Flight Activity Research Articles

Ultrafine Particle Ground-Level Impacts During Aircraft Approach and Climb-out Operations at a Major Cargo Hub

Ultrafine particles (UFP) contribute to adverse health outcomes such as asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. Recent research draws attention to elevated ambient UFP number concentrations near airports. In this study, high time-resolution UFP measurements were conducted along public roads near Mohammad Ali International Airport (SDF; Louisville, KY) which is a commercial passenger airport and a major air cargo hub. Short-duration (∼3 h) measurements with two instrumented vehicles were designed and executed to capitalize on the distinct features of the air cargo hub including periods of high flight activity (and either all landings or all take-offs) at night and early morning when the atmospheric mixing layer depth is shallow. We present preliminary measurements for quantifying individual aircraft contributions and showcase the complexities involved in interpreting these data. For example, during periods with high arrivals frequency, UFP plumes from multiple aircraft on approach are superposed and it is challenging to apportion impacts to individual aircraft. Ground-level impacts for individual aircraft on climb-out are difficult to discern because the planes rapidly ascend above the atmospheric mixed layer height and take different flight paths soon after take-off. Elevated UFP concentrations are observed downwind of the airport, in some cases admixed with approach/climb-out emissions. Although from these data UFP concentrations are difficult to associate with specific aircraft characteristics, UFP concentrations are elevated downwind of the airport. These impacts decrease with increasing distance from the airport yet are clearly discernible at least 3 km downwind.

Flight altitudes and flight activities of adult Red Kites (Milvus milvus) in the breeding area as determined by GPS telemetry

The Red Kite has come to the forefront of general consciousness in recent decades. A major contributing factor has been repeated collisions of these raptors with wind turbines and the important role they play in the approval process for new turbines. Efforts to improve their protection sometime encounter challenges due to limited knowledge about some life history aspects, e.g., their flight altitude and flight activity. We investigated these parameters from 2012 to 2018 in an approximately 1000-km2 study area in the vicinity of Weimar (Federal State of Thuringia, Federal Republic of Germany) in 29 breeding birds (19 males and 10 females) equipped with GPS loggers. In addition to more than 11 million GPS data records, accelerometer data from the loggers were evaluated. The start of morning activities correlated with sunrise. Most frequently, Red Kites initiated their first hunting flights immediately at sunrise; males started hunting at 9 min and females started hunting at 12 min after sunrise (medians). The Red Kites mostly foraged and hunted their prey during flight. The proportion of time spent flying during their activity phase was highest during midday hours, reaching 30–80% in males depending on the phase of the breeding season. For males, the time spent flying was approximately two and a half times that for females. The birds sporadically reached flight altitudes of up to 1600 m above ground in the breeding area, while they maintained lower altitudes between 5 and 60 m more frequently and predominantly while foraging (56% of location fixes). Higher altitudes were occupied much less frequently than lower altitudes and were often used to travel relatively long distances in an energy-saving manner. The end of activity was well before sunset, at 87 min prior to sunset for males and 154 min prior to sunset (medians) for females.

Predicting Emerald Ash Borer Adult Emergence and Peak Flight Activity in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire; Coleoptera: Buprestidae) has killed tens of millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees across North America. A. planipennis was first detected in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017 and has the potential to become a serious threat to the city's ash canopy which accounts for ~30% of the public tree inventory. The goal of this study was to predict when adult A. planipennis emergence and peak activity would occur in Winnipeg to help logistical planning for the implementation of a city-wide management program. The management program would focus on detection and limiting the spread of the beetle with the objective of preserving ash trees as long as possible allowing for more proactive management of the EAB infestation. To predict adult emergence and peak activity of A. planipennis, we used local weather station data to calculate the number of degree-days accumulated in each year for the 1970–2019 period using three different degree-day accumulation models. Developmental thresholds for A. planipennis were derived from previous North American studies. The estimated mean emergence dates for the 50-year period were June 14 ± 8.5 days (double sine model), June 14 ± 8.5 days (single sine model), and June 19 ± 9.1 days (standard model) whereas the peak activity dates were July 16 ± 8.8 days (double sine model), July 17 ± 8.7 days (single sine model), and July 21 ± 9.4 days (standard model). Meteorological records indicate that temperatures in the Winnipeg region have increased over the study period. However, our predicted emergence dates do not significantly differ over the 50 years examined in the study, although estimated peak activity dates are significantly earlier, suggesting that EAB movement may benefit from climate change. The results from this study will provide managers with information regarding the temporal behavior of A. plannipennis in Winnipeg allowing for improved timing of control measures and monitoring, thereby extending the projected life span of a significant ash tree population within the Winnipeg urban region. The management model developed for Winnipeg could serve as an example for other locations in the prairie region of North America.

