Internal structure of cuscuton Bloch brane

This work deals with thick branes in bulk with a single extra dimension modeled by a two-field configuration. We first consider the inclusion of the cuscuton to also control the dynamics of one of the fields and investigate how it contributes to change the internal structure of the configuration in two distinct situations, with the standard and the asymmetric Bloch brane. The results show that the branes get a rich internal structure, with the geometry presenting a novel behavior which is also governed by the parameter that controls the strength of the cuscuton term. We also study the case where the dynamics of one of the two fields is only described by the cuscuton. All the models support analytical solutions which are stable against fluctuations in the metric, and the main results unveil significant modifications in the warp factor and energy density of the branes.

Adaptable and Automated Rodent Behavior Maze System

Mazes are a fundamental and widespread tool in behavior and systems neuroscience research in rodents. However, their form and inflexibility often restrict potential experimental paradigms that involve multiple or adaptive maze designs. Unique layouts often cost substantial engineering and time investments from trainee scientists. To alleviate these issues, we have developed an automated modular maze system that is flexible and scalable. This system will allow for experiments with multiple track configurations in rapid succession. Additionally, the flexibility can expedite prototyping of behaviors. Finally, the standardized componentry enhances experimental reproducibility and repeatability. This maze system presents advantages over current maze options and can facilitate novel behavior and systems neuroscience research.

The click is not the trick: the efficacy of clickers and other reinforcement methods in training naïve dogs to perform new tasks

Background A handheld metal noisemaker known as a “clicker” is widely used to train new behaviors in dogs; however, evidence for their superior efficacy compared to providing solely primary reinforcement or other secondary reinforcers in the acquisition of novel behavior in dogs is largely anecdotal. Methods Three experiments were conducted to determine under what circumstances a clicker secondary reinforcer may result in acquisition of a novel behavior more rapidly or to a higher level compared to other readily available reinforcement methods. In Experiment 1, three groups of 30 dogs each were shaped to emit a novel sit and stay behavior of increasing duration with either the delivery of food alone, a verbal stimulus paired with food, or a clicker with food. The group that received only a primary reinforcer reached a significantly higher criterion of training success than the group trained with a verbal secondary reinforcer. Performance of the group experiencing a clicker as a secondary reinforcer was intermediate between the other two groups, but not significantly different from either. In Experiment 2, three groups of 25 dogs each were shaped to emit a nose targeting behavior and then perform that behavior at increasing distances from the experimenter using the same three methods of positive reinforcement as in Experiment 1. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found. In Experiment 3, three groups of 30 dogs each were shaped to emit a nose-targeting behavior upon an array of wooden blocks with task difficulty increasing throughout testing using the same three methods of positive reinforcement as previously tested. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found. Results Overall, the findings suggest that both primary reinforcement alone as well as a verbal or clicker secondary reinforcer can be used successfully in training a dog to perform a novel behavior, but that no positive reinforcement method demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than any other.

Phoretic copulation in the velvet ant Sphaeropthalma pensylvanica (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae): A novel behavior for Sphaeropthalminae with a synthesis of mating strategies in Mutillidae

Phoretic copulation, a form of phoresy in which a male physically transports a female by flight and/or foot from their initial site of contact before mating, is newly recorded in the Nearctic velvet ant Sphaeropthalma pensylvanica (Lepeletier, 1845) (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). Further, this is the first record of the behavior in the species-rich subfamily Sphaeropthalminae. A description of the S. pensylvanica mating observation and photographs are provided. All published observations of copulation events in Mutillidae are critically reviewed in the context of mating strategy, and new terminology is proposed for the mating strategies currently known to occur in the family.

Predicting COVID-19 Confirmed Cases using ARIMA Models in Pakistan

<p>· COVID-19 pandemic has emerged and spread rapidly across the world </p> <p>· Novel behavior of coronavirus has been seen in Pakistan</p> <p>· Number of COVID-19 cases has been increasing despite many control and preventive measures taken by government of Pakistan</p> <p>· Mathematical models help public health professionals estimate the size of epidemic in near future </p>

Predicting COVID-19 Confirmed Cases using ARIMA Models in Pakistan

<p>· COVID-19 pandemic has emerged and spread rapidly across the world </p> <p>· Novel behavior of coronavirus has been seen in Pakistan</p> <p>· Number of COVID-19 cases has been increasing despite many control and preventive measures taken by government of Pakistan</p> <p>· Mathematical models help public health professionals estimate the size of epidemic in near future </p>