Towards the entropy of gravity time-dependent models via the Cardy-Verlinde formula

For models with several time-dependent components generalized entropies can be defined. This is shown for the Bianchi type IX model. We first derive the Cardy-Verlinde formula under the assumption that the first law of thermodynamics is valid. This leads to an explicit expression of the total entropy associated with this type of universes. Assuming the validity of the Cardy entropy formula, we obtain expressions for the corresponding Bekenstein, Bekenstein-Hawking and Hubble entropies. We discuss the validity of the Cardy-Verlinde formula and possible extensions of the outlined procedure to other time-dependent models.Comment: 13 page

Assessment of yield loss due to the millet head miner, Heliocheilus albipunctella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using a damage rating scale and regression analysis in Niger

Linear equations for five pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) varieties were established for yield losses due to damage by the noctuid Heliocheilus albipunctella, using a panicle damage rating scale. A very high positive correlation (r0.90; P=0.001) was found between damage rating and percentage yield loss, and also between observed and predicted yield loss. The low percentage absolute deviation (% ad) and deviation ratios (dr) between observed and predicted yield loss demonstrated the reliability of the damage rating scale, and the established yield loss equations. In addition, the damage rating on farmers'' fields by farmers and a team of technicians showed that the method can be used for quick on-farm assessment of yield loss by extension agents and farmers. In four farmers'' fields, the estimated yield loss for the local variety (Sadore local) ranged from 11.7 to 41.9%. Implications of the use of the method for future crop loss assessment in pearl millet are presented and discussed

Supergravity, Non-Conformal Field Theories and Brane-Worlds

We consider the supergravity dual descriptions of non-conformal super Yang-Mills theories realized on the world-volume of Dp-branes. We use the dual description to compute stress-energy tensor and current correlators. We apply the results to the study of dilatonic brane-worlds described by non-conformal field theories coupled to gravity. We find that brane-worlds based on D4 and D5 branes exhibit a localization of gauge and gravitational fields. We calculate the corrections to the Newton and Coulomb laws in these theories.Comment: 24 pages, Latex, 2 figure

Life-fertility tables of Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared on Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Life-fertility tables were described for Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) developing on the millet head caterpillar (MHC), Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Mated B. hebetor females lived an average of 24.7 days, oviposited ca. 22 days, and produced, 173.7 adult progeny with a 1:1 sex ratio. The estimated innate capacity of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0) were 0.26 and 86.5, respectively. The mean generation time was 1 days

Population dynamics and parasitism of Coniesta(= Haimbachia) ignefusalis, Sesamia calamistis, and Heliocheilus albipunctella in millet monoculture

Studies were conducted in Niger in 1986 and 1987 on the population dynamics and parasitism of the millet stem borer, Coniesta (=Haimbachia) ignefusalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae), Sesamia calamistis Hampson, and the millet head caterpillar, Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Planting dates were assessed for effects on population densities of C. ignefusalis and H. albipunctella. Population densities of C. ignefusalis were not reduced by adjusting millet planting dates, but were affected by millet growth stage. Platytelenomus sp. (Hymenoptera:Scelionidae) was the most common parasite of C. ignefusalis on millet. Parasitism of C. ignefusalis larvae and pupae was rare. Sesamia calamistis was a minor pest of millet in Niger, and was rarely parasitized. Population densities of H. albipunctella were reduced by delaying millet planting dates. Bracon hebetor (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) was the most common parasite of H. albipunctella

Habitat site selection, crop damage and oviposition preference by Contesta ( = Haimbachia) ignefusalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Studies were conducted during 1986–1988 to investigate habitat site selection, evaluate damage, and study the oviposition preference of Coniesta ignefusalis (Hampson) on natural and artificial substrates to improve rearing and management techniques. Millet grain weight was negatively correlated with numbers of stem‐borer larval exit and entrance holes. Numbers of diapausing larvae and borer larval holes were positively correlated with the location of internodes on millet stems. Survival of C. ignefusalisin dry millet stems is significant when stems were stacked as practised by farmers. C. ignefusalistemaie oviposition occurred mostly within leaf sheaths of green millet plants, rarely on green or dry leaves, and seldom on dry millet stems. Paper substrates rarely received eggs when offered to females in association with green millet stems with attached leaf sheath. The implications of our findings for IPM of C. ignefusalis are discussed

Panicle insect pests of sorghum and pearl millet:proceedings of an International Consultative Workshop 4-7 Oct 1993 ICRISAT Sahelian Center Niamey, Niger

This workshop brought together national and international scientists from 12 countries to assess the economic importance of panicle-feeding insect pests of sorghum and pearl millet worldwide and review existing knowledge; provide concise and up-to-date information on current research on management tactics; develop research themes and priorities for their management in various cropping systems and agroecologies; and develop/strengthen linkages and enhance collaboration and partnership between international agricultural research systems, universities, and NARS, in order to achieve more effective technology transfer, resulting in increased and sustained productivity on farmers' fields. The sessions covered bioecology and crop losses, and management strategies (including host-plant resistance, crop management and biological control, and integrated pest management). Regional reports were presented from western, eastern, and southern Africa, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Discussions of working groups and recommendations are included. Presentations are reproduced in the original language of submission (English/French), followed by an extended swnmary in French/English as the case may be. The opening session addresses, objectives, discussions at the end of each session, general discussion session, and recommendations are in both language

An improved infestation technique using eggs of the millet head miner (Heliocheilus albipunctella) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in millet resistance screening

The millet head miner moth, H. albipunctella, is an important pest of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum, in Sub-Saharan Africa and causes severe crop losses. Damage to the panicles is direct and caused by developing larvae. Management techniques are being developed among which is host plant resistance. Youm and Kumar (1995) reported little progress in identifying resistance due to lack of a repeatable and reliable screening method. Efforts for the past 5 years have been devoted to developing such a technique. Youm (1997) reported an improved technique based on the use of larvae where 35-45 larvae were efficient in causing 51-60% damage corresponding to a rating of 6 on a susceptible genotype. Though the use of larvae was promising, the present research shows that the use of eggs is more efficient than using neonate larvae. The use of 40 eggs per panicle resulted in 51-80% damage corresponding to a mean damage rating ranging from 5.5 to 8.4 across several genotypes. A higher and more consistent infestation was obtained with eggs than larvae. Finally, egg handling was easier and infestation cheaper than using larvae. This technique should significantly improve screening millet for reaction to the head miner. It is recommended for use for future resistance screening of genotypes against the millet head miner to avoid the release of highly susceptible varieties on-farm