bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
World species of the subgenus Oligonychus (Reckiella) Tuttle and Baker (Acari, Prostigmata, Tetranychidae), diagnostic keys, taxonomic notes, and a new species
Authors: Mushtaq Hafiz Muhammad Saqib , Kamran Muhammad , Alatawi Fahad Jaber
Published: August 2023

Oligonychus Berlese (Acari, Prostigmata, Tetranychidae) is an agriculturally important and the largest genus of spider mites, comprised of 211 species (including new species), two subgenera, four species groups, and 11 species subgroups. The present study comprehensively addressed the morphotaxonomic-based identification of world species of the subgenus Reckiella Tuttle and Baker. Five diagnostic keys were developed for identifying Oligonychus (Reckiella) species belonging to five species subgroups: iseilemae, pritchardi, biharensis, gossypii, and exsiccator. Taxonomic notes are provided on intraspecific variations and some closely related Oligonychus (Reckiella) species representing six species complexes, viz. the afrasiaticus complex, the litchii complex, the pratensis complex, the plegas complex, the sacchari complex, and the tylus complex. One new spider mite species, Oligonychus bahaensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Grasses (Poaceae) under the subgenus Reckiella.
Universal scaling of tunable Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states across the quantum phase transition
Authors: Huang Haonan , Karan Sujoy , Padurariu Ciprian , Kubala Björn , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Ankerhold Joachim , Kern Klaus , Ast Christian R.
Published: August 2023

Quantum magnetic impurities give rise to a wealth of phenomena attracting tremendous research interest in recent years. On a normal metal, magnetic impurities generate the correlation-driven Kondo effect. On a superconductor, bound states emerge inside the superconducting gap called the Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states. Theoretically, quantum impurity problems have been successfully tackled by numerical renormalization group (NRG) theory, where the Kondo and YSR physics are shown to be unified and the normalized YSR energy scales universally with the Kondo temperature divided by the superconducting gap. However, experimentally the Kondo temperature is usually extracted from phenomenological approaches, which gives rise to significant uncertainties and cannot account for magnetic fields properly. Using scanning tunneling microscopy at 10 mK, we apply a magnetic field to several YSR impurities on a vanadium tip to reveal the Kondo effect and employ the microscopic single impurity Anderson model with NRG to fit the Kondo spectra in magnetic fields accurately and extract the corresponding Kondo temperature unambiguously. Some YSR states move across the quantum phase transition (QPT) due to the changes in atomic forces during tip approach, yielding a continuous universal scaling with quantitative precision for quantum spin-$$\frac{1}{2}$$

1

2

impurities.
Detection of aqueous and gaseous hydrogen sulfide with lanthanide–macrocycle binary complexes
Authors: Mini Parvathy , Walker Samuel E. , Grace Michael R. , Dennison Genevieve H. , Tuck Kellie L.
Published: August 2023

Two novel, discrete lanthanide–macrocycle binary complexes for the detection of hydrogen sulfide are reported.
A type I and II compatible vinyl-pyridine modified BODIPY dimer photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in A-549 cells
Authors: Wang Lingfeng , Qian Ying
Published: August 2023

The VP-BDP2 with vinyl-pyridine modification have great improvement in ROS generation and could be used in the PDT experiment and the two-photon fluorescence imaging.
New rotation period measurements of 67 163 Kepler stars
Authors: Reinhold Timo , Shapiro Alexander I. , Solanki Sami K. , Basri Gibor
Published: August 2023

Context. The Kepler space telescope leaves a legacy of tens of thousands of stellar rotation period measurements. While many of these stars show strong periodicity, there is an even bigger fraction of stars with irregular variability for which rotation periods are rarely visible or in most cases unknown. As a consequence, many studies of stellar activity might be strongly biased toward the behavior of more active stars, for which rotation periods have been determined.

Aims. With the goal to at least partially lift this bias, we apply a new method capable of determining rotation periods of stars with irregular light curve variability. This effort greatly increases the number of stars with well-determined periods, especially for stars with small variabilities similar to that of the Sun.

Methods. We employed a novel method based on the gradient of the power spectrum (GPS). The maximum of the gradient corresponds to the position of the inflection point (IP), namely, the point where the curvature of the high-frequency tail of the power spectrum changes its sign. Previously, it was shown that the stellar rotation period, Prot, is linked to the inflection point period, PIP, by the simple equation Prot = PIP/α, where α is a calibration factor. The GPS method is superior to classical methods (such as auto-correlation functions (ACF)) because it does not require a repeatable variability pattern in the time series, making it an ideal tool for detecting periods of stars with very short-lived spots.

Results. From the initial sample of 142 168 stars with effective temperatures Teff < 6500 K and log g > 4.0 in the Kepler archive, we could measure rotation periods for 67 163 stars by combining the GPS and the ACF method. We further report the first determination of a rotation period for 20 397 stars. The GPS periods show good agreement with previous period measurements using classical methods, when available. Furthermore, we show that the scaling factor a increases for very cool stars with effective temperatures below 4000 K, which we interpret as spots located at higher latitudes.

