Tropidacris spp. represent the largest known group among acridoids. Their presence ranges from southeastern Mexico and has so far been confirmed only in tropical habitats. This publication seeks to highlight the curre...Tropidacris spp. represent the largest known group among acridoids. Their presence ranges from southeastern Mexico and has so far been confirmed only in tropical habitats. This publication seeks to highlight the current and potential challenges associated with their presence. For decades, the use of chemical insecticides has been the primary method for controlling locust populations, though these substances pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Recent research efforts are directed toward developing control methods that are less detrimental to both ecological and human health, such as biopesticides derived from pathogenic fungi, plant extracts, and strategically prescribed burns. Satellite surveillance enables the monitoring of the origination and progression of outbreaks to inform control strategy selection.展开更多
The ability of cyborg locusts to achieve directional movement in complex outdoor environments is critical for search and rescue missions.Currently,there is a lack of research on motion control for cyborg locusts in ou...The ability of cyborg locusts to achieve directional movement in complex outdoor environments is critical for search and rescue missions.Currently,there is a lack of research on motion control for cyborg locusts in outdoor settings.In this study,we developed cyborg locusts capable of performing directional locomotion in intricate outdoor environments,including jumping over obstacles,climbing slopes,traversing narrow pipelines,and accurately reaching predetermined targets along specified routes.We designed a miniature electrical backpack(10 mm×10 mm,0.75 g)capable of receiving stimulus parameters(frequency,duty ratio,and stimulation time)via Bluetooth commands from mobile phones.Electrical stimulation of locust sensory organs,such as the antennae and cercus,induced turning and jumping behaviors.Experi-mental testing of locust movement control was conducted under outdoor conditions with a short electrical stimulation interval.Results showed a positive correlation between locust turning angles and electrical stimulation parameters within a specified range,with an average jumping height exceeding 10 cm.Additionally,the success rate of locust turning and jumping behaviors correlated positively with the interval time between electrical stimulations.Adjusting these intervals during forward crawling phases increased the likelihood of the locusts jumping again.In conclusion,this study success-fully achieved directional locomotion control of cyborg locusts outdoors,providing insights and references for advancing search and rescue capabilities.展开更多
Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to en...Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.展开更多
To know the annual water consumption of forest, it is necessary to acquire the annual transpiration value of stands. This paper is based on the data measured in the typical weather of the growth season, from 1998 to 2...To know the annual water consumption of forest, it is necessary to acquire the annual transpiration value of stands. This paper is based on the data measured in the typical weather of the growth season, from 1998 to 2000, with the LI 1600 Steady Porometer and the general weather information. The daily variation of transpiration in black locust forest ( Robinia pesudoacacia L.) is modeled by Penman Monteith equation. As a result of the model, a continuous daily transpiration in the growth season was calculated. The net radiation, intercepted by black locust forest canopy, was acquired from a semi empirical equation of measuring net radiation R n with the extinction coefficient k and leaf area index LAI . The canopy integral stomatic resistance is a mimesis with an empirical equation of measuring data. Compared with measuring data, the relative error of the modeled ones is less than 12% averagely. At last, the total transpiration of black locust forest during the period of 1998 and 2000 in the growth season of May to October, as an average transpiration of the different density stands, were 192 46, 187 07 and 195 59?mm respectively.展开更多
A cDNA encoding a sigma-class glutathione S-transferase of the locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis （LmGSTs1）, was cloned by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The 830 bp-long cDNA encoded a 615 bp op...A cDNA encoding a sigma-class glutathione S-transferase of the locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis （LmGSTs1）, was cloned by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The 830 bp-long cDNA encoded a 615 bp open reading frame （204 amino acid polypeptide）, which exhibited the structural motif and domain organization characteristic of GST sigma-class. It revealed 59, 57, 57, and 56% identities to sigma-class GSTs from Blattella germanica, Gryllotalpa orientalis, Nasonia vitripennis, and Pediculus humanus corporis, respectively. A recombinant protein （LmGSTs1） was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli cells in a soluble form and purified to homogeneity. LmGSTs1 was able to catalyze the biotranslation of glutathione with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, a model substrate for GSTs, as well as with p-nitro-benzyl chloride. Its optimal activity was observed at pH 8.0 and at 30℃. Incubation for 30 min at temperatures below 50℃ scarcely affected the activity. The I50 of reactive blue （RB） was 18.5 μmol L-1. In the presence of 0.05 mmol L-1 ethacrynic acid （ECA）, LmGSTs1 showed （81±3）% of the original activities.展开更多
