bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEGAÇÃO HISTÓRICA DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS ÀS POPULAÇÕES NEGRAS RURAIS NO LIVRO TORTO ARADO
Authors: Silva Diego Lino Silva , Trindade Samuel Bernardo da , Garcia Paulo Cesar Alves , Xavier Antônio Roberto
Published: June 2024

As construções históricas e literárias sobre as comunidades negras rurais do Brasil compõem o pano de fundo temático deste trabalho. Volta-se para a negação dos direitos humanos na experiência negra rural ao longo da sua história e pergunta-se pelos possíveis efeitos da circulação das imagens ofertadas pela narrativa literária analisada. Aqui, interessa discutir os efeitos sociais e de memória das novas imagens produzidas sobre os sujeitos pretos da roça a partir do romance Torto arado. Para tanto, alguns trechos do romance são interpretados à luz de referências teórico-metodológicas, como Walter Benjamin, Homi Bhabha e Bell Hooks. As discussões desenvolvidas procuram colaborar com a observação de possíveis transformações e transições no cenário racial brasileiro, resultado das disputas históricas construídas nos últimos anos. Foi possível considerar uma alteração/disputa nas representações históricas praticadas até então sobre as comunidades negras rurais. Transformação associada ao universo de modificações sociais provocadas por políticas afirmativas. Concluindo com a identificação de um movimento de questionamento e ressignificação das percepções sociais sobre as pessoas negras da roça.
OBSERVAÇÕES SOBRE BIOPOLÍTICA EM ARENDT, AGAMBEN E FOUCAULT
Authors: Fernandes Antonio Batista
Published: June 2024

No presente artigo objetivamos analisar o conceito de biopolítica a partir das obras de Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben e Michel Foucault. Para tanto, adotamos como metodologia a revisão bibliográfica de obras e autores relacionados a essa temática. Com isso, realizamos um exercício hermenêutico de análise e comparação do pensamento desses teóricos, tendo por base textos como: Origens do Totalitarismo, Homo sacer: o poder soberano e a vida nua, História da sexualidade I, além de outros textos que refletem essa problemática, visando, assim, encontrar no conceito moderno de biopolítica o ponto de proximidade entre suas teorias. Desse modo, sustentamos a tese que os teóricos em questão desenvolveram uma análise crítica do modo como à vida tornou-se uma questão política na modernidade, tal fenômeno contribuiu de maneira significativa para a diluição do espaço público e de participação política em nosso tempo, bem como para o afastamento dos indivíduos do mundo comum, entendido como espaço propriamente político.
Allergic contact dermatitis from selected topical medicaments: A brief review
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K. , Sharma Vikas , Sharma Neeraj , Verma Rohit , Chandel Monika , Singh Ravinder
Published: June 2024

Adverse cutaneous reactions, some of which are allergic in origin and of variable severity, occur from systemic administration of medicaments, and others result from contact sensitivity from their topical use. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to topically applied medicaments, excipients or active ingredients, is encountered frequently in clinical practice and should be suspected in all at-risk individuals. Although about one-third of all cases of ACD are initiated or perpetuated by prescribed or non-prescribed topical preparations, the problem usually remains underappreciated. The prevalence of hypersensitivity to these allergens varies across regions and periods of time depending on the personal habits and health-seeking behavior of an individual, the interest of the clinician in the field of contact dermatitis, and the types of cases studied. Often promoted by social media influencers as a remedy for all dermatological problems or cosmetics, the use of several home remedies and other over-the-counter anti-aging and cosmetic products has increased exponentially in recent years. We, herein, briefly review some of the commonly used products potentially causing ACD.
A critique of the Rajasthan Right to Health Bill, 2022 and suggestions for the way forward
Authors: MASCARENHAS MARIANO ANTO BRUNO
Published: June 2024

This article discusses a brief history of the concept of Right to Health, the concepts of rights and duties and why both are important and how, in healthcare, one’s duty is another’s right. The Rajasthan Right to Health Bill, 2022 is analysed and the shortcomings and issues in the Act are discussed. Suggestions to modify the Act and how the same can be implemented are given. In addition, a brief introduction to a successful scheme, the Tamil Nadu Innuyir Kapom Thittam– Nammai Kaakum 48 Scheme, with a similar aim is given. The article concludes that though the Right to Health Act is a noble initiative and is a necessary one; the Act, in its current version, has serious shortcomings and needs to be corrected.
Function-preserving surgery in sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis of brachial plexus
Authors: DHARANIPATHY SUNDARAKRISHNAN , RAHEJA AMOL , BORKAR SACHIN ANIL , SURI ASHISH , DUTTA RIMLEE , NAMBIRAJAN ARUNA , CHOUDHARY SHIV KUMAR , RAMAKRISHNAN PRADEEP , GARG BHAVUK , RASTOGI SAMEER
Published: June 2024

