On the size determination of bumble bee castes (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1133-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Plowright ◽  
S. C. Jay
Keyword(s):  
Larval Instar ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Silk Production ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Intermediate Size ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Rates Of Growth ◽  
Lower Limits ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

Female larvae of Bombus rufocinctus Cresson, a 'pollen-storing' species showing well-marked intercaste size dimorphism, were hand reared on a diet of pollen, honey, and water from the penultimate larval instar until adulthood. Bees of any desired size, between upper and lower limits, were obtained simply by starving larvae at appropriate points during the last instar. Larvae were able to produce silk soon after ecdysis into the last instar, but fully developed capacity to spin was not attained until about 165 mg. After this point, the rate of spinning was found to depend inversely upon the frequency with which larvae were fed. Growth during the last instar, under a variety of periodic ad libitum feeding regimes, was approximately logistic. These results suggest a simple biophysical explanation to account for the determination of caste-specific body size in Bombus; adult size is the outcome of differential rates of growth and silk production which are, in turn, dependent upon the ambient rate at which larvae are fed by the adult workers. Given appropriate parameter values, this model can satisfactorily explain the suppression of individuals of intermediate size. Preliminary experiments to test the hypothesis are described, and its evolutionary implications are discussed.

Growth of Grey Kangaroos and the Reliablility of Age Determination from Body Measurements III. Interspecific Comparisions between Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroos, Macropus giganteus and M. fuliginosus

1984 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
WE Poole ◽  
SM Carpenter ◽  
JT Wood
Keyword(s):  
Growth Models ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Foot Length ◽  
The Common ◽  
Rates Of Growth ◽  
Body Parameters

Seven body measurements were taken at regular intervals throughout life from both male and female eastern and western grey kangaroos. Evaluation of the reliability of criteria for determination of age and some aspects of the growth models for the two species were presented in earlier papers in this series. In this paper the common patterns and relationships between species in the growth characteristics of their body parameters are described and analysed. Comparison is made between species and sexes of rates of growth and size attained both within the pouch and following vacation of the pouch. Head, arm, leg and foot length were important discriminators, particularly when contrasted in various ways to summarize different body proportions. The insular form M.f. fuliginosus readily separated from the mainland forms, and M.f. ocydromus showed some differences which were related to its longer pouch life. Hybrid animals showed growth patterns intermediate to those of their parents. Sexual dimorphism in patterns ofgrowth was not detected during pouch life but was exhibited by all species after the young vacated the pouch and grew towards their full adult size.

A Rapid Method for Determination of Buprenorphine and Norbuprenorphine in Urine by UPLC-MS/MS

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aykut Kul ◽  
Murat Ozdemir ◽  
Selma Ozilhan ◽  
Olcay Sagirli
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Rapid Method ◽  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
Mass Spectrometer ◽  
Illicit Market ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Lower Limits

Background: Buprenorphine is quite common in the illicit market. Buprenorphine-containing drugs abuse is frequently encountered in patients. The analysis methods used to determine the abuse of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine are important for forensic science. Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine by the liver. Objective: Therefore, the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in urine is one of the methods to determine the abuse of buprenorphine. Methods: In this study, we have developed a precise, simple, and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometer method for the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine simultaneously. Results: The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity and linearity, which was in the range of 9–1800 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. The intra-assay and inter-assay accuracy and precision were found within acceptable limits of the EMA guideline. Lower limits of quantitation were 9 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. Conclusion: The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of both analytes in the proficiency testing samples.

The Natural Radioactivity in Food: A Comparison Between Different Feeding Regimes

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 493-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Caridi ◽  
Santina Marguccio ◽  
Alberto Belvedere ◽  
Maurizio D`Agostino ◽  
Giovanna Belmusto
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Oils ◽  
Natural Radioactivity ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Vegetable Food ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Italian Origin ◽  
Dose Levels

