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Repowering wind farms entails upgrading or replacing old turbines with more efficient, capable, and profitable ones. This technique has the potential to boost energy production, improve grid integration, and lower operational costs. Repowering also makes use of the most recent breakthroughs in wind energy technology, ensuring that wind farms stay economically viable and contribute to the growth of renewable energy. The majority of the wind farms that are located in India were constructed in early 2000, and their capacity ratings range from 200 kW to 800 kW. The lifespans of these wind farms have finally come to an end. Repowering wind farms is a viable alternative in these regions due to the significant wind capacity that exists there. In order to find the wind potential in the site wind resource assessment is needed. This paper proposes a repowering scheme for the existing wind farm located in Kayathar, Tamil Nadu. The reduction in power loss due to the wake effect in the existing wind farm is analyzed using WAsP software and repowering scheme is proposed to increase the Annual Energy Production (AEP), Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF). The Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP) is utilized in order to carry out the site's wind resource evaluation. After the wind resource assessment, individual turbine wake loss is identified, and the viability of repowering the wind farm by raising the hub height of high wake-affected turbines was investigated. Another repowering study is also carried out by installing high-capacity turbines in place of the existing turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2023 several primary nests of the Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were found in Landen, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant. Later, during October and November, secondary nests were found 300 m from the primary nests, the larvae and pupae of which were examined microscopically. A part of their anatomical structure, in particular the head, is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have highlighted the significant role of complement activation in kidney injuries induced by rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, sepsis, and ischemia-reperfusion. Nevertheless, the specific role and mechanism of complement activation in acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by wasp venom remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the specific complement pathway activated and investigate complement activation in AKI induced by wasp venom. In this study, a complement-depleted mouse model was used to investigate the role of complement in wasp venom-induced AKI. Mice were randomly categorized into control, cobra venom factor (CVF), AKI, and CVF + AKI groups. Compared to the AKI group, the CVF + AKI group showed improved pathological changes in kidneys and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression levels of renal complement 3 (C3), complement 5 (C5), complement 1q (C1q), factor B (FB), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C5b-9 in AKI group were upregulated compared with the control group. Conversely, the renal tissue expression levels of C3, C5, C1q, FB, MBL, and C5b-9 were decreased in the CVF + AKI group compared to those in the AKI group. Complement activation occurs through all three pathways in AKI induced by wasp venom. Furthermore, complement depletion by CVF attenuates wasp venom-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that complement activation plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of wasp venom-induced AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a significant pest in livestock farms and a major concern for both humans and farmed animals due to its ability to transmit over 200 pathogens. The use of pupal parasitoids is a sustainable strategy for controlling this pest. Spalangia cameroni Perkins (Hymenoptera: Spalangiidae) and Muscidifurax zaraptor Girault & Sanders (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are commonly used as biocontrol agents for M. domestica. The objective of this study was to determine the oviposition peak of female parasitoids in relation to their age and the sex ratio of the adult progeny. For both species, 20 fresh M. domestica pupae (24–48 h old) were provided daily to each fertilised female for 14 days, after which the pupae were checked for parasitoid emergence. A control group of 20 pupae without female parasitoids was maintained. The results showed that S. cameroni had a higher overall percentage of parasitisation (57.7%) compared with M. zaraptor (32.4%). The parasitisation ratio of S. cameroni remained almost constant throughout the 14‐day period, whereas that of M. zaraptor decreased drastically after Day 11. Peak oviposition for S. cameroni was on Day 5 with 13 parasitised pupae per female, whereas M. zaraptor parasitised eight pupae per day on 4 days during its peak oviposition period (between Days 3 and 8). The newly emerged parasitoids had a skewed sex ratio towards females: 81% for S. cameroni and 66% for M. zaraptor. The presence of these parasitoid species resulted in fewer new house fly emergences than in the control group, where natural pupal mortality was lower in the absence of parasitoids. These findings may be useful for optimising the mass production and time‐use of the two parasitoid species for the management of house flies in livestock farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wind power market is expanding quickly and the cost of wind power equipment is decreasing, making wind power technology a key player in the world's energy transition. Assessing wind potential and selecting the right wind turbine site are crucial parameters for developing a wind farm. Vietnam focuses on onshore and nearshore wind power projects due to its promising wind power potential and supportive policies. However, Vietnam