Desmoid tumours of the brachial plexus are rare locally infiltrative aggressive, monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferations characterized by a variable and often unpredictable clinical course. Only 21 patients have been reported in the literature. We add another one, and report function-preserving surgery in a 34-year-old man with a desmoid tumour of the brachial plexus. The patient presented with paraesthesia and gradually progressive distal muscle weakness in the left upper limb. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed preganglionic changes in segments C8–D1. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhancing mass with irregular margins in the left paravertebral region encasing the subclavian artery, pre- and post-ganglionic C6–D1 nerve roots and trunks of the brachial plexus. Using an anterior transclavicular approach the tumour was decompressed, which led to a major improvement in paraesthesia and partial motor recovery. He was doing well at 6 months of follow-up. Histopathological examination showed findings consistent with desmoid tumour. A tailored multidisciplinary surgical approach, with the aim to preserve function over radiological clearance, is an acceptable treatment strategy in preserving patient’s quality of life for such infiltrating desmoid tumours encasing the brachial plexus. Following surgery, observation and close radiological surveillance offer an optimal strategy without jeopardizing the quality of life.
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: MADAN SIDDHARTH , SETHI MAANSI , BAJPAI VIDHI , GARG RAJIV
Published: June 2024

Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathies (AIONs) are a common cause of permanent visual loss in the elderly population. The non-arteritic subtype has been intensively studied. While systemic associations such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus are commonly recognized and treated, others such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are largely overlooked in daily practice. A 60-year-old man who gave no history of any systemic illness presented to us 1 week following an uneventful cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in his right eye. The surgery was performed elsewhere by an eye-healthcare professional where the patient presented primarily with a history of progressively worsening diminution of vision in the same eye for 5 days and was diagnosed with a senile cataract. The postoperative visual gain was unsatisfactory; hence he sought another opinion. A diagnosis of non-arteritic AION (NAION) was established. Systemic evaluation revealed elevated diastolic blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and severe OSA. Prompt treatment with systemic steroids and simultaneous management of the accompanying systemic morbid conditions saved some useful vision in the affected eye. This also prevented involvement of the fellow unaffected eye. A comprehensive ocular examination with emphasis on systemic evaluation of the patient for coexisting illness is imperative before proceeding with any medical or surgical intervention. OSA is a definitive risk factor for the development of NAION, though it remains underdiagnosed and untreated. Cataract surgery has been shown to worsen underlying NAION. Systemic stabilization averts potentially blinding sequel in the unaffected eye of these patients.
Analytical Lightcurves for Transiting Exomoons
Authors: Saha Suman
Published: June 2024

Transit photometry has remained the most effective technique to detect and characterize exoplanets. As thousands of exoplanets have been discovered in the last few decades, the possibility of the existence of exomoons in some of these systems can not be avoided. However, the detection of exomoons has still remained elusive, owing to their much smaller expected size compared to their planetary host. With the advent of next generation space telescopes and large ground based telescopes, the possibility to detect them is imminent in near future. In such scenario, a comprehensive analytical formalism to model the transit lightcurves of a transiting exomoon hosting system will be necessary to confirm their detection and study their physical and dynamical characteristics. Here, I present such an analytical formulation, that can be used to simulate the transit lightcurves for an exoplanetary system hosting transiting exomoons. This formalism uses the physical and orbital properties of the three-body star-planet-moon system, to solve their orbital dynamics, and model the transit lightcurves for every possible physical scenarios. In this report, various aspects of this analytical formalism has been discussed, and the model lightcurves for a few of the practical scenarios have been presented.
Coronal Modulation in the Ultra-fast Rotator LO Peg
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Pandey Jeewan Chandra , Yadava Umesh
Published: June 2024

We present coronal imaging of the ultra-fast rotator, LO Peg, using the X-ray observations from XMM-Newton. The X-ray light curves show one strong flare at the end of observation, as reported in an earlier study. On removal of flaring events, the quiescent state light curve shows rotational modulations, which are modelled using a maximum likelihood model. The results obtained from modelling show that the corona of LO Peg is not uniform. Active regions are concentrated around two longitudes, where one active region appears to be compact. The large coronal area that covers almost 60 degrees along longitude from the poles to the equator does not consist of active regions.
Dancing with the Stars: a Review on Stellar Multiplicity
Authors: Merle Thibault
Published: June 2024

Stars like company. They are mostly formed in clusters and their lives are often altered by the presence of one or more companions. Interaction processes between components may lead to complex outcomes like Algols, blue stragglers, chemically altered stars, type Ia supernovae, as well as progenitors of gravitational wave sources, to cite a few. Observational astronomy has entered the era of big data, and thanks to large surveys like spatial missions Kepler, TESS, Gaia, and ground-based spectroscopic surveys like RAVE, Gaia-ESO, APOGEE, LAMOST, GALAH (to name a few) the field is going through a true revolution, as illustrated by the recent detection of stellar black holes and neutron stars as companions of massive but also low-mass stars. In this review, I will present why it is important to care about stellar multiples, what are the main large surveys in which many binaries are harvested, and finally present some features related to the largest catalogue of astrometric, spectroscopic and eclipsing binaries provided by the Non-Single Star catalogue of Gaia, which is, to date, the largest homogeneous catalogue of stellar binaries.
X-ray Observations of the Intermediate Polar TX Col
Authors: Pandey Jeewan Chandra , Rawat Nikita , Rao Srinivas M. , Joshi Arti , Singh Sadhana
Published: June 2024

