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This study employed pre-synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their derivatives, which are used for solid phase extraction to remove the anionic dye Orange-G. The solid phases were examined and identified using several techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESE), zeta potential measurement, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The solid phase amount for both systems was 0.01 g. The optimal initial concentration for Orange-G dye was 200–500 mg/L for MWCNTs derivatives and 600 mg/L for magnetic decorated systems. The ideal pH for MWCNT-tris was 5, while the pH for the other solid phases was found to be 3 in the first system. However, both systems used 25 mL of dye. The flow rate was 0.5–1.5 mL/min. The type and volume of elution were examined in this study, and it emerged that DMSO solvent was the optimal eluent with 2.5 mL for both systems. The study investigated two isotherm models, specifically Freundlich and Langmuir. The qmax was 990–1612 mg/g for the first system and 1724–1960 mg/g for the second one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is a well-established technique for creating submicron polymer fibers to create distinctive functional nanostructures. Electrospinning parameters including solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance and applied voltage are adjusted to produce nonwovens with variable fiber diameter distributions. This research on the response surface methodology (RSM) is being used to model the diameter of a polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6) nanofiber mat. The experiments were designed using central composite design (CCD) and RSM, which evaluated the interactions between the operating variables (polymer concentration, applied positive voltage, needle tip to collector distance and spinning angle) on the diameter of the PA-6,6 nanofiber. The average nanofiber diameter increased as the concentration of the PA-6,6 polymer solution increased. The model's strong regression coefficient ( R 2 = 0. 9 8) reveals that it did a desirable of predicting the diameter of PA-6,6 fibers. The experimental findings and predicted fiber diameters were in good agreement. The results demonstrate that the optimization of electrospinning process to produce the smallest nanofibers and narrowest diameter distribution (1 8 3 ± nm) combined effects of 10% polymer concentration, 21 kV applied positive voltage, 18 cm needle tip to collector distance and 60 ∘ spinning angle are substantial interacting effects that have an impact on the surface response nanofibers. The results of the research and several mathematical models will offer useful guidelines for choosing parameter settings for electrospinning PA-6,6 to achieve the required fiber diameter. By saving time, effort and money more effectively, this research will expand the field of investigation for the quality of electrospun nanofibers. Electrospinning is an established technique for creating submicron polymer fibers to create distinctive functional nanostructures. For the manufacture of nonwovens with variable fiber diameter distributions, electrospinning variables such as solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance, and the applied voltage were modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to optimize the electrospinning parameters to fabricate chitosan/polyethylene oxide hybrid nanofiber composite with minimum diameter and coefficient of variation (homogeneity) by using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on central composite design (CCD), four factors (the chitosan/PEO ratio, the applied voltage, the needle-to-collector distance, and the spinning angle) was applied to evaluate the individual and combined effects of the parameters on the average diameter of nanofibers. Chitosan (CH) was blended with Polyethylene oxide (PEO) at weight ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1. As the composition ratio of chitosan was reduced, the viscosity of the chitosan/PEO blend solution also dropped. The RSM model identified the following conditions as necessary to produce the desired and most uniform CS/PEO fiber diameter: a CS/PEO blend ratio of 2:1 (w/w), a voltage of 25 kV, a distance of 20 cm, and a spinning angle of 45°. The average nanofiber diameter and homogeneity under these conditions were calculated to be 73 nm and 20.5%, respectively, compared to the predicted values of 71 nm and 15.58%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction stir welding (FSW) processing of the joint is a technique to improve the quality of the weld. The present research employed the friction stir welding technique to butt-weld AA5754 plates, whereby the joints of every weld case were identified based on their tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness. The plates were joined by varying the rotational speeds, welding speeds, and tool tilt angles. A multi-objective optimization Taguchi's design of experiments approach and grey relational analysis (GRA) were used in this study to assess the combined effects of the process variables. The developed models are evaluated for sufficiency, and then the most significant parameters are determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the ANOVA showed that the rotational speed has a maximum contribution of 55.24%, 59%, and 46.27% in obtaining the optimal values of tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness, respectively. It was found that formability and mechanical behaviors increased with increasing tilt angle for the tilt angle range examined in the current study. The two methods provide the same results, and the optimal conditions are a rotational speed of 1000 rpm, a welding speed of 60 mm/min, and a tilt angle of 2.5°. The optimal values for tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness, respectively, were found to be 136 MPa, 85.25 HV, and 13 J. Significant implications for the welding industry may arise from the highly favorable outcomes in terms of microstructure and mechanical attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the analysis of a coupled system governed by a Caputo-fractional derivative with q-integral-coupled boundary conditions. This system is particularly relevant in modeling multi-atomic systems, including scenarios involving adsorbed atoms or clusters on crystalline surfaces, surface–atom scattering, and atomic friction. To investigate this system, we introduce an operator that exhibits fixed points corresponding to the solutions of the problem, effectively transforming the system into an equivalent fixed-point problem. We established the necessary conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions using the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative and the Banach contraction mapping principle, respectively. Stability results in the Ulam sense for the coupled system are also discussed, along with a sensitivity analysis of the range parameters. To support the validity of their findings, we provide illustrative examples. Overall, the paper offers a thorough examination and analysis of the considered coupled system, making important contributions to the understanding of multi-atomic systems and their mathematical modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymers have been used in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, durability, toughness and high wear resistance. To enhance the mechanical properties, various types of minerals are commonly utilized as fillers in UHMWPE. One of the minerals is dolomite, which has been recognized as a valuable mineral with versatile applications, particularly in the field of biomedical applications. This paper presents the tensile properties of UHMWPE composites that filled with dolomite and treated-dolomite at various filler loading (i.e., 1-5 wt.