has diverse climate characteristics and wind patterns. Therefore, initial basic research is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of investing in wind power projects. This study examines the technical feasibility of a typical wind power project in the Southeast region of Vietnam using Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP) software. The results indicate that the wind turbine's type and installation location significantly affect wind power plants' efficiency. The total power output of the wind power project after factoring with losses at a rate of 17%, is 304,149 MWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wasps have been neglected in toxinological studies, even with their diversity of species, when compared to other groups of venomous animals such as snakes, scorpions, and spiders. Solitary wasps, such as Pepsis decorata, are known for their mechanism of total or temporary paralysis of the host. In addition, their venoms are considered sources for studies of small peptides, bioactive peptides with neural and antimicrobial activities. In this work, some oligopeptides were analyzed by de novo sequencing identifying 39 oligopeptide sequences. Some sequences were similar to proctolin, a bradykinin‐potentiating peptide, and poneritoxin, one bradykinin‐related peptide. As proctolin‐like peptides were the major constituent in distinct experimental conditions, it was selected for further in silico studies in order to understand its possible importance as a constituent of wasp venom and whether these peptides could be of biotechnological importance. We investigate its binding mode comparing with proctolin and we further analyzed the importance of the tyrosine‐leucine‐glutamic acid (YLE) tripeptide‐motif conservation. This experimental, an in silico approach, increased the range of compounds identified in peptide analyses proving good characterization of little‐known peptidic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lanka's energy issue is caused by underinvestment in renewable energy, resulting in rationing and power outages. Given its power output, offshore wind energy is a possible solution for a sustainable energy future. This study investigates the viability of an offshore wind farm by scrutinizing three potential sites, chosen based on wind speed, direction, and allied variables. Wind speed data from the ERA-5 repository and bathymetry information from the General Bathymetry Chart of Oceans support energy potential assessment for these locations. Employing the WAsP software, a technical analysis was performed to determine the energy output potential for water depths up to 50 m. Of the three sites, the western site emerged as the most productive, estimating an energy yield of 24.36 GWh from an 8 MW turbine. This calculation took into account a capacity utilization factor of 34.76%, with the levelized cost of energy approximating INR 7.70. The northern and southern sites trailed marginally, with estimated energy outputs of 20.31 GWh and 22.36 GWh, respectively. As evidenced by these findings, offshore wind energy holds promise as a dependable and steadfast energy source for Sri Lanka. It also highlights Sri Lanka's first offshore wind farm and future plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Beyond the Realms of Death" explores the concept of creativity and the role of the Harlequin figure in the author's work. The author discusses their interest in artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Marcel Duchamp, Leonor Fini, Salvador Dalí, and George Melly, and how these influences have shaped their own artistic endeavors. The article also touches on the challenges of publishing a book related to the author's ongoing project, "Communicating Vessels," and includes a heartfelt eulogy for the late graphic designer Vaughan Oliver. Overall, the article offers a personal reflection on the creative process and the connections between different artistic influences. [Extracted from the article]

The genus Chelonus s. str. (Chelonus) Panzer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae) is reviewed with particular focus on species associated with fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Additionally, information on the biology and various mass-rearing techniques of the enumerated species are furnished, underlining their significance in biological control and integrated pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have highlighted the significant role of complement activation in kidney injuries induced by rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, sepsis, and ischemia-reperfusion. Nevertheless, the specific role and mechanism of complement activation in acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by wasp venom remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the specific complement pathway activated and investigate complement activation in AKI induced by wasp venom. In this study, a complement-depleted mouse model was used to investigate the role of complement in wasp venom-induced AKI. Mice were randomly categorized into control, cobra venom factor (CVF), AKI, and CVF + AKI groups. Compared to the AKI group, the CVF + AKI group showed improved pathological changes in kidneys and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression levels of renal complement 3 (C3), complement 5 (C5), complement 1q (C1q), factor B (FB), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C5b-9 in AKI group were upregulated compared with the control group. Conversely, the renal tissue expression levels of C3, C5, C1q, FB, MBL, and C5b-9 were decreased in the CVF + AKI group compared to those in the AKI group. Complement activation occurs through all three pathways in AKI induced by wasp venom. Furthermore, complement depletion by CVF attenuates wasp venom-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that complement activation plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of wasp venom-induced AKI.

