The effect of within-crop habitat manipulations on the conservation biological control of aphids in field-grown lettuce

Within-crop habitat manipulations have the potential to increase the biological control of pests in horticultural field crops. Wildflower strips have been shown to increase the abundance of natural enemies, but there is little evidence to date of an impact on pest populations. The aim of this study was to determine whether withincrop wildflower strips can increase the natural regulation of pests in horticultural field crops. Aphid numbers in plots of lettuce grown adjacent to wildflower strips were compared with those in plots grown in the absence of wildflowers. The presence of wildflower strips led to a decrease in aphid numbers on adjacent lettuce plants during June and July, but had less impact in August and September. The decrease in aphid numbers was greatest close to the wildflower strips and, the decrease in aphid numbers declined with increasing distance from the wildflower strips, with little effect at a distance of ten metres. The main natural enemies found in the crop were those that dispersed aerially, which is consistent with data from previous studies on cereal crops. Analysis and interpretation of natural enemy numbers was difficult due to low recovery of natural enemies, and the numbers appeared to follow changes in aphid abundance rather than being directly linked to the presence of wildflower strips. Cutting the wildflower strips, to remove floral resources, had no impact on the reduction in aphid numbers achieved during June and July, but decreased the effect of the wildflower strips during August and September. The results suggest that wildflower strips can lead to increased natural regulation of pest aphids in outdoor lettuce crops, but more research is required to determine how this is mediated by natural enemies and how the impact of wildflower strips on natural pest regulation changes during the growing season

Mouthwashes

A mouthwash may be recommended as an antimicrobial, a topical anti-inflammatory agent, a topical analgesic, or for caries prevention. Many different mouthwashes are commercially available and patients and health professionals struggle to select the most appropriate product for a particular need. The selection needs to take into consideration factors such as the patient's oral condition, their disease risk and the efficacy and safety of the mouthwash. Mouthwashes are an adjunct to, not a substitute for, regular brushing and flossing

Rheologycal properties of sodium carboxymethylcellulose in the presence of electrolyte and mixed micelle of surfactants

One of the most significant aspects of polymer-surfactant interaction, from the practical point of view, is that of rheology control and viscosity enhancement. In the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte-surfactant system strong ionic interaction often leads to precipitation of the formed complex yielding serious problems. In this paper the interaction between anionic polyelectrolyte - sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and cationic surfactant - cethyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) has been investigated by rheological measurements. Addition of electrolyte NaBr and nonionic surfactant - Tween 80 reduced the binding strength, prevented the precipitation of the complex and increased the viscosity of the system. It was found that rheological properties are strong influenced by NaCMC-CTMAB interaction and the system exhibits either pseudoplastic or thixotropic or rheopectic behavior according to the intensity of interaction

Prediction of emission of gaseous pollutants on national level using artificial neural networks models

