Genetic adaptation of Hermetia illucens (BSF) to suboptimal single sourced wastes can open new perspectives for insect production. Here, four replicate BSF lines were maintained on a single sourced, low-quality wheat bran diet (WB) or on a high-quality chicken feed diet (CF) for 13 generations. We continuously evaluated evolutionary responses in several performance traits to rearing at the two diets. Subsequently, we tested responses to interchanged diets, i.e. of larvae that had been adapted to low-quality feed and to high quality feed and vice versa to evaluate costs associated with diet adaptation. BSF were found to experience rapid adaptation to the diet composition. While performances on WB diet were always inferior to CF diet, the adaptive re-sponses were stronger to the former diet. This stronger response was likely due to stronger se-lection pressure experienced by BSF fed on the low-quality single sourced diet. The interchanged diet experiment found no costs associated with diet adaptation but confirmed diet adaptation for the larval biomass and insect frass traits for the WB diet treatment. Our results revealed that BSF can rapidly adapt to diet through evolutionary responses, which has potential to be utilized to produce lines tailored to specific diets.

In recent years, the potential of insects has been explored as a sustainable protein alternative to sustain the growing world population. Differences in the way insects are processed can affect their proximate composition and digestibility. This work studies the effects of the combination of different types of slaughter methods and drying temperatures on the proximate composition, organic matter digestibility (OMd), hydrolysis degree (DH/NH2 and DH/100 g DM), total hydrolysis (TH) and hygienic sanitary study of BSFL (black soldier fly larvae). Four types of slaughter methods were used: frozen (F), blanched + frozen (B), Melacide® + frozen (M) and liquid nitrogen (N), each with three drying temperatures (50, 70 and 90 °C). A negative correlation between acid detergent fibre (ADF) and protein digestibility parameters was obtained. 70 °C was the most suitable drying temperature, as it reported higher values of protein digestibility (DH, TH), resulting in hygienic and sanitary conditions suitable for food use. Slaughtering with liquid nitrogen and blanching were more convenient than traditional freezing or the use of Melacide® to achieve higher protein digestibility results.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can use food by-products or residues as a growth substrate, and their use is considered a strategic solution to improve the sustainability and efficiency of animal production. BSFL need to be reared under controlled environmental conditions, as temperature can affect the welfare of the larvae and the efficiency of their bioconversion. The goal of this experiment was to test different diets: control, vegetable, carnivorous, omnivorous and to assess their effect on larval growth performance, chemical composition, and substrate temperature. BSFL (6-days-old) were randomly selected and allocated to one of the four diets for the entire experiment (8 days). The temperature in each container was measured twice daily using a thermal imaging camera. The vegetable diet led to significantly lower growth performance (p

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of applying a two-step biological treatment process, solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting, for treating dairy cattle manure. Biogas from SSAD of dairy cattle manure, and the digestate of SSAD was fed to BSFL. In turn, BSFL can be fed to animals as a protein supplement. Adjustment of pH and 30% inoculation ratio (IR₃₀) during SSAD produced the highest theoretical methane yield, 626.1±28.7 L CH₄/kg VS_des, with an ultimate methane yield of 96.81±2.0 L CH₄/kg VS_load. For BSFL composting, the groups with a feeding rate of 75 and 100 mg/day/larvae had the highest body weight change, which was 969.6±28.4 and 984.1±177.6%, respectively. The combination process of SSAD and BSFL composting increases the incentive for dairy cattle manure treatment enabled higher waste removal efficiency, and produced more valuable products.

Polyphenols and fermentable fibers have shown favorable effects on gut microbiota composition and metabolic function. However, few studies have investigated whether combining multiple fermentable fibers or polyphenols may have additive beneficial effects on gut microbial states. Here, an in vitro fer-mentation model, seeded with human stool combined from 30 healthy volunteers, was supplemented with blends of polyphenols (PP), dietary fibers (FB) or their combination (PPFB) to determine influence on gut bacteria growth dynamics and select metabolite changes. PP and FB blends independently lead to significant increases in the absolute abundance of select beneficial taxa, namely Ruminococcus bromii, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Dorea spp. Total short chain fatty acid concentrations, relative to non-supplemented control (F), increased significantly with PPFB and FB supplementation, but not PP. Indole and ammonia concentrations decreased with FB and PPFB supplementation, but not PP alone while increased antioxidant capacity was only evident with both PP and PPFB. These findings demonstrated that, while the independent blends displayed selective positive impacts on gut states, combination of both blends provided an additive effect. The work outlines the potential of mixed substrate blends to elicit a broader positive influence on gut microbial composition and function to build resiliency toward dysbiosis.

Frass generated during the production of black soldier fly larvae is taking the interest of scientists and horticultural producers because it is a material from the biotransformation of organic waste, it has several nutrients that can be used by plants, and its recent focus on its biostimulant capacity. The thermal-composting process is a stabilization that improves physical and chemical properties of treated wastes, allowing better performance in plants compared to its fresh state. In this research, thermocomposted frass was evaluated as a germination substrate for kale seeds (Brassica olerasea). To achieve this, it was evaluated the phytotoxicity in different concentrations on the seeds, and seedlings were grown in a germination substrates mixed with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of frass. The treatment with 20% frass showed the highest values of seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, length, and width of first true leaf and length and width of cotyledons, reduced the content of phenols and tannins antioxidants but the content of flavonoids increased compared to the control and the rest of mixtures.

The black soldier larvae meal (BSFLM) has been the most extensively studied insect protein source in shrimp nutrition. However, both the availability and prices of BSFLM are still a constraint for its widespread use as an ingredient in animal feeds. The present study investigated the growth and economic performance of post-larval (PL) P. vannamei fed nursery diets with a progressive replacement of fish meal (FML) for BSFLM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. These replacements corresponded to a dietary inclusion (% of the diet, as-is) of FML and BSFLM of 16.50 and 6.33%, 11.00 and 13.04%, 5.50 and 19.74%, and 0 and 26.46%, respectively. A total of 102,647 shrimp at the age of PL15 with 2.7 ± 0.2 mg body weight (BW) were stocked in fifty 1.5-m3 tanks under 1,369 PLs/m3 (2,053 ± 33 PLs/tank) and reared for 42 days. Final shrimp survival (90.5 ± 7.6%), daily weight gain (14.7 ± 1.1 mg/day), and apparent feed intake (0.67 ± 0.03 g of feed per stocked shrimp) were unaffected by dietary treatment. The highest gained yield (791 ± 52 and 776 ± 38 g/m3) and final BW (621 ± 7.2 and 632 ± 7.2 mg) were attained when FML was replaced for BSFLM at 50 and 75% with the lowest at 0% (726 ± 34 g/m3 and 598 ± 8.1 mg, respectively). Shrimp fed diets with 0 and 100% replacement of FML exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (1.25 ± 0.04 and 1.24 ± 0.08) compared to those fed a diet with 50% (1.16 ± 0.06). At a price of USD 2.00/kg, BSFLM demonstrated a favorable ROI (Return of Investment) when compared to FML, irrespective of the replacement level. With 25 and 50% replacement, BSFLM remained cost-competitive up to 3.50 USD/kg. At 75% FML replacement, there were no significant differences in ROI with a price range of 2.00 up to 3.04 USD/kg. At full replacement, ROI dropped significantly at a BSFLM price of 2.50 USD/kg and beyond. It can be concluded that FML can be fully replaced for BSFLM in well-balanced nursery diets for P. vannamei. While the full replacement of FML for BSFLM was successfully accomplished, the competitive ROI was sustained only when the price of BSFLM did not exceed 3.04 USD/kg at its dietary highest inclusion of 19.74%. Further research may be necessary to fine-tune cost-effective inclusion levels of BSFLM to optimize the economic outcomes while considering the fluctuating prices of FML.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for one-sixth of deaths, globally, whereas cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. T2DM is a known risk factor for many cancers. This review examines the link of Reactive oxygen Species (ROS)-altered metabolic and signaling pathways in T2DM to cancer. These reprogrammed metabolic and signaling pathways are activated that contribute to diabetic complications, impact redox balance (Oxidative Stress), and have differential roles in early and late stages of cancer. If the respiratory chain is highly reduced (as under hyperglycemic conditions) or if reduced cofactors accumulate, ROS are greatly elevated. ROS may cause mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that result in further ROS elevation. Amplification of ROS results in activation of PKC, an overarching signaling pathway that activates MAPK with subsequent regulation of several factors that result in pathophysiological manifestations of T2DM and cancer. Upregulation of PKC leads to deregulation of NF-kß that regulates the PKB/P13/Akt pathway that orchestrates cell survival, growth, proliferation, and glucose metabolism manifested in cancer. It also affects Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS-1), decreasing insulin stimulated glucose transport and glucose uptake, disrupting subsequent cell signaling pathways contributing to the development of T2DM. Dyslipidemia is a hallmark of T2DM and cancer. ROS-induced lipid peroxidation leads to systemic inflammation, producing inflammatory prostaglandins, cytokines and chemokines that result in tumor proliferation, rapid tumor growth, and modulation of immunity. The dual role of ROS in early and late stages of cancer make antioxidant therapy precarious and may be responsible for controversial results. A system that delivers an antioxidant directly to mitochondria may be useful in inhibiting formation of ROS early during the pre-diabetic stage whereas antioxidant therapy must be halted in later stages to retard metastasis.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cervical cancer is a critical public health issue; it is the second leading cause of cancer among women and the leading cause of female cancer deaths. Incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher than in high-income countries with population-based screening programs, yet implementing screening programs in SSA has so far proven to be challenging due to financial, logistical and sociocultural factors. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective approach for primary prevention of cervical cancer and presents an opportunity to reduce the burden from cervical cancer in SSA. With a number of SSA countries now eligible for GAVI support for vaccine introduction, it is timely to consider the factors that impede and facilitate implementation of vaccine programs in SSA. This article reviews the epidemiological and clinical features of cervical cancer in SSA and describes the current status of HPV vaccine implementation in SSA countries. The review considers the challenges that will need to be addressed, and effective approaches to the design and implementation of HPV vaccination programs, using Rwanda as a case study. The review aims to provide suggestions and guidance to those involved in the development and implementation of HPV vaccination programs in SSA.

: Organic poultry need high-quality proteins in their diet. The EU’s organic regulation forbids synthetic amino acids; therefore, soybean, with its balanced essential amino acid content, has become the most used protein source, though much of it is imported from non-EU countries. Soybean, however, has some important problems related to sustainability and crop competition; therefore, it must be substituted with a high-protein-value alternative such as insect meal. In this study, 900 Aviagen Savanna broilers were reared using three different organic diets. The diets used the following as protein feed material: soybean only (S100), 50% black soldier fly larvae meal (BSL) and 50% soybean (BSL50), and 100% BSL only (BSL100). Broiler performance, welfare, and fatty acids (FA) in the thigh and breast were analyzed. BSL50 and BSL100 negatively affected growth performance, while BSL100 worsened all of the market-related measures of performance. Meat quality was worse in BSL50 and BSL100, with a significant increase in saturated FA (SFA) and a corresponding decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Among SFA, lauric acid (C12:0) more notably increased. The increase in SFA represents a negative aspect of BSL meal inclusion, namely the production of lauric acid; however, this trend could have a beneficial effect, which will be more deeply explored with regard to its impact on animal and human health.

