Scuttle fly infestation in deteriorating fluid-preserved specimens (Diptera: Phoridae: Megaselia scalaris)

An infestation of scuttle flies, Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866), was found in deteriorating 19th century fluid-preserved specimens contained in a glass tank in the Vertebrate Spirit Store at Oxford University Museum of Natural History. A test showed ethanol levels were inadequate to maintain specimen preservation, and a vast amount of fluid had evaporated, leaving the specimens exposed and in a state of decomposition. The conditions provided a suitable habitat for the infestation and subsequent reproduction of M. scalaris. Here, I provide a method for the removal of M. scalaris from infested museum collections, as well as notes on their behavior and the conditions that promote fly infestation. Remedial salvage of the specimen that involves refixation, staging, and final preservation in 75% industrial methylated spirits (IMS/H2O) is described.

Performance of Seahorses in Glass Tanks Fed with Different Food Materials

Performance of seahorses in glass tanks fed with different food materials atSurigao del Sur State University-Lianga Campus,Lianga, Surigao del Sur, EasternMindanao, Philippines was conducted to determine the growth and survivalrate of seahorses cultured in glass tanks condition with consideration on thefood materials like artemia, fry and combination of both fry and artemia andthe physico-chemical parameters. Due to high demand of the commodity andrampant gleaning is observable, thus this study is directed for sustainable supply.This experimental study has three set ups glass tanks with replicates done in onemonth. A 100% survival rate of seahorses was observed after four weeks culturefed with different food materials. Weight and length increment of seahorseswith combined feeds; fry and artemia has better result compared with singlefeed provision. Seahorses fed with fry and artemia alone showed less weight and length increment. The potential impact of the study is to conserve, preserve andprotect the seahorse species due to rampant collection and trading locally andoutside the region for its economic, medicinal and ornamental importance. Anintensified information education campaign on the resource should be initiatedto enhance people’s awareness and encourage active participation in the properstewardship on all existing coastal resources. A bigger project shall be conductedon seahorse species to sustain its species kind. Keywords - Aquatic Biology, sustainability, experimental study, glass tank study,Philippines

Application of Numerical Simulation and New Fining Index in Operating Parameters Optimization of Float Glass-Melting Furnace

Glass-melting furnace is the most essential equipment in float glass manufacturing, which greatly affects the glass quality and energy efficiency. A three-dimensional simulation model of a float glass-melting furnace including combustion chamber and glass tank is performed in this paper by CFD software Ansys Fluent. To evaluate the glass quality with obtained simulation output data, a new fining index is proposed from the view of bubble elimination in fining zone of the glass tank. The fining index is verified effective in this paper by comparisons between simulation results and actual industry data. The simulation model and fining index then provide guidance for operating parameters optimization and glass quality improvement.