This study evaluated the functional response of the larva of the predator Chrysoperla carnea by offering varying densities of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) . Results showed conformity with type–II functional response, where the number of prey killed approaches asymptote hyperbolically as prey density increases (declining proportion of prey killed or the inverse density dependent) till it reached the stability stage determined by handling time and predator satiation. Also, the values of attack rate and handling time changed with age progress for both predator and prey. It has been observed an increase in the attack rate and reduction in handling time with the progress of the predator age when feeding on a particular nymphal instar. The attack rates of the predator was 1.779,3.406 and 4.219 ,while handling time was 0.015,0.010 and 0.008 (days) for 1st,2nd,3rd larval instars respectively, when fed on 1st nymphal instar. Also attack rates decreased and increases handling time with the progress in the prey. The attack rates were 1.779, 1.392, 1.096 and 1.059, due to an increase in size of the predator and in the growing efficiency in hunting the prey as well as in the increase in size of the prey and in developing its ability to defend itself and escape.
In earthquake engineering problems, uncertainty exists not only in the seismic excitations but also in the structure's parameters. This study investigates the influence of structural geometry, elastic modulus, mass density, and section dimension uncertainty on the stochastic earthquake response of a multi-story moment resisting frame subjected to random ground motion. The North-south component of the Ali Gharbi earthquake in 2012, Iraq, is selected as ground excitation. Using the power spectral density function (PSD), the two-dimensional finite element model of the moment resisting frame's base motion is modified to account for random ground motion. The probabilistic study of the moment resisting frame structure using stochastic fin
... Show MoreThe dynamic behavior of laced reinforced concrete (LRC) T‐beams could give high‐energy absorption capabilities without significantly affecting the cost, which was offered through a combination of high strength and ductile response. In this paper, LRC T‐beams, composed of inclined continuous reinforcement on each side of the beam, were investigated to maintain high deformations as predicted in blast resistance. The beams were tested under four‐point loading to create pure bending zones and obtain the ultimate flexural capacities. Transverse reinforcement using lacing reinforcement and conventional vertical stirrups were compared in terms of deformation, strain, and toughness changes of the tes
In recent years, polymeric nanomaterials have attracted much attention to the fields of optoelectronics and energy storage due to their unique properties. In this study, to improve limitations, such as moderate conductivity and limited stability of polyaniline (PANi), PANi /WO3 nanocomposites with different amounts of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles (2,5, 5 and 10 wt%) were synthesized and investigated. The samples were prepared using the rotation coating method and evaluated in structural tests (XRD, FTIR, FESEM), optical (UV-Visible, PL) and photosensitivity. The results showed that the presence of WO3 caused a gradual decrease in the energy band gap from 3.04 eV in pure PANi to 2.37 eV in the 10 wt% sample, which led to facilitating elec
... Show MoreBackground: The repair of bone defects remains a major clinical orthopaedic challenge. Bone is a highly vascularised tissue reliant on the close spatial and temporal connection between blood vessels and bone cells to maintain skeletal integrity. This study aimed to study the efficacy of Panax ginseng as a osteoinducer in tibia of rat and as a stimulator for bone healing and to study the immunohistochemical expression of osteonectin as bone formation markers in experimental and control groups during bone healing. Material and method: : In this study thirty albino male rats , weighting (200-300) gram ,aged (2-3) months ,will be used under control conditions of temperature ,drinking and food consumption. The animals will subject for an
... Show MoreThe measurement of vitamin B1 in pure and pharmaceutical formulations was proposed by using a straightforward and sensitive spectrophotometric approach. Sulfacetamide (SFA) is diazotized, then coupled with vitamin B1 in alkaline media to produce a colored azo dye complex with a stability constant of 5.597 × 105 L/mol. The product is stable, with a maximum absorption wavelength of 489.5 nm, molar absorptivity of 10108 L/mol∙cm, Sandell's sensitivity of 0.0334 μg/cm2, detection limit of 0.0135 μg/mL, and Beer's law being observed over the concentration range of 0.2–20.0 μg/mL. The stability constant and stoichiometry of the produced azo dye were calculated using the continuous variation (Job's) and mole ratio methods. The suggested ap
... Show MoreTraffic management at road intersections is a complex requirement that has been an important topic of research and discussion. Solutions have been primarily focused on using vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Key issues in VANETs are high mobility, restriction of road setup, frequent topology variations, failed network links, and timely communication of data, which make the routing of packets to a particular destination problematic. To address these issues, a new dependable routing algorithm is proposed, which utilizes a wireless communication system between vehicles in urban vehicular networks. This routing is position-based, known as the maximum distance on-demand routing algorithm (MDORA). It aims to find an optimal route on a hop-by-ho
... Show MoreMauddud formation is one of the most prominent formations in Northeastern Iraq due to its significant hydrocarbon reserves, making accurate geomechanical characterization essential for safe drilling operations and informed development planning. This study constructs a calibrated post-drill one dimensional mechanical earth model (1D-MEM) for selected wells, levering Techlog software to integrate rock mechanical data, image logs, multi-arm caliper measurements, conventional well logs, drilling reports, and core analyses. The methodology provides a detailed workflow for estimating geomechanical properties from log and image analysis to model calibration. Validation of the 1-D MEM performed through cross-comparison with direct me
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