Despite growing interest in ecological consequences of parasitism in food webs, relatively little is known about effects of parasites on long-term population dynamics of non-host species or about whether such effects are density or trait mediated. We studied a tri-trophic food chain comprised of (i) a bacterial basal resource (Serratia fonticola), (ii) an intermediate consumer (Paramecium cauda...

Levels of parasitism are continuously distributed in nature. Models of host-parasite coevolution, however, typically assume that species can be easily characterized as either parasitic or non-parasitic. Consequently, it is poorly understood which factors influence the evolution of parasitism itself. We investigate how ploidy level and the genetic mechanisms underlying infection influence evolut...

The effects of two neem insecticide formulations (an oil-free powder formulation and an oil formulation) on field parasitism of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), larvae and, on the longevity and foraging behaviour of Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren), were evaluated in field and laboratory tests. Overall, larval parasitism in plots sprayed with the oil-free neem formulation was not signifi...

Biological control on crop infesting insects represent an useful method in modem agriculture. A search for parasitoids of the macadamia nutborer was carried out during a three year study, and their effect on the population fluctuation of the borer was determined. An egg parasitoid belonging to the family Trichogrammatidae and four larval parasitoids, Microgastrine I, Microgastrine II, Ascogaste...

The advent of parasite genome sequencing projects, as well as an increase in biology-directed gene discovery, promises to reveal genes encoding many of the key molecules required for nematode-host interactions. However, distinguishing parasitism genes from those merely required for nematode viability remains a substantial challenge. Although this will ultimately require a functional test in the...

the sunn pest, eurygaster integriceps puton, is a serious pest of wheat in coraim region of ardabil province. in this study, the egg parasitoids of sunn pest was collected and identified in this region during 2007 and 2008. also, the percentage of egg parasitism was determined in 14 different defined areas in this region. the areas 1-3 were selected in irrigated wheat fields in the presence of ...

Online communities have become quite popular, and both practitioners and researchers have focused on the determinants of and the evaluation of online community success. The success of online community is not only embodied in the usage but also on the members’ intention to stick with the community over time. Based on the updated DeLone and McLean’s IS Success Model, and incorporating the theory ...

IT use is a primary concept that should be clarified carefully since it is a major concept in several existing IS theoretical models such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Task-Technology Fit, and IS Success model. Unfortunately, most studies define this concept too simply. This can constrain our understandings of IT impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to conceptualize IT use and explore its ...

Broadly, telemedicine refers to the use of information and telecommunication technologies to distribute information and/or expertise necessary for healthcare service provision, collaboration and/or delivery among geographically separated participants, including physicians and patients. Evaluation of telemedicine systems success or effectiveness is a fundamental challenge to healthcare organizat...