%). Nitric acid and diammonium phosphate were used to treat the dolomite. From the results, the peaks of the FTIR spectrum displays carbonate (CO3-2), phosphate (PO4-3) and hydroxyl (OH-) groups in the ct-dolomite powder sample while the XRD pattern reveals that using dolomite treated with 1M nitric acid resulted in the presence of calcium hydroxide phosphate (Ca10(PO4)5(OH)) and MgO. For tensile strength, UHMWPE/ct-dolomite composites show better tensile strength than the pure UHMWPE composites. Treated improve the dolomite filler and resulted in significantly better matrix-filler interfacial interactions and improve the properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the key determinants of chronically high inflation in Iran. Design/methodology/approach: Relying on annual data from 1978 to 2019, the authors employ an Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Error Correction Model (ECM) to study the inflationary effects of monetary and fiscal policies as well as exchange rate swings and sanctions intensification. Findings: The authors find that increase in money supply, depreciation of nominal exchange rate, increase in fiscal deficit and intensification of sanctions are among the key drivers of inflation in Iran. Their impact is profound in the long run, but in the short run only money supply and currency depreciation are significant. Also, when exploring the inflation in different components of Consumer Price Index (CPI), we find robust long- and short-run effects from money supply and exchange rate, while the effects of fiscal deficit and sanctions vary across different components. Originality/value: The authors contribute to the literature by setting apart the long-vs short-run effects of key variables on inflation in Iran. The authors also employ improved measures of fiscal deficit and sanctions that are shown to be of significance in the long run. Lastly, the authors go beyond the aggregate index and examine the variations in different CPI components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to fabricate composite nanofiber mats from polystyrene (PS) loaded with exfoliated graphite nanosheets (EGNS) by using electrospinning technique. EGNS with different weight ratios of 3, 6, and 9 wt.% were added to PS (20 wt.%). The fiber diameter and morphology of the composite nanofiber mats were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that as EGNS concentration was increased, the average diameter of EGNS/PS electrospun nanofibers decreased. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the thermal properties. The tensile strengths and Young's modulus of the composites improve with the increasing EGNS concentrations compared to PS nanofiber, which indicates 84% and 88% augmentation, respectively at 6 wt.% of EGNS. Also, the addition of EGNS increased thermal stability of composite nanofiber mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is an attempt to fabricate aluminum (AA 5049) matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and consisting of exfoliated graphite nanosheets (EGNS/PAN) by utilizing friction stir processing (FSP) to improve the mechanical characteristics of AA 5049. The electrospinning method was used for fabricating PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers. The average diameter of the electrospun PAN nanofibers is 195 ± 57 nm, and after EGNS incorporation is 180 ± 68 nm. Dynamic recrystallization was the main process in the microstructure evolution of the stir zone during the FSP with PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers. According to PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers were used in the FSP procedure, the grain size reduced as a result of the pinning effects. PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofiber reinforcement enhanced the hardness to 89 and 98 Hv, respectively. Also, the ultimate tensile strength was raised to 291 MPa and 344 MPa, respectively. Tensile strength and hardness of the stir zone increased during the FSP with PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers due to the higher density of the strengthening mechanisms of grain boundaries and dislocations. The mechanical characteristics of AA5049 can be enhanced by the procedure of incorporating nanofibers, making them an ideal choice for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, friction stir processing (FSP) was used to successfully embed boron carbide (B4C) particles into an aluminum matrix (AA6061-T6). Four specimens of aluminum 6061 composite reinforced with 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% volume fraction of B4C were manufactured. The effects of B4C particles volume fraction on microstructure, mechanical and wear properties are investigated. The microstructural investigations demonstrated that a rise in the volume % of reinforcement greatly decreased the matrix grain size. The manufactured AA6061-T6 loaded with B4C surface composites demonstrated homogeneous B4C particle dispersion, with no significant particle clustering in the stir zone. In addition, it was established that increasing the volume fraction of B4C particles promoted grain refinement, increased hardness, and tensile strength. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the reinforcement dispersion. For AA6061-T6 with 10% B4C particles, a maximum hardness value of 163 HV was obtained in the stir zone. Maximum yield strength of 165 MPa and ultimate tensile strength of 220 MPa were attained by AA6061-T6 with 10% B4C particles, which is an improvement of 21% over the specimen FSP without reinforcement. The strengthening of the grain refining was attributed for the increase in hardness and strength. The ductility was reduced by the incorporation of more B4C particles. Comparing the surface composite loaded with B4C to unreinforced friction stir processing and AA6061-T6 as received, it demonstrated superior wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest malignancy in Egypt secondary to endemic hepatitis virus. Dual malignancy with HCC is infrequently reported. We herein retrospectively collected data of HCC patients with another primary tumor from a tertiary cancer center. Fifteen patients were enrolled in this case series, epidemiologic data, type of second malignancy, time interval between both tumors, treatment applied, and pattern of recurrence and survival are displayed. Third of the tumors were synchronous, while in the rest HCC was mostly the second malignancy. Breast cancer was the commonest encountered other primary. None of the second malignancies recurred after treatment except for prostate cancer which was not treated radically. The median overall survival of the patients was shorter than previously published series about 29 months. In conclusion, dual malignancy with HCC had more complicated treatment panels; however, they are not necessarily carrying a worse prognosis. HCC tumor outcome remains the main predictor of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this work is to introduce and study the notions of generalized regularity, normality, and symmetric in fuzzy soft topological spaces via fuzzy soft generalized closed sets. Some of their basic properties are investigated. Many related theorems and relations of these notions are presented. Moreover, the hereditary property and some preservation theorems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miticidal action of hexythiazox has been investigated against three mites, Citrus Rust Mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae), False Spider Mite, Brevipalpus californicus (Banks) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and Citrus Brown Mite, Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (Acari: Tetranychidae), infesting citrus trees in the region of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Three concentrations of hexythiazox, half of the recommended dose (HRD), the recommended dose (RD) and double recommended dose (DRD) were used against the selected mite species at immature and adult