A new genus Bongotarsonemus with two new species of tarsonemid (Acari: Heterostigmata) mites discovered from the Himalayan forests of West Bengal, India

Bongotarsonemus unicornus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Tarsonemidae: Tarsoneminae) is described from adult females and males collected on leaves of Sweet Cherry, Prunus avium L. (Rosaceae). Another species, Bongotarsonemus bicornus sp. nov. is described from adult females collected on leaves of a mountain fern Arthromeris wallichiana (Spreng.) Ching (Polypodiaceae). Both species were collected from the Himalayan forests of Darjeeling district in the State of West Bengal, India. Adult females of this new genus are unusual in having a median raised section of the prodorsum which is delimited by elongated tubercles bearing setae v1 and sometimes sc2. This area is ornamented with sclerotized ridges or elevated strial thickenings; and has a single or bifurcated spear-shaped horn between bases of setae v1. The new genus also has a characteristically bipartite sejugal apodeme and seta d on tibia I often reaching beyond the claw. Adult males are characterized by seta sc2 subequal to sc1; tarsus II with baciliform seta pl'' longer than half the length of the segment, and a conspicuously enlarged solenidion on tarsus IV. Both sexes are unique in having a fish-hook shaped claw on leg I with an elongated shank and strongly curved apex, and seta l' on femur I plumose.

Development of a New Solver to Model the Fish-Hook Effect in a Centrifugal Classifier

Centrifugal air classifiers are often used for classification of particle gas flows in the mineral industry and various other sectors. In this paper, a new solver based on the multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method, which takes into account an interaction between particles, is presented. This makes it possible to investigate the flow process in the classifier in more detail, especially the influence of solid load on the flow profile and the fish-hook effect that sometimes occurs. Depending on the operating conditions, the fish-hook sometimes occurs in such apparatus and lead to a reduction in classification efficiency. Therefore, a better understanding and a representation of the fish-hook in numerical simulations is of great interest. The results of the simulation method are compared with results of previous simulation method, where particle–particle interactions are neglected. Moreover, a validation of the numerical simulations is carried out by comparing experimental data from a laboratory plant based on characteristic values such as pressure loss and classification efficiency. The comparison with experimental data shows that both methods provide similar good values for the classification efficiency d50; however, the fish-hook effect is only reproduced when particle-particle interaction is taken into account. The particle movement prove that the fish-hook effect is due to a strong concentration accumulation in the outer area of the classifier. These particle accumulations block the radial transport of fine particles into the classifier, which are then entrained by coarser particles into the coarse material.

Surgical management of oesophageal foreign body using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) - a case report

Accidental ingestion of fish hooks is common among turtles. Several techniques are available for retrieving fish hooks, ranging from simple non-invasive techniques to more complicated and invasive surgical procedures. The purpose of this case report is to document the successful surgical retrieval of an oesophageal foreign body (fish hook) using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata). The adult male Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) presented with a nylon thread protruding from its mouth. The dorsoventral radiographs confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the caudal oesophagus, just outside the coelomic cavity. After the induction of general anaesthesia, a sterile artificial insemination (AI) sheath was passed intraorally through the fishing line until it reached the hook. The fish hook was then retrieved by making a 5 mm incision at the point where the tip of the AI sheath was felt. The incision in the oesophagus and skin was closed in a routine manner. The turtle was kept in secure captivity for 20 days, following which it was released to its natural habitat. The oesophagotomy technique used in this case reduces the size of the incision considerably, thereby decreasing the possibility of postoperative complications.