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Simple Summary: Insects, including dung beetles, rely on volatile cues to locate food and mates. However, the antennal responses of dung beetles to dung headspace volatiles have received minimal attention. To address this gap, we conducted a scanning electron microscopy study to examine the density distribution of three types of antennal sensilla in three introduced dung beetle species found in Australia: Geotrupes spiniger, Bubas bison and Onitis aygulus. The gross morphology of the antennal sensilla of these species is described here for the first time. Notably, we observed distinct patterns of sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica and sensilla chaetica on the proximal and distal surfaces of three lamellae in their antennal clubs. Furthermore, using electroantennography, we investigated the olfactory responses of these dung beetles to ten selected dung volatiles and mixtures of the same volatiles. The test chemicals evoked differential antennal responses in all three test species. The results are discussed in relation to the distribution and density of the antennal sensilla and the potential role of dung headspace volatiles in dung preference by these dung beetles. Overall, our findings indicate the possibility of using EAG-active compounds to attract dung beetles in the field. Locating sporadically distributed food resources and mate finding are strongly aided by volatile cues for most insects, including dung beetles. However, there is limited information on the olfactory ecology of dung beetles. We conducted a scanning electron microscopy study on the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla of three introduced dung beetle species in Australia: Geotrupes spiniger (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae), Bubas bison and Onitis aygulus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Three main morphological types of antennal sensilla were identified: sensilla trichodea (ST), sensilla basiconica (SB) and sensilla chaetica (SCh). Distinct variations of SB distribution were observed in B. bison and G. spiniger and on different lamellar surfaces in both sexes of all three species. Sexual dimorphism in antennal sensilla distribution or their abundance was not evident. To complement the morphological characterisation of sensilla, electroantennography (EAG) was carried out to construct EAG response profiles of the three species to selected dung volatiles. An initial study revealed that antennae of all species were sensitive to a mix of phenol, skatole, indole, p-cresol, butanone and butyric acid, common components of livestock dung headspace. In addition to these six compounds, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, eucalyptol and toluene were tested for antennal activity. All compounds evoked measurable EAG responses, confirming antennal sensitivity. Geotrupes spiniger exhibited significant responses to all the compounds compared to the control, whereas B. bison and O. aygulus only responded to a subset of compounds. A comparison of relative EAG amplitudes revealed highly significant responses to p-cresol in G. spiniger and to skatole in B. bison. Geotrupes spiniger displayed differential responses to all the compounds. Pooled EAG data suggest highly significant differences in responses among the three species and among compounds. Our findings suggest that a blend of volatiles may offer potential for the trapping of dung beetles, thereby avoiding the use of dung baits that are inconvenient, inconsistent and may pose a threat to farm biosecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the sustainability of cooperation models within research libraries networks in the humanities. Design/methodology/approach – Changing research environment and budget constraints currently are the main challenges of research libraries networks: to cope with this pressure libraries need to build collective capacity through a strong model of collaboration and partnership and foster closer interaction between actors both from the library and the external world. In order to build effective and efficient cooperation models research libraries networks will first need to share a common vision and a well-focused organisation. Nevertheless, a multi-level approach should help them to identify their core functional requirements, the specialised needs of their users and a flexible cooperation structure able to maintain the financial sustainability of the system. Findings – After illustrating the current challenges in the research libraries world, and how cooperation and collaboration issues have been connoting library management and activities, this work presents the methodology and the preliminary results of a research project which surveyed the URBS network, an international consortium of 12 libraries from academic and research institutions of several nations (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA) based in Rome, Italy. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest and value to other research library networks or consortia with an interest in the development of new organisational models, and in the evaluation and assessment of their sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although aggregation in non-social arthropods is common, its adaptive value is not always clear. Oviposition behaviour of the viburnum leaf beetle ( Pyrrhalta viburni) is aggregative, with females preferring to lay eggs on twigs already infested by conspecifics. We previously showed that aggregative oviposition aided in overcoming host plant defences. Here we explore two additional benefits of this behaviour: reduction of time investment in oviposition; and improvement of host use by larval group feeding., In video-recorded trials, the presence of conspecific egg masses did not have an impact on the time associated with oviposition, but it did affect females' pre-oviposition behaviour: the length of foraging movements was 21% shorter