Lymnaea natalensis is the only snail intermediate host of Fasciola gigantica, the causative agent of fascioliasis, in Nigeria. The species also serves as intermediate host for many other African trematode species of medical and veterinary importance, and it is found throughout the country. However, there is no detailed information on the factors that influence its distribution and seasonal abundance in the tropical aquatic habitats in Nigeria. This study used the geographic information system and remotely sensed data to develop models for predicting the distribution of L. natalensis in South-Western Nigeria. Both land surface temperature (LST) and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted from Landsat satellite imagery; other variables (slope and elevation) were extracted from a digital elevation model (DEM) while rainfall data were retrieved from the European Meteorology Research Programme (EMRP). These environmental variables were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) to predict suitable habitats of L. natalensis using exploratory regression. A total of 1410 L. natalensis snails were collected vis-à-vis 22 sampling sites. Built-up areas recorded more L. natalensis compared with farmlands. There was no significant difference in the abundance of snails with season (p > 0.05). The regression models showed that rainfall, NDVI, and slope were predictors of L. natalensis distribution. The habitats suitable for L. natalensis were central areas, while areas to the north and south were not suitable for L. natalensis. CONTRIBUTION: The predictive risk models of L. natalensis in the study will be useful in mapping other areas where the snail sampling could not be conducted

RESUMEN Objetivo. Presentar una revisión moderna de la fauna de nematodos de la rana esculenta Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) de las poblaciones de la cuenca del Río Volga. Materiales y métodos. Este trabajo consolida los datos de diferentes trabajos helmintológicos de los últimos 80 años, respaldados por los resultados de nuestras propias investigaciones. Durante el período de 1936 a 2016 diferentes autores examinaron 1460 especímenes de rana esculenta, utilizando el método de autopsia helmintológica completa de 13 regiones de la cuenca del Río Volga. Resultados. En total se registraron 9 especies de nematodos. Nematodo Icosiella neglecta encontrado por primera vez en el huésped estudiado en el territorio de Rusia y la cuenca del Río Volga. Tres especies parecían estar más extendidas: Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata e Icosiella neglecta. Para cada especie de helmintos se incluyó la siguiente información: posición sistemática, áreas de detección, localización, biología, lista de hospederos definitivos, nivel de especificidad del hospedero. Conclusiones. Los nematodos de la rana esculenta, excepto I. neglecta, pertenecen al grupo de helmintos transmitidos por el suelo (geohelmintos) y parasitan en estadios adultos. Algunas especies (O. filiformis, C. ornata, I. neglecta) están muy extendidas en el área de distribución del hospedador. Estos dos últimos son capaces de alcanzar altos índices de invasión y también de ser los parásitos subyacentes de la rana esculenta. Esto sucede debido a la especificidad del ciclo de vida de estas especies de nematodos y a la conexión a largo plazo del anfibio con el agua.

ABSTRACT Objetive. Present a modern review of the nematodes fauna of the pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) from Volga basin populations on the basis of our own research and literature sources analysis. Materials and methods. Present work consolidates data from different helminthological works over the past 80 years, supported by our own research results. During the period from 1936 to 2016 different authors examined 1460 specimens of pool frog, using the method of full helminthological autopsy, from 13 regions of the Volga basin. Results. In total 9 nematodes species were recorded. Nematode Icosiella neglecta found for the first time in the studied host from the territory of Russia and Volga basin. Three species appeared to be more widespread: Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata and Icosiella neglecta. For each helminth species the following information included: systematic position, areas of detection, localization, biology, list of definitive hosts, the level of host-specificity. Conclusions. Nematodes of pool frog, excluding I. neglecta, belong to the group of soil-transmitted helminthes (geohelminth) and parasitize in adult stages. Some species (O. filiformis, C. ornata, I. neglecta) are widespread in the host range. The latter two are able to reach high invasion indices and also to be the background parasites of the pool frog. It happens due to these nematode species life cycle specificity and the long-term connection of the amphibian with water.

Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of multicarrier channel sounding techniques using different random and pseudo-random sequences to modulate the OFDM sounding signal. The Random (Rand), Pseudo-Noise (PN) and Zadoff-Chu (ZC) were tested, both in laboratory simulations and in field measurements. For the laboratory simulations Matlab routines were used to generate OFDM signals modulated with each of the three sounding signals, that were then convoluted with a synthesized transfer function of a test channel with six multipath components and added Gaussian noise and Doppler fading. The resulting signals are then correlated with a copy of the original signal to provide the multipath power delay profiles. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) and the relationship between peak power and mean power (PAPR) were used as metrics for the comparison between the test transfer function and the simulation detected multipath delay profiles, showing slight advantages of the ZC sequence. The three sequences were then used in field measurements to characterize an urban channel at 700 MHz. In the field measurements, the ZC sequence showed the lowest detection threshold, allowing for the detection of a larger number of multipath components.

