The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is an invasive pest affecting urban and rural communities, agricultural production and wildlife. Its complex biology and genetics is reflected in the existence of two different colony forms: monogyne and polygyne. We focus our studies on the polygyne form more abundant in Texas, characterized by the presence of multiple queens that co-operate for colony success. Our conceptual framework resides in the hypothesis that understanding gene networks linking nutrition and reproduction may reveal critical signaling pathways that could be disrupted to manage fire ants. In the pre-omics era we began by systematically cloning and characterizing the expression of genes and proteins important for reproduction and signaling and that we believe participate in the fire ant ‘genetic tool kit’. Our earlier studies focused on the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) and in the application of RNAi to reduce VgR gene expression as proof of principle that gene silencing in queens could lead to impaired egg production. Signaling systems related to reproduction and nutrition were also studied, such as the insulin receptors and the sNPF receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. We have immunolocalized the sNPF receptor in the brain of queens and workers and found correlations in its neuronal gene expression in both castes with respect to the presence or absence of brood in the colony. We have generated and compared transcriptomes of mated and virgin queen brains and ovaries and identified a few differentially expressed genes. Most recently, with the release of the new fire ant genome in the Fall of 2018, we mined the genome to compile and curate the annotation of G protein-coupled receptors. The lecture will summarize key aspects of the biology of fire ants and morphological and functional differences among colony members. Experimental approaches utilized to begin to understand regulation of colony growth at the molecular level will be presented. It is our goal to unravel the endocrinological control of the fire ant colony with the hope of identifying novel targets to impair queen maturation, ovarian development, colony nutrition and brood production.
During reading instruction, sustaining learners’ reading motivation (RM) may be a challenge but a requisite when the goal is to keep learners reading. In the context of the present study, it was examined as to how RM may be sustained in a reading course. For this purpose, information on learners’ RM was collected in a semester-long university reading course with 118 Korean learners of English at the pre- and post-instructional stages of reading. RM was assessed with Motivations for Reading Questionnaire before and after reading instruction. Results indicated that reading involvement had decreased for all learners whereas the less skilled learners demonstrated an increase of reading efficacy and a drop in reading for grades. A linear multiple regression further indicated that reading efficacy was a significant predictor of reading proficiency only for the skilled learners. Implications are presented on how reading needs to be conducted by allowing learners to choose their own materials, which in turn may have an effect on developing more robust forms of RM.
The paper presents the results of a multi-criteria comparative evaluation of 12 feasible Russian nuclear energy deployment scenarios with thermal and fast reactors in a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The comparative evaluation was performed based on 6 performance indicators and 5 different MCDA methods (Simple Scoring Model, MAVT / MAUT, AHP, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE) in accordance with the recommendations elaborated by the IAEA/INPRO section. It is shown that the use of different MCDA methods to compare the nuclear energy deployment scenarios, despite some differences in the rankings, leads to well-coordinated and similar results. Taking into account the uncertainties in the weights within a multi-attribute model, it was possible to rank the scenarios in the absence of information regarding the relative importance of performance indicators and determine the preference probability for a certain nuclear energy deployment scenario. Based on the results of the uncertainty/sensitivity analysis and additional analysis of alternatives as well as the whole set of graphical and attribute data, it was possible to identify the most promising nuclear energy deployment scenario under the assumptions made.
This study was aimed to determine the effects of hybrid and inoculant on in vitro rumen digestibility and rumen fermentation indices of corn silage. Two corn hybrids(Kwangpyeongok (KW) vs. Pioneer 1543(PI)) were ensiled for 100 days with two inoculants(L. plantarum(LP) vs. L. buchneri(LB)) applied at 1.2 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage. Silages were incubated in rumen fluid medium at 39℃ for 72 hours. Both of KW and PI had no difference(p>0.05) on in vitro digestibility of dry matter(IVDMD) and neutral detergent fiber(IVNDFD), while application of LB produced higher(p<0.05) IVDMD and IVNDFD than LP. Hybrid and inoculant applications did not affect(p>0.05) total gas volume, ammonia-N, total VFA, and acetate concentrations in the rumen. Applied LB was higher(p<0.05) propionate concentration than LP, while hybrids had no effect(p>0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect(p<0.05) was occurred in propionate concentration. Butyrate concentration did not affected(p>0.05) by hybrid and inoculant applications, but there was an interaction effect between hybrid and inoculant(p<0.05). Applications of hybrid and inoculant had effects(p<0.05) on iso-butyrate and valerate, without any interaction effects(p>0.05). This study concluded that application of KW and PI has no effects on in vitro rumen digestibility and rumen fermentation indices of corn silage, while application of LB increase the rumen digestibility in both of corn hybrids.
