10 research outputs found
Food supplementation does not increase demographic rates in a passerine species of conservation concern
No full textVolume: 10Start Page: 25End Page: 4
Epigenetic regulation of endogenous plant pararetroviruses
No full textThis thesis focuses on epigenetic processes involved in the regulation of gene expression in endogenous pararetroviruses (EPRVs), exemplified by endogenous Petunia vein clearing virus (ePVCV-1) and its episomal form, PVCV. Since ePVCV-1/PVCV was found to have features characteristic of retrotransposon and endogenous retroviruses (Richert-Poggeler and Shepherd, 1997), detailed analysis of these retroelements in different systems gives a deep insight to understand the interconnection of these elements and their regulation by the host cellular machinery as described in chapter one.
Chapter two describes the different silencing states of ePVCV-1 in two distinct Petunia hybrida lines, “white 138” (W138) and “rose du ciel” (Rdc). Despite of ePVCV-1 integration into the pericentromeric regions of the Petunia hybrida chromatin, we found that this position still allows for a low level of transcription that increases with increasing plant age and is higher in W138 than Rdc. To correlate these findings with epigenetic marks, we compared these cultivars in respect to DNA- and histone-methylation and siRNA production. Using bisulfite treatment, ePVCV-1 sequences were found to be methylated at cytosines in all contexts. Astonishingly, however, in both hosts the methylation rate in the non-coding region containing the promoter is relatively low. This might indicate a special ability of the viral promoter to escape complete inactivation by methylation. In Rdc, nearly all histones covering the ePVCV-1 coding region were methylated at lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K9), a flag for heterochromatin, while in W138 about half of them were of the H3K9- and half of the H3K4-type, the latter representing active chromatin. Interestingly and in accordance with the DNA methylation data, the H3K4/H3K9 ratio was relatively high for the promoter region of both cultivars. The higher H3K4/H3K9 ratio in W138 correlates with an increased rate of ePVCV-1 induction. Furthermore, we show the production of siRNAs of three different size classes (24, 22 and 21 nt) in both cultivars, all of
which are weaker in W138 than in Rdc. Together our observations indicate that W138 is less efficient in silencing of the endogenous viral sequences than Rdc.
In chapter three, I investigated the promoter region of PVCV and determined its ability to direct transcription in transgenic plants. Furthermore, I analyzed the regulatory elements of this particular promoter in comparison with those of other plant pararetrovirus promoters. In particular I studied the functionality of an as-1 like element and its contribution to PVCV promoter expression. Although originally of medium strength, the promoter could be improved to about 50% strength of that of the CaMV 35S promoter by “repairing“ a pair of degenerated as-1 enhancer elements. We show, that the promoter includes upstream and downstream enhancer elements, and that it can be improved considerably by restoring two degenerated as-1 elements.
The concept of creating virus-resistant plants by transformation with genes derived from the pathogen genome is a well-exploited and highly effective procedure to fight viruses as causal agents of diseases in plants (Fichen and Beachy, 1993). Recently it has been demonstrated that RNA interference (RNAi) can be successfully triggered against plant viruses by transient expression of an inverted repeat of target sequences (Pooggin et al., 2003; Tenllado et al., 2004). In chapter four, we use this technique to develop RNA-mediated banana streak virus resistance via TGS and/or PTGS and the method should prevent the outbreak of virus infection upon rare spontaneous induction of endogenous BSV in tissue culture.
Chapter five is a publication in EMBO journal to which I contributed in major ways. This paper describes the production of cloned PVCV originating directly from Petunia plants and from a Petunia gene library. Our findings allowed comparative and direct analysis of horizontally and vertically transmitted virus forms and demonstrated their infectivity using biolistic transformation of a provirus-free petunia species. Some integrants within the genome of P.hybrida were found to be arranged in tandem, allowing direct release of virus by transcription. In addition to known inducers of endogenous pararetroviruses, such as genome hybridization, tissue culture and abiotic stresses, we observed
activation of PVCV after wounding. Our data also support the hypothesis that the host plant uses DNA methylation to control the endogenous pararetrovirus.
