Main Control Strategy Research Articles

Early selection for rust resistance in eucalypt progenies and implications for other traits of interest in tree breeding

Planting of resistant clones is the main control strategy for rust caused by Austropuccinia psidii on eucalypts in Brazil. Phenotyping for resistance to rust is performed at the last stage of the breeding programme on genetic material preselected for growth and industrial traits, which therefore may include susceptible genotypes. An alternative way to increase the frequency of resistant individuals in the breeding population is to perform resistance phenotyping during the initial stages of the programme. However, the impact of this approach on other characteristics considered as priority in the selection of genetic material should be assessed. In this study, we evaluated whether early selection for resistance to rust influenced total diameter at breast height (DBH), height (TH), average annual increment (IMA) and basic wood density (BWD), which are important selection criteria in eucalypt breeding. For this, a total of 6 703 plants from 70 full-sib progenies of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and hybrids of these species were phenotyped for rust resistance before transplanting, under controlled conditions, and again at seven months after transplanting, under field conditions and natural infection. Subsequently, the breeding population was evaluated for BWD indirectly through pilodyn penetration at 24 months after planting, and for DBH, TH and MAI at 37 months. Considering the final phenotype, 25.3% individuals were classified as resistant and 74.7% were susceptible to rust. Comparative genetic analyses between resistant and susceptible individuals showed that selection for resistance, performed early, did not influence DBH, TH, MAI or BWD traits. Thus, the early selection of resistant genotypes speeds up the exclusion of susceptible genotypes, saving time and resources in the development of new commercial clones without interfering with other important traits for tree breeding.

Examining the Acceptability of Helminth Education Packages "Magic Glasses Lower Mekong" and "Magic Glasses Opisthorchiasis" and Their Impact on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Schoolchildren in the Lower Mekong Basin: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Helminths are a major global health issue, impacting health, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes. Infections, often starting in childhood, are linked to anemia, malnutrition, cognitive deficit, and in chronic cases of Opisthorchis viverrini (OV), cholangiocarcinoma. The main control strategy for helminth infection is mass drug administration; however, this does not prevent reinfection. As such, prevention strategies are needed. The "Magic Glasses" is a school-based cartoon health education package that has demonstrated success in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surrounding soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in China and the Philippines. This study is designed to assess the acceptability and impact of the 2 new versions of the Magic Glasses targeting STH and OV designed for the Lower Mekong audience in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), and Thailand. The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability of the "Magic Glasses Lower Mekong" and "Magic Glasses Opisthorchiasis" education packages among schoolchildren in the Lower Mekong Basin, and the impact of these education packages on students' KAP surrounding STH and OV, respectively. Schoolchildren will be recruited into a cluster randomized controlled trial with intervention and control arms in rural schools in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand. Schoolchildren's initial acceptability of the intervention will be evaluated using an adapted questionnaire. Sustained acceptability will be assessed at 9-month follow-up through focus group discussions with students and interviews with teachers. Impact will be evaluated by KAP questionnaires on STH and OV. KAP questionnaires will be administered to children at baseline and at follow-up. Indirect impact on parents' KAP of OV and STH will be assessed through focus group discussions at follow-up. The trial is in progress in Lao PDR and Thailand and is expected to commence in Cambodia in January 2024. The results of the study are expected to be available 18 months from the start of recruitment. We hypothesize that participants enrolled in the intervention arm of the study will have higher KAP scores for STH and OV, compared with the participants in the control arm at follow-up. We expect that students will have initial and sustained acceptability of these intervention packages. This trial will examine the acceptability of the "Magic Glasses Opisthorchiasis" and "Magic Glasses Lower Mekong" interventions and provide evidence on the effectiveness of the "Magic Glasses" on KAP related to OV and STH among schoolchildren in the Lower Mekong Basin. Study results will provide insight on acceptability and impact indicators and inform a scaling up protocol for the "Magic Glasses" education packages in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000271606; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385315&isReview=true. DERR1-10.2196/55290.