The absence of a sewer system and inadequate wastewater treatment plants results in a discharge of untreated wastewater to the urban drainage channels and pollutes receiving waters. Field visits were carried out to observe water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in an urban drainage system (Kolshet drain) in Thane City, Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India. Dye-tracing studies using rhodamine WT dye were used for computing the velocity, discharge, and dispersion coefficient of the drain. The data analysis shows that the BOD and COD values in the drain are higher than the permissible limits (30 mg L−1 for BOD and 250 mg L−1 for COD), which is not suitable for disposal to any receiving water body. Also, the DO was less than the permissible limit of a minimum of 3 mg L−1 (for the survival of aquatic life). It is seen that the higher BOD load significantly reduced the DO throughout the drain. The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP 8.32, 2019) developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been used for the simulation of the DO and BOD in the drainage channel. The model simulates an appropriate estimate of the expected variation of DO and BOD at points of interest. The modeling for the Kolshet drain is expected to enable better estimates of the wastewater parameters and the pollution transport in the drain for planning purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are involved in the transmission a plethora of pathogens. To effectively control ticks and mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases, it is important to implement tick control measures. These may include the use of acaricides as well as the development and implementation of an alternative, environmentally friendly tick management program that include practices such as habitat modification or establishing biological control. Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard is a tick-specific parasitoid wasp that predates on several species of ixodid ticks and could contribute to the control of the tick population. This work aimed to detect the presence of parasitoid wasps in ticks (Ixodidae) using genetic approaches. Several tick species of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor, with a sympatric occurrence in the Slovak Karst National Park in southeastern Slovakia, were screened for the presence of wasps of the genus Ixodiphagus. The DNA of the parasitoids was detected in four tick species from three genera. This work presents the first molecular detection of parasitoids in two Dermacentor tick species, as well as the first molecular identification of Ixodiphagus wasps in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks from the Karst area. In the given area, it was observed that I. ricinus and H. concinna ticks are hyper-parasitized by wasps. Moreover, it was observed that wasps here can parasitize several tick species, some of which are of less significance for human and animal health (as they transmit fewer pathogens). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics and function of hematopoietic cells. Mutations in the WAS gene lead to two different syndromes; Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) caused by loss‐of‐function mutations, and X‐linked neutropenia (XLN) caused by gain‐of‐function mutations. We previously showed that WASp‐deficient mice have a decreased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in the thymus and the periphery. We here evaluated the impact of WASp mutations on Treg cells in the thymus of WAS and XLN mouse models. Using in vitro Treg differentiation assays, WAS CD4 single‐positive thymocytes have decreased differentiation to Treg cells, despite normal early signaling upon IL‐2 and TGF‐β stimulation. They failed to proliferate and express CD25 at high levels, leading to poor survival and a lower number of Foxp3+ Treg cells. Conversely, XLN CD4 single‐positive thymocytes efficiently differentiate into Foxp3+ Treg cells following a high proliferative response to IL‐2 and TGF‐β, associated with high CD25 expression when compared with WT cells. Altogether, these results show that specific mutations of WASp affect Treg cell development differently, demonstrating a critical role of WASp activity in supporting Treg cell development and expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dickyyuella Kang & Sharkey, gen. nov. is a novel addition to the microgastroid complex of Braconidae. Taxonomic assignment within this complex posed challenges initially due to the presence of putatively plesiomorphic characters. However, closer examination revealed affiliations with the microgastroid complex, supported by morphological features such as the location of spiracles on the first metasomal tergum and the absence of spiracles on the seventh metasomal tergum. Based on the following two morphological characters, the presence of an inverted Y-shaped groove on the first metasomal tergum and pectinate tarsal claws, Dickyyuella Kang & Sharkey, gen. nov. is tentatively placed within Cardiochilinae Ashmead, 1900 despite uncertainties surrounding phylogenetic relationships. This article provides the diagnosis of Dickyyuella Kang & Sharkey, gen. nov., the description of Dickyyuella argentinensis Kang & Sharkey, sp. nov., and a discussion of the taxonomic placement of the new genus within the microgastroid complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wasps play important roles as predators and pollinators in the ecosystem. The Jingpo minority residing in Yunnan Province, China, has a traditional practice of using wine infused with mature wasps as a customary remedy for managing rheumatoid arthritis. The larva of the wasp is also a tasteful folk dish that has created a tremendous market. There is a paucity of survival knowledge, which has greatly restricted their potential applications in food and healthcare. Recent research has highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in insect growth. