A Gut Analysis Technique for Pinpointing Egg-Specific Predation Events

A universal food immunomarking technique (UFIT) is described for postmortem gut analysis detection of predation on the egg stage of Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae). Collops vittatus Say (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were fed a single L. hesperus egg that was marked with rabbit and chicken sera proteins. The protein-marked egg remnants were detectable in the guts of the majority of the predators by each sera-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 3 to 6 h after a feeding event. A novel technique was then developed to expose protein-marked eggs to predators that simulated the L. hesperus endophytic oviposition behavior. The procedure entailed embedding L. hesperus eggs in an artificial substrate that mimicked the stem of a plant. A predator feeding choice study was then conducted in cages that contained a cotton plant and artificial stems containing endophytic (concealed) and exophytic (exposed) egg patches. The endophytic and exophytic egg treatments were marked with chicken and rabbit protein, respectively. The gut analyses revealed that higher proportions of both predator populations contained remnants of the exophytic egg treatment and L. hesperus eggs were more vulnerable to C. vittatus than H. convergens. This study shows how the UFIT can be used to pinpoint stage-specific feeding activity on two distinct egg exposure treatments (endophytic and exophytic) of the same species.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Assessment of Specific Yield and Storage Capacity of Groundwater using Borehole Log

The study aimed at evaluating the specific yield and storage capacity of groundwater in Chapai Nawabganj District of Bangladesh using borehole log data. The boring log samples from different layers were collected from each Upazila (administrative area) of the District. The specific yield of each Upazila was determined by the Cooper-Jacob method using Math lab software and storage of groundwater was then ascertained by a mathematical formula. The specific yield of the five Upazilas was determined and the values were found around 10 (%) which indicates good permeability of the areas, except Bholahat Upazila. The results illustrate that Nachole Upazila has a large storage volume, i.e., 49,305 Hec-m, but the other Upazilas have a storage capacity between 8000 to 18000 Hec-m. The storage capacity of the five Upazilas followed the order: Nachole>Nawabganj>Shibganj>Gomastapur> Bholahat. The highest number of DTWs at Nachole Upazila extracted 8848 Hec-m indicating excessive extraction concerning sustainable water management. A well-planned water resource management would have to be taken to achieve sustainable use of groundwater for irrigation aiming to achieve food security as well as an ecologically friendly environment. Keywords: Borehole, groundwater, storage, specific yield, storage capacity DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-8-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Missing at random assumption made more plausible: evidence from the 1958 British birth cohort

Objective: Non-response is unavoidable in longitudinal surveys. The consequences are lower statistical power and the potential for bias. We implemented a systematic data-driven approach to identify predictors of non-response in the National Child Development Study (NCDS; 1958 British birth cohort). Such variables can help make the missing at random assumption more plausible, which has implications for the handling of missing data. / Study Design and Setting: We identified predictors of non-response using data from the 11 sweeps (birth to age 55) of the NCDS (n = 17,415), employing parametric regressions and the LASSO for variable selection. / Results: Disadvantaged socio-economic background in childhood, worse mental health and lower cognitive ability in early life, and lack of civic and social participation in adulthood were consistently associated with non-response. Using this information, along with other data from NCDS, we were able to replicate the “population distribution” of educational attainment and marital status (derived from external data), and the original distributions of key early life characteristics. / Conclusion: The identified predictors of non-response have the potential to improve the plausibility of the missing at random assumption. They can be straightforwardly used as “auxiliary variables” in analyses with principled methods to reduce bias due to missing data

Improvement of Synchronous Machine Dynamic Characteristics via Neural Network Based Controllers

This paper presents Simulation and experimental study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of an adaptive artificial neural network stabilizer on enhancing the damping torque of a synchronous generator. For this purpose, a power system comprising a synchronous generator feeding a large power system through a short tie line is considered. The proposed adaptive neuro-control system consists of two multi-layered feed forward neural networks, which work as a plant model identifier and a controller. It generates supplementary control signals to be utilized by conventional controllers. The details of the interfacing circuits, sensors and transducers, which have been designed and built for use in tests, are presented. The synchronous generator is tested to investigate the effect of tuning a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) on its dynamic stability. The obtained simulation and experimental results verify the basic theoretical concepts

Modeling and control of a voltage-lift cell split-source inverter with MPPT for photovoltaic systems

In this study, a new single-stage inverter with improved boosting performance was proposed to enhance the recently developed split-source inverter (SSI) topology. The study introduced new SSI configurations with high voltage gain. The proposed design features a voltage-lift cell made of capacitors, inductors, and diodes, which increases the boosting capability. The decoupled control technique, where The DC input current is controlled by the AC modulation signals,allows for independent adjustment of both the DC input and AC output current. The research also employed a modified space vector modulation approach to manage the inverter switches and reduce current ripple. The combination of the proposed topology and the modified SVPWM scheme significantly improves the DC-boosting capabilities. the validity of the proposed solution was confirmed through simulation using three-phase SSI models in MATLAB/SIMULINK®. Finally, The validity of the simulation and experimental investigation of the analysis and performance of the topologies provided

Isolation and biochemical characterization of a novel antimicrobial agent produced by Streptomyces violaceusniger isolated from Yemeni soil

Background: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria present daily challenges to infectious disease physicians in hospitals throughout the world and these pathogens are spreading into the community. The development of new antibacterial agents to combat worsening antibiotic resistance is still a priority area in anti-infective research.Methods: The experiments were carried out to search for new natural antibiotics through isolation of various Streptomyces strains from different soil samples from Yemen and studying the antimicrobial effects of metabolites that produced. In the same time, the toxicological and biochemical effects of the extracted antibiotic on animals were studied.Results: Streptomyces violaceusniger, was isolated from Yemeni soil sample produced active metabolite that was designated faqihmycin has substantial antimicrobial potential against different microbial species. Investigations into the possible mode of action of faqihmycin revealed that it affects cell wall synthesis and intracellular macromolecule contents of the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Toxicity studies of faqihmycin confirmed the hepatotoxicity of faqihmycin, there is no strong evidence to suggest that it is nephrotoxic.Conclusions: Further studies with Faqihmycin are needed in order to elucidate its detailed mechanism of action on bacterial cells, as well as studies with Faqihmycin with different doses in order to determine its potential therapeutic use.

Development of a web based financial application system

Th e paper describes a technique to develop a web based financial system, following latest technology and business needs. In the develo pment of web based application, the user friendliness and technology both are very important . It is used ASP .NET MVC 4 platform and SQL 2008 server for development of web based financ ial system. It shows the technique for the entry system and report monitoring of the appli cation is user friendly. This paper also highlights the critical situations of development, w hich will help to develop the quality product