RM Values Research Articles

Numerical viscosity and resistivity in MHD turbulence simulations

Abstract For magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) turbulence simulations to accurately capture the underlying physics, we must understand numerical dissipation. Here we quantify numerical viscosity and resistivity in the subsonic and supersonic turbulence regimes, with Mach numbers $\mathcal {M}= 0.1$ and 10, respectively. We find that the hydrodynamic (Re) and magnetic Reynolds numbers (Rm) on the turbulence driving scale ℓturb in a cubic domain of side length L with a total of N3 resolution elements are well-described by ${\mathrm{Re}}=[2(N/N_{\mathrm{Re}})(\ell _{\mathrm{turb}}/L)]^{p_{\mathrm{Re}}}$ and ${\mathrm{Rm}}=[2(N/N_{\mathrm{Rm}})(\ell _{\mathrm{turb}}/L)]^{p_{\mathrm{Rm}}}$. We provide two sets of fit values of (NRe, pRe, NRm, pRm): one with pRe and pRm fixed at their theoretical values, and the other one allowing all 4 parameters to vary. The sets for $\mathcal {M}=0.1$ are $(1.57_{-0.12}^{+0.10},4/3,1.55_{-0.14}^{+0.45},4/3)$ and $(0.83_{-0.08}^{+0.09},1.20_{-0.02}^{+0.02},4.19_{-4.05}^{+2.95},1.60_{-0.33}^{+0.18})$, respectively. For $\mathcal {M}=10$, they are $(3.55_{-0.56}^{+0.78},3/2,1.03_{-0.11}^{+0.12},3/2)$ and $(10.46_{-0.85}^{+0.96},1.90_{-0.04}^{+0.04},0.44_{-0.23}^{+0.61},1.32_{-0.09}^{+0.17})$. The resulting magnetic Prandtl numbers (Pm = Rm/Re) are consistent with constant values of $1.0_{-0.2}^{+0.3}$ for $\mathcal {M}= 0.1$, and $6.2_{-4.8}^{+5.6}$ for $\mathcal {M}= 10$. These results apply when the magnetic energy (Emag) is ≲ 10% of the turbulent kinetic energy (Ekin). When Emag/Ekin ∼ 0.1 − 1, Rm is reduced by a factor ∼3 (implying an increase in NRm by a factor ∼2) for $\mathcal {M}=0.1$, while Rm for $\mathcal {M}=10$ and Re (for any $\mathcal {M}$) remain largely unaffected. We compare our Re–N relation with 14 other simulations from the literature, which use a large range of different numerical methods (with and without Riemann solvers, different reconstruction schemes and orders, and smoothed particle hydrodynamics), and find that they all agree with the Re–N relations above to within a factor of 3. We further compare these results to target Re and Rm values in simulations using explicit dissipation from the literature. These literature comparisons and our relations allow users to assess what value of Re and Rm can be reached at a given N, ensuring that physical dissipation dominates over numerical dissipation.

Anthelmintic activity and pathophysiological effect of Allium sativum crude extract against carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.

Opisthorchis viverrini poses a substantial risk for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand. Despite praziquantel (PZQ) remains the primary treatment for opisthorchiasis, its association with adverse effects and potential CCA development during prolonged treatment, particularly in cases of reinfection and chronic infection, underscores the imperative for alternative herbal interventions with anthelmintic potential. In this context, a prior study suggested the inhibitory effects of Allium sativum L. (garlic) on various protozoa and helminths, prompting the investigation of its efficacy against O. viverrini in this study. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of garlic against O. viverrini. O. viverrini adult worms were exposed to varying concentrations of garlic crude extract (20, 30, and 40 mg/ml). As comparators, another set of adult worms was treated with PZQ (20 mg/ml) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium, serving as the positive and negative control groups. The quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of oxidative stress was executed using 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological damage of O. viverrini adult worms were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, motility assessment was conducted at various exposure times (0, 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours) by estimating relative motility values and survival index. The results revealed significantly elevated ROS levels and distinctive morphological damage, characterized by swelling of microvilli and papillae in the garlic-treated groups. In contrast, the positive control group exhibited minor morphological damage, while the negative control group did not display such alterations. The reduction in movement and increased mortality were observed in the groups treated with garlic, as evidenced by the RM and SI values, in comparison to both the positive and negative control groups. These findings suggest that garlic extract possesses potent anthelmintic properties against O. viverrini adult worms and holds promise as an alternative therapeutic avenue for Opisthorchiasis.

