Recognition, decoding and tracking of vortex patterns is of increasing importance in many fields reaching from astronomical observation of distant galaxies to turbulence phenomena in liquids or gases. Currently, coherent light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) are of particular interest for optical communication, metrology, micro-machining or particle manipulation. One common task is to identify characteristic spiral patterns in pixelated intensity maps at real-world signal-to-noise ratios. Recently, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was applied to the quantitative analysis of spiral interference patterns of OAM beams. Our study considers this approach in more detail. It is demonstrated that specific information can be extracted by combining conformal mapping by polar transform with determining one- or two-dimensional angular frequency spectra either in spatially fixed or scanning mode. Results of proof-of-principle experiments are presented.

Crystalline silver thin layers were obtained by high-energy pulsed laser ablation without heating of the deposition substrate. The fluid Plateau-Rayleigh (PRI), Rayleigh – Taylor (RTI) and Richtmyer – Meshkov (RMI) instabilities, as well as crown splash induced during pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in high energy regime, resulting in ring and pearl shaped structures, offer the benefit of increased sorption surface. These morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layers make them of interest for catalytic applications. The study presented with this work addresses both the fundamental and applied issues on the morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layer and their catalytic function in organic processes. In this sense, the catalytic action of the thin silver layer was highlighted by modifications of the Reactive Blue 21 dye (C.I.) in aqueous solution with sodium bicarbonate. Specific investigations and analyzes were carried out by electron microscopy and elemental analysis (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry, mass spectrometry, ablation plasma diagnosis, diffractograms (XRD), as well as IR spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition to the experimental investigation and analyzes, simulation of the ionization energy threshold was conducted in COMSOL for complementary evaluation on the involved processes and phenomena.

Observation of parity-violating effects in chiral molecules is a long-standing challenge of the molecular spectroscopy community. In the microwave regime, the difference in transition frequencies between enantiomers is predicted to be below the mHz level, which is considerably beyond current experimental capabilities. The most promising future efforts combine vibrational spectroscopy, buffer gas cooling, and carefully chosen molecular candidates with large predicted parity-violating shifts. Here, we demonstrate for the first time high-precision differential microwave spectroscopy, achieving sub-Hz precision by coupling a cryogenic buffer gas cell with a tunable microwave Fabry-Perot cavity. We report statistically limited sub-Hz precision of (0.08±0.72) Hz, observed between enantiopure samples of (R)-1,2-propanediol and (S)-1,2-propanediol at frequencies near 15 GHz. We confirm highly repeatable spectroscopic measurements compared to traditional pulsed-jet methods, opening up new capabilities in probing subtle molecular structural effects at the 10−10 level and providing a platform for exploring sources of systematic error in parity-violation searches. We discuss dominant systematic effects at this level and propose possible extensions of the technique for higher precision.

The chiral optical Tamm state (COTS) is a special localized state at the interface of a handedness-preserving mirror and a structurally chiral medium such as a cholesteric liquid crystal or a chiral sculptured thin film. The spectral behavior of COTS, observed as reflection resonances, is described by the temporal coupled-mode theory. Mode coupling is different for two circular light polarizations because COTS has a helix structure replicating that of the cholesteric. The mode coupling for co-handed circularly polarized light exponentially attenuates with the cholesteric layer thickness since the COTS frequency falls into the stop band. Cross-handed circularly polarized light freely goes through the cholesteric layer and can excite COTS when reflected from the handedness-preserving mirror. The coupling in this case is proportional to anisotropy of the cholesteric and theoretically it is only anisotropy of magnetic permittivity that can ultimately cancel this coupling. These two couplings being equal results in a polarization crossover (the Kopp--Genack effect) for which a linear polarization is optimal to excite COTS. The corresponding cholesteric thickness and scattering matrix for COTS are generally described by simple expressions.

