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A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of wild oat (Avena fatua) densities on wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield, its components and protein content under varying nitrogen regimes, at the Agricultural Research Farm, North West Frontier Province Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during winter 2004-5. The experiment comprised 3 nitrogen levels (75, 100, and 125 kg ha-1) assigned to main plots and 5 wild oat densities (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 plants m-2) kept in sub-plots. The data were recorded on some agronomic and physiological parameters of wheat and wild oats. The statistical analyses of the data exhibited non-significant differences for nitrogen levels in all the parameters studied, while oat density and the interaction of density with nitrogen levels were significant for all the parameters studied. Less than 1 wild oat plant m-2 inflicted a 1% reduction in wheat yield, while a 30% reduction in yield was predicted with the infestation of 15, 17, and 16 plants m-2 under 75, 100, and 125 N kg ha-1 fertiliser regimes. We also discovered a wild oat density related reduction in grain protein content, which is a cause for further alarm. About 16 wild oat plants m-2 reduced protein content by 1%, which is alarming for countries with vegetable-based diets, like Pakistan.

A proposed experimental setup for study and demonstration of the pressure distribution and load capacity of hydrodynamic bearings was developed. Various conceptual designs for producing thin full film lubrication conditions and enabling gap geometry control and pressure and force measurements were produced and assessed. Relative motion for the interacting bearing surfaces was found promising to be achieved by a smooth rotating belt. A simple height control arrangement for the stationary surface is also found to be facilitating the gap control between the two surfaces. Alternative direct and indirect techniques for measuring pressure and force were pointed out. Topology and dimensions of the proposed design were suggested as a basis for a physical setup realization. A great deal of research work is being carried out on hydrdynamic bearings to improve their frictional eficeincy. All the research work that has been carried out is on the hydrodynamic bearings, which is prone to various nolinearities. The thesis is a venture to genrate a simple experimental setup that may help to conduct the experimentation in simple and precise manner. C/O Gaurav Bhupati, Minervagen 20.¨, Karlskrona, -Sweden. Postal Code: 37141