Less mature nuclear reactor technologies are characterized by a greater uncertainty due to insufficient detailed design information, operational data, cost information, etc., but the expected performance characteristics of less mature options are usually more attractive in comparison with more mature ones. The greater uncertainty is, the higher economic risks associated with the project realization will be. Within a comparative evaluation of less and more mature nuclear reactor technologies, it is necessary to apply economic risk measures to balance judgments regarding the economic performance of less and more mature options. Assessments of any risk metrics involve calculating different characteristics of probability distributions of associated economic performance indicators and applying the Monte-Carlo method. This paper considers the applicability of statistical risk measures for different economic performance indicators within a trial case study on a comparative evaluation of less and more mature unspecified LWRs. The presented case study demonstrates the main trends associated with the incorporation of economic risk metrics into a comparative evaluation of less and more mature nuclear reactor technologies.
This study was conducted to examine the effect of new inoculants on in vitro digestibility and fermentation characteristics of high moisture rye silage. Rye was harvested at heading stage and divided into 5 treatments, following: No additives(CON); L. plantarum R48-27(NI1); L. buchneri R4-26(NI2); mixture of NI1 and NI2 at 1:1 ratio(MIX); and L. buchneri(LB). The rye forage was ensiled into 10 L bucket silo for 100 days. In vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber were highest(p<0.05) in NI2 silage. The pH in NI2 and LB silages were lower(p<0.05) than CON silage. Lactate concentration was highest(p<0.05) in NI1 silage. While concentrations of acetate and propionate were highest(p<0.05) in MIX silage. Lactates : acetate ratio was highest(p<0.05) in NI1 silage, but lowest in LB silage. Butyrate concentrations of NI2 and LB silages were lower(p<0.05) than that in CON and NI1 silages. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in all inoculated silages was higher(p<0.05) than that in CON silage, while yeast count in LB silage was lower than in CON, NI1, and MIX silages. In conclusion, application of NI2 inoculant could improve potentially fermentation quality and digestibility of high moisture rye silage.
This research was conducted with the aim to reveal the influence of online travel communities on tourism destinations choice, with the focus on the Russian tourism market. The preliminary results indicated that social media has significant influence on consumer behaviour and decision-making process of Russian travellers. Still, there is additional activity of Russian tourist market actors is needed to more fully use the opportunities of online travel communities.
Introduction
The article presents a technique for studying the perception of images of animated characters based on the application of psychophysiological methods of recording data in combination with classical sociological methods. The theoretical justification of the EEG, GSR, PPG and video-oculography methods application in testing affective stimuli is provided. The applications of the technique at various stages of creating animated characters are presented. The main advantages of the technique are noted: the ability to work with a target audience starting from the age of 3 years old and the recording of physiological data directly while viewing a stimulus material. One of the most topical objectives for the authors of animation films is the creation of animated characters, which elicits viewers’ sympathy, influences general perception of the movie and affects its distribution and final box office. The methodology that allows to study a perception of characters at different stages of its creation, from conception to final embodiment, will help authors to make changes and adjustments before moving to another technological stage, which will reduce production costs and more accurately meet the needs of the audience. The advantage of the proposed methodology on the one hand, is the efficiency of working with child audience, which is the most difficult in terms of obtaining valid information. On the other hand, it is the possibility of obtaining data directly during the perception of stimuli, which is impossible while using sociological methods.