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the composition, changes, and functions of the gut microbiota in Vespa mandarinia during development. In this research, the gut microbiota were investigated across three growth stages of Vespa mandarinia using a metagenomic technology. The result revealed that there are significant variations in the proportion of main gut microbes during the metamorphosis of Vespa mandarinia. Tenericutes were found to dominate during the larval stage, while Proteobacteria emerged as the dominant group post-pupation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota metagenome, this study revealed functional differences in the wasp gut microbiota at various growth stages. During the larval stage, the gut microbiota plays a central role in promoting metabolism. Following pupation, the gut microbiota exhibited diversified functions, likely due to the complex environments and diverse food sources encountered after metamorphosis. These functions included amino acid metabolism, compound degradation, and defense mechanisms. This research provides an extensive dataset on the gut microbiota during the metamorphosis of Vespa mandarinia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the influence of gut microbiota on wasp growth. Furthermore, this study uncovers a unique microbial treasure within insect guts, which is important for advancing the application of wasps in the fields of food and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social wasp species of the genus Parachartergus Ihering, 1904 (Vespidae: Polistinae) use plant fibers and saliva to build their nests, although two species are known to reuse material from abandoned nests belonging to other wasps. This paper aims to report the species Parachartegus pseudapicalis Willink, 1959, which has reused material from an abandoned social wasp nest. The record occurred at random, in November 2023, in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado transition area, in the municipality of Luminárias, southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The reported behavior is similar to that observed in Parachartegus fraternus (Gribodo, 1892) and Parachartegus colobopterus (Lichtenstein, 1796). This reuse may be frequent in Parachartergus, but further studies are suggested in order to better elucidate this behavior and its evolutionary significance.

Intracellular membrane tubules play a crucial role in diverse cellular processes, and their regulation is facilitated by Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain-containing proteins. This study investigates the roles of Drosophila ICA69 (dICA69) (an N-BAR protein) and Drosophila CIP4 (dCIP4) (an F-BAR protein), focusing on their impact on in vivo membrane tubule organization. In contrast to the prevailing models of BAR-domain protein function, we observed colocalization of endogenous dICA69 with dCIP4-induced tubules, indicating their potential recruitment for tubule formation and maintenance. Moreover, actin-regulatory proteins such as Wasp, SCAR, and Arp2/3 were recruited at the site of CIP4-induced tubule formation. An earlier study indicated that F-BAR proteins spontaneously segregate from the N-BAR domain proteins during membrane tubule formation. In contrast, our observation supports a model in which different BAR-domain family members can associate with the same tubule and cooperate to fine-tune the tubule width, possibly by recruiting actin modulators during the generation of tubules. Our data suggests that cooperative activities of distinct BAR-domain family proteins may determine the length and width of the membrane tubule in vivo.

The global shift towards clean and sustainable energy sources has prompted interest in repowering and optimizing existing wind farms through the use of new technology. In the early 2000s, multiple wind farms with capacities ranging from 200 kW to 800 kW were developed in India. As these wind farms near the end of their useful lives, there is an urgent need to investigate viable methods for exploiting the region’s significant wind potential. This research focuses on the need to repower these aging wind farms with larger, more efficient turbines. Wind farms’ lifespan is extended via repowering. The WAsP software is used to assess wind resources. Furthermore, by using photovoltaic (PV) panels, the study presents a new technique for maximizing wind farm space utilization. Land utilization is optimized and overall energy output capacity is boosted by installing PV panels in the gaps between wind turbines. This strategy takes advantage of underutilized areas in the wind farm to harness wind and solar energy, thus contributing to the shift to cleaner energy sources. In addition to the technical issues, an in-depth economic analysis is carried out to determine the financial feasibility and long-term benefits of repowering wind farms and incorporating solar panels.