Comparison of sublethal effects of 3 acaricides on life table parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Acari: Tarsonemidae).

To assess the effects of sublethal concentrations of 3 acaricides-Bifenazate, Etoxazole, and Azocyclotin-on the development and reproduction of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks. Our results indicated that the LC20 values of Bifenazate, Etoxazole, and Azocyclotin against T. urticae are 3.196, 25.249, and 32.387mg/L, and against P. latus to be 18.058, 4.641, and 13.755mg/L, respectively. Sublethal concentrations of these acaricides significantly impacted the development time, lifespan, and fecundity of both mite species. Among the acaricides, Azocyclotin significantly extended the immature developmental period of T. urticae and P. latus. All acaricides reduced the lifespan and fecundity of both species, with Etoxazole having the most substantial impact on the daily fecundity and reproductive of T. urticae. The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) for T. urticae exposed to Bifenazate, Etoxazole, and Azocyclotin were 0.17, -0.04, and 0.20, respectively. For P. latus, the rm values were 0.27, 0.23, and 0.25, respectively. These results suggest that under the exposure of sublethal acaricides, P. latus gained a competitive advantage in population competition. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the differential impacts of acaricides on various mite species to develop effective pest management strategies.

A Mechanistic Prediction Model of Resistance to Uprooting of Coniferous Trees in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Coarse roots and the root plate play an important role in tree resistance to uprooting. In this study, a qualitative mechanistic model was developed to analyze coniferous tree resistance to uprooting in relation to tree morphological characteristics. The sizes of the crown, stem, and root plate of twenty sample spruces and twenty sample Korean pines were individually measured for this purpose. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), the coarse root distribution and root plate size were detected. In the qualitative mechanistic model, a larger crown area increased the overturning moment, while higher DBH and root plate mass increased the resistance moment. The resistance coefficient (Rm) was calculated by comparing resistive and overturning moments, classifying samples into three uprooting hazard levels. Trees with smaller crown areas, larger stems, and root plates tend to have higher resistance to uprooting, as indicated by higher Rm values. This qualitative mechanistic model provides a useful tool for assessing coniferous standing tree uprooting resistance.

Turning Waste into Wealth: A Conceptual Design of Limonene Production Plant from Waste Rubber Tyre

Limonene production represents a compelling opportunity in the global market, given its competitive landscape dominated by a few key players who control nearly half of the industrial-grade limonene market. Due to the high polyisoprene content in vehicle tyres, along with the rising number of waste rubber tyres, the production of limonene by pyrolysis of tyres may represent a future trend to turn waste into wealth. Hence, a conceptual plant design was carried out to determine the feasibility of limonene production from waste rubber tyres in Malaysia. This feasibility study involved Aspen Plus simulation and illustrated the main processes using Process Flow Diagram (PFD), Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), and comprehensive stream table integrating material and energy balances. The desired product, which is limonene, was produced by the gas-solid pyrolysis within a conical spouted bed reactor (CSBR) in an inert atmosphere of non-oxidizing, achieving limonene of 98% purity. Besides, process optimization via pinch analysis has been performed to recover 223.84 kWh of energy using heat integration, resulting in 62.06% of energy saving. From the economic analysis conducted, the total capital investment is RM12.9 million and the annual revenue is RM124.7 million with an annual limonene production of 543.1 tons. The financial analysis demonstrated a robust return on investment (ROI) of 303%, a simple payback period of 0.33 years and ta Net Present Value (NPV) of RM 432.2 million.

