The 232Th neutron-induced fission cross section was evaluated from 500 keV to 200 MeV. The experimental 232Th fission cross sections and their ratios to the 235,238U fission cross sections in the EXFOR library were reviewed and analysed by using the least-squares method. The newly published 232Th/235U fission cross-section ratios from the time-of-flight measurements at the CERN n_TOF and CSNS Back-n facilities were compiled in EXFOR. Additional simultaneous evaluation was performed by including the experimental 233,238U and 239,240,241Pu fission cross sections and their ratios. The new evaluation provides the 232Th fission cross section systematically lower than the JENDL-5 cross section. The reduction is 4% in the plateau region between 2 and 6 MeV and more significant in the subthreshold fission region. The present evaluation reduces the 232Th fission cross section averaged over the 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron spectrum from the JENDL-5 evaluation by 4%, which is closer to the other general purpose libraries but underestimates Grundl et al.'s measurement by 11%.

The present study on seasonal incidence of major insect pests and avoidable yield loss was worked out at Institutional farm, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2016 and 2017. The highest thrips damage was recorded in finger millet (78.0 and 55% leaf damage), high shoot fly incidence was recorded in little millet (75 and 51%) and proso millet (100 and 46% dead hearts) during 2016 and 2017. During 2016, a high Helicoverpa armigera larval population per m2was recorded in foxtail millet (15.0), barnyard millet (12.0), Kodo millet (5.0) and Finger millet (5.0) at grain maturity stage. A yield loss of 15.2 and 7.9% in foxtail millet were mainly due to thrips and Helicoverpa armigera and a yield loss of 8.5% and 5.1% in barnyard millet were mainly attributed to Helicoverpa armigera during 2016 and 2017. There was 100 and 16.6% yield loss in proso millet and 34.8 and 22.3% yield loss in little millet was mainly due to shoot fly incidence at tillering stage.

The variable moment of inertia (VMI) model has been used to study the properties of superdeformed (SD) bands in A < 100 mass region. The experimental γ -ray ( E γ ) transitions energies are least square fitted to obtain the model parameters such as band head moment of inertia, ( J 0 ), and stiffness constant, ( C ). The observed E γ transition energies obtained using the VMI formula are in excellent agreement with the experimental values. In the paper, we have studied the dynamic moment of inertia ( J (2) ) and its variation with rotational frequency ( ℏ ω ). We also studied the Δ I = 2 staggering phenomena in SD bands of 61 Zn(SD), 62 Zn(SD1), 80 Sr(SD1), 81 Sr(SD1), 82 Sr(SD), 83 Sr(SD), 84 Zr(SD), 86 Zr(SD1), 86 Zr(SD4), 87 Nb(SD2), 89 Tc(SD) and 91 Tc(SD) nuclei. The VMI model brings very comprehensive interpretation for spin assignment and to study the properties of SD bands in light mass region nuclei.

The EXFOR library has served as the unique repository of experimental cross section and other nuclear reaction data for 50 years. The Nuclear Reaction Data Centres (NRDC) have compiled data sets from more than 22000 experimental works for the EXFOR library. Our collaboration and effort on improvement of EXFOR coverage are described in this paper, as well as tools for digitization of numerical data from graph images developed by us for EXFOR compilation.

Despite the rather large amount of experimental information on Superdeformed bands, still there are a number of very interesting properties, which have not yet been measured. For example, the spin, parity and excitation energy relative to the ground state of the SDbands. The difficulty lies with observing the very weak discrete transitions which link SD levels with levels of normal deformation (ND). Several related approaches to assign the spins Superdeformed bands in terms of their observed γ-ray transition energies were proposed [1]. Superdeformed (SD) nuclei are some of the best quantum rotors known. Their characteristic long sequences of equally spaced transition energies provide a unique opportunity to search for unexpected effects on an energy scale rarely achieved elsewhere in nuclear physics. In this context the recent observation of a regular staggering pattern of the transition energies in the yrast SD band in Gd [2], where states differing by four units of angular momentum show a similar energy shift of about 60 eV relative to a (smooth) rotational sequence, is particularly intriguing. The ∆I = 2 staggering was also observed in some SD bands [3, 4]. It manifests itself in systematic shifts of the energy levels, which are alternately pushed down and up with respect to a purely rotational sequence. To date, some models have been proposed to explain the experimental results [4].

Unscented Transformation (UT) method was first introduced by Julier and Uhlmann [1] and was originally developed to improve estimates provided by the extended Kalman filter. It also have been used extensively in control engineering for error propagation by predicting means and covariances in non-linear systems. UT method is generally based on the assumption that approximating a probability distribution is lot more easier than to approximate an arbitrary nonlinear function [2]. A set of samples are chosen deterministically such that their mean and covariance match the probability distribution (not necessarily Gaussian distribution) of input variables. In this paper the uncertainty propagation using UT method has also been done.