We present the timing analysis of the intermediate polar TX Col in the X-ray band using the observations made by Chandra, Swift, and Suzaku during the years 2000, 2007, and 2009, respectively. The spin, orbital, and beat periods derived from these data are consistent with the earlier findings. We found that the spin modulation was dominant during the Chandra observation, whereas both orbital and beat modulations were dominant during the Swift and Suzaku observations. These findings and past X-ray observations indicate that TX Col is changing its accretion geometry from disc dominance to stream dominance and vice versa.
Blue Straggler Stars: Setting up a Dynamical Clock for Open Clusters
Authors: Rao Khushboo Kunwar , Vaidya Kaushar , Agarwal Manan , Balan Shanmugha , Bhattacharya Souradeep
Published: June 2024

Blue straggler stars are late bloomers that are bluer and brighter than the main sequence turnoff stars on a color-magnitude diagram of a cluster. Being a massive population compared to their other cluster siblings, their sedimentation level has been used to probe the dynamical evolution of globular clusters. In a series of studies, we explored the dynamical evolution of old open clusters, for the first time, making use of this same trait of the BSS that they settle quicker in the cluster core than any other cluster population. In these works, we have compared the theoretical estimation of dynamical ages, Nrelax, with the observed signatures of blue straggler stars segregation either by placing open clusters in Family I/II/III classification of dynamical ages defined in globular clusters or by estimating the area enclosed between the cumulative radial distributions of BSS and another reference population in 23 open clusters.
AstroSat Investigation of X-ray Flares on Two Active K-M Systems: CC Eri and AB Dor
Authors: Karmakar Subhajeet , Pandey Jeewan Chandra , Rawat Nikita , Singh Gurpreet , Shedge Riddhi
Published: June 2024

We present an X-ray and UV investigation of five X-ray flares detected on two active systems, CC Eri and AB Dor, using the AstroSat observatory. The peak X-ray luminosities of the flares in the 0.3–7.0 keV band are found to be within 1031−33 erg s−1. Preliminary spectral analysis indicates the presence of three and four-temperature corona for CC Eri and AB Dor, respectively, where the highest temperature is found to vary with flare. The flare temperatures peaked at 51–59 MK for CC Eri and 29–44 MK for AB Dor. The peak emission measures of the flaring loops are estimated to be ∼1054 for CC Eri and ∼1055 cm−3 for AB Dor. Global metallic abundances were also found to increase during flares.
On the potential of Carbon-Enhanced Metal-poor Stars for Galactic Archaeology
Authors: Goswami Aruna , Shejeelammal Jameela , Goswami Partha Pratim , Purandardas Meenakshi
Published: June 2024

The low-mass metal-poor stars in the Galaxy that preserve in their atmosphere, the chemical imprints of the gas clouds from which they were formed can be used as probes to get insight into the origin and evolution of elements in the early galaxy, early star formation and nucleosynthesis. Among the metal-poor stars, a large fraction, the so-called carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars exhibits high abundance of carbon. These stars exhibit diverse abundance patterns, particularly for heavy elements, based on which they are classified into different groups. The diversity of abundance patterns points at different formation scenarios. Hence, accurate classification of CEMP stars and knowledge of their distribution is essential to understand the role and contribution of each group. While CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars can be used to get insight into binary interactions at very low metallicity, CEMP-no stars can be used to probe the properties of the first stars and early nucleosynthesis. To exploit the full potential of CEMP stars for Galactic archaeology a homogeneous analysis of each class is extremely important. Our efforts towards, and contributions to providing an improved classification scheme for accurate classification of CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars and in characterizing the companion asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of CH, CEMP-no, CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s binary systems are discussed. Some recent results obtained based on low- and high-resolution spectroscopic analysis of a large number of potential CH and CEMP star candidates are highlighted.
The Eu Isotopic Ratios in CEMP Stars
Authors: Farha Aliparambil AbdulGaffur , Karinkuzhi Drisya , van Eck Sophie
Published: June 2024

