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Korean species of the genus Macropsis Lewis are revised taxonomically, primarily based on the abdominal apodemes, male genitalia, and 2nd valvulae of the female ovipositor. Previously only three species were erroneously recorded from Korea. Among them, Macropsis notata (Prohaska, 1923) was previously misidentified as Macropsis prasina (Boheman, 1852). Two other European species, Macropsis scutellata (Boheman, 1845) and Macropsis illota (Horváth, 1899), are removed from the list of Korean fauna based on the examination of previously identified specimens that revealed only superficial resemblance to allied species. As a result, a total of 7 species are recognized in this revision, including 2 species new to science. Descriptions and distributional data are provided for all the species. Illustrations of both male and female genitalic characters as well as apodeme structures are provided, and an identification key to species from Korea is also given.

Semiconductor metal oxide gas sensors do not provide selective and sensitive gas adsorption under humid conditions owing to the deactivation of active sites by environmental humidity, leading to inaccurate signals in practical applications. Therefore, it is essential to explore organic-based gas sensors that are highly stable against variations in humidity without loss of selectivity and sensitivity toward the target gas. Herein, we demonstrate that a gas sensor integrated with two-dimensional covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) can show highly sensitive and reliable NO2 sensing performance at high humidity levels. The CON-based sensor can selectively detect the target gas to the 20 ppb level, and is thermally stable up to 300 °C, which is much above the typical working temperature for NO2 sensing. More importantly, the relative humidity change from 0 to 87% neither affects the baseline resistance nor the gas response of the CON sensor; the initial gas response is almost constant in repeated NO2 adsorption/desorption tests. Such excellent sensing stability at high humidity levels is ascribed to the superhydrophobic nature of CONs originating from their strong covalent bonds and additional nitrogen–sulfur bonds in the networks as confirmed by water contact angle (135.4°) measurements and density functional theory calculations.

Regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) expression is upregulated in response to metabolic imbalance and obesity. However, its role in obesity-associated complications is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the REDD1–NF-κB axis is crucial for metabolic inflammation and dysregulation. Mice lacking Redd1 in the whole body or adipocytes exhibited restrained diet-induced obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Myeloid Redd1-deficient mice showed similar results, without restrained obesity and hepatic steatosis. Redd1-deficient adipose-derived stem cells lost their potential to differentiate into adipocytes; however, REDD1 overexpression stimulated preadipocyte differentiation and proinflammatory cytokine expression through atypical IKK-independent NF-κB activation by sequestering IκBα from the NF-κB/IκBα complex. REDD1 with mutated Lys219/220Ala, key amino acid residues for IκBα binding, could not stimulate NF-κB activation, adipogenesis, and inflammation in vitro and prevented obesity-related phenotypes in knock-in mice. The REDD1-atypical NF-κB activation axis is a therapeutic target for obesity, meta-inflammation, and metabolic complications.

