Application Of EC Research Articles

Evaluating the persistence and insecticidal effects of emulsifiable concentrate containing Cananga odorata essential oil on survival and enzymatic activity of Spodoptera littoralis

AbstractThe essential oil of Cananga odorata was prepared as an emulsifiable concentrate formulation and examined for its insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis larvae. The effectiveness of C. odorata oil in both pure and EC formulations was investigated in terms of enzymatic activity and survival. In addition, their persistence effect was studied in semi-field conditions. Benzyl benzoate (18.86%), benzyl acetate (9.18%), β-Maaliene (15.53%), alloaromadendrene (6.41%), cis-Thujopsene (6.16%), cedrene (5.35%), and benzyl alcohol (5.98%) were the most abundant compounds found in C. odorata oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The EC formulation exhibited the highest toxicity and produced LC values of 0.47, 1.02, and 3.78% for LC40, LC50, and LC90, respectively, compared to 1.05, 1.70, and 4.96%, respectively, resulted from pure oil after 72 h of exposure. Following EC application, the mean survival time was only 3.60 ± 0.57 days, compared to pure oil treatment (7.70 ± 1.11 days) and control (14.0 ± 0.0 days). The LC40 of EC formulation induced a more potent inhibitory effect for the detoxification enzyme carboxylesterases (CarE; α- and β-esterase) and the oxidative stress enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Under semi-field conditions, the cumulative mortality of S. littoralis larvae increased by increasing the exposure time to LC90 of both formulations. The EC formulation had the highest mortality rates for the total exposure period (7 days). According to these results, C. odorata EC formulation demonstrated enhanced toxicity and persistence effects, and it can be utilized as a green bio-insecticide for the management of S. littoralis larvae.

Effects of water quality and nitrogen on wheat productivity: Experimental and modelling study using the SALTMED model

AbstractThe effects of different water qualities and nitrogen doses need to be investigated for wheat growth to determine the optimal management strategy for sustaining wheat production potential to ensure human food security. Therefore, a 2‐year study (2020–2021 to 2021–2022) was conducted on wheat irrigated with different water qualities, including canal water (Ca), tubewell water (Tu) and mixed Ca‐Tu water (Mx), each fertilized with two nitrogen doses, that is, N75 = 75 kgN.ha−1 and N100 = 100 kgN.ha−1. Ca⨯N100 performed best, with 5.12 t.ha−1 grain yield, 11.60 t.ha−1 biomass, 102.83 cm plant height and 1.32 kg.m−3 water productivity. The best values of the root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) were 0.11, 0.12, 0.93 and −0.004, respectively, for calibration and 0.13, 0.15, 0.87 and ±0.01, respectively, for validation of the SALTMED model. The scenario simulation was performed for additional levels of water salinity (electrical conductivity [EC] = 8 and 12 dS.m−1) and nitrogen doses (50, 125, 150 and 175 kgN.ha−1). The results revealed improvements in wheat grain yield of 107%, 16% and −6% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 125%, 31% and 5% at EC = 12 dS.m−1, while the improvements in biomass were 113%, 22% and −2% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 137%, 29% and 8% at EC = 12 dS.m−1 with increasing nitrogen doses from 50–125 kg.ha−1, 125–150 kg.ha−1 and 150–175 kg.ha−1, respectively. It is recommended that high‐quality water with the lowest possible EC and nitrogen applications of up to 150 kgN.ha−1 be adopted for wheat production in semi‐arid areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Effects of Different Salt Stress and Temperature Applications on Germination in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) Genotypes

Abiotic stress factors are among the primary elements hindering plant growth and development. Initial growth and development in plants are significantly affected by temperature and salinity. The study aimed to investigate the growth and development parameters of two different mung bean genotypes under different salt concentrations and temperatures. Four different salt doses (0, 5, 10, and 15 EC) and three different temperatures (15, 20, and 30°C) were used in the study. Germination percentage, shoot and root lengths, shoot fresh and dry weights, and ion leakage parameters were examined in the study. As a result of the study, the highest germination rate, shoot and root lengths, and fresh and dry weights were determined at 30°C under control, 5 EC salt applications, while the lowest was recorded at 15°C under 15 EC salt applications. The lowest ion leakage was determined in the control application at 15°C, while the highest was observed at 30°C under 15 EC applications. Increasing temperature positively affected growth parameters. It was determined that salt stress could be tolerated up to a certain level with high temperatures. This study conducted on mung bean is indicative of developing varieties tolerant to temperature and salt stress, which are important issues today.

