This article explores the dead universe theory as a novel interpretation for the origin and evolution of the universe, suggesting that our cosmos may have originated from the remnants of a preceding universe. This per...This article explores the dead universe theory as a novel interpretation for the origin and evolution of the universe, suggesting that our cosmos may have originated from the remnants of a preceding universe. This perspective challenges the conventional Big Bang theory, particularly concerning dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and the interpretation of phenomena such as gravitational waves.展开更多
During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging ...During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging to the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds (n = 25 ). The study area was divided into monitoring quadrants (n = 16) where 96 transects for bird monitoring were conducted, recording 16,635 individuals of which only 32.9% were in the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds. The association betweenA. bairdiiand other species was estimated from the nonparametric statistical index of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and the p value, through permutation analysis (n = 10,000), finding positive and significant associations (p≤0.05) of the target species for study withSturnella magna,Passerculus sandwichensisandAmmodramus savannarum, species that share habitat preferences of natural grassland in good condition, slightly grazed and with little tolerance to the shrub cover. The association W ranged from 0.072 and 0.749. These results can recognize this region as an important area for the conservation of obligate grassland birds during winter, suggesting establish training programs to better utilize this resource by means of cattle activity.展开更多
In The Bluest Eye,the author narrates a little black girl's strong desire to have blue eyes.At last,Pecola imagines possessing blue eyes at the cost of going insane.This paper mainly argues that it is the family...In The Bluest Eye,the author narrates a little black girl's strong desire to have blue eyes.At last,Pecola imagines possessing blue eyes at the cost of going insane.This paper mainly argues that it is the family's influence,the internalized racism and the whites'powerful and dominant culture that leads to Pecola's tragic fate.展开更多
This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxid...This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the recovered hydrolysates at different hydrolysis times were evaluated.Results showed that the recovery yield of enzymatic hydrolysis was above 89%for all grades of EBN and the degree of hydrolysis increased over time.Nitrite content(0.321-0.433 mg/L)was below the permissible tolerance level for all samples.Interestingly,the antioxidant activities(DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant powder(FRAP)activity)were significantly higher(P≤0.05)in hydrolysates recovered from EBN by-products(EBNhC and EBNhD)as compared to the high grade EBN hydrolysates(EBNhA and EBNhB).The in-vitro probiotic activity of EBN and its hydrolysates were examined using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.Evidently,EBN by-products hydrolysate(EBNhD)recorded the highest number of L.plantarum(1.1×1011 CFU/mL),indicating that low grade EBN has the potential as prebiotic material that promotes probiotic activity.This study demonstrated the concept of using EBN by-products hydrolysates for various applications,such as functional ingredients with enhanced bioactivities,to improve its economic value.展开更多
Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical...Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical cicadas in North America.In Europe,the Near East and North Africa,knowledge of cicada predation by birds is sparse.Methods:To help fill this gap,I consulted Cramp’s Birds of the Western Palearctic,conducted a search of online databases and used search engines to generate a database of Western Palearctic birds known to eat cicadas.Results:A total of 105 species(16%of those occurring in the region)belonging to 13 orders,and comprising 20 of the 33 passerine families,were found to consume cicadas.I estimated that 69 of these bird species are known to consume cicadas within the limits of the Western Palearctic.Many terrestrial birds predate on cicadas,preferably on adults.Avian predators include cuckoos,owls,bee-eaters,woodpeckers,falcons,reed-warblers,larks,crows and jays,buntings,shrikes,pipits and wagtails,flycatchers and chats,tits,sparrows,leaf-warblers,starlings,warblers and thrushes,but also terns and gulls.Nymphs are consumed by some passerines,owls and herons.Cicadas can make up as much as 70%of food items delivered to nestlings.Analysis of stomach contents and neck collar samples are the most common methods used in diet studies.Conclusions:Available knowledge is biased towards species that have been more intensively studied,and often lack proper quantification of prey items.More studies about the relative importance of cicadas as prey for birds in the Western Palearctic are needed.I suggest using non-invasive studies based on pellets and droppings and prioritizing declining bird species.展开更多
Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical lo...Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical location of Beijing is paramount to themigratory birds. The species of birds are rich in varietyand its quantity is large in scale. In addition, the birdmarket in old town Beijing has a long history - since theQing Dynasty, it has been the main bird market in thecity. Therefore, a survey of the major bird markets inthe city is highly representative. This study investigatedthe types, quantities, and prices of wild birds tradedin several major bird markets in Beijing from July16 to July 18, 2019. Data analysis and collation werealso conducted in this study. The results of the surveypresented 26 kinds of wild birds, with a total tradingvolume of an estimated 253. They are mainly birdsof the order of the passerine, 18 of which are underBeijing’s second-class protection, and one of them isunder first-class protection.展开更多
In the second round of French presidential election,39-year-old Emmanuel Macron defeated the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and was elected President of France.This is a historic victory to France and all EU countr...In the second round of French presidential election,39-year-old Emmanuel Macron defeated the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and was elected President of France.This is a historic victory to France and all EU countries.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(M...[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(MI),cuckoo acoustic song,cricket acoustic song,single 400 Hz frequency sound wave,F5 and Fn sound waves composed of different frequencies were designed to investigate their effects on height and weight of cowpea seedling,and experimental data were statistically analyzed and multiple-compared by EXCEL.[Result] After treatment by sound waves with six different types and frequencies,the growth situations of cowpea were better than that in control.This indicated that sound waves could significantly promote height growth of plant.The treatments with good growth-promotion effect included 400 Hz frequency sound wave,cuckoo acoustic song and cricket acoustic song,followed by MI,Fn and F5.Cuckoo and cricket acoustic song treatment could promote the weight of cowpea seedling during seedling stage.[Conclusion] Sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics had significant growth-promotion effect on growth of cowpea during seedling stage,but their effects were different.展开更多
In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convo...In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convolutional neural network(Faster R-CNN)is proposed.The bird’s nest on the high-voltage tower is taken as the research object.Firstly,we use the improved convolutional neural network ResNet101 to extract object features,and then use multi-scale sliding windows to obtain the object region proposals on the convolution feature maps with different resolutions.Finally,a deconvolution operation is added to further enhance the selected feature map with higher resolution,and then it taken as a feature mapping layer of the region proposals passing to the object detection sub-network.The detection results of the bird’s nest in UAV aerial images show that the proposed method can precisely detect small objects in aerial images.展开更多
Surprisingly recent astronomical observations have provided strong evidence that our universe is not only expanding, but also is expanding at an accelerating rate. This paper pre- sents a basis of the theory of univer...Surprisingly recent astronomical observations have provided strong evidence that our universe is not only expanding, but also is expanding at an accelerating rate. This paper pre- sents a basis of the theory of universe space- time dark energy, a solution of Einstein’s cosmological constant problem, physical interpretation of universe dark energy and Einstein’s cosmological constant Lambda and its value ( = 0.29447 × 10-52 m-2), values of universe dark energy density 1.2622 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 6.8023 GeV, universe critical density 1.8069 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 9.7378 GeV, universe matter density 0.54207 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 2.9213 GeV, and universe radiation density 2.7103 × 10-31 kg/m3 = 1.455 MeV. The interpretation in this paper is based on geometric modeling of space-time as a perfect four- dimensional continuum cosmic fluid and the momentum generated by the time. In this modeling time is considered as a mechanical variable along with other variables and treated on an equal footing. In such a modeling, time is considered to have a mechanical nature so that the momentum associated with it is equal to the negative of the universe total energy. Since the momentum associated with the time as a mechanical variable is equal to the negative system total energy, the coupling in the time and its momentum leads to maximum increase in the space-time field with 70.7% of the total energy. Moreover, a null paraboloid is obtained and interpreted as a function of the momentum generated by time. This paper presents also an interpretation of space-time tri-dipoles, gravity field waves, and gravity carriers (the gravitons). This model suggests that the space-time has a polarity and is composed of dipoles which are responsible for forming the orbits and storing the space-time energy-momentum. The