Fil: Dicks, Lynn V. University of Cambridge. Department of Zoology. Reino Unido. Fil: Breeze, Tom D. Reading University. School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. Centre for Agri-Environmental Research. Reino Unido. Fil: Ngo, Hien T. IPBES Secretariat. Alemania. Fil: Senapathi, Deepa. Reading University. School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. Centre for Agri-Environmental Research. Reino Unido. Fil: An, Jiandong. Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Institute of Apicultural Research. China. Fil: Aizen, Marcelo A. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Basu, Parthiba. University of Calcutta. Department of Zoology. India. Fil: Buchori, Damayanti. IPB University. Center for Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Sciences. Indonesia. Fil: Galetto, Leonardo. Universidad de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Córdoba, Argentina. Fil: Garibaldi, Lucas A. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Garibaldi, Lucas A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Gemmill-Herren, Barbara. World Agroforestry Centre. Kenia. Fil: Howlett, Brad G. The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited. Nueva Zelanda. Fil: Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera L. University of Sao Paulo. Biosciences Institute. Brasil Fil: Johnson, Steven D. University of KwaZulu-Natal. School of Life Sciences. Centre for Functional Biodiversity. Sudáfrica. Fil: Kovács-Hostyánszki, Anikó. Centre for Ecological Research. Institute of Ecology and Botany. Hungría. Fil: Jung Kwon, Yong. Kyungpook National University. School of Applied Biosciences. Corea del Sur. Fil: Lattorff, H. Michael G. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. Kenia. Fil: Lungharwo, Thingreipi. Naga Women’s Union. India. Fil: Seymour, Colleen L. Kirstenbosch Research Centre. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Sudáfrica. Fil: Vanbergen, Adam J. University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté. Francia. Fil: Potts, Simon G. Reading University. School of Agriculture, Policy and Development.Centre for Agri-Environmental Research. Reino Unido. Pollinator decline has attracted global attention and substantial efforts are underway to respond through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline and what risks it generates for society in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated the relative regional and global importance of eight drivers of pollinator decline and ten consequent risks to human well-being. Our results indicate that global policy responses should focus on reducing pressure from changes in land cover and configuration, land management and pesticides, as these were considered very important drivers in most regions. We quantify how the importance of drivers and risks from pollinator decline, differ among regions. For example, losing access to managed pollinators was considered a serious risk only for people in North America, whereas yield instability in pollinator-dependent crops was classed as a serious or high risk in four regions but only a moderate risk in Europe and North America. Overall, perceived risks were substantially higher in the Global South. Despite extensive research on pollinator decline, our analysis reveals considerable scientific uncertainty about what this means for human society.

The chemiresistive response of metal-oxide gas sensors depends on ambient conditions. Humidity is a strongly influential parameter and causes large deviations in signals and, consequently, an inaccurate detection of target gases. Developing sensors unaffected by humidity, as documented by extensive works of research, comes at the cost of response — a significant drop in sensor response inevitably accompanies an increase in humidity-independence. This trade-off between humidity-independence and gas response is one of the major obstacles that limit practical applications of metal-oxide gas sensors. This study presents a novel approach to improve both the features by incorporating the rare-earth element, yttrium, into the host SnO2 sensor. The Y-doped SnO2 nanofibers are highly stable across relative humidity values ranging from 0% to 87%, and show improved selectivity and sensitivity in the detection of up to 20 ppb of NO2 target gas with the limit of detection at 103.71 ppt. Based on experimental results and van der Waals (vdW)-corrected DFT calculations, these improvements can be attributed to the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancy created by the introduction of aliovalent Y and the formation of Y2O3 nanoparticles that play a critical role in making the sensor surface hydrophobic.

A novel gas sensor fabricated from ZnO-shelled Si nanowires (SiNWs) is presented. After coating a thin layer of Au on the surfaces of Si NWs, ZnO layers were formed on the surfaces of p-SiNWs by thermal evaporation of Zn powders and a subsequent oxidation process. Microscopic analysis confirmed the successful formation of ZnO-Si core-shell NWs with Au nanoparticles present on the shell surface. The gas sensing performance of the gas sensor fabricated using the p-Si/n-ZnO core-shell NWs was evaluated for various gases. The sensor exhibited outstanding response and selectivity to H2S gas. The gas sensing mechanism was evaluated in detail and attributed to various factors, including the formation of ZnO/Si and Au/ZnO heterojunctions and the chemical attraction between ZnO and Au. The results demonstrate a new sensing material for H2S detection in various fields that can be easily incorporated into Si-based devices.

Methods for oxygen vacancy engineering usually require high-temperature heating processes, which are substantially time-consuming. Laser irradiation techniques are a viable alternative to conventional methods, as they enable room-temperature tuning of material functionality using a simple, swift, and inexpensive process. In this report, the effects of pulsed laser irradiation on the formation of oxygen vacancies and its positive relationship with the sensing performance of SnO2 have been investigated. Based on density functional theory calculations, we suggest that the formation of laser-induced bridging oxygen defects and the resulting excess electrons on the SnO2 surface change the surface orbital structures of the Sn atoms in a manner favorable for NO2 adsorption, thus playing a key role in improving its sensing performance.

Koreoneura eunyeopae Hossain et J. Kwon gen. et sp. nov., the biggest microleafhopper from East Asia, dwelling on Cornus coreana, along with a newly recorded genus, Igutettix Matsumura, 1932 based on I. oculatus (Lindberg), 1928, are described and illustrated from Korea. A key to the genera and checklist of Korean dikraneurine species are provided.