Conclusions. We conclude that new techniques, such as the GPS method, ought to be applied in detecting the rotation periods of stars with small and more irregular variabilities. Ignoring these stars will distort the overall picture of stellar activity, particular with respect to solar-stellar comparison studies.
Cometary dust collected by MIDAS on board Rosetta
Authors: Kim M. , Mannel T. , Lasue J. , Longobardo A. , Bentley M. S. , Moissl R. ,   The MIDAS team
Published: August 2023

Context. The MIDAS (Micro-Imaging Dust Analysis System) atomic force microscope on board the Rosetta comet orbiter investigated and measured the 3D topography of a few hundred of nm to tens of μm sized dust particles of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with resolutions down to a few nanometers, giving insights into the physical processes of our early Solar System.

Aims. We analyze the shapes of the cometary dust particles collected by MIDAS on the basis of a recently updated particle catalog with the aim to determine which structural properties remained pristine.

Methods. We develop a set of shape descriptors and metrics such as aspect ratio, elongation, circularity, convexity, and particle surface and volume distribution, which can be used to describe the distribution of particle shapes. Furthermore, we compare the structure of the MIDAS dust particles and the clusters in which the particles were deposited to those found in previous laboratory experiments and by Rosetta/COSIMA. Finally, we combine our findings to calculate a pristineness score for MIDAS particles and determine the most pristine particles and their properties.

Results. We find that the morphological properties of all cometary dust particles at the micrometer scale are surprisingly homogeneous despite originating from diverse cometary environments (e.g., different collection targets that are associated with cometary activities/source regions and collection velocities/periods). There is only a weak trend between shape descriptors and particle characteristics such as size, collection targets, and cluster morphology. We next find that the types of clusters found by MIDAS show good agreement with those defined by previous laboratory experiments, however, there are some differences to those found by Rosetta/COSIMA. Furthermore, our pristineness score shows that almost half of MIDAS particles suffered severe alteration by impact, which indicates structural modification by impact (e.g., flattening and/or fragmentation) is inevitable despite the very low collection speeds (i.e., ~3–7 m s−1). Based on our result, we rate 19 out of 1082 MIDAS particles at least moderately pristine that is they are not substantially flattened by impact, not fragmented, and/or not part of a fragmentation cluster.
Improving green supply chain resilience through Blockchain innovation: A risk mitigation perspective
Authors: Chelh Sara , Ababou Mariame
Published: August 2023

The increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies has brought to light the underlying technology known as Blockchain. This innovation is a decentralized information management system that allows for the recording of digital asset transactions without the need for institutional intermediaries. The potential of Blockchain to revolutionize the management of companies, particularly in the context of supply chain risk management, is immense due to the complex and vulnerable nature of the supply chain. This article aims to highlight the impact of the Blockchain on the risks observed in the Supply Chain by examining how this innovation can strengthen the resilience of these chains in times of increased threat and uncertainty. Our study, which utilizes a bibliometric analysis, highlights the role of Blockchain technology in mitigating various risks, including those related to fraud, errors, loss of information, and supply chain failure. It should be noted that the implementation of environmental supply chain practices requires the commitment and participation of all stakeholders involved in the supply chain, as well as favorable policies and incentives from governments and institutions to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. The key features of Blockchain, including real-time transparency, traceability, and automated smart contract management, enable risk mitigation and contribute to the overall resilience of green supply chains.
Design of a specialized search engine for university students dedicated to education and environment
Authors: Ouald Chaib Sara , Joti Imane , Khoulji Samira
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to introduce a new specialized search engine that helps university students learn about environmental issues and improve their environmental literacy. Our search engine collects information from environmental documents and scientific articles from trusted sources. After intensive word processing, it provides a list of different contexts for the terms queried, depending on the chosen field, allowing students to refine their online search. In a single operation, students can find phrases and paragraphs using multiple related terms. This model aims to generate maximum output with semantic value using minimum user input, thanks to the new search mechanism on which it is based. The search engine is optimized for environmental education, allowing students to access environmental information in their preferred language. Our work is structured as follows: first, we motivate the need for a specialized environmental education search engine. Then, we discuss the context and construction of our specialized search engine for environmental education. Finally, we review the proposed solution and conclude with future work.
Average variance portfolio optimization using machine learning-based stock price prediction case of renewable energy investments
Authors: Sabbar Karima , El Kharrim Moad
Published: August 2023