In a preamble I point out, which part of this paper is based on my own experimentation and interpretation. on to control the endogenous pararetrovirus.
In a preamble I point out, which part of this paper is based on my own experimentation and interpretation
Unusual suspects: identifying active serious offenders by self-selection policing
No full textThe present thesis examines the emergent and complementary investigative
method known as self-selection policing. This method seeks to identify minor
offences indicative of more serious criminality, whereby the serious offender
volunteers him or herself for warranted police attention by dint of committing a
minor (often considered innocuous) infraction of the law.
In early chapters a conceptual and theoretical underpinning for self-selection is
developed by exploring relevant criminological and psychological theory. Terms
and concepts are clarified early on, for example, discussion and clarity are
provided regarding what constitutes serious and minor offences and offenders.
Next, a series of exploratory studies is presented whereby specific minor
offences are identified and their utility as indicators (or ‘flags’) for more serious
criminality tested. These include non-compliance with Home Office Road
Transport Form 1 (HO/RT1), where drivers are required to present necessary
motoring documents to police within seven days, and the giving of false details to
police.
After presenting a theoreical and empirical case for using self-selection policing,
late chapters explore anticipated obstacles to its wider implementation. For
example, a study is presented which demonstrates a general overestimation of
offence homogeneity by police. The implications of this finding for self-selection
policing are discussed.
The present thesis concludes by suggesting where self-selection policing sits
both conceptually and theoretically within academic criminology, and within
operational policing. For example, suggestions are offered as to how police and
public might be convinced of the utility of self-selection policing and how it might
be best integrated with mainstream policing
Using distribution models to test alternative hypotheses about a species’ environmental limits and recovery prospects
No full textDistribution models are commonly used to generalise across species distributions, to project future potential range changes, and to identify potential areas for species reintroductions and recovery plans. Building several models that incorporate different potential causal factors is a useful way of formalising alternative hypotheses. We developed a series of models to test hypotheses about the factors influencing the distribution of a species of conservation importance – the hen harrier Circus cyaneus.
A climate-based model using continental distribution data was consistent with the continental distribution and observational studies in Britain. According to the climate-model the parts of Britain occupied by the hen harrier are the least climatically suitable.
Habitat-based models using detailed distribution data from seven Scottish areas explained the recent British distribution well, with birds largely confined to heather dominated areas. These patterns were inconsistent with historical data on the species’ distribution, its habitat use in other parts of its range and with the climate-based model.