tri-di- poles can be unified into a solo space-time dipole with an angle of 45 degrees. Such a result shows that the space-time is not void, on the contrary, it is full of conserved and dynamic energy-momentum structure. Furthermore, the gravity field waves is modeled and assumed to be carried by the gravitons which move in the speed of light. The equivalent mass of the graviton (rest mass) is found to be equal to 0.707 of the equivalent mass of the light photons. Such a result indicates that the lightest particle (up to the author’s knowledge) in the nature is the graviton and has an equivalent mass equals to 2.5119 x 10-52 kg. Based on the fluidic nature of dark energy, a fourth law of thermodynamics is proposed and a new physical interpretation of Kepler’s Laws are presented. Additionally, based on the fact that what we are observing is just the history of our universe, on the Big Bang Theory, Einstein’s General Relativity, Hubble Parameter, cosmic inflation theory and on NASA’s observation of supernova 1a, then a second-order (parabolic) parametric model is obtained in this proposed paper to describe the accelerated ex- pansion of the universe. This model shows that the universe is approaching the universe cosmic horizon line and will pass through a critical point that will influence significantly its fate. Considering the breaking symmetry model and the variational principle of mechanics, then the universe will witness an infinitesimally stationary state and a symmetry breaking. As result of that, our universe will experience in the near future, a very massive impulse force in the order 1083 N. Subsequently, the universe will collapse. Finally, simulation results are demonstrated to verify the analytical results.展开更多
Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fun...Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fundamental diagnostic features for this new species are the very thin double-layered cortex in peridioles,exoperidium strongly hirsute,and a platinum bright endoperidium.Description,discussion and photographs of this new species are provided.展开更多
文摘This article explores the dead universe theory as a novel interpretation for the origin and evolution of the universe, suggesting that our cosmos may have originated from the remnants of a preceding universe. This perspective challenges the conventional Big Bang theory, particularly concerning dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and the interpretation of phenomena such as gravitational waves.
文摘During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging to the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds (n = 25 ). The study area was divided into monitoring quadrants (n = 16) where 96 transects for bird monitoring were conducted, recording 16,635 individuals of which only 32.9% were in the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds. The association betweenA. bairdiiand other species was estimated from the nonparametric statistical index of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and the p value, through permutation analysis (n = 10,000), finding positive and significant associations (p≤0.05) of the target species for study withSturnella magna,Passerculus sandwichensisandAmmodramus savannarum, species that share habitat preferences of natural grassland in good condition, slightly grazed and with little tolerance to the shrub cover. The association W ranged from 0.072 and 0.749. These results can recognize this region as an important area for the conservation of obligate grassland birds during winter, suggesting establish training programs to better utilize this resource by means of cattle activity.
文摘In The Bluest Eye,the author narrates a little black girl's strong desire to have blue eyes.At last,Pecola imagines possessing blue eyes at the cost of going insane.This paper mainly argues that it is the family's influence,the internalized racism and the whites'powerful and dominant culture that leads to Pecola's tragic fate.
基金funded by the Research Excellence Consortium(Konsortium Kecemerlangan Penyelidikan)(KKP/2020/UKMUKM/5/1)(JPT(BKPI)1000/016/018/25(21))the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2019/WAB01/UKM/02/1)。
文摘This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the recovered hydrolysates at different hydrolysis times were evaluated.Results showed that the recovery yield of enzymatic hydrolysis was above 89%for all grades of EBN and the degree of hydrolysis increased over time.Nitrite content(0.321-0.433 mg/L)was below the permissible tolerance level for all samples.Interestingly,the antioxidant activities(DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant powder(FRAP)activity)were significantly higher(P≤0.05)in hydrolysates recovered from EBN by-products(EBNhC and EBNhD)as compared to the high grade EBN hydrolysates(EBNhA and EBNhB).The in-vitro probiotic activity of EBN and its hydrolysates were examined using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.Evidently,EBN by-products hydrolysate(EBNhD)recorded the highest number of L.plantarum(1.1×1011 CFU/mL),indicating that low grade EBN has the potential as prebiotic material that promotes probiotic activity.This study demonstrated the concept of using EBN by-products hydrolysates for various applications,such as functional ingredients with enhanced bioactivities,to improve its economic value.