Understanding the chemical evolution of galaxies requires accurate abundances of chemical elements in various stellar populations, which are then compared with theoretical predictions to probe their nucleosynthetic origin. However, most of the elements have several stable isotopes which are produced by different nucleosynthetic reactions, thus making multiple contributors to their overall abundance. The situation will be more complex in the case of heavy elements produced by different neutron capture processes. Hence, the abundances at the isotopic levels are more important to constrain the conditions at which the nucleosynthesis takes place and also to identify the actual isotopic path followed by the different neutron capture processes. This will help us identify the relative contribution of different neutron capture processes to the abundance of individual elements, and it is an essential ingredient of the GCE models. Moreover, the contribution of different astrophysical sites, such as AGB stars, to the overall chemical enrichment of our Galaxy can be estimated with greater accuracy. Here we present the preliminary results of our attempt to measure the Eu isotopic abundance in a sample of s-process-enhanced stars at various metallicities. The purpose of this analysis is primarily to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique and a detailed quantitative analysis will be presented in a future paper.
Study of Wolf-Rayet Stars Using uGMRT
Authors: Saha Anindya , Tej Anandmayee , del Palacio Santiago , De Becker Michaël , Benaglia Paula , Ishwara-Chandra C.H. , Prajapati Prachi
Published: June 2024

In recent years, systems involving massive stars with large wind kinetic power have been considered as promising sites for investigating relativistic particle acceleration in low radio frequencies. With this aim, we observed two Wolf-Rayet systems, WR 114 and WR 142, using upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope observations in Band 4 (550–950 MHz) and Band 5 (1050–1450 MHz). None of the targets was detected at these frequencies. Based on the non-detection, we report 3𝜎 upper limits to the radio flux densities at 735 and 1260 MHz (123 and 66 𝜇Jy for WR 114, and 111 and 96 𝜇Jy for WR 142, respectively). Plausible scenarios to interpret this non-detection are presented.
Study of the Balmer Decrements for Galactic Classical Be Stars Using the Himalayan Chandra Telescope of India
Authors: Banerjee Gourav , Mathew Blesson , Bhattacharyya Suman , Devaraj Ashish , Kartha Sreeja , Joshi Santosh
Published: June 2024

In a recent study, Banerjee et al. (2021) produced an atlas of all major emission lines found in a large sample of 115 Galactic field Be stars using the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) facility located at Ladakh, India. This paper presents our further exploration of these stars to estimate the electron density in their discs. Our study using Balmer decrement values indicate that their discs are generally optically thick in nature with electron density (ne) in their circumstellar envelopes (CEs) being in excess of 1013 cm-3 for around 65% of the stars. For another 19% stars, the average ne in their discs probably range between 1012 cm-3 and 1013 cm-3. We noticed that the nature of the Hα and Hβ line profiles might not influence the observed Balmer decrement values (i.e. D34 and D54) of the sample of stars. Interestingly, we also found that around 50% of the Be stars displaying D34 greater than 2.7 are of earlier spectral types, i.e. within B0 -B3.
Magnetic Fields of Massive Stars, on and after the Main Sequence
Authors: Wade Gregg
Published: June 2024

The presence of a magnetic field in the outer layers of hot OB-type main sequence stars has clear and immediate impacts on their radiation-driven winds, resulting in obvious physical consequences than directly influence their observational properties and subsequent evolution. Furthermore, those initial magnetic fields are transported and modified during the stars’ future histories, and may appear as evolved fossils or they may seed dynamos as the stars cool and grow during their post-main sequence evolution. In this paper I will review the characteristics and consequences of the magnetic fields observed in hot stars, both on the main sequence and at later stages of stellar evolution.
Instabilities in Models of Supergiants MWC 137 and MWC 314
Authors: Parida Sugyan , Yadav Abhay Pratap , Joshi Santosh
Published: June 2024

In several B-type supergiants, photometric and spectroscopic variabilities together with episodes of enhanced mass-loss have been observed. Here we present the preliminary results of a linear stability analysis followed by nonlinear numerical simulations in two B-type supergiants MWC 137 and MWC 314. All the considered models of MWC 137 having mass in the range of 30M⊙ to 70M⊙ are unstable while for the case of MWC 314 models with mass below 31M⊙ are unstable. The instabilities have been followed into the nonlinear regime for selected models of these two supergiants. During the nonlinear numerical simulations, instabilities lead to a finite pulsation amplitude with a well defined saturation level in the considered models of MWC 137 with mass greater than 42M⊙. The model of MWC 314 with mass of 40M⊙ - the suggested mass for the primary star - does not show any instabilities both in linear stability analysis and nonlinear numerical simulations. The velocity amplitude reaches to 107 cm s−1 in the nonlinear regime for the model of MWC 314 with mass of 30M⊙. Further extensive numerical simulations and observations are required to understand the origin of the observed variabilities in these stars.
Initial Results of our Spectro-photometric Monitoring of XZ Tau
Authors: Ghosh Arpan , Sharma Saurabh , Ninan Joe Philip , Ojha Devendra Kumar , Verma Aayushi , Sahu Tarak Chand , Pandey Rakesh , Singh Koshvendra
Published: June 2024