Our burn intensity index of gamekeeper activity was highly correlated with climatic suitability within the best 25% of 10 km squares by modelled habitat suitability, negatively associated with the productivity data and associated with a decrease in abundances between 1998 and 2004. Gamekeeper activity may be keeping hen harriers out of the most climatically suitable areas with habitat similar to that which they currently occupy within Britain and or keeping the population numbers too low and isolated for the natural re-expansion of the species into parts of the range where it was historically extirpated
Rhodomatis pulchella
No full textRhodomatis pulchella (Tepper) (Figs. 1–4, 23–24, 41–43, 50, 53) Pseudomantis pulchellus Tepper, 1904: 163–64. Rhodomantis pulchellus (Tepper) — Giglio-Tos, 1917: 45 Rhodomantis pulchella (Tepper) — Tindale, 1923: 444 Truxomantis kimberleyensis (Sjöstedt) — Tindale, 1923: 444 Type material examined. Holotype female of Rhodomantis pulchella, Wells Expd., North West S.A., March 1903, H. Basedow, I 13779 (SAM). Syntype male of Truxomantis kimberleyensis, Kimberley dist., N.V. Australia, Feb, Mjöberg (NHRS KAJO 000000074). Syntype female of Truxomantis kimberleyensis, Noonkanbah, Kimberley dist., N.V. Australia, Sep, Mjöberg (NHRS KAJO 000000075). Other material examined. Queensland. 1♂, Adels Grove, near Lawn Hill Gorge, 18°41’S 138°32’E, 18 Dec 1991, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 1♂, Butcher Creek, 20 km W of Cloncurry, 21 Jan 1977, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 1♂, Dugald River crossing, 75 km NNW of Cloncurry, 20°05’S 140°22’E, 17 Dec 1991, M.S. & B.J. Moulds (all AM). 2♀. 12 km W of Bogantungan, 29 Dec 1961, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 43 km WNW of Canobie H.S., 13 Apr 1962, K.H.L. Key & E.L. Corby. 1♂, 37 km ENE of Condamine, 22 Mar 1962, Chinnick & Corby. 2♂, 15 km NE of Camooweal, 19 Apr 1962, K.H.L. Key & E.L. Corby. 1♀, 21 km ESE of Dajarra, 21°52’S 139°35’E, 26 apr 1976, Key, Balderson et al. 1♂, 18 km W of Emerald, 27 Dec 1955, M.J.D. White (all ANIC) 1♀, Charleville, 15 Mar 1921, Mr. Caldwell (NMV). New South Wales. 1♂, 10 km NW of Angledool, 4 May 1957, Key & Chinnick. 1♀, 2 km NW of Cumborah, 24 Apr 1957, Key & Chinnick (all ANIC). Northern Territory. 1♂, 27 km S of Rabbit Flat, 20°22’31”S 130°08”32”E, 12 Jan 2002, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 2♂, Tilmouth Well, Napperby Creek, 22°48’40”S 132°35’40”E, 13 Jan 2001, M.S. & B.J. Moulds (all AM). 1♂, Alice Springs, 23°42’S 133°53’E, 3 Oct 1972, K.H.L. Key et al. 1♀, Alice Springs, 15 Mar 1955, K.H.L. Key. 1♀, Alice Springs, Meyers Hill Flora Reserve, 23°42’S 133°53’E, 1 Nov 1980, K.H.L. Key. 1♀, 5 km SE of Alice Springs, 18 Mar 1955, K.H.L. Key. 1♂, 10 km NE of Alice Springs, 23°37’S 133°54’E, 6 Nov 1979, T. Weir. 1♀, 18 km N of Alice Springs, 19 Mar 1955, K.H.L. Key. 1♂, 39 km E of Alice Springs, 23°41’S 134°15’E, 25-26 Sep 1978, D.C.F. Rentz. 1♂, Clay Pan Well, 38 km NW of Tanami, 12 Apr 1963, L.J. Chinnick. 1♂, 5 km NE of Gosses Bluff, 23°48’S 132°21’E, 8 Apr 1969, H. Pels. 1♂, 35 km S of The Granites Mine, 20°51’S 130°16’E, 29 Nov–2 Dec 1988, D.C.F. Rentz. 1♀, Stuart Hwy., 100 km N of Alice Springs, 23 May 1983, R.C. Lewis (with four oothecae). 1♂, Tanami Borehole, 19°59’S 129°42’E, Jul-Sep 1971, J. Hodgson. 1♂, Taylors Creek, 47 km N of Barrow Creek township, 22 Jan 1984, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 2♂, 20 km S of Tennant Creek, 4 Apr 1958, L.J., M.F. Chinnick & J. Walker. 