A lead zirconate titanate [PZT;Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃] layer embedded infrared (IR) detector decorated with wavelength-selective plasmonic crystals has been investigated for high-performance non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy. A plasmonic IR detector with an enhanced IR absorption band has been designed based on numerical simulations, fabricated by conventional microfabrication techniques, and characterized with a broadly tunable quantum cascade laser. The enhanced responsivity of the plasmonic IR detector at specific wavelength band has improved the performance of NDIR spectroscopy and pushed the limit of detection (LOD) by an order of magnitude. In this paper, a 13 fold enhancement in the LOD of a methane gas sensing using NDIR spectroscopy is demonstrated with the plasmonic IR detector.

Diesel is consistently a very popular fuel for internal combustion engines. Its consumption in the European Union has been rising over recent years, as has the number of engines increasingly sensitive to fuel contamination. One of the most important parameters affecting diesel quality is water content. Although its exceedances of the standard’s permissible amount are not common, they carry the risk of serious damage to expensive, modern fuel injection systems. Current methods of measuring water content require both specialised personnel and equipment, as well as transporting the sample to a suitable laboratory. The research presented in this paper was aimed at verifying whether it would be possible to test the moisture content of diesel using impedance spectroscopy. Once refined, such measurement method could be used in situ. Analysing the properties of diesel is challenging, mainly because many types of the fuel are sold, the chemical composition of which is always a well-guarded manufacturer’s secret. The experimental results obtained on many types of commercially available diesel show that it is possible to use impedance spectroscopy to estimate the water content of different types of diesel fuel. The measurement accuracy achieved makes it possible to detect approaching or exceeding the permissible water content.

The sexual reproduction of ascomycetes is controlled by the mating-type(MAT) locus. (Pseudo)homothallic reproduction has been hypothesized based on genetic data from Hirsutella sinensis (Genotype #1 of Ophiocordyceps sinensis). In this study, the differential occurrence of the mating-type genes in the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs, which constitute the genetic control of O. sinensis reproduction, was analyzed in 237 strains and 5 genomes of H. sinensis. The mating-type genes were differentially transcribed in H. sinensis Strain L0106, and the MAT1-2-1 transcript in H. sinensis Strain 1229 was alternatively spliced, with an unspliced intron I containing stop codons; these findings constitute O. sinensis reproduction controls at the transcriptional and coupled transcriptional-translational levels. The occurrence of the mating-type genes and a-/α-pheromone receptor genes differed among the 5 H. sinensis genomes. The differential occurrence and transcription of these genes are inconsistent with self-fertilization under (pseudo)homothallism but suggest self-sterility of H. sinensis, which therefore needs a mating partner to achieve sexual outcrossing under heterothallism or hybridization. Consistent occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes of both the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs have been reported in natural and cultivated Cordyceps sinensis, but these findings are insufficient to determine the reproduction mode(s) because of the co-occurrence of >90 fungal species and multiple genomically independent genotypes of O. sinensis. The mutant MAT1-1-1 and α-pheromone receptor transcripts in natural C. sinensis result in the N-terminus or middle-truncated proteins, with changes in hydrophobicity and secondary structures of the proteins, suggesting heterogeneous fungal source(s) of the proteins and hybridization reproduction.

Tumid Lupus Erythematosus has been the subject of heated debate as to its correct nosographic classification. In particular, its definition has changed over time, depending on the different studies performed. In this review we address the initial definition of TLE, the changes that have taken place in the understanding and placement within the classification of Lupus Erythematosus (LE), and focus on clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypical and differential diagnosis aspects.

Local polynomial smoother (LPS) is a weighted local least-squares nonparametric method. It provides a local Taylor series fit of the data at any location and can be directly used in a differential equation to provide a numerical scheme. In this article, we introduce this new nonparametric idea based on local polynomial smoother, for acquiring the numerical solution of the Bagley-Torvik fractional-order differential equations. Furthermore, this paper will present a numerical comparison with some methods, such as legendre operational matrix and pseudo-spectral method. The efficiency and accuracy of the LPS method are demonstrated by two numerical examples.