Fabrication of poly(acrylic acid)/chitosan/linseed mucilage films: Thermal and mechanical properties

AbstractThe use of biodegradable polymers in the plastics industry has been increasing in recent years. The study of the chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of films based on biodegradable components is of interest to technologists because these properties determine their applicability for food packaging. In this work, films based on natural polymers such as linseed mucilage (LM) and chitosan (CH), as well as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were obtained through the casting method and using V‐50 as the initiator. The films were characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and their water absorption and swelling capacity, and thermal and mechanical properties were determined. Homogenous flexible, translucid, amber‐colored films, with low absorption and solubility in water were obtained. It was demonstrated through Fourier Transform Infrared analysis the chemical interaction between C–H, CO, and C–O chemical groups of LM, CH, and PAA. In addition, films showed high resistance to thermal decomposition between 125 and 425°C. The mechanical tests of tension allowed the composition of LM in the film, the behavior variates between a plastic and/or elastic material and with tensile strength (Rm) values between 10.8 and 16.4 MPa and elastic modulus (E) values between 56.2 and 169.2 GPa, we observed that at higher quantities of LM and thickness, both E and Rm tend to increase, while %EL decreases. This led us to conclude that the material transitioned from ductile and malleable to rigid and brittle. The films obtained with different ratios of LM/CH/PAA may exhibit a semi‐interpenetrating polymeric networking type morphology.Highlights Thermal and mechanical properties are of interest in food packaging materials. Water absorption can impact the packaged food. Films can be processed on existing machines for conventional plastics. Some conventional plastics could be replaced by these biodegradable films. Biodegradable films are of great interest to the industry of food packaging.

Machine Learning-Based Precursor Detection Using Seismic Multi-Parameter Data

The application of certain mathematical–statistical methods can quantitatively identify and extract the abnormal characteristics from the observation data, and the comprehensive analysis of seismic multi-parameters can study and judge the risk of the tectonic regions better than a single parameter. In this study, the machine learning-based detection of seismic multi-parameters using the sliding extreme value relevancy method, based on the earthquake-corresponding relevancy spectrum, was calculated in the tectonic regions in the western Chinese mainland, and the R-value evaluation was completed. Multi-parameter data included the b value, M value (missing earthquakes), ƞ value (the relationship between seismic magnitude and frequency), D value (seismic hazard), Mf value (intensity factor), N value (earthquake frequency), and Rm value (modulation parameter). The temporal results showed that the high-value anomalies appeared before most target earthquakes during the training period. Moreover, some target earthquakes also occurred during the advantageous extrapolation period with high-value anomalies. The spatial results showed that some months before the target earthquakes, there was indeed a significant abnormal enhancement area that appeared near the epicenter, and the anomaly gradually disappeared after the earthquakes. This study demonstrated that machine learning techniques for detecting earthquake anomalies using seismic multi-parameter data were feasible.

Climate Change Facilitates the Potentially Suitable Habitats of the Invasive Crop Insect Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller)

Invasive alien insects directly or indirectly driven by climate change threaten crop production and increase economic costs worldwide. Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) is a highly reproductive invasive crop insect that can severely damage fruit commodities and cause significant economic losses globally. Estimating the global potentially suitable habitats (PSH) of E. ceratoniae is an important aspect of its invasive risk assessment and early warning. Here, we constructed an optimized MaxEnt model based on the global distribution records of E. ceratoniae, and nine environmental variables (EVs), to predict its global PSH under current and future climates. Our results showed that the RM value was 2.0 and the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value was 0.972, indicating the high accuracy of the optimal MaxEnt model. The mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9, 50.2%), mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8, 16.9%), temperature seasonality (bio4, 9.7%), and precipitation of coldest quarter (bio19, 9.1%) were the significant EVs affecting its distribution patterns. The global PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in western Asia under current climate scenarios (687.57 × 104 km2), which showed an increasing trend under future climate scenarios. The PSH of E. ceratoniae achieved the maximum under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 1–2.6 in the 2030s and under the SSP2-4.5 in the 2050s. The increased PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in southwestern Asia, northwestern Europe, northwestern South America, northwestern North America, southern Oceania, and northwestern Africa. Our findings suggest that quarantine officials and governmental departments in the above high-risk invasion areas should strengthen monitoring and early warning to control E. ceratoniae; in particular, cultural measures should be taken in areas where its further expansion is expected in the future.