With the progress of time series prediction, several recent developments in machine learning have shown that the integration of prediction methods into portfolio selection is a great opportunity to structure investment decisions in the renewable energy industry. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to portfolio formation strategy based on a hybrid machine learning model that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long-term bidirectional memory (BiLSTM) with robust input characteristics obtained from Huber’s location for stock prediction and the mean-variance (MV) Markowitz model for optimal portfolio construction. Specifically, this study first applies a prediction method for stock pre-selection to ensure high-quality stock inflows for portfolio formation. Then, the predicted results are integrated into the MV model. To comprehensively demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model, we used two portfolio models, the MV model and the equal-weighted (1/N) portfolio model, with LSTM, BiLSTM and CNN-BiLSTM, and used them as references. Between January 2016 and December 2021, historical data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand 50 Index (SET50) was collected for the study. Experience shows that integrating stock pre-selection can improve VM performance, and the results of the proposed method show that they outperform comparison models in terms of Sharpe ratio, average return and risk.
L’influence d’un biostimulant enracineur sur la croissance racinaire du haricot vert
Authors: Tahiri Hassane , El yachioui Mohammed , Khadmaoui Abderrazzak
Published: August 2023

Les biostimulants enracineur sont des produits qui visent à stimuler le développement du système racinaire des plantes. Ils peuvent être appliqués au moment du semi, de la transplantation ou pendant la croissance des cultures. Ces produits contiennent généralement des substances naturelles, telles que des extraits d’algues, des hormones végétales, des acides aminés et des vitamines, qui agissent en synergie pour favoriser la croissance et le développement des racines.Les légumineuses telles que les pois, les haricots et les lentilles, jouent un rôle important dans l’agriculture durable en raison de leur capacité à fixer l’azote atmosphérique et à améliorer la fertilité du sol. Les haricots verts sont riches en fibres alimentaires et une source de vitamines et de protéines végétales. Au Maroc, la superficie cultivée du haricot vert augmente au fur et à mesure pour atteindre 8.000 hectares en 2020.Plusieurs études ont examiné les effets des biostimulants enracineur sur les légumineuses, et les résultats sont prometteurs. L’application de ces produits a été associée à une augmentation de la longueur et de la densité des racines, ce qui améliore l’absorption des nutriments et de l’eau. De plus, les biostimulants enracineur ont montré des effets bénéfiques sur la nodulation des légumineuses, en favorisant la formation de nodules racinaires et en augmentant la fixation de l’azote atmosphérique.Le but de notre travail consiste à étudier l’efficacité d’un biostimulant enracineur sur le développement racinaire du haricot vert. Les résultats obtenus montrent une augmentation moyenne de plus de 55% du poids de la racine en comparaison aux plantes non traitées après trois mois de cultures, ainsi que la longueur de la racine avec une augmentation de presque 60% par rapport au témoin.Les essais aux champs confirment la faisabilité à une grande assurance de ce biostimulant qui a montré des résultats très encourageants.
Bibliometric Analysis of ERP and Performance: Current situation
Authors: Barha M. , Ait Lemqeddem H.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of international research on ERP and Performance from January 2013 to December 2022 using the Scopus Database. We found 256 references, with 71% being articles and the majority focusing on computer science and management science recorded more than 70% of the total studies. Our analysis illustrates a shortfall in ERP and performance studies at the national level.
CAR-T-Zellen zur Behandlung solider Tumoren
Authors: Michaelides Stefanos , Stock Sophia , Kobold Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Die chimäre Antigenrezeptor (CAR)-T-Zell-Therapie ist eine moderne
Krebstherapie, die in Leukämien und Lymphomen beeindruckende Erfolge
verzeichnet. In anderen hämatologischen Erkrankungen und speziell in
soliden Tumoren muss die Wirksamkeit der Therapie weiter verbessert oder
überhaupt erst gezeigt werden. Die Gründe für das
schlechtere Ansprechen sind vielfältig, jedoch wird bereits an
zahlreichen Ansätzen gearbeitet, diese Schwierigkeiten zu umgehen.
First-trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic
immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic immune-response index (SIRI) as
predictors of composite adverse outcomes in pregnant women with Familial
Mediterranean fever
Authors: Sahin Refaettin , Tanacan Atakan , Serbetci Hakki , Karagoz Busra , Agaoglu Zahid , Kara Ozgur , Sahin Dilek
Published: August 2023

Objective To evaluate the utility of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
(NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic immune-response
index (SIRI) in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women
with Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)

Material and methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted
between 2019–2023. First-trimester NLR, SII (NLR X platelet count), and
SIRI (NLR X monocyte count) values were compared between pregnant women with FMF
(n=85) and without FMF (n=105). Thereafter, pregnant women with
FMF were divided into two groups: 1) FMF with perinatal complications
(n=30), and 2) FMF without perinatal complications (n=55). NLR,
SII, and SIRI values were compared between the two subgroups. Finally, an ROC
analysis was performed to determine optimal cut-off values for NLR, SII, and
SIRI in the prediction of composite adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results The FMF group had significantly higher first-trimester NLR, SII,
and SIRI values compared to the controls. The FMF with perinatal complications
group had significantly higher NLR, SII, and SIRI values than the FMF group
without perinatal complications (p<0.05). Optimal cut-off values were
4.89 (80% sensitivity, 78.2% specificity), 1180.6 (76.7%
sensitivity, 72.7% specificity), and 1.9 (83.3%
sensitivity,72.7% specificity) for NLR, SII, and SIRI, respectively.