Background: In this article a comprehensive study was carried out for the determination of natural radioactivity in animal and vegetable food (meat, fish, milk and derivates, legumes, cereals and derivates, fruit, hortalizas, vegetables, vegetable oils) typical of different feeding regimes, for the age category higher than 17 years. Methods: A total of eighty-five samples of Italian origin, coming from large retailers during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, were analyzed through HPGe gamma spectrometry. Results: The specific activity of 40K was investigated and its mean value was found to be: (106.3 ± 6.9) Bq/kg for bovine, swine and sheep meat; (116.5 ± 9.7) Bq/kg for fish; (52.9 ± 3.1) Bq/kg for milk and derivates; (271.9 ± 16.7) Bq/kg for legumes; (67.2 ± 4.7) Bq/kg for cereals and derivates; (52.7 ± 4.4) Bq/kg for fruit; (72.9 ± 5.6) Bq/kg for hortalizas; (83.9 ± 6.5) Bq/kg for vegetables; lower than the minimum detectable activity for vegetable oils. For animal food the highest mean 40K activity concentration was found in fish samples; for vegetable food the highest one was detected in legumes. Conclusion: The evaluation of dose levels due to the food ingestion typical of Mediterranean, Vegetarian and Vegan diets was performed. The annual effective dose was found to be 0.16 mSv/y, 0.41 mSv/y and 0.54 mSv/y, respectively.

scholarly journals Effect of data quality on estimates of farm infectiousness trends in the UK 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (13) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J Savill ◽  
Darren J Shaw ◽  
Rob Deardon ◽  
Michael J Tildesley ◽  
Matthew J Keeling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Mouth Disease ◽  
Inaccurate Data ◽  
Foot And Mouth ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Parameter Values

Most of the mathematical models that were developed to study the UK 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic assumed that the infectiousness of infected premises was constant over their infectious periods. However, there is some controversy over whether this assumption is appropriate. Uncertainty about which farm infected which in 2001 means that the only method to determine if there were trends in farm infectiousness is the fitting of mechanistic mathematical models to the epidemic data. The parameter values that are estimated using this technique, however, may be influenced by missing and inaccurate data. In particular to the UK 2001 epidemic, this includes unreported infectives, inaccurate farm infection dates and unknown farm latent periods. Here, we show that such data degradation prevents successful determination of trends in farm infectiousness.

Determination of Microscopic Rates of Growth in Single Crystals

1967 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 413 ◽  
Author(s):  
August F. Witt ◽  
Harry C. Gatos
Keyword(s):  
Single Crystals ◽  
Rates Of Growth

scholarly journals Development and silk production by silkworm larvae after topical application of methoprene

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 585-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Ednilson Miranda ◽  
Sérgio Antonio de Bortoli ◽  
Roque Takahashi
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Hormone ◽  
Larval Instar ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Hormone Analogue ◽  
Insect Growth Regulators ◽  
Silkworm Larvae ◽  
Silk Production ◽  
Juvenile Hormone Analogues ◽  
Chemical Products ◽  
Silkworm Bombyx Mori

Juvenile hormone analogues have been tested as insect growth regulators in silkworm (Bombyx mori), seeking an increment of silk production. These chemical products, when applied in small or moderate rates, promote the extension of the last larval instar. To understand the physiologic consequences on silk production by the silkworm strain C115 x N108, the application of methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue, was performed to evaluate its effects on larval development and silk production. Methoprene was topically applied 48h after the fourth larval ecdysis, on the dorsal integument of the 2nd thoracic segment of the insects, at seven rates between 0 and 20 ng a.i. Methoprene influenced positively the duration of the fifth instar and the weight gain of the insects. The application of 1ng methoprene resulted in the heaviest silkglands, cocoons, shell cocoons and pupae weights. Comparatively to the control, the increment on silk production (approximately 24%) by the use of 1ng methoprene was more accentuated than the corresponding negative effects on the cocooning rate (approximately 12%).

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Optimization Algorithms for The Optimal Reservoir Operation

2018 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 01003
Author(s):  
Xinyuan Liu ◽  
Yonghui Zhu ◽  
Lingyun Li ◽  
Lu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Reservoir Operation ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimization Algorithms ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Decision Variables ◽  
Handling Methods ◽  
Optimality Algorithm ◽  
Parameter Values

Apart from traditional optimization techniques, e.g. progressive optimality algorithm (POA), modern intelligence algorithms, like genetic algorithms, differential evolution have been widely used to solve optimization problems. This paper deals with comparative analysis of POA, GA and DE and their applications in a reservoir operation problem. The results show that both GA and DES are feasible to reservoir operation optimization, but they display different features. GA and DE have many parameters and are difficult in determination of these parameter values. For simple problems with mall number of decision variables, GA and DE are better than POA when adopting appropriate parameter values and constraint handling methods. But for complex problem with large number of variables, POA combined with simplex method are much superior to GA and DE in time-assuming and quality of optimal solutions. This study helps to select proper optimization algorithms and parameter values in reservoir operation.

