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In this work we aim to carry out assessments on the quality of beef before slaughter by machine learning methodologies. We evaluate the possibility of classifying meat quality based on a limited number of easily detectable quantitative and qualitative characteristics collected before slaughtering the cattle and applying machine learning methodologies on them. Namely, we develop some models which are able to determine 4 qualitative classes (output) of meat ranging from poor to excellent, plus two intermediate ones. To experiment with methodologies we trained them on data collected through a small entrepreneurial reality located in Amorosi, southern Italy, which deals with cattle breeding in stables. Using a simple artificial neural network the classification error percentage stands at 4.32% while the correlation between the predictions and the real outcomes is greater than 0.95. The extension to a further set of machine learning methodologies on a widely used, open-source machine learning platform make it possible to improve the results, allowing to achieve the perfect classification of the meat. Namely Random Forest reaches 0% error percentage. Overall, the study evidences the potential of Machine Learning methods for predicting beef quality before slaughtering the cattle, and provides a framework for incorporating a wide range of factors into such models. This implies the potential to improve the average quality of the product, being able to intervene on breeding procedures, benefiting both producers and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given an n -vertex graph G with a fixed linear ordering of V (G) and two integers k , b , the problem FIXED-ORDER BOOK DRAWING with few crossings per edge asks whether or not G admits a k -page book drawing where the maximum number of crossings per edge can be upper bounded by the number b. This problem was posed as an open question by Bhore et al. (J. Graph Algorithms Appl. 2020). In this paper, we study this problem from the viewpoint of parameterized complexity, in particular, we develop fixed-parameter tractable algorithms for it. More specifically, we show that this problem parameterized by both the bound number b of crossings per edge and the vertex cover number τ of the input graph admits an algorithm with running time in (b + 2) (τ 3) ⋅ n , and this problem parameterized by both the bound number b of crossings per edge and the pathwidth κ of the vertex ordering admits an algorithm with running time in (b + 2) (κ 2) ⋅ n. Our results provide a specific answer to Bhore et al.'s question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of most kiwi plant species is located mainly in Yangtze River Valley in the North Eastern part of China. At the beginning of 20th Century, seeds brought from China have been used by Hayward Right, a nursery man from New Zealand, to obtain the first hybrids plants and respectively, first selected cultivars, including Hayward the most cultivated genotype in the world. Later on, together with the extension of kiwifruit crop on several continents, breeding works started in the other countries. New Zealand remained at the forefront of breeding activity and, at the 90's released the first yellow flesh kiwi Hort 16A - Zespri Gold. Other cultivars were obtained in Italy, USA, China, etc. In countries with a colder climate, kiwiberry (A. arguta) has become popular and breeding programs were carried out in New Zealand, Italy, China, Poland, Belgium, and Romania. In addition to public breeding programs, many private ones are active. The review presents the main kiwifruit breeding achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sets of n points, n even, in general position in the plane, we consider straight-line drawings of perfect matchings on them. It is well known that such sets admit at least C n / 2 different plane perfect matchings, where C n / 2 is the n/2-th Catalan number. Generalizing this result we are interested in the number of drawings of perfect matchings which have k crossings. We show the following results. (1) For every k ≤ 1 64 n 2 - 35 32 n n + 1225 64 n , any set with n points, n sufficiently large, admits a perfect matching with exactly k crossings. (2) There exist sets of n points where every perfect matching has at most 5 72 n 2 - n 4 crossings. (3) The number of perfect matchings with at most k crossings is superexponential in n if k is superlinear in n. (4) Point sets in convex position minimize the number of perfect matchings with at most k crossings for k = 0 , 1 , 2 , and maximize the number of perfect matchings with n / 2 2 crossings and with n / 2 2 - 1 crossings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA drawing concerns the process of generating geometric representations of relational information, usually for visualization purposes. A good drawing provides an understanding of the system to the reader, while a poor drawing may create confusion. A lot of information related to graphs and graph drawings can be stored using data structures where vertices represent entities and edges correspond to relationships among entities. In this paper, we have reviewed various studies to present the unsolved problems in the domain of graph drawing and to identify its applications in real life. By reviewing the existing approaches related to graph drawings, we found that there exist various drawing strategies that efficiently allow us to create drawings with a confined area, relatively high angular resolution, user-restrained aspect ratio, a lesser number of bends, etc. Moreover, there are several known algorithms for addressing different measures of graph drawing (such as symmetricity, spirality, rotation, etc.) but they are usually restricted to specific sub-classes of planar graphs. The present study provides readers a better understanding of the field of graph drawing and related problems.

