A defensive k-alliance in a graph G = (V, E) is a set of vertices A ⊆ V such that for every vertex v ∈ A, the number of neighbors v has in A is at least k more than the number of neighbors it has in V − A (k is a measure of the strength of alliance). In this paper, we deal with two types of sets associated with defensive k-alliances; maximum defensive k-alliance free and minimum defensive k-all...

If culture is seen as a framework of "should" and "should not", defensive culture isbased on issues, which are availablein the society. Issues that differ from one society to another and are influenced by the strategic culture of the countries. So, the present study aimed to answer the question that what are the most important components of a defensive culture in the framework of the strategic ...

Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the major pests, causing damage to almost all cultivated crops throughout the world. Present nematode control measures pose a threat to the environment; therefore, use of natural compounds is being emphasized to control these deterrents. 28-Homobrassinolide (HBl) is one such naturally synthesized compound that is ubiquitously distributed in plant kingdom. In...

A nonempty set S ⊂ V is a defensive k-alliance in G = (V,E), k ∈ [−Δ,Δ] ∪ Z, if for every v ∈ S, dS(v) ≥ dS̄(v) + k. A defensive k-alliance S is called exact, if S is defensive k-alliance but is no defensive (k+1)-alliance in G. In this paper we study the mathematical properties of exact defensive k-alliances in graphs. In particular, we obtain several bounds for defensive k-alliance of a graph....

Insects that use ephemeral resources must rapidly digest nutrients and simultaneously protect them from competitors. Here we use burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides), which feed their offspring on vertebrate carrion, to investigate the digestive and defensive basis of carrion utilization. We characterize gene expression and microbiota composition in the gut, anal secretions, and on carcas...

The fungal metabolite kojic acid, which is produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species fungi that may be pathogens of both insects and plants, was a significant inhibitor of phenoloxidase of different representative beetle and caterpillar insect species. Fusaric acid and picolinic acid, produced by Fusarium spp., were also significant inhibitors of phenoloxidase, while dipicolinic acid and ...