A critical review of the distribution of the endangered European earth-borer beetle Bolbelasmusunicornis (Coleoptera, Geotrupidae), with new records from 13 countries and observations on its bionomy.

The distribution of Bolbelasmusunicornis (Schrank, 1789) is critically reviewed throughout its range with emphasis on the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The species has been reliably recorded from 377 localities in 19 countries. New records are given from 152 localities of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine. For Germany, the species is recorded for the first time in 54 years. The occurrence of the species in Switzerland is confirmed by two historical specimens from Zürich. The only known historical specimen labelled "Kaukasus" is given, which could originate from Russia, where this species has not been recorded before (however, confusion of the locality label cannot be ruled out). All published faunistic data from across the range are presented here in full, in several cases supplemented by details subsequently obtained by the author. Distribution maps are compiled separately for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and for the entire range. A separate map is also available for Hungary, where approximately one-third of the known localities are located. Statistical data concerning the flight activity of adults, seasonal dynamics for part of the distribution area, details of records and notes on the bionomy and ethology of the species are provided. Possible feeding strategies for adults and larvae of B.unicornis are discussed, as well as current knowledge of the natural history of various representatives of the subfamily Bolboceratinae. A monitoring method for the species is proposed.

Ankara Esenboga International Airport (Turkey) fog analysis and synoptical investigation of the fog event dated 17–19 December 2019

AbstractThe aviation industry has developed greatly in recent years. Millions of people choose air transport as a means of transportation every year, and flight safety is critically important. However, meteorological conditions can cause disruptions in flight activities and lead to accidents. One of the meteorological conditions that adversely affect flight activities is fog. Prediction of fog incidents increases flight safety. In this study, fog analysis of Ankara Esenboga International Airport was carried out between 2011 and 2020. The data used in the fog analysis are taken from the observations of Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) and Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI). The distribution of fog events in a 10‐year period was determined according to years, months, days, hours, meteorological parameters (wind, pressure, cloud cover/height, temperature, and prevailing view), and types. Over a 10‐year period, 802.02 hr of fog occurred. The average number of foggy days was determined as 17.9. According to the fog formation types, the fogs occurring at Esenboga Airport were classified as 62% radiation fog, 14% lowering cloud base, 9% precipitation fog, 2% advection fog, and 12% unknown fog. CAT categories in the foggy hours of Esenboga Airport were determined. In cases where there were foggy observations for approach and landing activities during the 10‐year period, these were found to be 40.34% according to CAT I, 72.8% according to CAT II, 93.8% according to CAT IIIA, and 100% according to CAT IIIB. Synoptic analysis of a particular fog incident, which started at 2220 UTC on December 16 and continued for 55.83 hr, was also made. When the synoptic maps and Skew‐T Log P diagrams were examined, the deepening of the high pressure center in and around Ankara and the low thermal advection caused a very stable atmosphere, resulting in a prolonged and intense fog event.

Malaria mosquitoes acquire and allocate cattle urine to enhance life history traits