Empirical formulae of rotational spectra consisting two parameters, such as single-term energy formula, E = aJb for spin J , and ab formula, were used to study the different features of superdeformed band in A = 100-150 mass region nuclei. The nuclear kinematic and dynamic moment of inertia for the ground-state rotational bands were calculated for this purpose and both showed gradual rise with rotational frequency. The study of ΔI = 2 staggering effects in the γ-ray energies, where the two sequences J = 4i; 4i + 1 and J = 4i + 2, (i = 0; 1; ...) are bifurcated, was also done. We also calculated the variation of the gamma ray energies from a smooth reference using the fourth derivative of the gamma ray energies at a given spin. The excellent agreement between the observed and calculated transition energies are in good support of the two-parameter formula.

This paper presents a novel approach for uncertainty propagation of neutron-induced activation cross-section measurement using unscented transformation (UT). Generally, the first-order sensitivity analysis (sandwich formula) method is used for uncertainty propagation in cross-section measurement. It is based on a linear approximation of Taylor series expansion of the function of input parameters and gives satisfactory results for smooth nonlinear functions having relatively small uncertainties. On the contrary, the UT technique is completely defined by the moments of random process and hence produces better results for error propagation in the nonlinear case with large uncertainties. The UT method is easier to implement and gives results as accurate as the sandwich formula and Monte Carlo techniques. This work examines the application of the UT method in nuclear science as an alternate to the sandwich formula and Monte Carlo methods.

Superdeformed (SD) states have been discovered widely in several mass region. A part from the fission isomers in the actinides, more than 200 SD bands well established in the A=60; 80; 130; 150 and 190 regions. In the past years much effort has been devoted to the study of underlying physics of SD bands and a number of interesting issues such as the identical bands [1], the ∆I = 2 staggering [2] etc have been raised. In addition, the ∆I= 1 staggering was reported in [3], [4]. It was found that some SD bands show an unexpected ∆I = 2 staggering in their γ-ray transition energies. The SD energy levels are consequently separated into two sequences with spin values I, I+ 4, I+ 8, . . . and I+ 2, I+ 6, I+ 10 . . . respectively. The magnitude of splitting is found to be of some hundred eV to a few keV. Several theoretical explanation have been made. One of the earliest ones being based on the assumption of a C4 symmetry. Also it was suggested that the staggering is associated with the alignment of the total angular momentum along the axis perpendicular to the long deformation axis of a prolate nucleus. The staggering phenomenon was also interpreted the mixing of a series of rotational bands differ by ∆I = 4 or arise from the mixing of two bands near yrast line or by proposing phenomenological model [5], [6]. The discussion on the ∆I = 2 staggering in isotopes Ce(SD-1)(SD-2) and Ce(SD1)(SD-2) nuclei are presented in this paper.

In nuclear science, we mostly use first order sensitivity analysis methods to study uncertainties in experimental data. The values of physical quantities which cannot be directly measured have to be calculated from variables that can be directly measured based on their functional relation with each other. This method works well for linear functions or the functions with small non-linearities. But there are many problems that involve high order nonlinear relationships between dependent and independent variables. Unscented Transform method can be a better way to handle such non-linearities, because it includes higher order terms of the Taylor series expansion [1]. First we will discuss the first order sensitivity analysis method also known as Sandwich method for error propagation.

Mankind have achieved great success in science by observing the physical phenomenon around us. To develop a technology from the gained knowledge requires the experimental data and its uncertainties. In nuclear physics, we mostly require values of physical quantities which cannot be directly measured and they have to be calculated from variables that can be directly measured by using their functional dependence on each other. It is pity that no act of measurement can give true value of a physical quantity and the outcomes of a measurement are always associated with some uncertainties [1]. We have to propagate the uncertainties of known variables to find the uncertainties of unknown variables based on the function relationship between them. We will discuss two methodologies for this task [2], one is deterministic approach (Sandwich formula of error propagation) and other is stochastic approach (Monte Carlo method).

Nuclear data, e.g. cross sections, half-lives, and decay radiation properties, can be obtained through scientific investigation of nuclear properties and reactions. The results of experimental measurements of different nuclear reaction data are distributed in various publications and hence are difficult for users to access. Therefore, there is a need to compile the data into a database. One of the database is the EXFOR library, which is maintained by the International Network of Nuclear Reaction Data Centres (NRDC) under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As one of the NRDC members, the Hokkaido University Nuclear Reaction Data Centre (JCPRG) has contributed about 10 percent of the data on charged-particle nuclear reactions in the EXFOR library. JCPRG compiles and accumulates charged-particle data obtained in Japanese facilities in their own database NRDF. The compiled nuclear reaction data is available through the online search system of the NRDF and the EXFOR library. In addition to the collaboration with the NRDC network, JCPRG established a collaborative research contract with the RIKEN Nishina Center in 2010, to increase the availability of the nuclear reaction data produced at the RIBF. The compiled files of the nuclear data produced at the RIBF are translated to the EXFOR format for the benefit of nuclear data users. We have addressed a smooth and high-quality compilation of the RIBF data as one of the important tasks in this collaboration. This write-up provides a brief overview of the JCPRG compilation activity in 2013 regarding experimental nuclear reaction data produced at the RIBF. Among the papers compiled in 2013, thirteen contained RIBF data in the compilation scope of the EXFOR library, out of which eight papers published in 2013 had already been registered on the EXFOR library. Five papers published in 2012 had also been registered on the EXFOR library in 2013. The data can be easily accessed from the EXFOR search system by using the accession numbers given in Table 1. The list of RIBF data compiled into the EXFOR library is also available on the JCPRG website along with additional information. To ensure a high-quality database, we ask authors to provide the original data plotted in each figure so

