Combined treatments of spinosad and chlorpyrifos-methyl for management of resistant psocid pests (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) of stored grain

The combined efficacy of spinosad and chlorpyrifos-methyl was determined against four storage psocid pests belonging to genus Liposcelis. This research was undertaken because of the increasing importance of these psocids in stored grain and the problem of finding grain protectants to control resistant strains. Firstly, mortality and reproduction were determined for adults exposed to wheat freshly treated with either spinosad (0.5 and 1 mg kg-1) or chlorpyrifos-methyl (2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg-1) or combinations of spinosad and chlorpyrifos-methyl at 30°C and 70% RH. There were significant effects of application rate of spinosad and chlorpyrifos-methyl, both individually and in combination, on adult mortality and progeny reduction of all four psocids. Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and L. decolor (Pearman) responded similarly, with incomplete control of adults and progeny at both doses of spinosad but complete control in all chlorpyrifos-methyl and combined treatments. In L. entomophila (Enderlein) and L. paeta Pearman, however, complete control of adults and progeny was only achieved in the combined treatments, with the exception of spinosad 0.5 mg kg-1 plus chlorpyrifos-methyl 2.5 mg kg-1 against L. entomophila. Next, combinations of spinosad (0.5 and 1 mg kg-1) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg-1) in bioassays after 0, 1.5 and 3 months storage of treated wheat were evaluated. The best treatment was 1 mg kg -1 of spinosad plus 10 mg kg-1 of chlorpyrifos-methyl, providing up to 3 months of protection against infestations of all four Liposcelis spp. on wheat.

A combined XPS-UPS-EELS study of nitrogen adsorbed on clean and barium-promoted iron surfaces: The nature of the precursor to dissociation

For N2 on a clean Fe surface, the adsorbed precursor in a parallel orientation becomes predominant around 110 K, while at lower temperatures it coexists with a weakly adsorbed species. On a Ba-promoted Fe surface, however, N2 is present exclusively in the precursor state in the temperature range 80–150 K following moderate exposure. Besides exhibiting a low N-N stretching frequency of 1530 cm−1, the precursor shows a clear separation between the 5σ and 1π levels in the UPS; the precursor dissociates to give a nitridic species around 160 K.

Evaluate traffic noise level based on traffic microsimulation combined with a refined classic noise prediction method

In this paper, a refined classic noise prediction method based on the VISSIM and FHWA noise prediction model is formulated to analyze the sound level contributed by traffic on the Nanjing Lukou airport connecting freeway before and after widening. The aim of this research is to (i) assess the traffic noise impact on the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) campus before and after freeway widening, (ii) compare the prediction results with field data to test the accuracy of this method, (iii) analyze the relationship between traffic characteristics and sound level. The results indicate that the mean difference between model predictions and field measurements is acceptable. The traffic composition impact study indicates that buses (including mid-sized trucks) and heavy goods vehicles contribute a significant proportion of total noise power despite their low traffic volume. In addition, speed analysis offers an explanation for the minor differences in noise level across time periods. Future work will aim at reducing model error, by focusing on noise barrier analysis using the FEM/BEM method and modifying the vehicle noise emission equation by conducting field experimentation.

Combined Use of Solid of Revolution, Thin Shell, and Interphase Elements for Analysis of Cylindrical Shells

Near the boundaries of shells, thin shell theories cannot always provide a satisfactory description of the kinematic situation. This imposes severe limitations on simulating the boundary conditions in theoretical shell models. Here an attempt is made to overcome the above limitation. Three-dimensional theory of elasticity is used near boundaries, while thin shell theory covers the major part of the shell away from the boundaries. Both regions are connected by means of an “interphase element.” This method is used to study typical static stress and natural vibration problems

Plasma-enhanced synthesis of bioactive polymeric coatings from monoterpene alcohols: A combined experimental and theoretical study

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel organic polymer coating for the prevention of the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the solid surface of three-dimensional objects. Substrata were encapsulated with polyterpenol thin films prepared from terpinen-4-ol using radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Terpinen-4-ol is a constituent of tea tree oil with known antibacterial properties. The influence of deposition power on the chemical structure, surface composition, and ultimately the antibacterial inhibitory activity of the resulting polyterpenol thin films was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and 3-D interactive visualization and statistical approximation of the topographic profiles. The experimental results were consistent with those predicted by molecular simulations. The extent of bacterial attachment and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Polyterpenol films deposited at lower power were particularly effective against P. aeruginosa due to the preservation of original terpinen-4-ol molecules in the film structure. The proposed antimicrobial and antifouling coating can be potentially integrated into medical and other clinically relevant devices to prevent bacterial growth and to minimize bacteria-associated adverse host responses.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (Boston, Mass.) records, undated, 1865-1989 (bulk 1942-1979)

The Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Boston, Massachusetts is the oldest federated Jewish philanthropy in the United States. The current incarnation of CJP was formed in 1960, when two separate federated philanthropies – the Combined Jewish Appeal and Associated Jewish Philanthropies – merged to create a single organization dedicated to serving the needs of Boston’s Jewish community. CJP’s records contain the history of several other organizations, from the forerunners of the current Federation to the Jewish institutions supported by CJP. Their beginnings can be traced to the founding of the United Hebrew Benevolent Association (UHBA) in 1864 at the Pleasant Street Synagogue (now Temple Israel.) This collection contains meeting minutes, correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, financial documents and ledgers, appeal information, publicity, programs, brochures and other written documents relating CJP’s history.

Low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with a cooling vest improves recovery of elite kayakers following a simulated 1000-m race in a hot environment

This study compared the effects of a low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES; Veinoplus® Sport, Ad Rem Technology, Paris, France), a low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with a cooling vest (LFESCR) and an active recovery combined with a cooling vest (ACTCR) as recovery strategies on performance (racing time and pacing strategies), physiologic and perceptual responses between two sprint kayak simulated races, in a hot environment (∼32 wet-bulb-globe temperature). Eight elite male kayakers performed two successive 1000-m kayak time trials (TT1 and TT2), separated by a short-term recovery period, including a 30-min of the respective recovery intervention protocol, in a randomized crossover design. Racing time, power output, and stroke rate were recorded for each time trial. Blood lactate concentration, pH, core, skin and body temperatures were measured before and after both TT1 and TT2 and at mid- and post-recovery intervention. Perceptual ratings of thermal sensation were also collected. LFESCR was associated with a very likely effect in performance restoration compared with ACTCR (99/0/1%) and LFES conditions (98/0/2%). LFESCR induced a significant decrease in body temperature and thermal sensation at post-recovery intervention, which is not observed in ACTCR condition. In conclusion, the combination of LFES and wearing a cooling vest (LFESCR) improves performance restoration between two 1000-m kayak time trials achieved by elite athletes, in the heat.

Assessing the combined effect of asbestos exposure and smoking on lung cancer: a Bayesian approach

We review the literature on the combined association between lung cancer and two environmental exposures, asbestos exposure and smoking, and explore a Bayesian approach to assess evidence of interaction between the exposures. The meta-analysis combines separate indices of additive and multiplicative relationships and multivariate relative risk estimates. By making inferences on posterior probabilities we can explore both the form and strength of interaction. This analysis may be more informative than providing evidence to support one relation over another on the basis of statistical significance. Overall, we find evidence for a more than additive and less than multiplicative relation.

Continuous combined microwave and hot air treatment of apples for fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni and B. jarvisi) disinfestation

Apples at 24 ± 2 °C were heated in a pilot scale hot air assisted (40 °C) continuous pentagonal microwave system, to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment on insect mortality (variety Mutsu) and fruit quality (variety Granny Smith). An average temperature of 53.4 ± 1.3 °C at core, bottom and flesh of the apple was recorded at the end of the treatment. One hundred percent mortality of the most tolerant stage of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni, Froggatt) and Jarvis's fruit fly (Bactrocera jarvisi, Tryon), were observed when the Mortality value (M52, equivalent time of isothermal treatment at 52 °C) at the slowest heating point applicable for each experiment was ≥ 50 min and ≥ 37 min, respectively. Results showed that microwave heat treatment is effective for insect disinfestation without any adverse impact on total soluble solids, flesh or peel firmness of the treated apples. The treated apples recorded a significantly higher pH and lower ion leakage than the untreated apples after 3 or 4 weeks. Therefore, the microwave heat treatment has the potential to be developed as an alternative chemical free quarantine treatment against economically significant insect pests. Industrial relevance Hot air assisted microwave heating of fruits and vegetables, is more cost effective compared to vapour heat treatment and ionising radiation for disinfestation of insects. Microwave treatment is environmentally friendly compared to fumigation and chemical treatments. Hot air assisted microwave disinfestation can be performed at farms or centralised pack houses since the capital cost would be comparatively lower than vapour heat or ionising radiation treatments.

