bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability, acceptability, validity and responsiveness of the CHU9D and PedsQL in the measurement of quality of life in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity
Authors: Hayes Alison , Raghunandan Rakhee , Killedar Anagha , Smith Sarah , Cvejic Erin , Howell Martin , Petrou Stavros , Lancsar Emily , Wong Germaine , Craig Jonathan , Howard Kirsten
Published: April 2023

Background

The Paediatric Quality of life Inventory (PedsQLTM) Generic Core Scales and the Child Health Utilities 9 Dimensions (CHU9D) are two paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures commonly used in overweight and obesity research. However, no studies have comprehensively established the psychometric properties of these instruments in the context of paediatric overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, acceptability, validity and responsiveness of the PedsQL and the CHU9D in the measurement of HRQoL among children and adolescents living with overweight and obesity.

Subjects/Methods

Subjects were 6544 child participants of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, with up to 3 repeated measures of PedsQL and CHU9D and aged between 10 and 17 years. Weight and height were measured objectively by trained operators, and weight status determined using World Health Organisation growth standards. We examined reliability, acceptability, known group and convergent validity and responsiveness, using recognised methods.

Results

Both PedsQL and CHU9D demonstrated good internal consistency reliability, and high acceptability. Neither instrument showed strong convergent validity, but PedsQL appears to be superior to the CHU9D in known groups validity and responsiveness. Compared with healthy weight, mean (95%CI) differences in PedsQL scores for children with obesity were: boys −5.6 (−6.2, −4.4); girls −6.7 (−8.1, −5.4) and differences in CHU9D utility were: boys −0.02 (−0.034, −0.006); girls −0.035 (−0.054, −0.015). Differences in scores for overweight compared with healthy weight were: PedsQL boys −2.2 (−3.0, −1.4) and girls −1.3 (−2.0, −0.6) and CHU9D boys: no significant difference; girls −0.014 (−0.026, −0.003).

Conclusion

PedsQL and CHU9D overall demonstrated good psychometric properties, supporting their use in measuring HRQoL in paediatric overweight and obesity. CHU9D had poorer responsiveness and did not discriminate between overweight and healthy weight in boys, which may limit its use in economic evaluation.
Spatial mapping of low pressure cluster jets using Rayleigh scattering
Authors: Patel Milaan , Geethika B. R. , Thomas Jinto , Joshi Hem
Published: April 2023

In this work, we report evolution of atomic clusters in a highly under-expanded supersonic jet of Argon. A high resolution and sensitive Rayleigh scattering based experimental set-up is designed to overcome the limitations encountered in conventional set-ups. Further, the measurement range could be extended from a few nozzle diameters to 50 nozzle diameters. Simultaneously, we had been able to generate 2D profiles of the distribution of clusters inside the jet. This paves the way to track the growth of clusters along the flow direction experimentally, which until now was limited to few nozzle diameters. The results show that spatial distribution of clusters inside the supersonic core deviates considerably from the prediction of the free expansion model. We exploit this to estimate cluster growth along the expansion direction. Further, it is observed that the growth of the clusters gets saturated after a certain distance from the nozzle. At the jet boundary, we see substantial cluster strengthening immediately upstream of barrel shock while the normal shock exhibits disintegration of clusters. These observations are noticed for the first time, which, we believe will further the understanding of cluster dynamics in a supersonic jet.
Classical conditioning of faciliatory paired-pulse TMS
Authors: Ewers Stefan P. , Dreier Timo M. , Al-Bas Siham , Schwenkreis Peter , Pleger Burkhard
Published: April 2023

In this proof-of-concept study, we questioned whether the influence of TMS on cortical excitability can be applied to classical conditioning. More specifically, we investigated whether the faciliatory influence of paired-pulse TMS on the excitability of the human motor cortex can be transferred to a simultaneously presented auditory stimulus through conditioning. During the conditioning phase, 75 healthy young participants received 170 faciliatory paired TMS pulses (1st pulse at 95% resting motor threshold, 2nd at 130%, interstimulus interval 12 ms), always presented simultaneously with one out of two acoustic stimuli. In the test phase, 20 min later, we pseudorandomly applied 100 single TMS pulses (at 130% MT), 50 paired with the conditioned tone—50 paired with a control tone. Using the Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test, we found significantly enhanced median amplitudes of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) paired with the conditioned tone as compared to the control tone, suggesting successful conditioning (p = 0.031, responder rate 55%, small effect size of r = − 0.248). The same comparison in only those participants with a paired-pulse amplitude < 2 mV in the conditioning phase, increased the responder rate to 61% (n = 38) and effect size to moderate (r = − 0.389). If we considered only those participants with a median paired-pulse amplitude < 1 mV, responder rate increased further to 79% (n = 14) and effect size to r = − 0.727 (i.e., large effect). These findings suggest increasingly stronger conditioning effects for smaller MEP amplitudes during paired-pulse TMS conditioning. These proof-of-concept findings extend the scope of classical conditioning to faciliatory paired-pulse TMS.
Volumetric thermo-convective casson fluid flow over a nonlinear inclined extended surface
Authors: Shuaib Muhammad , Anas Muhammad , Rehman Hijab ur , Khan Arshad , Khan Ilyas , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: April 2023