Conclusion SII, SIRI, and NLR may be used to predict adverse pregnancy
outcomes in pregnant women with FMF.
Feeding behaviour of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on nitrogen and water-stressed barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings
Authors: Ponder K.L. , Pritchard J. , Harrington R. , Bale J.S.
Published: August 2023

Electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) were used to examine the probing behaviour of adult apterous Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) on barley seedlings grown under conditions of nitrogen or water stress. Aphids took significantly longer to reach and ingest from sieve elements of nitrogen-deficient seedlings than from nitrogen-sufficient seedlings but there were no such differences between water-stressed or well-watered seedlings. On both nitrogen and water-stressed seedlings the average length of each individual period of salivation into the sieve element was significantly greater compared with their respective unstressed controls.
Surviving the Covid-19 lockdown: Zimbabwe’s informal sector, 2020–2021
Authors: Chenzi Vincent , Ndamba Admire
Published: August 2023

This briefing explores the strategies deployed by informal workers in Harare during Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 lockdown period. It argues that informal workers responded to the lockdown regulations by embracing survival and accumulation strategies which had broader implications for the African continent by ultimately shaping patterns of public health, inequality, authoritarianism and corruption. The briefing provides an example of the consequences when African states unthinkingly imposed unsolicited Covid-19 restrictions that had the unintended effect of devastating a vital part of their economy and with it, the livelihoods of the poorest majority.
Nonexistence of solutions to the coupled generalized Jang equation/zero divergence system
Authors: Jaracz Jaroslaw S
Published: August 2023

In Bray (2011 Asian J. Math.
15 559–612), Bray and Khuri proposed coupling the generalized Jang equation to several different auxiliary equations. The solutions to these coupled systems would then imply the Penrose inequality. One of these involves coupling the generalized Jang equation to

d
i
v

‾

(
ϕ
q
)
=
0

, as this would guarantee the non-negativity of the scalar curvature in the Jang surface. This coupled system of equations has not received much attention, and we investigate its solvability. We prove that there exists a spherically symmetric initial data set for the Einstein equations for which there do not exist smooth radial solutions to the system having the appropriate asymptotics for application to the Penrose inequality.
Singular value decomposition for longitudinal, transverse and mixed ray transforms of 2D tensor fields
Authors: Polyakova Anna P , Svetov Ivan E
Published: August 2023

The operators of longitudinal, transverse and mixed ray transforms acting on two-dimensional symmetric tensor fields of arbitrary degree m in an unit disk are considered in the article. The singular value decompositions of the operators for a parallel scheme of data acquisition are constructed. Orthogonal bases in original spaces and image spaces are constructed using harmonic, Jacobi and Gegenbauer polynomials. Based on the obtained decompositions the polynomial expressions for the (pseudo)inverse and adjoint operators are obtained.
Fabrication of 2D/1D Bi2WO6/halloysite nanotubes photocatalyst towards water purification: a support effect on in situ construction and electron–hole separation
Authors: Ma Jiayu , Jin Xu , Yang Mengjuan , Zhao Ximeng , Ding Shanshan , Wang Bin , Li Xiuyan
Published: August 2023

In this research work, a reusable and efficient 2D/1D heterogeneous structured photocatalyst based on amine-functionalized halloysite nanotubes (MHNTs) and Bi2WO6 nanosheet (BWO) was prepared using a facile hydrothermal method for decomposing PPCPs under simulated sunlight. On the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), the effects of composite catalysts prepared under various conditions were discussed. The results showed that over BWO/MHNTs with a mass ratio was 3:1, the synthesizing temperature was 120 °C and the precursor pH value was 1, the TCH (10 mg l−1) degradation efficiency reached 100% after 1 h irradiation of simulated sunlight. Moreover, BWO/MHNTs composites kept good recovery and stable photocatalytic activity after 5 cycles. The excellent dispersion of Bi2WO6 on the surface of clay minerals and the oxygen vacancy enhanced electron–hole separation may be responsible for the its high activity and stability. Futhermore, the radical capture test demonstrated that ·O−
2 was primarily responsible for the photodegradation of TCH. Thus, BWO/MHNTs composites exhibit a good application prospect in the field of sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation towards PPCPs pollutants in water.
Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian rate coefficients of the tungsten ions: W46+–W55+
Authors: Bao Runjia , Li Bowen
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on the significance of suprathermal (‘hot’) electrons in the tokamak device. Hot electrons, which follow a non-Maxwellian energy distribution, are high-energy electrons that exert a substantial influence on various processes taking place within the plasma. Our aim was to investigate the influence of non-Maxwellian distribution on the rate coefficients of highly charged tungsten ions. This paper presents Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron impact ionization rate coefficients for W46+ to W55+ ions. The cross sections were calculated using the fully relativistic flexible atomic code with level-to-level distorted-wave method. We found that even for a small fraction of hot electrons, the contribution of hot electrons to the rate coefficients is still dominant at low bulk temperature.
High harmonic generation in solids: particle and wave perspectives
Authors: Li Liang , Lan Pengfei , Zhu Xiaosong , Lu Peixiang
Published: August 2023