Monitoring the effects of pH and EC regulated drip fertigation on microbial dynamics of calcareous soil in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation under greenhouse conditions in a Mediterranean climate

The microbial dynamics of the soil, together with the available nutrient content of the soil, is seen as a very important indicator of soil fertility. In this study, the effects of drip fertigation with different pH and EC applications in the cultivation of tomato under greenhouse conditions on microbial dynamics of calcareous soil were investigated using number of bacteria (heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic) and enzyme activities (urease, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase). pH and EC regulated fertigation applications on soil are as follows: a) pH 7.2 EC 2.0 dS m−1 (NA+CF-1), b) pH 7.2 EC 3.5 dS m−1 (NA+CF-2), c) pH 6.5 EC 2.0 dS m−1 (NA+CF-3), d) pH 6.5 EC 3.5 dS m−1 (NA+CF-4), e) pH 5.0 EC 2.0 dS m−1 (NA+CF-5); and f) pH 5.0 EC 3.5 dS m−1 (NA+CF-6). Results indicated significant effects of both pH and EC regulated fertigation on soil in terms of enzyme activities (except urease and dehydrogenase) and the presence of bacteria. The measured parameters showed greater values in the first growth season compared to the second (except urease) and the differences between the treatments in the first growth season were statistically significant. In addition, in both growth season, positive relations occurred between number of soil bacteria and total N, available P, urease and alkaline phosphatase activities. On the other hand, due to increasing salinity (in the second growth season) number of soil bacteria, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase activities are negatively affected. It would be ideal to have the pH of the water to be dripped to rhizosphere in the range of 6.5-7.2 and the EC in the level of 2.0 dS m−1 in order to provide more efficient and safer protection of the soil fertility in terms of soil microbial dynamics during the tomato cultivaton in calcareous soils under the Mediterranean climate.

Evidence of diimide structure variation on overall performance of electro(fluoro)chromic devices integrating versatile triphenylamine-based polyimides

Electro(fluoro)chromic (EC/EFC) bifunctional polyimides achieved considerable importance due to their applicative potential in optoelectronic devices demanding specific design in practical applications to balance EC/EFC main parameters. Hence, in this study, a new structurally designed diphenylamine-triphenylmethane-based diamine is reported as building block for new polyimides derived from dianhydrides with variable planarity and flexibility. Preliminary investigations on chemical structure, photo-optical, thermal, and electrochemical behavior have been elaborated to comparatively highlight the main characteristics of these electroactive high-performance polymers promoted by diimide structural variation. Apart from this, a detailed study was accomplished regarding their spectroelectrochemical behavior in both three electrode cell and EC device configurations. Our results demonstrated that the sensitive variation of the conjugation degree of the diimide segment significantly affects the EC/EFC main parameters. Thus, the polyimide comprehending the highest degree of conjugation integrated the highest EC contrast (75%//40%), fast response time (1.98 s/5.13 s//5.36 s/5.41 s), and high recovery of the EC effect (91%//85% after 100 cycles). Nevertheless, the devices revealed EFC characteristics with contrast ratio of 7.5 and 95% recovery after 100 cycles. The chemical design principle of the present polyimides provides new insights into the future development of EC materials and paves the path toward perspective EC applications.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION AS A PRECEDENT FOR CUSTOMS AND ECONOMIC UNIONS