1♀, 25 km NE of Ti Tree Well, 14 Aug 1969, M.J.D. White. 1♂, Wauchope, 21 Mar 1955, K.H.L. Key (all ANIC). 3♂, Alice Springs, 27 Nov 1974, W.B.H. 1♀, Glen Helen Lodge, Finke River, 11 Oct 1987, P. Robertson. 1♀, same data except 13 Oct 1987. 1♀, 5.7 km W of Glen Helen Lodge, 7 Oct 1987, P. Robertson. 2♂, 1♀, Tanami Desert, 10 km WSW of Sangsters Bore, 20°52’S 130°16’E, 28 Oct 1987, P. Robertson. 3♂, Uluru Campsite, 25°23’10”S 131°00’46”E, 25 Oct 1994, G. Milledge. 2♂, same data except 24 Oct 1994 (all NMV). 1♂, Minstral Ruby Mine, 10 Mar 1983, F. Rankin. 1♂, near Centre of Australia Marker, 25°38’S 134°24’E, 29 Mar 1993, J.A. Forrest & D. Hirst. 1♂, Coniston Station, near Alice Springs, M.W. Mules. 1♂, Finke River, 4 km NE of Finke, 3 Oct 1989, J.A. Forrest. 1♀, Mt Liebig, Aug 1932, N.B. Tindale. 1♀, 0.5–0.6 km S of Ooraminna R.H., 4 Jun 1978, F. & J. Aslin. 1♂, Rugby Gap N.P., 23°28’50”S 134°59’00”E, 20 Mar 1993, J.A. Forrest & D. Hirst. 1♂, same data except 21 Mar 1993. 1♂, Wave Hill Airfield, 15 Oct 1953, N.B. Tindale (all SAM). South Australia. 1 juv., 12 km WSW of Amata, Musgrave ranges, 19 Jan 1982, M.J.D. White. 1♀, 4 km NE of Balgowan, near Maitland, 34°19’S 137°32’E, 28 Jan 1971, K.H.L. Key. 1♂, 1 km W of Port Julia, 34°40’S 137°52’E, 2 Feb 1980, D.C.F. & B.G.F. Rentz. 1♂, 14 km NW of Port Kenny, 33°05’S 134°35’E, 10 Feb 1978, D.C.F. Rentz. 1♀, 13 km NW of Stenhouse Bay, Innes N.P., 35°09’S 136°54’E, 3 Feb 1980, D.C.F. & B.G.F. Rentz. 1♀, 13 km ESE of Venus Bay, 33°17’S 134°48’E, 9 Feb 1978, D.C.F. Rentz. 1♂, Yardaparinna Ck., 18 Oct 1989, I.Bunic (all ANIC) 1♂, 6 km NW of Renmark, 26 Feb 1986, G. Milledge (NMV). 1♂, 11.5 km SSW of Ampeinna Hills, 27°10’S 131°06’E, 19–23 Mar 1995, Pitjantjatjara Lands Survey. 1♂, Cape Elizabeth, Yorke Peninsula, 11- 15 Feb 1957, P.F. Lawson et al. 1♂, Edwards Ck, near old rlwy line, 28°20’S 135°51’E, 16 Mar 1993, J.A. Forrest. 2♂, 1♀, 46.5 km WNW of Emu (ruin), 28°32’13”S 131°44’16”E, 2-4 Apr 2003, Sandy Desert Survey. 2♂, 10 km NW of Emu Junction, Great Victoria Desert, 7 Oct 1976, G.F. Gross & J.A. Herridge. 1♀, 0.9 km NE of Four Hills Trig., Peake Stn., 28°30’04”S 136°29’35”E, 1–5 Mar 1996, Stony Desert Survey. 1♀, Gammon Ranges NP, near Arcoona Ck, 2 km NE of Owieandana O.S., 6 May 1989, G.F. Gross & J.A. Forrest. 1♂, 32 km N of Innaminka, 11 Oct 1987, J.A. Forrest. 1♀, 9 km SE of Maryinna Hill, 27°01’S 131°17’E, 14-18 Mar 1995, Pitjantjatjara Lands Survey. 2♀, 14.2 km ESE of Maryinna Hill, 27°00’S 131°21’E, 14-18 Mar 1995, Pitjantjatjara Lands Survey. 1♀, 3.2 km NE of Mt. Gow, 26°32’35”S 140°43’44”E, 31 Oct–5 Nov 1994, Stony Desert Survey. 2♂, Mt. Painter, Flinders Ranges, H.G. Stokes. 1♀, Ngarket C.P., b/n Box Flat & 26 km S, 18 Mar 1992, E.G. M. & J.A.F. 1♀, Olympic Dam Site, 2–5 Nov 1987, E.G. Matthews & C. Waite. 1♀, Ooldea—Jaloramine (?), Nov 1898, R.T. Maurice, 10 Feb 1903. 1♀, Parachilna, Flinders Range. 1♀, Port Augusta. 4♂, Serpentine Lakes, 28°30’S 129°00’25”E, 15 Apr 1994, J.A. Forrest. 1♂, same data except 17 Apr 1994. 1♂, Talia, W.C. 1♂, 54 km E of Vokes Hill Junction, 9 Oct 1976, D.C. Lee. 2♂, 17.1 km E of Vokes Hill Corner, 28°34’08”S 130°51’23”E, 11–14 Apr 2002, Sandy Desert Survey. 1♂, Wirrabara. 1♀, Wirrealpa Stn, 5.8 km WNW of Wirrealpa HS, 31°06’18”S 138°54’12”E, 15–25 Mar 1999, Flinders Ra. Survey. 1♂, Wyola Lakes, 29°09’S 130°14’E, 21 Apr 1994, G. Gross (all SAM). Victoria. 