The taxonomic validity of Dolichovespula kuami, especially in relation to D. flora, has been the subject of a long-term debate. Herein, the valid specific status of the former was supported through an integrated analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes. The pronotal rugae and male genitalia of the two species are different, and partial mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) indicate that they form significantly distinct lineages. The hitherto unknown male of D. kuami is described for the first time, and a brief discussion of the D. maculata species group is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss is a primary driver of biodiversity decline, but differences in species responses to habitat loss from local to landscape scales are poorly understood.Trophic level, food and habitat specialization have been suggested to be important predictors of species responses to habitat loss, landscape diversity and landscape scale.Using cavity‐nesting communities of bees, wasps and their parasitoids on calcareous grasslands as a model system allowed us to compare responses of species differing regarding their trophic level, and degree of specialization on habitat and food.We found that species from higher trophic levels experienced semi‐natural habitat at larger spatial scales than those of lower trophic levels, but only, when they were generalists (abundance of bees, 150 m radius, vs. wasps feeding on herbivores, 450 m radius), not specialists (bees, 150 m, vs. bee parasitoids, 150 m).Parasitoids, which are typically more specialized regarding their food resources (hosts), compared to predators such as predatory wasps, responded to habitat loss at the same spatial scales as their hosts, suggesting strong bottom‐up effects of resource availability, that is, host availability driving parasitoid abundance.Bees were mostly habitat specialists of calcareous grasslands and mainly driven by local habitat loss, whereas wasps as habitat generalists were mostly affected by landscape diversity.Our study highlights the need to consider the different spatial scales contingent on trophic level and specialization of target species groups, maintaining or restoring both local habitat and landscape diversity, as this is needed for their successful conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Teknologi dan Rekayasa Sumber Daya Air is the property of Brawijaya University 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.)

The distribution of pollution sources from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities has the potential to reduce the water quality of the Bedadung River, thereby negatively impacting its self-purification. The aim of this research is to model the parameters, specifically the values of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS), and to determine the river's capacity to carry the pollution load using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP). The input parameters for this study include BOD, TSS, and water discharge data collected at 21 monitoring points along the Bedadung River, with the river water sampling technique employing the grab sampling method. The output validation of the modeling is assessed using the Root Mean Square Error (RSME) equation, and the research results indicate that the water quality modeling with WASP software effectively reflects the dynamics of BOD and TSS parameters in the Bedadung River, as supported by an average output validation value of 9%. The pollution load capacity values for the Bedadung River in the Patrang - Ajung segment are found to be 361.48 kg/day for BOD and 5368.31 kg/day for TSS. The positive values suggest that the Bedadung River still has the capacity to naturally degrade organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents all the findings of the braconid species Zombrus bicolor in Serbia so far and gives a brief history of the arrival of this allochthonous wasp species in Europe. The first report of Z. bicolor on the continent was in 2011 in the European part of Russia. After that, it was found in four more European countries: Italy in 2012, Greece in 2021, and Romania in 2022. Considering Serbia, we report on five localities where this species was found from 2020 to 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Engineering / Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian is the property of IPB University 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.)

The hydrodynamic model is essential for building a water quality model for rivers, lakes, estuaries, and other water systems. Most model software, such as HEC-RAS, can perform a complex hydrodynamic surface water body and limitations to represent water quality for the corresponding area. In contrast, other models, like WASP, can simulate a wide range of contaminants in a multidimensional geometry of rivers, estuaries, lakes, and reservoirs. Still, it requires flow information from separate hydrodynamic models. This article aims to develop a comprehensive water quality model of the Shatt Al Arab River south of Iraq by linking HEC-RAS with WASP. A variety of software techniques has sequentially been used. This software includes GIS for DEM modification, HEC-RAS for the hydrodynamic model, Python code with PyCharm to run the external coupler, WASP software for advective and dispersive contaminant transport, and finally, WRDB software for full calibration process and results display. The results showed successful transportation of flow information had been achieved. Moreover, the article described an effective calibration process by plotting comparison graphs and statistical summaries to make the appropriate decision. Another goal of this work is to collect the equations and associated reaction rates of source/sink kinetic for eutrophication’s state variables.