The desert locust, <em>Schistocerca gregaria</em> Forsk. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a peculiar insect that exhibits density-dependent phase polyphenism. Gregarious phase enables desert locust to form a lar...The desert locust, <em>Schistocerca gregaria</em> Forsk. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a peculiar insect that exhibits density-dependent phase polyphenism. Gregarious phase enables desert locust to form a large groups and mass migrations during which significant crop loss and food security issues may occur. Currently, the most recent upsurge of desert locust is prevailing across Eastern Africa and Southwestern Asia. Usually desert locusts are restricted to regions like semi-arid and arid regions. A super cyclonic storm, namely Amphan originated during May 2020, in the Bay of Bengal of North Indian Ocean has influenced numerous swarms to migrate from the Thar desert region to other parts of India. In this research, satellite data were used to investigate the reasons for this sudden swarm migration. The results that revealed the wind jets passing above the Thar desert region have integrated with the cyclogenesis of Amphan and led to the formation of conduits. The favorable conditions in the conduits include the open sky conditions, air temperature and fresh vegetation availability. Moreover, the wind settings in the conduits have enabled the swarm migrate to follow the downwind facing the sunrays during early mornings for an easy and successful take-off. It is observed that during the take-off session the wind speed at 850 hPa pressure level is mostly double than that of surface wind in both the conduits.展开更多
The effects of municipal sewage irrigation on the soil and black locust （Robinia pseudoacacia L.） tree were studied. For this purpose, two artificial black locust stands under irrigation of municipal sewage and well...The effects of municipal sewage irrigation on the soil and black locust （Robinia pseudoacacia L.） tree were studied. For this purpose, two artificial black locust stands under irrigation of municipal sewage and well water were selected in south of Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using technique of systematic random sampling with 4 replicates in each stand. It was found that the growth of black locust tree, as indicated by diameter at breast height, total height, crown length, average crown diameter, basal area and volume, in sewage irrigation stand was much higher than that of well water irrigation stand （P 〈 0.01）. Plant analysis indicated that concentrations of leaf nutrients （N, E K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn） were greater in sewage-irrigated trees, without toxicity to the minerals of tree leaf, than those of well waterirrigated trees, and positively correlated with their respective value in soil. Ni, Cr and Pb were not detected in leaf samples. Application of sewage resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the concentrations of soil nutrients, Ni, Cr and Pb. Among these minerals only Pb and Ni in some soil samples exceeded the toxicity limit. The increase in pH, electrical conductivity （EC） and organic carbon of soil was also observed in sewage irrigation. Results confirm that besides the use as irrigation water, municipal sewages are also a potential source of plant nutrients. However, significant accumulation of heavy metals such as Pb and Ni in soil needs to be monitored.展开更多
The biomimetic locust robot hopping vehicle has promising applications in planet exploration and reconnaissance. This paper explores the bionic dynamics model of locust jumping by using high-speed video and force anal...The biomimetic locust robot hopping vehicle has promising applications in planet exploration and reconnaissance. This paper explores the bionic dynamics model of locust jumping by using high-speed video and force analysis. This paper applies hybrid rigid-flexible mechanisms to bionic locust hopping and studies its dynamics with emphasis laid on the relationship between force and jumping performance. The hybrid rigid-flexible model is introduced in the analysis of locust mechanism to address the principles of dynamics that govern locust joints and mechanisms during energy storage and take-off. The dynamic response of the biomimetic mechanism is studied by considering the flexi- bility according to the locust jumping dynamics mechanism. A multi-rigid-body dynamics model of locust jumping is established and analyzed based on Lagrange method; elastic knee and tarsus mechanisms that were proposed in previous works are analyzed alongside the original bionic joint configurations and their machinery principles. This work offers primary theories for take-off dynamics and establishes a theoretical basis for future studies and engineering applications.展开更多
文摘Tropidacris spp. represent the largest known group among acridoids. Their presence ranges from southeastern Mexico and has so far been confirmed only in tropical habitats. This publication seeks to highlight the current and potential challenges associated with their presence. For decades, the use of chemical insecticides has been the primary method for controlling locust populations, though these substances pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Recent research efforts are directed toward developing control methods that are less detrimental to both ecological and human health, such as biopesticides derived from pathogenic fungi, plant extracts, and strategically prescribed burns. Satellite surveillance enables the monitoring of the origination and progression of outbreaks to inform control strategy selection.