1♀, Big Desert, Chinamans Well, 35°56’S 141°40’E, 18–27 Mar 1984, A.J. Coventry. 1♀, 2.5 km NNW of Hattah, 29 Jan 1986, G. Milledge. 1♂, 12 km SSW of Murrayville, 35°21’S 141°09’E, 24 Feb 1986, A. Bennett. 3♂, 1♀, 16.8 km SSW of Murrayville, 32° 25’S 141°09’E, 17 Feb 1987, G. Milledge. 1♂, same data except 26 Feb 1987. 1♀, 20.8 km SSW of Murrayville, 35°26’E 141°10’E, 20 Feb 1987, G. Milledge. 1♂, Western District, Nov 1984, Mr. Hill (all NMV). Western Australia. 2♂, Pilbara dist., Hillside-Marble Bar Rd, 60 km SW of Marble Bar, 21°30’29”S 119°26’54”E, 29 May 1999, Cassis & Silveira. 1♂, Winjana Gorge, 140 km E of Derby, 31 Oct 1978, M.S. & B.J. Moulds (all AM). 1♂, Applecross, 25 Feb 1961, K.R. Norris. 1♀, 1 km N of Arrow Lake, near Kalgoorlie, 16 Feb 1979, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 1♀, 9 km WNW of Balladonia Hotel, 1 Mar 1981, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 23 km WSW of Barradale, 22°56’S 114°45’E, 30 Mar 1971, Upton & Mitchell. 1♀, 2 km SSE of Boorabbin, 31°13’S 120°19’E, 19 Feb 1980, D.C.F. Rentz. 1♂, 23 km SSE of Boulder, 17 Feb 1978, M.J.D. White. 1♂, Brogo Hill, 160 km S of Halls Creek, 22 Oct 1985, M. Golding. 1♂, same data except 14 Feb 1985. 5♂, 5 km N of Coolawanyah H.S., NW of Wittenoom, 21 Apr 1963, L.J. Chinnick. 1♂, Dunham River, 100 km S of Wyndham, 3 Jan 1986, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 1♂, Gahnia Rockhole, 1–2 Feb 1967, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 8 km N of Kambalda, 8 Feb 1979, M.J.D. White. 1♀, 16 km SW of Kambalda, 16 Feb 1979, M.J.D. White. 1♂, Karratha, 26 Oct 1978, M.S. & B.J. Moulds. 1♂, 1♀, 2 juv, Knousel Tank, 40 km WSW of Eucla, 12 Feb 1978, M.J.D. White. 1♂, Mt. Leonora, near Leonora, 13 Feb 1981, M.J.D. White. 2♀, Malcolm, 21 Feb 1979, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 5 km S of Malcolm, 21 Feb 1981, M.J.D. White. 1♂, 47 km WSW of Margaret River H.S., 12 Apr 1958, L.J., M.F. Chinnick & J. Walker. 1♀, 83 km ENE of Meekatharra, 29 Apr 1963, L.J. Chinnick. 1♂, 0.5 km WNW of Millstream H.S., 21°35’S 117°04’E, 7 Apr 1971, Upton & Mitchell. 3♂, same data except 5 km SE of Millstream H.S., 12 Apr 1971. 3♂, 1 km SSW of Millstream H.S., 21°35’S 117°04’E, 30 Oct 1970, M.S. Upton & J.E. Feehan. 1♂, same data except 1 km N of Millstream H.S., 28 Oct 1970. 1♂, same data except 1 km NE of Millstream H.S., 6 Nov 1970. 1♂, same data except 2 km ENE of Millstream H.S., 30 Oct 1970. 3♂, 15 km E of Millstream H.S., 21°35’S 117°12’E, 20 Oct 1970, M.S. Upton & J.E. Feehan. 3♂, 1 km NE of Millstream H.S., 21°35’S 117°04’E, 23 Apr 1971, Key, Upton & Mitchell. 1♀, 24 km SE of Millstream H.S., 21°48’S 117°08’E, 23 Apr 1971, Key & Upton. 1♀, 2 km N of Nanutarra H.S., 22°20’S 115°29’E, 28 Apr 1971, Key, Upton & Mitchell. 1♂, Nedlands, 4 Feb 1941, K.R. Norris. 2♂, 8 km E of Newman, 16 Jan 1972, M.J.D. White. 2♂, 40 km ENE of Pardoo H.S., Great Northern Hwy, 23 Nov 1973, L.P. Kelsey. 1♀, 57 km ENE of Pardoo H.S., 18 Apr 1963, L.J. Chinnick. 2♂, 12 km SSW of Port Hedland, 19 Apr 1963, L.J.Chinnick. 2♂, 85 km ENE of Port Hedland, 18 Apr 1963, L.J. Chinnick 1♂, 32 km SSE of Wittenoom, 23 Apr 1963, L.J.Chinnick. 1♀, Yundaga Siding, near Menzies, 21 Feb 1982, M.J.D. White (all ANIC). 1♂, Moola Bulla Stn., 27 Sep 1953, N.B. Tindale. 1♂, same data except 29 Sep 1953. 1♂, Pilgangoora Well, 5 Jun 1953, N.B. Tindale. 1♂, Port Hedland, 9 July 1953, N.B. Tindale (all SAM). 