bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Veterinary Sanitary Assessment Garden and Wild-Growing Black Currant of Yakutia
Authors: Tatarinova Z G , Krylova A A
Published: February 2022

The provision of the population of Yakutia with vitamin products in the harsh natural conditions of the republic is especially acute. The remoteness of settlements, a complex transport scheme makes it difficult to deliver perishable fruit and vegetable products, the cost increases significantly, and the quality of plant products deteriorates during transportation. But Yakutia is rich in wild berries, among which special attention is paid to black currants. Black currant berries, leaves, buds contain a large amount of vitamins of groups A, PP, groups B, C and E, organic acids, pectin, sugars, tannins, essential oils and other biologically active substances [1,14]. The local population not only collects wild-growing black currants, but is also actively engaged in the cultivation of garden black currants in their backyards. Black currants are used both fresh and frozen; the berry is an excellent raw material for the production of preserves, jams, juices, etc. And like most berries, black currants are perishable products, therefore, the assessment of the compliance of black currants with quality and safety indicators according to the requirements of GOST 6829-2015 (UNECE STANDARD FFV-57:2010) “Fresh black currants. Technical conditions” is relevant [15].

A veterinary and sanitary assessment of the wild-growing black currant of the Okhta (Ribes. Dikusha) and the cultivar Algo (Yakutskaya), (Ribes Nigrum Yakutskava (Algo)) from the backyard of the Batagai-Alyta village of the Eveno-Bytantai region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for compliance the requirements of GOST 6829-2015 (UNECE STANDARD FFV-57:2010) and other regulatory documents. According to the results of organoleptic studies, the content of nitrates, the state of the radiation background, the black currant of the Algo variety and the wild species Okhta of the Eveno-Bytantai region meet the requirements of regulatory documents.
Food Security Management: Regional Aspect
Authors: Kozhukhova N N , Gambeeva Y N , Medvedeva S N
Published: February 2022

The aspects of increasing competitiveness level of the agro-industrial complex are becoming particularly relevant for most countries in the world, as well as their food security in modern conditions of the global crisis and the increasing threat of a further rise in prices on world markets for agricultural products. Basic approaches to food security are presented in research work, the main features of food security management are considered. The food complex is one of the most important sectors of the national economy. Food security is defined as the main socio-economic aspect of national security. The priority place in ensuring the region food security belongs to the agricultural sector. The agricultural sector is an important strategic branch of the domestic national economy, which ensures food security and food independence of the state.
Method of Calculating the Parameters of the Process of Reducing Pressure in a Vacuum-Evaporator
Authors: Fominykh A V , Sergeew N S , Ezdin D P
Published: February 2022

In agriculture, the use of humic preparations can increase the productivity, productivity of animals and poultry. The growth rate of consumption of humic preparations in 2021 … 2025 will be from 1 to 5% per year and the market capacity in Russia will be 1500 tons per reptile. Improvement of equipment for the production of humic preparations is urgent. The physical and mechanical properties of the humic suspension have been determined. In the production of humic preparations, medical centrifuges OS-6MC, a flow-through sedimentation centrifuge and a periodic vacuum evaporator (VVU) were used to increase the concentration of humic suspension. In terms of the energy of germination and germination of spring wheat, a rational method for increasing the concentration of humic suspension by evaporation has been substantiated. We have developed and patented a line with VVU to increase the concentration of humic suspension [21]. At the exhibition Golden Autumn - 2020 (Moscow) “For the production of highly efficient agricultural machinery and the introduction of advanced resource-saving technologies”: Kurgan State Agricultural Academy was awarded a bronze medal and a diploma: “For the development of a line for the production of a humic preparation.” When the time for the VVU to enter the operating mode is the sum of the heating time of the installation to the operating temperature and the time for the pressure drop in the installation from atmospheric to working. A method has been developed for calculating the time the vacuum evaporator reaches the operating mode at start-up. The heating time of the VVU with a tank of 50 liters from the initial installation temperature of 10 ° C to the boiler temperature of 85 ° C, and of the humic suspension to 60 ° C will be 30 minutes at a power source of 12 kW, which is confirmed by experiment. A method for calculating the parameters of the process of lowering the pressure in the VVU has been developed. Dependencies are obtained for studying the relationship between the design and technological parameters of the VVU when the pressure is reduced from atmospheric to working. The time of pressure reduction with a volume of 1 m3 of the vacuum system will be 5 … 6 minutes, which is confirmed by experiment.
Potential of Buildings Creating High-Quality Urban Environment
Authors: Generalov V P , Generalova E M
Published: February 2022

