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Phytoseiid predatory mite, Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), is employed to control various pest species, such as phytophagous mites and arthropods. Depending on the host plant, the effectiveness of predators against the target pest may change. However, comparative studies on the life history and predation potential of N. longispinosus on different vegetable hosts have not yet been conducted. Therefore, in the present study, experiments were conducted to determine the indirect effect of several host plants on the biology, predation rate and demographic parameters of N. longispinosus against Tetranychus urticae. The results showed that female longevity was maximum on bean (25.40 days) and minimum on brinjal and tomato (14.22 days each). On bean, the female predatory mite consumed the highest prey (139.50 eggs) during its entire lifespan. The demographic parameters were analyzed and the results were better on bean and followed by cucumber, while they were comparatively poor on brinjal and tomato. These results highlight how crucial host plants are for the effectiveness of biological control. Nevertheless, further studies are required to investigate in detail the role of plant biophysical characters on the predation and demographics of the predator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study of α -clusters decay is exhibited by incorporating crucial microscopic nuclear structure information into the estimations of half-life and preformation factor. For the first time, using the k-cross validation approach, two semi-empirical formulas for (1) α -decay half-life and (2) α -particle preformation factor, are picked out and subsequently modified by including shell, odd-nucleon blocking, and asymmetry effects along with the usual dependence on α -decay energy ( Q α ) and angular momentum of α -particle. Both the formulas are fitted for the two different regions separated by neutron number N = 126, as from the experimental systematics the role of N = 126 shell closure is found decisive in determining the trends of Q α , α -decay half-life, and α -particle preformation factor. It is found that the inclusion of the above-mentioned degrees of freedom significantly reduces the errors in the estimations when compared with several other similar modified/refitted semi-empirical relations indicating the robustness of the proposed formulas. The predictions of α -decay half-life throughout the periodic chart have been made including the unknown territory, future probable decay chain of self-conjugate nucleus 112 Ba terminated on 100 Sn, decay chain of 208 Pa through new isotope 204 Ac as well as decay chains of awaiting superheavy nuclei 298 Og and 299 120. This article is expected to provide a systematic approach to selecting the formula by which reliable predictions can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-level inverter (MLI) is advantageous for DC to AC voltage conversion in power distribution networks. The low-power applications require square and quasi-square waveforms, whereas the sinusoidal waveform is required in high-power applications. The pure sinusoidal waveform of an inverter is obtained by improving the number of levels in the inverter. Hence, more switches and DC sources are used in the inverters to produce multi-levels at the output. The large number of switches and DC sources increases harmonics in the system. The modulation techniques are used with the MLI topologies to alleviate these issues. Recently, modulation techniques based on optimization algorithms have been used to minimize Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This paper reviews optimization algorithm-based modulation techniques in the recent literature. This review aims to provide an effective solution for enhancing THD in MLI. Different MLI types are initially explained, and then the recent algorithms are explained for THD minimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to devise a measure to estimate the treatment-related concerns in women seeking fertility treatments. We also aimed to compare the women with and without psychiatric morbidity in their treatment experiences. Settings and design: This study has a cross-sectional design, and the survey was conducted on 300 participants visiting the study site. Measures: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) was used to assess for psychiatric comorbidity. Treatment concerns were assessed using the "treatment-related concerns scale for infertility (TRC-I)" devised by the investigators for this research. Statistical analysis: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)--16 was used for descriptive data analysis, and Chi-square was used for univariate analysis to evaluate the associations between psychiatric comorbidity and treatment concerns. Results: Our data suggests that women (especially those with psychiatric comorbidities) are considerably impacted by immediate physical, financial, emotional, and interpersonal outcomes from treatments. Discussion: Women had serious concerns with lack of certainty of pregnancy, the side effects, fear, anxiety, and pain arising out of procedures, unmanageable emotional distress during intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, disturbances in their sexual functioning, financial strain, treatment continuation, and lastly the social implications of infertility. They were minimally bothered with the repeated blood tests and normalcy of the baby born. Those with psychiatric comorbidities were more concerned over repeated IUI/IVF cycles, recoveries, pain, fear, anxiety, and social stigma and voiced out to seek professional psychological support. Conclusion: Flexibility in treatment planning, stability in clinical relationships, and staff support, along with psychological, informational, and spousal help, serve as important sources of positive treatment experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to numerous applications of micro-/nano-sized structures in medical, electrical, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering, etc., mathematical modelling of thermoelastic diffusive responses of these structures has become a hot topic of investigation. The inclusion of fractional-order derivatives in these models brings out more productive results. Thus considering fractional generalized thermoelastic diffusion model with nonlocal elastic effects, transient responses of a transversely isotropic hollow cylinder are analysed. The medium is held at undisturbed