Control Options Research Articles

Sensitivity of difficult‐to‐control Palmer amaranth accessions to fluridone and diflufenican

AbstractPalmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) has evolved resistance to herbicides targeting nine sites of action. Phytoene desaturase‐inhibiting herbicides remain among the few sites of action that are still effective in controlling Palmer amaranth. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fluridone and diflufenican in controlling difficult‐to‐control Palmer amaranth accessions collected in Arkansas from 2016 to 2022, to quantify the response of three accessions that exhibited low sensitivity to both herbicides, and to evaluate the effectiveness of photosystem II inhibitors alone and with fluridone or diflufenican on three accessions. At 14 days after a preemergence application, Palmer amaranth control with fluridone and diflufenican ranged from 42% to 100% and 33% to 99% across 23 accessions, respectively. Three accessions required 10.2 to 26.7 times more fluridone than the susceptible Palmer amaranth standard based on LD50 values (where LD50 is the lethal dose to kill 50% of the population), with less than 50% mortality achieved with a 1x herbicide rate for two of the three accessions. For diflufenican, the LD50 values for the three accessions were 3.9–18.5 times greater than the susceptible standard. An additive response for mortality and biomass reduction resulted from adding fluometuron to fluridone at all rates tested. An additive or sometimes a synergistic response occurred with the combinations of metribuzin plus diflufenican. Overall, fluridone exhibited higher efficacy than diflufenican for most accessions tested. While phytoene desaturase‐inhibiting herbicides remain an effective control option for most Palmer amaranth accessions, herbicide mixtures targeting multiple sites of action remain essential for delaying resistance and obtaining effective control of this problematic weed.

Heat Stress Prevention in Construction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors and Control Strategies

In hot and humid work environments, construction workers can experience heat stress and heat-related illnesses (HRIs). While several studies have investigated engineering and administrative control methods to prevent certain heat stress risk factors, a comprehensive understanding of all existing risk factors and their corresponding control strategies is still lacking. It is crucial to identify gaps in current control strategies and develop a safety management framework for effective heat stress control by implementing existing measures. In addition, the effectiveness of the most common control strategies must be rigorously evaluated to ensure their efficacy and to guide future research aimed at enhancing these strategies or developing more effective ones. This study employed a mixed literature review methodology to address this knowledge gap. A structured literature review investigated and synthesized heat stress risk factors and control methods to find the gaps in control options to address underestimated risk factors. Furthermore, a comprehensive systematic literature review, including trend analysis, scientometric analysis, and meta-analysis, determined research foci and evaluated the effectiveness of the heat stress control methods. The scientometric analysis identified 11 clusters, encompassing key research themes such as environmental risk factors (e.g., high-temperature environments, climate change), administrative controls (e.g., work–rest schedules, climate change risk assessment), and personal interventions (e.g., cooling vests and sleep-related strategies). These findings highlight that the most commonly studied control methods are cooling vests, work–rest schedules, and cooling interventions. According to these results and the availability of quantitative results, the meta-analysis evaluated nine datasets of reductions in core body temperature by using types of cooling vests and anti-heat-stress uniforms and established the significant effectiveness of this control strategy in mitigating heat stress with a medium effect size. Moreover, five potential research studies have been identified to address gaps in control strategies for certain underestimated risk factors, including leveraging sensor technologies, conducting control training, dynamic work–rest schedules, using cutting-edge PPE, and governmental initiatives. Insights gained from this study enhance decision making for resource allocation, selection of control options, and intervention prioritization within a heat-stress-control framework based on the safety management system. The findings also highlight the effectiveness of cooling vests and areas that need to be developed, and evaluate potential heat-stress-control methods in construction.

Reassessing Ivabradine: Potential Benefits and Risks in Atrial Fibrillation Therapy.