Hosts and brood parasites are a classic example of conflict. Parasites typically provide no offspring care after laying eggs, imposing costs on hosts. Female subsocial wasps (Ammophila pubescens) alternate between initiating their own nests and using an "intruder" tactic of replacing eggs in nests of unrelated conspecifics. Hosts can respond by substituting new eggs of their own, with up to eight reciprocal replacements. Remarkably, intruders usually provision offspring in host nests, often alongside hosts. We used field data to investigate why intruders provision and to understand the basis of interactions. We found that intruders could not increase their fitness payoffs by using the typical brood parasite tactic of not provisioning offspring. Intruders using the typical tactic would benefit when hosts provisioned in their stead, but their offspring would starve when hosts failed to provision. Although some hosts obtained positive payoffs when intruders mistakenly provisioned their offspring, on average utilizing a conspecific nest represents parasitism: hosts pay costs while intruders benefit. Hosts and intruders used the same tactic of egg replacement, but intruders more often laid the final egg. Selection should favor better discrimination of offspring, which could lead to repeated cycles of costly egg replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective was to evaluate the poisoning severity score (PSS) as an early prognostic predictor in patients with wasp stings and identify associated clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality. Methods: A total of 363 patients with wasp stings at Suining Central Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. Within the first 24 h of admission, the poisoning severity score (PSS) and the Chinese expert consensus on standardized diagnosis and treatment of wasp stings (CECC) were utilized for severity classification, and their correlation was examined. Patients were then divided into survival and death groups based on discharge status. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze factors influencing patients' outcomes. Results: The mortality of wasp sting patients was 3.9%. The PSS and CECC were found to correlate for severity classification. Additionally, female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in wasp sting patients. Combining these four factors yielded an AUC of 0.962 for predicting death. Conclusions: PSS aids in early severity classification of wasp stings. Female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were independent mortality risk factors in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prairie waterbodies face a future of warming temperatures and growing water demands. There are increasing concerns about how water quality will be affected. Water quality models are an effective tool for examining scenarios of future conditions that cannot be measured directly. This study combined WASP and CE-QUAL-W2 to investigate the potential impacts of changing flow management and climate change in the Canadian Prairies. The two models were loosely coupled to simulate a strategically managed river-reservoir network. Climate data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) model ensemble were used to create future climate scenarios. Interbasin water transfers were then simulated through the coupled models to determine if any negative impacts from climate change on water quality could be offset through flow management. Climate change impacts in the river stretch were minimised due to the rapid flow travel time along the channel. The interbasin water transfers had a greater influence on water quality concentrations in the river. This result was limited by the uncertain hydro-climatic future of the contributing watershed. Climate change impacts in the downstream reservoir were far more apparent. Evaporative losses increased approximately 150% from the base model by the 2080–2100 period. Chlorophyll-a concentrations increased an average of 53% in this same period based on monthly mean percentage change. Reservoir water quality was improved after adding the interbasin water transfers. Results indicated that flow management would have a positive impact on water quality in the reservoir in the face of future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popularly known as “witch ants” or “velvet ants”, mutillids are solitary ectoparasitoids wasps of immature insects. Atillum André, 1903, is a genus endemic to South America composed of 49 valid species. This study was motivated by the inconsistency of the available information, where, depending on the consulted bibliography, the number of Atillum species in Brazil varies. This contribution aims to reduce the knowledge gap on this genus, verifying the real number of species that comprise it and which actually inhabit Brazil. The specialized bibliography for Mutillidae and Atillum was consulted, in addition to carrying out an exhaustive consultation of the specialized bibliography. Additionally, to validate some of the records found, Atillum specimens deposited in the main collections that house this group were examined. As a result, records were found for ten Atillum species in Brazil, nine of which were confirmed as present in the country, and unpublished records of presence of Atillum and Atillum bucephalum (Perty, 1833) in four Brazilian states and eight municipalities located in the Northeastern region of the country.

Ticks are involved in the transmission a plethora of pathogens. To effectively control ticks and mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases, it is important to implement tick control measures. These may include the use of acaricides as well as the development and implementation of an alternative, environmentally friendly tick management program that include practices such as habitat modification or establishing biological control. Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard is a tick-specific parasitoid wasp that predates on several species of ixodid ticks and could contribute to the control of the tick population. This work aimed to detect the presence of parasitoid wasps in ticks (Ixodidae) using genetic approaches. Several tick species of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor, with a sympatric occurrence in the Slovak Karst National Park in southeastern Slovakia, were screened for the presence of wasps of the genus Ixodiphagus. The DNA of the parasitoids was detected in four tick species from three genera. This work presents the first molecular detection of parasitoids in two Dermacentor tick species, as well as the first molecular identification of Ixodiphagus wasps in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks from the Karst area. In the given area, it was observed that I. ricinus and H. concinna ticks are hyper-parasitized by wasps. Moreover, it was observed that wasps here can parasitize several tick species, some of which are of less significance for human and animal health (as they transmit fewer pathogens).