state initially and periodically varying thermal and continuous concentration loadings applied at the outer boundary of the cylinder. Assuming the plane strain and axisymmetry in the cylinder, the problem is reduced to one dimension which is solved using Laplace transformation along with inversion technique. The objective of this work is to theoretically investigate the impact of nonlocal and fractional-order parameters on thermophysical quantities of a transversely isotropic hollow cylinder and consideration of diffusion phenomenon along with the said effects augments the novelty of this work. Thus, the graphical representation of the results reveals that displacement is less perturbed with the introduction of the nonlocal elastic parameter. The fractional-order parameter has an increasing impact on thermal and diffusion profiles. Time has varying degrees of influence on all the physical quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish the intuitionistic fuzzy version of the Lasker-Noether theorem for a commutative Γ-ring. We show that in a commutative Noetherian Γ-ring, every intuitionistic fuzzy ideal A can be decomposed as the intersection of a finite number of intuitionistic fuzzy irreducible ideals (primary ideals). This decomposition is called an intuitionistic fuzzy primary decomposition. Further, we show that in case of a minimal intuitionistic fuzzy primary decomposition of A, the set of all intuitionistic fuzzy associated prime ideals of A is independent of the particular decomposition. We also discuss some other fundamental results pertaining to this concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the concept of tensor product between intuitionistic fuzzy submodules. We establish a formal framework for the tensor product operation, examining its properties and applications within the context of intuitionistic fuzzy modules. We then establish a relationship between the Hom functor and the tensor product in the category of intuitionistic fuzzy modules. The connection between tensor products and hom-functors in some algebraic structures, such as modules, is made possible via a natural isomorphism known as the Hom- Tensor adjunction and it establishes a relationship between HomCR-IFM(B⊗A,C) and HomCR-IFM(A,HomCR-IFM(B,C)). An application of tensor product of intuitionistic fuzzy modules can be used in decision-making processes by embracing ambiguity and vagueness, making it a valuable tool when exact data is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to identify associative factors for tracheostomy in patients presenting with airway obstruction. Methods: Data from a tertiary hospital were reviewed to identify patients who presented with airway obstruction between 2009 and 2020. Patient demographics, causative pathology and treatments were analysed. Results: The study identified 297 admitted patients. Of these, 66 underwent a tracheostomy and formed the 'tracheostomy' group and 231 formed the 'other intervention' group. The tracheostomy group had a higher mean age (p = 0.003), and higher percentages of males (p = 0.031) and smokers or ex-smokers (p = 0.020), compared to the other intervention group. The tracheostomy group also had a higher number of patients with a malignancy (p < 0.001) compared to the other intervention group. Conclusion: Being older, male, a previous or current smoker, or developing airway obstruction due to a malignancy were found to be the main associative factors for requiring a tracheostomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous and serious pest of peas. In India, this pest is attacked by many parasitoids and among them Diglyphus horticola Khan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an important one, however, demographics and pest-kill potential of this parasitoid has not been studied so far. This study presents the first report on its demographics and pest-kill potential on C. horticola. The parasitoid showed three modes of host-killing behaviour viz. host-feeding, parasitism and host-stinging. The parasitoid females killed more number of hosts by parasitism than host-feeding or host-stinging. The pre-adult survival, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were higher on the 5-days old host larvae than those reared on the 3-days old larvae. Demographics and pest-kill parameters of D. horticola were also better on 5-days old host larvae than on 3-days old host larvae. Based on the study, D. horticola appeared to be a promising biocontrol agent for the suppression of C. horticola in peas and could be promoted through conservation biological control. Further studies are required to standardize the mass production protocol and release rates to use the parasitoid by augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nurses play a pivotal role in patient care and at the same time, face stressful situations due to workload, so the need of the hour is to create awareness about emotional intelligence (EI) among nurses to tide over such situations. Aims: This study aimed (1) to measure baseline levels of EI in the control and intervention group of staff nurses, (2) to find the association between the sociodemographic factors and EI, (3) to give EI training skills program to the experimental group, (4) to measure any enhancement in EI Skills after the intervention, and (4) to assess any improvement in work performance (WP) after EI intervention. Settings and Design: An experimental study was conducted among nurses working in GMERS Hospital, Patan, who were working in critical care units and general hospital wards. Materials and Methods: One-third of nurses from each of the two blocks were taken (convenience sampling) from the two blocks (critical care units and general units), i.e., 24 and 42 nurses, respectively, and allocated into experimental and control groups, respectively. Questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic variables, the Schutte Self-Report EI test, and WP survey questionnaire by the University of Michigan Health System were used. Statistical Analysis Used: Quantitative data were summarized using means and standard deviation. The data were assessed for normality and suitable tests such as t-test and paired t-test were used. Results: A significant enhancement in mean EI score i.e 145.16±5.938 after intervention from base mean EI score of 132.42±4.21 was noticed. Furthermore, the job performance showed a statistically significant improvement after EI Intervention. None of the sociodemographic variables showed a statistically significant association with