Fingerprints are essential for human identification and are valuable tools in criminal investigations. The pursuit of new materials for digital printing is expanding, with increasing interest in natural compounds such as bixin, sourced from annatto seeds. Despite its traditional use as a natural dye with medicinal properties, the potential of bixin in papilloscopy remains largely untapped. In this study, we meticulously extracted bixin from annatto seeds and meticulously developed composites incorporating zinc carbonate (bixin/ZnCO3) and kaolinite (bixin/kaolinite). UV-visible spectroscopy was used for characterization, and the extracted bixin showed absorption peaks at 429, 453, and 481 nm, which were very similar to standard peaks at 429, 457, and 487 nm. The two samples also had the same retention times (7.07 min) according to further liquid chromatography analysis. Sweat pores were easier to detect thanks to the effectiveness of the bixin/ZnCO3 and bixin/kaolinite composites in creating high contrast sebaceous and natural latent fingerprints. These results highlight the composites’ potential as novel and fascinating instruments for papilloscopy applications, which might also improve forensic investigations.

Antimony (Sb) has gained significance as a critical raw material (CRM) within the European Union (EU) due to its strategic importance in various industrial sectors, particularly in the textile industry for flame retardants and as a component of Sb-based semiconductor materials. Moreover, Sb is emerging as a potential alternative for anodes used in lithium-ion batteries, a key element in the Energy transition. This study focused on exploring the feasibility of identifying and quantifying Sb mineralizations through the spectral signature of soils using reflectance spectroscopy, a non-invasive remote sensing technique, and by employing deep learning algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Common signal preprocessing techniques were applied to the spectral data, and the soils were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Despite achieving high R-squared values, the study faces a significant challenge of generalization of the model to new data. Despite the limitations, this study provides valuable insights into potential strategies for future research in this field.

In this paper, we compile the fractional power series method and the Laplace transform to design a new algorithm for solving the fractional Volterra integro-differential equation. For that, we assume the Laplace power series (LPS) solution in terms of power q=1m,m∈Z+, where the fractional derivative of order α=qγ for which γ∈Z+. This assumption will help us to write the integral, the kernel, and the nonhomogeneous terms as a LPS with the same power. The recurrence relations for finding the series coefficients can be constructed using this form. To demonstrate the algorithm's accuracy, the residual error is defined and calculated for several values of the fractional derivative. Two strongly nonlinear examples are discussed to provide the efficiency of the algorithm. The algorithm gains powerful results for this kind of problem. Under Caputo meaning the obtained results are illustrated numerically, and graphically. Geometrically, the behavior of the solution declares that the changing of the fractional derivative parameter values' in their domain alters the style of the attained solution in a symmetrical meaning and fully coinciding to the ordinary derivative value'. From these simulations, the results report that the recommended novel algorithm is a straightforward, accurate, and superb tool to generate analytic-approximate solutions for Integral, and integro-differental equations of fractional order.