In humid conditions, water vapor can easily neutralize the surface active sites of metal oxide sensors, leading to a lowering in the sensitivity of the gas sensor and a resultant inaccurate signal in practical applications. Herein, we present a new hybrid sensor by introducing a two-dimensional calcium silicate (CS) nanosheet as a water-trapping layer in SnO

Cross-interference with humidity is a major limiting factor for the accurate detection of target gases in semiconductor metal-oxide gas sensors. Under humid conditions, the surface-active sites of metal oxides for gas adsorption are easily deactivated by atmospheric water molecules. Thus, development of a new approach that can simultaneously improve the two inversely related features for realizing practical gas sensors is necessary. This paper presents a facile method to engineer surface-point defects based on proton-beam irradiation. The sensor irradiated with a proton beam shows not only an improved NO

Pollinator decline has attracted global attention, and substantial efforts are underway to respond, through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline, and what risks it generates for society, in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated relative regional and global importance of eight pressures driving pollinator decline, and ten consequent risks to human well-being. Our results indicate that global policy responses should focus on reducing pressure from changes in land cover and configuration, land management, and pesticides, as these were considered very important drivers in most regions. We quantify for the first time how the importance of drivers, and risks from pollinator decline, differ among regions. For example, losing access to managed pollinators was only considered a serious risk to people in North America, whereas yield instability in pollinator-dependent crops, classed as a serious or high risk in four regions, presented only moderate risk in Europe and North America. Overall, perceived risks were substantially higher in the Global South. Despite extensive, research on pollinator decline, our analysis reveals considerable scientific uncertainty about what this means for human society.

Four species of Alnetoidia Dlabola, 1958 s. str. are described and illustrated. Among them, Alnetoidia (Alnetoidia) jejudoensis sp. nov. is new to science and Alnetoidia (Alnetoidia) straminea Anufriev, 1972 is newly recorded for the Korean fauna. A key to the Korean species is provided.

Dutta, Nirmal Kumar, Kwon, Jin Hyung, Suh, Sang Jae, Kwon, Yong Jung (2020): First record of the leafhopper genus Scaphomonus Viraktamath from Korea, with description of one new species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae). Zootaxa 4747 (1): 191-195, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4747.1.9

We present a highly sensitive and selective NO2 sensor based on Bi2O3 branched SnO2 nanowires (NWs). SnO2 NWs were first synthesized by a vapor-liquid-solid method, were coated with an Au layer, and Bi2O3 branches were grown on their stems by the same procedure used for pure Bi powders. The fabricated sensor showed a high response (Rg/Ra) of 56.92 to 2 ppm of NO2 gas at an optimal temperature. Furthermore, its response to other interfering gases such as ethanol, acetone, toluene, and benzene, was less than 1.55, which demonstrated excellent selectivity of the sensor towards NO2 gas. For comparison and to better understand the sensing mechanism, a pristine SnO2 NWs sensor was also tested. The superior sensing properties of the branched NW sensor relative to the pristine sensor were mainly attributed to the high surface area of the sensor resulting from Bi2O3 branching, as well as the formation of homo-and heterojunctions (Bi2O3-SnO2). In addition, several factors including the presence of Au contributed to the excellent selectivity to NO2 gas. Based on the results obtained in this work, we believe that the present sensor with an easy fabrication method, along with its high sensitivity and selectivity towards NO2, can be used for the detection of NO2 gas in real applications.

The aphids Aphis craccivora Koch attack country bean Lablab purpureus L. both in its vegetative and reproductive stages and cause severe damage. To develop an integrated management of aphid...

