of the rice cultivation period. Over time, the ratio of desiccation-sensitive invertebrates increased more at Kitadan than at Kahoku. Our canonical correspondence analysis showed that the time since rice transplanting, water permanence, pH, water depth, and chlorophyll a were significant factors affecting faunal assemblage composition. Our results indicate that water management practices have important roles in the aquatic biodiversity of paddy-field ecosystems

Pond dyes are Culex mosquito oviposition attractants

Background British mosquito population distribution, abundance, species composition and potential for mosquito disease transmission are intimately linked to the physical environment. The presence of ponds and water storage can significantly increase the density of particular mosquito species in the garden. Culex pipiens is the mosquito most commonly found in UK gardens and a potential vector of West Nile Virus WNV, although the current risk of transmission is low. However any factors that significantly change the distribution and population of C. pipiens are likely to impact subsequent risk of disease transmission. Pond dyes are used to control algal growth and improve aesthetics of still water reflecting surrounding planting. However, it is well documented that females of some species of mosquito prefer to lay eggs in dark water and/or containers of different colours and we predict that dyed ponds will be attractive to Culex mosquitoes. Methods Black pond dye was used in oviposition choice tests using wild-caught gravid C. pipiens. Larvae from wild-caught C. pipiens were also reared in the pond dye to determine whether it had any impact on survival. An emergence trap caught any adults that emerged from the water. Water butts (80 L) were positioned around university glasshouses and woodland and treated with black pond dye or left undyed. Weekly sampling over a six month period through summer and autumn was performed to quantified numbers of larvae and pupae in each treatment and habitat. Results Gravid female Culex mosquitoes preferred to lay eggs in dyed water. This was highly significant in tests conducted under laboratory conditions and in a semi-field choice test. Despite this, survivorship in black dyed water was significantly reduced compared to undyed water. Seasonal analysis of wild larval and pupal numbers in two habitats with and without dye showed no impact of dye but a significant impact of season and habitat. Mosquitoes were more successful, with significantly higher numbers of pupae, in the habitat where they had vegetation cover and shade. Discussion Our study has raised some interesting possibilities; one is that where used, pond dyes may be encouraging mosquitoes to breed in gardens in close proximity to people. Considering the concerns over potential future spread of disease in urban environments, this as well as shading of ponds and water butts, should inform future advice over reducing mosquito breeding and spread

A Simulation Analysis on the Expected Horizontal Accuracy of a Bridge Stakeout

The positioning of an object in space, i.e. "transfer" of data from the design to the field is an extremely significant and important geodetic operation. This activity requires great and well-deserved attention, especially when it comes to sensitive structures such as bridges. The position of a stakeout point in the field depends on a variety of different influences, all determining the actual accuracy of the stakeout. The aim of this Article is to investigate the dependency of horizontal setting out of the bridge axis accuracy (abutments and piers of the bridge) from the distance between the station and the setout point, the datum of the geodetic control network, and the precision of angular and linear measurements. The authors use an innovative visualization technique for the assessment of spatial variation of the horizontal stakeout by error ellipses

Evaluacija kombinacije strojnog učenja za geoprostorno predviđanje sadržaja željeza u tlu u Hrvatskoj