BackgroundNutrient acquisition and allocation integrate foraging and life-history traits in insects. To compensate for the lack of a particular nutrient at different life stages, insects may acquire these through supplementary feeding, for example, on vertebrate secretions, in a process known as puddling. The mosquito Anopheles arabiensis emerges undernourished, and as such, requires nutrients for both metabolism and reproduction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether An. arabiensis engage in puddling on cattle urine to obtain nutrients to improve life history traits.MethodsTo determine whether An. arabiensis are attracted to the odour of fresh, 24 h, 72 h and 168 h aged cattle urine, host-seeking and blood-fed (48 h post-blood meal) females were assayed in a Y-tube olfactometer, and gravid females assessed in an oviposition assay. Combined chemical and electrophysiological analyses were subsequently used to identify the bioactive compounds in all four age classes of cattle urine. Synthetic blends of bioactive compounds were evaluated in both Y-tube and field assays. To investigate the cattle urine, and its main nitrogenous compound, urea, as a potential supplementary diet for malaria vectors, feeding parameters and life history traits were measured. The proportion of female mosquitoes and the amount of cattle urine and urea imbibed, were assessed. Following feeding, females were evaluated for survival, tethered flight and reproduction.ResultsHost-seeking and blood-fed An. arabiensis were attracted to the natural and synthetic odour of fresh and aged cattle urine in both laboratory and field studies. Gravid females were indifferent in their response to cattle urine presence at oviposition sites. Host-seeking and blood-fed females actively imbibed cattle urine and urea, and allocated these resources according to life history trade-offs to flight, survival or reproduction, as a function of physiological state.ConclusionsAnopheles arabiensis acquire and allocate cattle urine to improve life history traits. Supplementary feeding on cattle urine affects vectorial capacity directly by increasing daily survival and vector density, as well as indirectly by altering flight activity, and thus should be considered in future models.

High Wind Speed Prevents the Establishment of the Disease Vector Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Its Climatic Niche in Europe

Environmentally suitable habitats ofAedes albopictus(Ae. albopictus) in Europe are identified by several modeling studies. However, it is noticeable that even after decades of invasion process in Europe, the vector mosquito has not yet been established in all its environmentally suitable areas. Natural barriers and human-mediated transport play a role, but the potential of wind speed to explainAe. albopictus’absences and its inability to establish in its suitable areas are largely unknown. This study therefore evaluates the potential of wind speed as an explanatory parameter of the non-occurrence ofAe. albopictus. We developed a global ecological niche model with relevant environmental parameters including wind speed and projected it to current climatic conditions in Europe.Differences in average wind speed between areas of occurrence and non-occurrence ofAe. albopictuswithin its modeled suitable areas were tested for significance. A second global ecological niche model was trained with the same species records and environmental parameters, excluding windspeed parameters. Using multiple linear regression analyses and a test of average marginal effect, the effect of increasing wind speed on the average marginal effect of temperature and precipitation on the projected habitat suitability was estimated. We found that climatically suitable and monitored areas whereAe. albopictusis not established (3.12 ms-1 ± 0.04 SD) have significantly higher wind speed than areas where the species is already established (2.54 ms-1 ± 0.04 SD). Among temperature-related bioclimatic variables, the annual mean temperature was the most important variable contributing to the performance of both global models. Wind speed has a negative effect on the predicted habitat suitability ofAe. albopictusand reduces false-positive rates in model predictions. With increasing wind speed, the average marginal effect of annual mean temperatures decreases but that of the annual precipitation increases. Wind speed should be considered in future modeling efforts aimed at limiting the spread and dispersal ofAe. albopictusand in the implementation of surveillance and early warning systems. Local-scale data collected from fieldwork or laboratory experiments will help improve the state of the art on how wind speed influences the distribution, flight, and dispersal activity of the mosquito.

Climate Drivers of Pine Shoot Beetle Outbreak Dynamics in Southwest China

Outbreaks of pine shoot beetles (Tomicus spp.) have caused widespread tree mortality in Southwest China. However, the understanding of the role of climatic drivers in pine shoot beetle outbreaks is limited. This study aimed to characterize the relationships between climate variables and pine shoot beetle outbreaks in the forests of Yunnan pine (Pinus yunnanensis Franch) in Southwest China. The pine shoot beetle-infested total area from 2000 to 2017 was extracted from multi-data Landsat images and obtained from field survey plots. A temporal prediction model was developed by partial least squares regression. The results indicated that multi consecutive year droughts was the strongest predictor, as such a condition greatly reduced the tree resistance to the beetles. The beetle-infested total area increased with spring temperature, associated with a higher success rate of trunk colonization and accelerated larval development. Warmer temperatures and longer solar radiation duration promoted flight activity during the trunk transfer to the shoot period and allowed the completion of sister broods. Multi consecutive year droughts combined with the warmer temperatures and higher solar radiation duration could provide favorable conditions for shoot beetle outbreaks. Generally, identifying the climate variables that drive pine shoot beetle outbreaks could help improve current strategies for outbreak control.