We present a dual sensitization gas sensor for selective detection of either H2S or C2H5OH gases, based on ZnO/CuO nanoparticle (NP)-decorated MWCNTs. First, Cu-Zn layers of three different thickness (3, 6, 9 nm) were successfully deposited on the surfaces of CNTs by a sputtering process and subsequently converted to their corresponding oxides by thermal annealing. The gas sensing characteristics of metal oxide decorated-MWCNTs were studied in the presence of three gases, namely NO2, H2S, and C2H5OH. The best sensing properties were obtained when the Cu-Zn deposition layer was 6 nm thick. The optimized sensor showed extraordinary responses to both H2S and C2H5OH gases at working temperatures of 100 °C and 200 °C, respectively. Therefore, selectivity was tuned by selection of the working temperature. The sensing mechanisms of the metal oxide-decorated CNTs sensors are discussed in detail. The approach described, namely co-decoration of the surfaces of MWCNTs with different metal oxides, will be of great utility to researchers who wish to fabricate dual sensitive gas sensors.

In this study, a peculiar configuration for a gas sensor consisting of vertically aligned silicon nanowires (VA-Si NWs) synthesized by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) is reported. Si NWs were prepared via a facile MACE method and subsequent thermal annealing. Etching was performed by generation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and subsequent etching in HF/H2O2 aqueous solution; the growth conditions were optimized by changing the process parameters. Highly vertically oriented arrays of Si NWs with a straight-line morphology were obtained, and a top–top electrode configuration was applied. The VA-Si NW gas sensor showed good sensing performance, and the VA-Si NWs exhibited a remarkable response (Rg/Ra = 11.5 ∼ 17.1) to H2 gas (10–50 ppm) at 100 °C which was the optimal working temperature. The formation mechanism and gas sensing mechanism of VA-Si NWs are described. The obtained results can suggest new approaches to making inexpensive, versatile, and portable sensors based on Si NWs having a novel top–top electrode structure that are fully compatible with well-developed Si technologies.

Cross-interference with humidity is a major limiting factor for the accurate detection of target gases in semiconductor metal-oxide gas sensors. Under humid conditions, the surface-active sites of metal oxides for gas adsorption are easily deactivated by atmospheric water molecules. Thus, development of a new approach that can simultaneously improve the two inversely related features for realizing practical gas sensors is necessary. This paper presents a facile method to engineer surface-point defects based on proton-beam irradiation. The sensor irradiated with a proton beam shows not only an improved NO2 response but also considerable tolerance toward humidity. Based on surface analyses and DFT calculations, it is found that proton beams induce three types of point defects, which make NO2 molecules preferentially adsorb on the ZnO surfaces compared to H2O molecules, eventually enabling improved NO2 detection with less humidity interference.

The present study evaluated the efficacy of some new generation insecticides namely Clothianidin 48 SC, Fenpyroximate 5 SC, Pyridaben 20 WP and Methoxyphenozide 24 SC along with a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, Fenpropathrin 20 EC against mustard aphid and their effects on beneficial insects i.e. syrphid flies and foraging honeybees during 2015 - 2016 in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Tested six treatments were: Clothianidin 48 SC 1ml l-1, Fenpyroximate 5 SC 0.25 ml l-1, Pyridaben 20 WP 1g l-1, Methoxyphenozide 24 SC 1ml l-1 , Fenpropathrin 20 EC 1ml l-1 and an untreated control, replicated three times in RCBD. It was found that, Methoxyphenozide 24 SC was found to be the most effective against aphid offering lower aphid population (1.42/ top 10 cm central twig) at 7 days after spraying (DAS) which was statistically identical to Clothianidin 48 SC (1.50/top 10 cm central twig). Among the insecticides, Methoxyphenozide 24 SC was also found to be safer to the populations of syrphid flies revealing flight activity of 6.85 adults (plot/5 min) and honeybees of 8.82 workers (plot/5 min), respectively at 7 DAS. Whereas, Clothianidin 48 SC and Pyridaben 25 WP treated plots were found to be highly toxic to these beneficial insects. Consequently, the highest yield was obtained from Methoxyphenozide 24 SC (1.55 t/ha) followed by Fenpyroximate 5 SC (1.42 t/ha) treated plots.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 563-570, September 2017