1♂, Comet Vale Siding, 29°57’S 121°07’E, 7–15 Mar 1979, T. F. Houston et al., 90/462. 1♂, Cunderin, 1914–1365. 1♂, Roeburne, 1914–786. 1♂, Cottesloe, Feb 1913, 6878. 1♂, Kidson Airfield, near Well 33, Canning Stock Route, 20 Dec 1971, P. Williams, 90/440. 3♂, Liveringa, 52–1452, 52–1454 & 52–1455. 2♂, Bungabiddy Rockhole, Walter James Ra., 24°39’S 128°45’E, 15–16 Jan 1990, T. F. Houston & M. S. Harvey, 90/497 & 90/498. 2♂, N of Tom Price, 19 Jan 1974, A. M. & M. J. Douglas, 90/488 & 90/499. 1♂, White Mountain, 7 Jun 1966, P. W. Kendrick, 90/421. 1♂, Billy Well Ck., 20 km NE of Mt Sandiman H.S., 11–13 May 1981, B. Hanich & T. F. Houston, 90/481. 1♂, Binnu, 26 Mar 1965, M. de Graff, 90/413. 1♀, 2.5 km N of Mt. Linden, 29°19’S 122°25’E, 17–23 Mar 1979, T. F. Houston et al, 90/465. 1♀, 7.8 km SSE of Mt Linden, 29°19’S 122°25’E, 17–23 Mar 1979, T. F. Houston et al, 90/466. 1♀, Marandoo townsite, 22°38’S 118°06’E, 5–19 May 1980, 22°38’S 118°06’E, 5–19 May 1980, T. F. Houston et al, 90/475. 1♀, Killagurra Spring, Durba Hills, Canning Stock Route, 20 May 1972, M. de Graff, 90/443. 1♀, S of Roy Hill & Fortescue River, Pilbara, 19 Jun 1960, Lemley Expd., 90/433 (all WAM). Diagnosis. Males of this species can be distinguished from others in the genus by being only slightly brachypterous and by the genitalia (Figs. 23–24) having the combination of compact pa and elongate spiniform dpr. Females can be distinguished from those of R. rentzi and R. micoptera by having the tegmina reaching the caudal margin of the second abdominal tergite and from R. macula by the possession of apical hooks on the ventral lobes of the ovipositor (Figs. 41–43). Description. Body (Figs. 1–4) elongate and slender. Colour brown, yellow brown or grey brown—the colour of dry grass. Frontal shield with strong subanntenal ridge. Ocelli of male well developed, of female poorly developed. Antennae of male about same length as prothorax, of female about one half to two thirds the length of prothorax. Prothorax moderately elongate. Foreleg with coxa slightly shorter than metazone, femur with claw groove situated at about mid point. Male volant but slightly brachypterous, wings reaching from half way along fifth abdominal tergite to caudal margin of sixth abdominal tergite; tegmen with costal area opaque cream coloured with thin blackish line on posterior margin; discoidal area semi opaque, sometimes flecked with darker spots; anal lobe transparent to slightly infumate; hindwing with costal and discoidal areas semi opaque, reddish brown toward base; anal area partially to completely infumate, darker proximally, with contrasting transparent areas at cross veins creating speckled appearance. Female strongly brachypterous, wings reaching caudal margin of second abdominal tergite; tegmen opaque, costal area similar in colour to male, discoidal area sometimes flecked with darker spots, anal lobe infumate; hindwing opaque, costal and discoidal areas reddish brown in proximal two thirds, anal area dark brownish black with bluish sheen, contrasting transparent areas at cross veins limited to anterior third. Abdomen elongate and slender, supra-anal plate triangular, cerci reaching beyond tip of abdomen in male, to about tip of abdomen in female. Male genitalia with dpr a strongly sclerotized curved spine; pa compact with small blunt projection anteriorly; medial lobe of vph prominent and curved dorsally, anterior portion of vph broad; apr rather elongate and narrowed