The study deals with the problem of creating high-quality comfortable residential urban environment with the inclusion of residential buildings that have different space-planning structure. The analysis of objects built both in the middle of the last century and in the last 20-30 years is carried out. The research provides comparative assessment of these buildings and complexes that have a developed network of service functions in their structure. As a result, these buildings and complexes have a more significant impact on the creation of high-quality comfortable living environment. Due to the different impact of a building on the living environment, the authors propose to introduce such a concept as «typological potential of a building». Depending upon the impact on comfort and quality of the environment there are residential buildings with «negative», «zero», «small», «medium», «above-average» and «high potential».
Formation of a Communicative Space as an Alternative to the Interaction of the Private and Public Spheres
Authors: Saprykina N A , Saprykin I A
Published: February 2022

The concept of the formation of a communicative space with certain practical methods of implementation in theoretical developments and practical proposals is considered. The main approach to the formation of this direction of research why is presented, associated with the expansion of the boundaries of the creation of architectural objects through the interaction between a person and a communicative space. Some manifestations of this trend is identified: integral space and information and communication environment, the concept of permeability and isolation in the context of open and closed communication space, integrated communication space for the formation of an architectural environment, as well as horizontal communications in the multifunctional aboveground space. The obtained materials of the article can be useful for the theory and practice of the formation of the habitat of the future, as it opens up completely new possibilities in architecture and construction.
Analysis of Legislative Changes in the Regulation of Surface Wastewater Discharges to Water Bodies
Authors: Palagin E D , Strelkov A K , Pavluhin A A
Published: February 2022

The paper considers the features of the transition to a new system of rationing of surface wastewater discharges. The basic legislative requirements are given, the required degree of purification is calculated, which ensures the achievement of technological standards. The possible lists of substances for goals calculating the specifications of permissible dump are given. The necessity of entering additional information into technical standards for the ensure system of rationing of surface wastewater discharges at the design and construction stage is substantiated.
Natural Restoration of Biota According to Earth Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Leonenko A V , Kolobanov K A
Published: February 2022

Studies of the problem of natural recovery of biota are carried out within the boundaries of the influence of the closed mining enterprise “Kerbinsky mine of the Far Eastern Federal District from 2001 to 2011 Intensive development of gold and suprem deposits in the study area in the last century led to a huge accumulation of highly toxic mining waste. For their placement, the lands of the forest fund were seized. Large areas are disturbed here, where there is a weak natural renewal of vegetation. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to study the process of natural recovery of biota according to remote sensing data to ensure the environmental safety of gold mining. Based on the goal, the following tasks are defined: 1. Analyze and summarize the literary data on the named problem; 2. To study hyperspectral images, their decryption process, to analyze the relationship of the granulometric composition of soils with spectral reflectivity; 3. To calculate the areas of land disturbed by placer gold mining; 4. Develop proposals to reduce the negative impact of a mining facility on biota. Spectral analysis established high concentrations of compounds of copper, lead, zinc, mercury not only in waste, but also in environmental components. Experimental studies were conducted using methods of remote sensing of the Earth. The NDVI index was calculated, according to the formula NDVI = NIR - R / NIR + R, where NIR - the reflection coefficient in the near infrared region of the spectrum; RED - reflection coefficient in the red region of the spectrum. With the help of this index, the contours of the disturbed lands were also highlighted. The analyzed data indicate that in recent years (2011-2021) the area of disturbed land is increasing. The results of the NDVI calculation showed that in the summer months along the river valleys of the Kerbisky mining region, it is 0.15-0.25, which indicates the absence of vegetation or a low degree of development of the green mass. The root vegetation is completely destroyed. These guidelines, written in the style of a submission to J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., show the best layout for your paper using Microsoft Word. If you don’t wish to use the Word template provided, please use the following page setup measurements.
Optimizing the Load-Bearing Capacity of Cross Timber Beams Using Different Types of Timber
Authors: Abu-Khasan M , Egorov V , Kuprava L , Kadushkin U
Published: February 2022

This article examines the operation of structures made of solid wooden beams and composite glued beams of two types, consisting of different types of wood. The object of the study was a beam structure, which is a homogeneous slab resting along a contour of constant stiffness under the action of an external load. The calculation of structures made of glued beams of rectangular cross-section has been performed. The calculation is based on the finite element method, analysis of the main methods and approaches for the optimal design of spatial structural structures/The main unknowns are the displacements and rotations of the nodes of the design scheme, based on this, the idealization of the structure is embodied in a form adapted to the use of this method: this system is presented in the form of a certain set of bodies of a standard type, which is attached to the nodes.
Plastic Pipes and Their Use in Rainwater Drainage Systems
Authors: Tarakanov D I
Published: February 2022

