The control of Spodoptera frugiperda is based on synthetic insecticides, so some alternatives are the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) and neem extract. The objective of the study was to evaluate in vitro effectiveness of native EF and neem extracts on S. frugiperda larvae. Six EF were identified by DNA sequencing of ITS regions from three EF (Fusarium solani, Metarrhizium robertsii, Nigrospora spherica and Penicillium citrinum). They were evaluated in concentrations of 1 × 10⁸ spores/ mL. In addition, a second bioassay was carried out evaluating only F. solani, M. robertsii and N. sphaerica and the addition of vegetable oil. On the other hand, extraction of secondary metabolites from neem seed (Azadirachta indica) was carried out by performing, mass (g) and solvent volume (mL ethanol and water) combinations, which were subjected to microwaves and ultrasound. Subsequently, these extracts were evaluated in concentrations of 3%, 4% and 5%. A survival analysis was performed for each of the bioassays. With respect to the results of the first bioassay, F. solani obtained a probability of survival of 0.476 on the seventh day, while in the second bioassay, M. robertsii obtained 0.488 survival probability. This suggests that the expected percentage of larvae that stay alive on the sixth day is 48.8%. However, in the evaluation of the neem extract the combination 1:12/70% to 4% caused 84% mortality of larvae. The use of native HE and neem extracts has potential for the control of S. frugiperda.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery practiced through small incisions in the body, and requiring the use of long-reach instruments and a camera. Since the video feed is displayed on a monitor, depth perception can be significantly altered, and it is hypothesized that such alterations may depend on the relative position of the monitor with respect to the operator. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between monitor positioning and human performance in laparoscopic tasks. A total of eight male subjects volunteered to perform a variety of simulated laparoscopic tasks including object transfers, precision cutting, and suturing while three different monitor configurations were used (i.e., left, center, and right of the user). Tool trajectory was monitored using a motion capturing system, and task performance was evaluated using human performance quantitative metrics including completion time, depth of penetration, path length, axial speed, and motion smoothness. Results showed that human performance significantly increased when monitor location was centered with respect to the user during precision cutting. Moreover, subjects' performance decreased when the monitor was placed on their dominant-hand side. The findings of this study suggest ergonomic guidelines for optimizing human performance in simulated and actual laparoscopic tasks. Specifically, placing the monitor in a central position with respect to the user should represent the standard configuration while conducting laparoscopy.

Effects of local site, propagation path and source in ground motion records observed in Lima, Peru, were separated by the spectral inversion method proposed by Iwata and Irikura (1986 [1], 1988 [2]) to examine the relation between local subsurface conditions and local site amplifications in a frequency range from 0.5 to 20 Hz. S-wave portions of accelerograms in horizontal components observed at 5 stations for 11 events along the Pacific coast of Lima city, Peru, were analyzed. The Q factor was obtained from our inversion results as frequency-dependent functionQS( f )= 80.4f0.63. In terms of local site effects, stations located on alluvial gravel deposits were likely to suffer amplification at frequencies larger than 4 Hz, while one station (CAL site) located on soft soil sediment has different behavior of amplification. We also compared our results with 1-D theoretical computation, observed standard spectral ratio and observed H/V spectra in previous studies, finding that site responses determined by different methods are similar. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between average S-wave velocity in the top 10 meters and the average site amplification factor in a frequency range between 0.5 Hz and 10.0 Hz, showing a good correlation between the two parameters. We also calculated the average transfer function (AvTF) to compare it with the existing amplification map for Lima city, and found that our calculations differed from this map.

This paper aims to present a conceptual study that integrates mobile robots and communication systems developed for delivery of materials to workstations of aircraft assembly lines. In the interest of providing deliveries of material in heights, a concept of a customized UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has been proposed herein in order to assist the labor needs related to logistics requirements. A picker aerial vehicle has been designed to perform the operations through a man-machine interaction based on a proper software application developed for this specific intention. In order to integrate this whole process, an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is used to deliver the materials on the floor and to transport the proper aerial vehicle to takeoff in specific places. Accordingly, it is understood that these integrated automated systems commanded by CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) could manage the information, perform tasks and contribute to a better process. Therefore, the major contribution and novelty of this paper is to show how an adapted UAV in conjunction with a special AVG and a tailor-made software application could bring several benefits to the aircraft manufacturing industry. Thus, this approach has looked for better results in terms of productivity, safety of people and costs related to down-time, number of ground support equipment and wastes associated with movements. A case study has demonstrated earnings of approximately USD 300 k per year. This proposal can also improve the flexibility of work tasks; manage production routines due to the balancing of the assembly line and easiness to attend requests online, adding value and providing a greater efficiency of the process based on Industry 4.0 trends. A proper framed-model is presented as a novelty in order to evidence advantages reached when robotics and internet of things are combined.

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