We present here initial results of our spectro-photometric monitoring of XZ Tau. During our monitoring period, XZ Tau exhibited several episodes of brightness variations in timescales of months at optical wavelengths in contrast to the mid-infrared wavelengths. The color evolution of XZ Tau during this period suggests that the brightness variations are driven by changes in accretion from the disc. The mid-infrared light curve shows an overall decline in brightness by ∼ 0.5 and 0.7 magnitude respectively in WISE W1 (3.4 μm) and W2 (4.6 μm) bands. The emission profile of the hydrogen recombination lines along with that of Ca II IRT lines points towards magnetospheric accretion of XZ Tau. We have detected P Cygni profile in Hβ indicating of out-flowing winds from regions close to accretion. Forbidden transitions of oxygen are also detected, likely indicating jets originating around the central pre-main sequence star.
Evolution and Final Fates of a Rotating 25M⊙ Pop III Star
Authors: Aryan Amar , Pandey Shashi Bhushan , Gupta Rahul , Tiwari Sugriva Nath , Ror Amit Kumar
Published: June 2024

In this manuscript, we present the one-dimensional stellar evolution of two rotating population III (Pop III) star models, each having a mass of 25M⊙ at the zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS). The slowly rotating model has an initial angular rotational velocity of 10% of the critical angular rotational velocity. In contrast, the rapidly rotating model has an initial angular rotational velocity of 70% of the critical angular rotational velocity. As an effect of rotationally enhanced mixing, we find that the rapidly rotating model suffers an enormous mass loss due to the deposition of a significant amount of CNO elements toward the surface after the main-sequence phase. We also display the simulated light curves as these models explode into core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe).
Deep Photometry of Suspected Gravitational Lensing Events: Potential Detection of a Cosmic String
Authors: Safonova Margarita , Bulygin Igor Igorevich , Sazhina Olga Sergeevna , Sazhin Mikhail Vasil'evich , Hasan Priya , Sutaria Firoza
Published: June 2024

Cosmic strings (CS) are one-dimensional cosmological-size objects predicted in realistic models of the early Universe. Analysis of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and Planck surveys revealed several CS candidates. One of the candidates, CSc-1, was found to be most reliable because of the statistically significant chains of gravitational lensing (GL) candidates in its field. We observed the brightest of the objects in the CSc-1 field, a galaxy pair SDSSJ110429.61+233150.3. The significant correlation between the spectra of the two components indicates the possible GL nature of the pair. Our simulations of observational data in the CSc-1 field shows that a large number of pairs can be explained by the complex geometry of the CS. Simulations of the SDSSJ110429 galaxy pair has shown that the observed angle between the components of the pair can be explained if the CS is strongly inclined and, possibly, bent in the image plane. In our preliminary data, we also detected the sign of the sharp isophotal edge in one image, which along with CMB and spectral data strongly suggests the possibility of a CS detection.
Astrometric and Photometric Calibrators for the 4-m International Liquid Mirror Telescope
Authors: Dukiya Naveen , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is a 4-meter class survey telescope. It achieved its first light on 29th April 2022 and is now undergoing the commissioning phase. It scans the sky in a fixed wide strip centred at the declination of and works in Time Delay Integration (TDI) mode. We present a full catalog of sources in the ILMT strip derived by crossmatching Gaia DR3 with SDSS DR17 and PanSTARRS-1 (PS1) to supplement the catalog with apparent magnitudes of these sources in g, r, and i filters. These sources can serve as astrometric calibrators. The release of Gaia DR3 provides synthetic photometry in popular broadband photometric systems, including the SDSS g, r, and i bands for ∼220 million sources across the sky. We have used this synthetic photometry to verify our crossmatching performance and, in turn, create a subset of the catalog with accurate photometric measurements from two reliable sources.
The Prospects of Pulsating Stars Studies with the International Liquid Mirror Telescope
Authors: De Cat Peter , De Becker Michaël , Kumar Brajesh
Published: June 2024

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is populated with pulsating stars of many different kinds and flavours. Asteroseismology uses the pulsations of these stars to gain information about their interior, which is needed to improve our understanding of stellar evolution. During the last decade, asteroseismic studies have greatly boosted thanks to space missions like Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (Walker et al., 2003), COnvection ROtation and Planetary Transits (CoRoT; Auvergne et al. 2009), Kepler/K2 (Borucki et al., 2010), and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS; Ricker et al. 2015). These missions have collected nearly uninterrupted photometric time series with a precision down to a few μ mag and a total time base of up to 4 years. TESS is the only one of these missions that is still collecting data and that is covering the largest part of the sky and hence will have targets in common with the strip of the sky that is monitored by the 4-m International Liquid Mirror Telescope from the Devasthal Observatory in northern India. In this paper, we try to find out for which types of pulsating stars the ILMT observations are expected to be most appropriate for asteroseismic studies.
The 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope Project
Authors: Surdej Jean , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pospieszalska-Surdej Anna , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen
Published: June 2024