基金supported by Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province under Grant KYCX22_0290.
文摘The ability of cyborg locusts to achieve directional movement in complex outdoor environments is critical for search and rescue missions.Currently,there is a lack of research on motion control for cyborg locusts in outdoor settings.In this study,we developed cyborg locusts capable of performing directional locomotion in intricate outdoor environments,including jumping over obstacles,climbing slopes,traversing narrow pipelines,and accurately reaching predetermined targets along specified routes.We designed a miniature electrical backpack(10 mm×10 mm,0.75 g)capable of receiving stimulus parameters(frequency,duty ratio,and stimulation time)via Bluetooth commands from mobile phones.Electrical stimulation of locust sensory organs,such as the antennae and cercus,induced turning and jumping behaviors.Experi-mental testing of locust movement control was conducted under outdoor conditions with a short electrical stimulation interval.Results showed a positive correlation between locust turning angles and electrical stimulation parameters within a specified range,with an average jumping height exceeding 10 cm.Additionally,the success rate of locust turning and jumping behaviors correlated positively with the interval time between electrical stimulations.Adjusting these intervals during forward crawling phases increased the likelihood of the locusts jumping again.In conclusion,this study success-fully achieved directional locomotion control of cyborg locusts outdoors,providing insights and references for advancing search and rescue capabilities.
文摘Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.
基金SupportedbytheNationalNaturalScienceFoundationofChina(39970 6 2 2 )andtheTeachingandResearchAwardProgramforYongCadremanTeachersinHigherEducationInstitutionsofMOE P .R .China
文摘To know the annual water consumption of forest, it is necessary to acquire the annual transpiration value of stands. This paper is based on the data measured in the typical weather of the growth season, from 1998 to 2000, with the LI 1600 Steady Porometer and the general weather information. The daily variation of transpiration in black locust forest ( Robinia pesudoacacia L.) is modeled by Penman Monteith equation. As a result of the model, a continuous daily transpiration in the growth season was calculated. The net radiation, intercepted by black locust forest canopy, was acquired from a semi empirical equation of measuring net radiation R n with the extinction coefficient k and leaf area index LAI . The canopy integral stomatic resistance is a mimesis with an empirical equation of measuring data. Compared with measuring data, the relative error of the modeled ones is less than 12% averagely. At last, the total transpiration of black locust forest during the period of 1998 and 2000 in the growth season of May to October, as an average transpiration of the different density stands, were 192 46, 187 07 and 195 59?mm respectively.
基金supported by the Funds for International Cooperation and Exchange of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30810103907)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30870302)+2 种基金the Public Welfare Fund for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, China (200903021)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Special Program, 201003656 Regular Program, 20090451359)
文摘A cDNA encoding a sigma-class glutathione S-transferase of the locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis （LmGSTs1）, was cloned by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The 830 bp-long cDNA encoded a 615 bp open reading frame （204 amino acid polypeptide）, which exhibited the structural motif and domain organization characteristic of GST sigma-class. It revealed 59, 57, 57, and 56% identities to sigma-class GSTs from Blattella germanica, Gryllotalpa orientalis, Nasonia vitripennis, and Pediculus humanus corporis, respectively. A recombinant protein （LmGSTs1） was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli cells in a soluble form and purified to homogeneity. LmGSTs1 was able to catalyze the biotranslation of glutathione with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, a model substrate for GSTs, as well as with p-nitro-benzyl chloride. Its optimal activity was observed at pH 8.0 and at 30℃. Incubation for 30 min at temperatures below 50℃ scarcely affected the activity. The I50 of reactive blue （RB） was 18.5 μmol L-1. In the presence of 0.05 mmol L-1 ethacrynic acid （ECA）, LmGSTs1 showed （81±3）% of the original activities.