The thermophysical features of Casson fluid flow caused by a nonlinear permeable stretchable surface are assessed in the present study. The computational model of Casson fluid is used to define viscoelasticity, which is quantified rheologically in the momentum equation. Exothermic chemical reactions, heat absorption/generation, magnetic field and nonlinear volumetric thermal/mass expansion over the stretched surface are also considered. The proposed model equations are lessened by the similarity transformation to the dimensionless system of ODEs. The obtained set of differential equations are numerically computed through parametric continuation approach. The results are displayed and discussed via figures and tables. The outcomes of the proposed problem are compared to the existing literature and bvp4c package for the validity and accuracy purposes. It has been perceived that the energy and mass transition rate of Casson fluid increased with the flourishing trend of heat source parameter and chemical reaction respectively. Casson fluid velocity can be elevated by the rising effect of thermal, mass Grashof number and nonlinear thermal convection.
Genome-wide transcriptional profiling provides clues to molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in chickpea
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Ismaili Ahmad , Amirbakhtiar Nazanin , Pouresmael Masoumeh , Shobbar Zahra-Sadat
Published: April 2023

Chickpea is an important food legume cultivated in several countries. A sudden drop in autumn temperature, freezing winter temperature, and late spring cold events result in significant losses in chickpea production. The current study used RNA sequencing of two cold tolerant (Saral) and sensitive (ILC533) Kabuli chickpea genotypes to identify cold tolerance-associated genes/pathways. A total of 200.85 million raw reads were acquired from the leaf samples by Illumina sequencing, and around 86% of the clean reads (199 million) were mapped to the chickpea reference genome. The results indicated that 3710 (1980 up- and 1730 down-regulated) and 3473 (1972 up- and 1501 down-regulated) genes were expressed differentially under cold stress in the tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively. According to the GO enrichment analysis of uniquely down-regulated genes under cold stress in ILC533, photosynthetic membrane, photosystem II, chloroplast part, and photosystem processes were enriched, revealing that the photosynthesis is severely sensitive to cold stress in this sensitive genotype. Many remarkable transcription factors (CaDREB1E, CaMYB4, CaNAC47, CaTCP4, and CaWRKY33), signaling/regulatory genes (CaCDPK4, CaPP2C6, CaMKK2, and CaHSFA3), and protective genes (CaCOR47, CaLEA3, and CaGST) were identified among the cold-responsive genes of the tolerant genotype. These findings would help improve cold tolerance across chickpea genotypes by molecular breeding or genetic engineering.
Full characterization of superradiant pulses generated from a free-electron laser oscillator
Authors: Zen Heishun , Hajima Ryoichi , Ohgaki Hideaki
Published: April 2023

The detailed structure of superradiant pulses generated from a free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator was experimentally revealed for the first time. Owing to the phase retrieval with a combination of linear and nonlinear autocorrelation measurements, we successfully reconstructed the temporal waveform of an FEL pulse including its phase variation. The waveform clearly exhibits the features of a superradiant pulse, the main pulse followed by a train of sub-pulses with π-phase jumps, reflecting the physics of light-matter resonant interaction. From numerical simulations, the train of sub-pulses was found to originate from repeated formation and deformation of microbunches accompanied with a temporal slippage of the electrons and light field, a process quite different from coherent many-body Rabi oscillations observed in superradiance from atomic systems.
Resolution enhancement of NMR by decoupling with the low-rank Hankel model
Authors: Qiu Tianyu , Jahangiri Amir , Han Xiao , Lesovoy Dmitry , Agback Tatiana , Agback Peter , Achour Adnane , Qu Xiaobo , Orekhov Vladislav
Published: April 2023

Virtual broad-band homo-decoupling is demonstrated using Hankel property of the NMR signal. The proposed method enhances resolution and maintains sensitivity.
Ultrafast synthesis of silicone elastomers using silsesquioxane cages as crosslinkers
Authors: Wannasiri Chidchanok , Chanmungkalakul Supphachok , Bureerug Teeraya , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Ervithayasuporn Vuthichai
Published: April 2023

Silsesquioxane cages or POSS can be used as crosslinkers in the superfast 15 minute synthesis of silicone elastomers. The elastomers show high mechanical strength, good thermal stability, and good superhydrophobic properties.
An unprecedented route to achieve persistent 1H-azirine
Authors: Rouf Alvi Muhammad , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2023

An unconventional route is proposed to achieve persistent 1H-azirine (usually unreachable at ambient conditions), from its more stable isomer 2H-azirine.
Carrier diversity and chemical ligations in the toolbox for designing tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) as synthetic vaccine candidates
Authors: Roy René , Mousavifar Leila
Published: April 2023

This review highlights the recent development in the use of carriers of increasing simplicities and versatile chemical ligation processes leading to synthetic vaccine candidates against tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs).
Remediation of hexavalent chromium and pharmaceuticals from aquatic environments by employing an oxygen-doped porous carbon adsorbent and its antifungal activity
Authors: Beig Sajad Ur Rehman , Dar Umar Ali , Sheergugri Sajad Ahmad , Shah Shakeel A.
Published: April 2023