distally. Female ventral ovipositor valves with hooks (Figs. 41–43). Variation: male specimens from the central western part of Western Australia have a relatively shorter prothorax and cerci than specimens from elsewhere. They also differ slightly in genital morphology in that the apr is relatively compact and the dpr is curved more dorsally. Measurements (mm). Body length, ♂ 37.3 (34.6–51.2), ♀ 60.4 (45.8–70.0). Head width, ♂ 3, ♀ 5. Head depth, ♂ 2, ♀ 3.5. Pronotum length, ♂ 9.2, ♀ 17.4. Pronotum width, ♂ 1.7, ♀ 3.2. Forecoxa length, ♂ 4.8, ♀ 9.2. Forefemur length, ♂ 6.9, ♀ 12.5. Tegmen length, ♂ 21.9, ♀ 12.7. Abdomen length, ♂ 17.3, ♀ 31.2. Immature stages. Nymphs similar in appearance to adults. Ootheca sandy brown and short in length (based on single specimen deposited by a female collected from 100 km N of Alice Springs, fig. 50). Distribution and habits. Found throughout the drier regions of mainland Australia (Fig. 53). The author has collected specimens of this species in dry grasses from several localities. Remarks. The holotype female is glued to a card and in poor condition, with the hind legs missing. This widespread species is variable in size and colour. It is likely that the oothecae of this species and others in the genus with terminal ovipositor hooks are laid in the soil, although this has only apparently been observed in one species, R. queenslandica. The hooks are most probably adaptations for digging.Published as part of Milledge, Graham A., 2014, A revision of Rhodomantis Giglio-Tos, 1917 (Mantodea: Mantidae: Mantinae), pp. 39-64 in Zootaxa 3797 (1) on pages 41-43, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3797.1.7, http://zenodo.org/record/508316
What do we know about UK household adaptation to climate change? A systematic review
No full textThe UK Government’s first National Adaptation Programme seeks to create a ‘climate-ready society’ capable of making well-informed and far-sighted decisions to address risks and opportunities posed by a changing climate, where individual households are expected to adapt when it is in their interest to do so. How, and to what extent, households are able to do this remains unclear. Like other developed countries, research on UK adaptation has focused predominately on public and private organisations. To fill that gap, a systematic literature review was conducted to understand what actions UK households have taken in response to, or in anticipation of, a changing climate; what drives or impedes these actions; and whether households will act autonomously. We found that UK households struggle to build long-term adaptive capacity and are reliant upon traditional reactive coping responses. Of concern is that these coping responses are less effective for some climate risks (e.g. flooding); cost more over the long-term; and fail to create household capacity to adapt to other stresses. While low-cost, low-skill coping responses were already being implemented, the adoption of more permanent physical measures, behavioural changes, and acceptance of new responsibilities are unlikely to happen autonomously without further financial or government support. If public policy on household adaptation to climate change is to be better informed than more high-quality empirical research is urgently needed
Chemical and physical dynamics of marine pockmarks with insights into the organic carbon cycling on the Malin Shelf and in Dunmanus Bay, Ireland.