Theoretical development
The EEG method is an integral component of classical neuromarketing studies of perception of audiovisual materials, allowing assessing the attractiveness and motivational component in the choice situation. A significant number of scientific publications demonstrate the correlation between the arousal of positive emotions and the activation of the left hemisphere. This is determined by the lower power of the alpha rhythm in the left frontal lobe as compared to the right one. While a person experiences negative emotion, the right frontal lobe is more active, thus, the alpha rhythm power is lower there (Rusalov, 1988, 1999; Aftanas, 2000; Vecchiato, et al. 2011; Ravaja, 2013, Harmon-Jones, et al. 2009). In our methodology the stimuli attractiveness index is calculated based on the EEG data. The high index scores are associated with positive emotions and the interest to object; low scores are associated with negative feelings and indifference. Changes in the indicators of the vegetative nervous system activity are strongly connected to an emotional manifestation; these changes are caused by anatomical and physiological conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a decrease in the amplitude of the plethysmogram is observed when a person experiences negative emotions. On the contrary, an increase in the amplitude is observed during positive emotions experience (Sylvia, et al, 2008; Kreibig, et al., 2007). The emotional involvement indicator refers to the power of emotional inclusion when viewing a character. It is calculated by the registration of vegetative indices related to emotions (EDA, plethysmogram, breathing). Interest is a cognitive need to learn about what is happening on the screen; it reflects the direct interest in visual information. The understanding of interest is mostly based on the psychological researches (Izard, 1999; Silvia, 2006), however, the intensity of the parameter can correlate with objective physiological indicators based on oculomotor activity. The process of the characters’ image scanning is accompanied by the distribution of attention to individual areas of interest (Jenkin, 2001). In this methodology we allocated the areas of interest according to a different character or a separate element of the visual image of the hero.
Research design
The method is based on a complex approach combining neurophysiological methods of recording physiological reactions while the demonstration of animated characters’ images in combination with sociological research methods used after the stimuli demonstration. The developed technique allows the use of any audiovisual materials created at different stages of work on a character as stimuli (design of character, design of character accessories, character model in static in 2D or 3D, technological test from 10 to 30 seconds). The data was recorded via the high-speed remote binocular eye-tracking system RED250, the professional computer polygraph (PCP) “Energia” and the electroencephalograph B-AlertX24.
Result and conclusion
20 images of animated movie characters were tested on 150 respondents during the research (a child audience of animated films and an adult audience with children aged 3-8 years, who make the decision to choose an animated film). A restriction for the EEG method has been found in working with children under 7 years old. At this age the analyzed rhythms are slowed down and not completely formed. The analysis of this group of respondents was focused on vegetative indices. The predicting method of perception of animated characters’ images allows us to define the evaluation parameters of the image of the animated character in terms of attractiveness, emotional involvement and interest. The methodology will be further developed and will include a differential analysis of emotional reactions by virtue of the electroencephalography method in response to the presentation of characters or video samples. The commercial use of the technique is planned for the purpose of testing characters at all stages of animation film production.
Consumers are increasingly using social networking sites to get information about their interests. Among them, Instagram has recently reached 800 million active users (Instagram, 2017) and has a higher rate of engagement compared to Facebook or Twitter (Locowise, 2017). Despite its growing relevance, the academic research related to Instagram is still scarce. To go a step further in this topic, this research aims to examine the role played by creativity and positive emotions in driving users’ behaviour on Instagram. On the basis of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework (Donovan and Rossiter, 1982; Mehrabian and Rusell, 1974), we propose that perceived creativity (stimulus) applied to the uploaded photos or videos on Instagram results in developing positive emotions (organism) [H1]. In the same way, the use of creative posts can also affect human responses on that account, as affective commitment [H2] and interaction intention [H3]. Additionally, as a consequence of processing the information posted on Instagram account, positive feelings may arouse, resulting in greater affective commitment [H4] and interaction intention [H5]. Finally, users who experience an affective commitment with an account may tend to be more involved by interacting in the account [H6].
Data to test these hypotheses was collected from an Instagram account focused on fashion due to the relevant role that creativity has in this industry and the increasing use of this social networking site among fashion companies (Casaló et al., 2017). We obtained a sample of 808 participants which answered a questionnaire including several multiple-items measurements scales adapted from previous literature. We used a seven-point Likert-type as the response format, from 1 (“strongly disagree”) to 7 (“strongly agree”).