The Use of Eco-Enzyme as a Larvacide for Aedes aegypti Mosquito Larvae

Nearly half of the world's population is at risk of dengue infection, an arboviral infection that is typically spread by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Insecticide use and community awareness campaigns are the main vector control strategies currently in use in some countries, and they didn’t done many ways to reduce dengue. Eco-enzyme is the product of fermentation from organic waste such as vegetable, fruit, and sugar. Eco-enzyme can be used in agriculture, medicine, and others. This study aims to analyze the toxicity level of ecoenzyme as the larvicide for Aedes aegypti larvae. An analytical experimental study were conducted in Bionas Parasitology Laboratory from February to March 2024. As many as 20 Aedes aegypti larvae were used in each of exposure. Each exposure were replicated four times. The mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae was analyzed by a two-way ANOVA test, followed by a Fisher's least significant defference (LSD) post hoc test with a significance level of (p<0.01). This data was analysed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions(SPSS)Inc. 25.0. The concentrations of ecoenzyme induce mortality of the third instar of Aedes aegypti larvae were started from 2% concentration, and the highest was found in 10% concentrations which resulted in average of 50% mortality. In this context, the analysis results show that time, concentration, and the interaction between time and concentration have a significant influence on the observed quantities. These findings can have important implications in the context of studies or experiments related to the variables being tested. Below are the profile plots of each variable (concentration and time of exposure) which give significant influence on the mortality of Aedes larvae

Current status of pistachio diseases in countries of the Mediterranean Basin

AbstractIn the Mediterranean Basin, the pistachio crop is considered an emerging nut crop due to the dependence of the European nut markets on international imports. Consequently, the extension and intensification of pistachio production to nontraditional growing areas has promoted both classic and emerging diseases of this nut tree, which are limiting factors in crop production. Due to the limited interest in pistachio crops, the aetiology and epidemiology of the main pistachio diseases are poorly studied. Thus, this review summarizes the state of pistachio disease research, with particular attention given to the Mediterranean area. The information reported here is based not only on the literature, but also the advancement of our research on pistachio diseases conducted in both Italy and Spain. We describe the main fungal diseases of the tree canopy in Mediterranean countries, such as Botryosphaeria panicle and shoot blight, Septoria leaf spot, and stem, branch and trunk canker diseases, followed by the main soilborne diseases. In addition, we review minor and/or sporadic fungal diseases originating in not only the Mediterranean, but also other pistachio‐producing countries. Another section is dedicated to other diseases caused by bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and nematodes. Finally, we summarize the main control strategies adopted in Mediterranean Basin countries against pistachio diseases.

Fault current limitation approaches for grid-following controlled DERs in microgrid environments

The adoption of distributed energy resources in the electricity system is rapidly spreading worldwide, where power converters are the preferred method for better integration. However, the fault behaviour of these converter-integrated distributed energy resources is still uncertain and varies according to the considered model representation. Furthermore, the fault response of the converter-integrated resources is influenced by the thought control strategy, which adds complexity to the analysis. Aimed at a better understanding of the converter-integrated resources fault behaviour, this document presents an analysis of the fault response considering active-reactive power control as the main control strategy of the converter-integrated resources; different current limitation strategies are tested and linked to physical constraints of the power electronic converters, also aligning with the reactive power support during fault. The fault behaviour is studied in a microgrid operating in grid-islanded and grid-connected modes, where the obtained results validate the adequacy of the fault current limitation strategies by compelling the converter-integrated resource to have a more realistic behaviour. Additionally, this study investigates the impact of prioritising direct or quadrature current injection (id or iq) during fault. Lastly, this study demonstrates that the converter-integrated resource can adequately support the microgrid voltage while complying with the reactive power generation requirements, which are usual in national grid codes and not often considered in the revised fault current limiting strategies. Overall, this study provides several insights into the performance of converter-integrated resources under fault conditions while emphasising the importance of fault-current limitation strategies to assure a reliable and realistic microgrid operation. These findings affect modern power systems designs, analysis, and implementation of power control strategies.

How is postoperative pain after hip and knee replacement managed? An analysis of two large hospitals in Australia

BackgroundMultimodal analgesia regimens are recommended for the postoperative period after hip and knee replacement surgeries. However, there are no data on practice patterns for analgesic use in the immediate postoperative period after hip and knee replacements in Australia.ObjectivesTo describe analgesic prescribing patterns in the inpatient postoperative phase for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement.MethodsRetrospective study of electronic medical record data from two major hospitals in Sydney, Australia. We identified analgesic medication prescriptions for all patients aged 18 years and older who underwent hip or knee replacement surgery in 2019. We extracted data on pain medications prescribed while in the ward up until discharge. These were grouped into distinct categories based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. We described the frequency (%) of pain medications used by category and computed the average oral morphine equivalent daily dose (OMEDD) during hospitalisation.ResultsWe identified 1282 surgeries in 1225 patients. Patients had a mean (SD) age of 69 (11.8) years; most (57.1%) were female. Over 99% of patients were prescribed opioid analgesics and paracetamol during their hospital stay. Most patients (61.4%) were managed with paracetamol and opioids only. The most common prescribed opioid was oxycodone (87.3% of patients). Only 19% of patients were prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). The median (IQR) average daily OMEDD was 50.2 mg (30.3–77.9).ConclusionWe identified high use of opioids analgesics as the main strategies for pain control after hip and knee replacement in hospital. Other analgesics were much less frequently used, such as NSAIDs, and always in combination with opioids and paracetamol.