the EI scores of intervention group. Conclusions: The Study highlights the importance of EI Training among Staff nurses as an essential part of their training program, to cope up with stress level in their day to day life and this training also has a positive impact on their Job performance thereby enhancing the quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram is an important multipurpose grain legume. It contains high amount of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Productivity of this crop is still low hence efforts should make to improve the yield of blackgram by keeping knowledge about association between seed yield and its components. Thus, present investigation was aimed to determine the correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield and its attributing traits in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Methods: In this study, thirty five diverse genotypes of blackgram were evaluated during kharif 2018 for fourteen quantitative traits in randomized block design with three replications at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. Result: Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits studied indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes for all the characters. The seed yield per plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, biological yield per plant and harvest index both at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels. The characters namely, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant and pod length had high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant. Therefore, selection based on the traits viz., number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, biological yield per plant, harvest index and 100-seed weight could help in enhancing the seed yield per plant in blackgram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting seeds according to agronomic requirements is one of the most important and critical farm operations for crop cultivation. Placing seeds at a proper location is required to maintain the plant to plant spacing in a row. A vertical plate precision seed metering device was designed and developed for field pea. Cells with three different depths of 8.48, 8.85 and 9.22 mm and three shapes of 20o, 30o and 40o left side angles were designed to obtain nine different plates. A seed metering device with different plates was fabricated and mounted on the experimental setup. The performance of the metering device was evaluated under laboratory conditions at three speeds of 37.04, 44.45 and 51.86 rpm. The results showed occurrence of stuck up seeds in the cells and higher missing hills which may be due to non-release of seeds from the seed metering device. To release seed from the metering device, a mechanism for positive seed knockout was designed and incorporated in the developed metering device of different sizes and shapes of vertical plates. The performance of vertical plate precision seed metering device with positive seed knockout mechanism was also evaluated under laboratory conditions. The results showed that cells of 8.48 mm depth and 40o left side angle on a vertical plate seed metering device with positive seed knockout mechanism performed better with lowest average missing index of 2.67%, multiple index of 0.5% and highest uniformity of seed placement of 96.83%. Stuck up of seeds in the cells of the seed metering device was not observed after incorporating a positive seed knockout mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state-of-the-art of high-strength fiber-reinforced polymer (HSFRP) textile composites exhibit a great strength to weight ratio and a high stiffness, durability, damping properties, and resistance to wear and corrosion. These properties of HSFRP textile composites have led to their applications in the aviation, defense, marine, biomedical, automobile, and many other manufacturing sectors. The major difficulties observed during the machining of fibrous polymer textile composites is the rapid wear of cutting tools, the deterioration of machined surfaces, the thermal damage, delaminations, and the fiber pull-out. This article is an extensive review of the machining and machinability of HSFRP textile composites, followed by their processing techniques, advantages, and applications. It can provide an insight into selecting manufacturing strategies for these composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) with internal waves in incompressible, dense, degenerate strongly coupled quantum plasma (SCQP), has been investigated with the effect of variable magnetic field and uniform rotation. In this problem, we have considered plasma in incompressible limits with strong coupling effect. We have taken the quantum hydrodynamic model (QHD) in weakly coupled degenerate electrons and strongly coupled non-degenerate ions. The dispersion relation for the Rayleigh–Taylor instability with internal waves in a rotating, magnetized plasma is derived and analysed by using the normal mode analysis method and then linearize the fluid equations to discuss growth rate of the system under appropriate boundary. It is observed that the magnetic field, quantum effect and strong coupling effect play a significant role to suppress the RTI in the system. Hence, the combined effect of magnetic field and quantum correction are significant to analyze the unstable RT modes. The relevance of such results is useful to suppress the RTI in a dense astrophysical system like in white dwarf stars and in ICF targets, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduced the notion of intuitionistic fuzzy prime radical of an intuitionistic fuzzy ideal in Γ-rings. We also characterise intuitionistic fuzzy primary ideal of Γ-rings. We also analyse homomorphic behaviour of intuitionistic fuzzy primary ideal and intuitionistic fuzzy prime radical of Γ-rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This communication is devoted to the X-ray diffraction study of a single crystal of the compound N '-acetyl-4-formyl-N '-phenylbenzohydrazide. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P . The crystal structure has been solved by direct methods and refined by full matrix least squares procedure to a final R value of 0.0855 for 1886 reflections. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds N–H⋅⋅⋅O, C–H⋅⋅⋅O, and O–H⋅⋅⋅O with the participation of a water solvent molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a new ferrocenemethylated salan [H2(MeFc)2]-salan ligand (L) and its palladium complex [PdII(MeFc)2]-salan (I) is described. The ligand and its complex I were characterized by 1H, 13C{1H} 2D-NMR techniques, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. X-ray crystal structure of ligand L has been determined (CCDC no. 1557925), which crystalizes in monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry and displays intramolecular OH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Kim and Son [9] have obtained an infinite sequence of irreducible polynomials over the finite field Fq of characteristic p by using the transformation. Here, it is shown that one can also build this infinite sequence of irreducible polynomials over the field Fq of characteristic p by using a different transformation. Moreover, this transformation is helpful to establish the sequence of normal polynomials of degree npr in Fq[x] by using an appropriate initial normal polynomial of degree n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric composites are used worldwide due to their enhanced applications in various sectors such as automotive, defense, aerospace, marine, and many others. Its lightweight and high‐strength applications make it convenient to use in high‐security fields such as defense and aerospace. Thus, it is essential to characterize composite materials for product development. Numerical simulation of composites has advantages over experimental characterization. The paper presents the mechanical behavior of polymer textile composites, employing geometrical modeling and a numerical simulation approach, under several loading conditions such as tension, compression, flexural, and impact loading. Failure mechanisms are also discussed with different failure modes and damage criterions. This review paper is limited to high‐strength fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, and Glass fibers in unidirectional and woven formation. Various test specimens used in mechanical characterizations are presented with significant research summaries. Classification charts are also provided for a better understanding of the numerical simulation approach for characterizing the mechanical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical detection of graphene plasmons is important for developing mid-infrared photodetection and sensing applications based on graphene. Here, we theoretically investigate a configuration based on graphene nanoribbons on silicon, forming a series of Schottky junctions. We calculate the heating up of charge carriers in graphene, following plasmon decay, and their thermionic emission across the junctions leading to the generation of photocurrent. We extract an external responsivity up to ≈ 110 mA/W with a corresponding noise equivalent power ≈ 190 pW/Hz0.5, specific detectivity D * ≈ 4 × 10 6 Jones, and response time ≈ 12 ns. We further demonstrate how this platform can be used for developing label free chemical sensors, utilizing surface enhanced infrared absorption, where the analyte presence is directly monitored by the photocurrent change. The methods and conclusions derived in this work are applicable throughout the infrared spectrum, where graphene plasmons can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research article, we investigate and study the intuitionistic fuzzy structure space of a Γ-ring M set up by the class of intuitionistic fuzzy prime ideals of M called the intuitionistic fuzzy prime spectrum of Γ-ring. Apart from studying basic properties of this structure space, we explore separation axioms, compactness, irreducibility and connectedness in this structure space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate the impact of HES variations on power generation reliability and quality, this paper proposes an appropriate placement and sizing of the battery energy storage system (BESS) in distribution networks with hybrid energy sources (HES) of distribution network operators (DNO). The daily cost incurred by the distribution network as a result of voltage deviation, power losses, and peak demands is taken into consideration while determining the ideal location and size of the BESS. IEEE 33-bus distribution network is used to test and evaluate the simulation findings of the BESS installation in the field. For this optimization problem, the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used to solve it, and the results achieved from these two techniques are compared. When comparing the results of the BESS installation in the distribution network to the results of the case without BESS installation, the voltage variation, power losses, and peak demands are all lower than in the case with BESS installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibacterial activities of as‐synthesized nanoparticles have gained attention in past few years due to rapid phylogenesis of pathogens developing multi‐drug resistance (MDR). Antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on surrogate pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli (MTCC no. 739) and Proteus vulgaris (MTCC no. 426) was evaluated under culture conditions. Three sets of colloidal CuNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction method with per batch yield of 0·2, 0·3 and 0·4 g. As‐synthesized CuNPs possess identical plasmonic properties and have similar hydrodynamic particle sizes (11–14 nm). Antibacterial activities of CuNPs were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests, cytoplasmic leakage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. MIC and MBC tests revealed dose dependence bactericidal action. Growth curves of E. coli show faster growth inhibition along with higher cytoplasmic leakage than that of P. vulgaris. This might be because of increased membrane permeability of E. coli. CuNP–microorganism interaction induces oxidative stress generated by ROS. Leakage of cytoplasmic components, loss of membrane permeability and ROS generation are the primary causes of CuNP‐induced bacterial cell death. As‐synthesized CuNPs exhibiting promising antibacterial activities and could be a promising candidate for novel antibacterial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major detrimental factors of the global rice production is salt stress, which limits it up to 50%. In this study, we compared the morphophysiological and biochemical responses of indigenous salt-tolerant 'Korgut' and salt-sensitive 'Jaya' rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties by pot culture in controlled climatic conditions. Decreased plant growth and biomass with the increase in salinity were recorded in the 'Jaya' variety compared to those of 'Korgut'. Net photosynthesis rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), photochemical quenching, and lower quantum efficiency of PSII system (Fv/Fm ratio) were recorded reduced in 'Jaya' compared to those of 'Korgut' as response to salinity stress. Unlike 'Korgut' that thrived well under increased salinity levels, higher concentration (160 mmol/L) of NaCl caused a decrease in the number of thylakoids. In addition, swelling of the thylakoids was observed in 'Jaya'in response to higher salt stress. The tolerance of 'Korgut' plants was mainly due to relatively lesser accumulation of Na+ and Cl- and higher accumulation of K+. 