Effect of carbonation of soil-slag mixtures on the resilient behaviour and structural response of an asphalt pavement

In the face of rapid population growth and industrialisation, mitigating the harmful effects of CO2 emissions becomes an important issue to be studied. The objective of this study was to perform a structural analysis evaluating the influence of carbonation of soil-electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) mixtures used in the subgrade layer of an asphalt pavement. Resilient modulus tests (RM) were performed on the soil-EAFS mixtures subjected to two curing processes. The structural analysis was performed using the AEMC software, being evaluated: (i) the deflection at the top of the asphalt layer, (ii) the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of the same layer, and (iii) the vertical strain at the top of the subgrade layer. Carbonation increased the values of RM due to the formation of calcium carbonate, which led to a reduction in the analysed deflection and strains, resulting in a more durable asphalt pavement.

New radio continuum study of the large magellanic cloud supernova remnant N49

Abstract We present new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) radio observations towards N 49, one of the brightest extragalactic supernova remnants (SNRs) located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Our new and archival ATCA radio observations were analysed along with Chandra X-ray data. These observations show a prominent ‘bullet’ shaped feature beyond the southwestern boundary of the SNR. Both X-ray morphology and radio polarisation analysis support a physical connection of this feature to the SNR. The ‘bullet’ feature’s apparent velocity is estimated at $\sim$ 1 300 km s $^{-1}$ , based on its distance ( $\sim$ 10 pc) from the remnant’s geometric centre and estimated age ( $\sim$ 7 600 yr). we estimated the radio spectral index, $\alpha= -0.55 \pm 0.03$ which is typical of middle-age SNRs. Polarisation maps created for N 49 show low to moderate levels of mean fractional polarisation estimated at 7 $\pm$ 1% and 10 $\pm$ 1% for 5.5 and 9 GHz, respectively. These values are noticeably larger than found in previous studies. Moreover, the mean value for the Faraday rotation of SNR N 49 from combining CABB data is 212 $\pm$ 65 rad m $^{-2}$ and the maximum value of RM is 591 $\pm$ 103 rad m $^{-2}$ .

Investigation of the Relationship of Arm and Leg Volume with Anaerobic Power, Balance and Strength Characteristics in Elite Judokas

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between arm and leg volume, and anaerobic power, balance and strength characteristics in elite Judokas. 15 national Judokas participated in the study voluntarily from Burdur Municipality Sports Club. Frustum method to determine the arm and leg volumes of the athletes, Wingate anaerobic power test to determine their anaerobic performance, stabilometric balance platform test to determine the dynamic balance performances, and 1 RM method to determine the strength levels. “Spearman” Correlation Analysis was used to determine the relationship between the force, anaerobic power and balance results. Considering the results of the athletes, there was a significant relationship between peak power (Watt), mean power (Watt), average power (Watt / kg) and leg volume, while no relation was found in all other values. There was found no relation between the total leg volume and anaerobic power values in female Judokas, the total arm and leg volume and dynamic balance values of the male and female Judokas, the total arm and leg volumes of male Judokas with 1 RM. When the relation of total arm and leg volumes with 1 RM values in female Judokas was examined, positive significant relationship was found in calf raise repetition; no relation was found in all other values. To conclude, it can be suggested to sports scientists and coaches that they should plan training programs to enhance the strength and anaerobic power characteristics of Judokas.

Development of Novel Pyrrole Derivatives and Their Cinnamic Hybrids as Dual COX-2/LOX Inhibitors.

Molecular hybridization has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of diseases exhibiting multifactorial etiology. With regard to this, dual cyclooxygenase-2/lipoxygenase (COX-2/LOX) inhibitors could be considered a safe alternative to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs) and selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Taking this into account, six novel pyrrole derivatives and pyrrole-cinnamate hybrids were developed as potential COX-2 and soybean LOX (sLOX) inhibitors with antioxidant activity. In silico calculations were performed to predict their ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) properties and drug-likeness, while lipophilicity was experimentally determined as RM values. All synthesized compounds (1-4, 5-8) could be described as drug-like. The results from the docking studies on COX-2 were in accordance with the in vitro studies. According to molecular docking studies on soybean LOX, the compounds displayed allosteric interactions with the enzyme. Pyrrole 2 appeared to be the most potent s-LOX inhibitor (IC50 = 7.5 μM). Hybrids 5 and 6 presented a promising combination of in vitro LOX (IC50 for 5 = 30 μM, IC50 for 6 = 27.5 μM) and COX-2 (IC50 for 5 = 0.55 μM, IC50 for 6 = 7.0 μM) inhibitory activities, and therefore could be used as the lead compounds for the synthesis of more effective multi-target agents.