Background: The purpuse was to investigate the influence induced by magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and zinc gluconate (ZnG) supplementation on liver and kidney injuries experimentally-induced with acetaminophen (AAPh) and potentiated by ciprofloxacin addition in rats. Material and methods: The experiment was performed on 5 animals groups: group 1 – control, treated for 6 weeks with normal saline, 1mL/kg; group 2 – AAPh, treated for 6 weeks with AAPh, 100 mg/ kg/day; group 3 – AAPh+C, treated AAPh 100 mg/kg/ day for 6 weeks and ciprofloxacin, 50mg /kg/day, only in the last 14 days of the experiment; group 4 – AAPh+C+Mg, with the same treatment as group 3, but, and in the last 14 days, MgCl2 10 mg/ kg/day was added; group 5 – AAPh+C+Zn, with the same treatment as group 3, but, and in the last 14 days, zinc gluconate (ZnG),10 mg/kg/day was added. All administrations were performed by oral gavage. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemistry examinations. Results: Treatment with AAPh for 6 weeks determined an alteration of the liver function (increases in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase and, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) and of renal function (increases in serum urea and creatinine) (P < 0.001 group 2 vs. group 1 for all mentioned parameters). Also, the antioxidant defense capacity was impaired in group 2 vs. group 1 (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in group 2 vs. group 1, 0.001 < P < 0.01, respectively 0.01 < P < 0.05). The addition of ciprofloxacin, 50 mg/kg/day during the last 14 days resulted in further increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine (0.01 < P < 0.05, group 3 vs. group 2). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against liver enzymes increase and a more pronounced protection against the increase in serum urea and creatinine (0.001 < P < 0.01 group 4 vs. group 3). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against the decrease in superoxide dismutase (0.01 < P < 0.05 group 4 vs. group 3), but not against decrease of glutathione peroxidase. The improvement of mentioned parameters could also be seen in case of ZnG, to a higher extent especially in the case of alanine aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase (0.01 < P < 0.05 group 5 vs. group 4). Conclusions: This study represents a furthermore proof for beneficial effect of magnesium and zinc salts against toxicity induced by different agents, including antibacterials added to the analgesic and antipyretic acetaminophen; the protection is proven on the liver and kidney’s function; the antioxidant profile improvement has a key role, especially in case of zinc gluconate.

A Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) film with a thickness of approximately 1.5 μm was fabricated on a Mo-coated glass substrate by annealing a CZTS precursor fabricated from nanoparticle ink. The chemical states of the elements in the CZTS thin film in the depth direction were studied to identify the presence of secondary phases, which are detrimental to the performance of solar cells containing CZTS. X-ray diffraction was unable to detect any secondary phases in CZTS because of their small relative amount. Instead, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which is highly sensitive to chemical state, was conducted at different depths in the CZTS film to further check the presence of secondary phases. XPS analysis revealed peaks shift consistent with the presence of secondary phases. For the CZTS film annealed in a S atmosphere at 575 °C for 3 h, the film surface consisted of a secondary-phase layer composed of CuS, ZnS, and SnSx (x=1 or 2) originating from the decomposition of CZTS. At depths below 80 nm, the film was pure CZTS. Formation of MoS2 at the CZTS–Mo interface was confirmed by XPS analysis of Mo and S.

Hyperspectral imaging data holds great potential for the different stages of the mining life cycle in active and post-mining environments. However, the technology has yet to reach the stage of large-scale industrial implementation and acceptance. While hyperspectral satellite imagery can achieve high spectral resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and global availability with break-through satellite systems like EnMAP, EMIT and PRISMA, limited spatial resolution poses chal-lenges for sectors like mining, which require decimetre to centimetre scale resolution for applica-tions such as reconciliation, ore/waste estimates, geotechnical assessments and environmental monitoring. Hyperspectral imaging from drones (referred to herein as Uncrewed Aerial Systems; UASs) offers high spatial resolution data relevant to the camp/ mine scale, with the capability for frequent, user-defined re-visit times. This has been made possible by the miniaturization of hy-perspectral imaging systems. Collection of data in the visible to near and shortwave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) wavelength regions enables the detection of different minerals and surface altera-tion patterns potentially revealing crucial information for exploration, extraction, re-mining, waste remediation, and rehabilitation. In this paper, we provide a review of relevant studies de-ploying hyperspectral imaging in or applicable to the mining sector, especially for the use of hy-perspectral VNIR-SWIR Uncrewed Aerial Systems. Where required, we draw on previous in-sights derived from satellite or ground-based systems. We also discuss UAS survey planning, and sampling considerations for validation and interpretation.

A new low-pass filter (LPF) circuit with independent adjustment of various, incl. digitally controlled, pole frequency resistors, pole quality factor and transmission coefficient. The proposed low-pass filter is based on the use of the properties of a multi-differential operational amplifier that performs the functions of a signal adder. The peculiarity of the filter is that it has three inputs, with respect to which different transmission coefficients are implemented, incl. inverting (-1) and non-inverting (+1). To check these properties of a low-pass filter in the Micro-Cap environment, computer simulation of a specific circuit was performed on a multi-differential operational amplifier AD 8130. Mathematical expressions are given for the main parameters of the proposed low-pass filter, which allow parametric synthesis of elements of a specific circuit under given restrictions on the used element base.