A task. To systematize the EC (EU) experience in terms of obtaining rights and obligations akin to those enjoyed by the WCO members, including highlighting the actions and stages in connection with the consideration of the EC application for membership in the World Customs Organization. Conclusions. The research article is devoted to the issues of the EC (EU) legal status of in the WCO and the use of the EC precedent for the implementation of the Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025 (Strategic Directions) in terms of joint actions with Member States aimed at obtaining the Union’s membership status in the WCO. The subject of the study is the activities and stages passed by the EC in the framework of interaction with the WCO to change the legal status from an observer to akin to the WCO membership. The research paper presents in abstract form the legal instruments and legal structures that have been developed at the expert level to satisfy the EC application. The identified activities, by analogy, can be used to develop an action plan (roadmap) for the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to obtain the WCO member status. Based on the results of the study, conclusions and recommendations were formed within the framework of cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the WCO. Social consequences. Conducting a study of the legal status of customs and economic unions in the WCO is associated with the implementation of paragraph 11.7.5. of Strategic Directions [6] in terms of cooperation with this international organization. Practical value. The results of the study are of interest to the customs cooperation block of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), and can be used by specialists from customs and other executive authorities in the EEU member states, EEC experts to organize and implement mutually beneficial customs cooperation between the EEC and the WCO. The article is recommended to researchers, teachers, students, graduate students and other categories of students in the Russian Customs Academy, in other universities and the WCO regional training centers in the specialties “Customs” and “Jurisprudence”. Originality/value. The research material is based on an analysis of the practical aspects of the activities of the EEC, the WCO and is the result of a comprehensive study of the issue of the legal and organizational basis for obtaining the WCO member status by economic and customs unions.

Peculiarities of herbicide use on oil flax in different soil and climatic conditions of the Western Ciscaucasia

The article presents the research results on the effect of pre-emergence and foliar herbicide treatments on the oil flax productivity in soil and climatic conditions of unstable and insufficient moistening zones of the Western Ciscaucasia. The pre-emergence application of herbicides Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) or Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) on leached chernozem in the zone of unstable moistening led to an increase in the oil flax yield which exceeds the control with the manual weeding by 0.09 t/ha. The additional foliar treatment of sowings with Tifi, WDG (0.025 kg/ha) decreased the crop yield by 0.29 and 0.23 t/ha, respectively. The highest increase in yield (0.07 t/ha) on leached chernozem in the zone of insufficient moistening was achieved with the pre-emergence application of herbicide Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha).

Optimizing ear-plant height ratio to improve kernel number and lodging resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Exogenous plant growth retardants (PGRs) increase yield by reducing lodging occurrence but lower yield if lodging is absent in maize (Zea mays L.). It is hypothesized that PGRs can increase maize yield as well as improve lodging resistance by optimizing application timing. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2018–2019 using plant growth regulator “Jindele” with active ingredients of ethephon and cycocel (EC; w/w=3:1), lodging susceptible (LS) and resistant (LR) maize hybrids, two plant densities of 60 000 and 90 000 plants ha−1, and four EC application treatments. EC was sprayed at the 8-leaf stage T(8), 15-leaf stage T(15), and both stages T(8 +15), respectively, and no EC application was regarded as control CK. On average, T(8) and T(8 +15) significantly reduced lodging percent compared with T(15) and control due to the optimized morphology and strength of stem and root. Both T(15) and T(8 +15) resulted in a higher kernel number per ear (KN ear−1) than T(8) and CK. In non-lodging conditions, T(15) yielded significantly better than CK, especially for LS hybrid in high plant density of 90 000 plants ha−1 (13,417.4 vs 11,219.2 kg ha−1), mainly as a result of increased kernel number. The increases in yield and kernel number were higher in LS hybrid than in LR hybrid. Both KN ear−1 and KN m−2 were significantly negatively correlated with internode length. The reduced internode length facilitated assimilate partitioning from leaves to the ear in T(8 +15) and T(15), thus increasing kernel number and weight. Ear-plant height ratio was considered an important parameter to evaluate lodging resistance and yield. The optimal ear-plant height ratios were estimated to be 36.6% for KN ear−1, 39.4% for KN m−2, and 38.4% for yield. The optimal range of ear-plant height ratio (36.60%39.43%) should be taken into account when breeding or selecting lodging-resistant and high-yielding hybrids as well as developing crop management to cope with lodging in practice.