Grid control strategy of wind turbines based on LADRC voltage control

Traditional grid-controlled wind turbines are required to rely on AC power grid operation, but when the power grid fluctuates, it will cause a series of oscillation instability problems in wind turbines, such as low-frequency oscillation, subsynchronous oscillation, etc. The safe and stable operation of the crisis power grid needs to be ensured. In this study, the virtual synchronous machine is supposed to be adopted as the main control strategy for grid-type control, transforming the traditional system into a more robust and reliable one. Additionally, a converter model of the grid-type control network is set up. By implementing grid-type control, voltage support and frequency support can be offered without relying solely on AC power grid operation. This approach effectively addresses issues caused by preventive such as reliance on wind turbines. The stability of the networked control system is dependent on maintaining stable system power. When there are fluctuations in system power, it impacts the stability of the networked control system. To mitigate these effects and enhance overall stability, this paper proposes using linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) based voltage and grid controls to suppress voltage fluctuations through linear active disturbance rejection techniques. The overall system performance is demonstrated through simulations conducted using Matlab/Simulink platform.

Bicontinuous Interfacially Jammed Emulsion Gels (Bijels): Preparation, Control Strategies, and Derived Porous Materials.

Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels, also known as Bijels, are a new type of soft condensed matter. Over the last decade, Bijels have attracted considerable attention because of their unique morphology, property, and broad application prospects. In the present review, we summarize the preparation methods and main control strategies of Bijels, focusing on the research progress and application of Bijels as templates for porous materials preparation in recent years. The potential future directions and applications of Bijels are also envisaged.

Small Disturbance Stability Analysis of Onshore Wind Power All-DC Power Generation System Based on Impedance Method

The Onshore Wind Power All-DC Generation System (OWDCG) is designed to integrate with renewable energy sources by modifying the grid structure. This adaptation supports the grid infrastructure and addresses the challenges of large-scale wind power AC collection and harmonic resonance during transmission. Crucially, small disturbance stability parameters are essential for ensuring the system’s stable operation. Unlike conventional power systems, the OWDCG exhibits strong coupling between subsystems, accentuating the small disturbance stability issue due to the dynamic nature of its converter control system. The impedance method facilitates the decomposition of such systems into subsystems, offering insights into the destabilization mechanism through the lens of negative impedance contribution. This approach is conducive to conducting small disturbance stabilization analyses. To tackle this issue, the initial step involves deriving the input and output equivalent impedance models of the subsystem, considering the topological structure, control features, and operational dynamics of the OWDCG. Subsequently, the impact of circuit and control parameters on the system’s impedance characteristics and small-disturbance stability is examined through Bode diagrams and Nyquist curves. This analysis identifies critical parameters for small-disturbance stability, guiding the stable operation and parameter optimization of the OWDCG. The analysis highlights that the main control strategies for stability are the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) DC voltage control and the inner-loop current control gain. Validation of the theoretical findings is achieved through simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC.

Efeito de iscas tóxicas em adultos de drosófila da asa manchada em condições de laboratório

ABSTRACT Drosophila suzukii is an exotic pest identified in Brazil in 2013 that has the potential to cause quantitative and qualitative losses to small fruit crops. Its wide range of hosts and short life cycle combined with continuous fruit availability make its management challenging. Insecticide application is the main control strategy currently used; however, this control method is highly harmful to human health and the environment. The strategy of using toxic bait contributes to reductions in insecticide application in in terms of total area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of toxic baits on adult Drosophila suzukii under laboratory conditions. Four bioassays with different treatments were conducted to test different ready-to-use toxic baits, as well as homemade and commercial bait formulations combined with insecticide. Twenty µL of each toxic bait were offered to 5 five-day-old pairs of D. suzukii for 2 hours. Adult mortality was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after exposure. All toxic baits caused mortality ranging from 10% to 65%. The toxic bait Droskidrink + 0.15% malathion + 0.3% sugar resulted in 65% adult mortality, denoting potential for evaluating the management of D. suzukii in semi-field and field studies.