High harmonic generation (HHG) from gas-phase atoms (or molecules) has opened up a new frontier in ultrafast optics, where attosecond time resolution and angstrom spatial resolution are accessible. The fundamental physical pictures of HHG are always explained by the laser-induced recollision of particle-like electron motion, which lay the foundation of attosecond spectroscopy. In recent years, HHG has also been observed in solids. One can expect the extension of attosecond spectroscopy to the condensed matter if a description capable of resolving the ultrafast dynamics is provided. Thus, a large number of theoretical studies have been proposed to understand the underlying physics of solid HHG. Here, we revisit the recollision picture in solid HHG and show some challenges of current particle-perspective methods, and present the recently developed wave-perspective Huygens–Fresnel picture for understanding dynamical systems within the ambit of strong-field physics.
Structuring the local handedness of synthetic chiral light: global chirality versus polarization of chirality
Authors: Rego Laura , Ayuso David
Published: August 2023

Synthetic chiral light enables ultrafast and highly efficient imaging of molecular chirality. Unlike standard circularly polarized light, the handedness of synthetic chiral light does not rely on the spatial structure of the light field: it is encoded locally, in the chiral trajectory that the tip of the electric-field vector draws in time, at each point in space. Synthetic chiral light that is both locally and globally chiral (Ayuso et al 2019 Nat. Photon.
13 866) allows us to selectively quench the nonlinear response of a selected molecular enantiomer while maximizing it in its mirror twin at the level of total signal intensities. Synthetic chiral light that exhibits polarization of chirality (Ayuso et al 2021 Nat. Commun.
12 3951) allows us to realize a chiral version of Young’s double-slit experiment that leads to enantio-sensitive light bending. Here we connect these new concepts, and show how one can structure the local and global handedness of synthetic chiral light in space to create optical fields which can be both globally chiral and chirality polarized. Using state-of-the-art computational modeling, we show how these local and global properties are imprinted in the enantio-sensitive response of chiral molecules, creating exciting opportunities for ultrafast, all-optical and highly efficient imaging of molecular chirality.
Structural, optical properties of V2O5 and NiO thin films and fabrication of V2O5/NiO heterojunction
Authors: Kishor C H Raj , Ruksana M , Amisha T , Aneesh P M
Published: August 2023

The exceptional stability of metal oxide heterojunctions makes them worthy of the future. Here we report V2O5/NiO heterojunction device fabricated utilizing both physical and chemical deposition techniques. Orthorhombic V2O5 thin films were grown by thermal evaporation technique using the V2O5 nanostructures synthesized via reverse micelle method. Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited using the solution-processed spin coating technique. The structural, optical and morphological properties of the V2O5 and NiO thin films were studied in detail. Highly transparent V2O5/NiO heterojunction was fabricated on FTO coated glass substrate with a device geometry of FTO/NiO/V2O5/Ag. The electrical properties were studied and the J-V curve shows a rectifying nature with a rectification ratio of 12 at a bias voltage of 0.7 V and a knee voltage of 0.58 V. The variation of the ideality factor is studied in different linear regions of the ln (J)- V curve. From the C-V characteristics of the device, a built-in potential of 0.54 V was obtained.
Evaluation of temperature and concentration fields from refractive index field for evaporation-induced convective flow
Authors: Sabnis Avdhut , Anand T N C , Bakshi Shamit
Published: August 2023

The present work relates to the simultaneous determination of concentration and temperature fields from a refractive index field, and is motivated by applications in evaporation. Several optical measurement techniques such as schlieren and interferometry can measure the refractive index field, which can then be converted to a density and temperature field for a single component system. The refractive index, however, is dependent on both temperature and concentration for a multi-component system involving combined heat and mass transfer. Hence, either the temperature or concentration field must be known to obtain the other. To circumvent this issue, several methods are evaluated in this study to extract concentration and temperature fields from a refractive index field. The evaluation is performed based on data from a coupled numerical solution of Navier–Stokes, energy and species conservation equations. The refractive index field can be obtained from this computed temperature and concentration field. This refractive index field is then separately used to obtain the combined temperature-concentration field using the method proposed in this work. This method is based on the premise that there is a relationship between temperature and concentration fields which can help to independently calculate both when the refractive index field is known. The temperature and concentration fields obtained using this approach are then compared with the originally computed field and the errors in them are estimated for a wide range of Lewis numbers. From the study, it is concluded that the proposed methods can be used to accurately determine the temperature and concentration fields from a given refractive index field.
The effective field theory approach to the strong coupling issue in f(T) gravity
Authors: Hu Yu-Min , Zhao Yaqi , Ren Xin , Wang Bo , Saridakis Emmanuel N. , Cai Yi-Fu
Published: August 2023