This paper studies the conditions for the use of plastic pipes in rainwater drainage systems. In this research, the author undertakes a literature review and finds out that the share of plastic pipes in the construction of gravity sewage network has significantly increased over the past 20 years. Plastic pipes low roughness ensures higher flow rates of wastewater. The peculiarity of rainwater drainage calculating methodology leads to the fact that an increase in the speed of wastewater movement leads to the formation of larger wastewater discharge in the design section of the pipeline with the same rainfall intensity. It is established that at present the cost of rainwater drainage systems construction from polypropylene pipes is 80-100% higher than from reinforced concrete (excluding the construction of pumping stations and wastewater treatment facilities).
Social Housing in Russia: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Authors: Solodilova L A
Published: February 2022

The main type of housing construction in modern Russia is an apartment building (MKD) with combined types of property: commercial and municipal (state). The current situation is a direct reflection of the inexpressive architectural appearance of mass residential development. Municipal apartments of the state form of ownership, which are part of the MKD, can and should be allocated to a separate class of social housing with subsequent architectural and spatial development and taking into account new effective forms of private rental entrepreneurship and management. The reason for this are the intensive efforts of state structures, which are increasingly entering the rental housing market, creating competition for the shadow sector of rented apartments by the so-called private “rentiers.” In this regard, two main directions for the development of social houses of private-state entrepreneurship were identified: rental apartment buildings of a commercial type and municipal houses of a non-commercial type. The development of social houses of private-state entrepreneurship will take into account the socio-economic needs of society and will make the architecture of residential development more diverse.
Recreational Potential and Spatial Organization of the Winery on the Territory of the Samara Region
Authors: Zhukova I V , Barsukova N I
Published: February 2022

The article examines the recreational possibilities of landscape and architectural projects of wineries located in a natural environment. The features of the spatial interaction of the winery architecture with the surrounding landscape are analyzed. It is proved that landscape and architectural complexes in the natural environment should be integrated into the landscape, so as not to cause damage to nature. The peculiarities of the interaction of the winery with the natural environment from the point of view of identifying the recreational potential are formulated and justified. The recreational possibilities of the natural environment of wineries are considered in the context of the developing enotourism. The experimental part is the development of a project for a multifunctional wine-making complex. The possibility of its implementation on the territory of the Samara region, in the place of the national natural park next to the Volga River, is justified. The idea of an eco-friendly coexistence of the building of the winery «Ammonit» and the surrounding natural environment is consistently carried out.
Influence of the Accuracy of Strength Control on the Quality of the Structures Being Erected
Authors: Belentsov Yu A , Egorov V V , Abu-Khasan M S , Kuprava L R
Published: February 2022

The influence of the accuracy of tests in the process of quality control is analyzed on the example of assessing the class of concrete in standard samples and non-destructive methods. Quality control is seen as part of the reliability triad, ensuring a level of reliability during construction. The relationship was established between the accuracy of test methods and quality control based on the result of construction. The factors influencing the efficiency increase of the quality control system are determined The prospects for the development of the accuracy of standard destructive and non-destructive testing methods are assessed. A system for evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of testing by non-destructive methods and a connection with the reliability of the structures being erected has been developed; A rational organization of concrete strength control using direct and indirect methods is proposed. The calculation of the organizational and technical potential for the use of non-destructive testing methods has been made; assessment of the influence of changes in the structural characteristics of concrete during its long-term operation on the results of non-destructive testing of strength.
Study of Unconventional Reservoirs in the North-East of Sakhalin
Authors: Kamenev P A , Kostrov Yu V , Degtyarev V A
Published: February 2022

According to the results of geological fieldworks in the north-east of Sakhalin Island on the Schmidt Peninsula and in the Pogranichny Depression, Cenozoic outcrops were studied in order to explore the siliceous deposits of the Pilskaya formation. Samples were taken for analytical studies, small structural forms that are indicators of tectonic stress, were studied. It is shown that the fracture intensity depends on the lithology, the position of the observation point relative to disjunctive and/or plicative structures. A sharp nonuniformity of the stress field in the vicinity of the Pogranichny Depression is noted, reflected in the nature of the bedding planes, structural discontinuities and parageneses.
Hybrid Column Designs for Industrial Buildings
Authors: Veselov V , Abu-Khasan M , Egorov V
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the possible application of hybrid steel-concrete structures for industrial buildings, presents new developments in the structural forms of columns, supports, as well as ways to interface steel-concrete elements. The calculation of the steel-concrete step column is performed, the analysis of the reduction in steel consumption and other advantages of hybrid steel-concrete structures in comparison with traditional solutions of steel and reinforced concrete columns is made. The use of hybrid steel-concrete structures is effective mainly in compressed elements: columns, posts, supports, compressed parts of beams and trusses, crane beams, frame and arched structures.
Principles for the Design of Architectural Objects based on Air-Supported Structures in Extreme Conditions: the Example of the Covid-19 Epidemic
Authors: Pshenichnikova K A
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to identifying the current principles of designing architectural objects based on pneumatic air-supported structures in extreme conditions using the example of the Covid-19 pandemic. The object of the research is project proposals and realized pneumatic buildings and structures of the XXI century, created during the period of the Covid-19 epidemic. The objective of the study is to identify the basic principles for improving the design concepts of pneumatic air-supported objects in a pandemic and post-pandemic period in the context of international architectural and engineering trends to predict the vector of their further development. The methodological approach to the study of these problems is based on a systematic analysis of the features of the formation of pneumatic structures and is based on the materials of the implemented and designed buildings and structures of pneumatic architecture, as well as the study of open domestic and foreign scientific publications in this area. The findings of the study demonstrate the key advantages of using pneumatic air-supported structures in the creation of architectural buildings and structures based on the identified design principles, considering modern measures of epidemiological safety. The results obtained can be useful for architects, designers and engineers.
Combined Subset Simulation and Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization in Reliability-Based Structural Optimization
Authors: Sutha Arnut , Huynh Van Thu , Tangaramvong Sawekchai
Published: February 2022