The most diverse fields of knowledge have focused on understanding the dimension of space and time in human sociability for centuries. In the field of Geography is also a very traditional topic in terms of academic research. But the second half of the 20th century brought an expansion in reflections on temporal research, due to Hagerstrand's temporal geography research, as well later contributions in broader and more critical perspectives. But there are still few studies in Brazil with this theme. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the foundations of temporal geography for a critical analysis of urban crossings and biography of the daily (i)mobilities of the peripheral populations from the metropolis of São Paulo. The methodology used in this article refers to quantitative and qualitative approaches and usages of new technologies for the active GPS positioning of smartphones. It was found that the urban crossings of peripheral populations are marked by everyday constraints that limit the time-space prism and make it impossible to access opportunities on the edges of the metropolis of São Paulo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Gestão Organizacional (RGO) is the property of Revista Gestao Organizacional and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Distributed in Mexico, Cordyceps mexicana is a phylogenetic sister species of the Cordyceps militaris group. The present study evaluated biomass production of this species in in vitro cultures and fruiting bioassays to determine the capacity and time for primordia development of different strains of the species in different substrates. The mycelial growth of the strains of C. mexicana showed cottony, convex, circular, or irregular growth, with a fimbriated and lobulate-fimbriated margin and whitish and light yellow surface coloration in PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium. Biomass production in PD (Potato Dextrose) medium differed among strains (P<0.05), with CIRB-Cm_c14, CIRB-Cm_c16, CIRB-Cm_c24, and CIRB-Cm_c25 presenting the highest dry weight values (0.42, 0.48, 0.493 and 0.487 g/100 ml, respectively). In solid culture media, the highest biomass production was presented in Sabouraud dextrose agar with yeast (medium rich), intermediate production in PDA (rich medium) and malt extract agar (general medium), and lowest production in maize agar and wheat agar. In fruiting bioassays conducted at 500–1000 lux and 90% humidity on substrates of brown rice, rice with added mealworm (Tenebrio molitor; Coleoptera) larvae, and rice with added "chinicuil" (Comadia redtenbacheri: Lepidoptera) larvae, C. mexicana demonstrated the ability to completely invade the substrates; however, the time taken for completely invade the substrates and primordia development differed, being shorter in brown rice and brown rice with added "chinicuils". This study is the first to describe mycelial growth in Cordyceps mexicana in vitro and solid cultures, as well as the production of primordia in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the design and improvement of railway turnouts, which are critical yet complex parts of the railway infrastructure. As they are responsible for track discontinuity and potential derailments, turnouts pose significant challenges in terms of slack, misalignment and rail breakage. A new concept related to the design of turnouts, including switches and crossings, is presented in this paper. The application of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) principles, specifically the use of the contradiction matrix, was instrumental to achieving these innovative designs for railway systems and represents the main contribution of the paper. Based on the systematic use of the TRIZ principles, the proposed design addresses the problems associated with switches and crossings by replacing the classic frog with a movable element that sits in the crossing gap and reduces the existing gap, thus minimising the length of the rail gap and, consequently, providing greater contact with the rail, minimising wheel impacts on the rail gap and, consequently, decreasing the risk of derailment. By reducing rail contact forces, which are a major contributor to derailments, the risk of derailment is reduced. This study also introduces a new design for the switch rail system using a piston mechanism with an up and down stroke, which is accompanied by a rotating motor at the top for controlled movement. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the proposed designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is a common finding that children appear less attentive in traffic than adults. • A follow-along study and an observation were conducted in real traffic. • Children aged 6–19 years were studied on their usual way to school. • Attention was associated with type of company (none, peers, adults) rather than age. • People in groups act collectively and share responsibility in an efficient manner. This study aimed to explore how travelling in different group constellations (alone, with known or with unknown people) affects children's and adults' visual behaviour in traffic when cycling or walking. Additionally, mobile phone/earphone usage was considered, too. A follow-along study (n = 43) and an observation study (n = 898) were conducted to observe travellers in a natural setting. In the follow-along study, eye-tracking was used to investigate children's glances behaviour on their way to school and how well they manage to fulfil attentional requirements. The observational study focused on children's and adults' visual behaviour at several intersections. The main result of the study was that group membership appears to have a large influence on individuals' visual sampling strategy. In formal groups reliance on each other was found to be stronger than in informal groups. People with a natural responsibility in the group, such as parents or other adults, take a more active role in visual monitoring. Reliance on others is found to a greater extent among pedestrians than cyclists. Regarding communication devices, the use of earphones did not significantly affect glance behaviour towards relevant areas. In naturalistic situations, group constellation, age and phone/earphone usage are interlinked, which needs to be considered when studying these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the ability of current physics‐based models to predict the magnetopause location. We use the Run‐On‐Request capabilities at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center at NASA GSFC with 4 magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. The magnetopause position prediction and response time to the solar wind changes is then compared to extreme solar wind conditions where magnetopause crossing of geosynchronous orbit have been observed by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) satellites. Rigorous analysis/comparison of observations and models is critical in determining magnetosphere dynamics for model validation. This paper is a preliminary effort defining the metrics necessary to understand the current magnetosphere model capabilities and challenges. Results show that there are discrepancies between the MHD models' standoff positions of the dayside magnetopause for the same solar wind conditions on events that included (a) an increase in solar wind dynamic pressure and a step function in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Bz component; (b) nominal solar wind conditions (values of approximated 400 km/s for solar wind speed and 5 nT for the magnetic field magnitude) with a northward IMF; and (c) compression caused by several coronal mass ejections impacting the near Earth environment. Overall, the models predicted different magnetopause subsolar locations sometimes in the order of 3 RE. Contingency tables were calculated to show model performance in comparison with the data observed with the GOES 13/15 geosynchronous orbit for extreme events and skill scores were calculated. Plain Language Summary: Earth's magnetopause is the boundary that separates the solar wind from Earth's magnetosphere. Its location and dependence on solar wind parameters has been studied via simulations and observations. In this study, we analyzed events where the solar wind conditions were very dynamic, including extreme conditions during which geosynchronous orbit crossings were detected by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 13 and 15 satellites. Our results show that the models give very different magnetopause positions sometimes showing geosynchronous orbit crossings where they were not observed. Contingency tables and skill scores were calculated to analyze the discrepancies between the models for the extreme events. Key Points: A preliminary effort into defining metrics necessary to understand the current magnetosphere models' capabilities and challengesResults show big discrepancies between the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models' standoff positions of the dayside magnetopause for the same solar wind conditionsSkill scores were calculated comparing the predictions by the MHD models and the observations from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite satellites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with Volga river crossings as a vital means of transportation during the Great Patriotic War. The information on river crossings work before and duringthe Battle of Stalingrad are summarized, systematized and supplemented. The changes intheir number, location and work in fighting are traced. The results of Volga crossings work are established. The conclusion on Volga crossings vital importance for evacuation as well is made.