stages. Mortality data was recorded after regular intervals of a day till seven days of post-treatment application. Larvicidal action of the pesticide was observed in terms of post spray percentage of egg hatching. Trails regarding mortality of immature and adult mites were carried out under laboratory and field conditions. A maximum of 72.88% and 64.41% mortality was observed in immature mites of P. oleivora at RD under laboratory and field conditions respectively. The highest mortality of adult mites at RD was recorded again in P. oleivora that was 18.97 and 20.39% under laboratory and field conditions respectively, showing that mortality percentage was insignificant in adults. Under the same conditions, mortality of mites observed at HRD was non-significant and there was negligible increase in mortality when concentration was increased from RD to DRD. Success of hatching for the treated eggs of the three selected mites was observed in the range of 5.00 to 12.50% at the recommended dose. This indicated that hexythiazox has the significant potential of inhibiting hatching process. For the successful control over citrus mites, the appropriate time of spray is prehatching stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on platinum and palladium-based autocatalytic plates, which used to remove hydrogen. The six sandblasted stainless steel plates were coated with platinum and palladium metals using the electroless coating method. The three plates A-01, A-02, A-03 were first coated with alumina using the sol-gel dip method, and after that, different ratios of platinum and palladium were deposited on them. The three other plates, B-01, B-02, B-03 (without alumina coated), were coated directly with different ratios of platinum and palladium. The platinum and palladium ratio used for coating these plates were Pt 80%: Pd 20%; Pt 90%: Pd 10%, and Pt 70%: Pd 30. The coating of these plates was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-rays Fluorescence Spectroscopy, and their catalytic efficiency was measured by the Passive Autocatalytic Recombiner testing rig method. It was found that the plates coated with alumina using two dipping cycles are suitable for different coating of mixed metals by electroless coating method compared to three dipping cycles. It was observed that the alumina-coated catalytic plates (A-01, A-02, A-03) exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency as compared to those without alumina-coated plates (B-01, B-02, B-03). Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of A-03 and B-03 is higher than other plates. It was also found that the catalytic efficiency of A-03 is higher than B-03. The best coating ratio is Pt 90%: Pd10%, and alumina-coated plates give excellent results. • Platinum and palladium based autocatalytic plates are used to remove hydrogen. • The coatings of plates were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy. • Catalytic efficiencies are evaluated by Passive Autocatalytic Recombiner testing rig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of a grounding configuration and design of a grounding impedance is of vital importance for the stability and functionality of power systems, including industrial and commercial power systems. These key aspects of grounding systems have been the subject of various standards, industrial codes, and recommended practices. In this article, a review, modeling, and analysis of different grounding system designs are provided. The different grounding system design discussed in this article is compared in terms of the ground potential, ground currents, and overvoltage during ground faults. The various grounding system designs are implemented for power systems components in order to assess their capabilities and performance. Several tests are conducted for ground faults, when different grounding system designs are used. Test results show that some grounding system design can limit ground currents, with minor effects on ground potentials. Other grounding system design can limit ground potentials, while fail to limit ground currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work extends the wavelet modulation (WM) technique for operating three-phase ($3\phi$), five-level (5L) power electronic converters (PECs). The WM technique is extended by resolution segmentation of the synthesis scale-based linearly combined wavelet functions, which are used as switching signals. The resolution segmentation is created based on the dilation property of synthesis scale-based linearly combined wavelet functions. Each leg of the $3\phi$ VS, 5L dc–ac PEC is operated by two sets of resolution-segmented synthesis scale-based linearly combined wavelet basis functions to produce the voltage of one phase. The extended WM technique is implemented for performance testing, when operating $3\phi$ VS, 5L, diode-clamped and flying-capacitor dc–ac PECs. In this article, Part I, simulation test results are presented and compared with results obtained using the level-shifted pulsewidth modulation, phase-shifted PWM, and space vector modulation. Test results show significant reductions of output harmonics, along with improvements in fundamental components of output voltages and PEC efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the implementation and experimental testing of the wavelet-modulation technique for three-phase ($3\phi$) 5-level (5L) power electronic converters (PECs). This version of the wavelet modulation technique is structured as a multiresolution analysis that can support a redundant nonuniform recurrent sampling-reconstruction of three reference-modulating signals. The reconstruction of reference-modulating signals is achieved by sets of resolution-segmented scale-base linearly combined synthesis wavelet basis functions, which are used as switching signals to activate the switching elements of a $3\phi$ , 5L, VS dc–ac PEC. The presented wavelet-modulation technique is implemented in real time using a digital signal-processing board. Switching pulses generated by the extended wavelet-modulation technique are used to operate $3\phi$ , 5L, VS, diode-clamped and flying-capacitor dc–ac PECs. Experimental performance of the tested 5L dc–ac PECs is evaluated, when operated by the presented wavelet modulation, level-shifted pulsewidth modulation (PWM), phase-shifted PWM, and space vector modulation techniques. Experimental tests are conducted for linear, dynamic, and nonlinear loads fed by the tested 5L PECs. Test results show that magnitudes of output voltage fundamental components can be significantly increased, and harmonic distortions can be effectively reduced using the wavelet-modulation technique. These features are further demonstrated by performance comparisons with other techniques under similar operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present an extension of the lattice Boltzmann method for solving radiative transfer equation (RTE) in emitting, absorbing, and non-scattering gaseous mixtures produced by combustion. A numerical procedure based on LBM is first developed for a single absorption coefficient avoiding spectral effect (gray gas model). Therefore, an infrared radiative global model is associated with the LBM to assess the radiative heat exchanges in molecular gaseous mixtures. A global model based on absorption distribution function (ADF) and a D2Q16 scheme are implemented to solve the 2D RTE. Results are presented in terms of temperature, radiative heat flux, and volumetric radiative power. Effects of radiative behavior and spectral structure of gaseous mixtures are put in evidence. The application of the LBM-ADF8 to gaseous mixture produced by combustion emphasizes the importance of taking into account its spectral structures. The error induced by the gray media approximation is put in evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we investigate the analytical and approximate solutions for a fractional quadratic integral equation in the