Na olericultura o uso adequado de recipientes e substratos para a produção de mudas são fatores importantes e que afetam a produtividade das culturas a campo. No presente trabalho objetivou-se avaliar, em viveiro de tela de monofilamento com 50% de sombreamento, o efeito de diferentes recipientes e substratos na produção de mudas de alface (Lactuca sativa, cv Veneranda) e beterraba (Beta vulgaris, cv Top Tall Early Wonder), bem como a produtividade dessas espécies quando transplantadas em canteiros a campo. No ambiente protegido utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo os fatores 3 recipientes (R1= 72, R2= 128 e R3= 200 células de poliestireno) e 3 substratos (S1= 93% de solo + 7% de composto orgânico, S2= 86% de solo + 14% de composto orgânico e S3= 79% de solo + 21% de composto orgânico), totalizando nove tratamentos com quinze repetições, onde a plântula constituiu a repetição. A campo os nove tratamentos foram dispostos nos canteiros sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A bandeja de 72 células em conjunto com o substrato contendo 7% de composto orgânico propiciaram as melhores mudas de beterraba e alface. No campo as plantas provenientes dessa bandeja apresentaram os melhores resultados, independente do tipo de substrato.

In horticulture, the proper use of containers and substrates for the production of seedlings are important factors that affect crop productivity in the field. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different containers and substrates in the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv Veneranda) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris, cv Top Tall Early Wonder) seedlings in nursery with monofilament screen, 50% of shading, and the productivity of these species when transplanted to field plots. In protected cultivation, a completely randomized experimental design, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme (three polystyrene trays, R1= 72, R2= 128 and R3= 200 cells and three substrates, S1= 93% of soil + 7% of organic compost, S2= 86% of soil + 14% of organic compost and S3= 79% of soil + 21% of organic compost) was used, with 15 replications, where one plantlet was a replication. In the field, the nine treatments were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design. The 72 cells tray with 7% commercial organic compost substrate promoted the best beetroot and lettuce seedlings. In the field, the plants from the 72 cell tray produced greater plants, independent of substrates type.

Propõe-se, neste trabalho, avaliar diferentes lâminas de água aplicadas como irrigação suplementar no ciclo do milho safrinha, sob plantio direto, sua influência na fisiologia, produtividade e viabilidade econômica na região de Dourados, MS. O trabalho foi conduzido na Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, UFGD, no período de março a setembro de 2005. Para a análise dos dados foram determinadas as seguintes características fisiológicas: área foliar, altura de inserção de espiga, altura da planta, massa seca da espiga, massa seca total e massa de 100 grãos. A produtividade de grãos foi definida corrigindo-se a umidade para 13%. Os tratamentos com irrigação suplementar foram de 160, 360, 410 e 510 mm. No cálculo de viabilidade econômica utilizaram-se os índices financeiros para o custo de produção do milho safrinha de 2005 e as tarifas de energia homologadas na ANEEL nº 74, cujos resultados permitiram as seguintes conclusões: o incremento das lâminas aplicadas acarretou aumentos lineares na fisiologia da planta; a irrigação suplementar foi essencial para aumentar a produtividade do milho safrinha e a maior produtividade do milho safrinha não se converteu em maior renda líquida.

The objective of this study was to evaluate different water depths applied as supplemental irrigation in the cycle of "safrinha" corn under no-tillage systems, and their influence on the physiology, productivity and economical viability in the area of Dourados, MS. The work was accomplished in the Experimental Nucleus of Agrarian Sciences in Great Dourados Region, UFGD, in the period from March to September, 2005. For the analysis of the data the following physiologic characteristics were determined: leaf area, height of ear insertion, plant height, ear dry matter, total dry matter and mass of 100 grains. The productivity of grains was determined correcting the water content for 13%. The treatments with supplemental irrigation were of 160, 360, 410 and 510 mm. In the calculation of economical viability, the financial indexes were used for the cost of production of the "safrinha" corn in 2005, and the tariffs of energy ratified in the ANEEL nº 74. The results lead to the following conclusions: the increment of the applied water depths promoted linear increases in the physiology of the plant; the supplemental irrigation was essential to increase the productivity of the "safrinha" corn; and the largest productivity of the "safrinha" corn did not result in greater net income.