on infested than on non-infested twigs, and was concentrated near the infested area., In two separate studies of insect performance, larvae were reared to maturity in groups of different densities (five or 10, and five or 20, respectively) on several hosts (four and 17 Viburnum spp., respectively). Independent of host species, adults were > 13% heavier (groups of 10 vs. five), and pupation success was 27% higher (groups of 20 vs. five) at higher larval density., Two additional effects were dependent on host species: larval survivorship (groups of 10 vs. five), and adult mass (groups of 20 vs. five). These effects were not associated with plant defensive traits (i.e. trichomes or leaf toughness), but adult mass was associated with host nutritional quality (i.e. foliar nitrogen content)., These results show that several traits of P. viburni larval performance are positively density-dependent, and suggest that benefits of group feeding could have played a role in the evolution of oviposition behaviour in P. viburni. Our results also demonstrate that plant quality can mediate benefits of aggregation, underscoring the importance of ecological context in understanding the feeding strategies of insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographically distinct populations of Paterson’s curse ( Echium plantagineum L., Boragineacea), found near roadsides across New South Wales and Victoria, Australia were surveyed along 3 distinct longitudinal transects in spring of 2011 for presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and naphthoquinones in sampled plants. Composite samples of shoots and roots were collected from each of 45 sites; shoot extracts were subjected to solid phase extraction and LC-ESI/MS for determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and related N-oxides (PANOs), while root periderm extracts were analysed for naphthoquinone content spectrophotometrically and by LC-ESI/MS. Metabolic profiling of 12 possible PAs and PANOs showed their consistent appearance in all shoot extracts, with lepthamine N-oxide, echimidine- N oxide and echumine N-oxide predominant. The three major PANOs were significantly higher in northern sampling locations than those further south. Root extracts contained shikonin and several related naphthoquinones, as well as two of the major PANOs found in the leaves. Naphthoquinones were highest in the northwest corner of the sampled region. The patterns of abundance of secondary metabolites in E. plantagienum suggest that climate change might result in greater production of defensive compounds by E. plantagineum, making this weed increasingly toxic to livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of multi-purpose barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars to suppress weeds while maintaining optimal yield and grain quality has been reported but not recently evaluated in replicated field trials performed under southern Australian field conditions. Therefore, to investigate this potential, aboveground competitive traits were assessed in nine genetically diverse commercial barley cultivars in 2015, 2016 and 2017, in two locations in the Riverina region of NSW in replicated field trials performed in the absence of pre-emergent herbicide treatment. Crop and weed establishment, early vigour, leaf area index, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and biomass were assessed at various crop growth stages, including early growth, vegetative, flowering, grain fill and harvest. Cultivar differences in crop and weed biomass accumulation at ~50, 100 and 150 days after planting were noted at both locations. Early barley biomass accumulation was inversely related to weed biomass in both locations and most years, suggesting strong (over 90%) potential for heritable competitive barley interference against weeds. The current study also observed a positive relationship between PAR light interception and crop biomass in all three years at both locations, suggesting that PAR light interception contributed positively to crop biomass accumulation by directly increasing photosynthesis (50–70%) and growth or indirectly influencing weed biomass accumulation (10–15%) and weed interference (50–75). Partial least squares modelling was performed with 2015 and 2016 datasets to assess the interactions between crop developmental traits and weed suppression. Cultivars exhibiting enhanced early vigour and PAR light interception were generally more weed suppressive under optimal higher soil moisture conditions. Our results indicate that the choice of barley cultivar has a significant impact on weed establishment, fecundity and seedbank dynamics. The use of competitive barley genotypes is, thus, a cost-effective strategy to reduce weed seedbank numbers over time and may reduce potential herbicide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of competitive crops in successional rotations has been shown to reduce the growth and establishment of annual weeds by the depletion of the weed seedbank in broadacre cropping systems. However, the impact of specific crop rotational sequences contributing to weed seedbank density has not been quantified in the Riverina region of southern Australia. Trials were established in two locations in 2014–2018 to quantify the impact of selected annual rotations featuring grain, pulse, and pasture crops on weed infestation and seedbank dynamics with a focus on winter and summer annual weeds. The weed seedbank dynamics were evaluated by a twice-annual soil sampling regime (at planting and harvest), followed by soil sample screening for weed propagule germination and seedling establishment in a subsequent controlled-environment screening performed from 2014–2020. The weed seedling density decreased in the cereal rotations in years experiencing average to above-average rainfall, as crops established a dense canopy leading to reduced weed establishment and fecundity. Several rotational treatments were effective in suppressing the weed propagule