The Physical Parameters of the Micro-quasar S26 in the Sculptor Group Galaxy NGC 7793

NGC 7793 - S26 is an extended source (350 pc $\times$ 185 pc) previously studied in the radio, optical and x-ray domains. It has been identified as a micro-quasar which has inflated a super bubble. We used Integral Field Spectra from the Wide Field Spectrograph on the ANU 2.3 m telescope to analyse spectra between 3600--7000 \AA. This allowed us to derive fluxes and line ratios for selected nebular lines. Applying radiative shock model diagnostics, we estimate shock velocities, densities, radiative ages and pressures across the object. We show that S26 is just entering its radiative phase, and that the northern and western regions are dominated by partially-radiative shocks due to a lower density ISM in these directions. We determine a velocity of expansion along the jet of 330 km s$^{-1}$, and a velocity of expansion of the bubble in the minor axis direction of 132 km s$^{-1}$. We determine the age of the structure to be $4.1\times10^5$ yr, and the jet energy flux to be $(4-10)\times10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$ The jet appears to be collimated within $\sim0.25$ deg, and to undergo very little precession. If the relativistic $\beta \sim 1/3$, then some 4 M$_{\odot}$ of relativistic matter has already been processed through the jet. We conclude that the central object in S26 is probably a Black Hole with a mass typical of the ultra-luminous X-ray source population which is currently consuming a fairly massive companion through Roche Lobe accretion.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS; 12 pages, 7 figures and 3 table

Radio-Continuum study of the Nearby Sculptor Group Galaxies. Part 1: NGC 300 at lambda = 20 cm

A series of new radio-continuum (lambda=20 cm) mosaic images focused on the NGC 300 galactic system were produced using archived observational data from the VLA and/or ATCA. These new images are both very sensitive (rms=60 microJy) and feature high angular resolution (<10"). The most prominent new feature is the galaxy's extended radio-continuum emission, which does not match its optical appearance. Using these newly created images a number of previously unidentified discrete sources have been discovered. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a joint deconvolution approach to imaging this complete data-set is inferior when compared to an immerge approach.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figures, accepted to APSS, new version to correct the missing reference

VMXR: a EUD Environment for Virtual Merchandizing in XR

This paper presents the current development state of VMXR, a Proof of Concept (PoC) environment allowing people without programming experience to create and configure product showcases in a Virtual and eXtended reality setting. The aim of the PoC is to identify proper metaphors and workflows for supporting showcase designers in creating interactions with the virtual product representation or enhancing the physical environment through additional information and media

Evaluating categories of resistance in soybean genotypes from the United States and Brazil to \u3ci\u3eAphis glycines\u3c/i\u3e (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the soybean aphid, has become an important pest of soybeans, leading to significant yield losses in the United States. Host plant resistance is a viable alternative for managing A. glycines. The objectives of this study were to identify and categorize sources of resistance in soybean to A. glycines on genotypes from the United States and Brazil. An antixenosis assay was initially conducted with 8 genotypes to evaluate attractiveness to A. glycines. The selected soybean genotypes were further evaluated in a colonization assay to investigate the resistance of the genotypes at V1 (fully developed leaves at unifoliate node, 1st trifoliate leaf unrolled) and V3 (fully developed leaf at 2nd trifoliate node, 3rd trifoliate leaf unrolled) stages. An antibiosis assay was also conducted, in which multiple biological parameters of A. glycines were recorded. In the antixenosis assay, PI 200538, IAC 24, and IAC 17 genotypes were least attractive to adults of A. glycines, indicating moderate levels of antixenosis. The colonization assay showed that genotypes infested at the V3 stage had greater resistance when compared with the respective plants infested at the V1 stage. In addition, high levels of antibiosis to A. glycines were found in UX 2569-159, PI 200538, and PI 243540 genotypes. The identification of soybeans with resistance to A. glycines is of importance for the integrated pest management of this insect pest in the United States. Moreover, this research represents the first report on potential sources of resistance to A. glycines in soybeans from Brazil. O pulgão-da-soja, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), tornou-se uma importante praga da soja, levando a significativas perdas de produção nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA). A resistência de plantas é considerada uma alternativa viável para o manejo de A. glycines. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar e categorizar fontes de resistência em soja a A. glycines, avaliando genótipos dessa leguminosa do Brasil e EUA. Um ensaio de antixenose foi conduzido inicialmente com oito genótipos de soja a fim de avaliar a atratividade de A. glycines. Os genótipos selecionados foram posteriormente avaliados em um ensaio de colonização, visando verificar sua resistência nos estádios V1 (folhas do primeiro nó totalmente desenvolvidas; primeiro trifólio aberto) e V3 (folhas do segundo trifólio totalmente desenvolvidas; folhas do terceiro trifólio abertas). Um ensaio de antibiose também foi realizado, avaliando-se diversos parâmetros biológicos de A. glycines. No ensaio de antixenose, os genótipos PI 200538, IAC 24 e IAC 17 foram menos atrativos a adultos de A. glycines, indicando níveis moderados de antixenose. O ensaio de colonização mostrou que genótipos de soja infestados no estádio V3 apresentam maior resistência em comparação com plantas infestadas no estádio V1. Em adição, este estudo constatou altos níveis de antibiose para A. glycines nos genótipos UX 2569-159, PI 200538 e PI 243540. A identificação de genótipos de soja com resistência a A. glycines é importante para os programas de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP) nos EUA. Em adição, esta pesquisa apresenta o primeiro registro de genótipos de soja brasileiros como potenciais fontes de resistência ao pulgão-da-soja