We study here what can be learned from our experience with COVID-19 vaccination for an initially naïve population, that can inform planning for vaccination against the next novel, highly transmissible pathogen. We focus on the first two pandemic years (wild strain through Delta), because after the Omicron wave in early 2022, few people were still SARS-CoV-2-naïve. Almost all were vaccinated, infected, or often both. We review the evidence on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE), waning effectiveness over time, and what we should expect about VE and waning from a future pathogen. As a basis for our analysis, we conducted a PRISMA-compliant review of all studies on PubMed through August 15, 2022 reporting VE against four endpoints: any infection, symptomatic infection, hospitalization, and death, for the four principal vaccines used in developed Western countries (BNT162b2, mRNA1273, Ad26.CoV2.S, and ChAdOx1-S). The mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA1273) had high initial VE against all endpoints but protection waned after approximately six months, with BNT162b2 declining faster than mRNA1273. Both mRNA vaccines initially outperformed the viral vector vaccines. A third “booster” dose, roughly six months after the primary doses, substantially reduced symptomatic infection, severe disease, and mortality, and in hindsight should be seen as part of the normal vaccination schedule.

We describe a model of neurological disease based on dysfunctional brain oscillators. This is not a new model, but it is not one that is generally appreciated by clinicians. The value of this model lies in the predictions it makes and the utility it provides in translational applications, in particular for neuromodulation devices. We provide a perspective on the difference between neuromodulation devices that enforce an externally administered stimulus with devices that provide input to sensory receptors and thus stimulate endogenous sensory networks. Current forms of clinically applied neuromodulation are of the former type, including devices such as (implanted) deep brain stimulators (DBS) and various, noninvasive methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial current methods (tACS, tDCS). The challenge with these methods is that they are not sensitive to underlying neuronal dynamics and work by applying an empirically derived electrical current waveform to affect dynamical patterns. Neuromodulation of a sensory organ accesses the same pathways that natural environmental stimuli do and, importantly, the modulatory signal will be transformed as it travels through the brain, allowing the modulation input to be consistent with regional dynamics. We present specific examples of devices that rely on sensory neuromodulation and evaluate the translational potential of these approaches. We argue that sensory neuromodulation is well suited to probe and, ideally, repair dysfunctional brain oscillators, thus providing a novel therapeutic approach for neurological diseases.

Biochemical compositions of black carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) were analyzed using standard methods. The proximate composition (%) were as follows: crude protein (22.50), crude fibre (1.46), carbohydrate by difference (30.86) and energy (35.4Kcal). The predominant mineral was potassium and nickel was the least. The antinutritional properties (mgkg^-1) ranged as follows: Oxalate (1.35), phytate (62.79), and tannins (0.72). The results suggested that the ant may be a good source of nutrition.

A systematic study has been conducted on barbiturate complexes of all five alkali metals Li–Cs prepared from the metal carbonates or hydroxide in aqueous solution without other potential ligands present, varying the stoichiometric ratio of metal ion to barbituric acid (BAH). Eight polymeric compounds (two each for Na, K, and Rb and one each for Li and Cs) have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All contain some combination of barbiturate anion BA− (necessarily in a 1:1 ratio with the metal cation M+), barbituric acid, and water. All organic species and water molecules are coordinated to the metal centres via oxygen atoms as either terminal or bridging ligands. Coordination numbers range from 4 (for the Li complex) to 8 (for the Cs complex). Extensive hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in all the crystal structures, almost all of which include pairs of N–H…O hydrogen bonds linking BA− and/or BAH components into ribbons extending in one dimension. Factors influencing the structure adopted by each compound include cation size and reaction stoichiometry as well as hydrogen bonding.

Offshore Wind Turbines (OWT) with increasingly higher energy output are being developed to meet energy demand, posing challenges for their foundation design. Several foundation types are used to support these turbines with monopiles (MP) accounting for 80% of the installed capacity. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element models (FEM) were employed to investigate the behaviour of monopile foundation supporting a 5MW wind turbine when subjected to lateral loading. Results indicate that the MP behavior depending on the pile length to diameter (L/D) ratio and the soil shear strength. Inspection of bending moment profiles at the lateral ultimate capacity indicated the monopiles can behave in flexible manner even with low L/D ratio. The L/D ratio affected the MP normalized lateral ultimate capacity at varying degrees and the biggest effect was for soft clays, amounting to around 5 folds increase for L/D values of 3.33 to 13.33. Lesser effects were found for stiff clays.

In recent years the number of available chemical pesticides has been significantly reduced and there have been an urgent need for discovery of alternative to chemical pesticides products, as among others the natural zeolites (zeolitic rocks). We determined the mineralogical and chemical composition of a specific and continuous layers of zeolitic rock sample (ZeotP) from Petrota, Ev-ros, Greece and evaluated its oviposition deterrent effect for the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Terphritidae). The tested natural zeolite contained 70 wt. % Clinoptilolite, 18 wt. % Amorphous material, 7 wt. % Feldspars, 4 wt. % Cristobalite and 1 wt. % Quartz. We tested the oviposition deterrent effect of ZeotP mixed or not with an emulsifier adjuvant NU-FILM-P® in water and applied on the surface of olive fruits. The ZeotP oviposition deterrent effect for the ol-ive fly was very high under a series of tested temperatures (17°C, 20°C, 25°C and 30°C) and RHs (23%, 33%, 55%, 75%, 94%). In addition, the ZeotP residual deterrent effect after equable water spraying was high and similar to the respective effect of a pyrethroid insecticide (Decis®). Our results may contribute to an effective control of the olive fruit fly using an alternative to chemical pesticides natural zeolite (zeolitic rocks) product.

Analyses of the three predominant types of sedimentation – clastic, carbonate and black shale – revealed their discontinuity/continuity in different facies environments of the Middle and Late Devonian of the central part of the Volga-Urals petroleum province, namely (1) in depressions, both condensed and non-condensed, (2) on the slopes of depressions and (3) in shallow water environments represented by tectonic arches or localised biohermal uplifts. The regional zonation of conodonts, correlated with the global chronostratigraphic scheme, substantiates the stratigraphic completeness of the general Devonian sequence in this area. In particular, the sedimentation of organic-rich black shales, traditionally considered as source rocks, lasted more than 29 million years, starting from the Late Eifel and ending at the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary. There was only one hiatus in the deposition of both black shales and carbonate sediments, lasting about 2.5 million years at the end of the Frasnian. That interval is dominated by clastic sediments, which are considered to be the most productive reservoirs of the Volga-Ural province. In the time interval from the beginning of the Eifel to the end of the Frasnian (about 17 Ma), (a) clastic sediments show the highest accumulation rates; (b) the most complete sequences occur in depressions; and (c) arches and uplifts show the most significant gaps in the geological record. During Famennian, (a) clastic sedimentation has completely ceased; (b) differences between the slopes of troughs and shallow-water environments have diminished, resulting in stable accumulation of carbonate sediments in both settings; (c) the decrease in sequence thickness (up to 50 m) in depressions suggests reduced accumulation rates of deep-water organic-rich black shales. The results help to understand the complex spatial relationship between different coexisting sedimentation types and focus attention to the incompleteness of the geological record in different environments.

The present decade has witnessed numerous investigations focussed on the determination of the mechanical properties of Fly ash composites. These composites have attracted attention, especially in the form of reinforcements owing to their excellent tensile and compressive properties coupled with impact and hardness response. A number of techniques viz. in-situ deposition, hand-up lay and compo-casting techniques have been reported to fabricate these composites. However, in the context of these composites, a systematic structure-property correlation has not been established till date. The present review is aimed at highlighting the current state of research in the avenue of Fly ash composites from two different viewpoints, viz. (i) fabrication technique and (ii) mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. Moreover, the necessity of establishing systematic structure-property correlation in these materials has also been briefly discussed from the author’s viewpoint.

Spectrum distribution is a classical licensed spectrum accessing method in mobile communication networks. The licensed idle spectrum resources are authorized and distributed from spectrum owners to mobile users. However, the exponential growth of user capacity brings excessive load pressure on the traditional centralized network architecture. As lack of sufficient supervision and penalty measures, dishonest behaviors of spectrum owners and spectrum users will lead to the unfair status in the distribution process. As a result, the honest participants’ interest will be harmed. As an important supporting infrastructure of Internet of things technology, 6G cannot completely follow the existing spectrum distribution method. Towards 6G network spectrum distribution, an blockchain based licensed spectrum fair distribution method is proposed. A lightweight consensus mechanism named as proof of trust (PoT) is applied to reduce computational power consumption and consensus time overhead. We deploy the method on the Ethereum test chain, theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate the fairness, effectiveness and security of the method.

Binder jet printed components typically have low overall density in the green state and high shrinkage and deformation after heat treatment. It has previously been demonstrated that, by including nanoparticles of the same material in the binder, these properties can be improved as the nanoparticles can fill the interstices and pore throats between the bed particles. The beneficial effects from using these additive binder particles can be improved by maximising the binder particle size, enabling the space within the powder bed to be filled with a higher packing efficiency. The selection of maximum particle size for a binder requires detailed knowledge of the pores and pore throats between the powder bed particles. In this paper, a raindrop model is developed to determine the critical radius at which binder particles can pass between pores and penetrate the bed. The model is validated against helium pycnometry measurements and binder particle drop tests. It is found that the critical radius can be predicted, with acceptable accuracy, using a linear function of the mean and standard deviation of the particle radii. Percolation theory concepts have been employed in order to generalise the results for powder beds that have different mean particle sizes and size distributions. The results of this work can be employed to inform the selection of particle sizes required for binder formulations, to optimise density and reduce shrinkage in printed binder jet components.

This paper seeks to fill in the gaps of modern relativistic Cosmology by utilizing the total symmetry between space and time dimensions and re-interpreting the scale factor of the Universe as a gravitational potential generated by the mass/energy of the entire Universe as a whole. The gradient of this potential is along the cosmological time dimension through which the Universe is falling. This gradient gives us an arrow of time, we find explanations for why the Universe began expanding and why the expansion is accelerating without the need for a Cosmological Constant. In a finite time, the gradient will point in the opposite direction of time turning the expanding Universe into a collapsing one where it is shown that when placing the Schwarzschild metric in the dynamic Cosmological background, gravity becomes repulsive and things like would-be Black Holes become White Holes. The model naturally describes a Universe and an anti-Universe (consisting of antimatter) moving in opposite directions of time that collide at the end of collapse, annihilating and subsequently pair producing two new Universes as the cycle begins again. It is shown that the model's Hubble diagram fits the currently available supernova and quasar data. It is found that Dark Matter can perhaps be understood as ordinary matter that is not connected to us with null geodesics.

Public health agencies are increasingly using pathogen whole genome sequencing (WGS) to support surveillance and epidemiologic investigations. As access to WGS has grown, greater amounts of molecular data have helped improve our ability to detect outbreaks, investigate transmission chains, and explore large-scale population dynamics, such as the spread of antibiotic resistance. However, the wide adoption of WGS also poses challenges due to the amount of data generated and the need to transform raw data prior to analysis. This complexity means that public health agencies may need more advanced computational infrastructure, a broader technical workforce, and new approaches to data management and stewardship. As both a guide for how this development could occur, and a place to initiate discussion, we describe ten proposals for developing and supporting an informatics infrastructure for public health.

This paper deals with investigation of changes in geopolymer wettability with increasing mass fraction of high-carbon fly ash and surface treatment by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). In this study, multiple samples of geopolymers were prepared, including those with 5% and 10% of high-carbon fly ash from coal-fired power station. Wettability of samples was then measured before and after plasma treatment, both on surface and cut surface. While addition of fly ash only had low effect on the wettability, as in most cases, it only lowered the initial contact angle without speeding up the speed of soaking for compact geopolymer and actually slowed the soaking for foamed geopolymer, plasma treatment had significant impact and made the geopolymer hydrophobic.