frame of the generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator with respect to another function. The existence and uniqueness results obtained. Moreover, some new special results corresponding to suitable values of the parameters ζ and q are given. The main results are proved by applying Banach's fixed point theorem, the Adomian decomposition method, and Picard's method. In the end, we present a numerical example to justify our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basalt fiber was first treated in a mixture of formic acid (FA) and dichloromethane (DCM) to reduce its diameter down to one micrometer. Electrospinning process was utilized to produce treated basalt fiber (TBF)-reinforced nylon 6,6/epoxy (NY/EP) hybrid nanofibril composites. NY/EP polymers have been dissolved in 80:20 mixture of FA/DCM solvent to form a homogenous solution. TBFs with different weight ratios of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt% were added to NY/EP (ratio of 5:1). The morphology of the hybrid nanocomposites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and their compositions were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites, including tensile strength and modulus, are improved with respect to NY/EP hybrid nanofibers. An increase of 76% and 87% in tensile strength and Young's modulus was acquired, respectively, at 15 wt% of TBF. Also, the addition of TBF increased the thermal stability of nanofibril composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a method for evaluating smart grid functions that are implemented to operate residential loads. The proposed assessment method is developed based on the energy not-served (ENS) determined at a point-of-supply feeding residential loads. Smart grid functions can operate energy storage appliances (household water heaters, air conditioners, and heating units) to store thermal energy during the daily off-peak-demand hours. The stored thermal energy is discharged during the daily peak-demand hours, thus reducing the power demands of residential loads. The differences in daily energy demands created by smart grid functions can provide an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of smart grid functions. The ENS-based method is tested for 200 residential households fed from four distribution transformers, and are operated by smart grid functions. In these tests, smart grid functions are implemented by the peak-demand management, direct load control, and demand response. Test results demonstrate the accuracy and simplicity of the ENS-based method to assess smart grid functions in terms of the ability to reduce the power demands of residential loads during peak-demand hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lattice Boltzmann method is an alternative method for conventional computational fluid dynamics. It has been used for simulating single-phase and multiphase flows and transport phenomena successfully and efficiently. In the current work, single-component and multi-component multiphase systems are studied. A methodology that differentiates between types of fluids is developed. Moreover, an approach for a multi-component multiphase system is developed in which a single distribution function is used regardless of the number of components. The value of the cohesion parameter ( G f ) in the multi-component multiphase model becomes unimportant, like the cohesion parameter ( G p ) in the single-component multiphase model, because their effects cancel when calculating the cohesion force. The fluids and mixtures are treated as real, so that mixing rules are used for the mixtures. Several types of fluids and mixtures are considered to investigate the capability of the proposed approach in dealing with miscible mixtures in both azeotrope and non-azeotrope situations. The layered Poiseuille flow and falling droplet on a liquid film are presented to evaluate the model developed. We conclude that this methodology can distinguish between different types of fluids when modeling single-component and multi-component multiphase systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel numerical method is presented for fast and accurate simulation of the dynamic thermal behavior of buried pipelines such as those in district heating systems. The model is based on a combination of a conduction response factor method, known as the dynamic thermal network (DTN) method and a one-dimensional discretized heat transfer fluid flow model, the so-called plug flow N-continuously stirred tanks (PFST) model. This combination enables the model to effectively take into account the short timescale dynamic effects of pipelines including longitudinal dispersion of turbulent fluid and its thermal capacity and also transient ground heat transfer. The combined DTN-PFST model is validated by reference to experimental data from both the lab-scale representation of a district heating system and monitoring data from a full-scale operational system. The comparisons between simulation results and experimental data demonstrate a good level of accuracy of the proposed model in predicting the dynamic thermal behavior of pipelines. The model has also been found to be several orders of magnitude more computationally efficient than corresponding 3D numerical models. Both the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed model make it well-suited to the design and analysis of district heating distribution networks. The model is also expected to be well-suited to the modeling of horizontal ground heat exchange pipe systems. • A hybrid model is used to represent buried pipeline flow and heat transfer. • A plug-flow stirred-tank discretization is used to model fluid transport. • Ground heat transfer is modeled using a dynamic thermal network approach. • Validation against both lab-scale and field data is presented. • The model is shown to be sufficiently accurate and very computationally efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural, and opto-electrical characteristics of Ge-doped antimony selenide alloys with the chemical composition Sb65Se35-xGex (0 ≤ x ≤ 20) which prepared by the melt quenching method have been studied here. In all of the investigated samples, structural studies using an X-ray diffraction pattern verified the polycrystalline nature with a simple characteristic peak of Sb2Se hexagonal rhombohedral phase. FE-SEM equipped with EDS was used to explore the morphology and composition of the samples. Raman spectra show a small shift in wave number with the addition of dopant, which could be due to lattice distortion. Electrical conductivity results demonstrate that the samples are degenerate semiconductors. The Eopt of Ge-doped Sb65Se35 alloys was derived using the KM function from DR spectra, and it changed as the Ge ion concentration rises. Ge-doped Sb65Se35 alloys have an optical band gap in the visible sector, making them a potential material for optoelectronic data storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a common women's disease. Usually, oestrogen is blamed in the aetiology and correlated with the prognosis; however, androgens are recently raising concern about its role in the breast cancer treatment and prognosis. METHODS: In this study we retrieved archival paraffin blocks of breast cancer patients and stained it for androgen. Thereafter, we compared clinico-epidemiologic parameters, histopathology, neoadjuvant response and recurrence rate and pattern among patients with and without androgen receptor (AR) expression. RESULTS: In total, 119 patients fulfilled enrolment criteria; AR expression were present in 77.3% of the patients. AR expression was associated with less grade III (6.8% versus 36.4%), and less triple negative (6.2% versus 25%), but similar overall recurrence rate (25% versus 22.2%). However, distant recurrence was significantly higher in androgen positive patients (91.3% versus 33.3% of all recurrences). CONCLUSION: Androgen expression appears to be