We investigate the scalar perturbations and the possible strong coupling issues of f(T) around a cosmological background, applying the effective field theory (EFT) approach. We revisit the generalized EFT framework of modified teleparallel gravity, and apply it by considering both linear and second-order perturbations for f(T) theory. We find that no new scalar mode is present in both linear and second-order perturbations in f(T) gravity, which suggests a strong coupling problem. However, based on the ratio of cubic to quadratic Lagrangians, we provide a simple estimation of the strong coupling scale, a result which shows that the strong coupling problem can be avoided at least for some modes. In conclusion, perturbation behaviors that at first appear problematic may not inevitably lead to a strong coupling problem, as long as the relevant scale is comparable with the cutoff scale M of the applicability of the theory.
Growth of curvature perturbations for PBH formation & detectable GWs in non-minimal curvaton scenario revisited
Authors: Chen Chao , Ghoshal Anish , Lalak Zygmunt , Luo Yudong , Naskar Abhishek
Published: August 2023

We revisit the growth of curvature perturbations in non-minimal curvaton scenario with a non-trivial field metricλ(ϕ) whereϕis an inflaton field, and incorporate the effect from the non-uniform onset of curvaton's oscillation in terms of an axion-like potential. The field metricλ(ϕ) plays a central role in the enhancement of curvaton field perturbation δχ, serving as an effective friction term which can be either positive or negative, depending on the first derivativeλ,ϕ. Our analysis reveals thatδχundergoes the superhorizon growth when the conditionηeff≡ -2 √2ϵMPlλ,ϕ/λ< -3 is satisfied. This is analogous to the mechanism responsible for the amplification of curvature perturbations in the context of ultra-slow-roll inflation, namely the growing modes dominate curvature perturbations. As a case study, we examine the impact of a Gaussian dip inλ(ϕ) and conduct a thorough investigation of both the analytical and numerical aspects of the inflationary dynamics. Our findings indicate that the enhancement of curvaton perturbations during inflation is not solely determined by the depth of the dip inλ(ϕ). Rather, the first derivativeλ,ϕalso plays a significant role, a feature that has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Utilizing theδ𝒩 formalism, we derive analytical expressions for both the final curvature power spectrum and the non-linear parameterfNLin terms of an axion-like curvaton's potential leading to the non-uniform curvaton's oscillation. Additionally, the resulting primordial black hole abundance and scalar-induced gravitational waves are calculated, which provide observational windows for PBHs.
Sensitivity extraction of step shape double gate (SSDG) TFET biosensor considering non-ideal scenario
Authors: Abdulquyyaum Khan Abdulkarim , Tiwari Shreyas , Saha Rajesh , Hoque Shandiul
Published: August 2023

In this work, we have implemented the step-shape double gate Tunnel FET (SSDG-TFET) biosensor, where nanogaps are embedded to work it as a biosensor. In these nanogaps, the biomolecules are inserted to work it as biosensor. By increasing the dielectric constant (k) of the biomolecules from 5 to 12, the sensitivity (Sn) is retrieved when neutral and positive/negative biomolecules are present. The influence of k on switching ratios (ION/IOFF, ION/IAMBP) are highlighted under the incidence of neutral biomolecules. Furthermore, the sensitivity is extracted for altered step profiles such as increasing, decreasing, concave, and convex for two different fill factor (FF) of 30% and 60%. The obtained Sn is in the order of 1010 at k = 12 for neutral biomolecules. The comparison of Sn for the SSDG-TFET biosensor with previously published literature is highlighted. Finally, the Sn of SSDG-TFET biosensor for various protein based materials are extracted.
Bending of PN junctions in flexoelectric semiconductors
Authors: Wei Chao , Tang Jian , Huang Wenbin
Published: August 2023

In this paper, electromechanical fields and carrier distributions in a PN junction with coupling to bending deformation are investigated. Based on the macroscopic theory of flexoelectricity and the semiconductor drift-diffusion theory, a one-dimensional model of the PN junction is developed. The effects of doping level, flexoelectric coefficient and material constants on electrons and holes at the equilibrium state are analyzed. The I-V characteristic of the PN junction under the bias voltage is also obtained. The flexoelectric field is demonstrated to affect the built-in electric field of the PN junction and the carrier distributions in the p-doped and n-doped regions, suggesting an avenue for performance tuning of PN junctions.
Can nonvolatile tastants be smelled during food oral processing?
Authors: He Yue , Chen Jianshe , Shi Weiyao , Shi Jingang , Ma Tian , Wang Xinmiao
Published: August 2023