Neuronal cells are believed to rely on autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, autophagy may be a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases because of the role it plays in neuronal cell death. Despite Beclin 1 association with autophagy and apoptosis, the molecular mechanisms that underlie Tau-induced vesicular pathology and Tau protein aggregates in humans remain poorly understood. Here, we set out to examine the role of three genes-ATG14L, Beclin 1 and VPS34- in autophagy nucleation failure-associated Tau disorders in fruit fly models. We found that either reduced ATG14L levels improve neuronal outcomes, or transgenic expression of ATG6/Beclin 1 greatly reduced age-dependent neurodegeneration and Tau pathology; whereas, the loss of Beclin 1 exacerbated these effects. Prior to p-Tau accumulation, the neuronal Beclin 1 network is critical for reducing p-Tau accumulation, indicating that the loss of Beclin 1 causes Tau pathology and neurodegeneration. As neurodegeneration progressed, glial cells showed an upregulation of vesicular Beclin 1 immunoreactivities. The reduced VPS34 also resulted in p-Tau accumulation, suggesting that neurons require both Beclin 1 and VPS34 to reduce p-Tau accumulation. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the molecular pathways that cause age-dependent Tau pathology and neurodegeneration due to an excess of autophagy nucleation processes and autophagy activity, and we derive novel inferences on the therapeutic possibilities of rebalanced Beclin 1 network by reducing autophagic specific nucleation component of ATG14L.

In the paper, the authors view some ordinary differential equations and their solutions from the angle of (the generalized) derivative polynomials and simplify some known identities for the Bernoulli numbers and polynomials, the Frobenius-Euler polynomials, the Euler numbers and polynomials, in terms of the Stirling numbers of the first and second kinds.

In this paper, we study the problem of controllability of impulsive neutral evolution integrodifferential equations with state dependent delay in Banach spaces. The main results are completely new and are obtained by using Sadovskii's fixed point theorem, theory of resolvent operators, and an abstract phase space. An example is given to illustrate the theory.

Fibrosis is a ubiquitous pathology, and prior studies have indicated that various artemisinin (ART) derivatives (including artesunate (AS), artemether (AM), and dihydroartemisinin (DHA)) can reduce fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. The medicinal plant, Artemisia annua L., is the natural source of ART and is widely used, especially in underdeveloped countries, to treat a variety of diseases including malaria, while A. afra contains no ART but is also antimalarial. Using human dermal fibroblasts (CRL-2097), we compared the effects of A. annua and A. afra tea infusions, ART, AS, AM, DHA, and a liver metabolite of ART, deoxyART (dART), on fibroblast viability and expression of key fibrotic marker genes after 1 and 4 days of treatment. AS, DHA, and Artemisia tea significantly reduced fibroblast viability at 1 and 4 d post-treatment. After 4 d post treatment, AS, DHA, and A. afra tea downregulated ACTA2, and upregulated MMP3, with other genes either being unaffected or differentially affected. ART and AM had no significant effect on either fibroblast viability or fibrotic gene expression. Although A. annua contains ART, it had a significantly greater anti-fibrotic effect than ART alone. Immunofluorescent staining for smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) correlated well with transcriptional responses of drug-treated fibroblasts. Together, proliferation, qPCR, and immunofluorescence results show that treatment with ART, AS, DHA, and the two Artemisia teas yield differing responses, including those related to fibrosis, in human dermal fibroblasts.

Phytochromes are biological photoswitches that translate light into a physiological function. Spec-troscopic techniques are essential tools in molecular research on these photoreceptors. This review is directed to summarize how resonance Raman and IR spectroscopy contributed to the under-standing of structure, dynamics, and reaction mechanism of phytochromes, outlining the substan-tial experimental and theoretical challenges and describing the strategies to master them. It is shown that the potential of the various vibrational spectroscopic techniques can be most efficient-ly exploited in integral approaches by combination with theoretical methods as well as other ex-perimental techniques.