The existence of emerging pollutants, including hexavalent chromium and pharmaceuticals in water, presents a severe hazard since the degree of their effects on the ecology and public health remains unknown.
Fluorescence labeling methods influence the aggregation process of α-syn in vitro differently
Authors: Jadavi S. , Dante S. , Civiero L. , Sandre M. , Bubacco L. , Tosatto L. , Bianchini P. , Canale C. , Diaspro A.
Published: April 2023

Different labelling strategies adopted to mark α-synuclein affect differently the aggregation of this peptide in vitro. By using super-resolved correlative STED–AFM microscopy we discriminate between fluorescent and non fluorescent aggregates.
Development of a near-infrared Raman spectroscopy setup compatible with fluorescence-guided surgery
Authors: Abbasi Hamed , Lauwerends Lorraine J. , Bakker Schut Tom C. , Santos Inês P. , Caspers Peter J. , Hardillo Jose A. U. , Koljenović Senada , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Keereweer Stijn , Puppels Gerwin J.
Published: April 2023

Combination of intraoperative wide-field fluorescence imaging and Raman spectroscopy aiding in tumor border identification.
Capillary driven microfluidic sequential flow device for point-of-need ELISA: COVID-19 serology testing
Authors: Carrell Cody , Jang Ilhoon , Link Jeremy , Terry James S. , Call Zachary , Panraksa Yosita , Chailapakul Orawon , Dandy David S. , Geiss Brian J. , Henry Charles S.
Published: April 2023

A capillary-driven microfluidic sequential flow device, designed for eventual at-home or doctor's office use, was developed to perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serology assays.
Comment on “Fluorimetric sensing of ATP in water by an imidazolium hydrazone based sensor” by S. Farshbaf and P. Anzenbacher Jr., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 1770
Authors: Sareen Sakshi , Wiśniewska Agnieszka , Kwapiszewska Karina , Hołyst Robert
Published: April 2023

Fluorescent crystals of bisantrene were detected in water-based buffers. A similar size range of crystals and cells prevents its uptake for ATP detection.
Amorphous/crystalline heterophase electrocatalysts: synthesis, applications and perspectives
Authors: Gong Zhichao , Liu Jingjing , Ye Gonglan , Fei Huilong
Published: April 2023

This feature article reviews the recent advancements in the synthesis and applications of amorphous/crystalline heterophase electrocatalysts.
Attenuation of α-synuclein aggregation by catalytic photo-oxygenation
Authors: Iwai Atsushi , Nakamura Reito , Tomizawa Ikumi , Mitsunuma Harunobu , Hori Yukiko , Tomita Taisuke , Sohma Youhei , Kanai Motomu
Published: April 2023

We have developed a catalyst that attenuates aggregation and the seeding activity of α-synuclein by promoting selective photo-oxygenation.
Famciclovir–fumaric acid: an all-in-one multicomponent system with salt, cocrystal and salt–cocrystal continuum
Authors: Kotte Lohith , Pendota Vinusha , Sreedhar Bojja , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu
Published: April 2023

Salt, cocrystal, and the salt–cocrystal intermediate are observed in the famciclovir–fumaric acid multicomponent system.
New insights into band inversion and topological phase of TiNI monolayer
Authors: Yalameha Shahram , Nourbakhsh Zahra , Bahramy Mohammad Saeed , Vashaee Daryoosh
Published: April 2023

New first-principles calculations show that TiNI monolayer, once thought to be a 2D topological insulator, has a trivial bandgap and is unstable under strain, highlighting the importance of accurate computations in studying topological materials.
Machine learning and DFT investigation of CO, CO2and CH4adsorption on pristine and defective two-dimensional magnesene
Authors: Thomas Siby , Mayr Felix , Kulangara Madam Ajith , Gagliardi Alessio
Published: April 2023

Unlocking the secrets of gas adsorption on pristine and defective magnesene (2D-Mg), a 2D material: Insights revealed through DFT and ML techniques with CO, CO2, and CH4gases.
Nitrogen-doped carbocatalyst activated persulfate (PS) for oxidation polymerization of bisphenol A (BPA): importance of nonradical activation of PS
Authors: Wang Caihong , Liu Yong , Han Fengshen , Han Yongzhe , Liu Tianyu , Ren Haitao , Han Xu
Published: April 2023

Persulfate is activated on the N-doped carbocatalyst via the nonradical pathway under alkaline conditions, which then selectively oxidizes to BPA polymers via the H-abstraction pathway, and the oxidizing intermediate can be detected on carbocatalysts.
Dynamics of orbital skyrmions in a circular nanodisk
Authors: Feng Youhua , Zhang Xi , Xiang Gang
Published: April 2023

A skyrmion nano-oscillator based on a nanodisk with orbital partitioning using the VCMA effect has been proposed, and the current-driven dynamics of skyrmions are studied.
Gate to a parallel universe: utilization of biosurfactants in micellar catalysis
Authors: Adamik Réka , Herczegh Attila R. , Varga Imre , May Zoltán , Novák Zoltán
Published: April 2023