No full textPockmarks are specific type of marine geological setting resembling craters or pits. They are considered surface expression of fluid flow in the marine subsurface. Pockmarks are widespread in the aquatic environment but the understanding of their formation mechanisms, relationship with marine macro- and micro-biota and their geochemistry remains limited. Despite numerous findings of these features in Irish waters they received little attention and remain poorly studied. In this work extensive geophysical data sets collected by the Irish National Seabed Survey and its successor the INFOMAR project as well in situ sediment samples were utilized to provide baseline information on the nature of some of these features, the processes they are fuelled by and their geochemical characteristics. Pockmarks from open shelf (Malin Shelf) and bay, fjord like environment (Dunmanus Bay) are compared and theories of their formation are formulated. Sediment from these features was extensively studied utilizing advanced geotechnical and geochemical tools to describe and quantify processes taking place in the subsurface. Organic matter was characterized on a molecular level by combined biomarker and advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance approach
The development of the British army during the wars with France, 1793-1815
No full textThe British Army that fought the engagement at Waterloo in 1815, was outwardly little changed from that which was engaged in the initial campaigns of the Wars, twenty-two years previously. Line upon line of red-coated, musket-armed infantry, manoeuvred as chess pieces across open fields, deciding the issue by volley and bayonet, having spent a hungry night exposed to rain and cold. The cavalry were still beautifully and often impractically clad, and were always seeking the decisive charge, on their unfed and often sickly mounts. The Army's commander still viewed his troops as 'the scum of the earth', who were rarely paid, and predominantly enlisted for life. It would therefore appear that little had altered from 1793 to 1815, and that this will be a study of continuity rather than change. However, this thesis will show that despite outward appearances, the Army that took the field at Waterloo was intrinsically different from the one that entered the conflict in 1793, being modernised in line with other institutions of state, and other European armies. This thesis is first and foremost intended to be a contribution to the history of the British Army from the outbreak of war with Revolutionary France in 1793, to the reduction of the forces after the battle of Waterloo in 1815. It proceeds from an assumption that the understanding of not only that history, but the history of the developing British state, will be significantly advanced through a study of the operation of, and the changes which took place within, the Army during the Wars with France
Methodological approaches to support process improvement in emergency departments: a systematic review
No full textThe most commonly used techniques for addressing each Emergency Department (ED) problem (overcrowding, prolonged waiting time, extended length of stay, excessive patient flow time, and high left-without-being-seen (LWBS) rates) were specified to provide healthcare managers and researchers with a useful framework for effectively solving these operational deficiencies. Finally, we identified the existing research tendencies and highlighted opportunities for future work. We implemented the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to undertake a review including scholarly articles published between April 1993 and October 2019. The selected papers were categorized considering the leading ED problems and publication year. Two hundred and three (203) papers distributed in 120 journals were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Furthermore, computer simulation and lean manufacturing were concluded to be the most prominent approaches for addressing the leading operational problems in EDs. In future interventions, ED administrators and researchers are widely advised to combine Operations Research (OR) methods, quality-based techniques, and data-driven approaches for upgrading the performance of EDs. On a different tack, more interventions are required for tackling overcrowding and high left-without-being-seen ratesOrtiz Barrios, Miguel Angel-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-6890-7547-600Alfaro-Saíz, Juan-Jos