Ivabradine has been identified as a funny current (If) inhibitor in the sinoatrial node (SAN) and is considered an advocated therapeutic agent in chronic heart failure and stable angina. This therapeutic agent has shown positive benefits in maintaining a reduction in heart rate while sustaining hemodynamic stability. Its clinical application is still evolving and the mechanism of action is becoming clearer daily. The use of this agent to manage atrial fibrillation (AF) has recently been brought under discussion. This study summarizes the mechanism of action of ivabradine and current evidence about the risk of new-onset AF and rate-lowering potential as a therapeutic option in patients suffering from AF. This review synthesizes findings from preclinical studies, case reports, and clinical trials that assess ivabradine's efficacy in controlling heart rate and its association with new-onset AF. Studies have shown that this medication may be beneficial in ventricular rate reduction in patients intolerant of first-line AF therapeutic options, including non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and β-blockers. However, it is important to state that ivabradine-treated patients with cardiovascular diseases demonstrated an increased risk for new-onset AF compared with those patients who did not receive it. While ivabradine demonstrates promise as a therapeutic option for rate control in patients with AF, its use is accompanied by a notable risk of new-onset AF. Further studies should focus on optimal dosing strategies and long-term outcomes of ivabradine treatment in AF management.

Penetrating cardiac injuries: What you need to know.

Despite significant advances in trauma surgery in recent years, patients sustaining penetrating cardiac injuries still have an overall survival rate of 19%. A substantial number of deaths occur at the scene, while approximately 40% of those reaching trauma centers survive. To increase survival, the key factor is timely intervention for bleeding control, pericardial tamponade release, and definitive repair. Asymptomatic patients sustaining precordial wounds or mediastinal gunshot wounds should be assessed with chest ultrasound to rule out cardiac injuries. Shock on admission is an immediate indication of surgery repair. Patients admitted in posttraumatic cardiac arrest may benefit from resuscitative thoracotomy. The surgical team must be assured that appropriate personnel, equipment, instruments, and blood are immediately available in the operating room. A left anterolateral thoracotomy, which can be extended to a clamshell incision, and sternotomy are the most common surgical incisions. Identification of cardiac anatomical landmarks during surgery is vital to avoid complications. There are several technical options for bleeding control, and the surgeon must be trained to use them to obtain optimal results. Ultimately, prioritizing surgical intervention and using effective resuscitation strategies are essential for improving survival rates and outcomes.

Active Components of 16 Essential Oils and Their Fumigation Effects on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The greater wax moth (GWM, Galleria mellonella) is a prevalent pest of the honeybee and a significant risk to both honeybee populations and honeycomb storage. Research on the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) to GWM larvae has provided promising results, although their ovicidal effects and active ingredients require further study. Identifying effective plant compounds is essential for developing insecticides for GWM control. This study assessed the fumigation efficacy of 16 EOs on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae and determined the effectiveness of these EOs and their primary components for fumigating fifth larvae. Wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils demonstrated significant insecticidal effects on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 80% within 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified methyl salicylate (93.26%), trans-anethole (87.75%), and eugenol (77.75%) as the primary compounds in wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils, respectively. Further toxicity testing confirmed that these compounds were responsible for the observed insecticidal properties of the EOs. Notably, trans-anethole exhibited the lowest LC50 value (25.22 μL/L) against the fifth instar larvae of GWM and significant toxicity against GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, suggesting its potential as a viable option for the future control of GWM populations.

Prevalence of Varroa destructor Infestations in Apis mellifera Honeybee Colonies and Associated Risk Factors in Ankasha District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite of broods and adult stages of honeybees, which gradually leads to colony losses worldwide, both directly (feeding on fatty tissue) and indirectly (disease transmission). The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of varroosis and to identify possible risk factors for the occurrence of varroosis. The honeybee colonies were selected by a simple random sampling method from each apiary of 90 volunteer apiarists. Combs containing mature drone broods were taken out of each colony and examined for the presence of V. destructor on the brood and in the cell. A cross-sectional study design was used for data collection. The data were analysed by chi-square test (χ2) and logistic regression. Overall, 66.15% of honeybee colonies were infested with V. destructor. Colony strength, colony age and agro-ecology had statistically significant (p<0.05) associations with the occurrence of varroosis. Weak colonies were 4.89 (p<0.001) times more likely to be at risk to varroosis than moderate colonies. Likewise, honeybee colonies with the age of 2-3 years and >3 years were 1.99 and 4.74 (p<0.001) times more likely to be at risk to varroosis than colonies with <2 years, respectively. Furthermore, honeybee colonies in highland and midland agro-ecologies were 3.67 and 5.07 (p<0.001) times more likely at risk to infestation of varroosis when compared with colonies from lowland agro-ecologies, respectively. Varroosis is prevalent in the study area, which alarms the starting of an effective control option to save honeybee colonies.

Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) for ship collision in Musi River

Abstract Accident data from the Palembang Port Authority Of6ice Class II shows that the level of traf6ic accidents in the waters of the Musi River in Palembang is relatively high. Hazard identi6ication was conducted on the Musi River, resulting in 25 ship accidents caused by collisions and 4 ship accidents due to grounding. Subsequently, risk assessment was performed by analysing the collision frequency and its consequences on human casualties. The collision frequency was calculated using IWRAP, yielding results of 8.18 x 10-2, 9.74 x 10-3, and 8.18 x 10-4 for the head-on, overtaking, and crossing scenarios, respectively. An analysis of the consequences in terms of human casualties estimated an average of 11 victims. Six options were proposed as risk control options (RCOs): public awareness and regulation implementation, Automatic Identi6ication System (AIS) installation, crew education and training, standardization of safety equipment, utilization of pilotage services, and channel widening. Each RCO will be evaluated based on its cost and bene6its. The 6inal stage of the FSA involves recommendations aimed at selecting the best RCOs, considering the cost-bene6it analysis (CBA). The optimal choice to minimize ship collisions and human casualties in the waters of the Musi River is to conduct crew education and training. This option is the most cost-effective due to its lowest Gross Cost value. The bene6its gained amount to USD 890,273.02 with a 68% reduction in risk value.

Bioactive peptides inhibit feeding activity in the grey garden slug, Deroceras reticulatum.

The grey garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is considered the most damaging slug pest in global agriculture. Control methods primarily rely on chemical pesticides, which pose environmental risks and potential hazards to human health. There is a need for sustainable management alternatives such as biologically-based slug control options. However, the efficacy of nonchemical measures for controlling pest slug populations remains limited, particularly in the context of variable outdoor conditions. Neuropeptides and their corresponding receptors have been proposed as promising biological targets for the development of new pest management strategies. A total of 23 bioactive peptides belonging to the PRX family, previously identified from the grey garden slug, D. reticulatum, were injected into or fed to this species. The detrimental effects of these peptides, including a reduction in body weight and an inhibition of feeding activity, were evaluated in feeding choice tests with D. reticulatum. Furthermore, the bioactive peptide formulated with a lipid particle demonstrated a feeding deterrent effect. One of the myomodulin (MM) peptides, APPLPRY, demonstrated a significant reduction in feeding activity, resulting in a reduction in slug weight or mortality in just 30 min. The results represent the first evidence of a bioactive peptide having detrimental effects on D. reticulatum including causing feeding deterrent for this slug pest. The in vivo results provide insights into the potential development of active ingredients for managing slugs in the field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Patterns of herbicide resistance in Raphanus raphanistrum revealed by comprehensive testing and statistical analysis.