Investigation of Soil Properties Effect on Crop Yield Performance

Soil nutrient is essential for crop growth. Spatial variability of nutrients will have occurred in numerous scales, between regions, a field, particularly in soil properties. A study was carried out to observe the yield performance in an agricultural plot at Semujuk Jasin, Melaka. Using management zone delineation, the area is divided into fifteen smaller 6.8-meter × 6.8-meter plots. A soil sample from each plot was tested in the laboratory to obtain the soil moisture, organic matter, pH level, Phosphorus, and Manganese content. Using ArcGIS software, the result is interpolated using the Kringging method, mapped, and then compared with the crop value from each. Plot A3 generated the lowest yield with a crop yield value of RM6.8. This plot also has the lowest soil moisture content, which is 6.452%. Plot A1 produces only RM65.2 for crop yield, although it has 21.505% soil moisture content, while plot C1 only produces RM47.4 for crop yield value, although it has a higher soil moisture content of 23.265%. Regarding the soil organic matter content for both plots, plot A1 has only 1.455% organic matter content, while plot C1 has lower soil organic matter content, which is 0.823%. Plot B2, with a low pH value (4.51), shows a poor performance of RM52.6 regarding satisfactory readings on other plots. From the analysis made based on the experiment result, the primary limiting factor affecting crop performance is soil moisture content. Soil pH value and Organic Matter also play an essential role in determining crop performance.

Protein Banding Pattern Changes in Muscle and Brain Tissues of Fresh Water Fish Labeo rohita (Hamilton) Exposed to Malathion in Gel Electrophoresis

The impact of the organophosphate malathion on the protein electrophoretic patterns of the freshwater fish Labeo rohita (Hamilton) brain and muscle tissues were examined. Over 10 days, fish were given sub-lethal dosages of malathion (2 percent) at 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hour intervals. For example, muscle and brain tissue proteins, were run on 7.5% SDS -PAGE to look for alterations in protein structure. Ten protein bands were found to be responsible for controlling skeletal muscle and brain function. At various times after Malathion exposure, the quantity and intensity of protein bands were reduced in the fish. There were also new protein bands found to be antagonistic to pesticides. Standard marker proteins were used to determine protein banding patterns, and Rm values were then determined. Electrophoretogram data from this investigation demonstrated that protein bands in gills and muscles were similar, with very slight differences.

A comparative analysis of the effects of drop set and traditional resistance training on anaerobic power in young men

Drop set is a popular time-efficient resistance training method. This study aimed to compare the impact of drop-set (DS) training versus traditional resistance training (TRT) while ensuring equalized total training volume on the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Twenty-four sports science students were assigned to either DS (n=12) or TRT (n=12) protocols according to their 1 RM values, and they trained twice a week for 6 weeks.1 RM test was only conducted at the beginning of the study, while the Wingate anaerobic power test was administered at baseline and after the intervention period. The study demonstrated a significant main effect of time for peak power (p< 0.001), and a between-group interaction effect was observed for peak power (p< 0.05). The DS group exhibited slightly higher peak power values compared to TRT (p< 0.05, 15% increase for DS, 13% for TRT, ES: 0,50 and 0,36 respectively), while both groups displayed significantly increased values from pre to post-testing (p < 0.001). Based on our findings, it can be inferred that DS training leads to slightly greater enhancements in anaerobic power when compared to TRT. Additionally, the study confirmed that a 6-week (12 sessions in total) resistance training program utilizing a load of 70% of 1 RM was sufficient to enhance anaerobic performance in young active men.