The impact of community based interventions for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminths: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common human infections worldwide and a major cause of morbidity. They are caused by different species of parasitic worms and transmitted by eggs released in faeces or when hookworm larvae penetrate the skin. The main control strategy in endemic regions is periodic treatment with deworming medication. In the last 10 years, there has been a scale-up of prevention and control activities with a focus on community-based interventions (CBIs). This review aims to systematically analyse the impact of CBIs on the prevalence and infection intensity of STHs. A systematic review was published on this topic in 2014, but there have subsequently been several new studies published which are included in this review. Electronic database search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Global Health Online (Ovid), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid) and Web of Science was conducted. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers according to predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and a meta-analysis of included studies was conducted. A total of 11,954 de-duplicated titles were screened, and 33 studies were included in the review. 14 focussed on community-wide treatment, 11 studies investigated school-based interventions, and 3 studies investigating both. Results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence of Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides. School-based treatment and community-wide treatment, as well as annual and semi-annual deworming, all reduce STH prevalence significantly. Mass drug administration was effective in reducing the infection intensity of Hookworm (Mean difference: -211.36 [95% CI: -519.12, 96.39]), Trichuris trichiura (-736.69 [-1349.97, -123.42]) and Ascaris lumbricoides (-2723.34 [-5014.85, -431.84]). The results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence and intensity of STH infections. While most studies delivered preventive chemotherapy (PC), few studies explored the impact of interventions such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or health education, which may be essential in preventing reinfection after PC.

Polyandry contributes to Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) rearing.

Gonipterus platensis Marelli, 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main defoliating beetles in Eucalyptus plantations. Biological control with egg parasitoids is one of the main control strategies for this pest and a constant supply of fresh host eggs is required to rear the parasitoids. Polyandry can influence Gonipterus oviposition by increasing female fecundity and fertility; however, the high density of individuals in laboratory colonies can lead to male harassment, resulting in lower reproduction rate. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of monoandry and polyandry on the reproduction of G. platensis and the effects of male harassment on laboratory rearing conditions. Reproductive parameters were compared between three treatments: monoandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with the same male; no choice polyandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with a different male; and polyandry with choice, where the female was allowed to mate daily, but with a choice between five different males. Another experiment varying the density of males was conducted to evaluate the effect of male harassment. Polyandry with choice resulted in the longest period of oviposition, highest fecundity and highest number of eggs per egg capsules when compared to monoandrous females. No negative effect related to male harassment in the laboratory, such as decreased fertility, fecundity, or number of eggs per egg capsule, was detected. Polyandry contributes to mass rearing as it increases fecundity and oviposition period on females and there is no evidence of male harassment on G. platensis.

Toxicity and residual effects of spinetoram on adults and larvae of Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The use of organophosphate insecticides is one of the main strategies for the chemical control of Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazil. Although organophosphate insecticides are effective in population suppression, their constant use (up to 5 applications/harvest) may favor pest resistance. Nevertheless, some organophosphate insecticides are highly toxic to natural enemies and thus their use has been banned. In this study, we investigated acute and residual toxicity of different doses of insecticide spinetoram for the control of larvae and adults of A. fraterculus and C. capitata under laboratory and field conditions. Spinetoram (Delegate 250WG™) showed high toxicity to adults and larvae of A. fraterculus and C. capitata (mortality>80%), based on topical application and ingestion bioassays. At the highest dose evaluated, 5.0 g a.i. (active ingredient) per 100 L of water, spinetoram was statistically similar to organophosphate (Lorbans 480BR™), but superior to neonicotinoid (Eleitto™), standard products for fruit fly control in Brazil. In addition, at doses 3.75 and 5 g a.i.100 L-1, spinetoram showed significant toxicity (mortality>70%) via tarsal contact for both species. Furthermore, toxic effects at depth were observed on larvae of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of fly species in apple and peach fruits, reducing adult emergence by up to 90%. In the field, the highest dose evaluated (spinetoram 5 g a.i.100 L-1) reduced infestation of A. fraterculus by 90%. The results show that spinetoram could be used in the management of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, also as an alternative control for insect resistance management programs.