Raphanus raphanistrum causes $40 million total revenue losses annually in Western Australia partly due to its historically-documented ability to evolve herbicide resistance to multiple modes of action. In this study, 376 field-sampled populations of R. raphanistrum were tested for resistance to 21 herbicides applied at the recommended label rate. Eight treatments were herbicide mixtures with two, three or four modes of action. A total of 7199 individual resistance tests were conducted across 4 years by screening approximately 104 000 individual seeds and seedlings. The mean survival of individuals within a population for all standalone herbicides was 9%, whereas survival was significantly decreased to 3.5% with a herbicide mixture. Some herbicides such as triasulfuron (herbicide Group 2), 2,4-D (Group 4) or diflufenican (Group 12) were highly impacted by resistance, with frequencies of resistant populations being > 50%. Conversely, there was negligible resistance to glyphosate (Group 9) or protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors (tiafenacil, saflufenacil + trifludimoxazin, fomesafen: Group 14), and pre-emergence herbicides (i.e., atrazine or mesotrione: Groups 5 and 27, respectively) remained largely effective. Binary, ternary or quaternary mixtures of Groups 4, 6, 12 and 27 herbicides reduced the frequency of high-level resistant populations to 7.1%, 3.8% or 0%, respectively. The cost-effective control of R. raphanistrum remains a challenge due to herbicide resistance. Raphanus raphanistrum management relies heavily on herbicide uses not yet compromised by resistance, such as pre-emergence herbicides (atrazine, fomesafen, mesotrione), glyphosate, and mixtures of two, three or four modes of action including bromoxynil, diflufenican, MCPA, picolinafen, pyrasulfotole and topramezone. Strategies that integrate effective herbicide use patterns, novel modes of action and efficiently-mechanized non-chemical weed control options (i.e., seed destructors) can completely constrain the selection of herbicide resistance in this highly adaptable species. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A mycoviral infection drives virulence and ecological fitness of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

Entomopathogenic ascomycetes are important natural regulators of insect pest populations and an increasingly adopted microbial control option. Fungal virulence in entomopathogenic ascomycetes can be modified by mycoviruses, viruses that infect fungi, whereas the possible role of these viruses on the physical and biochemical properties of the virus-containing fungal strains and on their ecological fitness has remained largely unexplored. Here, utilizing a Beauveria bassiana strain naturally infected with two mycoviruses, Beauveria bassiana partitivirus 2 (BbPV-2) and Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus 1 (BbPmV-1), we found that the mycovirus-containing strain is hypervirulent towards the experimental insect Galleria mellonella and shows major physical and biochemical changes in spore size, isoelectric point, and Pr1 activity, but even more impactful, the mycoviral infection confers a significant environmental- abiotic and biotic stress tolerance to the fungus. Hence, mycovirus infection expanded the temperature range for fungal growth and germination, and improved tolerance to osmotic stress, water stress, and UV-B radiation. Similarly, the antagonistic activity of the mycovirus-containing strain against Trichoderma harzianum was increased as compared to the mycovirus-free one. Taken together, these data suggest for the first time a mycovirus related adaptation of key traits indicators of environmental competence of a beneficial fungus, rendering these mycoviruses as potent tools for entomopathogenic fungal strain selection and development as mycoinsecticides.

Hybrid tomato seed production in protected ground

Relevance. The trend of increasing the area of protected soil and introducing new technologies in the cultivation of vegetable crops of food value can be traced every year. With the development of technology, the requirements for the quality and volume of seed material of hybrids have increased. The main constraints on seed production are the requirements for additional manual labor costs and the complexity of the process, in particular, pollination elements that need to be studied and improved.The aim studying some elements of technology, the optimal time between castration and pollination when crossing fertile tomato lines.Material and Methods. The research was conducted in 2022 year in greenhouse at the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific Vegetable Center". The objects of research were different methods of applying paternal pollen to the stigma of the maternal form. The experiment was carried out between maternal and paternal mid-fruited semi-determinate tomato lines in a hybrid combination. The variants of our experience include time-varying methods of pollen application. Pollination at the same time after castration is a control option, pollination after 4, 12, 24, 48 hours. Options with additional pollination the next day: pollination after 4 (+ after 24 hours), 12 (+ after 24 hours), 24 (+ after 24 hours), 48 hours (+ after 24 hours).Results. In the research, it was found that when pollinated with pollen of the paternal component 24 hours after castration of flowers with additional pollination the next day (24 hours later), the yield of seeds from one fruit on the average fertile maternal line of tomato exceeds 3 times compared with conventional pollination at the same time with castration.