Aqueous solutions of biosurfactant rhamnolipids were utilized in micellar cross-coupling reactions as the reaction media for the functionalization of aromatic and heteroaromatic molecules, including bioactive compounds and special fluorinated species.
Room-temperature fabrication of defective CoOxHy nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity as efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhong Ruyi , Wu Puwei , Wang Qi , Zhang Xiting , Du Lei , Liu Yunhua , Yang Huakang , Gu Meng , Zhang Z. Conrad , Huang Limin , Ye Siyu
Published: April 2023

Defective cobalt oxide hydrate nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity were fabricated via room-temperature reductive treatments, and they performed well in the electrocatalytic oxidation reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
In situ growth of lignin-based graphene-like films catalyzed by metal substrates
Authors: Wang Shuangxin , Yuan Ying , Yuan Tong-Qi , Wang Xiluan
Published: April 2023

Biomass resource lignin was used to construct a large-scale and ordered lignin graphitization structure in a two-dimensional space through the catalytic graphitization process, forming a lignin-based graphene-like film with conductivity.
Correction: Metabolomics study reveals the alteration of fatty acid oxidation in the hearts of diabetic mice by empagliflozin
Authors: Zhang Yingwei , Zhang Zeyu , Li Chundi , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: April 2023

Correction for ‘Metabolomics study reveals the alteration of fatty acid oxidation in the hearts of diabetic mice by empagliflozin’ by Yingwei Zhang et al., Mol. Omics, 2022, 18, 643–651, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MO00036A.
Synthesis, X-ray structures, and magnetic properties of seven polynuclear Cu(ii) complexes containing pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate with various ancillary ligands
Authors: Klongdee Fatima , Sasada Yuto , Nakano Motohiro , Chainok Kittipong , Youngme Sujittra , Boonmak Jaursup
Published: April 2023

A series of polynuclear Cu(ii) complexes were successfully synthesized under the reaction of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, and various ancillary ligands and the structure-magnetic relationship of complexes was investigated.
Cooperative catalysis of Zn3(VO4)2/Ni(OH)2/rGO nanosheet arrays advancing highly active O2 reduction and water-splitting
Authors: Li Xue , Gao Xinglong , Guo Enyan , Wei Mingzhi , Si Conghui , Lu Qifang , Pang Yingping
Published: April 2023

Zn3(VO4)2/Ni(OH)2/rGO nanosheet arrays serve as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the ORR in alkaline electrolytes. DFT calculations reveal the optimized intermediate affinity ability of the Zn3(VO4)2/Ni(OH)2/rGO nanosheet arrays.
Mn–Ce oxide-modified activated carbon composites as efficient adsorbents for removing As(iii) from water: adsorption performance and mechanisms
Authors: Yang Shengfeng , Fang Wei , Liang Qianwei , Lin Lin , Sun Mengqing , Xing Yujia , Luo Hanjin
Published: April 2023

The proposed possible mechanisms of As(iii) removal by Mn–Ce/AC3.
Synthesis of conjugated silver nanoparticles of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid peptide conjugate (GAP) as a colorimetric probe for barium ions
Authors: Khan Sadiq Noor , Ali Imdad , Ahmed Farid , Shah Muhammad Raza , Shaheen Farzana
Published: April 2023

In this study, we present a direct colorimetric technique for the sensitive and specific detection of Ba2+ ions in laboratory tap and river water utilizing functionalized 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid peptide silver nanoparticles (GAP-AgNPs).
Boosting oxygen evolution electrocatalysisviaCeO2engineering on Fe2N nanoparticles for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Wang Minghui , Ren Jianwei , Wang Hui , Wang Xuyun , Wang Rongfang
Published: April 2023

Pyridine-N species were induced by CeO2-doping, so that the Fe2N active state was formed through Fe–N elements.
Catalytic stereoselective synthesis involving hypervalent iodine-based chiral auxiliaries
Authors: Shetgaonkar Samata E. , Singh Fateh V.
Published: April 2023

A number of organic transformations have been achieved using hypervalent iodine reagents under mild reaction conditions. The use of these reagents as chiral organocatalyst exhibited highly selective asymmetric reactions.
Responsive tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers: uncovering temperature-induced shape-shifting behaviour
Authors: Stanvliet Zahn , Deng Yiyi , Appelhans Dietmar , Moreno Silvia , Boye Susanne , Gaitzsch Jens , Lederer Albena
Published: April 2023

Responsive polymeric nanoparticles are an exciting field of study, yet little is known about the temperature sensitivity of those based on tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers.
A refined anti‐disturbance control method for gimbal servo systems subject to multiple disturbances under constraints
Authors: Cui Yangyang , Yang Yongjian , Qiao Jianzhong , Bao Weimin
Published: April 2023

The performance of the gimbal servo system in control moment gyro (CMG), which includes precision, lifespan etc., is one of the crucial factors of spacecraft attitude control. The various practical disturbances, however, will not only deteriorate the velocity‐tracking accuracy but will also cause the abnormal gimbal velocity problem (especially peak phenomenon). To this end, this paper proposes a refined anti‐disturbance control method to deal with velocity output constraints and multiple disturbances. Starting with fully understanding the prior information of multiple disturbances, a refined disturbance observer with a low conservativeness is designed to accurately estimate disturbances. The disturbance‐estimation error is analyzed in detail to ensure convergence to a bounded region. Subsequently, a novel barrier Lyapunov function‐based backstepping controller is proposed that considers the residuals of disturbance estimation to simultaneously achieve multiple disturbances attenuation and compensation, and handle velocity output constraints. Notably, the gimbal's maximum velocity is precisely limited to a pre‐specified low range, which benefits the CMG's lifespan and performance. Finally, both simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method performs better in disturbance estimation, velocity tracking, and robustness.
Suppression strategy of coupled oscillation and power anti‐regulation of variable speed pumped storage unit with full size converter
Authors: Shi Huabo , Wang Yuhong , Chen Gang , Ding Lijie , Liao Jianquan
Published: April 2023