The application of evolutionary optimization algorithms in problem solving is currently gaining wide popularity. Use of Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm in obtaining analytically approximate solution of unstable second order initial value Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) is presented in this work. The methodology involves solving an associated problem of optimization with con-strains to get an analytically approximate solution for the ODE under consider-ation. Three test cases were used to demonstrate the efficiency of our method. In comparison with other methods discussed in the literature, our method gave significant improvement on the accuracy of the obtained results.

This paper investigates a range of popular differential evolution (DE) configurations to identify components responsible for emergence of structural bias – a recently identified tendency of algorithms to prefer some regions of search space over others, for reasons unrelated to objective function values. Previous work has explored this tendency for genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO), finding a relationship between population size and extent of structural bias, hence highlighting potential weaknesses of those algorithms. In current article, we focus on DE, extend the investigation to include consideration of an algorithmic component that is often overlooked – constraint handling mechanism. Towards this end, a wide range of DE configurations was tested here. Results suggest that DE is generally robust to structural bias. Unlike the case with GA and PSO, population size seems to have no influence on DE structural bias. Only one of variants studied – DE/current-to-best/1/bin – shows clear signs of bias, however, we show that this effect is mitigated by a judicious choice of constraint handling technique. These findings contribute towards explaining widespread success of DE variants in algorithm comparison studies; its robustness to structural bias represents the absence of a factor that may confound other algorithms.

Fermented foods and ingredients, including fermentates derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dairy products, can modulate the immune system. Here we describe the use of reconstituted skimmed milk powder to generate novel fermentates from Lactobacillus helveticus strains SC232, SC234, SC212, and SC210, and from Lacticaseibacillus casei strains SC209 and SC229, and demonstrate using in vitro assays that these fermentates can differentially modulate cytokine secretion by bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) when activated with either the viral ligand, loxoribine, or an inflammatory stimulus, lipopolysaccharide. Specifically, we demonstrate that SC232 and SC234 increase cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-10, and decreased IL-1β in primary bone marrow derived dendritic cell (BMDCs) stimulated with a viral ligand. In contrast exposure of these cells to SC212 and SC210 resulted in increased IL-10, IL-1β, IL-23, and decreased IL-12p40 following activation of the cells with the inflammatory stimulus LPS. Interestingly SC209 and SC229 had little or no effect on cytokine secretion by BMDCs. Overall, our data demonstrates that these novel fermentates have specific effects and can differentially enhance key immune mechanisms that are critical to viral immune responses, or can suppress responses involved in chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Within the spectra of lanthanide atoms quite often overlapping spectral lines (blends) are observed. On the example of complicated blend situations within Pr I and La I it is shown that in such cases a combination of optogalvanic and laser-induced fluorescence detection is necessary to find all transitions contributing to the observed spectral signature.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become a key modality in medical imaging, finding application in both brain and breast imaging. This paper discusses the current trends in NIRS for brain and breast imaging, exploring advances in multi-modal integration with modalities such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). Challenges related to spatial resolution, depth sensitivity, and the impact of extracerebral tissues on signal specificity are examined. In addition, ongoing efforts to enhance hemodynamic measurements’ quantitative accuracy. Challenges, including limited spatial resolution and tissue heterogeneity, are discussed. The discussion extends to diffuse optical tomography and ongoing instrumentation development, clinical trials and studies validating NIRS diagnostic efficacy in breast imaging. The paper emphasizes the need for standardization, integration into routine clinical practice, and motivates for future work.