Performance and physiological responses of combined t-bar and PIT tagged giant mud crabs (Scylla serrata)

Mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are intensively caught throughout South-East Asia and support a very substantial commercial, recreational fishing and aquaculture industry. Identification of individual animals is important to improve understanding and management of this species. However, tagging of crustaceans is difficult as they frequently molt and internal tags can pose a hazard to consumers. In this pilot study we tested a new method combining passive integrated transponder tags and t-bar tags externally. 45 giant mud crabs (Scylla serrata) were captured from the wild and kept in tanks for a maximum of 10 months. We inserted tags into the abdomen of 35 giant mud crabs and tested a modified method where the combined t-bar/PIT-tag was inserted into the muscle tissue of the rear leg between the dorsal carapace plate and the top of the abdominal flap. Tagged crabs with the modified method showed 85% tag retention for molting crabs. We tested the same method in the field where 852 individuals were tagged with combined t-bar/PIT-tags of which 82 were recaptured showing 100% tag retention but without any evidence of molting having occurred. The tested method of combined t-bar/PIT-tags in giant mud crabs can further improve monitoring for wild and aquaculture populations and can be deployed widely with low cost.

Performance and physiological responses of combined t-bar and PIT tagged giant mud crabs (Scylla serrata)

Mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are intensively caught throughout South-East Asia and support a very substantial commercial, recreational fishing and aquaculture industry. Identification of individual animals is important to improve understanding and management of this species. However, tagging of crustaceans is difficult as they frequently molt and internal tags can pose a hazard to consumers. In this pilot study we tested a new method combining passive integrated transponder tags and t-bar tags externally. 45 giant mud crabs (Scylla serrata) were captured from the wild and kept in tanks for a maximum of 10 months. We inserted tags into the abdomen of 35 giant mud crabs and tested a modified method where the combined t-bar/PIT-tag was inserted into the muscle tissue of the rear leg between the dorsal carapace plate and the top of the abdominal flap. Tagged crabs with the modified method showed 85% tag retention for molting crabs. We tested the same method in the field where 852 individuals were tagged with combined t-bar/PIT-tags of which 82 were recaptured showing 100% tag retention but without any evidence of molting having occurred. The tested method of combined t-bar/PIT-tags in giant mud crabs can further improve monitoring for wild and aquaculture populations and can be deployed widely with low cost.

On the orthogonality of suboptimum estimate in the combined estimation and control problem

By deriving the equations for an error analysis of modeling inaccuracies for the combined estimation and control problem, it is shown that the optimum estimation error is orthogonal to the actual suboptimum estimate.

The combined effect of biological control with plant competition on the management of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus l.)

Parthenium hysterophorus L., (Asteraceae) commonly known as parthenium weed, is a highly invasive plant that has become a problematic weed of pasture lands in Australia and many other countries around the world. For the management of this weed, an integrated approach comprising biological control and plant competition strategies was tested in southern central Queensland. Two competitive pasture plant species (butterfly pea and buffel grass), selected for their high competitive ability, worked successfully with the biological control agent (Epiblema strenuana Walker) to synergistically reduce the biomass of parthenium weed, by between 62 and 69%. In the presence of biological control agent, the corresponding biomass of competitive plants, butterfly pea and buffel grass increased in comparison to when the biological control agent had been excluded, by 15 and 35%, respectively. This suggests that biological control and competitive plants can complement one another to bring about improved management of parthenium weed in Australia. Further, this approach may be adopted in countries where some of the biological control agents are already present including South Africa, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan and Nepal.

On the orthogonality of suboptimum estimate in the combined estimation and control problem

By deriving the equations for an error analysis of modeling inaccuracies for the combined estimation and control problem, it is shown that the optimum estimation error is orthogonal to the actual suboptimum estimate.

Combined effect of double antireflection coating and reversible molecular doping on performance of few-layer graphene/n-silicon Schottky barrier solar cells

Few-layer graphene films were grown by chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto n-type crystalline silicon wafers to fabricate graphene/n-silicon Schottky barrier solar cells. In order to increase the power conversion efficiency of such cells the graphene films were doped with nitric acid vapor and an antireflection treatment was implemented to reduce the sunlight reflection on the top of the device. The doping process increased the work function of the graphene film and had a beneficial effect on its conductivity. The deposition of a double antireflection coating led to an external quantum efficiency up to 90% across the visible and near infrared region, the highest ever reported for this type of devices. The combined effect of graphene doping and antireflection treatment allowed to reach a power conversion efficiency of 8.5% exceeding the pristine (undoped and uncoated) device performance by a factor of 4. The optical properties of the antireflection coating were found to be not affected by the exposure to nitric acid vapor and to remain stable over time.