Energy-based cold-start strategies for diesel engines at extreme low temperature

The cold start of diesel engines at extreme low temperatures is currently one of the most critical problems in the field of transportation. An experiment on the cold start was conducted in a controlled environment, and a one-dimensional simulation model was built to study diesel engine cold start performance based on energy analysis. The cyclic energy loss of cold start failure and success cases, ramp-up-speed period characteristic of diesel engine were studied by using special low temperature diesel and adopting two pilots and one main injection control strategy at −43 ℃. The numerical calculation and analysis results show that when the exhaust energy is high and the heat transfer loss energy is very low, there may be a misfire cycle in the cylinder. The increase in the pilot injection 1 mass, main injection mass, pilot injection 1 timing, and main injection timing within certain limits can significantly increase the fuel vapor fraction during the ramp-up-speed period (maximum of 66.67%). The speed of ramp-up-speed period and idle steady phase faster obviously, the maximum increase is 300 r/min (30%). The fuel vapor fraction increases as the pilot injection 2 mass increases during the ramp-up-speed period but slows down the speed of ramp-up and idle phase, with a maximum decrease of 300 r/min (23.07%).

Evaluation of Hematological Profiles and Monocyte Subpopulations in Water Buffalo Calves after Immunization with Two Different IBR Marker Vaccines and Subsequent Infection with Bubaline alphaherpesvirus-1.

Bubaline alphaherpesvirus-1 (BuAHV-1) and Bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 (BoAHV-1) are respiratory viruses that can cause an infection known as "Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis" (IBR) in both water buffalo and bovine species. As the main disease control strategy, vaccination can protect animals from clinical disease through the development of specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In the present study, the time-related circulatory kinetics of hematological profile and bubaline monocyte subsets have been investigated in vaccinated buffalo calves after challenge infections with BuAHV-1. Thirteen buffalo calves were selected and grouped into the VAX-1 group, which received an IBR-live-attenuated gE-/tk-deleted marker vaccine; the VAX-2 group, which received an IBR-inactivated gE-deleted marker vaccine; the CNT group, which remained an unvaccinated control. Fifty-five days after the first vaccination, the animals were infected with 5 × 105.00 TCID50/mL of wild-type BuAHV-1 strain via the intranasal route. Whole blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 30, and 63 days post-challenge (PCDs) for the analysis of hematological profiles and the enumeration of monocyte subsets via flow cytometry. The analysis of leukocyte compositions revealed that neutrophils were the main leukocyte population, with a relative increase during the acute infection. On the other hand, a general decrease in the proportion of lymphocytes was observed early in the post-infection, both for the VAX-1 and VAX-2 groups, while in the CNT group, the decrease was observed later at +30 and +63 PCDs. An overall infection-induced increase in blood total monocytes was observed in all groups. The rise was especially marked in the animals vaccinated with an IBR-live-attenuated gE-/tK-deleted marker vaccine (VAX-1 group). A multicolor flow cytometry panel was used to identify the bubaline monocyte subpopulations (classical = cM; intermediate = intM; and non-classical = ncM) and to investigate their variations during BuAHV-1 infection. Our results showed an early increase in cMs followed by a second wave of intMs. This increase was observed mainly after stimulation with live-attenuated viruses in the VAX-1 group compared with the animals vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine or the non-vaccinated animal group. In summary, the present study characterized, for the first time, the hematological profile and distribution of blood monocyte subsets in vaccinated and non-vaccinated water buffalo in response to experimental infection with BuAHV-1. Although not experimentally proven, our results support the hypothesis of a linear developmental relationship between monocyte subsets.

An Improved Model-Free Active Disturbance Rejection Deadbeat Predictive Current Control Method of PMSM Based on Data-Driven

This article proposes an improved model-free active disturbance rejection deadbeat predictive current control(ADRDPCC) method for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) used in more electric aircraft (MEA) based on the data driven method, which is used to solve the parameter mismatch problem of deadbeat predictive current control (DPCC) and improve the performance of PMSM control system. DPCC model applied to the current loop of the MEA motor is established as the main control strategy of the system. The principle of active disturbance rejection control is combined with DPCC, and the ADRDPCC structure is formed to optimize the control strategy. A specific extended state observer (ESO) of ADRDPCC is designed to track the internal disturbance caused by parameter mismatch and the external disturbance in real time. DPCC is used as the control law of the ADRDPCC structure to predict the current and output the reference voltage based on the observation of ESO. A deep reinforcement learning model based on ADRDPCC is designed and trained based on the data-driven method. The trained model can compensate and optimize ADRDPCC based on the disturbance observed by ESO and the observed control state of PMSM. The simulated and experimental results show the superiority of the proposed method.