Abstract Background: The composition of the venom from solitary wasps is poorly known, although these animals are considered sources of bioactive substances. Until the present moment, there is only one proteomic characterization of the venom of wasps of the family Pompilidae and this is the first proteomic characterization for the genus Pepsis. Methods: To elucidate the components of Pepsis decorata venom, the present work sought to identify proteins using four different experimental conditions, namely: (A) crude venom; (B) reduced and alkylated venom; (C) trypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom, and; (D) chymotrypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom. Furthermore, three different mass spectrometers were used (Ion Trap-Time of Flight, Quadrupole-Time of Flight, and Linear Triple Quadruple). Results: Proteomics analysis revealed the existence of different enzymes related to the insect’s physiology in the venom composition. Besides toxins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), hyaluronidase, and Kunitz-type inhibitors were also identified. Conclusion: The data showed that the venom of Pepsis decorata is mostly composed of proteins involved in the metabolism of arthropods, as occurs in parasitic wasps, although some classical toxins were recorded, and among them, for the first time, ACE was found in the venom of solitary wasps. This integrative approach expanded the range of compounds identified in protein analyses, proving to be efficient in the proteomic characterization of little-known species. It is our understanding that the current work will provide a solid base for future studies dealing with other Hymenoptera venoms.

Frederick Douglass’ 1852 address “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” poignantly called attention to the Black people who were still unfree slaves when the Republic joyfully celebrated freedom and independence on its 76th anniversary. Echoing Douglass, this paper searches for the meaning of the 250th anniversary in a deeply fractured and divided America by focusing on the historical and current ‘color scheme.’ An in-depth examination of America’s history and cultural history, represented by the paradigms White, Black, Brown, Yellow, and Browner opens space for analysis and arguments on the formation of national character, the cultivation of cultural identity, and the definition of Americanism. This essay tackles the core of Whiteness in relation to Blackness (African Americans), Brownness (Native Americans), and Yellowness (Chinese/Asian Americans) to unpack a heated and culturally charged topic of race relations and capture the significance of the ‘Browner’ in ‘Browner America’ in anticipation of the 250th anniversary.

The genus Ismarus Haliday are rarely collected parasitoids in the small family Ismaridae. In this study, two new species are described from China's Yunnan Province: Ismarus robustus Chen & Yan, sp. nov. and Ismarus unisulcus Chen & Yan, sp. nov. An updated key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The use of natural enemies of living insects and their derivatives can effectively avoid the problems of pesticide residues, pest resistance, biodiversity decline, control effect weakening and so on. [Methods] Parasites inject various parasitic factors into hosts to inhibit the development of hosts, adjust the immunity of hosts, interfere with the growth and development of hosts, and reduce the nutrition metabolism of hosts, so as to ensure the growth and development of the offspring. Host pests can escape or conquer the parasitism of parasitic wasps through immune defense system in order to reproduce their own offspring. [Results] Under intense and strong selection pressure, in order to effectively ensure the success rate of parasitism, the adaptive diversity of parasitism strategies of parasitic wasps is finally caused. In the process of evolution and under the pressure of directional selection, the innate immunity and acquired immunity gradually evolve. [Conclusions] In-depth research on parasitic factors of parasitic wasps and their interaction with crop pests' immunity and development can not only improve theoretical understanding of insect immunity and development biology, pest biological control and other disciplines, but also be expected to enable the application of some components of parasitic factors to agriculture, medicine and pharmacy. Bactrocera dorsalis is a destructive fruit and vegetable pest. This paper summarized the venom protein of B. dorsalis parasitoids and the immune interaction with hosts, in order to provide theoretical basis for biological control of plant pests by using parasitic natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling the horizontal and vertical variation of wind speed is crucial for wind energy applications. A model frequently used for this purpose is part of the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application program (WAsP). Here, we modify the model in WAsP to account for local atmospheric stability parameters. Atmospheric stability effects are treated by using the impact of a temperature scale on the geostrophic drag law and the diabatic logarithmic wind profile. Using this approach, wind-direction dependent mean and standard deviation of a surface-layer temperature scale and a mean boundary-layer height scale can be obtained from either numerical weather prediction model output or observations to improve vertical extrapolations of Weibull wind speed distribution parameters. The modified atmospheric stability model is validated at six flat sites in northwestern Europe. The