Outbreak Investigation and Economic Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease in Bovine in Western Amhara Regional State, North Western Ethiopia

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed wild and domestic animals and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. This aim of this study was to identify the circulating serotypes and determine it’s economic impact on cattle production. A a retrosepective questionnaire survey was conducted with 100 farm owners from six districts to determine the economic losses associated with foot and mouth diseases over one year. During the survy, fourteen active case epithelial tissue samples from three districts, which outbreak occure, were collected from the fourteen cattle. The collected tissue sample detected using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The foot and mouth diseases serotype O, A, SAT1, and SAT2 were identified using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition questionnaire survey data revealed that the average economic loss was 5553.21ETB (132.21$USA) per herd and 1124.13ETB (26.76$USA) per individual animal. The present investigation indicated that still foot and mouth disease outbreaks occurred in different areas of the northwestern Amhara region, and the economic impact of the disease is extremely severe, resulting in massive economic losses. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies on the epidemiology, vaccine trials, and socioeconomic consequences should be conducted to design appropriate control options.

Herbicide resistance is complex: a global review of cross-resistance in weeds within herbicide groups

Abstract Herbicides have been placed in global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) herbicide groups based on their sites of action (e.g., acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides are grouped in HRAC Group 2). A major driving force for this classification system is that growers have been encouraged to rotate or mix herbicides from different HRAC groups to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, because in theory, all active ingredients within a herbicide group physiologically affect weeds similarly. Although herbicide resistance in weeds has been studied for decades, recent research on the biochemical and molecular basis for resistance has demonstrated that patterns of cross-resistance are usually quite complicated and much more complex than merely stating, for example, a certain weed population is Group 2-resistant. The objective of this review article is to highlight and describe the intricacies associated with the magnitude of herbicide resistance and cross-resistance patterns that have resulted from myriad target-site and non–target site resistance mechanisms in weeds, as well as environmental and application timing influences. Our hope is this review will provide opportunities for students, growers, agronomists, ag retailers, regulatory personnel, and research scientists to better understand and realize that herbicide resistance in weeds is far more complicated than previously considered when based solely on HRAC groups. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of cross-resistance patterns among weed species and populations may assist in managing herbicide-resistant biotypes in the short term by providing growers with previously unconsidered effective control options. This knowledge may also inform agrochemical company efforts aimed at developing new resistance-breaking chemistries and herbicide mixtures. However, in the long term, nonchemical management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, and biological weed management tactics, must also be implemented to prevent or delay increasingly problematic issues with weed resistance to current and future herbicides.

Интеллектуальная защита судовой электроэнергетической системы от перегрузки

Modern means of protecting ship’s electrical power systems from overload are considered. It is shown that a promising approach is the implementation of preventive protection. This protection allows providing power supply to the most important consumers of the vessel through structural switching without going into an emergency state, in which a blackout of vessel will take place. Definitions of the main concepts used in the work are given and analyzed. The content of the concepts, state and survivability which are fundamental in the synthesis of algorithms for preventive protection of ship electrical power are disclosed. It is noted that the concept of survivability given in the standard requires clarification, and the concept of state is characterized by internal parameters of the object under study and is continuously changing. At the same time, it is possible to distinguish stable types of states that are fundamental in the synthesis of algorithms for preventive protection and unloading of ship electrical power systems. The functional diagram of the device providing preventive unloading of ship electrical power systems based on the ideas of smart control is considered. It is noted that control options are possible for independent and dependent tolerances that determine the area of operability of the equipment in the technical implementation of the unit for identification and the unit for monitoring the operating condition of the object under study. A structural diagram showing identification of the technical condition of the object under study is given. It based on fuzzy logic, which allows synthesizing elements of the device for preventive unloading of the ship's electrical power system based on smart protection methods. An example of the practical implementation of the proposed device for preventive unloading of a ship's power plant is considered. This power plant includes two generator units. A distinctive feature of the preventive unloading algorithm and the device implementing it is the ability to disconnect not only secondary but also important consumers of electrical energy.