The present study was conducted during October 2014 to June 2015 in the farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur to find out the most effective management option (s) against brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) with 6 treatments namely, Beauveria bassiana , 1´109 CFU @ g l -1 , Bioneem 0.3 EC (Azadirachtin) @ 1.5 ml l -1 , Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 ml l -1 , Vertimec 1.8 EC (Abamectin) @ 1.2 ml l -1 of water, Mechanical control (hand picking) with clean cultivation and untreated control. Results revealed that shoot infestation at pre-fruiting stage was the lowest in Bioneem 0.3 EC (4.34%) and at fruiting stage in Tracer 45 SC treated plot (7.75%) and the highest was in untreated control plot (17.94% at pre-fruiting stage and 39.46 at fruiting stage). The lowest fruit infestation by BSFB was obtained with Tracer 45 SC (8.16% n/n and 10.0% w/w) followed by B. bassiana , 1´109 CFU (23.23% n/n and 18.27% w/w) and the highest infestation was observed under untreated control plot (48.59% n/n and 32.09% w/w). Percent reduction of infested fruit by number (83.21%) and weight (68.84%) over untreated control was higher in Tracer 45 SC treated plot resulting significantly higher marketable yield. Therefore, the significant highest marketable yield (34.39 t ha -1 ) was harvested in the plot treated with Tracer 45 SC followed by 22.78 t ha -1 with B. bassiana , 1´109 CFU and 19.26 t ha -1 from Vertimec 1.8 EC treated plot. The highest benefit cost ratio of 3.05 was obtained from Tracer 45 SC followed by 2.93 in B. bassiana , 1´109 CFU and 2.89 with Vertimec 1.8 EC sprayed plot. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 539-548, September 2017

Complex metal oxides such as functionalized branched nanowires (NWs) are a new category of nanocomposites with unique properties for gas sensing applications. In the present work, we studied the gas sensing properties of Cr 2 O 3 -functionalized ZnO-branched SnO 2 NWs, inspired by their high surface area and numerous resistive points. These NWs were studied and compared with pristine SnO 2 NWs and ZnO-branched SnO 2 NWs. To prepare the functionalized NWs, ZnO-branched SnO 2 NWs were sputter-coated with a Cr layer and then annealed at 500 °C to produce isolated Cr 2 O 3 NPs on the ZnO branches. Results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and lattice-resolved transmission electron microscopy collectively showed that Cr 2 O 3 -functionalized ZnO-branched SnO 2 NWs were successfully formed. Cr 2 O 3 functionalization was found to greatly improve the sensors’ response to NO 2 gas. Furthermore, the sensors’ good selectivity was demonstrated by testing them in the presence of various interfering gases. The underlying gas sensing mechanisms are discussed herein in detail. We believe that the Cr 2 O 3 -functionalized ZnO-branched SnO 2 NWs reported herein are promising sensors for the highly sensitive and selective detection of NO 2 gas.

Microwave (MW) irradiation has obtained extensive importance in the field of synthesis and treatment of nanoparticles, because of its faster, cleaner and cost effectiveness than the other conventional and wet chemical methods. In this study, ZnO/graphene nanocomposites were prepared and subsequently post-treated by MW irradiation. Responses of the MW irradiated ZnO/graphene nanocomposites sensors were tested towards various gases including NO2, ethanol, acetone, toluene and CO and the results were compared with those of pristine ZnO and ZnO/graphene sensors without MW irradiation. It was demonstrated that the MW irradiated sensor had much higher response particularly to NO2 gas along with superior selectivity and shorter response/recovery times in comparison to unirradiated ZnO/graphene and pristine ZnO sensors. The possible underlying mechanism of this behavior is discussed in detail, mainly in terms of the MW-induced surface defects and the generation of finer ZnO nanoparticles. The results obtained demonstrated the beneficial effect of MW irradiation for enhancing the NO2-gas sensing behavior of ZnO/graphene nanocomposites, opening a new door not only to a novel synthesis of semiconductors/graphene nanocomposites, but also to a cost-effective way of improving their sensing capabilities.