Gold clusters protected by 3-MBA ligands (MBA = mercaptobenzoic acid, -SPhCO2H) have attracted recent interest for their unusual structures and advantageous ligand-exchange and bioconjugation properties. Azubel et al. first determined the core structure of an Au68-complex, which was estimated to have 32 ligands (3-MBA groups). To explain the exceptional structure-composition and reaction properties of this complex, and its larger homologs, Tero et al. proposed a “dynamic stabilization” via carboxyl O-H--Au interactions. Herein, we report the first results of an integrated LC/MS analysis of unfractionated samples of gold / 3-MBA clusters, spanning the narrow size range 13.4 to 18.1 kDa. Using high-throughput procedures adapted from bio-macromolecule analyses, we show that integrated capillary HPLC-ESI-MS, based upon aqueous-methanol mobile phases and ion-pairing reverse-phase chromatography, can separate several major components from the nanoclusters mixture that may be difficult to resolve by standard native gel electrophoresis due to their similar size and charge. For each component, one obtains a well-resolved mass spectrum, nearly free of adducts or signs of fragmentation. A consistent set of molecular mass determinations is calculated from detected charge-states tunable from 3- (or lower), to 2+ (or higher). One thus arrives at a series of new compositions (n, p) specific to the Au/3-MBA system. The smallest major component is assigned to the previously unknown (48, 26); the largest one is evidently (67, 30), vs. the anticipated (68, 32). Various explanations for this discrepancy are considered. A prospective is given for the several members of this novel series, along with a summary of the advantages and present limitations of the micro-scale integrated LC/MS approach to characterize such metallic-core macro-molecules, and their derivatives.

The effects of CO₂-water-rock interactions on the mechanical properties of shale are essential for estimating the possibility of sequestrating CO₂ in shale reservoirs. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests together with an acoustic emission (AE) system and SEM & EDS analysis were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and microstructural changes of black shales with different saturation times (10 days, 20 days and 30 days) in water dissoluted with sub-/super-critical CO₂. According to the experimental results, the values of UCS, Young’s modulus and brittleness index decrease gradually with increasing saturation time in water with sub-/super-critical CO₂. Compared to intact samples, 30-days’ saturation causes reductions of 56.43% in UCS and 54.21% in Young’s modulus for sub-critical saturated samples, and 66.05% in UCS and 56.32% in Young’s modulus for super-critical saturated samples, respectively. The brittleness index also decreases drastically from 84.3% for intact samples to 50.9% for samples saturated in water with sub-critical CO₂, to 47.9% for samples saturated in water with super-critical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂). SC-CO₂ causes a greater reduction of shale’s mechanical properties. The crack propagation results obtained from the AE system show that longer saturation time produces higher peak cumulative AE energy. SEM images show that many pores occur when shale samples are saturated in water with sub-/super-critical CO₂. The EDS results show that CO₂-water-rock interactions increase the percentages of C and Fe and decrease the percentages of Al and K on the surface of saturated samples when compared to intact samples.

To investigate the bioactivities of fresh garlic and its processed product, black garlic, we conducted comparative analyses of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, innate immune activation and anti-cancer activities, in addition to chemical composition (sugar, amino acid, polyphenol contents) of these materials. Simultaneous assay using neutrophil-like cells showed that fresh garlic exhibited antioxidant and innate immunostimulatory activities, whereas black garlic displayed a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The antioxidant activity index was correlated with phenol and flavonoid contents, while the innate immunostimulatory activity was correlated with fructan content. Furthermore, some black garlics with low fructose content were found to inhibit the proliferation of UM-UC-3 cancer cells, while other black garlics rich in fructose increased UM-UC-3 cell proliferation. It was shown that the thermal processing steps of fresh garlic could change the composition of sugars, antioxidants, and amino acids, which have different effects on neutrophil-like cells and UM-UC-3 cells, as well as on bioactivities.

As one of the typical deposits in Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn metallogenic province, the Daliangzi Pb-Zn deposit has a close genetic relation with the structural system of “black/fracture zone” formed under the action of NWW-approx. EW strike-slip structures in the metallogenic province, but the mechanism of rock and ore-controlling action of the structural system remains unclear. Based on detailed analysis of tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies of R1 “black/fracture zone”, the tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies zones can be divided into 4 types in succession outward from the Pb-Zn mineralization center, i.e., ① brecciated and stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralization-complex breccia facies zone, ② stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralization-simple breccia and cataclasite facies zone, ③ veined pyrite-sulfide-dolomitic cataclasite facies zone, and ④ fine-veined calcite-black carbonized dolomite facies zone; Cl- and SO42--rich high-temperature oxidizing ore-bearing fluid mixes with reducing fluid in Zone ① while migration and precipitation occur in Zone ④. With the evolution of ore-forming fluid, the homogenization temperature decreases from Zone ① to Zone ④, the salinity increases from Zone ① to Zone ② and then decreases to Zones ③ and ④, and the fluid density has little change on the whole; the contents of Zn, Pb, Cu, Ga, Ge, Cd, Ag, and other metallogenic elements, the Zn/Pb ratio, and the CaO/MgO mole ratio decrease gradually from Zone ① to Zone ④; and REE fractionation, calcilization, silicification, and pyritization enhance gradually from Zone ① to Zone ④. This series of changes are the product of diapirism (cryptoexplosion) of strike-slip structures and “black/fracture zone”, among which the second-order structures (F5, F100, and other faults) derived from NWW-approx. EW striking dextral shear-tension faults F1 and F15 control the brecciated and stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralized complex breccia facies zones and the stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralized simple breccia and cataclasite facies zones. Therefore, this paper establishes the zoning mode of tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies of “black/fracture zone” and proposes that Zones ① and ② are important prospecting criteria. conclusions.

We develop new theory from a broad case-study approach to explore a better understanding of what constitutes knowledge and its value as identifiable to human-machine teams. From past research, this trail of exploration will lead to these initial questions: What is the value of debate in the furtherance of knowledge? Will machines with AI be able to contribute to a debate if we humans cannot define it or determine its value sufficiently for a machine’s understanding, contribution, exploration and identification? Like humans, as teammates, machines must be able to determine with AI what constitutes the usable knowledge that contributes to a team’s success in the field (e.g., testing "knowledge" in the field, identifying new knowledge, using knowledge to develop innovation) or its failure (viz., trouble shooting; identifying weaknesses; discovering vulnerabilities, hiding by deception). It matters not whether a debate is public, private or unexpressed by an individual human or machine agent alone; we speculate in this exploration that the process advances the science of autonomous human-machine teams and assists in interpretable machine learning. We conclude with questions and a speculation: How does a human become aware or express its awareness of knowledge? Can a machine be as expressive as its human teammates? And how does a human-machine teammate become aware that its teammates possess sufficient knowledge to perform a task? We speculate that the structure of “knowledge," once found, is resistant to alternatives (i.e., it is ordered); that its functional utility is generalizable; and that its applications are multifaceted (akin to maximum entropy production). The complexity of the team is taken into consideration in our search for knowledge, which can also be used as an information metric.

People who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have heterogeneous symptoms and disease trajectories, which make it difficult to precisely diagnose and assess complications long-term. Insufficient information is available regarding how to precisely diagnose and assess mTBI. This study identified and compared deficits in cognitive, psychosocial, visual functions, and balance performance between college students with and without histories of mTBI. Global DNA methylation ratio (5-mC%) in blood was also compared as a peripheral epigenetic marker. Twenty-five volunteers participated in this pilot study, including 11 mTBI cases (27.3% females; mean age of 28.7 years, SD=5.92) and 14 healthy controls (64.3% females; mean age of 22.0, SD=4.13). All the participants were assessed for cognitive (by NIH toolbox—executive function, memory, and processing speed), psychological (by PROMIS—depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances), visual function (by King-Devick and binocular accommodative tests), postural balance performance (by a force plate), and blood 5-mC% (global methylation) levels. Students with mTBI reported significantly poorer episodic memory, severe anxiety, and more sleep disturbance problems. They also had higher blood 5-mC% level (all p’s<.05). No significant differences were found in visual function and postural balance. These findings validate changes in cognitive, psychosocial, and global DNA methylation long after mTBI.

The production of biomass fly ash has been increasing every year in Europe, reaching 5.5 million tons in 2020. Biomass fly ash is not yet accepted in the standards as a substitute material for cement in mortar and concrete. In a first approach, the substitution limit of biomass fly ash is determined by comparing the mechanical strengths, fresh state properties and hardened properties of mortars produced with biomass fly ash to those of mortars produced with classical coal fly ash. Then, masonry and rendering mortars have been designed with different substitution rates of biomass fly ashes from wood combustion in thermal power plant. Although there is an overall decrease in performance, mortars made with biomass ash retain properties that make them suitable for use in masonry or rendering.

We consider the thermodynamic and stability problem of Kerr black holes arising from the nonextensive/nonadditive nature of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy formula. Nonadditive thermodynamics is often criticized by asserting that the zeroth law cannot be compatible with nonadditive composition rules, so in this work we follow the so-called formal logarithm method to derive an additive entropy function for Kerr black holes satisfying also the zeroth law's requirement. Starting from the most general, equilibrium compatible, nonadditive entropy composition rule of Abe, we consider the simplest, non-parametric approach that is generated by the explicit nonadditive form of the Bekenstein-Hawking formula. This analysis extends our previous results on the Schwarzschild case and shows that the zeroth law compatible temperature function in the model is independent of the mass-energy parameter of the black hole. By applying the Poincaré turning point method we also study the thermodynamic stability problem in the system.

This paper discusses the use of fly ash in concrete construction industry. Fly ash is incorporated as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete in partial replacement of cement, and is recently used as a geopolymer cement in the development of geopolymer concrete (GPC) mixes. Class C and Class F fly ash high aluminosilicate content, and fine granular size contributes to concrete improved workability, lower permeability, and reduced heat of cement hydration. Due to its chemical properties, the use of fly ash in producing OPC and GPC results in increased compressive strength, higher tensile strength evaluated by measuring hardened concrete modulus of rupture (MOR), and higher modulus of elasticity (MOE). The fine size of fly ash particles increases the concrete mix packing order, and reduce the ingress of moisture, and mitigates the impact of aggressive environmental attacks through the reduction of sulfates and chlorides rate of concrete penetration. Thus, fly ash improves concrete resistivity to alkali-aggregate reactions (AAR), and reduces the corrosion of reinforcing steel, and prestressing strands. Fly ash as an economic byproduct of coal industry results in reduced material cost, increased durability, and a higher sustainability of concrete construction projects.

Culex quinquefasciatus is an important target for vector control because of its ability to transmit pathogens that cause disease. Most populations are resistant to pyrethroids and often to organophosphates, the two most common classes of active ingredients used by public health agencies. A knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, resulting in a change from a leucine to phenylalanine in the voltage gated sodium channel, is one mechanism contributing to the pyrethroid resistant phenotype. Enzymatic resistance has also been shown to play a very important role. Recent studies have shown strong resistance in populations even when kdr is relatively low which indicates factors other than kdr may be larger contributors to resistance. In this study, we examined on a statewide scale (over 70 populations), the strength of the correlation between resistance in the CDC bottle bioassay and the kdr genotypes and allele frequencies. Spearman correlation analysis showed only moderate (-0.51) and weak (-0.29) correlation between the kdr genotype and permethrin and deltamethrin respectively. The frequency of the kdr allele was an even weaker correlate. These results indicate, in contrast to Aedes aegypti, assessing kdr in populations of Culex quinquefasciatus is not a good surrogate for phenotypic resistance testing.