Text-based Recommendation Systems for Software Developers: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose: The aim of this SLR is to look at recommendation systems which receive textual information as an input. By analysing them it is possible to understand how the textual information is preprocessed and which algorithms are then used to generate recommendations. Methods: With the Search Query I frst identifed 487 papers, from which 65 were removed as duplicates. After the IC and EC application, 28 articles remained as relevant. Results: From these articles’ analysis, it was found that the most commonly used pre-processing techniques are tokenization, TF-IDF, and stopwords removal. I also determined that all algorithms for suggestions generation in such systems can be divided into 4 categories: classifcation, ranking, clustering, and heuristic-based algorithms. In the last step I found that the most frequent output of such systems are API, code, and workers suggestions. Conclusion: With this work, I looked at which pre-processing techniques are used in the text-based recommender systems for software developers and which are the most common. I have also looked at the classifcation of algorithms for such recommendation systems. Finally, I considered what kind of objects are recommended by these text-based recommendation systems.

Effects of Different Tooth Conditioners on the Bonding of Universal Self-etching Adhesive to Enamel.

To investigate the effects of several etching products prior to the application of a one-step self-etch adhesive (1-SEA) or two-step self-etch adhesive (2-SEA) on enamel by microshear bond strength (µSBS) testing and observation of the adhesive-enamel interface. Ground human enamel surfaces were randomly assigned to one of eight groups according to the combination of surface treatments (either no conditioner [NC], ME [Multi Etchant], EC [Enamel Conditioner], or KE [K-etchant Gel]) and adhesive (ADU [Adhese Universal] or SE2 [Clearfil SE Bond 2]). All groups were further divided into two subgroups: 0 or 10,000 thermal cycles (TC). Then, the µSBS test was performed. The adhesive-enamel interface after acid-base challenge and the surface structure after conditioner application were also observed. With 10,000 TCs, there was no statistically significant difference between ME-ADU and NC-ADU. On the other hand, the µSBS of EC-ADU or KE-ADU was significantly higher than that of NC-ADU, while that of ME-SE2 was significantly lower than NC-SE2. There was no significant difference between EC-SE2, NC-SE2, and KE-SE2. Formation of an acid-base resistance zone (ABRZ) was confirmed in all groups. However, funnel-shaped erosion, which indicates interfacial defects, was observed in the NC-ADU, ME-ADU, and ME-SE2 groups. For enamel bonding, application of EC or KE prior to ADU increased the bond strength and created a stable adhesive-enamel interface. On the other hand, SE2 also had stable shear bond strength and interface without the use of conditioners. However, ME decreased the bonding performance of SE2.

Optimization of terms and rate of Puma Plus, EC application on spring wheat crops

The data of three-year studies on determination of the optimal terms and rates for the herbicide Puma Plus use, EC on spring wheat crops are presented. The experiments were carried out on meadow-chernozem medium-low-humus medium-loamy soil in the southern forest-steppe of the Omsk region. In the variant without herbicide use, the proportion of weeds in the agrophytocenosis varied over the years from 12.9 to 19.0%, which corresponded to the average degree of infestation. Spraying of wheat crops began with the formation of 2-3 leaves in the culture and continued every 5 days. 20 days after the first period of herbicide application, 2-3 nodes were noted on wheat stalks (a variant with the last treatment period). Three herbicide rates were used – 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 l/ha. At all treatment periods and herbicide rates, a weak level of contamination was achieved. The share of weeds was in the range of 0.1-5.8 %. Increases in the yield of wheat grain are significant for all terms and rates, which indicates the possibility of using the Puma Plus herbicide, EC from the formation of 2-3 leaves and up to the formation of 2-3 nodes on wheat stalks.

Weed control in oil flax sowings

The conducted research was aimed at studying new systems of weed plants control during cultivation of oil flax. We carried out the field studies in the south of Russia in the Krasnodar region on leached chernozem during 3 years. We found that the application of preemergent herbicides Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) and Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) provides an efficient weed control, contributes to higher crop productivity and cost-effectiveness indicators compared to the used in the production method of spraying vegetative plants with a tank mixture of herbicides. The application of preemergent herbicides will increase the competitiveness of oil flax cultivation and help receiving good economic effect. The herbicide Gardo Gold, SC (4.0 l/ha) and a tank mixture of herbicides Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) + Gezagard, SC (3.5 l/ha) are not recommended for application on oil flax due to the phytotoxic effect on the crop, which decreases the yield and oil content of seeds.

