May predator body-size hamper furtive predation strategy by aphidophagous insects?

Furtive predation is an uncommon predation strategy within aphidophagous insects, as it can be constrained by several factors. So far, the few reported furtive predators are characterized by their small body-size, vermiform shape, and slow movement. They live within the aphid colonies, without triggering significant defensive acts, nor disrupting colony structure. In this study, we aim to determine how body-size may prevent adoption of a furtive predation strategy. For that, the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) was selected as a model species, according to the great body-size increase experienced during the larval stage. We hypothesized that smaller instars will be furtive predators, whereas larger ones will be active-searching predators. After the inoculation close to a pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) colony, several behavioral parameters of the different larval instars were recorded. The elicited aphid colony disturbance was also evaluated and compared with that of the active-searching ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and of the furtive predator, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Aphids showed significantly fewer defensive behaviors in the presence of E. americanus larvae than in the presence of the active-searching H. axyridis. Furthermore, our results clearly indicate that body-size increase was not a limit, since the three larval instars of the American hoverfly acted as furtive predators, just like the furtive A. aphidimyza. It is the first time a furtive predatory behavior has been recorded on such a large aphidophagous predator. The obtained results provide essential information about the biology of E. americanus, a potential biological control agent of aphids.

New professional competencies in the era of WEB 2.0 and 3.0 and the dissemination of ICT

The purpose of this article is to identify and describe the new, yet relatively poorly known, competencies related to WEB 2.0 and 3.0 and the dynamically changing organisational environment influenced by the development of ICT. The article’s content can be used (application purpose) to draw attention to the necessity of active searching for new competency areas by trainers and teachers. To achieve this aim, two research tasks were undertaken. The first was a literature review and explanation of the concepts related to the research subject. This theoretical foundation then served as a starting point for an attempt to create a list of professions and related competencies corresponding to the needs of WEB 2.0 and 3.0. The results of this are presented in a tabular form.

Adaptive foraging strategy of an insular snake (Lycodon semicarinatus, Colubridae) feeding on patchily distributed nests of sea turtles

Foraging tactics of predators generally include two major modes, active searching and ambushing. A colubrid snake, Lycodon semicarinatus, is a typical example of a predator, which uses both tactics to forage on sea turtles on islands of the Kerama Group in the Central Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. To investigate factors that determine the foraging mode of this snake, we conducted a four-year field survey on its foraging behaviour on sea turtles on another island, Okinawa Island. We found that the snake performs only active searching at our study site. Snakes visited a small area exactly above the nest of sea turtles and attempted to burrow a tunnel to feed on eggs and hatchlings in the sand. Tunnels leading from the surface of the beach to the inside of the nest were formed only by large snakes. Many other snakes used the already made tunnels to capture eggs and hatchlings in the nest. When the snakes caught a hatchling, they brought the hatchling away into the nearby bush area without swallowing it above the nest (taking-away behaviour). When snakes failed to find food on a nest, they terminated the intensive search above the nest in approximately 5 minutes irrespective of snake body size, season, and the condition of the nest. Subsequently, they left the nest and resumed extensive searching for other nests. Our findings showed that L. semicarinatus has a different foraging strategy depending on populations. Two environmental traits, diversity of available prey animals other than sea turtles and characteristics of sand that beaches consist of, were considered as factors that might cause the difference in the foraging strategy. The fine sand of our study site enables snakes to form a sturdy tunnel in nests. We presume that such an environment facilitates the use of active searching by the snakes to find the nest with tunnels suitable for exploitation. The taking-away behaviour may be effective to reduce excessive contact with other conspecifics under the situation that the nest with tunnels attracts many visitors. Furthermore, the observation that the snake left the nest site after a consistent duration of unprofitable searching supports the giving-up time rule, which has been predicted by a theoretical model concerning the optimal time for predators to leave a patch.

EFFECTS OF IDENTIFYING TRANSFUSIONAL INCIDENTS BY ACTIVE SEARCHING AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Objective: The present study aims to analyze implementation consequences on active search for incidents related to blood transfusion at Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL) and establish a blood transfusion profile in this facility. Methods: Blood transfusion and TIs registered on Hemotherapy Core at HUOL were counted through SPSS 20, comparing IT/1000 blood transfusion averages between 2012 and 2014. T Test of Student was used to compare data and chi-square (X²) and relative risk calculation to associate the use of blood components and risk to develop TI. Results: An increase of TI numbers at HUOL was shown by active searching and its equivalence to reference French and Brazilian services, liked to ANVISA sentinel network. Thus, there was a change in the average rate from 1.86 TI/1000 blood transfusions in 2012 to 5.36 TI/1000 blood transfusions in 2013 and 5.86 TI/1000 in 2014 (p = 0.001). It was also observed that the red blood cell concentrate is the fraction with the highest risk of occurrence of TIs (p = 0.003) and the greatest chance of causing any type of TI in relation to the other blood products, RR = 1.848 (95% CI; 1.042 - 3.266). It was also seen that the infusion of platelet concentrate is related to the allergic reaction (p <0.01), and greater risk compared to other blood components, RR = 2.746 (95% CI; 1.477 - 5.107). Conclusion: This study demonstrates active Hemovigilance importance on Tis subnotifications decrease.

Microhabitat use and diet of Anotosaura vanzolinia(Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) in a Caatinga area, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the microhabitat use and diet of the lizard Gymnophthalmidae Anotosaura vanzolinia (Dixon 1974) in the Complexo Aluízio Campos (7° 16′ 34″ S, 35° 53′ 7″ W), an area of the Caatinga in the Campina Grande, Paraíba. We studied a total of 12 transects by active searching during the daytime. In each sample, habitat and microhabitat types occupied by the specimen were categorized, together with solar incidence and soil type. For all individuals, morphometric measurements were performed, as well as dissection for stomach content analysis. We collected a total of 46 individuals, with a snout-vent length ranging between 19 and 45 mm, collected over all habitats, with prevalence in soil and earthy litter microhabitats near rocky outcrops. The dietary analysis showed a use of items of soil fauna and identified 14 types of prey, mainly insects such as termites and ants. It was observed that smaller individuals (SVL < 30 mm) fed mainly on Hymenoptera (Family Formicidae), whereas larger individuals (SVL > 30 mm) selected Isoptera.

Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of Reserva Biológica do Tapirapé, Pará, Brazil

In this study we present a list of amphibians and reptiles from the Reserva Biológica do Tapirapé (REBIOTA), an area in the Amazonian rainforest in Pará State, Brazil. We sampled the area for 21 days, in both dry and rainy seasons, using pitfall traps and active searching methods. Our efforts resulted in the discovery of 35 species of amphibians and 27 species of reptiles. This study provides the first list of amphibians and adds eigh new species of reptiles for the Carajás region.