Estimation of Planar and Normal Anisotropy Parameters of Al 8011 Sheets as Cold Rolled and Cold Rolled with Annealed Condition

Aluminium 8011 cast plates subjected to cold rolling to reduce thickness from 12 mm to 3.5 sheets. As rolled aluminium sheet was subjected to annealing treatment after rolling. This work deals with the study of planar and normal anisotropy parameters of as rolled aluminium and rolled with annealed aluminium sheets. The tensile test samples were cut at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° with respect to the rolling direction of as rolled Al sheet and rolled with annealed Al sheet. Tensile properties were measured at different orientations to the rolling directions. The wide variation in tensile strength was found in case of as rolled Al samples at different orientation to rolling direction of sheet (208 to 243 MPa). On the other hand nearly uniform tensile strength (128 MPa to 132 MPa) was measured for rolled and annealed Al samples at different orientations. As rolled Al samples shows anisotropic tensile properties where as isotropic tensile properties were measured for rolled with annealed Al samples. Al grains are more elongated along the rolling directions where as rolled and annealed Al sample shows more equiaxed grains which is attributed to isotropic behaviour of Al sheets. The normal anisotropy parameter or average rm value is higher (1.24) in case of rolled and annealed sheet sample as compared to as rolled Al sheet rm value (1.06). This is attributed to isotropic behaviour of rolled and annealed samples. Toughness and ductility properties are improved more than 3 times in case of rolled and annealed Al sheet samples. Annealing treatment of rolled Al sheet samples shows elongated grain morphology changes to equiaxed grains of aluminum which tends to improved formability and isotropic mechanical properties Al sheet. For determination of normal anisotropy (rm) value, tensile results R values are required at angles of 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. However in this study additional R values are estimated at 30 degree and 60 degree in order to understand trend of R value at every 30 degree from 0 to 90 degree.

Designing and significantly improved TeO2-based glass system for nuclear engineering applications: Radiation shielding performance and optical transparency

The radiation (beta particles (β), protons (1H), α-particles (He2+), carbon ions (C6+), fast neutrons (FN), and thermal neutrons (TN)) absorption parameters of 75TeO2–10MoO3–10BaO–(5-x)Sm2O3–xBi2O3 glass system were evaluated and presented along with their optical parameters in this study. The parameters were analyzed with the objective of evaluating the role of Sm and Bi atoms in altering the optical and radiation characteristics of the glass system. Starting with high-purity chemicals, namely BaCO3, Bi2O3, MoO3, TeO2, and Sm2O3, and following the melt-and-quench procedure, 75TeO2–10MoO3–10BaO–(5-x)Sm2O3–xBi2O3 glasses were prepared as TeMoBa-Sm/Bi1, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi2, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi3, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi4, and TeMoBa-Sm/Bi5 for Bi2O3 molar concentration of 0, 2, 4, 4.5, and 5 mol %, respectively. The optical parameters were computed theoretically from measured absorption spectra. The stopping powers and ranges of β-particles, protons, and α-particles were estimated using the ESTAR, PSTAR, and ASTAR software, respectively, while the SRIM code was used to compute for heavy carbon ions. In addition, the cross-sections of fast (FN) and thermal (TN) neutrons were computed using the standard expressions. There was a positive correlation between Bi2O3 content and the molar volume of the glasses. The refractive indices vary slightly between 2.53 and 2.56. The molar refractivity (Rm) values for TeMoBa-Sm/Bi1, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi2, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi3, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi4, and TeMoBa-Sm/Bi5 are 19.769 cm3/mol, 19.730 cm3/mol, 19.689 cm3/mol, 19.656 cm3/mol, and 19.754 cm3/mol, respectively. The values of Sp for proton are highest at 0.09 MeV with values of 284.047, 281.041, 278.135, 277.434 and 276.633 MeV cm2/g for TeMoBa-Sm/Bi1, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi2, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi3, TeMoBa-Sm/Bi4, and TeMoBa-Sm/Bi5, respectively. The Bi2O3 content thus improved the CR shielding ability of the glass system slightly. The optimum Bi2O3 concentration for FN shielding is 4 mol %. In addition, Bi2O3 compromised the TN absorption ability of the TeMoBa-Sm/Bi glass system.