The urgency to develop vaccines against Covid-19 is putting pressure on the long and expensive development timelines which are normally required for development of lifesaving vaccines. There is a unique opportunity to take advantage of new technologies, smart and flexible design of clinical trials, and evolving regulatory science to speed up vaccine development against Covid-19 and transform vaccine development altogether.

The origins of the stellar mass neutron black holes and supermassive dark matter black holes without the singularities are reported based on the 4-D Euclidean space. The neutron black holes with the mass of m_BH = 5 – 15 m_sun are made by the 6-quark merged states (N_6q) of two neutrons with the mass (m(N_6q) = 10 m(n)) of 9.4 GeV/c² that gives the black hole mass gap of m_BH = 3 – 5 m_sun. Also, the supermassive black holes with the mass of m_SMBH = 10⁶ – 10¹¹ msun are made by the merged 3-D states (J(B1B2B3)₃ particles) of the dark matters. The supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky way galaxy has the mass of mSMBH = 4.1 10⁶ m_sun that is consistent with m_SMBH = 2.08 - 6.23 10⁶ m_sun calculated from the 3-D states (J(B1B2B3)₃ particles) of the dark matters with the mass of m(J) = 1.95 10¹⁵ eV/c². In other words, this supports the existence of the B1, B2 and B3 dark matters with the proposed masses. The first dark matter black hole (primary black hole) was created at the big bang. This first dark matter black hole decayed to the supermassive dark matter black holes through the secondary dark matter black holes that are explained by the merged states of the J(B1B2B3)₃ particles. The universe evolution is closely connected to the decaying process of the dark matter black holes since the big bang. The dark matter cloud states are proposed at the intermediate mass black hole range of m_IMBH = 10² – 10⁵ msun. This can explain why the dark matter black holes are not observed at the intermediate mass black hole range of m_IMBH = 10² – 10⁵ m_sun.

Vitamin D has previously been quantified in some plants and algae, particularly in leaves of the Solanaceae family. We measured the vitamin D content of Australian native food plants and Australian-grown edible seaweed. Using liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, 13 samples (including leaf, fruit and seed) were analysed in duplicate for vitamin D₂, vitamin D₃, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂ and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃. Five samples contained vitamin D₂: raw wattleseed (Acacia victoriae) (0.03 µg/100 g dry weight (DW)); fresh and dried lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaves (0.03 and 0.24 µg/100 g DW, respectively); dried leaves and berries of Tasmanian mountain pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) (0.67 and 0.05 µg/100 g DW, respectively). Fresh kombu (Lessonia corrugata) contained vitamin D₃ (0.01 µg/100 g DW). Detected amounts were low; however, it is possible that exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the vitamin D content of plants and algae if vitamin D precursors are present.

The research employs both literature and experimental data to develop reasonable strategies for melon fly control. The objects of research were sierozem soils of the Zhanakorgan region (Kyzylorda region), bentonite clays of the Sauran region (Turkestan region), vermicompost obtained at the production site of the Research Institute "Ecology" at the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The competitive agent 'Vermiserbent' was developed by combining sulphur-perlite-containing waste (SPCW), vermicompost (VC), and natural bentonite clay. When incorporated into the soil, it serves as both an insecticide and a fertiliser recovery agent. Disinfection and enrichment of barren Sierozem soils in southern Kazakhstan could provide an eco-friendly approach to protect cucurbits (melon, watermelon, and pumpkin) against the melon fly. The average yield of watermelon treated with vermiserbent increased by 2.3 t/ha compared to the control, melon by 4.6 t/ha, pumpkin by 5.6 t/ha. The marketability of gourds as watermelons and melon after treatment with fertilizer increased by 1.2 times, and pumpkin by 1.1 times. The findings of studies conducted in agricultural fields in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions have shown that it is possible to produce environmentally sound gourds using a mixture of vermicompost, bentonite, and SPCW.

Cenospheres are hollow particles in fly-ash, a by-product of coal burning, and are widely used as reinforcement for developing low density composites called syntactic foams. This study investigates the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of cenospheres obtained from 3 different sources, CS1, CS2, and CS3, for the development of syntactic foams. Description of floatation method to separate broken particles is given, and it was seen that up to 11 % of the particles were damaged. Post heat treatment samples show development of SiO2 phase in the cenosphere, which is not present in the as received product. CS3 had the highest quantity of Si element, compared to the other two, showing the difference in the source quality. The particle size distribution for CS2 is very narrow while for the others is much broader. All censopheres have porous walls but the morphology of CS2 is the most uniform and smooth. For the application of metallic layer and subsequent consolidation via spark plasma sintering, CS2 was deemed the most physically, thermally, and chemically suitable.

Risk-averse areas such as the medical, aerospace and energy sectors have been somewhat slow towards accepting and applying Additive Manufacturing (AM) in many of their value chains. This is partly because there are still signi cant uncertainties concerning the quality of AM builds. This paper introduces a machine learning algorithm for the automatic detection of faults in AM products. The approach is semi-supervised in that, during training, it is able to use data from both builds where the resulting components were certi ed and builds where the quality of the resulting components is unknown. This makes the approach cost ecient, particularly in scenarios where part certi cation is costly and time consuming. The study speci cally analyses Selective Laser Melting (SLM) builds. Key features are extracted from large sets of photodiode data, obtained during the building of 49 tensile test bars. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) tests were then used to categorise each bar as `faulty' or `acceptable'. A fully supervised approach identi ed faulty specimens with a 77% success rate while the semi-supervised approach was able to consistently achieve similar results, despite being trained on a fraction of the available certi cation data. The results show that semi-supervised learning is a promising approach for the automatic certi cation of AM builds that can be implemented at a fraction of the cost currently required.

Mushroom cultivation vastly improves the yield of mushrooms under optimized, controlled conditions, but may be susceptible to opportunistic colonization by pest species that can establish themselves, as well as the pathogens and pests they may transmit. Here we describe our investigation into the bacterial communities of adult Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae) and Megaselia halterata (Diptera: Phoridae) collected from button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production houses in Pennsylvania. We collected adult flies and sequenced the hypervariable v4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA using the Illumina MiSeq. The most abundant bacterial genus detected in both species was Wolbachia, but phylogenetic analysis revealed that the infections are from different clades. Future studies include the characterization of Wolbachia infections on fly behavior and biology, comparison of microbial diversity of fly species colonizing wild mushrooms, and other microbiota that may contribute to the success of certain pest fly species.

One of the most important pieces of equipment used in labs in culturing populations of fruit flies (Drosophila sp.) is that of the “CO₂ gas plate”, which is used to anesthesize individuals during “fly-pushing”. This piece of equipment consists of a box with a porous top into which carbon-dioxide is pumped. Flies placed on its surface are left immobilized, permitting the sorting, categorizing and/or counting of flies during population culturing and experimental assays. Unfortunately, commercially available gas plates are typically expensive. Here, we describe a new design for a gas plate that can be easily produced using a 3D printer and a laser cutter, which we are making freely available to the fly community.

In this paper, we consider the formation of quantum black holes (QBHs) through a genuine quantum process. We treat particles at the Planck energy as QBHs. The Hawking temperature and entropy of QBHs are estimated. We also show that a QBH has a discrete energy spectrum. By analogy with supersymmetric theory, the mass of the superpartner of a QBH is estimated.

The nephrite belt in Altun Mountain-Western Kunlun Mountain region spanning approximately 1300 km in Xinjiang, NW China, constituting the world's largest preeminent nephrite deposit. The Qiemo region in the Altun Mountain is a crucial nephrite-producing area in China with demonstrating substantial prospects for future explorationl. While extant research has extensively study on secondary deposits in the Karakash River and native black nephrite deposits in Guangxi Dahua, a lacuna exists in the comprehensive investigation of black nephrite from original deposits in Xinjiang. Margou nephrite represents a recent discovery of black-toned nephrite deposits in Qiemo County, Xinjiang, warranting a comprehensive investigation into this primary source of black nephrite within the region. This scholarly inquiry deploys a suite of sophisticated analytical techniques, encompassing Polarizing microscope, electric microprobe, Backscattered Electron Image, X-ray Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The rigorous experimental test is dedicated to elucidating the chemical and mineralogical composition, and further clarify the type of its genetic types of black-black cyan nephrite from Margou deposit in Qiemo, Xinjiang. Results delineate the mainly composed of tremolite-actinolite, characterized by Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) ratios ranging from 0.86 to 1.0. Minor minerals include diopside, epidote, pargasite, apatite, zircon, pyrite and iron hydroxide. Bulk-rock rare earth element patterns exhibit distinctive features such as negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.00~0.17), decreasing light rare earth elements, a relatively flat distribution of heavy rare earth elements, and low with total REE concentrations (1.64~38.9 μg/g), concurrently, the Cr (6~21 μg/g) and Ni (2.5~4.5 μg/g) contents are conspicuously low. The magmatic influence of granite emerges as pivotal factor in the genesis of magnesia skarn hosting the Margou nephrite. The distinctive black-black cyan colour is attributed to heightened iron content, mainly associated with FeO (0.08~6.29%). The discerned chemical composition characteristics posit the Margou nephrite as an exemplar of the magnesia skarn-type nephrite deposit.

A dark region and a bright part of accretion disk are viewed on the first image of the supermassive black hole in the galaxy M87 obtained by the Event Horizon Telescope. We demonstrate that a viewed dark region is a silhouette of the black hole event horizon, while the outline (contour) of this silhouette is an equator of the event horizon globe. A dark silhouette of the black hole event horizon is placed within the expected position of the black hole shadow, which is not revealed on the first image. We calculate numerically a relation between the viewed position of the black hole silhouette and the brightest point in a thin accretion disk in dependence of the black hole spin. A spin of the supermassive black hole in the galaxy M87, derived from this relation, is $a=0.75\pm0.15$.

Gonorrhea is a major global public health problem with emergence of multiple drug-resistant strains with no effective vaccine. This retrospective cohort study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the New Zealand meningococcal B vaccine against gonorrhea associated hospitalization. The cohort consisted of individuals born 1984-1999 residing in New Zealand, therefore eligible for meningococcal B vaccination during 2004-2008. Administrative datasets of demographics, customs, hospitalization, education, income tax and immunization, were linked using the national Integrated Data Infrastructure. The primary outcome was hospitalization with a primary diagnosis of gonorrhea. Cox’s proportional hazards models were applied with a Firth correction for rare outcomes to generate estimates of hazard ratios. Vaccine effectiveness estimates were calculated as 1-Hazard Ratio expressed as percent. There were 1,143,897 eligible cohort members, with 135 missing information on gender, 16,245 missing ethnicity and/or 197,502 missing deprivation hence 935,496 were included in the analysis. After adjustment for gender, ethnicity and deprivation, vaccine effectiveness (MeNZB™) against hospitalization caused by gonorrhea was estimated to be 24% (95% CI 1-42%). In conclusion, vaccination with MeNZB™ significantly reduced the rate of hospitalization from gonorrhea. This supports prior research indicating possible cross protection of this vaccine against gonorrhea acquisition and disease in the outpatient setting.

The separation and enrichment can be targeted to enrich the rare and precious metals in fly ash and reduce the cost of leaching and recovering of fly ash. Regarding their different properties, the single-component separation was used to obtain uncompleted burned carbon, glass microbeads, minerals, and other characteristic components from the ash. Also, the mineral composition of each component was analyzed by electron microscopy. The metal minerals were mainly concentrated in the mineral components. Besides, the electron probe micro-analysis shows that the Pt content in the minerals of fly ash was significantly correlated with the metal contents of Ni and Cu. After the obtainment of the characteristics of fly ash metal enrichment, the heavy minerals with Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, and other target metal elements were enriched by gravity separation and flotation. The enrichment coefficients of Cu, Ni, Pt, and Pd were 1.45, 1.33, 1.90 and 1.60, respectively, and the recovery rates were 77%, 81%, 97% and 88% respectively. Since the yield of heavy minerals obtained by separation was 62.24%, it indicated the physical separation method could significantly reduce the cost of leaching and recovering of fly ash metal resources.