common among breast cancer, but with no clear implication in tumour aggressiveness or effect on the rate of recurrence. However, being commonly associated with distant spread may have an impact on survival of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the implementation and performance testing of a bus-differential protection for buses, which interconnect battery storage systems (BSSs). The proposed bus-differential protection is based on employing the α β 0 components of the apparent powers flowing in all branches of the protected bus. The α β 0 components of the apparent powers are employed due to their ability to accommodate changes in the power flow direction in the branches connected to the protected bus. The apparent powers are determined using the measured voltage and currents in all branches connected to the protected bus. The proposed α β 0-based bus-differential protection is implemented and tested for internal and external faults, which are created during the charging and discharging of BSSs. Test results demonstrate the ability of the proposed α β 0-based bus-differential protection to initiate fast, accurate, and reliable responses to internal and external faults in the protected bus. Observed response features of the proposed protection are found to have minor sensitivity to the mode of operation of the BSS (charging and discharging), fault location (internal and external), and/or fault type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the implementation and performance evaluation of a model predictive control (MPC) for three-phase (3σ) transformerless interconnected five-level power electronic converters (PECs). The proposed MPC employs a discrete-time model of five-level PECs to predict future values of the grid-injected currents and ground potential. Predicted values of the grid-injected currents and ground potential are used to set the reference signals to minimize a cost function, which is formulated in terms of the command and actual values of grid-injected current and ground potential. The proposed MPC is implemented for transformerless interconnected diode-clamped and flying-capacitor five-level PECs under different conditions. Test results show that the developed MPC can operate transformerless interconnected PECs to ensure accurate, dynamic, and fast responses to changes in the power delivered to the host grid. Furthermore, the MPC demonstrates a good ability to minimize ground potentials during steady state and step changes in the power delivered to the host grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the development, implementation, and testing of a digital differential protection for three-phase (3φ) solid-state transformers (SSTs). The developed digital differential protection is designed to implement the ANSI 87 T protection function. The differential currents used by the developed protection are created by the dq0 components of the currents flowing in the high and low voltage sides of a 3φ SST. Internal faults are detected and identified using the energy contents of high-frequency subbands present in the dq0 differential currents. The desired high-frequency subbands are extracted using the phaselet transform that processes signals without sensitivity to nonstationary changes in their frequency and/or phases. Energy contents in the extracted high-frequency subbands allow accurate, fast, and reliable detection and identification of faults in any part of a 3φ SST. The proposed digital differential protection is implemented for performance testing using a laboratory 25-kVA 3φ SST. Performance results demonstrate accurate, fast, and reliable response to different fault and nonfault events. Furthermore, responses of the developed differential protection are found to be consistent regardless of the fault type, fault location, and/or loading level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lebanon has ancient mulberry trees which are the remnants of the abundant orchards that dominated its lands during the nineteenth century. Lebanese mulberry germplasm has not been assessed yet. This study aims to collect local old rainfed mulberry accessions from different geographical regions and assess their diversity by using morphological and molecular markers (SSR and ISSR). Genetic diversity of 70 accessions of mulberry were evaluated by using 27 morphological traits. The dendrogram based on the morphological attributes showed a relative separation of the different accessions based on fruits color and taste. Molecular analysis was performed for the accessions by using selected SSR and ISSR primers. The primers marked a high discriminating power (0.7 to 0.89). The dendrogram constructed on the base of UPGMA method showed 13 different groups. The clustering patterns indicated no location nor local name specificity among mulberry accessions. The combination of SSR and ISSR primers was informative for estimating the extent of mulberry genetic diversity. It can be concluded that there is a high level of genetic diversity within mulberry trees in Lebanon. These results will be useful for mulberry germplasm management in terms of biodiversity protection and as a valuable source of gene pool for crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuta absoluta Meyrick (pinworm), is a seriously crucial leaf mining, stalk borers and fruit damaging pest of solanaceae plants. Among solanaceous plants, tomato is considered to be the most preferred host to T. absoluta. Infestations caused by pinworm lead to reduction in tomato yield and its worldwide export. The current study has been conducted to evaluate effectiveness of two entomopathogenic fungi; Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against eggs of T. absoluta under laboratory conditions. The potential of the two fungi was also assessed as an instrument of integrated pest management system through biological control. Eggs of T. absoluta were treated with four different conidial concentrations of each entomopathogenic fungus. These fungi were evaluated for their toxicity at four different conidial concentrations (4x105, 6x105, 8x105 and 1.0x106 conidia/mL). Twenty-one days post treatment, spore concentration 1.0x106 conidia/mL, resulted in the highest death rate: 50 and 37.6% with eggs when treated by B. bassania and M. anisopliae, respectively. The lowest mortality 33.6 and 25.6% of eggs was observed when T. absoluta eggs were treated with 4x105 conidia/mL of B. bassania and M. anisopliae, respectively. Mortality values resulted from the experiments indicated that B. bassania showed superiority over M. anisopliae regarding its effect on controlling of T. absoluta eggs. In addition, 4x105 conidia/mL showed the minimum mortality effect among the two fungi used in the bioassay. Mortality and spore production on the eggs were significantly higher with the higher spore concentrations (8x105 conidia/mL) of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. Our findings suggest that the moderate (8x105 conidia/mL) and the higher (10x105 conidia/mL) spore concentration/ml of B. bassania and M. anisopliae are potent entomopathogenic and have the potential to be developed as effective and potent bio-control agents hostile to T. absoluta eggs in IPM programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare pathologic entity caused by sinus histiocytosis with massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Isolated spinal involvement is an infrequent presentation of extranodal RDD. The clinical and radiologic appearance of RDD represents a diagnostic challenge. We report 2 patients with paraparesis caused by RDD of the thoracic spine and a PRISMA-style systematic review. There were 2 patients with isolated extranodal thoracic spinal RDD without cervical lymphadenopathy. One patient presented with anterior thoracic RDD and a subtotal resection. The small residual disease completely responded to the postoperative course of steroids. The second patient had extradural