Development and demographic parameters of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) when feeding on rice (Oryza sativa)

Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), native to the Americas, is a polyphagous insect pest feeding on more than 350 plant species. We studied the developmental and demographic parameters of the maize (Zea mays) strain of FAW on rice (Oryza sativa), and compared the results with its prime host, maize. The developmental period from egg to adult among rice varieties did not differ significantly; however, it did differ significantly between rice and maize, as feeding on rice rather than maize extends development duration of FAW larvae by 15.15%. FAW larvae collected and reared on maize were found to be of significantly higher weight than those reared on rice at two sequential dates of their development; pupal weight however was observed as statistically similar between these two host crops. Regardless of the host, female adults always emerged before males; in maize, female FAW appeared 3.36 days earlier than males. Females derived from rice had longer pre-oviposition periods and shorter oviposition ones than those derived from maize. In rice and maize, the age-specific fecundity rate (mx) peaked at 40 days and 33 days, respectively. When the Fall Armyworm consumed maize instead of rice, there was an increase in the reproduction rate (R0), the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), and the finite rate of increase (λ). For instance, when FAW fed on rice, the rm value was 0.121, whereas it rose to 0.173 when FAW fed on maize. Feeding on rice instead of maize resulted in significantly longer mean length of generation (tG) and doubling time (tD) for the fall armyworm (FAW). This suggests that it took a longer time for the FAW population to double when it was fed rice under controlled greenhouse conditions. In summary, our research suggests that FAW can survive and complete its life cycle on rice plants and on multiple varieties of rice in Bangladesh. However, field verification is necessary before drawing strong conclusions as to the risk posed by FAW in rice. This requires additional studies of FAW and associated insect community dynamics under non-controlled conditions and in the context of multi-species interactions in Asian rice fields.

The Problem Parameters Effects on Transient Behavior of MHD Duct Flow

The present study focuses the effects of Reynolds number Re and magnetic Reynolds number Rm on the transient behavior of the MHD flow. The incompressible, electrically conducting and viscous fluid flows through a long pipe subjected to magnetic field B0(t)=B0f(t). B0 is the intensity and f(t) is the time varying function of the magnetic field which is chosen as polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic function to illustrate the problem parameters effects. The Re and Rm effects on the behavior of the flow at transient levels are studied with these functions by taking Hartmann number Ha value as 20. The unsteady MHD equations in coupled form are treated by using the dual reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM). The study reveals that, when Re or Rm increases the time level where the flow elongates is postponed to a further time level. Moreover, the increase in Re flattens the flow as in the increase of Hartmann number. However, the increase in Rm increases the flow magnitude. The transient flow and induced current contours are demonstrated for several Re and Rm values. After the flow elongates, the flow and induced current lines preserve the behavior for polynomial, exponential and logarithmic type f(t) while trigonometric type f(t) causes the flow to show periodic behavior.

Chronic lead exposure prolongs the immature stages of brown-legged grain mite, Aleuroglyphus ovatus, in a long-term population study

An important aspect of environmental pollution, lead contamination is a widespread problem in several ecosystems. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of low concentration lead stress on the development and reproduction of Aleuroglyphus ovatus. They were fed with artificial diet containing four different concentrations of lead (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). The results showed that there were both accelerating effect of lead (at low concentrations), as well as retarding effects (at high concentrations) on the development of the mite, and lead stress significantly prolonged the immature stages of A. ovatus and this inhibitory effect was greater with greater lead concentrations. The immature stages in the L group were shorter than those in the S group. In the S and L groups, the oviposition periods were significantly longer in the treatments with lower lead concentrations than in the control, while they were significantly shorter in those treatments of higher lead concentrations. Age-specific survival rate (lx) started to decline earlier in the S group, whereas there were no differences between the L group and CK. Age-specific fecundity rate (mx) peaked earlier in the S group than in CK, while mx peaked later in L1 and L2 than in CK. The rm value and net reproduction rate (R0) of treated A. ovatus decreased with increasing lead concentrations. Lower lead concentrations could promote population expansion while higher concentrations could inhibit population size. These results confirmed the developmental effect of lead stress on A. ovatus, highlighting that heavy metal contamination has negative effects on organisms in their natural environment.