Processos eletroquímicos: alternativas para o tratamento dos efluentes da indústria do látex na Amazônia Legal Brasileira

In this work, the electrocoagulation / electroflotation (EC / EF) techniques were investigated in biological effluents (EB) and treated (EBF) by biological processes (stabilization ponds), from the industrial processes of native latex processing, at the NATEX plant, located in the municipality of Xapuri-AC. The EB samples were collected upstream of the Natex plant's Industrial Effluent Treatment Station and the ET, downstream of this treatment system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the alternatives for treatment and post-treatment of industrial wastewater generated in the latex processing and in the production of condoms using electrochemical techniques (EC / EF), observing the efficiency of removal of pollutants through physico-chemical variables, microbiological and heavy metals. After passing through an electrochemical cell, in the bench scale, observing the total TDH and the intervals of 30 minutes, new floated samples (EBF and ETF) were generated. The stability of the results found for the EBF and ETF samples and the removal of the variables: apparent color, turbidity, total iron, COD, total coliforms in the ETF samples, after application of EC / EF techniques. The EDS / EDX analyzes indicated the removal of heavy metals in the EBF and ETF wastewater.

Dimensioning of silicone adhesive joints: Eurocode-compliant, mesh-independent approach using the FEM

This paper deals with the application of the semi-probabilistic design concept (level I, DIN EN 1990) to structural silicone adhesives in order to calibrate partial material safety factors for a stretch-based limit state equation. Based on the current legal situation for the application of structural sealants in façades, a new Eurocode-compliant design concept is introduced and compared to existing design codes (ETAG 002). This is followed by some background information on semi-probabilistic reliability modeling and the general framework of the Eurocode for the derivation of partial material safety factors at Level I. Within this paper, a specific partial material safety factor is derived for DOWSIL 993 silicone on the basis of experimental data. The data were then further evaluated under a stretch-based limit state function to obtain a partial material safety factor for that specific limit state function. This safety factor is then extended to the application in finite element calculation programs in such a way that it is possible for the first time to perform mesh-independent static calculations of silicone adhesive joints. This procedure thus allows for great optimization of structural sealant design with potentially high economical as well as sustainability benefits. An example for the static verification of a bonded façade construction by means of finite element calculation shows (i) the application of EC 0 to silicone adhesives and (ii) the transfer of the EC 0 method to the finite element method with the result that mesh-independent ultimate loads can be determined.

Оцінка небезпечності, комплексне гігієнічне нормування флорпірауксифен-бензилу та обґрунтування регламентів безпечного застосування гербіциду на його основі для захисту рису

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is a novel synthetic selective leaf herbicide of the pyridine group with an auxin mechanism of action. The drug Divixton EC (a.i. - florpyrauxifen-benzyl, 25 g/l) is suggestedfor protection of rice crops from weeds. For the state registration for agricultural use in Ukraine and to prevention of toxic impact on human health and quality of environment, risk assessment of the new plant protection product was conducted, and the safety criteria for human health and the environment were substantiated. The allowable daily dose of florpyrauxifen-benzyl for humans at the level of 0.02 mg/kg was substantiated; the hygienic standards for florpyrauxifen-benzyl in rice, working environment, air, water and soil, criteria for the control of the exposureon on workers, regulations for safe use of herbicide Divixton EC in agriculture have been developed. Objective. Toxicological and hygienic assessment of florpyrauxifen-benzyl and Divixton EC drug, substantiationof safety criteria for human health, assessment of the potential impact of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on agricultural workers and the population in case of ground and aerial spraying of the preparation for the protection of rice crops. Methods. Expert-analytical, toxicological, physical, chemical, statistical and hygienic. Results. Based on the parameters of acute toxicity for different routes of exposure, sensitizing properties and irritative effects on the mucous membranes of the eyes and the skin, florpyrauxifen-benzyl and herbicide Divixton EC are classified as moderately hazardous (category 3). Long-term effects (carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity, toxicity for the reproductive function and development) are not limiting criteria for the assessment of florpyrauxifen-benzyl hazard. Approved in Ukraine allowable of florpyrauxifen-ben-zyl for humans is 0.02 mg/kg. As a result of field tests conducted in Ukraine, it was found that the value of occupational risk due to inhalation and through the skin in the course of ground and aerial application of florpyrauxifen-benzyl did not exceed the accepted level, sanitary protection zones ensure the safety of herbicide application for the population and environmental objects; no residues of florpyrauxifen-benzyl were detected during the harvesting of in rice grain and rice paddy. Conclusion. Application of herbicide Divixton EC for rice protectionin accordance with agricultural and hygiene rules and regulations will not result in contamination of agricultural products and environmental objects and will be safe for population and agricultural workers. Key Words: herbicide, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, toxicological characteristics, hazard assessment, hygiene standards and regulations.