Laboratory evaluation of insect growth regulators against the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive species that causes great damages to many stone and small fruits, resulting in reduced fruit production and high economic losses. The concern about this pest has led to the research of a wide range of possible control methods. However, the main control strategies are still based in insecticide applications. The efficacy of different insect growth regulators (IGRs), which have better ecotoxicological profile than conventional pesticides, was evaluated to test their feasibility for the control of this pest. When adult flies fed for three days on artificial diet surface-treated with lufenuron, cyromazine or pyriproxyfen, no adult offspring developed. However, adult offspring production progressively recovered when flies were transferred to non-treated diet. When adult flies fed continuously for 19 days on surface-treated artificial diet, lufenuron, cyromazine and pyriproxyfen completely suppressed the production of viable offspring while azadirachtin and tebufenozide reduced offspring production by more than a half compared to the untreated control. Nevertheless, these were transient non-permanent effects since viable offspring was produced shortly after females fed on treated diet were transferred to non-treated diet. The results observed in additional choice and egg-transfer assays indicate a vertical transmission of lufenuron and cyromazine from treated females to their offspring whereas the effect of pyriproxyfen seems to be related to the feeding of larvae on treated diet, although effects on reproductive processes cannot be discarded. In addition, choice assays showed no repellent effect on oviposition by lufenuron, cyromazine and pyriproxyfen.

Nanoparticles: A Potential and Effective Method to Control Insect-Borne Diseases.

Insects act as vectors to carry a wide range of bacteria and viruses that can cause multiple vector-borne diseases in humans. Diseases such as dengue fever, epidemic encephalitis B, and epidemic typhus, which pose serious risks to humans, can be transmitted by insects. Due to the absence of effective vaccines for most arbovirus, insect control was the main strategy for vector-borne diseases control. However, the rise of drug resistance in the vectors brings a great challenge to the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, finding an eco-friendly method for vector control is essential to combat vector-borne diseases. Nanomaterials with the ability to resist insects and deliver drugs offer new opportunities to increase agent efficacy compared with traditional agents, and the application of nanoagents has expanded the field of vector-borne disease control. Up to now, the reviews of nanomaterials mainly focus on biomedicines, and the control of insect-borne diseases has always been a neglected field. In this study, we analyzed 425 works of the literature about different nanoparticles applied on vectors in PubMed around keywords, such as"nanoparticles against insect," "NPs against insect," and "metal nanoparticles against insect." Through these articles, we focus on the application and development of nanoparticles (NPs) for vector control, discussing the lethal mechanism of NPs to vectors, which can explore the prospect of applying nanotechnology in the prevention and control of vectors.

Advanced Process Control for Clinker Rotary Kiln and Grate Cooler

The cement industry includes energy-intensive processes, e.g., clinker rotary kilns and clinker grate coolers. Clinker is obtained through chemical and physical reactions in a rotary kiln from raw meal; these reactions also involve combustion processes. The grate cooler is located downstream of the clinker rotary kiln with the purpose of suitably cooling the clinker. The clinker is cooled through the action of multiple cold air fan units as it is transported within the grate cooler. The present work describes a project where Advanced Process Control techniques are applied to a clinker rotary kiln and a clinker grate cooler. Model Predictive Control was selected as the main control strategy. Linear models with delays are obtained through ad hoc plant experiments and suitably included in the controllers' formulation. A cooperation and coordination policy is introduced between the kiln and the cooler controllers. The main objectives of the controllers are to control the rotary kiln and grate cooler critical process variables while minimizing the fuel/coal specific consumption of the kiln and the electric energy consumption of the cold air fan units within the cooler. The overall control system was installed on the real plant, obtaining significant results in terms of service factor and control and energy-saving performances.

ON MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE TRANSMISSION OF GRAPEVINE LEAFROLL-ASSOCIATED VIRUS 3 BY THE VINE MEALYBUG, PLANOCOCCUS FICUS

Grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) is the most common and economically destructive grapevine viral disease in South African vineyards and throughout the world. There are many GLD-associated virus variants with Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) being the main causative agent of GLD. The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus, is the most widespread and problematic vector of GLRaV-3. Roguing, pesticides and sanitary measures are common control strategies used in South African vineyards. In this paper, we propose an age-structured mathematical model for the transmission of (GLRaV-3) by Planococcus ficus in the South African context. The model is investigated in terms of the transmission thresholds and control strategies. A simplified model is used to shed light into the qualitative dynamics of transmission and assess the effectiveness of roguing as the main control strategy for GLRaV-3 spread.