Mechanical properties of dense mycelium-bound composites under accelerated tropical weathering conditions

Mycelium, as the root of fungi, is composed of filamentous strands of fine hyphae that bind discrete substrate particles into a block material. With advanced processing, dense mycelium-bound composites (DMCs) resembling commercial particleboards can be formed. However, their mechanical properties and performance under the working conditions of particleboards are unknown. Here, we show how weathering conditions affect the DMC stress and elastic modulus. DMC was made using Ganoderma lucidum mycelium grown on a substrate of sawdust and empty fruit bunch. The DMC was then subjected to weathering under tropical conditions over 35 days and tested under flexural, tensile, and compressive loading with reference to international standards. After exposure to specified weathering conditions, the maximum stress in flexure, tension, and compression decreased substantially. The addition of a protective coating improved the resistance of DMC to weathering conditions; however, the difference between coated and uncoated samples was only found to be statistically significant in tensile strength

Generalized Hyers-Ulam Stability of the Second-Order Linear Differential Equations

We prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the 2nd-order linear differential equation of the form +()+()=(), with condition that there exists a nonzero 1∶→ in 2() such that 1+()1+()1=0 and is an open interval. As a consequence of our main theorem, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of several important well-known differential equations

Comparative performance of imagicides on Anopheles stephensi, main malaria vector in a malarious area, southern Iran

Abstract Background & objectives: Jiroft district has subtropical climate and prone to seasonal malaria transmission with annual parasite index (API) 4.2 per 1000 in 2006. Anopheles stephensi Liston is a dominant malaria vector. The monitoring of insecticide susceptibility and irritability was conducted using discriminative dose as described by WHO

Bamboo reinforced concrete: a critical review

© 2018, The Author(s). The use of small diameter whole-culm (bars) and/or split bamboo (a.k.a. splints or round strips) has often been proposed as an alternative to relatively expensive reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete. The motivation for such replacement is typically cost—bamboo is readily available in many tropical and sub-tropical locations, whereas steel reinforcement is relatively more expensive—and more recently, the drive to find more sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. This review addresses such ‘bamboo-reinforced concrete’ and assesses its structural and environmental performance as an alternative to steel reinforced concrete. A prototype three bay portal frame, that would not be uncommon in regions of the world where bamboo-reinforced concrete may be considered, is used to illustrate bamboo reinforced concrete design and as a basis for a life cycle assessment of the same. The authors conclude that, although bamboo is a material with extraordinary mechanical properties, its use in bamboo-reinforced concrete is an ill-considered concept, having significant durability, strength and stiffness issues, and does not meet the environmentally friendly credentials often attributed to it

A historical overview of the classification, evolution, and dispersion of Leishmania parasites and sandflies

Background The aim of this study is to describe the major evolutionary historical events among Leishmania, sandflies, and the associated animal reservoirs in detail, in accordance with the geographical evolution of the Earth, which has not been previously discussed on a large scale. Methodology and Principal Findings Leishmania and sandfly classification has always been a controversial matter, and the increasing number of species currently described further complicates this issue. Despite several hypotheses on the origin, evolution, and distribution of Leishmania and sandflies in the Old and New World, no consistent agreement exists regarding dissemination of the actors that play roles in leishmaniasis. For this purpose, we present here three centuries of research on sandflies and Leishmania descriptions, as well as a complete description of Leishmania and sandfly fossils and the emergence date of each Leishmania and sandfly group during different geographical periods, from 550 million years ago until now. We discuss critically the different approaches that were used for Leishmana and sandfly classification and their synonymies, proposing an updated classification for each species of Leishmania and sandfly. We update information on the current distribution and dispersion of different species of Leishmania (53), sandflies (more than 800 at genus or subgenus level), and animal reservoirs in each of the following geographical ecozones: Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Malagasy, and Australian. We propose an updated list of the potential and proven sandfly vectors for each Leishmania species in the Old and New World. Finally, we address a classical question about digenetic Leishmania evolution: which was the first host, a vertebrate or an invertebrate? Conclusions and Significance We propose an updated view of events that have played important roles in the geographical dispersion of sandflies, in relation to both the Leishmania species they transmit and the animal reservoirs of the parasites

STUDY SANDFLY FAUNA AND ITS SEASONAL ACTIVITY

In view of the finding of several cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in some areas of Khuzestan southern Iran and the absence of information about its sandfly fauna,  this study was undertaken to elucidate the entomological and whenever possible, the epidemiological aspects of this disease in this province. In these studies more than 21,000 specimens were collected and identified we found eleven species of phlebotomus (P. papatasi, P. alexandri, P. sergenti, P. major, P. tobbi, P. keshishiani, P. langeroni, P. jacusieli, P. mongo­lensis, P. chinensis and P. salehi) and ten species of Sergentomyia (S. sintoni, S. dentata, S. theodori, S. atennata, S. tiberiadis, S. baghdadis, S. palestinen­sis, S. squamipleuris, S. iranica and S. mervynac).P. langeroni, which was found in the mountainous area of Izeh has recently been added to the list of Iranian sandflies. The activity season extends from March through late November, that is, three months longer than in the temperate areas of the central plateau of Iran. There are two peaks in the density curve of most species in this area, one in early June and the second in the late September

AN EVALUATION REPORT ON OMS 786 IN RICE FIELDS

Regarding the importance of rice fields, as the main mosquito breeding places, use of chemical larvicides has been under consideration in Malaria Eradication Programs. In this trial, OMS 786 was used, to study the method and cost of application of this larvicide in the rice fields. Two form of larvicides (1% sand granule, and 50% E.C.) were used in four formulations. (10 and 15 kg. of 1% S.G./hectar, 100 and 150 ml. of 50% E.C./hectar).The density of Anopheline and Culex larvae were checked before application, and also in specific intervals after application, in different plots, and were compared with control. The results of the trial shows, that OMS 786 (especially in E.C. form) can successfully be used in the rice fie1ds to eliminate the mosquito activities in the problem areas. The trial also shows that the cost of operation (especially for 50% E.C.) is less than other methods