scholarly journals Validation and Implementation of a Diagnostic Algorithm for DNA Detection ofBordetella pertussis,B. parapertussis, andB. holmesiiin a Pediatric Referral Hospital in Barcelona, Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Valero-Rello ◽  
Desiree Henares ◽  
Lesly Acosta ◽  
Mireia Jane ◽  
Iolanda Jordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Whooping Cough ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Analytical Validation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Ofbordetella Pertussis ◽  
Lower Limits

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to validate a comprehensive diagnostic protocol based on real-time PCR for the rapid detection and identification ofBordetella pertussis,Bordetella parapertussis, andBordetella holmesii, as well as its implementation in the diagnostic routine of a reference children’s hospital. The new algorithm included a triplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting IS481gene (inB. pertussis,B. holmesii, and someBordetella bronchisepticastrains), pIS1001(B. parapertussis-specific) andrnaseP as the human internal control. Two confirmatory singleplex tests forB. pertussis(ptxA-Pr) andB. holmesii(hIS1001) were performed if IS481was positive. Analytical validation included determination of linear range, linearity, efficiency, precision, sensitivity, and a reference panel with clinical samples. Once validated, the new algorithm was prospectively implemented in children with clinical suspicion of whooping cough presenting to Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (Barcelona, Spain) over 12 months. Lower limits of detection obtained were 4.4, 13.9, and 27.3 genomic equivalents/ml of sample for IS481(onB. pertussis), pIS1001and hIS1001, and 777.9 forptxA-Pr. qPCR efficiencies ranged from 86.0% to 96.9%. Intra- and interassay variabilities were <3% and <5%, respectively. Among 566 samples analyzed,B. pertussis,B. holmesii, andB. parapertussiswere detected in 11.1%, 0.9% (only in females >4 years old), and 0.2% of samples, respectively. The new algorithm proved to be a useful microbiological diagnostic tool for whooping cough, demonstrating a low rate of other non-pertussisBordetellaspecies in our surveilled area.

scholarly journals Lecture Scheduling Automation Using Genetic Algorithm

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5C) ◽  
pp. 1444-1447
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Scheduling System ◽  
Parameter Values

This paper aims produce an academic scheduling system using Genetic Algorithm (GA) to solve the academic schedule. Factors to consider in academic scheduling are the lecture to be held, the available room, the lecturers and the time of the lecturer, the suitability of the credits with the time of the lecture, and perhaps also the time of Friday prayers, and so forth. Genetic Algorithms can provide the best solution for some solutions in dealing with scheduling problems. Based on the test results, the resulting system can automate the scheduling of lectures properly. Determination of parameter values in Genetic Algorithm also gives effect in producing the solution of lecture schedule

Lack of Agreement of Tympanic Membrane Temperature Assessments With Conventional Methods in a Private Practice Setting

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-386
Author(s):  
Gary L. Freed ◽  
J. Kennard Fraley
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Tympanic Membrane ◽  
Otitis Media ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Temperature Determination ◽  
Conventional Methods ◽  
Clinical Instrument ◽  
Lower Limits

An infrared tympanic membrane thermometer (FIRST temp) said to approximate core temperature accurately is being marketed as a noninvasive, quick, and easy-to-use clinical instrument. The determination of tympanic membrane temperatures by this device was compared with the determination of oral, rectal, or axillary temperatures by a conventional glass thermometer. Subjects were patients of a pediatric group practice in Houston, Texas. FIRST temp and conventional temperature determinations on individual patients were completed within 5 minutes of each other. The presence or absence of otitis media was noted by the examining physician. Agreement between the two methods of temperature determination was assessed by calculating limits of agreement within which 95% (±2 standard deviations) of individual differences would fall. The location of conventional thermometer (oral, rectal, axillary), time interval between the two separate measures, and the presence or absence of otitis media were entered into a multiple regression analysis to determine whether these factors influenced the observed differences between the two methods. A total of 144 patients were enrolled in the study; oral comparisons were obtained in 92 (57%) patients, rectal in 35 (24%), and axillary in 29 (19%). The upper and lower limits of agreement between temperature methods were 1.12°C and 0.89°C and the mean difference was –0.12°C. Regression analysis revealed that only the site of conventional thermometer location (oral, rectal, axillary) was a significant predictor of FIRST temp/conventional differences. Each site had a range of agreement greater than 1.65°C; axillary temperatures had the greatest range (–0.94°C to +1.30°C). Although ease and time reduction with use are attractive properties of the FIRST temp device, these data show that it is unreliable compared with conventional methods of temperature determination.

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