The ultra‐low frequency oscillation and poor speed regulation performance caused by the fast power control decrease the stability and efficiency of the variable speed pumped storage unit with a full size converter (FSC‐VSPSU). This paper presents a fast frequency control strategy to solve this problem. The small‐signal model of the FSC‐VSPSU in fast frequency mode is established, and the key parameters for the system stability are studied by the eigenvalue method. Aiming at the coupling oscillation mode caused by the governor and generator side converter (GSC), the corresponding control parameters optimisation method is proposed. In order to solve the power anti‐regulation problem, the strategy of combining rotor kinetic energy release, power slope adjustment, and delay acceleration control is proposed. PSCAD and RTDS simulation results show that the proposed strategy can effectively avoid the ultra‐low frequency oscillation caused by the fast power control and significantly improves the frequency and power control performance.
Optimised design of next‐generation multiplexing schemes for Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Authors: Nardin Andrea , Dovis Fabio , Perugia Simone , Cristodaro Calogero , Valle Vittorio
Published: April 2023

Multilevel and multicarrier component signals are now common in many Global Navigation Satellite Systems challenging the employed multiplexing method that needs to be more flexible and powerful. In this work, the authors demonstrate how, by acting on two parameters of the digital baseband representation of component signals (the sampling frequency and the central frequency of the baseband complex envelope), it is possible to optimise the performance of the multiplexer, while still obtaining a composite signal that fulfils the required system constraints.
A time‐varying angle extraction method for refined proximity group targets tracking
Authors: An Qiang , Yeh Chunmao , Lu Yaobing , Chen Xuebin , Yang Jian
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the detection probability of weak targets, tracking radar using sum and difference beams often adopt the method of long‐time coherent integration. However, the multidimensional migration of time‐varying targets will lead to the decline of parameter estimation accuracy. To solve this problem, this article proposes a refined angle estimation method for time‐varying targets with the traditional sum and difference beam echo model, this method compensates and searches the angle parameters of the targets based on subarray rotation invariant and focus process. In addition, this article also studies the masking problem of highly dynamic proximity group targets detection, and proposes an adaptive weighted LMS‐CLEAN based on Least Mean Square criterion, which effectively reduces the influence of masking effect on the parameter estimation accuracy of weak targets. Firstly, the proposed algorithm performs angle search and phase compensation on the pulse compression echo of sum and difference channels based on subarray rotation invariant. Secondly, focus the search matrix, reconstruct the strong target echo, and stripe it from both channels by adaptive weighting. Lastly, repeat the above steps until parameters of all targets are achieved precisely. The proposed two algorithms maintain a very low computational effort while effectively reducing the parameter estimation error, and are highly promising for engineering applications. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, this article also provides some numerical experiments to compares with two existing algorithms in error performance, anti‐noise performance, and computational complexity.
Searching for compact objects in the single-lined spectroscopic binaries of the young Galactic cluster NGC 6231
Authors: Banyard G. , Mahy L. , Sana H. , Bodensteiner J. , Villaseñor J. I. , Sen K. , Langer N. , de Mink S. , Picco A. , Shenar T.
Published: April 2023

Context. Recent evolutionary computations predict that a few percent of massive O or early-B stars in binary systems should have a dormant stellar-mass black hole (BH) as a companion. However, despite several reported candidate X-ray quiet OB+BH systems over the last couple of years, finding them with certainty remains challenging. Yet these have great importance as they can be gravitational wave (GW) source progenitors, and they are landmark systems in constraining supernova kick physics.

Aims. This work aims to characterise the hidden companions to the single-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB1s) identified in the B star population of the young open Galactic cluster NGC 6231 to find candidate systems for harbouring compact object companions.

Methods. With the orbital solutions for each SB1 constrained in a previous study, we applied Fourier spectral disentangling to multi-epoch optical VLT/FLAMES spectra of each target to extract a potential signature of a faint companion, and to identify newly disentangled double-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB2s). For targets where the disentangling does not reveal any spectral signature of a stellar companion, we performed atmospheric and evolutionary modelling on the primary (visible) star to obtain constraints on the mass and nature of the unseen companion.

Results. For seven of the 15 apparent SB1 systems, we extracted the spectral signature of a faint companion, resulting in seven newly classified SB2 systems with mass ratios down to near 0.1. From the remaining targets, for which no faint companion could be extracted from the spectra, four are found to have companion masses that lie in the predicted mass ranges of neutron stars (NSs) and BHs. Two of these targets have companion masses between 1 and 3.5 M⊙, making them potential hosts of NSs (or lower mass main sequence stars). The other two have mass ranges between 2.5 to 8 M⊙ and 1.6 and 26 M⊙, respectively, and so are identified as candidates for harbouring BH companions.