We obtained extremely high and selective sensitivity to NO2 gas by fabricating graphene–SnO2 nanocomposites using a commercial microwave oven. Structural characterization revealed that the products corresponded to agglomerated structures of graphene and SnO2 particles, with small secondary SnOx (x ≤ 2) nanoparticles deposited on the surfaces. The overall oxygen atomic ratio was decreased with the appearance of an SnOx (x < 2) phase. By the microwave treatment of graphene–SnO2 nanocomposites, with the graphene promoting efficient transport of the microwave energy, evaporation and redeposition of SnOx nanoparticles were facilitated. The graphene–SnO2 nanocomposites exhibited a high sensor response of 24.7 for 1 ppm of NO2 gas, at an optimized temperature of 150 °C. The graphene–SnO2 nanocomposites were selectively sensitive to NO2 gas, in comparison with SO2, NH3, and ethanol gases. We suggest that the generation of SnOx nanoparticles and the SnOx phase in the matrix results in the formation of SnO2/SnO2 ho...

In this work, ZnO-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites prepared using an in-situ method involving the thermal evaporation of Zn powders in the presence of MWCNTs. The gas sensing characteristics of the MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposites are studied, and results for the material characterizations for the synthesized nanocomposites confirm the formation of well-distributed ZnO nanoparticles onto MWCNTs, creating MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposites. The gas sensing properties of the MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite gas sensor, such as response, cross-sensitivity, and response-recovery time, are investigated and compared with a bare MWCNT sensor. The decoration of ZnO nanoparticles greatly improves the gas sensing properties of bare MWCNTs. We discussed the possible mechanisms for the enhancement of sensing capabilities. The results suggest that decoration of n-type semiconducting oxide materials, such as ZnO in the form of nanoparticles, is a promising strategy for improvement of gas sensing properties of p-MWCNTs.

Three new species of Kuvera Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae: Cixiini), K. hagilsanensis sp. nov., K. hallasanensis sp. nov. and K. yecheonensis sp. nov., from Korea, are described...

We report a novel method to significantly improve the C 6 H 6 -sensing performance of Si nanowires through the combination of TeO 2 branches and Pd sensitization. The morphological investigation revealed that TeO 2 branches were densely formed on the stem nanowires (NWs). The sensor responses of the Pd-functionalized branched NWs exhibited superior sensor responses of 55.19 to C 6 H 6 gas. In particular, Pd nanoparticles enhanced the sensor response to C 6 H 6 gas most efficiently, increasing the sensor response by 173.5%. Possible mechanisms for the sensing of the Pd-decorated branched nanowires will be associated with resistance modulation along the branch TeO 2 nanowires (including catalytic Pd effects), at the networked homojunctions between the branch TeO 2 nanowires, at the boundaries of the TeO 2 nanograins, and at the Pd/TeO 2 heterojunctions.

Seasonal turnover in plant and floral visitor communities changes the structure of the network of interactions they are involved in. Despite the dynamic nature of plant–visitor networks, a usual procedure is to pool year-round interaction data into a single network which may result in a biased depiction of the real structure of the interaction network. The annual temporal dynamics and the effect of merging monthly data have previously been described for qualitative data (i.e. describing the occurrence of interactions) alone, while its quantitative aspect (i.e. the actual frequency with which interactions occur) remain little explored. For this, we built a set of 12 monthly networks describing year-round plant–floral visitor interactions in a 30-hectare planted forest and its adjacent agricultural landscape at Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan. A total of 80 plant and 162 insect species, which engaged in 1573 unique interactions, were recorded. Most network properties (particularly the number of plants, visitors and unique interactions) varied markedly during the year. Data aggregation showed that while animal species, plant species, unique interaction, weighted nestedness, interaction diversity and robustness increased, connectance and specialization decreased. The only metric which seemed relatively unaffected by data pooling was interaction evenness. In general, quantitative metrics were relatively less affected by temporal data aggregation than qualitative ones. Avoiding data aggregation not only gives a more realistic depiction of the dynamic nature of plant–visitor community networks, but also avoids biasing network metrics and, consequently, their expected response to disturbances such as the loss of species.