Abstract This research examines the ability of current physics‐based models to predict the magnetopause location. We use the Run‐On‐Request capabilities at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center at NASA GSFC with 4 magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. The magnetopause position prediction and response time to the solar wind changes is then compared to extreme solar wind conditions where magnetopause crossing of geosynchronous orbit have been observed by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) satellites. Rigorous analysis/comparison of observations and models is critical in determining magnetosphere dynamics for model validation. This paper is a preliminary effort defining the metrics necessary to understand the current magnetosphere model capabilities and challenges. Results show that there are discrepancies between the MHD models' standoff positions of the dayside magnetopause for the same solar wind conditions on events that included (a) an increase in solar wind dynamic pressure and a step function in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Bz component; (b) nominal solar wind conditions (values of approximated 400 km/s for solar wind speed and 5 nT for the magnetic field magnitude) with a northward IMF; and (c) compression caused by several coronal mass ejections impacting the near Earth environment. Overall, the models predicted different magnetopause subsolar locations sometimes in the order of 3 RE. Contingency tables were calculated to show model performance in comparison with the data observed with the GOES 13/15 geosynchronous orbit for extreme events and skill scores were calculated.

An automatic railway gate control system using an Arduino UNO and IR sensors is proposed in this study. The manually operated rail gates can be converted into automatic control of railway gates using different types of sensors. These are mostly needed where the track passes over a city, neighborhood, or redundant gateways of the passage regions. The gates are currently manually operated by gatekeepers according to the existing system, depending on signals obtained from the control centre. Accidents are most likely to occur in such cases, causing severe loss of human lives and property near rail crossing zones. The programmed railway gate regulator tracks the movement of the train and detects obstacles, thereby notifying the server motor to open or close the gate automatically. This study also suggests the effective use of real-time information on the train positions. The main objective of this study is to safeguard efficiency, quality, time management, public safety and automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net‐wire fencing built to confine livestock is common on rangelands in the Southwestern USA, yet the impacts of livestock fencing on wildlife are largely unknown. Many wildlife species cross beneath fences at defined crossing locations because they prefer to crawl underneath rather than jump over fences. Animals occasionally become entangled jumping or climbing over fences, leading to injury or death. More commonly, repeated crossings under net‐wire fencing by large animals lead to fence damage, though the damage is often tolerated by landowners until the openings affect the ability to enclose livestock. The usage, placement, characteristics, and passage rates of fence crossings beneath net‐wire fencing are poorly understood. We monitored 20 randomly selected fence crossings on net‐wire livestock fencing across two study sites on rangelands in South Texas, USA, from April 2018 to March 2019. We assessed the characteristics of fence‐crossing locations (openings beneath the fence created by animals to aid in crossing) and quantified crossing rates and the probability of crossing by all species of animals via trail cameras. We documented 10,889 attempted crossing events, with 58% (n = 6271) successful. Overall, 15 species of medium‐ and large‐size mammals and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) contributed to crossing events. Crossing locations received 3–4 crossing attempts per day on average, but the number of attempts and probability of successful crossing varied by location and fence condition. The probability of crossing attempts was most consistently influenced by the opening size of the crossing and season; as crossing size (opening) increased, the probability of successful crossing significantly increased for all species. Peaks in crossing activity corresponded with species' daily and seasonal movements and activity. The density and size of fence‐crossing locations were dependent on fence maintenance and not associated with vegetation communities or habitat variables. However, crossing locations were often re‐established in the same locations after fence repairs. This is one of the few studies to monitor how all animal species present interacted with net‐wire livestock fencing in rangelands. Our results will help land managers understand the impact of net‐wire livestock fencing on animal movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussions of boundaries have enjoyed a renaissance in anthropological archaeology of recent years, especially as conversations surrounding forced migration and border walls look toward the material record for clarification about what borders are and what they do. Since 1995, when the Annual Review of Anthropology last addressed a similar issue, numerous methodological and conceptual changes in the field have led to a large proliferation in the literature. By framing this review around the work of boundaries, I signal two trends in the field of archaeology with conceptual and methodological implications. The first trend is the increased centrality of materiality as a theoretical register as new questions relating to object agency, human/nonhuman boundaries, and new models of environmental archaeology have populated the literature. In such climates it is important to focus on boundaries as a kind of assemblage of actants that takes on agencies beyond notions of territory. Associated border, crossing, transnational, and refuge assemblages are discussed. The second trend is the increased attention to boundary work in archaeology. In this article I review one thread of that literature, critical cartographies, and how they have used the archaeological record to develop radical renditions of political space where boundaries are involved. I focus on scholarship surrounding the relatively recent past (ca. 1200 CE to the present). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the design and improvement of railway turnouts, which are critical yet complex parts of the railway infrastructure. As they are responsible for track discontinuity and potential derailments, turnouts pose significant challenges in terms of slack, misalignment and rail breakage. A new concept related to the design of turnouts, including switches and crossings, is presented in this paper. The application of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) principles, specifically the use of the contradiction matrix, was instrumental to achieving these innovative designs for railway systems and represents the main contribution of the paper. Based on the systematic use of the TRIZ principles, the proposed design addresses the problems associated with switches and crossings by replacing the classic frog with a movable element that sits in the crossing gap and reduces the existing gap, thus minimising the length of the rail gap and, consequently, providing greater contact with the rail, minimising wheel impacts on the rail gap and, consequently, decreasing the risk of derailment. By reducing rail contact forces, which are a major contributor to derailments, the risk of derailment is reduced. This study also introduces a new design for the switch rail system using a piston mechanism with an up and down stroke, which is accompanied by a rotating motor at the top for controlled movement. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the proposed designs.

Multimode waveguide crossings (MWCs) are becoming more and more important as one of the key elements for on‐chip optical routing and cross‐connection. However, it is still very challenging to achieve scalable MWCs with compact footprints, low excess losses (ELs), and low intermode cross‐talks (CTs). This work demonstrates an unprecedented silicon MWC with high performances by using the anisotropy of one‐/two‐dimensional (1D/2D) subwavelength grating (SWG) structures. For the proposed silicon MWC, the 2D‐SWG crossing region at the center has a higher refractive index than the 1D‐SWG regions at both sides for the guided‐modes of TE polarization, due to the anisotropy of the 1D/2D SWGs. As a result, the crossing region can be equivalent to a straight waveguide, and the launched TE modes can transmit through the crossing region with negligible ELs and low intermode CTs. Such an MWC can be scaled very flexibly and easily according to the new principle. The fabricated three‐mode MWC with a footprint of 14.8 × 14.8 µm2 shows ELs of <0.26 dB and intermode CTs of <−20 dB in the wavelength range of 1525–1605 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to use the harvested plant mass after summer pruning (green pruning) in various berry plantations, as a potential food source in beef cows. The experiment was conducted on female crossings F1 Hereford × Aberdeen Angus cows. The animals were fed in a controlled manner, with standardized amounts of fodder from regrowth and leaves, obtained after the summer pruning of berry crops (raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants) with quantities up to 2.5 kg from the ration. The highest appetite was shown to the leaves and twigs obtained during the pruning of Rubus idaeus (combined group of two cultivars) with 49.7%, followed by those of Ribes nigrum - 31.2%, whereas the lowest was observed in feeding with those of Rubus fruticosus with 19.1%. The total amount of the three types of fodder is accepted as 100%. Compared to the other studied species, the foliar fodder of Rubus idaeus has the highest content of crude protein (10.20%), crude fiber (9.83%) and minerals (9.23%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the usage of the terms of crossing (bridges, walkways, fords, piers, ferries) in the vocabulary and toponymy of Karelia. The author reveals a set of toponymic stems of Russian and Karelian origin marking these road sections and analyses the ethnohistorical content therein, concurrently, she takes to identify the geographical objects containing references to crossings in their names and to describe the areas of toponymic and lexical distribution of the terms revealed. For the evidence base, the study relies extensively on the Dictionary of the Karelian Popular Geographical Terminology, field research data of the Karelian Research Center Institute of Language, Literature and History, the geographic information system Toponymy of Karelia, mapping sources, and a number of dialect dictionaries, ethnographic, and folklore materials. The study has revealed the prevalence of the terms of Finnic origin in the names of crossings, with a well-defined areal distribution of toponymic stems. The traditional “Russian” areas of Karelia (Zaonezhye, Pomorye, and Pudozhye) showcase the prevalence of terms of the Russian and substrate origin, whereas in the rest of the territories, the Karelian lexemes predominate — which falls entirely within the history of the region. The difference in the landscape and settlement system between the northern and southern parts of Karelia impacts on the territorial confinement of the certain types of crossings (the abundance of bridges in the south and the developed network of ferry crossings in the north). The prospects for a study of “road” toponymy are linked with the exploration of historical landmarks and stages of the colonisation of Karelia, as well as with the reconstruction of particular routes of the ancient road network of the region.