The fabrication and characterisation of photo-anodes based on black-Si (b-Si) are presented using a photo-electrochemical cell in NaOH solution. Black-Si was fabricated by maskless dry plasma etching and was conformally coated by tens-of-nm of TiO2 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with a top layer of CoO_x cocatalyst deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Low reflectivity R < % of Black-Si over the entire visible and near-IR (λ < 2 µm) spectral range is favourable in better absorption of light while an increased surface area facilities larger current densities. Photoelectrochemical performance of the heterostructured photoanode is discussed in terms of n-n junction between b-Si and TiO₂.

We demonstrate a concept and fabrication of lithography-free layered metal-\ce{SiO2} thin-film structures which have reduced reflectivity (black appearance), to as low as 0.9~\%, with 4.9~\% broadband reflectance (8.9~\% for soda lime) in the 500 - 1400~nm range. The multi-layered (four layers) thin-film metamaterial is designed so that optical impedance matching produces minimal reflectance and transmittance within the visible and infra-red (IR) spectral region for a range of incident angles. The structure has enhanced absorbance and is easily tuned for reduced minimal transmission and reflection.

A photon inside a gravitational eld de ned by the accelerates g is found to have a gravitational mass given by m_g = (ћ=2c³)g, where ћ is the reduced Planck's constant, and c is the speed of light in vacuum. This force is equivalent to the curvature force introduced by Einstein's general relativity. These photons behave like the radiation emitted by a black hole. A black hole emitting such a radiation develops an entropy that is found to increase linearly with black hole mass, and inversely with the photon mass. Based on this, the entropy of a solar black hole emitting photons of mass ~10^-33eV amounts to ~10⁷⁷ kB. The created photons could be seen as resulting from quantum fluctuation during an uncertainty time given by Δt = c/g. The gravitational force on the photon is that of an entropic nature, and varies inversely with the square of the entropy. The power of the massive photon radiation is found to be analogous to Larmor power of an accelerating charge.

This study aimed at characterizing the composition and performing chemical speciation modelling to determine species that are abundant in the coal fly ash (CFA) and soil samples sourced from Hendrina Power station located in Mpumalanga Province. All CFA samples were alkaline in nature with pH values ranging between 8.11 ± 0.07 and 8.60 ± 0.03 with an electrical conductivity (EC) ranging between 301.70 and 1515.00 µS/cm while EC of control soil was 103.10 µS/cm. The control soil pH was found to be 6.24 ± 0.13 and total organic carbon values ranged between 2.68 and 85.82 mg/kg and some percentage organic carbon values of CFAs were found to be greater than 8%, which is above the permissible limits of hazardous waste dumping. Oxidation-reduction potential values were negative in all CFA samples and positive in soil. The speciation modelling showed that the potential for a trace metal to have hazardous effects in soil systems depends on its concentration, specific form and interactions with other constituents in CFA. The slow release of metals from CFA to soil was assessed by looking at how a given metal is distributed throughout its several possible chemical forms. The presence of divalent cations (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, etc.) in CFAs might pose a threat to soil quality. In the competition for binding sites on ferric hydroxides, dissolved metal ions faced off against other metals. Protons (H+) were seen to be in competition with Pb, Cu and Zn for the ability to bind to hydroxyl (OH-) groups and this is due to chemical precipitation and surface complexation.

The model of an oscillating universe proposed by A. Friedmann in 1922 dominated cosmology for a long time. R. Tolman put forward a thermodynamic argument against the cyclic cosmological model, believing that entropy should accumulate from cycle to cycle. J. Bekenstein and S. Hawking discovered a tremendous amount of entropy associated with black holes. This discovery led to the conclusion that the majority of the Universe's entropy is contained in black holes. N. Poplawski considers a Universe that oscillates within a black hole. This paper analyzes the relationship between the entropy of black holes and the oscillating Universe inside a large black hole. It is demonstrated that the entropy of a black hole can only be defined for an external observer. For an observer inside the black hole, its entropy is zero. This opens up the possibility of constructing a cyclic cosmology in which entropy and the size of the visible part of the Universe change strictly periodically. This does not violate the second law of thermodynamics because the continuous accumulation of entropy from cycle to cycle pertains to the surface of the big black hole, which is invisible to the internal observer.

Biogeochemistry of waters is an essential regulator of phytoplankton dynamics, determining the level of species bloom and the change of dominants. The paper investigated the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton and the nutrient concentration and their ratios in the NE Black Sea in 2017-2021. Two taxonomic groups, diatoms, and coccolithophores, determine seasonal dynamics and significantly contribute to the total phytoplankton biomass. Coccolithophores annually, except in 2020, formed bloom in early June. Large diatoms in summer annually, except in 2019, dominated with biomass exceeding 1000 mg m-3. During the bloom of these taxonomic groups, their contribution to the total phytoplankton biomass exceeded 90%. Each group has characteristic biogeochemical niches in the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations coordinates. The regulation of the biogeochemistry of water is the position of the seasonal thermocline. With a high-lying and sharp gradient thermocline (the average for five years is 6.87 m), low nitrogen concentrations and a nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio below the Redfield ratio are created in the upper mixed layer. These conditions are optimal for the dominance of coccolithophores. When the thermocline is deepened (the average for five years is 17.96 m), the phosphorus concentration decreases significantly and the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus is significantly higher than the Redfield ratio, and these conditions lead to the dominance of large diatoms. The results of experimental studies with nitrogen and phosphorus additives in the natural phytoplankton population confirm the above statements. The addition of phosphorus leads to an increased role of coccolithophores in the total phytoplankton biomass, the addition of nitrogen alone contributes to the growth of large diatoms, and the combined addition of phosphorus and nitrogen in a ratio close to the Redfield ratio leads to the dominance of small diatoms.

In this paper, we study quantum gravity effect on the symmergent black hole which is derived from quadratic-curvature gravity. To do so, we use the Klein-Gordon equation which is modified by generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). After solving the field equations, we examine the symmergent black hole's tunneling and Hawking temperature. We explore the graphs of the temperature through the outer horizon to check the GUP influenced conditions of symmergent black hole stability. We also explain how symmergent black holes behave physically when influenced by quantum gravity. The impacts of thermal fluctuations on the thermodynamics of a symmergent black holes spacetime are examined. We first evaluate the model under consideration's thermodynamic properties, such as its Hawking temperature, angular velocity, entropy, and electric potential. We evaluate the logarithmic correction terms for entropy around the equilibrium state in order to examine the impacts of thermal fluctuations. In the presence of these correction terms, we also examine the viability of the first law of thermodynamics. Finally, we evaluate the system's stability using the Hessian matrix and heat capacity. It is determined that a stable model is generated by logarithmic corrections arising from thermal fluctuations.

It is necessary to address the scarcity of crushed stones for pavement structural layers. So fly ash can be proved to be promising solution as more than 270 tonnes of fly ash is generated in India. Though, numerous research has been conducted for the use of fly ash intreated and untreated form, high volume of fine particles and brittleness of the stabilized fly ash pose a great problem for its use in subbase and base. Moreover, stiffness or modulus of stabilized fly ash is vital elastic parameter which is used for mechanistic pavement design. Hence, in this study an extensive experimental investigation is carried out to study its strength and stiffness properties such as compressive strength, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength, cyclic indirect tensile modulus and flexural modulus of fiber reinforced cement stabilized fly ash, stone dust, aggregate mixtures. The stone dust and aggregates have been added to enhance the gradation of the composite’s mixture. The study presents the effect of fiber on strength and stiffness properties. The experimental result reveals that addition of polypropylene (PP) fibers up to 0.25 wt.% enhances the compressive strength and any further addition of fiber results in decrease of the strength. However, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength increases with increase in fiber percentage up to 0.5 wt.%. Cement content is observed to be the dominant parameter for stabilized materials. Suitable relationships have been developed between strength and modulus parameters for stabilized mixtures. Based on the strength and stiffness study, 70% fly ash and 30% stone dust-aggregate and 60% fly ash and 40% stone dust-aggregate with 6% cement can be considered for the base layer. Based on the indirect tensile strength and flexural strength behavior, 0.35% is considered as the optimum fiber percentage.

Mast cells (MCs) play a crucial role during infections with Leishmania, that is transmitted through the bite of an infected sand fly that injects saliva together with the parasite. Sand fly saliva is a complex fluid that modulates the host immune response. In addition, hormonal factors modulate the host immune response, impacting the susceptibility to infections. Thus, to assess the impact of androgens and salivary proteins of sand fly vectors on the mast cell (MC) response to Leishmania infections, we infected orchiectomized male mice with the parasite in the presence or absence of sand fly salivary proteins and analyzed the inflammatory response of MCs. Our results showed a differential MC response to the parasite and to vector salivary proteins in mice deprived of gonadal hormones, as compared to sham-operated mice. Orchidectomy induced a different pattern of activation in MC of animals infected with Leishmania and vector-salivary proteins. Our results show that during Leishmania infection, androgens modulate the innate immunity response against the parasite and salivary proteins of the sand fly vector.

Fly ash cement has rarely been used in Japan, mainly because its strength development is slower than ordinary Portland cement. In this research, the effect of the new fly ash cement with both high alite (C3S) cement and fly ash modified by electrostatic belt separation method on cracking resistance of precast concrete prepared by steam curing was studied. The mechanical and shrinkage properties of the proposed fly ash concrete were compared with those of concrete made using OPC cement without fly ash. In order to study the cracking tendency of precast concrete with the proposed fly ash cement, thermal stress analysis was conducted taking into consideration of the experimental data of concrete properties with the different concrete mix proportions. A standard precast concrete box culvert model was used in this 3D FEM analysis and the distribution of temperature and relative humidity in cross section and induced restraint stress during and after steam curing were discussed. Steam-cured concrete with fly ash and high alite cement developed higher compressive strength on the first day of age than concrete with OPC. The proposed fly ash concrete developed high cracking resistance in the early days. On the other hand, the results showed that the drying shrinkage at later ages was the main cause of cracking.

An attempt to investigate the effect of binary composite activators on the microstructure of fly ash-based geopolymers is conducted through the comparison of 24 experiments, which consisted of Na2SiO3•9H2O, Na2CO3, K2CO3, NaOH, and KOH through a facile preparation technique. The results show that the activator of Na2SiO3•9H2O+KOH presents the highest mechanical strength, due to the synergy activation between the inherent ≡Si-O-Si≡ chains derived from Na2SiO3 and K+’s catalysis. It reveals that the K+ plays a crucial role in Na2SiO3-activated fly ash geopolymer, which is the rate-determining step of the enhanced crosslinking and propagation of N-(C)-A-S-H chains, leading to an increase in weight loss temperatures of specimens from TG/DTG results. Furthermore, the adding silica fume facilitates as-formed amorphous silicates, which also could fill into the pores of N-(C)-A-S-H amorphous gels and present a uniform and compact morphology, leading to an increase in the pore volume of the pore diameter less than 100 nm. It explores an efficient and cost-effective preparation of fly ash-based geopolymer for developing solid-waste recycling techniques.