'Korgut' showed relatively higher antioxidant capacity, lower osmotic stress (proline), and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) compared to salt-sensitive variety 'Jaya'. Our data suggests that 'Korgut' plants preserve ion and water homeostasis and diminish oxidative stress resulting from more significant antioxidant enzymes, which enables better sustainable growth overcoming salinity stress, contrary to salt-sensitive 'Jaya' variety. These findings can support crop development in terms of salt tolerance in rice crops by the method of molecular genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination characteristics help predict the degree of invasive success of a species based on capacity of the seeds to germinate and recruit into novel habitats. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Bush mint, Pignut; Lamiaceae) is an invasive plant that is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We conducted a study to understand the role of seed size dimorphism in differentiation of germination niche in H. suaveolens.We subjected small and large seeds to varying environmental conditions of temperature (°C), photoperiod (light/dark), salt (NaCl; mM), pH, osmotic potential (MPa), different soil types and ratios (clay:sand) and burial depth (cm). Different germination indices were calculated and their interaction with seed dimorphism studied.There was a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between germination indices and seed dimorphism throughout the treatments. Large seeds had higher germination percentage and rate, indicating higher germination capacity. In addition, these displayed more asynchronous germination under various environments. Small seeds, on the other hand, required a longer germination time as compared to large seeds, indicating slower germination.Differential responses of the two seed morphs to varying environmental conditions, therefore, help H. suaveolens to differentiate its germination niche and establish in heterogeneous environments. These findings will help in devising appropriate management and eradication strategies based on germination ecology of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stepwise improved biophysical model is reusable for reduced and extended cases. • The studied food web models are sensitive to initial concentrations of plankton. • Model improvement requires parallel measurements to decrease sampling errors. • Programmable Process Structure serves as an extensible method to support reuse. • Reusability check contributes to the development of scaling-up and planning models. Given the increasing importance of data- and model-driven design and control in food production systems, this paper addresses the need to improve the reproducibility, replicability, and reusability of datasets, models, and modeling frameworks. While sensor data and machine learning-based control and operation of agricultural and aquacultural systems face reproducibility and replicability challenges, reusability is becoming critical for computational model-based design and planning of complex processes. This study evaluates the reusability of an existing pond aquaculture model and outlines a systematic, stepwise approach for reusability enhancements. The suggested methodology starts with an established reference model of a typical production fishpond and improves its reusability through pilot-scale experiments, covering key aspects of pond farming technologies. The reference model is subjected to stepwise reusability checks using measured data from the respective pilot units, progressing from simpler (reduced) to more complex (extended) cases. Each step concludes with the necessary parameter or sub-model refinements, which remain unchanged in subsequent steps. The refined model is validated with the measured data from other pilot experiments. This process can be repeated until satisfactory results are obtained. The resulting model is then tested to scale up a production pond model using limited case-specific input data. In addition, a hypothetically modified scenario is studied to address discrepancies between measured and simulated data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several mapping techniques to map the characters of the message to points on an elliptic curve using Elliptic Curve Cryptography. In the present paper, we propose a new mapping technique based on XOR operation. This mapping technique helps us in mapping the three characters simultaneously to a single point on an elliptic curve without the need of Code Table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic factors especially temperature has direct impact on the survival of insects. The mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter is an important predator of whiteflies, leafminers, thrips, mites, and various lepidopterans. The impact of temperature on population parameters of N. tenuis was studied by developing model. The rearing temperature had significant impact on the development of N. tenuis. The development time of each nymphal stage decreased with the increase in rearing temperature. The rate of development for each stage increased linearly with the increase in temperature. The optimum temperature, lower and upper developmental thresholds for immature development of the bug varied from 29.9–33.28, 10.1 to 12.25 and 38.82 to 41.1 °C, respectively. The fertility statistics generated for N. tenuis reared on Tetranychus urticae Koch at different temperatures indicate that temperature between 20 and 35 °C is suitable for population growth and multiplication of the bug, whereas, low temperature (15 °C or below) is not suitable for the same. The present study, however, provides useful information on the impact of temperature on the development, survival, reproduction and life-fertility parameters of N. tenuis which could be used for spatial mapping of the distribution and abundance of the bug, and its possible utilization as bio-control agent under expected climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralization of organic N and S of crop residue is an important useful tool for forecasting availability of N and S in soils. Three different soils (Vertisol, Inceptisol and Alfisol) from eastern Uttar Pradesh, India; seven crops residue, four cereals (rice, barley, maize, wheat) from irrigated area of Varanasi; and three pulses (gram lentil, pigeon pea) from rainfed area of Mirzapur were used in 90-day incubation study under controlled condition to estimate the release of soil available N and S. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Total Nitrogen (N) and total Sulfur (S) contents were higher in the pulses than that of cereals. Pulses residue with the lowest C:N:S ratio (177.0:3.7:1 to 195.8:4.5:1) had significantly rapid rate of N and S release up to 45 days and then declined at 60 and 90 days. On the other hand, cereals with the highest C:N:S ratio (390.8:4.3:1 to 463.6:5.0:1) had slow release of N and S up to 45 days and then rapid released at 60 and 90 days. Among pulses residue, pigeon pea has resulted significantly higher net release of soil available N and S at day 45 to the extent of 18.4 and 78.7% in Alfisol, 17.7 and 51.2% in Inceptisol, and 15.0 and 24.1% in Vertisol, respectively, over control. Among the cereals residue, barley residue amended Alfisol had higher net increase in available N at day 90 (13.2%) followed by Inceptisol (10.8%) and Vertisol (9.9%) over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model is formulated to study the thermoelastic diffusion in the plate using two temperature fractional order theory in materials having temperature-dependent elastic properties. Governing equations for the considered two-dimensional problem are deduced. The plate is considered as unstrained and unstressed at uniform temperature initially. Governing equations are non-dimensionalized and simplified by making use of potential functions. A combination of Laplace and Fourier transform is used to reduce the problem to ordinary differential equations. The arbitrary constants in solution are obtained by considering the loading environment on surfaces. The physical quantities like stresses, temperature field, mass concentration and chemical potential are determined analytically in the closed-form. A numerical transform inversion technique is used to obtain the resulting quantities for the original region and displayed in the form of graphs to present the different physical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to determine the effect of variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity on the transient response of thermoelastic diffusion plate in the light of two-temperature fractional-order generalized thermoelasticity. The boundary of the plate is designed as mechanical, concentration and ramp type thermal loadings on one side and rigidly fixed, insulated and impermeable on the other side. Consideration of variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity as linear functions of thermodynamic temperature and concentration, respectively, leads to non-linear equations of heat conduction and mass diffusion, which are transformed into a linear form by introducing Kirchhoff's transformation. Linear governing equations obtained are solved by using the Laplace–Fourier transform technique. In the transform space, the closed form of expressions for conductive and thermodynamic temperatures, displacement and stress components, concentration and chemical potential are obtained. The mathematical inversion technique is employed to invert the Laplace and Fourier transform, and numerical results are obtained for various quantities for copper material. The numerically obtained solutions are depicted graphically to illustrate the impact of various considered parameters on conductive and thermodynamic temperature, normal stress and mass concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the ecofriendly management of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), we studied the demographics and functional response of Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius on T. absoluta under laboratory conditions. B. pallescens completed its development on the eggs and the first two larval instar of T. absoluta, however the demographic parameters were higher on the prey eggs than on larvae. The predatory bug exhibited a type II functional response to the target prey and the demographic parameters were higher on prey eggs than on larvae. The attack rate increased and the handling time decreased with the advancement of the predator as well as the prey stage. The attack rate was the highest and handling time the lowest for the adult females on the prey eggs. Based on the results of the study, B. pallescens seems to be a promising biocontrol agent of T. absoluta, nevertheless, under field conditions, many biotic and abiotic factors can influence its performance. Hence a proper field evaluation is required before giving the final recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the impacts of variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity on an infinite thermoelastic diffusion circular plate of finite width with a heat source due to axisymmetric thermal and chemical potential loadings in the light of two-temperature generalized thermoelastic diffusion theory. The thermal conductivity and diffusivity are assumed to be linear functions of thermodynamic temperature and concentration, respectively. The governing equations are transformed into the linear form by applying Kirchhoff's transform. These equations are solved by using the Laplace–Hankel transform technique. In the transformed region, the closed form expressions for conductive and thermodynamic temperatures, displacement and stress components, concentration, and chemical potential are obtained. To transform the solutions to the original domain, a numerical inversion technique is applied. Numerical results for thermodynamic and conductive temperatures, normal stress component, and chemical potential are depicted graphically to illustrate the impacts of two temperatures, ramping time parameter, variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity. A validation of the obtained results is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a model describing the electrostatic interactions across a structure that consists of a single layer of graphene with large