A fungal-based pesticide does not harm pollination service provided by the African stingless bee Meliponula ferruginea on cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) provide pollination services to crops and produce high–quality honey. The application of agrochemicals during the management of crop pests is an increasing threat to pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide. Biopesticides are considered as better alternatives; however, there is limited evidence of their impact on stingless bees. We evaluated the effect of the most widely used African fungal biopesticide (Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 69) on mortality, foraging behavior and pollination success of the African stingless bee Meliponula ferruginea under semi-field conditions. Colonies of M. ferruginea were introduced into four 24 m2 greenhouse compartments containing blooming cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants. Cucumber plants were sprayed with a suspension of the biopesticide alongside a sterile 0.05% Triton–100–X (control). The experiment was repeated three times during different cucumber growing seasons. Biopesticide application did not significantly affect M. ferruginea mortality, flight activity, flower visitation, pollen foraging, C. sativus fruit set or C. sativus yield. Forager bees acquired a high number of conidia (7,600 ± 54 conidia /bee) immediately after biopesticide application; however, a significant decline was observed in the subsequent days. Conidial persistence and viability on plant surfaces declined significantly with days. There was no correlation between conidial acquisition and pollen load by forager bees (657 ± 29 pollen/bee). This study demonstrates that M. anisopliae ICIPE 69 did not negatively impact M. ferruginea mortality, pollination behaviour and success, and can therefore be safely used in stingless bee–dependent crop systems.

Analisis Pengaturan Apron oleh Petugas Apron Movement Control (AMC) dalam Menunjang Pelayanan dan Keselamatan Penerbangan di Bandar Udara Tunggal Wulung Cilacap

The implementation of control of the movement of aircraft, vehicles and on the apron must be monitored by the relevant Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers in maintaining and improving the security and traffic safety of the movement of aircraft, vehicles and people, so as to create aspects of security, safety and smoothness on the air side. especially on the apron. This study aims to determine the provision of safety for personnel, vehicles and equipment while on the apron because there is no service road, and to determine the parking arrangements for pilot school aircraft by Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers. The study used qualitative research methods, using the Triangulation method. The results showed that 1) Aviation safety on the air side is the most important part in the implementation of flight activities, 2) Training aircraft parking is carried out by training instructors from each pilot school and has been determined by AMC officers. If there are additional aircraft, there will be a change in the parking system, where the AMC unit plays a role in taking over the task of parking the aircraft.

Effect of vibrational mating disruption on flight activity and oviposition to control the grapevine pest, Scaphoideustitanus

The increasing demand for safe and sustainably produced food is leading to the development of strategies of pest control alternative to chemicals. One innovative method is Vibrational Mating Disruption (VMD) to disrupt insect communication in plants. VMD was proven effective in preventing mating of the grapevine pest Scaphoideus titanus, vector of flavescence dorée. However, the stress induced by VMD on the target species has the potential to influence other crucial aspects of the insect biology and ethology. Therefore, the goal of this study was to understand side effects of VMD on the flight activity and oviposition of S. titanus. The results of our experiments conducted in the greenhouse showed that in the presence of a receptive female, males fly more if exposed to vibrations than in the silent control but not differently from singles males in silence. Surprisingly, we found that also females subjected to VMD fly more than in the silence. Regarding oviposition, we found that mated females exposed to vibrations and single females (unmated) laid significantly fewer eggs than mated females in silence. In conclusion, this study shows the potential of VMD to interfere, besides with mating, with other important biological aspects of the pest species.