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) addresses the cost-effective integrity design of structures in the presence of inherent uncertain parameters. Processing this class of problem is challenging from the computational burden to determine the failure probability of structures violating the limit-state function. This paper proposes an efficient decoupling RBDO method that advantageously couples a comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) algorithm with a subset simulation (SS), termed as SS-CLPSO approach. In essence, the proposed method iteratively performs the CLPSO assuming deterministic parameters based on the most probable point underpinning limit-state functions updated within the reliability evaluation process. Based on the CLPSO design data, the SS approximates the spectrum of limit-state functions under uncertain parameters, and hence enables the significant reduction of Monte-Carlo simulations for the failure probability prediction. The SS map outs the failure probability from the conditional samples constructed at each intermediate event. The proposed SS-CLPSO terminates the optimal solution to the RBDO problem as when the resulting failure probability converges to the permissible threshold. The applications of the present approach are illustrated through the steel truss design under probabilistic uncertain parameters and constraints.
Effect of norcholine fluid derivative on the resilience of mild steel to electrochemical degradation in weak HCl media
Authors: Loto R T
Published: February 2022

The resilience of mild steel to electrochemical degeneration in weak electrolyte corrosion (0.5 M HCl) was assessed at discrete concentrations of Norcholine derivatives by potentiodynamic polarization and open circuit potential analysis. Degradation rate of the steel substantially declined with augmentation of Norcholine concentration from 9.49 mm/y in control HCl (no Norcholine) to 0.27 mm/y at highest Norcholine value of 15%. The degradation rate at this inhibitor concentration correlates of 97.1% protection performance. Norcholine demonstrated cathodic inhibition effect from observation of the negative deviation in corrosion potential. Norcholine was also observed to indicate substantial passive reaction mechanism on the anodic polarization regions of the polarization graphs. This translates to evolution of non-porous layer on the steel exterior. Open circuit potential graphs indicate substantial variation between the inhibited and acid degraded graphs of the steel. Mathematical computations through analysis of variance demonstrates Norcholine concentration and potential tracking time are statistically important variation sources influencing the protection performance of Norcholine at values of 68.03% and 26.4%.
Modified Scheil equation for the Cu-Sn system and comparison of hardness and electrical conductivity of Cu-8.5wt% Sn alloy directionally solidified
Authors: Cruz R A , Santos G A , Nascimento M S , Teram R , de Luca R , dos Santos V T , da Silva M R , Couto A A
Published: February 2022

The Scheil equation, which estimates the concentration of solute in the solid at the solid/liquid interface, does not account for the curvatures of liquidus and solidus lines. We modified the equation to account for these curvatures and compared some microsegregation indexes obtained by the original and the new equations with data from the literature about the Cu-Sn system. The new one can furnish a better approximation of the range of concentration of solute, but a poorer estimate of the maximum volume fraction of the eutectoid mixture. At last, we compared the hardness and electrical conductivity of an upward solidified alloy of this system with its equivalent commercial one. The as-cast alloy has a lower hardness and a higher conductivity due to its columnar structure.
Print fidelity evaluation of PVA hydrogel using computational fluid dynamics for extrusion dependent 3D printing
Authors: Raj Ratnesh , Vamsi Venkata Krishna Siriki , Desai Akshat , Sachin Chintapalli , Dixit Amit Rai
Published: February 2022