Conclusions. We present four SB1 systems in NGC 6231 that are candidates for harbouring compact objects, among which CD−41 11038 and CXOU J165421.3-415536 are the most convincing cases. We propose further observational tests involving photometric and interferometric follow-up observations of these objects.
Gas-phase electronic action absorption spectra of protonated oxygen-functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs)
Authors: Rasmussen Anne P. , Wenzel Gabi , Hornekær Liv , Andersen Lars H.
Published: April 2023

Context. Extended red emission (ERE) denotes a broad unassigned feature extending from 540 to 800 nm observed in many regions of the interstellar medium (ISM), and is thought to originate from photoluminescence of cosmic dust. However, definitive assignment of specific carriers remains to be achieved.

Aims. Our aim is to investigate the photoabsorption spectra of astrophysically relevant protonated oxygen-functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) to probe their ability to absorb photons in the near-ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) spectral region and to search for any low-lying electronic states that may account for the ERE.

Methods. Gas-phase electronic action absorption spectra of the protonated OPAHs were recorded in the spectral range of 200–700 nm using the ELISA ion-storage ring. Additional time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were performed to compute excited state transitions that complement the experimental spectra.

Results. A set of five protonated (O)PAHs was considered, namely pentacene and the four oxygen-functionalized PAHs, pentacenequinone, pentacenetetrone, anthraquinone, and phenathrenequinone. All pentacene-related species show a main absorption band between 400 and 500 nm, while the smaller OPAHs, anthraquinone and phenanthrenequinone, generally absorb further to the blue compared to the pentacenes. Interestingly, pentacenequinone and phenanthrenequinone exhibit wide absorption plateaus towards the red side of their main absorption band(s), which places them among the potential candidates to contribute to ERE. Additional photodissociation mass spectra reveal the formation of smaller functionalized PAHs and small oxygen-bearing species.

Conclusions. Our results demonstrate the ability of OPAHs to absorb in the UV/vis spectral region. Among the four studied OPAHs, two revealed very broad absorption characteristics at wavelengths up to 700 nm, which makes them suitable candidates to contribute to a part of the ERE spectrum. Moreover, these two OPAHs, pentacenequinone and phenanthrenequinone, could dissociate efficiently into oxygen-bearing molecules and smaller functionalized PAHs in photon-dominated regions (PDRs) of the ISM.
Ongoing hierarchical massive cluster assembly: The LISCA II structure in the Perseus complex
Authors: Della Croce A. , Dalessandro E. , Livernois A. , Vesperini E. , Fanelli C. , Origlia L. , Bellazzini M. , Oliva E. , Sanna N. , Varri A. L.
Published: April 2023

We report on the identification of a massive (∼105 M⊙) substructured stellar system in the Galactic Perseus complex likely undergoing hierarchical cluster assembly. This system comprises nine star clusters (including the well-known clusters NGC 654 and NGC 663) and an extended and low-density stellar halo.Gaia-DR3 and available spectroscopic data show that all its components are physically consistent in 6D phase-space (position, parallax, and 3D motion), and homogeneous in age (14–44 Myr) and chemical content (half-solar metallicity). In addition, the system’s global stellar density distribution is that of typical star clusters and shows clear evidence of mass segregation. We find that the hierarchical structure is mostly contracting toward the center with a speed of up to ≃4 − 5 km s−1, while the innermost regions expand at a lower rate (about ≃1 km s−1) and are dominated by random motions. Interestingly, this pattern is dominated by the kinematics of massive stars, while low-mass stars (M < 2 M⊙) are characterized by contraction across the entire cluster. Finally, the nine star clusters in the system are all characterized by a relatively flat velocity dispersion profile possibly resulting from ongoing interactions and tidal heating. We show that the observational results are generally consistent with those found inN-body simulations following the cluster violent relaxation phase, strongly suggesting that the system is a massive cluster in the early assembly stages. This is the second structure with these properties identified in our Galaxy and, following the nomenclature of our previous work, we named it LISCA II.
Inheritance, variability and formation of crop productivity elements
Authors: Kholmurodova Guzal , Tangirova Gulchekhra , Saidova Aziza , Bozorova Sevara
Published: April 2023

In the article, acclimatization of South Korean varieties of soybeans to the soil-climate conditions of the Republic of Uzbekistan and cross-breeding between them has a positive effect. According to our experiments, the combinations F1CH11(-018) x CH30(-969) and F1CH27(-266) x CH30(-969) were observed in F1 hybrids from the main elements of productivity in terms of inheritance of the number of pods per plant. In addition, F1CH11(-018) x CH30(-969) and F1CH27(-266) x CH30(-969) combinations for seed weight per plant showed positive heterosis in all but 3 combinations for lower pod location characters, positive complete and incomplete dominance was observed. Character superiority in the number of seeds per plant in CH30(-969), CH7(-014), CH28(-268) and CH28(-268), F1CH11(-018) x CH30(-969), F1KO20 x CH30 In (-969) combinations, a high index of 1000 seed weight was found in CH7(-014) and K09(339) variety samples. In combinations F1K09(339) x CH30(-969), F1US-25(-622) x CH30(-969), F1CH11(-018) x CH30(-969), F1US-25(-622) x CH30(-969 ), the phenomenon of heterosis was observed in F1CH11(-018) x CH30(-969), F1US-44 (-641) x CH30(-969) and F1KO20 x CH30(-969) combinations. It has been highlighted that the continuation of research on the above-studied variety samples and hybrid combinations will be highly effective in increasing productivity.
Antagonistic spectrum of action of saprophite microorganisms on phytopathogenic bacteria
Authors: Sattarova Rano , Khakimova Nigora
Published: April 2023