Activity recognition on smartphones using an AKNN based support vectors

PurposeMobile phone-based human activity recognition (HAR) consists of inferring user’s activity type from the analysis of the inertial mobile sensor data. This paper aims to mainly introduce a new classification approach called adaptive k-nearest neighbors (AKNN) for intelligent HAR using smartphone inertial sensors with a potential real-time implementation on smartphone platform.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method puts forward several modification on AKNN baseline by using kernel discriminant analysis for feature reduction and hybridizing weighted support vector machines and KNN to tackle imbalanced class data set.FindingsExtensive experiments on a five large scale daily activity recognition data set have been performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in terms of error rate, recall, precision, F1-score and computational/memory resources, with several comparison with state-of-the art methods and other hybridization modes. The results showed that the proposed method can achieve more than 50% improvement in error rate metric and up to 5.6% in F1-score. The training phase is also shown to be reduced by a factor of six compared to baseline, which provides solid assets for smartphone implementation.Practical implicationsThis work builds a bridge to already growing work in machine learning related to learning with small data set. Besides, the availability of systems that are able to perform on flight activity recognition on smartphone will have a significant impact in the field of pervasive health care, supporting a variety of practical applications such as elderly care, ambient assisted living and remote monitoring.Originality/valueThe purpose of this study is to build and test an accurate offline model by using only a compact training data that can reduce the computational and memory complexity of the system. This provides grounds for developing new innovative hybridization modes in the context of daily activity recognition and smartphone-based implementation. This study demonstrates that the new AKNN is able to classify the data without any training step because it does not use any model for fitting and only uses memory resources to store the corresponding support vectors.

Anti-Collision Technologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Recent Advances and Future Trends

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely applied in civil applications, such as disaster relief, agriculture and cargo transportation, and so on. With the massive number of UAV flight activities, the anti-collision technologies aiming to avoid the collisions between UAVs and other objects have attracted much attention. The anti-collision technologies are of vital importance to guarantee the survivability and safety of UAVs. In this article, a comprehensive survey on UAV anti-collision technologies is presented. We firstly introduce laws and regulations on UAV safety which prevent a collision at the policy level. Then, the process of anti-collision technologies is reviewed from three aspects, i.e., obstacle sensing, collision prediction, and collision avoidance. We provide a detailed survey and comparison of the methods of each aspect and analyze their pros and cons. Besides, the future trends on UAV anti-collision technologies are presented from the perspective of fast obstacle sensing and fast wireless networking. Finally, we summarize this article.

Spread, Vector Flight Behavior, and Impact of Laurel Wilt in Sassafras Beyond the Gulf-Atlantic Coastal Plain

Abstract Laurel wilt is a destructive vascular disease of trees in the laurel family (Lauraceae) caused by a nonnative insect/pathogen complex. This study monitored the recent spread and impact of laurel wilt in sassafras (Sassafras albidum [Nutt.] Nees) from the Gulf-Atlantic Coastal Plain region of the southeastern United States (US) into the adjacent Piedmont/Sandhills and Mountain regions. Laurel wilt was detected at thirteen of forty-six sassafras sites including seven outside the Coastal Plain. Compared to nondiseased sites, sassafras mortality due to laurel wilt increased rapidly from 2018 to 2020 and occurred in all diameter classes monitored (≥ 5 cm diameter at breast height, dbh). Flight trapping for the laurel wilt vector, the redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff), with α-copaene lures did not enhance early detection of latent laurel wilt infections. Seasonal flight activity of the RAB in the Piedmont and Mountains suggested two generations per year with little to no flight from December through March. Study Implications Sassafras is the most widely-distributed lauraceous tree species in the US and is valued for its ecological functions, durable wood, and numerous cultural uses. Our results strongly suggest the potential for substantial loss of the existing sassafras resource as laurel wilt continues spreading through the eastern US. Survey traps baited with current lures for the primary insect vector are unlikely to improve early detection of new laurel wilt infections. The georeferenced network of plots established for this project provides baseline data for future monitoring efforts and could be revisited to look for evidence of sassafras resistance to the laurel wilt pathogen.

Flight Capability and the Low Temperature Threshold of a Chinese Field Population of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda.