This study was conducted with CB1, CB3, CB5, CB8 and C12 cotton varieties to determine the role of leaf trichomes and meteorological factors on the abundances of aphid and jassid. The mean population of the pests on the tested varieties differed significantly and showed negative correlation with trichomes. The pests were most abundant on CB12, and each variety revealed significantly higher population of jassid than that of aphid. Both the pests built up their population in the juvenile stage of the plants (73 days after sowing) and continued until harvesting. Aphid population was the highest on CB12 in the first week of November, whereas maximum abundance of jassid was on CB12 in the third week of December. Weather parameters were found insignificant on aphid abundance, but jassid population on the varieties was correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall. Multiple regression equation based on weather parameters exerted 8.8 - 43.2% and 54.4 - 77.7% role on population build up of aphid and jassid, respectively. Maximum temperature had the most important effect which contributed 61.2% population fluctuation of jassid on CB12.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 13-25, March 2017

This study evaluated the field efficacy of three newly introduced synthetic insecticides namely, Python 20SL (Nitenpyrum), Plenum 50WG (Pymetrozin), Polo 500SL (Diafentiuron) along with commonly used chemical Admire 200SL(Imidacloprid) against sucking insects of eggplant such as aphid, jassid, white fly and thrips. The effect of the insecticides on the population reduction of the novel predator lady bird beetle was also studied. Among the chemicals, Polo 500SC was found to be the most effective followed by Plenum 50WG against the sucking insects by reducing significant percentages of their population at 3 and 7 days after spray. Polo 500SC and Plenum 50WG were found to be the least deleterious against lady bird beetle since it caused lowest population reduction. Considering the higher percentages of population reduction of the pests and significantly lower affect on the predator, Polo 500SC and Plenum 50WG may be considered as a tool of IPM for management of sucking insects in the eggplant field.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 35-42, March 2017

We prepared nanocomposites of n-SnO2/p-Co3O4 for application in chemical sensors. In order to fabricate p-Co3O4-decorated n-SnO2 nanowires, we sputtered a Co layer and subsequently annealed the material in air ambient. Characterization revealed that crystalline cubic Co3O4 with a tubular-like structure was attached to the surface of SnO2 core nanowires. We carried out sensing tests at 573 K in at NO2 gas concentrations ranging between 2 and 10 ppm. The sensor response was increased both by adding the Co3O4 layer and also by decreasing the thickness of the Co3O4 layer from 19.2 to 6.4 nm. We proposed possible mechanisms to explain the enhanced sensor properties obtained by Co3O4-functionalization. Co3O4-functionalized SnO2 nanowires exhibited a higher sensor response than pristine nanowires, not only due to the heterostructure-induced depletion of n-SnO2 region but also due to the surface effects of Co3O4. The generation of hole-accumulated Co3O4 layer in case of thicker-layered nanowires will decrease the sensor response. We demonstrated that Co3O4-functionalized SnO2 nanowire sensors can be used as gas sensors at very low concentrations.

The genus Naratettix Matsumura, 1931 from Korea is revised. With the three previously recorded species, N. cheondungsanus sp. nov. is described as new to science, and N. ibukisanus Matsumura, 1931 is reported for the first time from Korea. Descriptions, illustrations and a key to the Korean Naratettix species are provided.

Two new species of the subgenus Empoasca (Empoasca) Walsh 1862 from Korea are described: E. giusana sp. nov. and E. palgongsana sp. nov. The following two species are newly recorded from Korea: E. ishiharai Anufriev, 1973 and E. longa Zhang and Liu, 2011. A key and checklist of Korean species of this subgenus are also provided.

Four species belonging to the genus Limassolla Dlabola, 1965 from Korea are revised. Among them, L. koreana sp. nov., an occasional pest of persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) is new to science. L. macrobipunctata Choe, 1986 (nom. nud.) is validated by providing a description and illustration, and L. multipunctata (Matsumura, 1920) is newly recorded for the Korean fauna. Descriptions, illustrations and a key to the Korean species are provided here.

Nanodiamond (ND) was successfully synthesized using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a pure solid carbon source by means of a spark plasma sintering process. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the generation of the cubic diamond phase by means of the SPS process. Lattice-resolved TEM images confirmed that diamond nanoparticles with a diameter of about ∼10 nm existed in the products. The NDs were generated mainly through the gas-phase nucleation of carbon atoms evaporated from the SWCNTs.