This study presents a practical method of print fidelity evaluation for an extrusion-dependent technique of 3D printing. Simulation through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool has been used for evaluating the fidelity of printing. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based hydrogel was prepared with deionized (DI) water and PVA powder using a magnetic stirrer at 90 °C for 3D printing. Rheological tests were carried out for checking the viscosity at various shear rates. CFD simulation was done by employing the Bird-Carreau modelusing rheological values. Velocity, pressure, shearing rate, and viscosity distributions through nozzle were obtained. From the shear rate and viscosity results, the increase in shear rate and decrease in gel’s viscosity for both the nozzles prove that the material can be extruded. It was seen that the nozzle with a diameter of 0.51mm shows better results than the 0.41mm diameter, which was concluded from the values of maximum shear rate at the edges of the nozzles. The maximum shear rate value has reached a maximum of up to 326.5102s
–1 whereas for a 0.41 mm diameter nozzle, it is 623.8037s
–1 increasing the chances of developing wavy edges in a 0.41mm diameter nozzle than a 0.51mm diameter nozzle concluding that the nozzle with 0.51mm diameter gives far better results than the 0.41mm diameter nozzle.
Eight Wave Mixing Process is suitable to make Single Photon Source for Quantum Cryptography
Authors: Priyanka  , Gill Savita
Published: February 2022

Single photon source for use in quantum cryptography should show higher order photon antibunching. We have analyzed non classical effect i.e. higher order photon antibunching in pump mode of eight-wave mixing non linear optical process using short time interaction technique and also the dependence of non classicality on the number of photons prior to interaction in non linear medium. Further we have reported that higher the order of photon antibunching, higher will be the probability to generate single photon source utilized in quantum cryptography.
Active Layer Thickness Optimization for Maximum Efficiency in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell
Authors: Daniel Susan G , Devu B , Sreekala C O
Published: February 2022

Organic solar cell (OSC) is one of the best promising candidate for harvesting energy mainly due to their simple and economic fabrication process, the reduced manufacturing cost, and easy integration to other products. Bulk heterojunction solar cell in which the active layer is a blend of donor –acceptor materials are one of the best organic photovoltaic device with highest efficiency and a significant improvement in the device performance occur over last years. Bulk heterojunction architecture gives a high interfacial surface area for efficient charge dissociation. In this study, bulk heterojunction solar cell is simulated using General Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model Software. A donor-acceptor blend of Zinc pthalocyanine (ZnPc) fullerene C60 is used as the active layer. The power conversion efficiency for various thickness of the active layer is studied. Optimization of active layer thickness for maximum power conversion efficiency are done. The dependence of various electrical parameters such as short circuit current density(Jsc), Open circuit voltage(Voc), fill factor (FF), average carrier mobility on power conversion efficiency are also studied.
Investigation of Jump Resonance of a Horizontal Axis Washing Machine for Nonlinear Vibration using the Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Dhanda Mohit , Gupta Arpan
Published: February 2022

In this work, a drum-type horizontal axis washing machine with two springs and two dampers has been considered to study the jump resonance phenomenon. Here two springs and two dampers are used and effects of nonlinear spring stiffness on vibration level in both horizontal and vertical directions have been investigated. In this study, a mathematical model of a horizontal axis washing machine is formed. A separate analysis is carried out in both vertical and horizontal directions by considering the whole system as a two degree of freedom system. As vibration magnitude is large due to unbalance mass of wet clothes, hence nonlinear stiffness of spring is considered. The analytical solution for the mathematical model is found using the harmonic balance method. One term expansion is used in this method to study the response of the system. To study the vibration response of the system, one term expansion is used. From this study, it has been found that the spring with cubic nonlinear stiffness increases the amplitude of vibration. Also, with the increase in cubic non-linear stiffness, the system tends to have multiple equilibrium positions. These equilibrium positions may be stable or unstable. It has been detected that the vibration amplitude has three different values for a few excitation frequencies due to cubic stiffness. So, the response of the system suddenly increases and then decreases due to cubic non-linearity which indicates the jump resonance.
Probe into DNA interaction, cell toxicity and antifungal activities of phyto-synthesized yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles
Authors: Meenambal Rugmani , Hema S K , Tomar Vedika , Puyam Anita
Published: February 2022

Green synthesis is considered to be eco-friendly approach in comparison to chemical mediated synthesis and hence the study demonstrates facile Nyctanthes arbortristis mediated phyto-synthesis of biocompatible yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to confirm the formation of cubic Y2O3 nanoparticles. Further, the interaction of Y2O3 with calf thymus-DNA were scrutinized by UV-visible, fluorescence spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques and the results suggested the stabilization of CT-DNA by the biosynthesized Y2O3. Also, the synthesized Y2O3 does not exhibit any toxicity in SK-MEL, human melanoma cell lines. Further, the studies on antifungal activities of Y2O3 nanoparticles revealed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of plant pathogen Exserohilum rostratum causing Exserohilum leaf blight in pearl millet. Hence, the findings deliver the foundation for furtherbiological research investigations of Y2O3 and its application in phytopathogen control.
Synthesis and Characterization of La0.70Ca0.30MnO3 System for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Paul Surinder , Manokamna  , Kumar Arun , Kumar Arvind
Published: February 2022