文摘The desert locust, <em>Schistocerca gregaria</em> Forsk. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a peculiar insect that exhibits density-dependent phase polyphenism. Gregarious phase enables desert locust to form a large groups and mass migrations during which significant crop loss and food security issues may occur. Currently, the most recent upsurge of desert locust is prevailing across Eastern Africa and Southwestern Asia. Usually desert locusts are restricted to regions like semi-arid and arid regions. A super cyclonic storm, namely Amphan originated during May 2020, in the Bay of Bengal of North Indian Ocean has influenced numerous swarms to migrate from the Thar desert region to other parts of India. In this research, satellite data were used to investigate the reasons for this sudden swarm migration. The results that revealed the wind jets passing above the Thar desert region have integrated with the cyclogenesis of Amphan and led to the formation of conduits. The favorable conditions in the conduits include the open sky conditions, air temperature and fresh vegetation availability. Moreover, the wind settings in the conduits have enabled the swarm migrate to follow the downwind facing the sunrays during early mornings for an easy and successful take-off. It is observed that during the take-off session the wind speed at 850 hPa pressure level is mostly double than that of surface wind in both the conduits.
基金supported by the Tarbiat Modares University Research Fundation
文摘The effects of municipal sewage irrigation on the soil and black locust （Robinia pseudoacacia L.） tree were studied. For this purpose, two artificial black locust stands under irrigation of municipal sewage and well water were selected in south of Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using technique of systematic random sampling with 4 replicates in each stand. It was found that the growth of black locust tree, as indicated by diameter at breast height, total height, crown length, average crown diameter, basal area and volume, in sewage irrigation stand was much higher than that of well water irrigation stand （P 〈 0.01）. Plant analysis indicated that concentrations of leaf nutrients （N, E K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn） were greater in sewage-irrigated trees, without toxicity to the minerals of tree leaf, than those of well waterirrigated trees, and positively correlated with their respective value in soil. Ni, Cr and Pb were not detected in leaf samples. Application of sewage resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the concentrations of soil nutrients, Ni, Cr and Pb. Among these minerals only Pb and Ni in some soil samples exceeded the toxicity limit. The increase in pH, electrical conductivity （EC） and organic carbon of soil was also observed in sewage irrigation. Results confirm that besides the use as irrigation water, municipal sewages are also a potential source of plant nutrients. However, significant accumulation of heavy metals such as Pb and Ni in soil needs to be monitored.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51375035 and 51075014)the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(20121102110021)
文摘The biomimetic locust robot hopping vehicle has promising applications in planet exploration and reconnaissance. This paper explores the bionic dynamics model of locust jumping by using high-speed video and force analysis. This paper applies hybrid rigid-flexible mechanisms to bionic locust hopping and studies its dynamics with emphasis laid on the relationship between force and jumping performance. The hybrid rigid-flexible model is introduced in the analysis of locust mechanism to address the principles of dynamics that govern locust joints and mechanisms during energy storage and take-off. The dynamic response of the biomimetic mechanism is studied by considering the flexi- bility according to the locust jumping dynamics mechanism. A multi-rigid-body dynamics model of locust jumping is established and analyzed based on Lagrange method; elastic knee and tarsus mechanisms that were proposed in previous works are analyzed alongside the original bionic joint configurations and their machinery principles. This work offers primary theories for take-off dynamics and establishes a theoretical basis for future studies and engineering applications.