In this paper, two parameter single-term energy formula [Formula: see text] is used to study the energy spin relationship within the ground bands of even–even Mg-Zr nuclei. The formula works better for the [Formula: see text]-soft nuclei as well as vibrational nuclei. We also compared it with other two-parameter formulas: Ejiri, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and soft rotor formula (SRF). We also study the symmetry of the nuclei in the framework of interacting boson model (IBM-1). The IBM-1 was employed to determine the most appropriate Hamiltonian, the Hamiltonian of the IBM-1 and [Formula: see text](6) symmetry calculation, for the study of these isotopes. We have also calculated energy levels and B(E2) values for number of transitions in these [Formula: see text]Se and [Formula: see text]Kr isotopes and there is a good agreement between the presented results and the previous experimental data.

The rigid triaxial rotor model used to search the dependence of and on the mixing effect of asymmetric parameter (γ) and mixing angle (τ). The dependence of γ and deformation parameter (β) on the energy ratio (R4/2) is discussed. It can be found that the calculated energy, B(E2) values have reasonable agreement with the experimental energy, B(E2) values and B(E2) ratios.

In this study, we employed the interacting boson model (IBM-1) to determine the most appropriate Hamiltonian for the study of (94-108) Mo, (94-110) Ru, and (96-114) Pd isotopes in the region A congruent to 100. The soft rotor formula (SRF) calculation was also done to study these isotopes. Using the best fit values of parameters to construct the Hamiltonian of the IBM-1 we calculated energy levels and B(E2) values for number of transitions in Mo, Ru, and Pd nuclei. The results obtained from the IBM-1 and SRF were compared with experimental data and IBM-2 calculation. On comparing the results it was observed that they were in good agreement with each other. The gamma-band energy staggering in low-spin, back bending effect, low energy spectra of even-even Mo, Ru, and Pd nuclei is also discussed.

The asymmetric rotor model (ARM) of collective rotation is used to search for the correlation between the rotational energy with the asymmetric parameter gamma(0) for Xe-Pt nuclei. The correspondence of the ratio ROTE/E(2(1)(+)) vs. R-4/2(= E(4(1)(+))/ E( 2(1)(+))) and gamma(0) is used to distinguish between the axially symmetric and triaxial nuclei. The correlation between deformation parameter beta and gamma(0) is studied to understand the structure of the nuclei. The gamma-band energy staggering in low-spin, low-energy spectra of even-even Xe122-124 and Ba124-128 nuclei is also discussed. We have compared our results with experimental data and other theoretical models.

The excitation energies of ground and gamma bands belonging to F0 spin multiplets of Xe-Gd nuclei are found to be constant. The pair conjugates nuclei with the same F-spin and ?F0 values also have identical NpNn values. The smooth dependence of moment of inertia and function of valence proton and neutron number [f(NpNn)] give the existence of low-spin identical bands in this region. A correlation ansatz to identify such nuclei based on the concepts of NpNn and F-spin is also discussed.

The γ-band energy staggering in low-spin, low-energy spectra of even-even 122–124Xe and 124–128Ba nuclei are discussed. The energy levels of ground and gamma band are calculated by the Soft Rotor Formula (SRF). The staggering is a function of spin has been analyzed in order to derive the information on the type of triaxiality present in 122–124Xe and 124–128Ba nuclei. The staggering indices of γ-soft and triaxial nuclei are also calculated by this SRF formula. It is found that these staggering indices have opposite signs and provide clear distinction between γ-soft and triaxial nuclei.

In this study, we present the calculations of energy levels and B(E2) values of 122–132 Xe and 126–136 Ba nuclei using the Interacting Boson Model (IBM-1). Using the best fitted values of the parameters in the Hamiltonian of the IBM-1 we have calculated energy levels and B(E2) values for a number of transitions in 122–132 Xe and 126–136 Ba nuclei. Results are compared with the experimental data and other theoretical models. It has turned out that the IBM is fairly reliable for the calculation of spectra in the entire set of 122–132 Xe and 126–136 Ba nuclei.