Simple SummaryThe fall armyworm (FAW), an invasive migratory pest from the Americas, has been rapidly spreading through the Old World recently. Although it cannot survive winter periods in temperate and subtropical regions, adults re-invade these areas each spring or summer by virtue of their migratory capability. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the flight capability of FAW moths for monitoring and predicting the range and timing of this migration. In this study, we demonstrate that the potential migration duration (and thus distance) of a field population of FAW from South China is significantly greater than previously estimated. A strong migratory tendency was observed in 58% of individuals, and the longest self-powered flight distance was 116.7 km with a cumulative flight duration of 36.51 h during a 48-h period. Furthermore, our study documented that the low temperature threshold for flight of FAW was 13.1 °C. The results of this paper will be helpful to further understand the migratory rules and flight behavior of FAW, and to provide a theoretical basis for pest forecasting and pest control.The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is capable of long-distance migration; thus, evaluation of its flight capability is relevant to the design of monitoring and control strategies for this pest. Previous studies have quantified the flight ability of lab-reared populations under controlled conditions, but less is known about the flight capability of natural populations. In addition, the low temperature threshold for flight in natural populations also needs to be determined. In this study, the flight capability of S. frugiperda adults emerging from field-collected larvae in South China was measured by a flight mill system. The results show that the flight capability of S. frugiperda moths varied greatly between individuals, and that some adults are capable of flying great distances. The longest self-powered flight distance was 116.7 km with a cumulative flight duration of 36.51 h during a 48-h period. Typically, the flight activity of tethered individuals was relatively stable during the first 12 h, indicating that migrating moths can fly through an entire night. Based on the accumulated flight duration in the first 12 h, moths can be clearly divided into two groups (<5 h and ≥5 h flight duration), and 58% of individuals belonged to the latter group with strong migratory tendency. Further, flight activity under low temperature conditions was tested, and the results of a logit generalized linear model indicate that the low temperature flight threshold of S. frugiperda is 13.1 °C under declining temperatures. Our results provide a scientific basis for further elucidating the flight biology and migration mechanism of S. frugiperda.

Precipitation change accentuates or reverses temperature effects on aphid dispersal.

Global temperatures are generally increasing, and this is leading to a well documented advancement and extension of seasonal activity of many pest insects. Effects of changing precipitation have received less attention, but might be complex because rain and snow are increasing in some places but decreasing in others. This raises the possibility that altered precipitation could accentuate, or even reverse, the effects of rising temperatures on pest outbreaks. We used >592K aphid suction-trap captures over 15 years, in the heavily farmed central USA, to examine how the activity of Aphis glycines (soybean aphid), Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn aphid), and Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry-oat aphid) changed with variation in both temperature and precipitation. Increasing precipitation caused late-season flight activity of A. glycines and early-season activity of R. padi to shift earlier, while increasing temperature did the same for early-season activity of A. glycines and R. maidis. In these cases, precipitation and temperature exhibited directionally similar, but independent, effects. However, precipitation sometimes mediated temperature effects in complex ways. At relatively low temperatures, greater precipitation generally caused late-season flights of R. maidis to occur earlier. However, this pattern was reversed at higher temperatures with precipitation delaying late-season activity. In contrast, greater precipitation delayed peak flights of R. padi at lower temperatures, but caused them to occur earlier at higher temperatures. So, in these two cases the interactive effects of precipitation on temperature were mirror images of one another. When projecting future aphid flight phenology, models that excluded precipitation covariates consistently underpredicted the degree of phenological advance for A. glycines and R. padi, and underpredicted the degree of phenological delay for R. maidis under expected future climates. Overall, we found broad evidence that changing patterns of aphid flight phenology could only be understood by considering both temperature and precipitation changes. In our study region, temperature and precipitation are expected to increase in tandem, but these correlations will be reversed elsewhere. This reinforces the need to include both main and interactive effects of precipitation and temperature when seeking to accurately predict how pest pressure will change with a changing climate.

Thermal sum requirements for development and flight initiation of new‐generation spruce bark beetles based on seasonal change in cuticular colour of trapped beetles

Abstract The spruce bark beetle Ips typographus is the most important pest on Norway spruce in Europe. To improve predictions of bark beetle phenology in a warmer climate, correct thermal sums representing the development time of the new generation are needed. A standardized method for classifying adults into five different colours was used for describing the seasonal change in colour of beetles in breeding substrate and in weekly trap catches from regions located in southern, central and northern Sweden in 2015–2020. Repeated sampling of I. typographus from breeding substrate demonstrated that the adults get gradually darker, from light brown when newly moulted to dark brown or black in the following summer. In spring, four to five colours co‐occurred among trapped beetles. Over time, the proportions of darker individuals increased until the two lightest colours were absent except for 2 cases out of 21 trapping locations/years. Thereafter, the individuals of the two lightest colours started to occur again, indicating that they belonged to the new generation. The average thermal sum from start of flight of parental generation in spring until onset of new‐generation flight in summer was higher for southern Sweden [lower developmental threshold (LDT) 5°C = 744 degree‐days (dd); LDT 8.3°C = 467 dd] than for northern Sweden (LDT 5°C = 668 dd; LDT 8.3°C = 418 dd). New‐generation flight occurred in every year and region, but generally constituted only a small proportion of total seasonal flight activity.