While accumulating evidence implied the involvement of retro-nasal sensation in the consumption of nonvolatile taste compounds, it is still unclear whether it was caused by the taste compounds themselves, and if so, how can they migrate from the oral to nasal cavity. At first, we proposed aerosol particles as an alternative oral–nasal mass transfer mechanism. The high-speed camera approved that aerosol particles could be generated by the typical oral and pharynx actions during food oral processing; while the narrow-band imaging of nasal cleft and mass spectrometry of nostril-exhaled air approved the migration of aerosol within the oral–nasal route. Then, the “smelling” of taste compounds within the aerosol particles was testified. The four-alternative forced choices (4AFC) approved that the potential volatile residues or contaminants within the headspace air of pure taste solution cannot arouse significant smell, while the taste compounds embedded in the in vitro prepared aerosol particles can be “smelled” via the ortho route. The “smell” of sucrose is very different from its taste and the “smell” of quinine, implying its actual olfaction. The sweetness intensity of sucrose solution was also reduced when the volunteers’ noses were clipped, indicating the involvement of retro-nasal sensation during its drinking. At last, the efficiency of aerosol as a mechanism of oral–nasal mass transfer was demonstrated to be comparable with the volatile molecules under the experimental condition, giving it the potential to be a substantial and unique source of retro-nasal sensation during food oral processing.
The T1R3 subunit of the sweet taste receptor is activated by D2O in transmembrane domain-dependent manner
Authors: Ben Abu Natalie , Ben Shoshan-Galeczki Yaron , Malach Einav , Y. Niv Masha
Published: August 2023

Deuterium oxide (D2O) is water in which the heavier and rare isotope deuterium replaces both hydrogens. We have previously shown that D2O has a distinctly sweet taste, mediated by the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor. Here, we explore the effect of heavy water on T1R2 and T1R3 subunits. We show that D2O activates T1R3-transfected HEK293T cells similarly to T1R2/T1R3-transfected cells. The response to glucose dissolved in D2O is higher than in water. Mutations of phenylalanine at position 7305.40 in the transmembrane domain of T1R3 to alanine, leucine, or tyrosine impair or diminish activation by D2O, suggesting a critical role for T1R3 TMD domain in relaying the heavy water signal.
Men’s mental health and the arts: perceived benefits and dynamics of engagement
Authors: O’Donnell Shane , Lohan Maria , Oliffe John L , Grant David , Richardson Noel , Galway Karen
Published: August 2023

Arts engagement is gaining recognition as a non-clinical approach to promote mental health and well-being. However, the perceived utility of the arts to promote mental health among men with low socioeconomic status (SES) and how to best engage them is underexplored. This study explores the lived experiences of men with low SES who engage with the arts in Northern Ireland (n = 41). Data collected via focus groups (n = 5) and interviews (n = 11) were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to inductively derive four themes. Theme 1 highlights how the arts facilitated friendship, a collective identity, peer support and a reason to socialize. Themes 2 and 3 explore how the arts enhanced self-esteem and emotional regulation by developing a routine, purpose, sense of mastery, a sense of catharsis through immersion in a soothing endeavour and an alternative outlet for self-expression. Theme 4 covers strategies that facilitate male engagement in the arts such as using a familiar space, delivering to an existing male group, framing the programme around male interests not health or creativity, building on existing strengths and capacities, enabling ownership, using tangible action-orientated activities, and being non-authoritative and flexible with delivery. This is one of the first studies to highlight the gendered dimensions in which men with low SES engage with and experience mental health benefits through arts engagement. This study points towards relevant theories to further understand the pathways between the arts and improved mental health among men which can inform development of tailored arts programmes for men.
Complex Surfaces With Many Algebraic Structures
Authors: Abasheva Anna , Déev Rodion
Published: August 2023

We find new examples of complex surfaces with countably many non-isomorphic algebraic structures. Here is one such example: take an elliptic curve $E$ in $\mathbb P^{2}$ and blow up nine general points on $E$. Then the complement $M$ of the strict transform of $E$ in the blow-up has countably many algebraic structures. Moreover, each algebraic structure comes from an embedding of $M$ into a blow-up of $\mathbb P^{2}$ in nine points lying on an elliptic curve $F\not \simeq E$. We classify algebraic structures on $M$ using a Hopf transform: a way of constructing a new surface by cutting out an elliptic curve and pasting a different one. Next, we introduce the notion of an analytic K-theory of varieties. Manipulations with the example above lead us to prove that classes of all elliptic curves in this K-theory coincide. To put in another way, all motivic measures on complex algebraic varieties that take equal values on biholomorphic varieties do not distinguish elliptic curves.
The genus Cratoxylum: traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology
Authors: Huong Nguyen Thi , Hop Nguyen Quang , Son Ninh The
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The genus Cratoxylum contained medicinal herbs, which are widely distributed in South-East Asia and China. Plants of this genus were consumed as a vegetable side dish, a spice, an ingredient in soup, or a substitute for tea, as well as they are traditionally appropriate for various diseases such as fever, cough, flu, diarrhoea, etc. The most aims of the current review are to highlight the ultimate information about the traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cratoxylum medicinal plants.

Key findings

The relevant literature data of Cratoxylum species have been gathered from Google Scholar, Sci-Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct and various journal websites. The most meaningful keyword ‘Cratoxylum’ was used in combination or alone in the search for references.