surface-layer temperature scale is available from sonic anemometer measurements at three of the sites. At all sites the temperature scale is also estimated from reanalysis data and from mesoscale model output. The modified model improves the aggregated estimations of power density distributions when extrapolating to nearby locations from 5.2 to 3%, when using the temperature scale derived from either observations or mesoscale/reanalysis output compared to the current model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some hymenopteran parasitoids induce intricate behavioral alterations in their spider hosts. Despite these refined adaptations, the success of their attacks and larval development relies on careful host selection. Large hosts will certainly assure the biomass required for the parasitoid larva to pupate, but the selection of large hosts is constrained by the risks involved in the process of host subduing and immobilization. Temporal oscillations in the availability of hosts within the optimal size range may compose another important component of selection. To investigate these issues, we tested the hypothesis that Hymenoepimecis bicolor consistently attacks, and has the reproduction period synchronized with medium‐sized individuals of its host, the spider Trichonephila clavipes. We observed that (i) medium–small hosts are preferential victims, (ii) the period of oviposition of H. bicolor is synchronized with the availability of host individuals within these size classes, and (iii) these preferences can be strong enough to remain stable, regarding the temporal variation in the availability of the most suitable hosts. We also reported that (iv) parasitoid females destinate unfertilized eggs to small hosts, which produce male larvae. Data on these aspects allowed us to discuss why there is a preference for specific host sizes. The factors involved include the larval demands, the relative size between the adult wasps and spiders, and the capacity of the hosts to acquire food during larval development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal foraging theory predicts that well‐defended potential foods should be exploited only when energy pay‐offs are great. Although stinging hymenopteran nests are both well‐defended and predated by primates, their larvae's energy yields rarely have been calculated, and predation‐linked foraging behaviours by primates infrequently documented. Based on 58 opportunistic observations of primates raiding wasp nests for larvae, we calculated energetic yields of low‐ and high‐risk wasp nest predation for Cebus albifrons, Saimiri collinsi, S. sciureus and Sapajus apella, and tested predictions derived from optimal foraging theory. We recorded how nests were processed and by which age‐sex classes, eaten nest fragment sizes, number of occupied and empty cells, and nest occupancy patterns (percent larvae/pupae, eggs, empty cells). Basal metabolic rate (BMR) calculations showed energetic yields from 15 min foraging on low‐risk nests (Polybia quadricincta) would meet energy needed to sustain adult female and male C. albifrons BMR for 4.9 and 4.5 h, respectively; yields from high‐risk (Chartergus artifex) nests for 6.5 and 6.2 h; Mischocyttarus sp. nest yields (low risk, but mimetically resembling other wasps) would meet S. collinsi BMR for 2.9 h (female) and 2.3 h (male), and 2.6 and 2.1 h, for the slightly larger S. sciureus, respectively. The Chartergus energetic‐yield value is nearly 20% of a 36 g chocolate bar (741 kJ). Our data provide quantitative support for the common assertion that wasp larvae and pupae are high‐yield foods for primates. As predicted by optimal foraging, energetic yield is sufficient to offset the risk and pain of being stung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water bodies of the Saskatchewan Prairies suffer multiple stressors, and demand for water is expected to increase. Water quality models can help evaluate water management strategies and risks such as climate change. This study assesses the impact of interbasin water transfers on the water quality of a strategic, eutrophic prairie reservoir that receives poor-quality watershed run-off. A one-dimensional WASP model was used to estimate nutrient transformations in the transfers along a 97 km river channel. The WASP model was then loosely coupled to a two-dimensional CE-QUAL-W2 model of the downstream receiving reservoir. Output from the WASP model was manually transformed into boundary conditions for the CE-QUAL-W2 reservoir model. This method improves on an earlier attempt to estimate nutrient transformations in the transfers using linear regression. Results from the loosely coupled models suggest Buffalo Pound Lake would respond well to the interbasin transfers. The number of threshold exceedances decreased for all modeled water quality variables. Nutrient concentrations were most influenced in the open water season following spring freshet. Any additional reduction of threshold exceedances during winter was minimal in comparison. These results are interesting from a management perspective as increased transfers under winter operations risk ice damage to the river channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the presence of the genus Platyscelio was noticed and confirmed in the Neotropical realm, in this paper the genus is recorded from the Panamanian realm, in Dominican Republic. In the Neotropical realm Platyscelio is represented through P. africanus Risbec, previously considered as being present only in the Afrotropical realm, but in the Panamanian realm we found a different species – P. pulchricornis Kieffer.