Energy efficiency of protection of black poplar plantings from weeds

Purpose. Determine the energy efficiency of growing black poplar plantings.Methods. Field, laboratory.Results. It is established that from the energy point of view, the use of mulching allowed to obtain more energy with the harvest than spent on the technology of planting and caring for black poplar plants. The best mulching options were the use of straw layer 5 cm with Kee of 4.78. In addition, with the use of wood sawdust Kee values were at the level of the control weed version of the experiment. Application of the herbicide Stomp 330 EC, 5 l/ha contributed to obtaining Kee at the level of 4.21, and for the application of herbicide Zenkor 70, WG, 1.5 kg/ha, Kee was 4.77, and for the application of herbicide Starga EC, 2.0 respectively 4.24 and with the application of Stefam New, EC, 1.0 l/ha,4.89. The highest energy efficiency ratio was obtained with the combined application of Starga (1.5 l/ha) + Stefam New (0.5 l/ha), 5.27. In black poplar plantations, where in the first year of vegetation three consecutive inter-row cultivations were carried out, a total of 97.9 GJ/ha of energy was formed in three years at an energy efficiency coefficient of 4.77. The use of three hand weeding required additional human labor costs, but in total this had a negligible effect on the energy efficiency ratio of 4.94. However, the use of manual labor on an industrial scale is impossible due to the actual lack of sufficient labor reserves and the need for decent pay for employees, which cannot be justified even by high values of energy efficiency.Conclusions. It was established that in black poplar plantations without the presence of weeds the total energy yield for three years was 107.6 GJ/ha, whereas plantings without weed control provided the formation of only 46.1 GJ/ha, and the energy efficiency of the herbicide protection of black poplar provided the formation of 87.1 to 106.4 GJ/ha.

Tillage, crop establishment, residue management and herbicide applications for effective weed control in direct seeded rice of eastern Indo–Gangetic Plains of South Asia