Data analyses were carried out using SmartPLS 2.0 (Ringle et al., 2005). First, we analysed data to check validity of measures so as to confirm the factor structure, ensuring internal consistency and both convergent and discriminant validity. Results of the proposed model revealed the positive influence of perceived creativity on positive emotions (H1: β=.24, p<.01), affective commitment (H2: β=.40, p<.01) and interaction intentions (H3: β=.60, p<.01). In addition, positive emotions affect both affective commitment (H4: β=.15, p<.01) and interaction intentions (H5: β=.18, p<.01). Finally, affective commitment is also positively related to interaction intentions (H6: β=.25, p<.01). This study confirms the key role that both perceived creativity and positive emotions have on users’ responses in the Instagram context. These findings have interesting implications for management of Instagram accounts suggesting the development of creative content as well as generating positive emotions to engage followers to a greater extent in the account.
This study was carried out to estimate the effect of selected inoculants on chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics of rye silage. Rye was harvested at dough stage and divided into 5 treatments, following: No additives (CON); L. plantarum R48-27 (LP27); L. buchneri R4-26 (LB26); Mixture of LP27 and LB26 at 1:1 ratio (MIX); and L. buchneri (LB). The rye forage was ensiled into 10 L bucket silo for 100 days. The contents of NDF and ADF were lowest (P<0.05) in LB26. The pH in LB26, MIX, and LB were lower (P<0.05) than CON and LP27. Lactate content in LB was higher (P<0.05) than the others, while acetate content in LB26 and LB were higher (P<0.05) than that in CON and LP27. Lactate to acetate ratio was highest (P<0.05) in LB, but lowest in LB26. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in LB was higher (P<0.05) than that in CON, while yeast count in CON was lower than in all silages applied inoculants. In conclusion, silages inoculated with LB26 could improve potentially the aerobic stability caused by increases of acetate and propionate concentrations.
We report facile solution processing of mesoporous hematite (α-Fe2O3) thin films for high efficiency solar-driven water splitting. Fe2O3 thin films were prepared on fluorine doped tin oxide(FTO) conducting substrates by spin coating of a precursor solution followed by annealing at 550 oC for 30 min. in air ambient. Specifically, the precursor solution was prepared by dissolving non-toxic FeCl3 as an Fe source in highly versatile dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) as a solvent. The as-deposited and annealed thin films were characterized for their morphological, structural and optical properties using field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical performance of the precursor (α-FeOOH) and annealed (α-Fe2O3) films were characterized and it was found that the α-Fe2O3 film exhibited an increased photocurrent density of ~0.78 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which is about 3.4 times higher than that of the α-FeOOH films (0.23 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE). The improved performance can be attributed to the improved crystallinity and porosity of α-Fe2O3 thin films after annealing treatment at higher temperatures. Detailed electrical characterization was further carried out to elucidate the enhanced PEC performance of α-Fe2O3 thin films.
The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute plans to develop a coronagraph in collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and to install it on the International Space Station (ISS). The coronagraph is an externally occulted one-stage coronagraph with a field of view from 3 to 15 solar radii. The observation wavelength is approximately 400~nm, where strong Fraunhofer absorption lines from the photosphere experience thermal broadening and Doppler shift through scattering by coronal electrons. Photometric filter observations around this band enable the estimation of 2D electron temperature and electron velocity distribution in the corona. Together with a high time cadence ($<$12~min) of corona images used to determine the geometric and kinematic parameters of coronal mass ejections, the coronagraph will yield the spatial distribution of electron density by measuring the polarized brightness. For the purpose of technical demonstration, we intend to observe the total solar eclipse in August 2017 with the filter system and to perform a stratospheric balloon experiment in 2019 with the engineering model of the coronagraph. The coronagraph is planned to be installed on the ISS in 2021 for addressing a number of questions (e.g., coronal heating and solar wind acceleration) that are both fundamental and practically important in the physics of the solar corona and of the heliosphere.