This article deals with the possibility of partial replacement of blast furnace slag with fly ash after denitrification by the Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) method in alkali-activated materials. In the experiment, the basic physical-mechanical properties and durability properties were tested, the hydration reaction was monitored in a calorimeter and infrared spectroscopy was performed. Results were compared between mixtures prepared with fly ash without denitrification and also with reference mixture based only on alkali-activated blast furnace slag. The basic result is the finding, that hybrid alkali-systems with fly ash after denitrification show similar trends as hybrid alkali-systems with fly ash without denitrification. The significant effect of fly ash is manifested especially in terms of resistance to freeze-thaw. The reactions in the calorimeter show a slower development of reactions with increasing replacement of slag by fly ash. In the case of testing resistance to leaching in demineralised water, a decrease of flexural strength was found, which corresponds to the conclusions of strength testing, that long-term deposition of bodies in water causes deterioration of mechanical properties.

New materials are obtained by transforming fly ash wastes into a valuable composite, with tandem adsorption and photodegradation properties. Mild hydrothermal synthesis, from titanium dioxide, Platinum nanoparticles and zeolite materials obtained from a waste, fly ash, as support, was involved in the composite preparation. The Platinum nanoparticles extended the photocatalytic activity of the composite in Visible range (Eg = 2.1 eV). The efficiency of tandem adsorption and photocatalytic activity of the new composite were evaluated to 80.70% for Bemacid Blau and 93.89% for Bemacid Rot, after 360 min, the irradiation time, with H2O2 addition.

When two black holes form a binary system, each black hole observes an event horizon and a curved distorted space-time region around the other black hole. In this space-time, two such regions are formed, and another black hole forms in the second region from the initial black hole, which may be termed the “image” of the first black hole. The same event occurs for the other black hole also, and an extra image of it is formed. In these conditions, the energy of the system divides between the two black holes and their images. These four new black holes that are formed interact with each other again and produce new horizons and new distorted regions. Each black hole produces an image of all the other black holes and detects the background of six black holes instead of three. Consequently, for four black holes, 24 new black holes arise. The energy of the system will be divided amongst all 24 black holes. This story continues and black holes interact with one another and produce new images. Finally, very light black holes are formed each of which is so weak that it cannot produce strong distortions of space-time. The radiated gravitational waves from these weak black holes could be detected by LIGO as well as the signature of these binary black holes. However, detected waves are only a part of very strong gravitational waves. Each time a part of these waves escapes from the system and reaches the earth, they may be regarded as emitted waves from a new binary black hole. The time between radiated signals decreases, and it may be interpreted that a new supermassive binary black hole is radiating. If radiated signals combine, an explosion of the very strong binary system could be detected.

M87 is a giant elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. The radio source has a core which coincides with the nucleus of the galaxy and a jet of emission which is detected from radio to X-ray bands. A supermassive black hole is assumed to be at the centre of M87 which sends out relativistic particles in the form jets along its axis of rotation. Relativistic particles accelerated in a magnetic field, give out synchrotron radiation. The centre is surrounded by an accretion disc, which is the closest that we can probe into a black hole. High resolution observations are needed to examine the nature of the radio emission closest to the centre of M87. An array of millimetre-band telescopes across the globe were used as an interferometer, called the Event Horizon Telescope, (EHT) to probe the nuclear region. The angular resolution of this interferometer array is 25 microarc sec, at a wavelength of 1.3mm and the data was carefully calibrated and imaged. The resulting image shows an asymmetric ring which is consistent with the predictions of strong gravitational lensing of synchrotron emission from hot plasma near the event horizon. In this paper, we review the results of the observations of the radio galaxy, M87, using the Event Horizon Telescope

Geopolymer cement has been popularly studied nowadays compared to ordinary Portland cement because it demonstrated superior environmental advantages due to its lower carbon emissions and waste material utilization. This paper focuses on the formulation of geopolymer cement from nickel-laterite mine waste (NMW) and coal fly ash (CFA) as geopolymer precursors, and sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium silicate (SS) as alkali activators. Different mix formulations of raw materials are synthesized to produce a geopolymer based from an I-optimal design and obtained different compressive strengths. A mixed formulation of 50% NMW and 50% CFA, SH-to-SS ratio of 0.5, and an activator-to-precursor ratio of 0.429 yielded the highest 28-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 22.10 ± 5.40 MPa. Furthermore, using an optimized formulation of 50.12% NMW, SH-to-SS ratio of 0.516, and an activator-to-precursor ratio of 0.428, a UCS value of 36.30 ± 3.60 MPa was obtained. The result implies that the synthesized geopolymer material can be potentially used for concrete structures and pavers, pedestrian pavers, light traffic pavers, and plain concrete.

We analyze the transformation of a very broad class of metrics that can be put in terms of static coordinates. Starting from a general ansatz, we obtain a relation for the parameters in which one can impose further symmetries, or restrictions. One of the simplest restrictions leads to FLRW cases, while transforming from the initial static to other static-type coordinates can lead to near horizon coordinates, Wheeler-Regge, isotropic coordinates, among others. As less restrictive cases, we show an indirect route for obtaining Kruskal-Szekeres within this approach, as well as Lema\^{\i}tre coordinates. We use Schwarzschild spacetime as prototype for testing the procedure in individual cases. However, application to other spacetimes, such as de-Sitter, Reissner-Nordstr\"{o}m or Schwarzschild de Sitter, can be readily generalized.

Knowledge about the genesis and evolution of black soils in the Eastern Mediterranean is vital for sustainable land management. In this study, the black soils that currently occur in the Eastern Mediterranean were analyzed in different bioclimatic zones and were found to genetically be long to three soil types: 1-Calcareous black soils (Rendzina, Para-Rendzina) (Rendzic or Somerirendzic Leptosols -Typic Rendolls or Lithic Rendolls), 2-Hydromorphic black soils (Calcic Chernozems -Haploxerolls). 3- Black soils on Basalt (Somerirendzic Leptosols) (Haploxerolls). The impact of the relief was obvious on both the thickness of the solum and the mollic horizon. Rendzina occurs on the toe and feet slope, Para-Rendzina on the shoulders, and Chernozems on a flat plain. The color of the epipedon in Rendzina reflects the origin of the prevailing parent material from which they are derived: Proper Rendzina found on limestone, chalk, sandstone, conglomerate, and claystone; Reddish Rendzina on Dolomite and hard limestone, and Grayish Rendzina on Serpentine. It was also found that the Hydromorphic black soils only occur on calcic marl and lacustrine deposits in the depressions arising from the Dead Sea faults under saturation or bad drainage conditions. This soil has a thick, dark mollic horizon and high organic matter content.

The principles of causality and unitarity are studied within rational nonlinear electrodynamics proposed earlier. We investigate dyonic and magnetized black holes and show that in the self-dual case, when the electric charge equals the magnetic charge, corrections to Coulomb's law and Reissner-Nordstrom solutions are absent. In the case of the magnetic black hole, the Hawking temperature, the heat capacity and the Helmholtz free energy are calculated. It is shown that there are second-order phase transitions and it was demonstrated that at some range of parameters the black holes are stable.

We describe quantum correction to the accreting hot plasma onto black holes. The accreting black holes are surrounded by the very hot ionized plasma. This plasma is heated inevitably by the outgoing photons of the quantum Hawking radiation. It is demonstrated that Hawking radiation prevails over the Compton scattering of hot electrons in the accreting flow onto the small enough evaporating black holes.

In this paper, we study the relativistic correction to Bekenstein-Hawking entropy in the canonical ensemble and isothermal-isobaric ensemble and apply it to the cases of non-rotating BTZ and AdS-Schwarzschild black holes. This is realized by generalizing the equations obtained using Boltzmann-Gibbs(BG) statistics with its relativistic generalization, Kaniadakis statistics, or κ-statistics. The relativistic corrections are found to be logarithmic in nature and it is observed that their effect becomes appreciable only in the high-temperature limit suggesting that the entropy corrections must include these relativistically corrected terms while taking the aforementioned limit. The non-relativistic corrections are recovered in the κ → 0 limit.

In paper I, we showed that the observed (LCDM) Universe can be modeled as a local Black Hole (BH) Universe (BHU) of fixed mass M, without Dark Energy (DE): cosmic acceleration is caused by the BH event horizon rS=2GM. %The same BHU solution can be used to model the interior of a stellar or galactic BHs. Here, we propose that our BHU could form from the hierarchical free-fall collapse of regular matter. We argue that the singularity could be avoided with a Big Bounce explosion, caused by neutron degeneracy pressure (Pauli exclusion principle). This happens at GeV energies, like in core collapse supernova, well before the collapse reaches Planck energies (1E19 GeV). If our universe formed this way, there is no need for cosmic Inflation or a singular start (The Big Bang). Nucleosynthesis and recombination follow a hot expansion, like in LCDM, but cosmological measurements, which are free parameters in LCDM, could be estimated from first principles. Dark Matter could be made up of a wide mass range of primordial compact objects (BHs and Neutron stars), remnants of the collapse and bounce, which can provide a faster start for galaxy formation. We present a simple prediction to explain the observed value of Lambda and the coincidence problem.

Black hole temperature T_BH = T_P/2πd as a function of its Planck length real diameter multiplier d is derived from black hole surface gravity and Hawking temperature w.l.o.g. It is conjectured d = 1/2π describes primordial Big Bang singularity as in this case T_BH = T_P. A black hole interacts with the environment and observable black holes have uniquely defined Delaunay triangulations with a natural number of spherical triangles having Planck areas (bits), where a Planck triangle is active and has gravitational potential of -c² if all its vertices have black hole gravitational potential of -c²/2 and is inactive otherwise. As temporary distribution of active triangles on an event horizon tends to maximize Shannon entropy a black hole is a fundamental, one-sided thermodynamic equilibrium limit for a dissipative structure. Black hole blackbody radiation, informational capacity fluctuations, and quantum statistics are discussed. On the basis of the latter, wavelength bounds for BE, MB, and FD statistics are derived as a function of the diameter multiplier d. It is shown that black holes feature wave-particle duality only if d ≤ 8π, which also sets the maximum diameter of a totally collapsible black hole. This outlines the program for research of other nature phenomena that emit perfect blackbody radiation, such as neutron stars and white dwarfs.

Black hole collision produce gravitational radiation which is generally thought in a quantum limit to be gravitons. The stretched horizon of a black hole contains quantum information, or a form of quantum hair, which in a coalescence of black holes participates in the generation of gravitons. This may be facilitated with a Bohr-like approach to black hole (BH) quantum physics with quasi-normal mode (QNM) approach to BH quantum mechanics. Quantum gravity and quantum hair on event horizons is excited to higher energy in BH coalescence. The near horizon condition for two BHs right before collision is a deformed AdS spacetime. These excited states of BH quantum hair then relax with the production of gravitons. This is then argued to define RT entropy given by quantum hair on the horizons. These qubits of information from a BH coalescence should then appear in gravitational wave (GW) data. This is a form of the standard AdS/CF T correspondence and the Ryu-Takayanagi (RT) formula [1]. The foundations of physics is proposed to be quantum information and a duality between spacetime observables and quantum fields.

Due to limitation of the binding energy of a self-gravitating matter, the radius of a body is at least twice larger than the Schwarzschild radius. The total energy is adsorbed at the body surface, giving rise of a size-dependent surface tension. Since the Hawking temperature appears to be the critical one, the black holes possess zero surface tension. Microscopic neutrino stars are also introduced.