La0.70Ca0.30MnO3 system has been prepared by solid state reaction method for cathode of solid oxide fuel cell applications. The structural studies have been investigated by X-Ray diffraction method and the experimental results have confirmed that the prepared system has been well crystallized into single phase, crystal structure is orthorhombic and size of the particle has been calculated to be 0.35 μm. The surface morphology has been studied by scanning electron microscopy which confirmed that grain sizes are irregular, non uniform and randomly oriented. Archimedes principle has been used to investigate the density of the prepared material. Thermal properties of the system confirmed its stability at high temperature and thermal expansion coefficient well matched with other cell components. The dielectric as well as impedance properties have been investigated at different ranges of temperature and frequency. Electrical conductivity of the prepared system has been found to be more than 100 S/cm as well as obtained value of activation energy signifies that the synthesized system is suitable for cathode of solid oxide fuel cell applications.
Electrochemical sensing of malathion using doped MOFs
Authors: Nikhar S , Kumar P
Published: February 2022

Coordination polymerization produces a variety of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), each with its own set of physical & chemical properties. Making MOFs suitably conductive in nature, is one of the hurdles faced to be utilized its potential practical applications. To explore the electrical conductivity’s features of MOFs, NH2-Al-MOF, ZnQ@ZIF-8 and Al-MIL-53 MOF have been treated with NaOH, H2SO4, and HCl. Acid/Alkaline doped MOFs have been utilized to prepare conducting thin films on indium tin oxide (ITO) slides using drop-casted method. Electrical feature analysis has indicated reduction in overall resistance of NH2-Al-MOF < ZnQ@ZIF-8 < Al-MIL-53. The prepared MOFs thin films have been used for malathion detection. We have found limit of detection (LOD) i.e., 1.668 mg/L 2.386 mg/L and 2.397 mg/L for malathion using doped MOFs, respectively.
Green synthesis of vanadium oxide nanoparticles for thin film based sensor application
Authors: Kishan Chand T.R. , Kalpana H.M. , Lalithamba H.S.
Published: February 2022

A high yield of single phase orthorhombic vanadium oxide (V2O5) nanoparticles with solution combustion method is obtained in a very quick succession at 500 °C, by the utilization of Butea monosperma seed extract, to study its suitability towards pressure sensors. The Structural, Transmission spectral, Morphological, Compositional and the Absorption spectral analysis of the deposited vanadium oxide nanoparticle samples are examined using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV) respectively. The results from the structural analysis denote the nanoparticles with the crystallite size of 4.76 Å, dislocation density of 441.35*1016/m2 along with the micro strain of 76.0366*10-3. Infrared transmission spectral images clearly display three strong peaks at 1633.76 cm-1, 1070.80 cm-1 and 537.25 cm-1, stating the presence of a strong and stable vanadyl bonding structure. Images from its morphological analysis depict the nanoparticles are homogeneously porous without any cracks on its surface. The composition of the nanoparticles clearly displays the presence of vanadium and oxygen atoms in a strong bonding structure. Absorption spectral results showed that the obtained samples after synthesis are in nano size with narrow size distribution. The results obtained from the experimental analysis indicate a stable performance, good linearity and stability, indicating its suitability for pressure sensing application.
Room temperature Al-induced electroless tin film deposition enabled by ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Shinde Shivkanya , Ghosh Swatilekha
Published: February 2022

Aluminium induced electroless tin film deposition were carried on Cu and mild steel at 25 °C in presence of ultrasound irradiation. Ten times faster growth rate (5.04μm h−1) was observed when ultrasound was introduced with respect to processes without agitation (0.51μm h−1). These deposits are dense, homogeneous, pore free containing fine particles (25 nm in crystallite size) irrespective of the substrate, the sonication power applied and system with or without NaH2PO2. A better corrosion resistance (5 times higher compared to silent process) was materialized for the ultrasound application which might be due to thick deposits with fine particles.
Magnetic tunnel junction based implementation of spike time dependent plasticity learning for pattern recognition
Authors: Lone Aijaz H , Amara S , Fariborzi H
Published: February 2022

We present a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based implementation of the spike time-dependent (STDP) learning for pattern recognition applications. The proposed hybrid scheme utilizes the spin–orbit torque (SOT) driven neuromorphic device-circuit co-design to demonstrate the Hebbian learning algorithm. The circuit implementation involves the (MTJ) device structure, with the domain wall motion in the free layer, acting as an artificial synapse. The post-spiking neuron behaviour is implemented using a low barrier MTJ. In both synapse and neuron, the switching is driven by the SOTs generated by the spin Hall effect in the heavy metal. A coupled model for the spin transport and switching characteristics in both devices is developed by adopting a modular approach to spintronics. The thermal effects in the synapse and neuron result in a stochastic but tuneable domain wall motion in the synapse and a superparamagnetic behaviour of in neuron MTJ. Using the device model, we study the dimensional parameter dependence of the switching delay and current to optimize the device dimensions. The optimized parameters corresponding to synapse and neuron are considered for the implementation of the Hebbian learning algorithm. Furthermore, cross-point architecture and STDP-based weight modulation scheme is used to demonstrate the pattern recognition capabilities by the proposed neuromorphic circuit.
Trunk spines of trees: a physical defence against bark removal and climbing by mammals?
Authors: Lefebvre Théodore , Charles-Dominique Tristan , Tomlinson Kyle W
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