The five cotton cultivars viz., CB1, CB3, CB5, CB8, and C12 were evaluated under field conditions to compare their resistance levels against the aphid species Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the jassid species Amrasca devastans (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The effects of plant characteristics that could explain some of the varietal resistance levels were tested by measuring infestation levels, biochemical content, leaf trichome density, agronomic traits, yield, and quality of seed and fiber. In comparison with other varieties, CB1 and CB3 showed the least leaf and boll infestation, and possessed higher numbers of trichomes. CB12 had the lowest number of trichomes and exhibited the highest percentages of leaf and boll infestation. Biochemical analyses indicated that the highest percentage of starch occurred in CB8, and that of protein in CB5. Both starch and protein content were lowest in CB12. Aphid and jassid infestation reduced the starch and protein content of all cultivars. CB3 was the best performing variety in terms of size and weight of bolls; ginning out-turn (GOT); number of branches, leaves, and bolls per plant; and number of locules per boll. Seed cotton yields and lint indices were highest in CB1 and CB3 and lowest in CB12. CB12 was also the worst performing variety in terms of plant height, micronaire value, percentage of GOT and germination, number of leaves and bolls per plant, and boll length, width and weight. The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that, among the cultivars evaluated, CB12 is the most susceptible to aphid and jassid infestation.SAARC J. Agri., 14(1): 11-23 (2016)

HDAC8 inhibitors have become an attractive treatment for cancer. This study aimed to facilitate the identification of potential chemical scaffolds for the selective inhibition of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) using in silico approaches. Non-linear QSAR classification and regression models of HDAC8 inhibitors were developed with support vector machine. Mean impact value-based sequential forward feature selection and grid search strategy were used for molecular descriptor selection and parameter optimization, respectively. The generated QSAR models were validated by leave-one-out cross validation and an external test set. The best QSAR classification model yielded 84 % of accuracy on the external test prediction and Matthews correlation coefficient is 0.69. The best QSAR regression model showed low root-mean-square error (0.63) and high squared correlation coefficient (0.53) for the test set. The validated QSAR models together with various drug-like properties, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were sequentially used as a multi-step query in chemical database virtual screening. Finally, two hit compounds were discovered as new structural scaffolds which can be used for further in vitro and in vivo activity analyses. The strategy used in this study could be a promising computational strategy which can be utilized for other target drug design.

The n-hexane extracts of the weeds ‘bhatpata’ Clerodendrum viscosum, ‘kashiature’ Cassia tora, ‘dhakishak’ Dryoptris filix-max, ‘ bonmorich’ Croton bonpalandianum and ‘ghagra’ Xanthium strumarium were used to evaluate their effectiveness for suppressing pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis reared on mung bean Vigna radiata grains . The investigations were done with 1, 2 and 4% n-hexane extracts of the weeds and an untreated control. The weed extracts exhibited considerable effectiveness which varied with weed species, concentrations and exposure durations. The higher concentrations showed the higher rate of insect mortality, fecundity, adult emergence inhibition, and grain protection. The LC 50 values of the extracts ranged from 5.3 to 7.8, 4.7 to 6.5 and 4.1 to 6.0 g/100 ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment, respectively. The fecundity inhibition varied from 31.7 to 78.7%, adult emergence inhibition from 33.8 to 81.1%, and grain damage inhibition from 10.3 to 60.1% when ‘bhatpata’ with concentration of 1 g/100 ml and ‘ghagra’ with concentration of 4g/100 ml were applied, respectively. Among the tested weeds, ghagra (4g/100 ml) showed better efficacy against C. chinensis compared to other tested extracts and may be suggested to control pulse beetle and protection of mung bean grains. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(1): 75-84, March 2016

We demonstrated the preparation of high-performance toluene (C7H8) gas sensor, by using the Pt-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite materials. We optimized the size of the Pt nanoparticles by controlling the predeposited Pt thickness, for obtaining the highest sensing performances. We have obtained the sensor responses of 3.91 and 5.06, at concentrations of 1 and 5 ppm of C7H8 gas, respectively, at 150 °C. We discussed the associated sensing mechanisms and proposed the reasons why the Pt-functionalization drastically enhanced the sensing behaviors of the Pt-MWCNTs composite sensors selectively to C7H8 gas.