Seasonal Flight Activity of Atylotus duplex (Walker), Atylotus thoracicus (Hine), and Stonemyia rasa (Loew) (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Connecticut, with Floral Hosts of Stonemyia Species in New England

Adults intercepted by Malaise traps of the Gressitt and Gressitt style were used to determine the seasonal flight activity of Atylotus duplex, A. thoracicus, and Stonemyia rasa at three sites in Connecticut over one or two years. In Guilford, adults of A. duplex entered two traps placed between an apple orchard and a mesic forest during four weeks in July 1996 and in four between late June and late July 1997. In an acidic bog in Norfolk, adults of A. thoracicus flew into a trap over five weeks between mid-July and mid-August 2011. Stonemyia rasa entered two traps in Guilford over four weeks between mid-August and early September 1996 and between late August and mid-September 1997. In Meriden, S. rasa was captured in two traps between an apple orchard and a field with scattered woody vegetation between late July and early September 1996. A significant female bias occurred in trap samples of A. duplex from Guilford in 1997 and of S. rasa from Guilford and Meriden in 1996. Flight periods in Connecticut are compared with others reported for northern areas. In New England, adults of Stonemyia rasa visited flowers of six plant species (four new floral hosts) in five families, and those of S. tranquilla were on seven species (six new) in six families. The most important results of this study were the first systematic sampling of A. duplex and S. rasa, the first state records of A. duplex, and the discovery of many new floral hosts for S. rasa and S. tranquilla. New information on flight periods of A. duplex and S. rasa was the direct result of examining the bycatch of traps operated for other purposes.

Analysis of Exit Taxiway in the Northern Terminal of Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport Semarang

Abstract The development of Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport is performed on the north side of the airport. From that, a new taxiway will be available to support the flight activities. This study aims to analyze the geometry of the exit taxiway on the north side of the airport following the requirement issued by ICAO and FAA. The analysis was based on the type of aircraft mainly operated at Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport. The geometry analysis was performed on ICAO Three Segment Method and Landing Length Requirement. The location of the existing exit taxiway has not obtained an excellent functional percentage. Seventy-seven point seven percent (77.7%) of the planes are required to turn around before entering the apron. Therefore, changing the location and type of exit taxiway is recommended to maximize the runway’s performance in supporting the aircraft’s operational activities.

First Record of the Red-Footed Falcon’s Nocturnal Flight Activity during the Nestling Period Using GPS Data

The red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) is a species that is of great interest to conservation. Because of this, understanding the red-footed falcon’s flight behavior is important for the conservation of this species. In this context, by using accurate GPS data-loggers, in 2019 and 2020, we analyzed its flight activity at the two largest colonies in Italy, and we collected 5840 GPS points. At night, all of the surveyed individuals were active during all of the hourly intervals, and they were in flight for about 10% of the time (40% in the daytime). The nocturnal flight activity showed a dual pattern: frequent and long-distance flights before sunrise (22.22% of time in flight; maximum distance from nest &gt; 3 km) and after sundown (32.14% of time in flight; maximum distance from nest &gt; 12 km), and limited and short-distance flights late at night (10 p.m.–5 a.m.; &lt;5% of time in flight; maximum distance from nest &lt; 100 m). Our study suggests that an increase in alfalfa crops and fallow land (in place of maize and soy crops) in the surroundings (i.e., 50–100 m) of the nests would considerably help this species to avoid, or at least to minimize, nocturnal flight activity, with expected improvements in its reproductive success. Our results are a step forward in advancing the knowledge of this important red-footed falcon population, which has been largely unknown so far. We provide here the first evidence ever of the red-footed falcon’s regular nocturnal flight activity during the nestling period (June–July).