area, lying above an oxide substrate of finite thickness, with its surface exposed to a thick layer of liquid electrolyte containing salt ions. Our goal is to analyze the co-operative screening of the potential fluctuation in a doped graphene due to randomness in the positions of fixed charged impurities in the oxide by the charge carriers in graphene and by the mobile ions in the diffuse layer of the electrolyte. In order to account for a possibly large potential drop in the diffuse later that may arise in an electrolytically gated graphene, we use a partially linearized Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) model of the electrolyte, in which we solve a fully nonlinear PB equation for the surface average of the potential in one dimension, whereas the lateral fluctuations of the potential in graphene are tackled by linearizing the PB equation about the average potential. In this way, we are able to describe the regime of equilibrium doping of graphene to large densities for arbitrary values of the ion concentration without restrictions to the potential drop in the electrolyte. We evaluate the electrostatic Green's function for the partially linearized PB model, which is used to express the screening contributions of the graphene layer and the nearby electrolyte by means of an effective dielectric function. We find that, while the screened potential of a single charged impurity at large in-graphene distances exhibits a strong dependence on the ion concentration in the electrolyte and on the doping density in graphene, in the case of a spatially correlated two-dimensional ensemble of impurities, this dependence is largely suppressed in the autocovariance of the fluctuating potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a model describing the electrostatic interactions across a structure that consists of a single layer of graphene with large area, lying above an oxide substrate of finite thickness, with its surface exposed to a thick layer of liquid electrolyte containing salt ions. Our goal is to analyze the co-operative screening of the potential fluctuation in a doped graphene due to randomness in the positions of fixed charged impurities in the oxide by the charge carriers in graphene and by the mobile ions in the diffuse layer of the electrolyte. In order to account for a possibly large potential drop in the diffuse later that may arise in an electrolytically gated graphene, we use a partially linearized Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) model of the electrolyte, in which we solve a fully nonlinear PB equation for the surface average of the potential in one dimension, whereas the lateral fluctuations of the potential in graphene are tackled by linearizing the PB equation about the average potential. In this way, we are able to describe the regime of equilibrium doping of graphene to large densities for arbitrary values of the ion concentration without restrictions to the potential drop in the electrolyte. We evaluate the electrostatic Green's function for the partially linearized PB model, which is used to express the screening contributions of the graphene layer and the nearby electrolyte by means of an effective dielectric function. We find that, while the screened potential of a single charged impurity at large in-graphene distances exhibits a strong dependence on the ion concentration in the electrolyte and on the doping density in graphene, in the case of a spatially correlated two-dimensional ensemble of impurities, this dependence is largely suppressed in the autocovariance of the fluctuating potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-identity, sexuality, and subfertility have multidirectional effects on each other. Subfertility is known to alter sexual esteem, threaten identity, body image, sexual attractivness, coital pleasure, and sexual satisfaction. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate sexual difficulties as predictors of infertility-specific stress in patients undergoing fertility treatments and to assess the profile of sexual dysfunctions in participants. Study Setting and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital setup of a medical college. Methods: Three hundred married men and women diagnosed with infertility participated. The psychological evaluation test, international classification of diseases (10th, CDDG), female sexual functioning index, and international index of erectile functioning were used as measures. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 15, Chicago, USA). Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis between stress and presence of sexual dysfunctions in men and women. Medians, quartile, and cutoff scores were used to profile the sexual issues in participants. Results: Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions since marriage was higher in women (75%) than men (60%). Ninety-two percent of women and 86% of men experienced emergence of sexual difficulties after the couple started treatments. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunctions appear to be a consistent psychosocial concern for those awaiting conception. These appear to worsen during the treatments. Our findings suggest the need to sensitively approach and explore sexual anamnesis with the couple before recourse to medically assisted reproductive treatments. Psychological interventions for sexual issues in distressed patients before, during, and after treatments such as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are most needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was carried out during kharif, 2018 in Randomized Block Design to estimate the variability parameters in blackgram using thirty five genotypes including two checks viz., Pratap Urd-1 and Pant Urd-31. The results of ANOVA showed that the genotypes varied significantly for all the traits. The high GCV and PCV estimates were recorded for seed yield per plant, plant height, harvest index and 100-seed weight. High magnitude of heritability combined with the high genetic gain was found fortraits viz., plant height, the number of pods per cluster and 100-seed weight. Therefore, direct selection for the traits like, plant height, harvest index, 100-seed weight and the number of pods per cluster would be useful for increasing seed yield in blackgram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latest experimental and evaluated α-decay half-lives between 82 ⩽ Z ⩽ 118 have been used to modify two empirical formulas: (i) Horoi scaling law (2004 J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 