基金supported by grant CGL2014-54094-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness。
文摘Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical cicadas in North America.In Europe,the Near East and North Africa,knowledge of cicada predation by birds is sparse.Methods:To help fill this gap,I consulted Cramp’s Birds of the Western Palearctic,conducted a search of online databases and used search engines to generate a database of Western Palearctic birds known to eat cicadas.Results:A total of 105 species(16%of those occurring in the region)belonging to 13 orders,and comprising 20 of the 33 passerine families,were found to consume cicadas.I estimated that 69 of these bird species are known to consume cicadas within the limits of the Western Palearctic.Many terrestrial birds predate on cicadas,preferably on adults.Avian predators include cuckoos,owls,bee-eaters,woodpeckers,falcons,reed-warblers,larks,crows and jays,buntings,shrikes,pipits and wagtails,flycatchers and chats,tits,sparrows,leaf-warblers,starlings,warblers and thrushes,but also terns and gulls.Nymphs are consumed by some passerines,owls and herons.Cicadas can make up as much as 70%of food items delivered to nestlings.Analysis of stomach contents and neck collar samples are the most common methods used in diet studies.Conclusions:Available knowledge is biased towards species that have been more intensively studied,and often lack proper quantification of prey items.More studies about the relative importance of cicadas as prey for birds in the Western Palearctic are needed.I suggest using non-invasive studies based on pellets and droppings and prioritizing declining bird species.
文摘Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical location of Beijing is paramount to themigratory birds. The species of birds are rich in varietyand its quantity is large in scale. In addition, the birdmarket in old town Beijing has a long history - since theQing Dynasty, it has been the main bird market in thecity. Therefore, a survey of the major bird markets inthe city is highly representative. This study investigatedthe types, quantities, and prices of wild birds tradedin several major bird markets in Beijing from July16 to July 18, 2019. Data analysis and collation werealso conducted in this study. The results of the surveypresented 26 kinds of wild birds, with a total tradingvolume of an estimated 253. They are mainly birdsof the order of the passerine, 18 of which are underBeijing’s second-class protection, and one of them isunder first-class protection.
文摘In the second round of French presidential election,39-year-old Emmanuel Macron defeated the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and was elected President of France.This is a historic victory to France and all EU countries.
基金Supported by Major Scientific and Technological Special Projects in Zhejiang Province(2008C12056)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics on the growth of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata)during seedling stage.[Method] The insect-music mixed sound(MI),cuckoo acoustic song,cricket acoustic song,single 400 Hz frequency sound wave,F5 and Fn sound waves composed of different frequencies were designed to investigate their effects on height and weight of cowpea seedling,and experimental data were statistically analyzed and multiple-compared by EXCEL.[Result] After treatment by sound waves with six different types and frequencies,the growth situations of cowpea were better than that in control.This indicated that sound waves could significantly promote height growth of plant.The treatments with good growth-promotion effect included 400 Hz frequency sound wave,cuckoo acoustic song and cricket acoustic song,followed by MI,Fn and F5.Cuckoo and cricket acoustic song treatment could promote the weight of cowpea seedling during seedling stage.[Conclusion] Sound waves with different types and frequency characteristics had significant growth-promotion effect on growth of cowpea during seedling stage,but their effects were different.