Previous studies have addressed railway turnouts (switches and crossings), but research on the performance of 1000 mm gauge turnouts is limited. At present, wooden sleeper structures are used at turnouts in Vietnam. However, these structures have many disadvantages in the operation process. This paper evaluates the performance of new prestressed bearer (PSB) for turnouts, designed for the 1000 mm gauge, to overcome the disadvantages of a wooden sleeper. Test samples of PSB were manufactured in the factory, and experiments were conducted in the laboratory according to European Standards to evaluate the PSB carrying capacity. The test results show that the proposed structure meets the carrying capacity under the standard test loads. In addition, the results of the static and fatigue tests of the bearers show a considerable reserve in the cross-section capacity. This means that the existing reserve can be used with a larger locomotive axle, and the bearer design can be optimized by arranging the prestressed strands and changing the bearer cross-section’s geometric dimensions. It is hoped that the proposed bearer design will be a viable alternative for designing railway turnouts.

Pedestrian crosswalks are not always placed at optimal locations, and some crosswalks cause walkers to detour from their shortest routes. Some walkers run the risk of jaywalking to avoid detours, and it becomes the cause of fatalities and serious injuries. However, it is not easy to find systematic procedures to identify preferred locations of pedestrian crossings at the network level from the pedestrian viewpoint. This study proposes a method for identifying high priority crosswalk locations in urban road networks by assessing measures such as total travel costs and network connectivity. The total travel costs were calculated using conventional shortest path algorithms and network connectivity was measured by employing a modified Dial's algorithm (1971). Application of the proposed method to a test network showed that total travel cost was a suitable metric to identify appropriate crosswalk locations and connectivity clarified priority among candidate crosswalks. The proposed method is useful to help plan better pedestrian environments in urban road networks by providing crossing locations in the viewpoint of pedestrians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CROSSINGS: A Journal of English Studies Department of English and Humanities University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) crossings@ulab.edu.bd Volume 11 | September 2020 | ISSN 2071–1107

Crossings: A Journal of English Studies is an annual double-blind peer-reviewed journal of scholarly articles and book reviews. Crossings invites contributions in the fields of language, applied linguistics, literature, and culture from scholars and researchers mainly affiliated with higher education. Contributions should not have been previously published or be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Each contribution is submitted to at least one reader on a panel of reviewers and only those articles recommended by the reviewer will be considered for publication. Reviews may take four to six months to complete after the submission deadline. Crossings does not accept student papers or creative writing. However, all decisions regarding final acceptance and rejection remain the prerogative of the Editorial Board. Acceptance letters will be provided on request only after the Editorial Board’s final approval.