30 945), and Sobiczewski formula (2005 Acta Phys. Pol. B 36 3095) by adding asymmetry dependent terms (I and I2) and refitting of the coefficients. The results of these modified formulas are found with significant improvement while compared with other 21 formulas, and, therefore, are used to predict α-decay half-lives with more precision in the unknown superheavy region. The formula of spontaneous fission (SF) half-life proposed by Bao et al (2015 J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 42 085101) is further modified by using ground-state shell-plus-pairing correction taken from FRDM-2012 and using the latest experimental and evaluated SF half-lives between 82 ⩽ Z ⩽ 118. Using these modified formulas, contest between α-decay and SF is probed for the nuclei within the range 112 ⩽ Z ⩽ 118 and consequently probable half-lives and decay modes are estimated. Potential decay chains of 286−302Og and 287−303119 (168 ⩽ N ⩽ 184: island of stability) are analyzed which are found to be in excellent agreement with available experimental data. In addition, four different machine learning models: XGBoost, random forest, decision trees, and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network are used to train a predictor for α-decay and SF half-lives prediction. The prediction of decay modes using XGBoost and MLP are found to be in excellent agreement with available experimental decay modes along with our predictions obtained by the above-mentioned modified formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the possibility of harnessing geothermal energy from a single well in various geothermal settings by circulating water in a closed-loop system. The fundamental idea is to investigate, with an analytical approach, multiple independent variables that influence the fluid surface temperature, supporting the geothermal energy generation for various usages. This study proposes an analytical model involving the reverse circulation of water down the annulus and up the tubing to the surface. Our studies include both a vertical well and an associated horizontal segment to compare the value proposition for both systems. We adopted a probabilistic approach to evaluate the potential of harnessing geothermal energy objectively. Among the various independent variables studied, the geothermal gradient, vertical-well depth, and insulation strength became the most influential on the dependent variable, wellhead water temperature. In contrast, the fluid-circulation rate and horizontal-well length did not turn out to be statistically significant within the scope of this investigation. • This study presents models for estimating the fluid circulation temperature at the tubinghead. • The proposed method handles both vertical and combined vertical/horizontal wells. • A probabilistic approach showed a value proposition involving various independent variables for tubinghead fluid temperature. • Synthetic data from three sources verified the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most destructive invasive pests of tomato worldwide. To improve biological control of T. absoluta, we studied the functional response of Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to T. absoluta. Under laboratory conditions, N. formosa parasitised and host-fed on the first three larval instars, while the fourth instar was not selected for oviposition or feeding. The logistic regression analyses yielded significantly negative linear coefficients, confirming a type II functional response of the parasitoid to each host stage. Irrespective of the mode of host-killing, the attack rate was the highest and the handling time the lowest on the second instar host larvae. The theoretical maximum numbers of host larvae that a single mated female N. formosa could parasitise, host-feed or host-kill over a 24 h foraging period are 2.82, 2.87 and 5.66 (first instar); 3.50, 5.99 and 9.05 (second instar); and 2.28 1.71 and 3.38 (third instar), respectively. In conclusion, the parasitoid may enhance the augmentative and/or conservation biological control of T. absoluta under Indian conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have experimentally realized a morphology-directed nanoscale energy transfer between an emitter, Eosin yellow dye, and three distinct gold nanoshapes, namely, nanospheres, nanopebbles, and nanoflowers. Raman spectroscopy is employed to ensure mutual interaction among the couple hybrids. The results explicitly show that plasmonic structures with sharp edges produce a strong localized electromagnetic field, which substantially suppresses the background fluorescence signals of the analyte. Further, the relationship between the observed quenching of the dye fluorescence and the geometrical factors of the gold nanoshapes is used to comprehend the influence of energy transfers on their enhanced third-order nonlinearity. The experimental findings reveal a relationship between the efficiency of energy transfers and the enhancement of the observed nonlinear optical coefficients. This study may act as the basis for designing active photonic nanocomposites based on their efficient energy transfer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify stable rice genotypes tolerant to a salt stress environment and to identify ideal mega-environments using AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) stability model analysis. A total of 13 rice genotypes and three salt tolerance checks were evaluated across 13 salt stress locations (alkaline and saline) for the two kharif seasons of 2014 and 2015. Genotype CSR 36 (CHK3) was found to be the most ideal of those tested. Genotypes CHK2 (CST 27) and IR 87952-1-1-1-2-3-B (G05) were found to be the most stable, with above average yields. The check CSR 36 (CHK3) genotype was the best performer in the majority of the environments studied, followed by CSR 27 (CHK2) and IR 87952-1-1-1-2-3-B (G05) which were the best genotypes in the mega-environment consisting of 21 environments evaluated across stress locations and year combinations. Overall, the most promising genotype (IR 87952-1-1-1-2-3-B) had high mean yield and stability and could be used for commercial cultivation or used as donor for breeding programs across salt-affected soils. The genotypes GN13 (IR 87938-1-1-2-1-3-B) and GN11 (IR 87938-1-2-2-1-3-B) showed 60–80% yield advantage at specific salt stress locations, showing that these genotypes could be used for specific environments of salt-affected soils in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]