The defensive role of spines has previously been related to leaves, young shoots and reproductive organs. However, some woody species harbour spines on their trunks where none of those organs are present. Several explanations are plausible: they could be (1) climbing aids, (2) remnants from defence of leaves or reproductive organs during an earlier development phase, or (3) an as-yet undescribed defence. Here we investigate whether they could play a role against either bark feeding or preventing climbing animals accessing food resources in the tree canopy.

Methods

We described 31 woody species with spines on their trunk, growing in a botanical garden, to test whether morphological strategies could be identified and suggest what could be their most likely function. As testing their function is difficult experimentally for large pools of species, we performed virtual experiments to evaluate the potential roles of trunk spines against bark removal and climbing animals of different sizes. We then compared for each species and their confamilial non-spiny species the nutritional profiles of leaf, bark and reproductive organs to test whether trunk spines were associated with a nutritious organ (more likely targeted by herbivores).

Key Results

We identified four morphological syndromes of trunk spines. Two corresponded to already known functions (anchorage for lianas and crown defence against large ground mammals), and two strategies are newly described trait syndromes with traits suggesting a defence against bark feeding and climbing mammals. By simulation, we show how each strategy could translate into defence against debarking and prevent herbivores from climbing.

Conclusions

We identified trunk spine strategies and the criteria to classify them, their most likely function and the likely feeding mode and size of animal against which different trunk spine strategies may be effective. We discuss further perspectives for testing their function and their ecological significance.
Effects of polygalacturonase overexpression on pectin distribution in the elongation zones of roots under aluminium stress
Authors: Nagayama Teruki , Tatsumi Akane , Nakamura Atsuko , Yamaji Naoki , Satoh Shinobu , Furukawa Jun , Iwai Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

The roots of many plant species contain large amounts of pectin and it contributes to the formation of the rhizosphere. In the present study, the relationship between the root-tip pectin content and aluminium (Al) tolerance in wild-type (WT) and demethylesterified pectin degradation enzyme gene overexpressor (OsPG2-FOX) rice lines was compared. OsPG2-FOX rice showed reduced pectin content in roots, even under control conditions; Al treatment reduced root elongation and the pectin content in the root elongation zone. Wild-type rice showed more pectin accumulation in the root elongation zone after Al treatment. Relative to WT rice, OsPG2-FOX rice showed more Al accumulation in the root elongation zone. These results indicate that the amount of pectin influences Al tolerance and that the distribution of pectin in the root elongation zone inhibits Al accumulation in rice roots. Pectin accumulation in cell walls in the root elongation zone may play a role in protecting rice plants from the Al-induced inhibition of root elongation by regulating pectin distribution.
Meiotic chromosome organization and crossover patterns
Authors: Shang Yongliang , Tan Taicong , Fan Cunxian , Nie Hui , Wang Ying , Yang Xiao , Zhai Binyuan , Wang Shunxin , Zhang Liangran
Published: February 2022

Meiosis is the foundation of sexual reproduction, and crossover recombination is one hallmark of meiosis. Crossovers establish the physical connections between homolog chromosomes (homologs) for their proper segregation and exchange DNA between homologs to promote genetic diversity in gametes and thus progenies. Aberrant crossover patterns, e.g., absence of the obligatory crossover, are the leading cause of infertility, miscarriage, and congenital disease. Therefore, crossover patterns have to be tightly controlled. During meiosis, loop/axis organized chromosomes provide the structural basis and regulatory machinery for crossover patterning. Accumulating evidence shows that chromosome axis length regulates the numbers and the positions of crossovers. In addition, recent studies suggest that alterations in axis length and the resultant alterations in crossover frequency may contribute to evolutionary adaptation. Here, current advances regarding these issues are reviewed, the possible mechanisms for axis length regulating crossover frequency are discussed, and important issues that need further investigations are suggested.
Ecocide, Climate Criminals and the Politics of Bushfires
Authors: Walters Reece
Published: February 2022