Relapsed/refractory CLL: the role of allo-SCT, CAR-T, and T-cell engagers.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who are refractory to both Bruton's tyrosine kinase and B-cell/CLL lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors face a significant treatment challenge, with limited and short-lasting disease control options. This underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to address this unmet need, offering the potential for durable remissions and improved patient outcomes. Historically, allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been used for high-risk CLL patients, demonstrating promising survival rates. However, its applicability is limited by high treatment-related mortality and chronic graft-versus-host disease, especially in older and frail patients. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is gaining attention for its potential in relapsed/refractory CLL. Early clinical trials have shown that CAR T cells can induce durable remissions, with encouraging overall response rates in heavily pretreated patients. Additionally, bispecific antibodies are being explored as immunotherapeutic strategies, showing promising preclinical and early clinical results in targeting CLL cells effectively. One of the major challenges in CLL treatment with T-cell-based therapies is the acquired T-cell dysfunction observed in patients. To overcome these limitations, strategies such as combining targeted agents with cellular immunotherapies, modifying CAR designs, and incorporating immunomodulatory compounds into the manufacturing process are being investigated. These innovative approaches aim to enhance T-cell engagement and improve outcomes for CLL patients, offering hope for more effective and sustainable treatments in the future.

Evaluation of Different Mode of Action Insecticides for the Control of Bemisia tabaci; Enhancement of Pesticide Efficacy.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a major pest worldwide, causing damage to a vast range of plants through its feeding on phloem sap and its vectoring of >100 plant viruses. Although not established in the UK, it is regularly introduced on planting material, which poses a significant plant health risk. Restrictions on pesticide use and increasing resistance to available active ingredients limit options for effective control of potential outbreaks. Alternative management options are required to mitigate this risk. There was high variability in the efficacy of the different modes of action products tested against two life stages (adults and larvae) as well as the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of B. tabaci. For both adults and larvae, MEAM1 were more susceptible than MED insects, possibly due to differences in resistance developed against some active ingredients. All products tested were effective to varying degrees against MEAM1 adults with Tracer (spinosad), PREV-AM (orange oil), Sequoia (sulfoxaflor), and FLiPPER (fatty acids) having similar efficacies (59-78% mortality). In contrast, PREV-AM and FLiPPER were most effective against MED adults (74% and 65% mortalities, respectively). Both MED and MEAM1 larvae were highly susceptible to FLiPPER and PREV-AM (>95% mortality), and the efficacy of Tracer and FLiPPER can be enhanced by using in combination with PREV-AM, and this can be achieved by using low doses of each product. Synergy was measured between PREV-AM and Tracer against MEAM1 larvae, which has the potential to provide effective control with a reduced pesticide application.

Keeping toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin contamination at bay by deploying atoxigenic-based biocontrol products during production of groundnut and maize in Mozambique.

Aflatoxins, produced by aflatoxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi fungi, commonly occur in groundnut and maize grown in Mozambique and have long been associated with high prevalence of liver cancer, stunting, and restricted access to lucrative international markets. Effective aflatoxin control options in the country are limited and not adequately explored. Biocontrol products based on atoxigenic strains of A. flavus provide viable aflatoxin mitigation measures but require development for Mozambique. Four hundred and sixty-eight (468) and 558 groundnut and maize farmers, respectively, voluntarily evaluated the effectiveness of two biocontrol products (Aflasafe MWMZ01 and Aflasafe MZ02), each containing as active ingredients four distinct atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus belonging to native vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs), at preventing aflatoxin contamination and displacement of aflatoxigenic fungi for 2 years in various agro-ecologies. Most groundnut and maize treated with the biocontrol products were below maximum levels for food in the European Union (EU; 85%; p < 0.01) and the United States (US; 99%; p < 0.01). In contrast, most non-treated maize and groundnut (ranging from 38 to 70%; p = 0.05) were above the EU and US maximum allowable levels for food. Aflatoxin reductions ranged from 78 to 98% (p < 0.01) in treated groundnut, and from 61 to 93% (p < 0.01) in treated maize. Toxigenic fungi were almost completely displaced from soils and crops by the applied atoxigenic active ingredients. This study revealed that the atoxigenic based biocontrol technology is effective in Mozambique at displacing aflatoxigenic fungi and reducing aflatoxin accumulation in both groundnut and maize but a combination with other management tools is encouraged for better retention of crop quality along the value chain.