thoracic spine RDD, which was resected completely. A 6-month postoperative follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed local recurrence, which responded to radiation therapy. Five years follow-up of both patients showed normal neurologic functions and no recurrence on MRI scan surveillance. RDD is a rare occurrence and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extradural or intradural spinal lesions. Gross total resection is recommended, and long-term clinical follow-up with MRI is advised. Residual or recurrent RDD requires steroids or radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two bi-univalent function subclasses are defined. The functions are defined in the open unit disc U. The main purpose is to determine some estimations on the initial Tayler-Maclaurin coefficients for functions belong to these subclasses. Finally, some earlier results are pointed out and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of glyphosate and metribuzin on five species of soil-dwelling predatory mites, Lasioseius dentatus (Fox) (Acari: Ascidae), Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae), Rhodacarus roseus (Oudemans) (Acari: Rhodacaridae), Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acari: Macrochelidae) and Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann) (Acari: Cunaxidae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Three different concentrations (half of the recommended dose (HRD), recommended dose (RD) and double the recommended dose (DRD)) of both herbicides were tested. All soil-dwelling predatory mites under study showed high susceptibility to both herbicides, demonstrating that they can significantly reduce the population of all five species of soil-dwelling predatory mites. HRD of glyphosate can reduce the population of all five species of soil-dwelling predatory mites by > 50%, except C. setirostris, as its mortality was 30%, whereas HRD of metribuzin can only reduce the population of L. dentatus and M. muscaedomesticae by > 50%. Obviously, glyphosate seems to be more toxic to all five species of soil-dwelling predatory mites than metribuzin. L. dentatus was found to be the most sensitive soil-dwelling predatory mite, whereas C. setirostris was found to be the least sensitive to both herbicides, as well as a control (well water), compared with all the tested soil-dwelling predatory mites. Finally, the highest mortality rates (100%) were obtained for DRD of both herbicides. Therefore, extra care and serious caution must be exercised when diluting and applying these herbicides to ensure their RD is never exceeded as they can kill all soil-dwelling predatory mites studied here in significant numbers, which leads to a sharp reduction in their populations as well as a reduction in their role in the ecological balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental, survival, predation rates, and reproduction of Amblyseius swirskii (Phytoseiidae), as affected by feeding on the motile stages of Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Eriophyidae) and nymphs of Eutetranychus orientalis (Tetranychidae), were studied in the laboratory at six constant temperatures and relative humidities: 9°C and 70% RH; 16°C and 65% RH; 23°C and 60% RH; 30°C and 55% RH, 37°C and 50% RH and 40°C and 45% RH. The maximum daily consumption rate was recorded at 30°C and occurred during the oviposition period, when the females consumed an average of 169.40 specimens of P. oleivora and 24.58 of E. orientalis. The maximum reproduction rate (4.20, and 3.84 eggs/♀/day, on P. oleivora and E. orientalis, respectively) was recorded at 30°C and 50% RH, while the minimum one (1.20 and 0.86 eggs/♀/day, on P. oleivora and E. orientalis, respectively) was observed at 16°C and 65% RH. It is demonstrated in the life-table parameters that when the predatory mite A. swirskii is fed on P. oleivora, the highest reproduction rates (rm = 0.144, 0.195, 0.280, and 0.181 females/female/day) are obtained, while feeding on E. orientalis gave the lowest reproduction rates (rm = 0.121, 0.172, 0.204, and 0.141) at 16°C and 65% RH, 23°C and 60% RH, 30°C and 55% RH, and 37°C and 50% RH, respectively. The results suggest that A. swirskii is a promising control agent for P. oleivora and E. orientalis on orange trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this note is to sharpen Smirnov's recent work on existence and uniqueness of solutions to third-order ordinary differential equations that are subjected to two- and three-point boundary conditions. The advancement is achieved in the following ways. Firstly, we provide sharp and sharpened estimates for integrals regarding various Green's functions. Secondly, we apply these sharper estimates to problems in conjunction with Banach's fixed point theorem. Thirdly, we apply Rus's contraction mapping theorem in a metric space, where two metrics are employed. Our new results improve those of Smirnov by showing that a larger class of boundary value problems admit a unique solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive is a blessed and therapeutic fruit cultivated all around the globe in relatively temperate and dry regions. Keeping in view the quality and yield of the crop, use of pesticides is indispensable. Traditional pesticides used against crop enemies are effective but unsafe to environment, humans and predators. Olive fields of Saudi Arabia are the biggest in the world and facing infestation due to rapidly increasing number of diverse mite species. Recently, four mite species, Tegelophus hassani, Aceria olive, Oxycenus niloticus and Tetranychus urticae found to be causing severe damage to the plants, have been identified in the olive fields of Saudi Arabia. Huwa-San TR50 is a well-known water disinfectant and considered to be safe as its adverse effects on plants have not been reported as yet. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the use of Huwa-San TR50 as an acricide against four olive mites and two of their predators under laboratory and field conditions. Five different concentrations of Huwa-San TR50; 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm were used based on previous studies to observe mortality of the selected phytophagous mites namely T. hassani, A. olive, O. niloticus and T. urticae. Gradual increase in mortality was observed when mites were treated with Huwa-San TR50 in the concentration range of 1000 - 5000 ppm. Optimum concentration of Huwa-San TR50 to be used against the mites was found to be 4000 ppm as there was negligible increase in mortality beyond this concentration. T. urticae was relatively resistant to Huwa-San TR50 with mortality of 76.58% at optimal concentration. Huwa-San TR50 has effectively impacted egg hatching especially in case of O. niloticus, where successful hatching was only 20%. Eggs of T. urticae are relatively resistant showing 57.97% hatching. The same trend and similar results of mortality and egg hatching were obtained under laboratory and field trials. As an essential part of this research, effect of Huwa-San TR50 was also observed on two predatory mites namely; Phytoseius plumifer and Agistemus exertus and it was found to be relatively safe to predatory mites showing mortality of 30 to 34% at optimum concentration. Again there was insignificant difference in mortality and egg hatching under field and laboratory conditions. Huwa-San TR50 being ecofriendly, safe to predatory mites and an effective acaricide against olive mites and their eggs is recommended for its commercial use in olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is a minimally invasive technique that gives superior surgical outcomes than open inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL) for treating lymph node metastasis in penile, vulvar, and skin cancers. This study compared surgical outcomes obtained with two different approaches of VEIL, standard VEIL and lateral VEIL (L-VEIL), in cancer patients. Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent standard VEIL (n = 15) or L-VEIL (n = 47) for treatment of lymph node metastasis were evaluated retrospectively from three centers in Brazil, Egypt, and India. Primary endpoint analyzed was conversion rate to open IL in the two groups, and the secondary endpoints included operative time, estimated blood loss, nodal yield, nodal positivity, postoperative drain duration, and postoperative complications. Results: The conversion rate to open IL was higher in L-VEIL compared with VEIL group (2% vs. 0%). Significantly lesser blood loss was reported with L-VEIL compared with VEIL (mean difference: 3.63 mL; P = .01). Postoperative drain duration was significantly lower with L-VEIL (-4.34 days; P < .05) than VEIL. The L-VEIL group had a higher number of lymph nodes without infiltration (mean difference: -0.48; P = .02). Operative time, nodal yield, nodal positivity, and hospitalization duration were similar in both groups. Postoperative complications were higher in the L-VEIL versus VEIL group (35 vs. 11 cases). Lymphedema events were significantly higher with L-VEIL in comparison with VEIL (38.8% vs. 16.7%; P = .03). Among patients with penile cancer, no significant difference was observed in outcomes obtained with VEIL and L-VEIL. Conclusion: As L-VEIL and VEIL approaches lead to comparable surgical outcomes, surgeons may choose either of these as per their convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional acaricides, when used in agricultural fields and green houses, kill predatory mites along with phytophagous mites and cause disturbance in the natural biological control system. The present study involves a novel strategy in pest control systems that is through parallel control on hatching along with killing mites while being at the same time relatively safe to predatory mites. The efficacy of Huwa -San TR50 on the mortality of grape erineum mites, Colomerus vitis, and their egg hatching in comparison to traditional acaricides has been evaluated. Abamectin and bifenthrin cause 83.82 and 98.11% mortality of predatory mites, respectively, when treated with recommended doses. The efficiency of these two acaricides is relatively lower against phytophagous mites, as the highest mortality is 84.46% with bifenthrin and 76.00% with abamectin. It is also observed that abamectin and bifenthrin affect the hatching process negligibly for the eggs of both Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Tenuipalpus granati (Sayed) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Mortality of C. vitis and T. granati caused by Huwa -San TR50 is 89.86 and 81.76%, respectively, at a spray concentration of 4000ppm. The application of Huwa-San TR50 on eggs of the two phytophagous mites severely affected hatching and only 33.92% successfully hatched. This laboratory study suggests that Huwa -San TR50 can be a better replacement for chemical acaricides. Further, to protect the natural control system through predatory mites, Huwa -San TR50 should be applied as it causes significant mortality in C. vitis and T. granati and is insignificantly harmful to predatory mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predatory phytoseiid mite, Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini & Fanzago) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), has shown promising traits for biological control of four mite species, Aceria olivi, Oxycenus niloticus, Tegolophus hassani (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), the major pests of olive trees in Saudi Arabia. In the present study, reproduction and population growth parameters of P. plumifer on moving stages of four mite species were studied in the laboratory at 35±1°C, 55±5% RH and a photoperiod of 12: 12 (L: D) hours. The predatory mite, P. plumifer demonstrated that it is capable of developing successfully from egg to adult stage throughout its entire life history consuming only four preys. The total immature developmental time was 5.67, 5.87, 5.92 and 5.77 days for females and 5.18, 5.32, 5.49 and 5.50 days for males when the predator consumed A. olivi, O. niloticus, T. hassani and T. urticae, respectively. The sex ratio of P. plumifer was 0.73, 0.70, 0.70 and 0.60 (females/females + males). Mated females laid on average 2.83, 2.70, 2.38 and 1.72 eggs per day and 57.46, 50.80, 50.02 and 33.95 eggs during their mean ovipositional period of 20.25,18.77, 20.95 and 20.88 days, respectively. The net reproductive rate (R0) was 37.65, 35.18, 33.59 and 26.38 females/female/generation, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.298, 0.288, 0.277 and 0.179 females/female/day, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.937, 1.861, 1.785 and 1.212 population multiplication/day, and the mean generation time (T) was 14.25, 15.78, 15.22 and 16.56 days when a predator consumed A. olivi, O. niloticus, T. hassani and T. urticae, respectively. The adult predatory female consumed an average of 110.66 A. olivi, 103.71 O. niloticus, 99.75 T. hassani and 14.35 T. urticae/day. These findings imply that the four mites, especially A. olivi, proved to be acceptable nourishment for P. plumifer, as a facultative predator, where P. plumifer does well and is widely and successfully used for biocontrol of A. olivi, O. niloticus, T. hassani and T. urticae associated with olive trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injudicious application of insecticides can cause a sharp reduction in the population of several predatory insects and mites including parasitoids. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of four insecticides (i.e. bifenthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and acetamiprid) against the natural population of hymenopterous parasitoids parasitizing various pests of Alfalfa. When used against the pests of Alfalfa, these insecticides also affected the natural population of hymenopterous parasitoids significantly, resulting into ecological imbalance and making the crop more susceptible to pest infestation. This study has proved that bifenthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and acetamiprid can cause a sharp decline of the population of twelve different hymenopterous parasitoids families of (trichogrammatidae, mymaridae, aphelinidae, encytidae, eulophidae, pteromalidae, eupelmidae, ichneumonidae, braconidae, proctotrupidae, platygastridae and scelionidae) with a detectable variation in their resistance to these insecticides. The comparison of means of survival percentage for different insecticides revealed that cypermenthrin caused the lowest mortality (highest survival percentage) to parasitoids followed by deltamenthrin, acetamiprid and bifenthrin to cause maximum mortality respectively (lowest survival percentage) to hymenopterous parasitoids. This would add further environmental concern to the natural population of several predatory insects as their viability will be significantly affected in different contaminative areas. Thus, such studies are also required to investigate the effects of other insecticides which have been extensively used for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of pesticides in public health and agricultural programs has caused many environmental problems as well as toxic effects on non-target organisms including predatory mites. This study has been conducted to determine toxic effects of two acaricides; oxamyl and pyridaben at their three different concentrations. Effect of spray was observed on eggs, immatures and adults of seven predatory mites; Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), Amblyseius cydnodactylon (Shehata and Zaherand), Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago), Typhlodromips swirskii (Athias-Henriot), Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot), Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Agistemus exsertus (Gonzalez) (Acari: Stigmaeidae) under laboratory conditions. Immature stage of these predatory mites was found to be