The antagonistic activity of 41 strains of various physiological groups of saprophytic soil spore-bearing and non-spore-bearing microorganisms to seven species of phytopathogenic bacteria was studied. It was found that out of 40 strains, only 10 did not have this property, the remaining strains showed an antimicrobial spectrum to phytopathogenic bacteria, but their spectrum of action was not the same. It is known that representatives of useful soil microflora are nitrogen-fixing microorganisms capable of fixing molecular nitrogen, as well as contributing to the enrichment of nitrogen forms digestible for plants, thereby increasing soil fertility. Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms include free-living bacteria of the genus Azotobacter, which most intensively develop in the rhizosphere zone of plant roots and on their surface, as well as symbiotic nodule bacteria of the genus Rhizobium penetrating into the root system of leguminous plants and forming nodules on the bottom. Studies have been carried out to study the effect of metabolites in the studied antagonists on the survival of Azotobacter and nodule bacteria. It has been established that the culture liquid of the studied antagonists does not have a detrimental effect on the studied bacteria of the genus Azotobacter and the genus Rhizobium.
Medicinal effect of carrot and storage technologies in modern refrigerated warehouses
Authors: Azizov Aktam
Published: April 2023

This article shows the importance of the local carrot root fruit in the national economy, which is loved by the population today. Its branches of use for the food industry, i.e. cases of maximum preservation of its medicinal properties and chemical composition compared to other types of vegetables, in the production of various products in a fresh yellow appearance, storage and processing for certain periods, have been studied. In addition, the superiority levels of carrots over other products, as well as the main chemical composition of carrot tubers in any form of use, the amount of dissolved dry matter in the tubers and the level of acidity in the juice were studied. The dependence of the storage period of carrots in the freshly cut state and the long-term storage period, in addition, the main technological parameters in the process of long-term storage of carrot tubers in modern refrigerated warehouses are presented. Information on the total amount of natural weight loss during initial cooling and long-term storage with changes in quality indicators depending on the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the cooling chamber is presented.
Physico-chemical analysis of pekmez products made from grape varieties grown in the conditions of Uzbekistan
Authors: Narkabulova Nargiza , Jabborov Zikrillo
Published: April 2023

This article presents the results of a study on the physical and chemical properties of pekmez products made from technical grape varieties grown in soil and climate conditions of the Parkent district of the Tashkent region. In the study, physico-chemical properties including water-soluble dry matter content (°Bx), pH level, titratable acidity, density, ash content, 5 phenolic compounds and active antioxidant content of pekmez obtained from technical grape varieties “Saperavi” (black-colored), “Hindogi” (black-colored), “Soyaki” (white-colored), “Bayan Shirey” (white-colored), “Muskat Rozovy” (pink-colored), “Morastel” (black-colored) were determined. According to the results of the analysis, the amount of water-soluble dry matter in the pekmez samples obtained from different grape varieties was in the range of 69.33-74.40%, the pH level was between 4.34-5.70, and the titratable acidity was 0.65-0.75 (gr-100gr/l) was determined that the total ash content was in the range of 1.40-3.30 (g/cm3). The amount of phenolic compounds preserved after thermal processing, including caffeic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumarinic acid, ellagic acid and active antioxidant, have also been analyzed. Among the studied acids, caffeic acid was the most abundant (9.10-11.40 mg/kg−1). Gallic acid (1.0-1.66), ferulic acid (0.70-2.10), p-coumarinic acid (0.68-2.67) and ellagic acid (0.20-0.40) tended to decrease during heat treatment. The highest antioxidant activity (66-68 µmol TE g/1) was recorded in black grape varieties, this indicator of pekmez made from white varieties was slightly lower (54-59 µmol TE g/1), the antioxidant activity of pink grape varieties had an intermediate expression (57.55 µmol TE g/1).
Applying a proven filtering method to adjust the training sample of neural networks
Authors: Zhigalov Vladimir
Published: April 2023