CROSSINGS: A Journal of English Studies Department of English and Humanities University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) crossings@ulab.edu.bd Volume 11 | September 2020 | ISSN 2071–1107

Leek very ancient culture which was widely applied in cookery and as remedy still by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Now the leek is widespread in countries of Western Europe and North Africa, in the USA, Canada, Australia. On chemical composition it is one of the most valuable onions representing in fact "the alive table of Mendeleyev". In such countries as Belgium, Holland and France it is one of the main vegetable cultures, and annual production it per capita makes from 4 to 10 kg. In Russia, unfortunately, it is still rare culture though falls into to the most valuable types of an onion on biochemical structure, productivity, resistance to wreckers and diseases. Widespread introduction of a leek in production restrains a number of factors among which lack of early ripening varieties with the increased resistance to extreme environmental conditions, and in this regard – difficulty of receiving high-quality seeds of leek in a midland of Russia to the north of Rostov-on-Don. Therefore, a vital necessity is on the basis of study under various conditions of cooperation a "genotype is an environment" and selection from world collection of sources of economic-valuable signs, creation of productive sorts and hybrids with good resistance to cold, possessing in the conditions of Moscow Suburbs, along with the high productivity and quality of products, by a high adaptivity to the different terms of height winter spending. Results of long-term researches of laboratory of selection of onions cultures (VNIISSOK) on studying, assessment and selection of exemplars of grades of leek from the VIR world collection are presented in article, receiving hybrid combinations and lines, development of methods of selection and creation on this basis of grades and hybrids of leek for not seedling culture in a midland of Russia, possessing high rates of vegetable and seed efficiency, quality of production and winter hardiness.

The reproductive system determines evolutionary inheritance of populations by establishing patterns of gametes union to originate the next generation. The objective of this study was to investigate the mating system of Mimosa scabrella Benth. (bracatinga), a Brazilian tree species with socioeconomic and ecological importance, in a population of the mountainous region of Santa Catarina state, in two consecutive reproductive events. The analyzes in the 2015 and 2016 reproductive events were lead with isoenzymatic markers and the mating system characterization was performed based on mixed crosses and correlated crosses models, and the means of each parameter were statistically compared. Among the results, the multilocus outcrossing rates (tm(2015): 0.925 and tm(2016): 0.845) showed high magnitude and differed from the unit; the self-fertilization rates were significantly different from zero (s (2015): (0.075 and(2016): 0.155) indicating that the species does not show selfincompatibility. In addition, the positive outcrossing rates among relatives (tm-ts(2015): 0.142 and tm-ts(2016): 0.170) suggest inbreeding crosses in the population. The highest proportions in offspring were half-sibs (2015: 0.736 and 2016: 0.579), suggesting predominance of randomness at crossings. From this it is concluded that M. scabrella has a mixed mating system, with predominance of crossing at population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos de Ciências Veterinárias e Zoologia da Unipar is the property of Associacao Paranaense de Ensino e Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Providing mid- and large-sized mammals with safe opportunities to cross roadways can reduce the impacts of highways on wildlife. To maximize effectiveness, this type of mitigation must be placed in locations where animals naturally approach and cross the highway. Results of a study funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation indicate that mid- and large-sized mammals focus crossing activity at specific locations that are correlated to features of the surrounding habitat and the roadway itself. Therefore, both the design of a highway and its placement in the landscape should be considered when creating mitigation projects to help wildlife safely cross a highway. It is important to note that no single set of variables identifies all preferred crossing locations. Because every landscape and every highway is unique, identifying the best location for each mitigation project must be approached individually. However, the study results suggest a set of guidelines, comprising the following: (1) use habitat suitability as the primary indicator of crossing activity; (2) consider how landscape structure interacts with habitat suitability to either increase or decrease the level of use an area of suitable habitat receives by a particular species; (3) consider how the design of the existing highway interacts with habitat suitability and landscape structure to influence crossing behavior; (4) synthesize this information by mapping the landscape and roadway features/conditions likely to be associated with crossing or that are attractive/repellant to the species present. Use these maps to identify the most likely crossing locations. Finally, because the preferred habitat and behavior of a given species can vary across its range, it is important to employ professionals familiar with the landscapes and species of concern on the analysis team.