Soil fertility is pivotal for agricultural productivity, and iron (Fe) is a critical micro- nutrient essential for a successful crop development. This study investigates a potential of ensemble machine-learning methods in geospatial prediction of soil Fe in Croatia. Using a dataset of 686 soil samples, three individual machine-learning methods, including the extreme gradient boosting (XGB), support vector machine (SVM), and Cubist, as well as their ensemble, were evaluated for the soil Fe predi- ction. The ensemble method outperformed the individual models, exhibiting a higher prediction accuracy expressed by the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.578), with a lower root-mean-square error (RMSE = 0.837) and the mean absolute error (MAE = 0.550). The soil clay content emerged as the most influential predictor, followed by the sand content, pH values, and select bioclimatic variables. This study’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of ensemble machine learning in an accurate predicti- on of soil Fe content and contribute to an informed decision-making in sustainable agricultural land-use planning and management. By including the complementary machine-learning methods into an ensemble with the representative environmental covariates, a geospatial prediction aids to a reliable comprehension of soil proper- ties and their spatial variability.Plodnost tla ključna je za produktivnost poljoprivredne proizvodnje, a željezo (Fe) je ključni mikroelement nužan za uspješan razvoj usjeva. Ova studija istražuje potencijal kombinacije metoda strojnoga učenja u geoprostornome predviđanju Fe u tlu u Hrvatskoj. Korištenjem skupa podataka od 686 uzoraka tla, tri pojedinačne metode strojnoga učenja, uključujući extreme gradient boosting (XGB), support vector machine (SVM) i Cubist, kao i njihova kombinacija, evaluirani su za predviđanje Fe u tlu. Metoda kombinacije nadmašila je pojedinačne modele, pokazujući veću točnost predviđanja izraženu koeficijentom determinacije (R2 = 0,578), s nižom srednjom kvadratnom pogreškom (RMSE = 0,837) i srednjom apsolutnom pogreškom (MAE = 0,550). Sadržaj gline u tlu pokazao se najutjecajnijim prediktorom, a slijede ga sadržaj pijeska, pH vrijednosti i odabrane bioklimatske varijable. Rezultati ove studije pokazuju učinkovitost kombinacije strojnoga učenja u točnome predviđanju sadržaja Fe u tlu, čime doprinose informiranomu donošenju odluka u planiranju i upravljanju održivim poljoprivrednim zemljištem. Uključivanjem komplementarnih metoda strojnoga učenja u skup s reprezentativnim ekološkim kovarijatama, geoprostorno predviđanje pomaže pri pouzdanomu razumijevanju svojstava tla i njihove prostorne varijabilnosti

Multiple blood feeding and host-seeking behavior in aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus (diptera: Culicidae)

The body size of mosquitoes can influence a number of bionomic factors, such as their blood-feeding ability, host attack rate, and fecundity. All of these traits are important determinants of their potential to transmit diseases. Among abiotic and biotic factors, high temperature and low nutrition in the developing stages of mosquitoes generally result in small adults. We studied the relationship between body size and multiple feeding in a gonotrophic cycle and some fecundity attributes by using three strains of two competent vector species, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). We raised small and large mosquitoes under low and high food conditions in the laboratory to measure parameters of fecundity and blood-feeding behavior. Fecundity was positively correlated with body size in both species, whereas the number of bloodmeals, the frequency of host-seeking behavior, and egg retention were negatively correlated with body size in the Ae. albopictus Nagasaki strain. We found that multiple feeding and host-seeking behavior were negatively correlated with body size, i.e., small mosquitoes tended to have more contact with hosts. We found that two mechanisms that inhibit engorged mosquitoes from seeking out hosts, distension-induced and oocyte-induced inhibition, were not strong enough to limit host-seeking behavior, and multiple feeding increased fecundity. Size-dependent multiple feeding and host-seeking behavior affect contact frequency with hosts and should be considered when predicting how changes in mosquito body size affect disease transmission. © 2013 Entomological Society of America

Notes on the lesser dung flies emerged from fungi in Japan (Diptera, Sphaeroceridae).

金沢大学理工研究域　自然システム学系キノコ類より発生した日本産フンコバエ科(改称)7種を記録した。日本においてフンコバエ類がキノコより発生した例は従来知られておらず, 今回が初めての記録である。フンコバエ類と発生したキノコ種は以下のとおりである。アシマダラオオフンコバエ, 新称Crumomyia annulus (Walker), キララタケ;ヤマトオオフンコバエ, 改称(マダラオオハヤトビバエ)C. nipponica (Richards), アミガサタケ;アシジロツヤホソフンコバエ, 新称Minilimosina (Svarciella) furculisterna (Deeming), キララタケ;モリフンコバエ, 新称Paralimosina japonica Hayashi, アミガサタケ;ヒメフンコバエ, 改称(ヒメハヤトビバエ)Spelobia luteilabris (Rondani), キララタケ・ヒトヨタケ・オオイチョウタケ・シカタケ;ホソカドマルフンコバエ, 改称(ホソカドマルハヤトビバエ)Terrilimosina longipexa Marshall, キララタケ;コガタカドマルフンコバエ, 改称(コガタカドマルハヤトビバエ)T. nana Hayashi, キララタケ。なお本科の科名には従来ハヤトビバエ科という和名が使われてきたが, 飛翔力が非常に弱い本科には実体に合わないので, 英名Lesser dung flyにちなみ, フンコバエ科という和名を新たに提唱した。 Seven species of the lesser dung flies emerged from fungi are recorded. Japanese records of fungi as food for sphaerocerid larvae are presented here for the first time. Two species, Minilimosina (Svarciella) furculisterna (Deeming, 1969) and Terrilimosina longipexa Marshall, 1987 are newly recorded from Hokkaido

ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND HYPONATREMIA IN A PATIENT WITH COLECTOMY – A CASE REPORT

Antidepressants are routinely used by General Practitioners (GP) as well as Psychiatrists to treat Depression. They are tolerated well. However, in certain patient populations, they are associated with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone Secretion) and Hyponatremia. Various research studies have shown that all antidepressants are associated with Hyponatremia. Hyponatremia as a side effect of antidepressant therapy is more commonly seen in old age, chronic Kidney disease and Hypothyroidism. Untreated Hyponatremia could lead to life threatening emergencies including Cerebral oedema, brain damage and coma. In this article, the authors discuss a 63 year old patient who suffered from Bipolar Disorder Type 2. He was treated with antidepressants (mainly Paroxetine) on and off for 30 years, without much side effects, until 2014. In July 2012, he underwent subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis as a management of adeno carcinoma of Colon. In April 2013, Paroxetine was stopped as he was well. He developed first episode of mania in July 2014. This was managed with Olanzapine. However, he soon developed a Depressive episode and severe Anxiety. He was restarted on Paroxetine and the dose was increased up to 50 mg along with Olanzapine 15 mg per day. As he did not improve, he was switched to Sertraline with which he developed Hyponatremia. Further to this, he was tried on Venlafaxine and Lofepramine and he developed Hyponatremia with both of them. Considering the severity of Depression, he was started on Mirtazapine and the dose was titrated to 45 mg. With this dose his serum Sodium levels were stable but his Depression persisted. Fluoxetine augmentation at this stage by the GP led to another episode of Hyponatremia. Hence, he was started on Aripiprazole 5 mg as an augmentation agent. His Depression improved reasonably (though he did not remit fully). Recently, he has been started on Vortioxetine and the dose has been titrated to 15 mg OD and in addition, he is on Mirtazapine 45 mg OD and Aripiprazole 5 mg OD. His Sodium levels have been stable and his Depression has improved. This is the first time we have come across a patient with colectomy developing severe Hyponatremia. In this article, we have discussed possible reasons for Hyponatremia following colectomy and the management strategies that could help

Fungal defense against mycophagy in milk caps

Some Basidiomycetes exude latex, but very little is known about the nature of fungal latex. In this study, we examined the nature of latex in Lactarius Pers. 1797 spp. to clarify the role on fungivorous predation. In the field, we compared the degree of predation on taxonomically closely related latex-exuding Lactarius spp. and latex-non-exuding Russula Pers. 1796 spp. (Russulaceae) at developmental stages of sporocarps. We clarified that Russula spp. suffered more infestation than did Lactarius spp. at young and mature developmental stages, whereas Lactarius spp. did only at decaying stages. We measured the amount of latex exuded varied according to developmental stage and sporocarps parts in Lactarius spp.: mature sporocarps exuded more latex than did younger ones, while decaying sporocarps exuded the least, and the same patterns were observed at sporocarps parts: the amount of latex was more intense at hymenophore and cap than at stripe. At feeding experiments, three-band garden slugs Ambigolimax valentianus F´erussac, 1822 avoided feeding on sporophores of Lactarius spp. when they exuded latex, but fed on them when they did not. Our observations suggest that fungivores generally escape higher density of the latex at feeding using signs volatized by sporophores with exuding latex

Impact of climate change on the distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Japan: Retrospective analyses

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) was analyzed in northern Japan, where chronological distribution records are incomplete. We analyzed local climate data using linear regression of the thermal suitability index (TSI) for the mosquito and mean annual temperature as functions of time. In northern Japan, thermal conditions since the early 20th century have become increasingly suitable for Ae. albopictus, more as a result of decreasing coldness in the overwintering season than increasing warmth in the reproductive season. Based on recent discovery records of Ae. albopictus in the northern border range, we determined thermal criteria for estimating when its persistent establishment became thermally possible. Retrospective analyses indicated that those criteria were reached in most coastal lowlands of northern Honshu before the accelerated temperature increase after the mid-1980s and the first records of this species after 1990; at some sites, temperature criteria were reached during or before the early 20th century. Expansion of the thermally suitable range after 1990 was supported only for inland areas and the northernmost Pacific coast. The estimated expansion rate was ≈26 km per decade. Our analyses also demonstrated the importance of local climate heterogeneity (apart from north-south or altitudinal temperature gradients) in determining the expansion pattern. © 2014 Entomological Society of America