The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) project is a scientific collaboration in observational astrophysics between the Liège Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics (Liège University, Belgium), the Aryabatta Research Institute of observational sciencES (ARIES, Nainital, India) and several Canadian universities (British Columbia, Laval, Montréal, Toronto, Victoria and York). Meanwhile, several other institutes have joined the project: the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the National University of Uzbekistan and the Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute (Uzbekistan) as well as the Poznan Observatory (Poland). The Liège company AMOS (Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems) has built the telescope structure that has been erected on the ARIES site in Devasthal (Uttarakhand, India). It is the first liquid mirror telescope being dedicated to astronomical observations. First light was obtained on 29th April 2022 and commissioning is being conducted at the present time. In this short article, we describe and illustrate the main components of the ILMT. We also highlight the ILMT papers presented during the third BINA workshop, which discuss various aspects of the ILMT science programs.
Surface Brightness Properties of LSB Galaxies with the International Liquid Mirror Telescope
Authors: Fu Jiuyang , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

Low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies make up a significant fraction of the luminosity density of the local universe. Their low surface brightness suggests a different formation and evolution process compared to more-typical high-surface-brightness galaxies. This study presents an analysis of LSB galaxies found in images obtained by the International Liquid Mirror Telescope during the observation period from October 24 to November 1, 2022. 3,092 LSB galaxies were measured and separated into blue and red LSB categories based on their g′−i′ colours. In these samples, the median effective radius is 4.7 arcsec, and the median value of the mean surface brightness within the effective radius is 26.1 mag arcsec−2. The blue LSB galaxies are slightly brighter than the red LSB galaxies. No significant difference of ellipticity was found between the blue and the red LSB galaxies.
Observation of Multiply Imaged Quasars with the 4-m ILMT
Authors: Akhunov Talat , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pospieszalska-Surdej Anna , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

Gravitationally lensed quasars (GLQs) are known to potentially provide an independent way of determining the value of the Hubble-Lemaître parameter H0, to probe the dark matter content of lensing galaxies and to resolve tiny structures in distant active galactic nuclei. That is why multiply imaged quasars are one of the main drivers for a photometric monitoring with the 4-m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT). We would like to answer the following questions: how many multiply imaged quasars should we be able to detect with the ILMT? And how to derive accurate magnitudes of the GLQ images? Our estimation of the possible number of multiply imaged quasars is 15, although optimistic forecasts predict up to 50 of them. We propose to use the adaptive PSF fitting method for accurate flux measurements of the lensed images. During preliminary observations in spring 2022 we were able to detect the quadruply imaged quasar SDSS J1251+2935 in the i’ and r’ spectral bands.
Observational Characteristics of Solar EUV Waves
Authors: Chandra Ramesh , Devi Pooja , Chen P. F. , Schmieder Brigitte , Joshi Reetika , Joshi Bhuwan , Awasthi Arun Kumar
Published: June 2024

Extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves are one of the large-scale phenomena on the Sun. They are defined as large propagating fronts in the low corona with speeds ranging from a few tens km s−1 to several 1000 km s−1. They are often associated with solar filament eruptions, flares, and/or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). EUV waves exhibit various features, including wave and non-wave components, stationary fronts, reflection, refraction, and mode conversion. Additionally, they can hit the nearby coronal loops and filaments/prominences during their propagation, triggering oscillations. These oscillations in loops and filaments/prominences enable us to diagnose coronal parameters such as the strength of the coronal magnetic field. In this article, we present the different observed features of the EUV waves along with existing models.
Summary of the 3rd BINA Workshop
Authors: Semenko Eugene , Cuntz Manfred
Published: June 2024

The third BINA workshop (BINA-3) was the third workshop of this series involving scientists from India and Belgium aimed at fostering future joint research in the view of cutting-edge observatories and advances in theory. BINA-3 was held at the Graphic Era Hill University, 22-24 March 2023 at Bhimtal (near Nainital), Uttarakhand, India. A major event was the inauguration of the International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT), the first liquid mirror telescope devoted exclusively to astronomy. BINA-3 provided impressive highlights encompassing topics of both general astrophysics and solar physics. Research results and future projects have been featured through invited and contributed talks, and poster presentations.
Can R2BX4/ABX3 Heterostructures Harmonise Stability and Efficiency in Perovskite Photovoltaics? A Minireview
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Sohail , Ahmad Rashid
Published: June 2024

Halide perovskites are one of the most extensively explored materials for photovoltaics and their photo-conversion efficiency has reached over 25%. Three-dimensional (3D) perovskites have exceptional optoelectronic properties but suffer from poor stability, hindering their commercialization. Contrarily, two-dimensional (2D) perovskites offer excellent stability but inferior optoelectronic performance. The structural flexibility of perovskites allows the researcher to fabricate 2D/3D mixed dimensional perovskites which exhibit superior stability without compromising the efficiency. Herein, we have explored the available literature on a distinct category of 2D/3D perovskites, R2BX4/ABX3 type mixed phase heterostructures. In such heterostructures, a minor quantity of phase pure 2D perovskite coincides with a bulk of 3D perovskites. The compositional development, structural variations, and controlling the level of 2D doping in this kind of perovskites have been discussed. Moreover, film quality, photophysics, photovoltaic performance and stability of such heterostructures were also discussed. Finally, our efforts aimed to offer a glimpse into the potential future applications of R2BX4/ABX3 in improving perovskite photovoltaics and other applications beyond solar cells.
Versatile Molecular Editing via Multimodal and Group-optimized Generative Learning
Authors: Lin Xiaohan , Xia Yijie , Huang Yupeng , Liu Shuo , Zhang Jun , Gao Yi Qin
Published: June 2024