The problem of stability of plants of the onion to the most nocuous diseases acquired in the world a paramount value. Untrue mealy dew or peronosporoz onion related to their number, astonishes many kinds of the sort Allium L. and, primarily, onion napiform. Information of presence of immune grades of the onion of napiform are absent, are just of the grade with various level of stability. In years, the favorable for development of this disease, it can cause larger losses at cultivation a sevka, onions turnip and seeds. This disease almost everywhere is widespread. The activator of a peronosporoz is the mushroom of Peronospora destructor (Berk) of Casp. the typical obligate parasite living and eating on the growing plants and striking leaves and flower-colored. Use of expensive chemical means of struggle just limits dissemination of peronosporoz, but radically does not solve the problem of protection of plants, not to mention deterioration in an ecological situation. At selection of the onion of napiform to resistance to peronosporoz interspecific hybridization is the most promising, though this way is long and difficult. The main purpose with the use of interspecific hybridization is creation of forms combining presence of stored bulbs and with high resistance to peronosporoz and sufficient a fecundity. The pollen of plants for transfer of genes supervising high stability and high content they be valuable substances from multi-annual onions to the onion to napiform. In the article results of joint researches of the laboratory of selection of onions cultures, genetics and cytology, immunity of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of selection and seed farming of vegetable cultures (VNIISSOK) on development of methods of interspecific hybridization and creation of the forms of interspecific hybrids combining presence of stored bulb with high resistance to peronosporoz, the technology of selection process, results of selection and interspecific hybrids of the onion created in the VNIISSOK and approved to use in various Russia regions are presented.

Variability of Measurable Morphological Characters of the West African Dwarf Goats (WAD goats) in the Agro-ecological Areas of Togo In Togo, small ruminants play a very important socio - economic - cultural role. Goats are the most numerically important compared to sheep. The most encountered goat breeds in this side of Africa are the West African Dwarf goats (WAD goats). Traditionally, extensive raising methods used for this race favors anarchic cross breeding and may constitute a real threat for the race. However, only few studies have been carried on to characterize this race, which exists in all Agro-ecological regions of the country, and also in the neighboring countries. In this study, surveys have carried on in the six Agro-ecological regions (Coastal, Forest, Guinea-Savannah, Atakora, Dry forest, and Sudan). 330 goats in total, including 35 males, were randomly selected in farms and were subject to measurements. Data have been analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis (PCA and AFD). These methods resulted in the means of morphological - biometric parameters, like: height at the withers (41.56 ± 3.66 cm), scapular ischial length (50.62 ± 4.55 cm), chest (61.28 ± 5.40 cm), horn length (6.52 ± 2.22 cm), ear length (9.42 ± 0.90 cm) tail length (9 17 ± 1.12 cm), hair length (2.55 ± 1.05 cm) and body weight (17.51 ± 4.43 kg). These figures are the same for this race in comparison to those found by other authors in the sub – region

The article deals with the evaluation of selected pedestrian crossings in terms of their functional parameters. Road safety is still a highly debated issue in all countries with a developed automobile transportation. Risk are the group of participants, with a team that drivers and passengers in motor vehicles are more or less protected by the vehicle itself, cyclists and motorcyclists are partially protected for example, helmet. But pedestrians are not protected at all. Thus pedestrian is the most vulnerable road users. In Slovakia, die each year from an average of 200 pedestrians. The most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents are the entrance to the roadway approaching the motor vehicle from the sidewalk and miscalculation when passing communication.

The syntactic structure of a sentence can be modelled as a tree, where vertices correspond to words and edges indicate syntactic dependencies. It has been claimed recurrently that the number of edge crossings in real sentences is small. However, a baseline or null hypothesis has been lacking. Here we quantify the amount of crossings of real sentences and compare it to the predictions of a series of baselines. We conclude that crossings are really scarce in real sentences. Their scarcity is unexpected by the hubiness of the trees. Indeed, real sentences are close to linear trees, where the potential number of crossings is maximized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]