Radi realizacije koncepta održivog razvoja u narednim decenijama, kao jedan od značajanijih segmenata jeste očuvanje i kontrola kvaliteta vazduha. U tom smislu su na globalnom nivou osnovane brojne organizacije, podržane određenim međunarodno zakonodavno-pravnim mehanizmima. Obaveza država članica pomenutih organizacija i potpisnica konvencija je podnošenje izveštaja o trenutnim i budućim emisijama određenih zagađujućih materija, definisanih kroz indikatore koji se odnose na vazduh i klimatske promene. Radi realizacije preuzetih obaveza potrebno je primeniti odgovarajuće modele koji će na što precizniji, jednostavniji i ekonomičniji način proceniti emisiju određenih polutanata u vazduh. Postojeći modeli koji se koriste za proračun trenutnih i budućih emisija zagađujućih materija su zasnovani na inventarskom pristupu i podrazumevaju poznavanje i primenu velikog broja ulaznih parametara. Da bi proračun emisije prema postojećim modelima bio što precizniji, zahteva se poznavanje više stotina specifičnih parametara za određenu državu i svaki od izvora emisije, koji zavise od primenjene tehnologije, vrste goriva, kao i drugih informacija. Određivanje ulaznih parametara za postojeće modele je izuzetno složeno i zahteva korišćenje brojnih resursa da bi se utvrdila njihova vrednost. Poslednjih godina, sa razvojem računarske tehnologije, veštačke neuronske mreže (ANN - Artificial Neural Networks) su vrlo često korišćene za modelovanje u različitim oblastima. Predstavljaju sofisticirane tehnike modelovanja koje su u mogućnosti da modeluju veoma komleksne i nelinearne funkcije. U okviru ove disertacije osnovni ciljevi su bili razvoj ANN modela za predviđanje nacionalnih emisija sledećih gasovitih zagađujućih materija: amonijaka, nemetanskih isparljivih organskih jedinjenja, metana, azotovih oksida i gasova staklene bašte. Za razvoj ANN modela za predviđenje emisije amonijaka korišćena je višeslojna perceptron arhitektura (MLP - Multilayer Perceptron) – troslojna mreža. MLP model je najpre optimizovan primenom proba i greška procedure kojom je određen optimalan broj skrivenih neurona, aktivaciona funkcija i backpropagation algoritam obučavanja. Analiza glavnih komponenti (PCA - Principal Component Analysis) je primenjena na originalnim ulaznim podacima radi redukcije korelacije između ulaznih promenljivih. Dobijeni rezultati ANN modela kreiranih sa transformisanim ulazima, tj. glavnim komponentama (PCA - MLP) su pokazali da ima mnogo bolje performanse u odnosu na ANN model kreiran sa originalnim ulaznim promenljivama (MLP). U fazi validacije modela, kreirani MLP i PCA - MLP modeli su poređeni sa regresionim modelom razvijenim sa glavnim komponentama, kao ulaznim parametrima (PCR - Principal Component Regression ). Rezultati poređenja ova tri modela su pokazali da PCA - MLP model daje najbolje rezultate predviđanja sa relativnom greškom ispod 20% za SAD i većinu Evropskih država koje su bile uključene u razvoj modela...In order to implement concept of sustainable development in the coming decades, one of significant segments is to prevent further degradation of air quality influenced by emission of pollutants. Regarding this, numerous organizations have been founded on global level, supported by certain international legislative-legal mechanisms. Obligation of member countries and convention signees is submission of reports on current and future emissions of specific pollutants defined through indicators regarding air and climate changes. In order to realize commitments, it is necessary to apply suitable models which will, in the simplest, most precise and most economical way estimate the emission of certain pollutants into the air. Existing models that are used for estimation of current and future emission of pollutants are based on inventory approach and imply knowledge and implementation of numerous input parameters. In order to estimate emission more precisely according to existing models, it is necessary to have the knowledge of hundreds of specific parameters for certain country as well as every emission source, that depend on applied technology, type of fuel and other information. Setting input parameters for existing models is extremely complicated and requires use of numerous resources so as to determine their value. In recent years, along with development of computer technology, artificial neural networks (ANN) have often been used for modeling in different fields. They present sophisticated modeling techniques that are able to model very complex and nonlinear functions. Basic goals within this dissertation was development of ANN model for prediction of national emissions of following gaseous pollutants: ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, methane, nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. Multilayer perceptron architecture (MLP) - three-layer network was used for the development of ANN model for estimation of ammonia emission. MLP model was firstly optimized by application of trials and errors of the procedure by which the optimum number of hidden neurons, activation function and back-propagation training algorithm is determined. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is applied on original input data in order to reduce correlation between input variables. Obtained results of ANN model, created with transformed inputs, or, principal components (PCA - MLP) have shown that it has much better performance in comparison with ANN model, created with original input variables (MLP). In the phase of model validation, created MLP and PCA - MLP models are compared with regression model developed with principal components as input parameters (PCR). Comparison results of these three models have shown that PCA - MLP model provides best estimation results with relative error under 20% for USA and most European countries that are involved in model development..

Double versus single intrauterine insemination (IUI) in stimulated cycles for subfertile couples

Background In subfertile couples, couples who have tried to conceive for at least one year, intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian hyperstimulation (OH) is one of the treatment modalities that can be offered. When IUI is performed a second IUI in the same cycle might add to the chances of conceiving. In a previous update of this review in 2010 it was shown that double IUI increases pregnancy rates when compared to single IUI. Since 2010, different clinical trials have been published with differing conclusions about whether double WI increases pregnancy rates compared to single IUI. Objectives To determine the effectiveness and safety of double intrauterine insemination (IUI) compared to single IUI in stimulated cycles for subfertile couples. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLI NE, Embase and CINAHL in July 2020 and LILACS, Google scholar and Epistemoni kos in February 2021, together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled, parallel trials of double versus single lUls in stimulated cycles in subfertile couples. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. Main results We identified in nine studies involving subfertile women. The evidence was of low quality; the main limitations were unclear risk of bias, inconsistent results for some outcomes and imprecision, due to small trials with imprecise results. We are uncertain whether double IUI improves live birth rate compared to single IUI (odds ratio (OR) 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 1.88; I-2 = 29%; studies= 3, participants =468; low quality evidence). The evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth following single IUI is 16%, the chance of live birth following double IUI would be between 12% and 27%. Performing a sensitivity analysis restricted to only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with low risk of selection bias showed similar results. We are uncertain whether double IUI reduces miscarriage rate compared to single IUI (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.24; I-2 = 0%; studies = 6, participants = 2363; low quality evidence). The evidence suggests that chance of miscarriage following single IUI is 1.5% and the chance following double IUI would be between 1.5% and 5%. The reported clinical pregnancy rate per woman randomised may increase with double 11.11 group (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.86; I-2 = 34%; studies = 9, participants = 2716; low quality evidence). This result should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality of the evidence and the moderate inconsistency. The evidence suggests that the chance of a pregnancy following single IUI is 14% and the chance following double IUI would be between 16% and 23%. We are uncertain whether double IUI affects multiple pregnancy rate compared to single IUI (OR 2.04, 95% CI 0.91 to 4.56; I-2 = 8%; studies = 5; participants = 2203; low quality evidence). The evidence suggests that chance of multiple pregnancy following single IUI is 0.7% and the chance following double ILA would be between 0.85% and 3.7%. We are uncertain whether double IUI has an effect on ectopic pregnancy rate compared to single IUI (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.35 to 4.28; I-2 = 0%; studies =4, participants= 1048; low quality evidence). The evidence suggests that the chance of an ectopic pregnancy following single IUI is 0.8% and the chance following double IUI would be between 0.3% and 3.2%. Authors' conclusions Our main analysis, of which the evidence is low quality, shows that we are uncertain if double IUI improves live birth and reduces miscarriage compared to single IUI. Our sensitivity analysis restricted to studies of low risk of selection bias for both outcomes is consistent with the main analysis. Clinical pregnancy rate may increase in the double IUI group, but this should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality evidence. We are uncertain whether double IUI has an effect on multiple pregnancy rate and ectopic pregnancy rate compared to single IUI

Reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography behavior of aldopentose derivatives

Quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRR) have been used to study the chromatographic behavior of some aldopentose. The behavior of aldopentose derivatives was investigated by means of the reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP TLC) on the silica gel impregnated with paraffin oil stationary phases. Binary mixtures of methanol-water, acetone-water and dioxane-water were used as mobile phases. Retention factors, RM0, corresponding to zero percent organic modifier in the aqueous mobile phase was determined. Lipophilicity C0 was calculated as the ratio of the intercept and slope values. There was satisfactory correlation between them and log P values calculated using different theoretical procedures. Some of these correlations offer very good predicting models, which are important for a better understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and retention. The study showed that the hydrophobic parameters RM0 and C0 can be used as a measures of lipophilicity of investigated compounds

Theoretical and experimental analysis of droplet-to-particle formation during aerosol processing of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles

Theoretical and experimental investigation of the particle formation during processing of colloidal nanoparticles in aerosol laminar flow reactor is presented. Simple analytical model taking into consideration all important process parameters, such as physico-chemical properties of the colloidal solution, initial droplet size, residence time and temperature, is developed in order to predict the final particle morphology. The formation of spherical, hierarchically organized, ~450 nm sized TiO2 particles has been followed at 150°C starting from colloidal TiO2 nanoparticle (~4.5 nm) solution as precursor. It has been shown that the final particle morphology is formed in the evaporation/drying stage through the self assembly processes of colloidal nanoparticles collision and aggregation. The dimensionless numbers Re, Nu, Pr and Bi, were used in modeling to briefly describe the transport properties in dispersed system and heat and mass transport phenomena. The predicted particle size and morphology is confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/FESEM) and laser diffraction particle size analyzer (LPS). Additionally, closer morphological investigation is performed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanotomography. Correspondingly, theoretical analysis under this study presents a simple procedure to predict the final morphology and mean particle size during aerosol processing

The usage of different fluoride sources during solvothermal synthesis of UCNPs in hydroxyl-carboxyl chelated precursor

There is a great interest for the synthesis of rare earth (RE) doped up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) which morphological and luminescence properties are well suited for application in optoelectronics, forensics, security and biomedicine. The synthesis of such particles usually comprises decomposition of organometallic compounds in an oxygen-free environment followed with coating of biocompatible layer or ligands exchange. In this work hydroxyl-carboxyl (HO-C) type of chelators (citric acid and sodium citrate) are used for the stabilization of NaYF4:Gd,Yb,Er UCNPs during solvothermal treatment of rare earth nitrate salts with different fluoride sources (NaF, NH4F and NH4HF2). The x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) showed that all powders contain the mixture of cubic and hexagonal NaYF4:Gd,Yb,Er phase in nano and micro-sized particles respectively. However, the content of later one prevails in samples obtain when Nacitrate is used as chelator, regardless of which fluoride source is used for precipitation. Additionally, variation of the particles size and shape is detected with a variation of fluoride type. All particles have hydrophilic surface due to retention of citrate ligands and emit intense green light emission centered at 519 and 539 nm (2H11/2,4S3/2→4I15/2) when excited with near infrared light

Outbreak of West Nile virus infection among humans in Serbia, August to October 2012

We describe the first reported outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans in Serbia in August to October 2012 and examine the association of various variables with encephalitis and fatal outcome. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of WNV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in sera and cerebrospinal fluid. A total of 58 patients (mean age: 61 years; standard deviation: 15) were analysed: 44 were from Belgrade and its suburbs; 52 had neuroinvasive disease, of whom 8 had meningitis, while 44 had encephalitis. Acute flaccid paralysis developed in 13 of the patients with encephalitis. Age over 60 years and immunosuppression (including diabetes) were independently associated with the development of encephalitis in a multivariate analysis: odds ratio (OR): 44.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.93-408.59); p=0.001 (age over 60 years); OR: 10.76 (95% CI: 1.06-109.65); p=0.045 (immunosuppression including diabetes). Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation developed in 13 patients with encephalitis. A total of 35 patients had completely recovered by the time they were discharged; nine patients died. The presence of acute flaccid paralysis, consciousness impairment, respiratory failure and immunosuppression (without diabetes) were found to be associated with death in hospital in a univariate analysis (p lt 0.001, p=0.007, p lt 0.001 and p=0.010, respectively)