more susceptible than adults to both oxamyl and pyridaben. The latter was found to be more toxic to immatures and adults than oxamyl. Effect of both pesticides on hatching was found to be insignificant because more than 50% of their eggs were successfully hatched even at the DRD. This study has shown that oxamyl and pyridaben can disrupt biological control due to their toxicity to predatory mites, so extra care must be taken with over application of these acaricides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a magnetic nanomaterial used in magnetic hyperthermia. Cerium gadolinium zinc-iron (CeGdZnFe) magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a coprecipitation method for application as magnetic hyperthermia agents. Determination of phase purity and their identification was achieved by X-ray diffraction studies using a Phillips powder diffractometer with Cu Kα radiation. Typical TEM micrographs of the dispersion of CeGdZn-ferrite nanoparticles and CeGdZn-ferrite PEG-encapsulated nanoparticles in ethanol deposited over a Cu grid were taken as part of the characterization techniques to be used for newly developed materials. It was then fitted by a Gaussian distribution with mean diameter dm ±1.0 nm. The investigation of magnetic properties showed that adjusting, Gd and Zn contributes to the nanoparticles added to the adjustment of all magnetic properties of CeGdZnFe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to optimize the electrospinning process to produce minimum Nylon 6,6 nanofibers by using Taguchi statistical technique. Nylon 6,6 solutions were prepared in a mixture of formic acid (FA) and Dichloromethane (DCM). Design of experiment by using Taguchi statistical technique was applied to determine the most important processing parameters influence on average fiber diameter of Nylon 6,6 nanofiber produced by electrospinning process. The effects of solvent/nylon and FA/DCM ratio on average fiber diameter were investigated. Optimal electrospinning conditions were determined by using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that was calculated from the electrospun Nylon 6,6 nanofibers diameters according to "the-smaller-the-better" approach. The optimum Nylon 6,6 concentration (NY%) and FA/DCM ratio were determined. The morphology of electrospun nanofibers is significantly altered by FA/DCM solvent ratio as well as Nylon 6,6 concentration. The smallest diameter and the narrowest diameter distribution of Nylon 6,6 nanofibers (1 6 6 ± 3 3 nm) were obtained for 10 wt% Nylon 6,6 solution in 80 wt% FA and 20 wt% DCM. An increase of 118%, 280% and 26% in tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation at break over as-cast was obtained, respectively. Glass transition temperature of Nylon 6,6 nanofibers were determined by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Analysis of variance ANOVA shows that NY% is the most influential parameter. In the electrospinning technique, a syringe with a blunt needle is usually utilized as the spinneret to feed the solution, typically a polymer solution, at a controlled rate. When a high voltage of typically up to 30 kV is supplied between the needle and collector, the charged solution droplet at the tip of the needle deforms into a conical-shaped droplet known as the Taylor cone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to form new existence theory for global solutions to nonlinear fractional differential equations. Traditional approaches to existence, uniqueness and approximation of global solutions for initial value problems involving fractional differential equations have been unwieldy or intractable due to the limitations of previously used methods. This includes, for example, certain invariance conditions of the underlying local fixed point strategies. Herein we draw on an alternative tactics, applying the more modern ideas of continuation methods for contractive maps to fractional differential equations. In doing so, we shed new light on the situation, producing these new perspectives through a range of novel theorems that involve sufficient conditions under which global existence, uniqueness, approximation and location of solutions are ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato borer or the tomato leafminer (TLM), Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has invaded the Mediterranean basin recently from South America and it is becoming a major global pest of tomato. Additionally, the Egyptian cotton leafworm (ECLW), Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is also a serious pest of various economic and non-economic crops in other Mediterranean countries. The excessive use of chemical pesticides is dangerous because these insect pests can develop resistance. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of emamectin-benzoate insecticide against two lepidopterous insects namely; T. absoluta and S. littoralis under laboratory conditions. Laboratory results showed that emamectin-benzoate was effective against larval stages of insects under laboratory conditions. All four concentrations of emamectin-benzoate caused a significant percentage of mortality after 24 hours of treatment as the percentage of mortality increased gradually with time. But almost all concentrations caused 100% mortality of larvae in both species on the 4th and 5th day of treatment. The obtained results showed that there were significant differences between insecticide concentrations, time of exposure and mortality percentage without any adverse effect on the tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits farmers obtained by adopting eco-friendly technologies on local shallot cultivation in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The technology applied includes; trap crops, biofertilizers (bokashi and mycorrhiza arbuscular) biopesticides (Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma sp.) and plastic mulch. Ninety-nine shallot farmers were selected, consisting of 35 farmers who applied the technology (adopters) and 64 farmers who did not (non adopters). Characteristics, rates of adoption, and benefits of both groups of farmers were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the level of technology adopted by the farmers was high and supported by farmer characteristics, particularly their age and education. The application of technology increases the production of shallots and the total profits of farmers by 29.5% and 79.1% respectively. In addition, adopters can reduce the costs of chemical inputs by around 69.5%. Therefore, the technology introduced provides multiple benefits for farmers; economically and environmentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the performance of a controller for adjusting the power generated by the permanent magnet generator (PMG) in a wind energy conversion system (WECS), which has generated-charged battery units (BUs). The proposed controller is based on the Lagrangian relaxation unit commitment (LRUC) method to determine a command value for the PMG electromagnetic torque ($T_{e}^{*}$) at each wind speed. The determined value of $T_{e}^{*}$ is set to calculate command values for $q$ -axis currents that are required by the controllers operating the generator-side and charging power electronic converters (PECs). The performance of the LRUC-based controller is experimentally evaluated for a grid-connected 7.5-kW PMG-based WECSs with 4.44-kW BUs, when operated under various wind speeds and/or charging and discharging modes of the BUs. Performance results show that the proposed controller is capable of initiating fast and accurate responses to adjust the power generation of the PMG to meet the demands of the generator-side and charging PECs for different wind speeds, and/or charging and discharging of the BUs. These performance features are found to have minor sensitivity to the changes in wind speed, and/or levels of charging the BUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]