This paper presents one of the approaches to solution of the problem of the repulsion origin in gravity. The approach is based on the property of compactness characteristic for a self-gravitating object in General Relativity. Here we understand compactness as estimation of the upper boundary for mass such an object in a static two--dimensional sphere. Repulsion originates when this boundary is violated. The main hypothesis is formulated in the form of the principle of maximal mass within a two-dimensional static sphere. It is demonstrated that the principle is true for Schwarzschild black holes on absorption of the matter in the process of accretion, both in the classical case and with due regard for quantum-gravitational corrections. The results have been extended to black holes with the Schwarzschild-de Sitter metric in the early Universe. The applicability of the principle suggested is analyzed for the early and for the present Universe.

In a series of recent works the relevance of gravitational boundary degrees of freedom and their dynamics in gravity quantization and black hole information has been explored. In this work we further the progress by keenly focusing on the boundary degrees of freedom as the origin of black hole entropy. Wald's entropy formula is scrutinized, and the reason that the Wald's formula correctly captures the entropy of a black hole is examined. Afterwards, limitations of the Wald's method are discussed; a coherent view of entropy based on boundary dynamics is presented. The discrepancy observed in the literature between holographic and Wald's entropies is addressed. We generalize the entropy definition so as to handle a time-dependent black hole. Large gauge symmetry plays a pivotal role. Non-Dirichlet boundary conditions and gravitational analogues of Coleman-De Luccia bounce solutions are central in identifying the microstates and differentiating the origins of entropies associated with different classes of solutions. The result in the present work leads to a view that black hole entropy is entanglement entropy in a thermodynamic setup.

We explore the deflection angle in the framework of improved Schwarzschild Black hole utilizing the most advance geometrical path adopted by Gibbon-Werner. To investigate deflection angle of the photon ray by weak gravitational lensing for this black hole, we derive the optical curvature and perform the application of Gauss-Bonnet theorem on the optical metric. Moreover, we study the impacts of the plasma medium in context of the weak gravitational lensing in relate to this black hole. Further, we also study the graphical analysis of the deflection angle in both the plasma and non-plasma mediums. Also, we find the rigorous bound base upon the greybody factor for improved Schwarzschild black hole. A while later, we contrast our conclusions about deflection angle with the deflection angles of Schwarzschild black hole within plasma and non-plasma mediums.

In this article, we calculate the deflection angle of tidal charged black hole (TCBH) in weak field limits. First we obtain the Gaussian optical curvature and then apply the Gauss-Bonnet theorem on it. With the help of Gibbons-Werner method, we are able to calculate the light's deflection angle by TCBH in weak field limits. After calculating the deflection angle of light, we check the graphical behavior of TCBH. Moreover, we further find the light's deflection angle in the presence of plasma medium and also check the graphical behavior in the presence of plasma medium. Moreover, we investigate the shadow of TCBH.For calculating the shadow, we first find the null geodesics around the TCBH and then find its shadow radius. We also obtain TCBH's shadow in the plasma medium. Hence, we discuss the shadow of the TCBH using the $M87^{*}$ parameters announced by the Event Horizon Telescope.

In our recently proposed theory of quantum gravity, a black hole arises from the spontaneous localisation of an entangled state of a large number of atoms of space-time-matter [STM]. Prior to localisation, the non-commutative curvature of an STM atom is described by the spectral action of non-commutative geometry. By using the techniques of statistical thermodynamics from trace dynamics, we show that the gravitational entropy of a Schwarzschild black hole results from the microstates of the entangled STM atoms and is given (subject to certain assumptions) by the classical Euclidean gravitational action. This action, in turn, equals the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy (Area/$4{L_P}^2$) of the black hole. We argue that spontaneous localisation is related to black-hole evaporation through the fluctuation-dissipation theorem.

Despite the increase of seminary training, Black clergywomen continuously undergo subjugation, degradation, and humiliation in ministry leadership due to gender and race bias (Leslie, 2013) by clergymen. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that examined the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership and how these clergywomen ascribed meaning to their experiences. The two primary research questions were, “What are the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?” and “How do Black clergywomen attribute meaning to their experiences regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?” The results of the study indicated that bias of gender and inequality exists among clergymen; however, the Black clergywomen learned to embrace the experiences and learned from them. The conclusion of this article includes a discussion regarding practical implications of the education of clergy; and the re-evaluation of the perception of Black clergywomen and their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of Black clergywomen pertaining to challenges in clergy leadership and to explore how Black clergywomen attributed meaning to their experiences regarding challenges in ministry leadership.

This study aims to investigate the hydration and strength characteristics of green cementitious mortars with ultrahigh-volume limestone-calcined clay as well as two kinds of Class F fly ash. Using the ASTM C311 strength activity index test method, the effect of different pozzolan replacement levels of cement (0%, 20%, 50%, and 80%, by weight) were investigated. Compressive strength at 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days under standard curing was recorded, and hydration heat of the 20% and 80% replacement mixes was studied using iso-thermal calorimetry. It was observed that the effectiveness of the pozzolan in mortars depends on particle size distribution, glassy or amorphous nature, surface area and replacement level. The sum of all these effects can be captured by the strength activity test only if the standard recommended 20% pozzolan mix is substituted with the actual mix composition. The results in this study provide insights into the mix design and applications of ultrahigh-volume pozzolanic cementitious materials specifically made with limestone-calcined clay, and promote greener cement and concrete in construction industry.

Generating electricity from coal combustion is highly associated with ongoing pollution problems that negatively impact the environment. Coal fly ash (CFA) is a predominant waste by-product of coal combustion which is disposed of in exposed ash dams constructed in the vicinity of power stations. Its disposal requires a large piece of land and therefore more land is converted to unproductive disposal sites, degrading the ecosystem. This waste material is classified as a hazardous substance in South Africa due to unacceptable levels of inorganic and persistent organic pollutants and its potential for dust creation. CFA is recycled and sold to the building and construction sectors, but the rate of its utilization is far less than the production rate resulting to high volumes that is stockpiled in disposal sites. More than 500 million tons CFA is produced yearly and over 200 million tons yearly remain unused globally and more CFA will continue to be produced due to high consumer energy demands, especially in countries with heavy reliance on coal for power generation. In this context, the paper discusses production of CFA, pollution problems due to its disposal, examines existing gaps within the scope of ash dam restoration processes and presents opportunities offered by phytoremediation (a low-cost and environmentally friendly technology that utilizes plants to restore the degraded environments). Ecological restoration through the use of socio-economically valuable plants (aromatic plants, legumes and grasses) has potential in addressing societal challenges and consequently impacting positively the livelihood of communities.

Benign design of alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste has intriguing increasing attention for optimizing its service performance. Therefore, the replacement of fly ash (FA) with 10 wt% silica fume (SF) is investigated by mechanical strength after freeze-thawing cycles and microstructure characterization. The results show that an appropriate dosage (30 wt%) of slag is necessary to attain alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste with excellent mechanical performance, and the SF/slag/FA (SF: slag: FA= 10:30:60, wt%) geopolymer paste exerts the compressive and flexural strength of 95.2 and 3.2 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the doped 10 wt% SF facilitates the propagation of (N, C)-A–S–H chains, rather than the formation of C-S-H gels, evidenced by the absent exothermic peak at about 861oC from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves, leading to the increases in the pores volume with a pore diameter<20 nm and tortuosity by mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) results, corresponding to an improved freezing-thawing resistance with the residual compressive strength of 52.8 MPa and the weight loss of 10.5% after 300 freeze-thawing cycles. It explores a cost-effective and benign facile approach to designing heating curing-free alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste with good freezing-thawing resistance.

Several types of hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3) have been investigated for their effects on the structure and properties of fly ash (FA) blended cement. All synthesized nanoparticles were found to be spherical shape, but of different particle sizes from 10 to 195 nm depending on the surfactant used in their preparation. The cement hydration with time showed 1.0% α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was an effective accelerator for FA blended cement. Moreover, adding α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in FA blended cement enhanced the compressive strength and workability of cement. Nanoparticle size and size distribution were important for optimal filling of various size of pores within the cement structure.

Air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), as well as water pollutants including heavy metal, are harmful to human and environment. Effective control and reduction of their pollution is therefore an important topic for today’s scientists. Fly ash (FA) is a type of industrial waste that can cause multiple environmental problems if discharged into the air. On the other hand, because of its high porosity, large specific surface area, and other unique characteristics, the FA can also be used as a low-cost and high efficient adsorbent with some simple modifications. This paper reviews the effects of FA on treatment of the above air and water pollution based on our research experience over many years, including to the current status of global FA utilization, physicochemical properties, principle of adsorption, and the application direction of FA in the future. It focuses on the use of nanocomposite technology to fabricate functional FA fibrous membranes to adsorb VOCs from air, and treat heavy metal wastewater. This present review first describes the fabrication technology of FA nanocomposites and their mechanism of adsorption VOCs from air. Utilization of nanofiber technology to fabricate multi-functional FA emerging composite materials to mitigate air and water pollution has great potential in the future, especially use of pollutant material to control other pollutants.

Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel is a highly invasive horticultural pest of major economic importance worldwide. In Burkina Faso, it is one of the main insect pests constraining the mango production and export. Understanding the biology and the genetic dynamics of this insect pest provide cru-cial information for the development of effective control measures. The aim of this study was to understand the distribution, diversity and genetic structure of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. Male flies were collected transversally in Burkina Faso and analyzed by PCR using 10 microsatellite markers. The results showed an abundance of B. dorsalis varying from 87 to 2986 flies per trap per day in the different sampling sites. Genetic diversity was high in all sites with an average Shan-non's Information Index (I) of 0.72 per site. Gene flow was high between study populations and ranged from 10.62 to 27.53 number of migrants. Bayesian admixture analysis showed no evi-dence of structure while Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components identified three weakly separated clusters in the population of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. The results of this study could be used to optimize the effectiveness of current control interventions and to guide the imple-mentation of new, innovative and sustainable strategies.

Part 1 of this 2-paper series identified a wide and deep network of context, generative mechanisms and outcomes responsible for psychosocial development in a performance basketball club. In this – part 2 – study, the stakeholder’s programme theories were tested during a full-season ethnography of the same club. The findings confirm the highly individualised nature of each young person’s journey. Methodologically, immersion in the day-to-day environment generated a fine-grain analysis of the processes involved, including: i) sustained attentional focus; ii) structured and unstructured skill building activities; iii) deliberate and incidental support; and iv) feelings indicating personal growth. Personal development in and through sport is thus shown to be conditional, multi-faceted, time-sensitive and idiosyncratic. The findings of this two-part study are considered to propose a model of psychosocial development in and through sport. This heuristic tool is presented to support sport psychologists, coaches, club administrators and parents to deliberately create and optimise developmental environments.

Both sand and fly ash were found to be promising for phosphorus removal in bioretention systems. However, nutrient removal in bioretention systems with sand, soil and fly ash was still uncertain due to a lack of data about the influence of layer structure and submerged zone. In this study, a mixture with sand, soil and fly ash (1:1:1) was selected as the base in bioretention systems with different packed layer structures and heights of submerged zone. The comparison of multi-layered structure with mixed structure implied that the used bioretention system with multi-layered structure was superior to that with mixed structure for nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The investigation of the influence of submerged zones on nutrient removal indicated that the submerged zone could significantly improve nitrate removal efficiency with 67.52%-86.32%, while sharply reduce the removal of ammonia nitrogen (from 95.15% to 51.81%) and TP (from 88.66% to 44.50%). Overall evaluation of the effect of packed layer structures and submerged zones suggested that the bioretention system with multi-layered structure at the height of submerged zone at 20-40cm was the most satisfactory, due to its microbial environment.