Characterising the transcriptomic response of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a mycobacterial cell wall fraction

BackgroundInnate immune stimulants, including mycobacterium cell wall fractions (MCWF), offer an alternative control option to prevent and treat disease in livestock, by appropriately augmenting the innate immune response. However, the functional response to mycobacterium cell wall fractions in cattle is not well defined. In this study we report the transcriptomic response of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to MCWF in the product Amplimune®. MethodsAmplimune-induced transcriptomic changes in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined following an initial pilot study and a later time course experiment. These cells were cultured in vitro for 24 h. In the pilot experiment, cells were stimulated with 0, 2, 5, 12.5 or 31.25 µg/mL Amplimune. In the time course experiment, cells were stimulated with 0 or 31.25 µg/mL Amplimune. In both experiments the total RNA was extracted at 0 h, 6 h and 24 h following stimulation. Ribosomal RNA depleted samples were sequenced, and data analysed to determine differential gene expression profiles. Differential gene expression was further analysed to determine enriched biological processes and pathways and a co-expression network. Results and conclusionAmplimune induced dose- and time-dependent gene expression profile changes in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were enriched into GO-BP regulation of signalling receptor activity, response to cytokine and inflammatory response. Enriched pathways from KEGG analysis were cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL17 signalling and TNF signalling pathways. Selected genes involved in these processes and pathways included IFNG, IL17A, TNF, IL22 and IL23A. PDE1B, CSF2 and IL36G were identified as the most connected genes in a co-expression network, while the connection between SAA2 and SIGLEC5 was the most important for flow of information within the network. Genes encoding for pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL2, and IL12B, and chemokines CCL3, CCL4 and CCL20 were also upregulated at 6 and 24 h post stimulation, as was the β-defensin gene TAP. These results assist in understanding how mycobacterial cell wall fractions alter immune function and may contribute to our understanding of the immune stimulant response attributed to Amplimune.

Digital Storage Oscilloscope with Frequency Control &amp; Real-time Visualization

Project presents a digital storage oscilloscope with real-time visualization capabilities and frequency control. The system is based on the flexible ESP32 microcontroller architecture, which allows for the creation of a wide range of waveforms at tunable frequencies. Quick waveform adaptation is made possible by users' easy control over the oscillator's frequency in real-time through simple input techniques. Additionally, the system has a graphical user interface that allows users to instantly visualize created signals and easily monitor waveform properties. The oscillator is appropriate for a variety of applications in industries like audio synthesis, instrumentation, and telecommunications because it also provides sophisticated control options and signal processing capabilities. This comprehensive solution meets the needs of both enthusiasts and experts in signal production and visualization by providing a practical and versatile tool for those working in

Examining imidacloprid behaviorally resistant house flies (Musca domestica L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) for neonicotinoid cross-resistance.

The house fly (Musca domestica L.) is a ubiquitous fly species commonly associated with confined animal and urban waste storage facilities. It is known for its pestiferous nature and ability to mechanically vector numerous disease-causing pathogens. Effective control of adult house fly populations has traditionally relied upon insecticidal food baits; however, due to the overuse of insecticides, resistance has proven to yield many insecticidal baits and chemical classes less effective. Imidacloprid, the most widely used neonicotinoid, has been formulated and commonly used in house fly baits for over 2 decades. However, widespread evidence of physiological and behavioral resistance to imidacloprid has been documented. While previous studies have investigated the mechanisms of behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly, it remains unclear whether behavioral resistance is specific to imidacloprid or if behavioral cross-resistance exists to other compounds within the neonicotinoid class of insecticides. The current study used no-choice and choice-feeding bioassays to examine a lab-selected imidacloprid behaviorally resistant house fly colony for cross-resistance to other insecticides in the neonicotinoid chemical class. All flies exhibited high mortality (97-100%) in no-choice assays, even when exposed to imidacloprid, indicating physiological susceptibility to all tested neonicotinoids. House flies exhibited high mortality (98-100%) in choice assays when exposed to all neonicotinoid insecticides tested besides imidacloprid. These results confirm that imidacloprid behavioral resistance is specific to the compound imidacloprid and that alternative neonicotinoids remain viable options for control. Our study showed no evidence of behavioral cross-resistance to other compounds in the neonicotinoid class.