Basic properties of a characteristic matrix for a tail-biting convolutional code are investigated. A tail-biting convolutional code can be regarded as a linear block code. Since the corresponding scalar generator matrix G has a kind of cyclic structure, an associated characteristic matrix also has a cyclic structure, from which basic properties of a characteristic matrix are obtained. Next, usi...

Compounds thought to be effective against mosquitoes as either 'insecticides' or 'repellents' have recently been shown to contain properties of both, or possess other behavior-modifying actions. Prompted in part by these reports, we conducted posterior analyses of our data to examine some interrelated statistical issues inherent in our bioassay system. Using a modified K&D module, the responses...

objective: this is a parallel, three group, randomized, controlled clinical trial, with outcomes evaluated up to three months after randomization for children and adolescents with chronic nail biting. the current study investigates the efficacy of habit reversal training (hrt) and compares its effect with object manipulation training (omt) considering the limitations of the current literature ....

We describe the hourly patterns of parous biting activity of the three main simuliid vectors of human onchocerciasis in the Amazonian focus straddling between Venezuela and Brazil, namely, Simulium guianense s.l. Wise; S. incrustatum Lutz, and S. oyapockense s.l. Floch and Abonnenc. Time series of the hourly numbers of host-seeking parous flies caught in five Yanomami villages during dry, rainy...

background: use of bed-net continues to offer potential strategy for malaria prevention in endemic areas. local communi­ties are indispensable during design and implementation stages. methods: a cross-sectional study of 192 randomly selected inhabitants was carried out in malarious zone, siahoo dire­strict, hormozgan province, southern iran. in addition, we monitored human landing periodicity o...

This study describes the mechanical role that cranial sutures play in fish during feeding. The long-term goal of our work is to establish relationships between suture form and function, so that functional inferences can be made from suture morphology in fossil taxa. To this end, strain gauges were surgically implanted across selected sutures in the skull roof of four individuals of Polypterus e...

BACKGROUND Robust malaria vector surveillance is essential for optimally selecting and targeting vector control measures. Sixty-two vector surveillance sites were established between 2005 and 2008 by the national malaria surveillance program in China to measure Anopheles sinensis human biting rates. Using these data to determine the primary ecological drivers of malaria vector human biting rate...

BACKGROUND Horn flies are among the most important biting fly pests of cattle in the United States. Horn fly management is largely dependent upon pesticides, which ultimately leads to the rapid development of insecticide resistance. Alternative control strategies, including repellents, have shown promising results in reducing fly biting. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and longev...

BACKGROUND Tail biting is a common welfare problem in pig production and in addition to being a sign of underlying welfare problems, tail biting reduces welfare in itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tail biting on different pre and post mortem indicators of stress in slaughter pigs and on carcass and meat characteristics. A total of 12 tail bitten (TB) and 13 control (...

Paired rats are known to behave aggressively when given painful electric shocks. The present study developed a procedure whereby individual rats given shocks might bite an inanimate target object. Unavoidable shock was delivered to the rat while it was restrained in a position close to, and facing a target object. Biting of the target was recorded automatically. Shock caused the rat to bite met...