The Schwarzschild manifold is constructed by taking a point on the Minkowski manifold and stretching it into a 4-sphere. This stretch causes gradients in the temporal and spatial coordinate densities around the sphere, leaving a hole of null space-time in the manifold centered at the spatial location of the original point. It is shown that this accurately models the Schwarzschild metric and is used to prove that radial infalling geodesics become null at the horizon and come to rest there. The light-like nature of the worldline is confirmed by analyzing it in Kruskal-Szekeres (KS) coordinates. It is shown that the worldline in KS coordinates has an undefined derivative at the horizon at any point other than the origin of the KS coordinates. It is then demonstrated that the origin of the KS coordinate system can be reached in the falling frame by exploiting the time symmetry of the manifold and that the falling worldline is indeed light-like there. The light-like nature of the worldline means that the horizon is length contracted to a point in the falling frame, such that the event horizon is proven to be the source of the Schwarzschild metric and the end point of gravitational collapse.

In cosmology dark energy and dark matter are included in the ΛCDM model, but they are still completely unknown. Because in black holes Lorentz invariance seems not to be applicable for curved space-time, we introduce a model for a reduced speed of light in black holes due to quantum gravity effects and the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Then black holes are a source for a scalar field with dark energy characteristics. This model has no information paradox for black holes because particles / radiation entering the black hole are redshifted in their wavelength that far that the wavelength has the size of the Schwarzschild radius and thus they are in some way "frozen" in the black hole. We show that the scalar field also has characteristics of dark matter shortly after Planck time, when we use a Big Bounce model. This model also presents an alternative to cosmological inflation with the possibility to solve the flatness and horizon problem and the problem of density fluctuations.

We show how it is possible to define and study black holes of arbitrary shapes in the framework of Newtonian mechanics.

In this paper we focus on an implicit assumption in the BSM framework that limits the scope of market network connections to seeking gains in the currency basis, i.e., on trading strategies between the numeraire and the stock and between the numeraire and the option, separately. We relax this assumption and derive the equivalent of the standard BSM approach under a more general market network framework in order to assess its implications. In doing so, we find that it is not possible to hedge the implicit option that allows one to directly trade the option and stock. This represents a potential challenge to the BSM framework, since the missing market network connection provides a potentially useful mechanism for risk-bearing portfolio managers to alter their portfolios.

Black hole's quasinormal frequencies are basically the complex numbers which provide information about the relaxation of perturbations and depend on the characteristics of the spacetime and types of perturbations. In this paper, we evaluate the quasinormal modes of Hayward black hole in Einstein Gauss-Bonnet gravity, Hayward black hole in anti-de Sitter space (AdS) spacetime, and 4-dimensional black hole in Einstein-Lovelock gravity. By utilizing the WKB resonance technique, we examine the quasinormal modes frequencies $\omega$ by shifting the charge parameter $Q$ (it is also identified with the cosmological constant), circular harmonic index $l$, and mass of scalar field $m$. We also study the relaxation rate for those black holes and find out that the relaxation rate increases with increasing values of $Q$. We observe that real and imaginary components of the quasinormal modes are not linear functions as similar to Reisnner Nordstr\"{o}m-AdS. For large values of charge, quasinormal ringing becomes slower to settle down to thermal equilibrium and hence the frequency of the oscillation becomes smaller.

We study the localization of gravity through the matching point between non-inertial frames and local inertial frames. This localization of gravity lead to an emergence of a timeless state of the universe in a mathematically consistent way. We find a geometric interpretation of the speed of light and mass. The experimental evidence of the timeless state of the universe is the quantum entanglement and internal symmetries that are independent of time. Since the spin measurement is the manifestation of quantum entanglement measurement. Therefore, the spin of quantum particles is correlated with the relative gravitational red-shift at two different points. The same can be applied to all types of internal symmetries that are independent of time. Therefore gravity represents all measurements independent of time including quantum entanglement. We conclude that the gravity is the global $SU(3)\times SU(2)\times U(1)$ symmetry that produces gauge fields such as Electromagnetism, weak and strong nuclear force through localization with their internal symmetries correlated with the varying of relative gravitational red-shift . We also introduce a gravitational or geometric interpretation of spin-0, spin-1 and spin-1/2 states. We answered the question why do we measure matter and not anti-matter. We Introduce a solution for the Cosmological Constant Problem Value.

In this paper, we discuss the weak gravitational lensing in the context of stringy black holes. Initially, we examine the deflection angle of photon by charged stringy black hole. For this desire, we compute the Gaussian optical curvature and implement the Gauss-Bonnet theorem to investigate the deflection angle for spherically balanced spacetime of stringy black hole. We also analyze the influence of plasma medium in the weak gravitational lensing for stringy black hole. Moreover, the graphical impact of coupling constant $\alpha$, impact parameter $b$ , black hole charge $Q$ on deflection angle by charged stringy black hole has been studied in plasma as well as non-plasma medium.

In this paper, we examine the weak deflection angle and greybody factor of magnetized regular black hole. We implement the Gauss-Bonnet theorem on magnetized regular black hole to get the deflection angle. Moreover, we analyze the influence of plasma and non-plasma mediums on deflection angle of magnetized regular black hole. We observe the graphical behaviour of plasma and non-plasma mediums on deflection angle of magnetized regular black hole. Lastly, we study the rigorous bound phenomenon of the greybody factor of magnetized regular black hole. For this purpose we calculate greybody factor results and analyze the graphical behaviour of greybody bound for the different values of the parameters.

The Schwarzschild metric describes a non-rotating and charge-free celestial body, and it results in things stopping at the event horizon of a black hole and spending infinite time across the event horizon by the observer far away from the black hole. The analysis of the particle’s behavior at the event horizon tells us that this solution predicts an un-expanded black hole which violates the astronomical observations and our knowledge about the black hole. Although some alternative metrics have been proposed, the singularity problem is still unsolved. In this research, the degenerate Fermi electron gas is used to reveal that the Fermi electron gas cannot shrink to a point no matter how large energy it obtains, so the singularity exists at the center very unreasonably. In order to avoid these problems, a finite-size nucleus of the black hole is proposed and reasonably explained by the behaviors of the Fermi electron gas and the Fermi neutron gas there. On the other hand, the Kerr-Newman metric is the one describing the rotating and charged black hole and the equation of the light velocity at each space point can be obtained. It tells us that there are two real and non-imaginary solutions for the radial speed of light at the position larger than the Schwarzschild radius.

The thermodynamics of black holes is discussed for the case, when the Newton constant G is not a constant, but is the thermodynamic variable. This gives for the first law of the Schwarzschild black hole thermodynamics: d S BH = − A d K + d M T BH , where the gravitational coupling K = 1 / 4 G , M is the black hole mass, A is the area of horizon, and T BH is Hawking temperature. From this first law it follows that the dimensionless quantity M 2 / K is the adiabatic invariant, which in principle can be quantized if to follow the Bekenstein conjecture. From the Euclidean action for the black hole it follows that K and A serve as dynamically conjugate variables. This allows us to calculate the quantum tunneling from the black hole to the white hole, and determine the temperature and entropy of the white hole.

The oviparous blow fly Calliphora vicina has shown potential as a managed pollination species to support honeybee (Apis mellifera) usage in Australian horticulture. This blow fly species lays eggs onto carrion soon after death and the resultant larvae that hatch are necrophagous and feed on the decomposing tissues of the dead animal. Newly hatched larvae of this fly were provided with plant-based meals (soya bean and canola) and compared with animal-derived meatmeal to determine if plant-based meal could be used to mass rear this blow fly species. Both soyabean and canola meal media did not support the survival of any larvae through to adult eclosion. The addition of only 10% whole egg powder to the plant-based meals enabled survival to eclosion of 39% and 13% on soyabean and canola based medias respectively compared with 76% on animal-based meatmeal with 10% whole egg powder. Larvae fed livestock meatmeal with 10% whole dried egg powder had the fastest development to the pupal stage, the highest pupation rate, the heaviest pupae and the highest subsequent adult eclosion. This study concluded that the use of plant-based meals in the mass rearing of the blow fly C. vicina was neither viable, nor economically viable.

Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in ani-mals. Except for certain aphids, mites, and gall midges, all animals acquire necessary carotenoids only through their diet. The House fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates diverse habitats. Its larvae feed on organic substrates that may vary in carotenoid composition according to their specific content. We hypothesized that the carotenoid composition in the adult House fly’s body would reflect its composition in the larval feed. We reared house fly larvae on substrates that differed in carotenoid composition and characterized the carotenoid composition of the emerging adults. Our results indicate that the carotenoid composition of adult House flies is related to the carotenoid composition in its natal substrate, but does not directly reflect it. We suggest that these findings may be developed to identify sources of House fly in-festations. We also recommend that care should be taken when considering the rearing substrates of House fly larvae used for animal feed.

Geopolymer, as a new type of solid waste-based inorganic cementitious material, exhibits outstanding Behavior in terms of physical and chemical performance, macro-mechanical properties and long-lasting stability, and features potential application development tendency in the field of repair and reinforcement of existing concrete structures. This paper investigates the interfacial Behavior of geopolymer mortar with OPC concrete substrate under different slag, fly ash and red mud mixing proportions, while cement mortar was used as a control group for the research. The interfacial bonding properties of the geopolymer mortar to the OPC concrete substrate were elaborated by carrying out split tensile test, two-sided shear test and three-point bending test. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to further analyse the microstructural characteristics and physical phase components of the interfacial transition zone between the geopolymer mortar and the OPC concrete substrate. The results indicated that the compressive strength of slag-fly ash-red mud-based geopolymer mortar under different mixing ratio conditions was consistently superior to that of cement mortar. Overall, the interfacial bonding properties of the geopolymer mortar to the OPC concrete substrate gradually increased with the increment of the slag content, however, an evolutionary trend of minor enhancement followed by a gradual reduction was observed with the growth of the fly ash and red mud content.

Monometallic (Ni, Co, Cu) and bimetallic (Ni-Co, Ni-Cu) 10-20 wt. % metal containing catalysts supported on fly ash zeolite were prepared by post-synthesis impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N2 physisorption, XPS and H2-TPR methods. Finely dispersed metal oxides and mixed oxides were detected after the decomposition of impregnating salt on the relevant zeolite support. By reduction intermetallic, NiCo and NiCu phases were identified in the bimetallic catalysts. Hydrogeoxygenation of lignocellulosic biomass-derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone (GVL) was studied. Bimetallic, 10 wt. % Ni, 10 wt. % Cu or Co containing fly ash zeolite catalyst showed higher catalytic activity than monometallic ones. Their selectivity to GVL reached 70-85 % at 100 % conversion. The reaction proceeds through formation of 4-hydroxy pentanoic acid, as the only intermediate compound.

The feasibility of using zeolites, synthesized from components found in municipal solid waste fly ash (MSW-FA), as sorbents for the recovery of nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) and heavy metals is critically assessed in this review. The inherent drawbacks of utilising a highly contaminated, variable, and relatively Al- and Si-dilute source such as MSW-FA to synthesize zeolites are discussed, and different methods to extract and decontaminate zeolite precursor materials from MSW-FA are considered. Ways to synthesize tailored zeolites and how their properties as well as the operational conditions impact the adsorption of cations such as ammonium and heavy metals are summarized. The use of surface-modified zeolites to adsorb nitrate and phosphate is also reviewed. And subsequently, approaches to utilise directly or recover for reuse the adsorbed compounds are considered, discussing potential challenges and mitigating measures related to leaching of unwanted compounds from the zeolites. Moreover, the possibility to regenerate the adsorption capacity of the zeolites for multiple adsorption cycles is considered. In the final chapter of the review a more general discussion of the main challenges and existing research gaps is provided, giving directions for recommended studies.