The article notes the complexity and duration of the process of forming a training sample of a neural network, since the correctness of the sample is checked by assessing the quality of the network after its training, it also notes the negative impact of the commonly used formal method of forming a training sample of a neural network without taking into account the physical processes of data and signal transformation in real devices on the quality of the network when filtering the noise of the speech signal. Methods and means for filtering the noise of speech signals are described. To solve the filtering problem, a sequence of main stages of processing a speech signal containing noise is presented, and their description is given. The article proposes to choose a filtering method based on the analysis of noise characteristics, while it is recommended to distinguish between homogeneous (monotonic) and dynamically changing (random) noise, for which filtering methods are different. When choosing a filtering method, it is proposed to take into account the degree of correspondence between the frequency range of the noise and the speech signal. As the main way to reduce noise, an approach is proposed based on the use of an improved and proven method for filtering noise by subtracting the spectral components of noise from the spectrum of a signal containing noise. This approach is proposed to be used for the formation and correction of a training set for a neural network designed to reduce noise in a speech signal. The results of the practical application of the proven filtration method confirmed the feasibility of its application. An important result of the work presented in the article is the possibility of evaluating the feasibility of specific corrective changes in the neural network training set by comparing it with the filtering results of the modified and tested method.
Application of multi-criteria in the selection of running systems for regional use of tractors in agriculture
Authors: Surin R. , Sokolov M. , Loskutova E. , Silokhina L. , Shchitov S. , Kuznetsov E.
Published: April 2023

The basis of the modern machine and tractor fleet of industrial and agricultural tractors are power vehicles with tracked and wheeled operating systems of various design designs. Both of these and other energy products have both their advantages and quite significant disadvantages. The article discusses the summary parametric and factorial characteristics of wheeled and tracked power vehicles used in field and transport work in the Amur region. The criteria for the formation of their traction properties, ways to reduce slipping, reduce the load of the machine-tractor unit on the soil, and the use of agricultural machinery during waterlogging are analysed. The results of a study on the use of mobile energy means in waterlogged conditions during the cultivation of agricultural crops, where their main advantages and disadvantages are reflected, the directions of choosing an energy means for use in agricultural production technologies are substantiated. It has been established that the use of tracked power vehicles with high traction properties, when aggregated with wide-reach machines in the fields of the region, will be more effective during periods of work when there is a large precipitation. At the same time, wheel energy means will also be in demand in the natural and climatic conditions of the Amur region as the most versatile structurally suitable means for performing most agricultural field operations as part of a tractor-transport unit. In this connection, the expediency of equipping the production and industrial complex and means of mechanisation of farms and agricultural enterprises of the region with energy means with various running systems in accordance with the used and scientifically based regional system of machines and technologies is justified.
Influence of the age of the first insemination on the milk production of cows
Authors: Achkasova Elena , Utkina Olga , Isupova Yulia
Published: April 2023

The article presents the results of milk productivity and quality indicators of milk, depending on the age of the first insemination. The results obtained showed that under the conditions of the Izhagroplem Research and Production Complex of the Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, it is necessary to inseminate replacement heifers at the age of 14-15 months upon reaching a live weight of 545 kg, which will allow you to get the first calving at the age of 23-24 months.
Intercultural communication methodology: teaching sciences and engineering students
Authors: Egorova Ekaterina , Bulankina Nadezhda , Mishutina Olga
Published: April 2023

The problem area of this research paper focuses on the priority functions of the language sphere of the being mentality necessarily reflecting the state documents on education, methodology of scientific and methodical support for the implementation of educational programs of language education for training students of non-linguistic departments of universities in line with the axiology within the current educational program research of the eco-system spaces of international language education in Russia. Current Scientific Scholarship in terms of the intercultural approach needs to be created for linguistic security via making the outmost of the language programs for SP. The goal of this article is threefold: a) to design Knowledge Content, Technology and Evaluation Concepts of the target Model, b) to substantiate the integration characteristics of intercultural communication at universities (Natural Sciences and Engineering), c) to clarify the integration characteristics of intercultural communication within the innovations of national education in the third millennium, based on topical issues of the polyphony of the eco-system spaces. The latter reflects the priority dominant values due to the cognitive, developmental and educational functions in line with positive trends requiring thorough attention of both the university pedagogical community and teachers of general education organizations.
Application of Machine Learning methods to correct the readings of low-cost air pollution sensors
Authors: Petrakova Viktoriya
Published: April 2023

The study is devoted to the analysis of the application of machine learning methods for correcting the readings of inexpensive sensors that record the concentration of suspended particles PM2.5 in the surface layer of the atmosphere, relative to readings of reference stations. The analysis was carried out on the example of coupled sensors (an inexpensive CityAir sensor and a reference E-BAM) located in Krasnoyarsk (Russia) based on observational data from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022. Statistical analysis of the data and comparison of parametric (Linear, Ridge, Lasso, Support vectors machine, Elastic net regressions) and nonparametric (regressions of Nearest Neighbor, Decision Tree and Random Forest) methods for establishing the relationship between two samples was carried out.
Statistical distributions for modeling mineral liberation
Authors: Nikitin Roman , Lukichev Sergey , Opalev Alexander , Biryukov Valery
Published: April 2023

Using the algorithm and the results of laboratory studies on grinding of loparite ores from the Lovozero deposit in a ball and rod mill, simulation grinding models were designed based on the transformation of a discrete function of the density distribution of outputs of mineral particle size classes. The model’s adequacy was quantitatively analysed carried out by calculating the determination coefficient without taking into account the constant component of the distribution; for a qualitative assessment of the result the authors used the Cheddock scale. The authors studied the minerals disintegration at ball and rod grinding with the following verification of the proposed algorithm. To identify the distribution of loparite by size classes in the initial ore samples and in the samples obtained in the disintegration taking place at different productivity, the X-ray diffraction analysis and the combined (weight, optical and geometric) methods were used.