Virtual Reality in Home Palliative Care: Brief Report on the Effect on Cancer-Related Symptomatology

Virtual reality (VR) has been used as a complementary therapy for managing psychological and physical symptoms in cancer patients. In palliative care, the evidence about the use of VR is still inadequate. This study aims to assess the effect of an immersive VR-based intervention conducted at home on anxiety, depression, and pain over 4days and to evaluate the short-term effect of VR sessions on cancer-related symptomatology. Participants were advanced cancer patients assisted at home who were provided with a VR headset for 4days. On days one and four, anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and pain by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Before and after each VR session, symptoms were collected by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Participants wore a smart wristband measuring physiological signals associated with pain, anxiety, and depression. Fourteen patients (mean age 47.2±14.2years) were recruited. Anxiety, depression (HADS), and pain (BPI) did not change significantly between days one and four. However, the ESAS items related to pain, depression, anxiety, well-being, and shortness of breath collected immediately after the VR sessions showed a significant improvement (p&lt;0.01). A progressive reduction in electrodermal activity has been observed comparing the recordings before, during, and after the VR sessions, although these changes were not statistically significant. This brief research report supports the idea that VR could represent a suitable complementary tool for psychological treatment in advanced cancer patients assisted at home

Optical Spectra of SNR Candidates in NGC 300

We present moderate-resolution (<5A) long-slit optical spectra of 51 nebular objects in the nearby Sculptor Group galaxy NGC 300 obtained with the 2.3 meter Advanced Technology Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, Australia. Adopting the criterion of [SII]/Ha>=0.4 to confirm supernova remnants (SNRs) from optical spectra, we find that of 28 objects previously proposed as SNRs from optical observations, 22 meet this criterion with six showing [SII]/Ha of less than 0.4. Of 27 objects suggested as SNRs from radio data, four are associated with the 28 previously proposed SNRs. Of these four, three (included in the 22 above) meet the criterion. In all, 22 of the 51 nebular objects meet the [SII]/Ha criterion as SNRs while the nature of the remaining 29 objects remains undetermined by these observations.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space Scienc

External marking and behavior of early instar \u3ci\u3eHelicoverpa armigera\u3c/i\u3e (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on soybean

Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest of major agricultural crops, such as soybean and cotton. A better understanding of larval movement is important for its integrated management and resistance management. Studies with neonates through second instar larvae are still limited by the difficulties involving the handling and observation of these instars. Many studies require marking larvae, and most research involving marking is focused on moths. However, our study investigated aspects of larval behavior of the second instar of H. armigera on soybean plants. The dyes luminous powder red and Sudan Red 7B were tested as external larval markers. Both dyes successfully marked the larvae for most of 1 stadium (48 h) without deleterious effects, and are useful for short-period behavioral studies. Luminous powder red was selected for the H. armigera larval behavior study on soybean because of ease of detection during both day and night. Second instar on-plant movement was consistent, independent of the d period (morning, afternoon, evening). In general, larvae established their feeding site within a few hours of release, and remained feeding on soybean leaves. Second instar behavior suggests that management by nocturnal insecticide application, based on H. armigera larval movement, would not have an advantage over daytime application. Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) está entre as principais pragas de importancia para culturas agrícolas, como soja e algodão. Compreender o comportamento larval desta espécie, principalmente durante os estádios iniciais é de suma importância para seu manejo integrado e para o manejo de populações resistentes. No entanto, pesquisas com neonatas ou lagartas de segundo ínstar são limitadas devido às dificuldades envolvendo o manuseio e observação de insetos tão diminutos. Muitos desses estudos requerem a marcação de indivíduos, e até o momento, a maioria das pesquisas com marcação de insetos é focada em adultos. Assim, nosso estudo investigou aspectos do comportamento de lagartas de segundo instar de H. armigera em plantas de soja. Estudos prévios também foram realizados com o intuito de se avaliar métodos alternativos e eficazes para marcação de estádios iniciais das larvas desse noctuídeo e suas aplicações em estudos de comportamento. Para tanto, os corantes luminous powder (azul e vermelho) e Sudan (azul e vermelho 7B) foram testados por meio da incorporação em dieta artifical e polvilhamento sobre as lagartas. Baseado em nossos ensaios prévios de laboratório, os corantes incorporados na dieta artifical apresentaram efeitos variáveis sobre os parâmetros biológicos de H. armigera e baixa persistência após o segundo ínstar. Os corantes aplicados por polvilhamento marcaram com sucesso as lagartas e luminous powder vermelho foi selecionado para o estudo de comportamento de lagartas de segundo ínstar em plantas de soja. Lagartas de segundo ínstar apresentaram comportamento de movimento nas plantas semelhantes, independentemente do período de avaliação (manhã, tarde e noite). Em geral, a maioria das lagartas estabeleceram seu sítio de alimentação após algumas horas e permaneceram se alimentando sobre as folhas de soja. Os resultados de comportamento de larvas de H. armigera em segundo instar, documentado no presente trabalho, indicam que aplicacões noturnas de insecticidas não representa vantagem para aumento da eficiência de controle, quando comparado com aplicacões de inseticidas durante o dia

