In this study, functional and numerical response tests, which are important components in the selection of biological control agent, were carried out. In functional response trials, the amount of food consumed, attack rate (a) and handling time (Th) were calculated for each developmental period, depending on the number of preys given after 24 hours. The obtained results were evaluated with the Holling. In numerical response experiments, the development of the predator insect was examined depending on the number of preys given in certain numbers (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80) and the data were recorded. This phase of the trials continued until the individuals died. At this stage of the trials, the reproductive response of the predator on the aphid and the prey use efficiency were calculated. All of the productions and trials were carried out in climate rooms with a temperature of 27±1 °C, 65±5% RH. Experiments were carried out with 50 replications for each growth period and prey densities. According to the results obtained in the functional response trials, it was determined that the development periods with the highest productivity were the fourth larval and adult stages. When the results obtained from the numerical response experiments were evaluated, it was observed that the reproductive response increased with the increase of the prey given to H. variegata. Considering all the data obtained as a result of the study, it was concluded that H. variegata is effective on M. rosae and can be used in the control of this pest.
Mauddud 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
... Show MoreThis study aims to employ modern spatial simulation models to predict the future growth of Al-Najaf city for the year 2036 by studying the change in land use for the time period (1986-2016) because of its importance in shaping future policy for the planning process and decision-making process and ensuring a sustainable urban future, using Geographical information software programs and remote sensing (GIS, IDRISI Selva) as they are appropriate tools for exploring spatial temporal changes from the local level to the global scale. The application of the Markov chain model, which is a popular model that calculates the probability of future change based on the past, and the Cellular Automa
Naturally carbonate reservoirs have very low oil recovery efficiency owing to their wettability and tightness of matrix. However, adding surfactant to brine solution can enhance oil recovery by changing the wettability of the carbonate rock surface from oil-wet to water-wet. In the present study, the effects of different brines in the presence of surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), on the wettability of carbonate rock were investigated through different characteristics such as surface tension interfacial tension and contact angle. The best concentration of CTAB was investigated at 500 ppm in brine (NaCl) reduced surface tension and interfacial tensions to 42 mN/m and 15 mN/m respectively and prevented reservoir fro
... Show MoreWhen designing structures constructed on soil that undergoes volumetric changes due to variations in its moisture content, the upward pressure exerted by the soil poses a risk to the safety of the facilities. A significant number of researchers are looking into solutions to either treat these soils or lessen the detrimental consequences they have. One treatment option involves stabilizing these soils by adding low-expansion soil or materials, which can impact their swell characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effect that the addition of dune sand and sodium silicate material would have on the swellability and strength behaviour of swellable bentonite soil. Soil samples w
This study discusses risk management strategies caused by pandemic-related (Covid-19) suspensions in thirty-six engineering projects of different types and sizes selected from countries in the middle east and especially Iraq. The primary data collection method was a survey and questionnaire completed by selected project crew and laborers. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel to construct models to help decision-makers find solutions to the scheduling problems that may be expected to occur during a pandemic. A theoretical and practical concept for project risk management that addresses a range of global and local issues that affect schedule and cost is presented and results indicate that the most significant delays are due to a
... Show MoreHypothesis Nanofluid flooding has been identified as a promising method for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved Carbon geo-sequestration (CGS). However, it is unclear how nanoparticles (NPs) influence the CO2-brine interfacial tension (γ), which is a key parameter in pore-to reservoirs-scale fluid dynamics, and consequently project success. The effects of pressure, temperature, salinity, and NPs concentration on CO2-silica (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) nanofluid γ was thus systematically investigated to understand the influence of nanofluid flooding on CO2 geo-storage. Experiments Pendant drop method was used to measure CO2/nanofluid γ at carbon storage conditions using high pressure-high temperature optical cell. Findings CO2/nano
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