numbers over time, including those using dual-purpose cereals only or a canola break-crop along with the cereals. Rotational selection can be an important and cost-effective tool in integrated weed management systems when applied over multiple growing seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objective of this study was to systematically review the epidemiological evidence for an association between periodontitis ( PD) and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ( ACVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease. Methods Systematic review of cohort and case-control studies on the association of clinically or radiographically diagnosed PD and ACVD. Results Overall, 12 studies were included in this study (six studies on CHD, three studies on cerebrovascular disease, two studies on both coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease mortality and one study on peripheral arterial disease). All but one study reported positive associations between various periodontal disease measures and the incidence of ACVD, at least in specific subgroups. The association was stronger in younger adults and there was no evidence for an association between PD and incident CHD in subjects older than 65 years. Only one study evaluated the association between PD and secondary cardiovascular events. Conclusions There is evidence for an increased risk of ACVD in patients with PD compared to patients without. However, this may not apply to all groups of the population. There is insufficient evidence for an association between PD and the incidence of secondary cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim A double-blind randomized controlled trial to determine whether dietary supplementation with fruit/vegetable/berry juice powder concentrates, simultaneously with non-surgical periodontal therapy, improved 2-month treatment outcomes. Methods Volunteers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to one of three groups: fruit/vegetable (FV), fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB) or placebo. Supplements were taken daily during non-surgical debridement and maintenance and outcomes assessed at 2, 5 and 8 months after completion. Primary outcomes were mean probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment gain, % sites bleeding on probing (% BOP) at 2 months. Adherence and plasma β-carotene were determined. Results Sixty-one nutritionally replete (by serum biochemistry) volunteers enrolled and 60 ( n = 20 per arm) completed the 2-month review. Clinical outcomes improved in all groups at 2 months, with additional improvement in PPD versus placebo for FV ( p < 0.03). Gingival crevicular fluid volumes diminished more in supplement groups than placebo (FVB; p < 0.05) at 2 months, but not at later times. The % BOP (5 months) and cumulative plaque scores (8 months) were lowered more in the FV group ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Adjunctive juice powder concentrates appear to improve initial pocket depth reductions in nutritionally replete patients, where plasma micronutrient bioavailability is attainable. Definitive multicentre studies in untreated and treated patients are required to ascertain the clinical significance of such changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a court case wherein the plaintiffs were claiming for protection and injunctive relief after being detained due to illegal entry on Christmas Island in Australia. According to the author, the case involves legal issues which emerge in a strongly contested area of public policy relating to non-citizens who enter its territory by sea without visas. The author adds that the plaintiffs sought protection obligation under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

the article describes the case Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v SZGUR, which concerns citizenship and migration. The Federal Court of Australia was not able to use its power pursuant to the Migration Act 1958, which is to require the Secretary to arrange for the making of any medical examination that the Tribunal deems necessary. An appeal was made to the High Court of Australia while the first respondent' notice of contention seeks support for the Federal Court judgment on the grounds that the tribunal made a decision without expert evidence.

The article discusses a court case wherein the High Court of Australia (HCA) reversed a decision by the Supreme Court of New South Wales citing that it had committed an error of law when it decided a question of fact despite the absence of evidence to support its findings. In deciding the case of "Kostas v HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd," the HCA granted appeal on the basis of the primary judge's declaration that there was no evidence that the builder served the plaintiff two claims for extension of time to perform its renovation contract.

The article discusses court cases wherein two police officers seek to recover damages for pure mental harm caused by what they saw at the scene of derailment of a passenger train operated by the respondent. In Wicks v. State Rail Authority of New South Wales and Sheehan v. State Rail Authority of New South Wales, the NSW Supreme Court affirmed the primary judge's ruling that the liability could not be established because neither appellant saw another person being killed, injured or put in peril. The appellant appealed to the High Court of Australia.

The article discusses a court case Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v. Moubarak and Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v. Bou Najem, wherein the appellant filed for an appeal claiming no responsibility to prevent criminal conduct by the third parties in New South Wales. The appellant claimed that they owed no duty to prevent criminal offense from the third parties that involves criminal behavior. However, the High Court of Australia affirmed the verdict and held the appellants responsible for negligence.