基金National Defense Pre-research Fund Project(No.KMGY318002531)。
文摘In order to solve the problem of small objects detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images with complex background,a general detection method for multi-scale small objects based on Faster region-based convolutional neural network(Faster R-CNN)is proposed.The bird’s nest on the high-voltage tower is taken as the research object.Firstly,we use the improved convolutional neural network ResNet101 to extract object features,and then use multi-scale sliding windows to obtain the object region proposals on the convolution feature maps with different resolutions.Finally,a deconvolution operation is added to further enhance the selected feature map with higher resolution,and then it taken as a feature mapping layer of the region proposals passing to the object detection sub-network.The detection results of the bird’s nest in UAV aerial images show that the proposed method can precisely detect small objects in aerial images.
文摘Surprisingly recent astronomical observations have provided strong evidence that our universe is not only expanding, but also is expanding at an accelerating rate. This paper pre- sents a basis of the theory of universe space- time dark energy, a solution of Einstein’s cosmological constant problem, physical interpretation of universe dark energy and Einstein’s cosmological constant Lambda and its value ( = 0.29447 × 10-52 m-2), values of universe dark energy density 1.2622 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 6.8023 GeV, universe critical density 1.8069 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 9.7378 GeV, universe matter density 0.54207 × 10-26 kg/m3 = 2.9213 GeV, and universe radiation density 2.7103 × 10-31 kg/m3 = 1.455 MeV. The interpretation in this paper is based on geometric modeling of space-time as a perfect four- dimensional continuum cosmic fluid and the momentum generated by the time. In this modeling time is considered as a mechanical variable along with other variables and treated on an equal footing. In such a modeling, time is considered to have a mechanical nature so that the momentum associated with it is equal to the negative of the universe total energy. Since the momentum associated with the time as a mechanical variable is equal to the negative system total energy, the coupling in the time and its momentum leads to maximum increase in the space-time field with 70.7% of the total energy. Moreover, a null paraboloid is obtained and interpreted as a function of the momentum generated by time. This paper presents also an interpretation of space-time tri-dipoles, gravity field waves, and gravity carriers (the gravitons). This model suggests that the space-time has a polarity and is composed of dipoles which are responsible for forming the orbits and storing the space-time energy-momentum. The tri-di- poles can be unified into a solo space-time dipole with an angle of 45 degrees. Such a result shows that the space-time is not void, on the contrary, it is full of conserved and dynamic energy-momentum structure. Furthermore, the gravity field waves is modeled and assumed to be carried by the gravitons which move in the speed of light. The equivalent mass of the graviton (rest mass) is found to be equal to 0.707 of the equivalent mass of the light photons. Such a result indicates that the lightest particle (up to the author’s knowledge) in the nature is the graviton and has an equivalent mass equals to 2.5119 x 10-52 kg. Based on the fluidic nature of dark energy, a fourth law of thermodynamics is proposed and a new physical interpretation of Kepler’s Laws are presented. Additionally, based on the fact that what we are observing is just the history of our universe, on the Big Bang Theory, Einstein’s General Relativity, Hubble Parameter, cosmic inflation theory and on NASA’s observation of supernova 1a, then a second-order (parabolic) parametric model is obtained in this proposed paper to describe the accelerated ex- pansion of the universe. This model shows that the universe is approaching the universe cosmic horizon line and will pass through a critical point that will influence significantly its fate. Considering the breaking symmetry model and the variational principle of mechanics, then the universe will witness an infinitesimally stationary state and a symmetry breaking. As result of that, our universe will experience in the near future, a very massive impulse force in the order 1083 N. Subsequently, the universe will collapse. Finally, simulation results are demonstrated to verify the analytical results.
文摘Cyathus tenuicorticalis was found growing on decaying wood from La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica.Specimens were analyzed using the methodology proposed for the group and specific literature for the genus.The fundamental diagnostic features for this new species are the very thin double-layered cortex in peridioles,exoperidium strongly hirsute,and a platinum bright endoperidium.Description,discussion and photographs of this new species are provided.