Multiphase sampling using expected value of information

This paper explores multiphase or infill sampling to reduce uncertainty after an initial sample has been taken and analysed to produce a map of the probability of some hazard. New observations are iteratively added by maximising the global expected value of information of the points. This is equivalent to minimisation of global misclassification costs. The method accounts for measurement error and different costs of type I and type II errors. Constraints imposed by a mobile sensor web can be accommodated using cost distances rather than Euclidean distances to decide which sensor moves to the next sample location. Calculations become demanding when multiple sensors move simultaneously. In that case, a genetic algorithm can be used to find sets of suitable new measurement locations. The method was implemented using R software for statistical computing and contributed libraries and it is demonstrated using a synthetic data set

Biopotency and toxicity of diverse group of insecticides under laboratory condition against sunflower defoliator Spilarctia obliqua (Walker)

The biopotency and toxicity of two groups, conventional and newer insecticides [eight commercial insecticides] were determined against Bihar or Common hairy caterpillar (BHC) Spilarctia obliqua (Walker). Experiment carried out in the laboratory by exposing BHC larvae to insecticides. Biopotency was measured at different time intervals from 12-72 h after insecticidal application showed that all of the insecticides outperformed the control. At 48 h after imposing, the highest mortality percentage (100) was observed on spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr 10 SC, which are comparable to cyantranaliprole 10.26 OD, followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, λ-cyhalothrin 5 EC and chlorpyriphos 20 EC, with the lowest mortality percentage observed on tolfenpyrad 15 EC (66.67 %). In chlorantraniliprole, cyantranaliprole, spinetoram, tolfenpyrad, fipronil, chlorfenapyr, λ-cyhalothrin and chlorpyriphos, respectively, the toxicity level of insecticides was calculated based on median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 0.36, 0.48, 0.52, 0.50, 0.69, 0.98, 1.43 and 3.82 ppm. The overall conclusion of this trial was that spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr10 SC are the best chemicals for controlling the early stages of BHC larvae. In comparison to traditional insecticides, new insecticides have the highest level of toxicit

Multifunctional wall coating combining photocatalysis, self-cleaning and latent heat storage

Mortars are among the most common materials used in construction however, they have not suffered any substantial change for many decades. This has changed in recent years; new compositions are now being developed, with new functionalities, using nano-additives, fibres and capsules. In this work, surfaces with new and innovative functionalities that promote energy savings and improve air quality have been developed and studied. Incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in construction products is currently under study by different research groups. However, these studies only address their incorporation separately. Adding new additives into the mortar’s matrix can be complex due to microstructural modifications that will influence both fresh and hardened state properties. Moving from a single additive to multiple additions, as in this study, increases the system’s complexity. Only with a good understanding of the microstructural properties, it is possible to add multiple additives (including nano and microparticles) to mortars, without damaging its final properties. This work demonstrates that a higher additive content is not always a guarantee of better results; lower additions can often provide a better compromise between performance and final mechanical properties. The results presented in this paper confirmed this and show that combining PCM microcapsules and TiO2 nanoparticles open a new path in the development of mortars with multiple functionalities. In this study, a new material with depolluting, self-cleaning and heat storage was created. For the development of new and innovative mortars, a proper balance of multiple additives, supported by the study of microstructural changes, can lead to an optimization of the compositions, ensuring that the mortars final properties are not affected

Research Paper Solvent free and High yielding Synthesis of new ethyl 2-(ethoxyphosphono)-2-(2- chloroquinolin-3-yl)-1-cyanoethanoates from ethyl 3-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-2- cyanoacrylate

Abstract: Solvent free, and high yielding synthesis of new ethyl 2-(ethoxyphosphono)-2-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-1-cyanoethanoates from ethyl 3-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-2-cyanoacrylate, obtained from 2-chloroquinolin-3-carbaldehydes by using triethylphosphite in the presence of TMSCl at room temperature

Expressed sequence tags from Atta laevigata and identification of candidate genes for the control of pest leaf-cutting ants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leafcutters are the highest evolved within Neotropical ants in the tribe Attini and model systems for studying caste formation, labor division and symbiosis with microorganisms. Some species of leafcutters are agricultural pests controlled by chemicals which affect other animals and accumulate in the environment. Aiming to provide genetic basis for the study of leafcutters and for the development of more specific and environmentally friendly methods for the control of pest leafcutters, we generated expressed sequence tag data from <it>Atta laevigata</it>, one of the pest ants with broad geographic distribution in South America.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The analysis of the expressed sequence tags allowed us to characterize 2,006 unique sequences in <it>Atta laevigata</it>. Sixteen of these genes had a high number of transcripts and are likely positively selected for high level of gene expression, being responsible for three basic biological functions: energy conservation through redox reactions in mitochondria; cytoskeleton and muscle structuring; regulation of gene expression and metabolism. Based on leafcutters lifestyle and reports of genes involved in key processes of other social insects, we identified 146 sequences potential targets for controlling pest leafcutters. The targets are responsible for antixenobiosis, development and longevity, immunity, resistance to pathogens, pheromone function, cell signaling, behavior, polysaccharide metabolism and arginine kynase activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from <it>Atta laevigata </it>have provided important genetic basis for future studies on the biology of leaf-cutting ants and may contribute to the development of a more specific and environmentally friendly method for the control of agricultural pest leafcutters.</p

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Biopotency and toxicity of diverse group of insecticides under laboratory condition against sunflower defoliator Spilarctia obliqua (Walker)

858-863The biopotency and toxicity of two groups, conventional and newer insecticides [eight commercial insecticides] were determined against Bihar or Common hairy caterpillar (BHC) Spilarctia obliqua (Walker). Experiment carried out in the laboratory by exposing BHC larvae to insecticides. Biopotency was measured at different time intervals from 12-72 h after insecticidal application showed that all of the insecticides outperformed the control. At 48 h after imposing, the highest mortality percentage (100) was observed on spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr 10 SC, which are comparable to cyantranaliprole 10.26 OD, followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, λ-cyhalothrin 5 EC and chlorpyriphos 20 EC, with the lowest mortality percentage observed on tolfenpyrad 15 EC (66.67 %). In chlorantraniliprole, cyantranaliprole, spinetoram, tolfenpyrad, fipronil, chlorfenapyr, λ-cyhalothrin and chlorpyriphos, respectively, the toxicity level of insecticides was calculated based on median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 0.36, 0.48, 0.52, 0.50, 0.69, 0.98, 1.43 and 3.82 ppm. The overall conclusion of this trial was that spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr10 SC are the best chemicals for controlling the early stages of BHC larvae. In comparison to traditional insecticides, new insecticides have the highest level of toxicity