Generating molecules with specific constituents and structures that exhibit desired properties is a crucial yet challenging task in the computer-aided design of functional molecules. This challenge arises from the discrete nature of the vast design space of molecules, which is subject to additional physical constraints such as symmetries. Exploration and optimization within this constrained discrete space pose difficulties for most machine learning methods. We approach these challenges from a novel multimodal perspective, and propose a multimodal generative method, MolEdit, to explicitly model both the discrete atomic constituents and their continuous positions in 3D space. MolEdit is based on a group-optimized score matching algorithm which preserves the symmetry of atomic positions on top of a joint model which generates the molecular constituents. Therefore, MolEdit simultaneously resolves the discrete and continuous optimization problems encountered in molecular generation. As a compelling feature, MolEdit can flexibly generate precisely edited molecular graphs subjected to various prompts which specify conditional information about molecular constituents as well as substructures. Overall, MolEdit not only advances the frontier of prompt-based molecular design, but also provides a template for transacting powerful modern generative methods for domain-specific scientific data in a multimodal way
One-step dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) and protein precipitation to streamline high-throughput reversed-phase metabolic phenotyping of blood samples
Authors: David Mark , Chekmeneva Elena , Gómez-Romero María , Camuzeaux Stephane , Cooper Benjamin , Yuen Ada , Mehta Ravi , Sriskandan Shiranee , Reis Ferreira Miguel , Cloarec Olivier , Sands Caroline , Correia Goncalo , Takats Zoltan , Lewis Matthew
Published: June 2024

The chemical analysis of blood products (plasma and serum) is commonplace in metabolic phenotyping studies. The diversity of analytes in blood products characterized by varying physico-chemical properties, stability, and solubility presents an analytical challenge when attempting to achieve comprehensive analyte coverage by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). While reversed-phase chromatography (RPC) of lipid analytes does not suffer from the presence of small molecules eluting mostly early in the chromatogram, the RPC-based analysis of low-molecular-weight metabolites (LMWMs) in minimally processed blood products is hindered by the presence of proteins and lipid species which fail to cleanly elute and negatively impact the assay. Here, we propose a novel application of dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) for the one-step single-phase depletion of proteins and lipids from plasma and serum samples without detrimental effect to the composition of LMWMs, overcoming challenges of conventional SPE. Using this approach, we demonstrate in two clinical studies the paired use of C18 RPC LC-MS for LMWM profiling enabled by dSPE and C8 RPC LC-MS for lipid profiling, providing 650+ annotated LMWMs and lipid species in plasma and serum samples.
Single-Molecule Mechanoresistivity by Intermetallic Bonding
Authors: Sil Amit , Spano Chiara , Chelli Yahia , Higgins Simon , Sangtarash Sara , Piccinini Gianluca , Graziano Mariagrazia , Nichols Richard , Sadeghi Hatef , Vezzoli Andrea
Published: June 2024

The metal-electrode interface is key to unlocking emergent behaviour in all organic electrified systems, from battery technology to molecular electronics. In the latter, interfacial engineering has enabled efficient transport, higher device stability, and novel functionality. Mechanoresistivity – the change in electrical behaviour in response to a mechanical stimulus and a pathway to extremely sensitive force sensors – is amongst the most studied phenomena in molecular electronics, and the molecule-electrode interface plays a pivotal role in its emergence, reproducibility, and magnitude. In this contribution, we show that organometallic molecular wires incorporating a Pt(II) cation show mechanoresistive behaviour of exceptional magnitude, with conductance modulations of more than three orders of magnitude upon compression by as little as 1 nm. We synthesised series of cyclometalated Pt(II) molecular wires, and used scanning tunnelling microscopy – break junction techniques to characterise their electromechanical behaviour. Mechanoresistivity arises from an interaction between the Pt(II) cation and the Au electrode triggered by mechanical compression of the single-molecule device, and theoretical modelling confirms this hypothesis. Our study provides a new tool for the design of functional molecular wires by exploiting previously unreported ion-metal interactions in single-molecule devices, and develops a new framework for the development of mechanoresistive molecular junctions.
Green synthesis of nanoparticles: A review
Authors: A Umar Faruksha , A.M. Sekar
Published: June 2024