Throughout the last thirty years bushfires or wildfires have increased globally with devastating impacts on ecosystems, human habitats and greenhouse gas emissions. The recording of unprecedented temperatures coupled with the warming of international oceans, and the melting of polar icecaps from anthropocentric climate change are major contributors to the increase of global wildfires that are forecasted to worsen unless urgent political intervention reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The state and corporate actors that enable widespread toxic emissions have been referred to as ‘climate criminals’ within discourses of ecocide and green criminology. This article adopts a green criminological lens to the emerging concept of ‘ecocide’ to examine political leaders and their mismanagement of devastating bushfires. Through a detailed interrogation of Australia’s Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements it traces the devastating Summer events of 2019/2020 and concludes that political inaction underpinned by fossil fuel economic priorities were instrumental in creating the contexts for a preventable environmental and human catastrophe.
Continuous manipulation of mental representations is compromised in cerebellar degeneration
Authors: McDougle Samuel D , Tsay Jonathan S , Pitt Benjamin , King Maedbh , Saban William , Taylor Jordan A , Ivry Richard B
Published: February 2022

We introduce a novel perspective on how the cerebellum might contribute to cognition, hypothesizing that this structure supports dynamic transformations of mental representations. In support of this hypothesis, we report a series of neuropsychological experiments comparing the performance of individuals with degenerative cerebellar disorders on tasks that either entail continuous, movement-like mental operations or more discrete mental operations. In the domain of visual cognition, the cerebellar disorders group exhibited an impaired rate of mental rotation, an operation hypothesized to require the continuous manipulation of a visual representation. In contrast, the cerebellar disorders group showed a normal processing rate when scanning items in visual working memory, an operation hypothesized to require the maintenance and retrieval of remembered items. In the domain of mathematical cognition, the cerebellar disorders group was impaired at single-digit addition, an operation hypothesized to primarily require iterative manipulations along a mental number-line; this group was not impaired on arithmetic tasks linked to memory retrieval (e.g. single-digit multiplication). These results, obtained in tasks from two disparate domains, point to a potential constraint on the contribution of the cerebellum to cognitive tasks. Paralleling its role in motor control, the cerebellum may be essential for coordinating dynamic, movement-like transformations in a mental workspace.
Effects of thinning on the longitudinal and radial variation in wood properties of Eucalyptus nitens
Authors: Gendvilas Vilius , Neyland Mark , Rocha-Sepúlveda Manuel F , Downes Geoffrey M , Hunt Mark , Jacobs Andrew , Williams Dean , Vega Mario , O’Reilly-Wapstra Julianne
Published: February 2022

Eucalypt plantations in Tasmania have been managed predominantly for fibre production, but there is also growing interest in the production of solid wood products. For solid wood production, stiffness and basic density are key wood properties as they define the suitability of the timber for particular products and ultimately value. To inform processing options available for targeting high value wood products there is a need to understand how wood properties vary within a tree and how thinning impacts wood quality to foster efficient processing. Three thinning trials of 20–22-year-old plantation grown Eucalyptus nitens were used to assess stiffness and basic density longitudinally from the base to 20 m height in the tree and radially at a fixed height of 2.5 m. Longitudinally and radially, wood properties varied more within the tree than the variation which arose as a result of thinning. Stiffness was lowest at the bottom of the tree irrespective of thinning treatment and the highest stiffness was located from 7.5 to 15 m height depending on thinning and site. Commercial thinning to 300 trees ha−1 had no effect on stiffness in the bottom of the tree but resulted in lower stiffness in the upper logs. Trees in thinned stands had slightly lower basic density and that reduction was consistent within the tree and across sites. Thinning resulted in significant radial change in wood properties and the thinning effect was apparent soon after the thinning treatment. The results demonstrate that thinning has an adverse impact on wood properties, but not to a degree that hinders the benefits thinning brings to maximizing wood growth. However, the high variation in wood quality within the tree suggests that it would be valuable segregating logs within a tree to maximize solid wood product value.
Population differentiation and structural variation in theManduca sextagenome across the United States
Authors: Mongue Andrew J , Kawahara Akito Y
Published: February 2022

Many species that are extensively studied in the laboratory are less well characterized in their natural habitat, and laboratory strains represent only a small fraction of the variation in a species’ genome. Here we investigate genomic variation in 3 natural North American populations of an agricultural pest and a model insect for many scientific disciplines, the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). We show that hornworms from Arizona, Kansas, and North Carolina are genetically distinct, with Arizona being particularly differentiated from the other 2 populations using Illumina whole-genome resequencing. Peaks of differentiation exist across the genome, but here, we focus in on the most striking regions. In particular, we identify 2 likely segregating inversions found in the Arizona population. One inversion on the Z chromosome may enhance adaptive evolution of the sex chromosome. The larger, 8 Mb inversion on chromosome 12 contains a pseudogene which may be involved in the exploitation of a novel hostplant in Arizona, but functional genetic assays will be required to support this hypothesis. Nevertheless, our results reveal undiscovered natural variation and provide useful genomic data for both pest management and evolutionary genetics of this insect species.