More than 150 reports have been retrieved from the search, completely written in English. Most of them are phytochemical and pharmacological studies, which determined the isolations of 277 metabolites. Xanthone derivatives (205 compounds, 74%) are essential, followed by other chemical classes such as flavonoids, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, benzophenones, phytosterols and tocopherols. Cratoxylum constituents possessed complexed pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimalarial, antiviral, antiamoebic, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and gastroprotective activities, especially in terms of anticancer.
Increased radiosensitivity of melanoma cells through cold plasma pretreatment mediated by ICG
Authors: Momeni Sara , Shanei Ahmad , Sazgarnia Ameneh , Azmoonfar Rasool , Ghorbani Farzaneh
Published: August 2023

Radiation therapy (RT) is the primary treatment for many cancers, but its effectiveness is reduced due to radioresistance and side effects. The study aims to investigate an emerging treatment for cancer, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), as a selectable treatment between cancerous and healthy cells and its role in the occurrence of photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) as a photosensitizer. We examined whether the efficiency of radiotherapy could be improved by combining CAP with ICG. The PDT effect induced by cold plasma irradiation and the radiosensitivity of ICG were investigated on DFW and HFF cell lines. Then, for combined treatment, ICG was introduced to the cells and treated with radiotherapy, followed by cold plasma treatment simultaneously and 24-h intervals. MTT and colony assays were used to determine the survival of treated cells, and flow cytometry was used to identify apoptotic cells. Despite a decrease in the survival of melanoma cells in CAP, ICG did not affect RT. Comparing the ICG + CAP group with CAP, a significant reduction in cell survival was observed, confirming the photodynamic properties of plasma utilizing ICG. The treatment outcome depends on the duration of CAP. The results for healthy and cancer cells also confirmed the selectivity of plasma function. Moreover, cold plasma sensitized melanoma cells to radiotherapy, increasing treatment efficiency. Treatment of CAP with RT can be effective in treating melanoma. The inclusion of ICG results in plasma treatment enhancement. These findings help to select an optimal strategy for a combination of plasma and radiotherapy.
Phytochemical reduces toxicity of PM2.5: a review of research progress
Authors: Guo Yulan , Zhao Jinbin , Ma Xueer , Cai Ming , Chi Yuyang , Sun Chunmeng , Liu Shitong , Song Xiuling , Xu Kun
Published: August 2023

Studies have shown that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) affects various cells, systems, and organs in vivo and in vitro. PM2.5 adversely affects human health through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, autophagy, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Phytochemicals are of interest for their broad range of physiological activities and few side effects, and, in recent years, they have been widely used to mitigate the adverse effects caused by PM2.5 exposure. In this review, the roles of various phytochemicals are summarized, including those of polyphenols, carotenoids, organic sulfur compounds, and saponin compounds, in mitigating PM2.5-induced adverse reactions through different molecular mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis, and regulation of autophagy. These are useful as a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of disease caused by PM2.5.
Comparing shift work tolerance across occupations, work arrangements, and gender
Authors: Saksvik-Lehouillier I , Sørengaard T A
Published: August 2023

Background

There are individual differences in shift work tolerance; however, we lack knowledge about how this is experienced across different occupations, sex and shift types.

Aims

The aim was to describe and investigate shift work tolerance, and individual differences in shift work tolerance, in two occupations, between men and women and between day/evening workers and rotating shift workers.

Methods

Cross-sectional questionnaire study. The sample was comprised of 315 retail workers and 410 police employees.

Results

Shift work tolerance was higher among police employees compared to retail workers, among men compared to women, and among day workers compared to evening/rotating shift workers. The difference was larger between occupations than between sex and shift type. Evening workers had more symptoms of shift work intolerance than rotating shift workers. Neuroticism and autonomy were related to all symptoms of shift work tolerance among retail workers, but not police employees.

Conclusions

It is important to consider the type of occupation and the work context when tailoring work arrangements to the individual.
Biological Approaches to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Barrios-Anderson Adriel , McLaughlin Nicole C. R. , Greenberg Benjamin D.
Published: August 2023

Interest in alternative, nonpharmacological approaches for psychiatric illness, specifically psychiatric neurosurgery and more recent nonsurgical methods of neuromodulation, has grown with the emergence of novel technologies. This chapter briefly reviews the history of the nonpharmacological treatment modalities for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The chapter covers how patients, who are often resistant to standard pharmacological and behavioral treatment for OCD, are selected for the alternative biological approaches. The other biological approaches to OCD that are reviewed in the chapter include modern psychiatric neurosurgical procedures for OCD, such as lesion procedures, deep brain stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation, and nonsurgical approaches, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy.
Neuroanatomy of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Authors: Lillevik Thorsen Anders , van den Heuvel Odile A.
Published: August 2023

The structure, function, and chemistry of the brain in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs), and obsessive-compulsive disorder in particular, have long been the topic of scientific inquiry. Current findings suggest that OCRDs share alterations in frontolimbic, frontostriatal, and frontoparietal circuits related to emotional, cognitive, and sensorimotor processing. Ongoing research is focused on combining imaging modalities to better understand the complexity of the brain, as well as how to translate neurobiological findings into treatment innovations. New research is also employing increased rigor and attempts to increase replicability through larger sample sizes and forming a consensus on how to image and analyze the brain.