Green synthesis is more beneficial than traditional chemical synthesis because it costs less, decreases pollution, and improves environmental and human health safety. In this review, current developments in the green synthesis of nanoparticles In particular, the metal nanoparticles are synthesized by top-down and bottom-up approaches through various techniques like physical, chemical, and biological methods. Their characterization is very vital and the confirmation of nanoparticle traits is done by various instrumentation analyses such as UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), were evaluated. Major findings reveal the complexity in geographical and seasonal distributions of plants and their compositions that green synthesis is limited by time and place of production as well as issues with low purity and poor yield. However, considering current environmental problems and pollution associated with chemical synthesis, green synthesis offers alternative development prospects and potential applications.
Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasonic Medicinal Penetration in the Removal of Blood Stasis and Alleviation of Zhuyu Juanbi Formula in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy Induced by Paclitaxel
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Huixin , Zhang Qirong , Jia Yingjie , Yi Dan
Published: June 2024

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy and differences of the Zhuyu Juanbi formula delivered through ultrasound at Zusanli on patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) due to paclitaxel injection. Methods: A total of 72 breast cancer patients with CIPN were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (36 cases) was treated with oral methylcobalamin plus ultrasonic medicine permeating Zhuyu Juanbi formulae, while the control group (36 cases) was treated with oral methylcobalamin alone. Following two 2 cycles of continuous treatment, the efficacy of peripheral neurotoxicity, TCM syndrome score, FACT/GOG-Ntx score, total neuropathy score, and safety indicators of gynecological cancer patients were observed in the two groups. Result: In the treatment of CIPN, the addition of ultrasonic medicine permeating Zhuyu Juanbi formulae was more effective than oral methylcobalamin alone in reducing peripheral neurotoxicity and improving the quality of life of patients. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and ultrasound drug penetration Zhuyu Juanbi formulae significantly reduced the FACT/GOG-Ntx score and TNS score in the treatment group. In terms of drug safety, it rarely caused adverse reactions such as grade 3 and 4 leukopenia, and the safety profile was therefore good. Conclusion: The combination of ultrasonic medicine permeating Zhuyu Juanbi formulae and methylcobalamin has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with PIPN. It has been shown to significantly improve the clinical symptoms of PIPN patients, improve the quality of life of patients, and have a good safety profile.
Application of Spray Coating in the Fabrication of Free Standing Nanocellulose Films and Barrier Coating on the Paper Substrates
Authors: Shanmugam Kirubanandan
Published: June 2024

Spray coating is a novel concept for fabricating free-standing film and producing barrier coating on paper substrates. The spraying gives comparable efficacy with vacuum filtration in terms of operation time, film quality, and process intensification approach. The smooth films created by spraying nanocellulose onto the polished impermeable surface could serve as a platform for a variety of sustainable functional devices. Finally, the application of spray-coating barriers and nanocellulose films on paper substrates is the focus of the spray-coating concept designed to create smooth nanocellulose films. One of the most important factors that affect the performance of different cellulose-based functional materials is the smoothness of nanocellulose film coated with sprays in the production of flexible and printed electronics. The uses of nanocellulose film as a high-performance barrier material and the possible replacement of synthetic plastic packaging are expanded by spray coatings. The process of creating a nanocellulose film using spray coating takes less than a minute. Compared to vacuum filtering, this method offers excellent speed potential for nanocellulose films. The wet layer of spray coating takes more than 24 hours to dry in a controlled laboratory environment, using air drying. Future research projects will improve the drying process of wet films. The film spray process serves as a proof of concept, and the quality of the film produced by this method contrasts with vacuum filtration. Studying spray coating wet film drying outside the scope of this research is not part of the scope of this study, and additional research is needed in this area. The shiny film that is created by spraying nanocellulose on the impermeable polished surface can serve as a platform for various sustainable functional devices.
Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genome Variation and Evolutionary Analysis of the Endangered Species Dendrobium flexicaule and its Relative Species
Authors: Wang Le , Liu Xue , Zhang Jie , Ming Xingjia , Shu Shu , Qu Xianyou , Zhang Jiayi , Qi Junsheng
Published: June 2024

Globally, the genus Dendrobium (Family: Orchidaceae) exhibits widespread distribution, predominantly occupying the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. Although the chloroplast genomes (cpDNAs) of certain Dendrobium species have been documented, the evolutionary relationships among these species remain largely unexplored. In this pioneering investigation, a comprehensive analysis of the complete cpDNAs from Dendrobium species is presented, including Dendrobium flexicaule along with three closely related taxa (D. nobile, D. officinale, and D. huoshanense). The size of the novel complete cpDNAs ranged from 150,529 to 152,588 bp, and their cpDNA structure exhibits a unique quadrifoliate structure reminiscent of female quadrivalents, including large single copy, small single copy (SSC), and inverted repeat regions. A total of 175 simple sequence repeats were identified in the D. flexicaule cpDNA. A few pseudogenes of the NA(D)H dehydrogenase-like (NDH) genes were found in the annotated cpDNAs of the four Dendrobium species. Within the shared pseudogenes ndhF and ndhG, ndhF frequently undergoes mutations. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis showed that D. flexicaule and D. scoriarum were close sister species. The research findings provide crucial genetic information for the molecular phylogenetic system of D. flexicaule.