Weeds are the major production constraint in direct seeded rice (DSR) due to the concurrent emergence of competitive weeds and absence of water at initial growth stages to smother weed growth, leading to decreased crop yield. DSR has emerged as an alternative to the conventional water, labour and energy–intensive puddled transplanted rice (PTPR) in the eastern Indo–Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. Hence, three field experiments were conducted (2008–2010) to evaluate integrated weed management options that included transplanted rice under puddled and unpuddled conditions, zero till DSR with or without residue retention and cover crops, zero till transplanted rice (ZTTPR) (experiment I); different combination of herbicides with or without cover crops (experiment II and III). Results revealed that during 1st year of study, zero–till direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) with (ZTDSR + R) or without (ZTDSR–R) residue retention and ZTDSR after the cover crops of sesbania [Sesbania aculeata (Willd.) Pers.] (ZTDSR + SB) or cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (ZTDSR + CP) had greater weed density and dry matter accumulation than puddled transplanted rice (PTPR). However, in the 2nd and 3rd years, similar or lower weed density and dry matter accumulation was recorded in zero–tilled (ZT) plots. In 3rd year, plots under ZTDSR–R, ZTDSR + R, ZTDSR + SB, and ZTDSR + CP accumulated 14.3, 33.3, 23.1, and 60%, respectively, less weed dry matter over PTPR. Plots under ZTDSR produced almost similar or more grain yield to PTPR in all the three years of experimentation. On the basis of 3 years’ average data, the highest grain yield was recorded in plots under ZTDSR + R or –R followed by ZTTPR and ZTDSR + CP. While in experiment II, mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] as cover crop fb bispyribac–Na at 25 g ha−1 resulted in the highest grain yield in 2008; but in 2009, weed free plots were superior–most. With regard to herbicides, pre–emergence application of pendimethalin EC at 1000 g ha−1; effectively controlled aerobic grassy weeds such as Eragrostis tenella var. japonica (Thunb.) Roem. & Schult. but was ineffective against Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. Similarly, bispyribac–Na at 25 g ha−1 was most effective for control of E. colona and Commelina benghalensis L., but incompetent against E. tenella. Overall, from the weed management viewpoint, this study recommends combination of pendimethalin at 1000 g ha−1fb bispyribac–Na at 25 g ha−1 for effective control of diverse weed flora encountered in DSR.

Tungsten Oxide (WO<sub>3</sub>) Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Spin-Coating Technique

Tungsten oxide (WO3) is a transition metal oxide with a wide range of applications such as displays, rear-view mirrors, electrochromic (EC) smart windows and gas sensors. Many techniques were adopted for the fabrication of WO3, namely magnetron sputtering, spray pyrolysis and sol-gel synthesis techniques. In this work, WO3 films were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glasses by sol-gel spin-coating method. The film thickness was varied by depositing different number of layers. The WO3 film thickness and optical transmittance were determined using step profilometer and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, respectively. WO3 film thicknesses increased from 38 nm to 606 nmwith increasing number of deposited layers.The optical transmittance of the WO3 films in visible range decreased with increasing film thickness. The optical transmittance were at least 70 % up to 10 deposited layers.WO3is a promising EC material in the application ofEC devices (ECDs).The application of WO3 in the EC devices will be discussed.

A low computational complexity normalized subband adaptive filter algorithm employing signed regressor of input signal

ᅟIn this paper, the signed regressor normalized subband adaptive filter (SR-NSAF) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is optimized by L1-norm minimization criteria. The SR-NSAF has a fast convergence speed and a low steady-state error similar to the conventional NSAF. In addition, the proposed algorithm has lower computational complexity than NSAF due to the signed regressor of the input signal at each subband. The theoretical mean-square performance analysis of the proposed algorithm in the stationary and nonstationary environments is studied based on the energy conservation relation and the steady-state, the transient, and the stability bounds of the SR-NSAF are predicated by the closed form expressions. The good performance of SR-NSAF is demonstrated through several simulation results in system identification, acoustic echo cancelation (AEC) and line EC (LEC) applications. The theoretical relations are also verified by presenting various experimental results.

Development of Essential Oils Based New EC Formulation for the Management of Post Harvest Anthracnose of Pomegranate Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc.

New EC formulations (10, 20, 30 and 40 EC) were developed using combination of lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil and thyme oil for the management of post harvest anthracnose of pomegranate caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and tested at 0.1% concentration in vitro. Among them, essential oils based new 30 EC formulation, completely (100%) inhibited the pathogen growth at 0.1% concentration. The formulation was named as THYCILEM 30 EC and tested for its physical stability. The formulation was stable in all physical stability tests and was not inhibitory to antagonistic micro organisms. The in vivo results revealed that pre harvest spraying with new THYCILEM 30 EC (0.1%) followed by post harvest dipping with new THYCILEM 30 EC (0.1%) for 5 min was more effective in reducing pomegranate anthracnose which had the minimum PDI of 13.43 after 24 days of treatment under post harvest conditions, compared to 87.50 PDI in untreated control. The application of new THYCILEM 30 EC as pre harvest spray and post harvest dipping did not show any drying, scorching of leaves and browning of fruits which was noticed by visual observation. .