Murchison Widefield Array and XMM-Newton observations of the Galactic supernova remnant G5.9+3.1

In this paper we discuss the radio continuum and X-ray properties of the so-far poorly studied Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G5.9+3.1. We present the radio spectral energy distribution (SED) of the Galactic SNR G5.9+3.1 obtained with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). Combining these new observations with the surveys at other radio continuum frequencies, we discuss the integrated radio continuum spectrum of this particular remnant. We have also analyzed an archival XMM-Newton observation, which represents the first detection of X-ray emission from this remnant. The SNR SED is very well explained by a simple power-law relation. The synchrotron radio spectral index of G5.9+3.1, is estimated to be 0.42$\pm$0.03 and the integrated flux density at 1GHz to be around 2.7Jy. Furthermore, we propose that the identified point radio source, located centrally inside the SNR shell, is most probably a compact remnant of the supernova explosion. The shell-like X-ray morphology of G5.9+3.1 as revealed by XMM-Newton broadly matches the spatial distribution of the radio emission, where the radio-bright eastern and western rims are also readily detected in the X-ray while the radio-weak northern and southern rims are weak or absent in the X-ray. Extracted MOS1+MOS2+PN spectra from the whole SNR as well as the north, east, and west rims of the SNR are fit successfully with an optically thin thermal plasma model in collisional ionization equilibrium with a column density N_H~0.80x$10^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ and fitted temperatures spanning the range kT~0.14-0.23keV for all of the regions. The derived electron number densities n_e for the whole SNR and the rims are also roughly comparable (ranging from ~$0.20f^{-1/2}$ cm$^{-3}$ to ~$0.40f^{-1/2}$ cm$^{-3}$, where f is the volume filling factor). We also estimate the swept-up mass of the X-ray emitting plasma associated with G5.9+3.1 to be ~$46f^{-1/2}M_{\odot}$.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&

Magnetic Field Amplification in Tycho and other Shell-type Supernova Remnants

It is shown that amplification of the magnetic field in supernova remnants (SNRs) occurs in all six objects where morphological measurements are presently available in the hard X-ray continuum at several keV. For the three archetypical objects (SN 1006, Cas A and Tycho's SNR) to which nonlinear time-dependent acceleration theory has been successfully applied up to now, the global theoretical and the local observational field strengths agree very well, suggesting in addition that all young SNRs exhibit the amplification effect as a result of very efficient acceleration of nuclear cosmic rays (CRs) at the outer shock. Since this appears to be empirically the case, we may reverse the argument and consider field amplification as a measure of nuclear CR acceleration and it has indeed been argued that acceleration in the amplified fields allows the CR spectrum from SNRs to reach the knee in the spectrum or, in special objects, even beyond. The above results are furthermore used to investigate the time evolution of field amplification in young SNRs. Although the uncertainties in the data do not allow precise conclusions regarding this point, they rather clearly show that the ratio of the magnetic field energy density and the kinetic energy density of gas flow into the shock is of the order of a few percent if the shock speed is high enough V_s > 10^3 km/s, and this ratio remains nearly constant during the SNR evolution. The escape of the highest energy nuclear particles from their sources becomes progressively important with age, reducing also the cutoff in the \pi^0 -decay gamma-ray emission spectrum with time after the end of the sweep-up phase. Simultaneously the leptonic gamma-ray channels will gain in relative importance with increasing age of the sources.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in A&