O célebre pianista e compositor George Gershwin, renomado pelas suas composições harmônicas e de apelo popular, faleceu em 11 de Julho de 1937 como consequência de um tumor cerebral. Seus sintomas neurológicos tiveram início em fevereiro daquele ano com uma crise epiléptica de tipo uncinado. Posteriormente houve rápida deterioração do quadro com cefaléia intensa, acompanhada por tonturas, até que em 9 de Julho de 1937 Gershwin foi internado em coma, tendo então o diagnóstico de tumor cerebral. Foi realizada a remoção cirúrgica parcial de tumor cístico, cujo exame anátomo-patológico revelou tratar-se de um glioblastoma. Gershwin faleceu logo após a neurocirurgia, sem ter ao menos recobrado a consciência. Fazemos uma breve revisão sobre a enfermidade neurológica de Gershwin, com ênfase aos sintomas iniciais da doença, as crises uncinadas.

George Gershwin, renowned composer and pianist, well known for his popular works, died on the 11th July 1937 due to a brain tumor. His neurological symptoms first appeared on that same year, in February, with a simple olfactory partial seizure, characterized by an unpleasant smell of burnt rubber (uncinated seizure). He later had a quick clinical descend, with severe headache that occurred in bouts, dizziness, coordination compromise and olfactory seizures, eventually lapsing into a coma on the 9th July 1937. It was then that a gliomatosus cyst was diagnosed, which on microscopic examination proved to be a "glioblastoma multiforme". Despite the surgical intervention, Gershwin died soon after the procedure without recovering his consciousness. We make a brief review of Gershwin's neurologic disease, with emphasis on the initial symptoms, namely the uncinated seizures.

A família Psychodidae inclui além dos flebotomíneos de importância médica mais cinco subfamílias pouco estudadas no neotrópico. Os autores relatam os resultados de uma viagem para coletar psicodódeos no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (Minas Gerais), o qual contém uma das maiores regiões sobreviventes da Mata Atlântica no Brasil. Amostragens realizadas mediante armadilhas Malaise e de luz (CDC), além de capturas em lugares de repouso diurno, incluíram 15 espécies de Psychodinae e Trichomyiinae, dentre elas Trichomyia dolichopogon sp. nov., T. riodocensis sp. nov. e mais 13 espécies novas à ciência, representadas apenas por fêmeas. Também foram coletadas 12 espécies de flebotomíneos (Lutzomyia spp.). As amostras da área do parque não atingida pelo fogo em 1967 tinham uma diversidade de espécies muito maior que as da área destruída e subseqüentemente regenerada, sugerindo que a recuperação após uma catástrofe ambiental desse tipo pode ser muito prolongada. Esse padrão não foi observado nos flebotomíneos, cuja maior abundância e riqueza de espécies na parte afetada do parque podem ser relacionadas a sua dependência por mamíferos pequenos, os quais atuam como hospedeiros e são os mais diversos neste tipo de ambiente.

The family Psychodidae includes the medically important phlebotomine sand flies and four other subfamilies that have been little studied in the Neotropics. The authors here report the results of a trip to collect psychodids in Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, a national park in Minas Gerais that contains one of the largest surviving areas of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Collections made by Malaise and CDC light traps as well as from diurnal resting sites included 15 species of Psychodinae and Trichomyiinae, among them Trichomyia dolichopogon sp. nov., T. riodocensis sp. nov. and 13 other species new to science but represented by females only. Twelve species of phlebotomine sand flies (Lutzomyia spp.) were also collected. Collections from an undisturbed area of the park were much richer faunistically than those from an area that was destroyed by fire in 1967 but had since regenerated, suggesting that recovery after environmental disturbances of this type may be prolonged. This pattern was not seen for phlebotomine sand flies, whose greater abundance and species richness in the disturbed section of the park may be related to their dependence on small mammal hosts, known to be more diverse in this type of habitat.

An attempt was made to control phlebotomine sand flies biting indoors in a rural community near Cali, Colombia, using the residual insecticide "K-Othrine" (deltamethrin) sprayed on the inside walls of houses. Twelve houses were divided into matched pairs based on physical characteristics, one house in each pair being left untreated while the inside walls of the other were sprayed with 1 deltamethrin at a concentration of 500 mg a.i./m2. Sand flies were sampled each week using protected human bait and sticky trap collections for four months after spraying. The number of sand flies (Lutzomyia youngi) collected on sticky traps was significantly lower (P = 0.004) in the untreated houses than in the treated ones with which they were matched. This difference was not significant for L. columbiana; the other anthropophilic species were not present in large numbers. The numbers collected on human bait in treated and untreated houses were not significantly different for either species. Activity of the insecticide as determined by contact bioassays remained high throughout the study and failure to control the insects was attributed to two factors: the tendency of sand flies to bite before making contact with the insecticide and the fact that the number of sand flies that entered houses represented a relatively small proportion of the population in the wooded areas surrounding the settlement in the study.

The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia pastazaensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens collected from the edge of primary forest near Andoas, Department of Loreto, Peru (03º00'S, 76º05'W). This species appears to belong to the subgenus Trichophoromyia Barreto 1962, whose members are generally restricted to the Amazon Basin.