This article reports new measurements of laser-induced plasma hypersonic expansion measurements of diatomic molecular cyanide (CN). Focused, high-peak power 1064-nm Q-switched radiation of the order of 1 TW/cm² generates optical breakdown plasma in a cell containing a 1:1 molar gas mixture of N₂ and CO₂ at a fixed pressure of 1.1 × 10⁵ Pascal and in a 100 ml/min flow of the mixture. Line-of-sight (LOS) analysis of recorded molecular spectra indicate the outgoing shockwave at expansion speeds well in excess of Mach number 5. Spectra of atomic carbon confirm an increased electron density near the shock wave, and equally, molecular CN spectra reveal higher excitation temperature near the shockwave. The results are consistent with corresponding high-speed shadow graphs obtained by visualization with an effective shutter speed of five n anosecond. In addition, LOS analysis and application of integral inversion techniques allow inferences about the spatio-temporal distribution of the plasma.

The core reasoning task for datalog engines is materialization, the evaluation of a datalog program over a database alongside its phys- ical incorporation into the database itself. The de-facto method of computing it, is through the recursive application of inference rules. Due to it being a costly operation, it is a must for datalog engines to provide incremental materialization, that is, to adjust the computation to new data, instead of restarting from scratch. One of the major caveats, is that deleting data is notoriously more involved than adding, since one has to take into account all possible data that has been entailed from what is being deleted. Differential Dataflow is a computational model that provides efficient incremen- tal maintenance, notoriously with equal performance between ad- ditions and deletions, and work distribution, of iterative dataflows. In this paper we investigate the performance of materialization with three reference datalog implementations, out of which one is built on top of a lightweight relational engine, and the two others are differential-dataflow and non-differential versions of the same rewrite algorithm, with the same optimizations.

The interpretation of optical spectra requires thorough comprehension of quantum mechanics, especially understanding the concept of angular momentum operators. Suppose now that a transformation from laboratory-fixed to molecule-attached coordinates, by invoking the correspondence principle, induces reversed angular momentum operator identities. However, the foundations of quantum mechanics and the mathematical implementation of specific symmetries assert that reversal of motion or time reversal includes complex conjugation as part of anti-unitary operation. Quantum theory contraindicates sign changes of the fundamental angular momentum algebra. Reversed angular momentum sign changes are of heuristic nature and are actually not needed in analysis of diatomic spectra. This work addresses sustenance of usual angular momentum theory, including presentation of straightforward proofs leading to falsification of the occurrence of reversed angular momentum identities. This review also summarises aspects of a consistent implementation of quantum mechanics for spectroscopy with selected diatomic molecules of interest in astrophysics and in engineering applications.

In the paper, the authors present an explicit form for a family of inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations, find a more significant expression for all derivatives of a function related to the solution to the family of inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations in terms of the Lerch transcendent, establish an explicit formula for computing all derivatives of the solution to the family of inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations, acquire the absolute monotonicity, complete monotonicity, the Bernstein function property of several functions related to the solution to the family of inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations, discover a diagonal recurrence relation of the Stirling numbers of the first kind, and derive an inequality for bounding the logarithmic function.

Environmental estrogen pollution and estrogen effects on the female reproduction system are well-recognized scientifically. Among the estrogens, 17 β-estradiol is a priority in environmental estrogen pollution, and it is also a major contributor to estrogen which regulates the female reproduction system. 17 β-estradiol is carcinogen and has a tumor promotion effect relating to breast cancer, lung cancer and others. It also affects the psychological well-being such as depression, fatigue and others. Thus, a simple method of detection of 17 β-estradiol will be important for both environmental estrogen pollution and women’s health care. This study demonstrates a simple-use, cost effective 17 β-estradiol biosensor system which can be used for both environment and women’s health care applications. The bio-recognition mechanism is based on the influence of the redox couple, K₃Fe (CN) ₆/K₄Fe (CN) ₆ by the interaction between 17 β-estradiol antigen and its α-receptor (ER- α; α-estrogen antibody). The transduction mechanism is an electrochemical analytical technique, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The levels of 17 β-estradiol antigen studied was between 2.25 pg/mL to 2,250 pg/mL, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), tap water from the Cleveland regional water district, and simulate urine were used as the test media covering the potential application areas for 17 β-estradiol detection. An interference study by testosterone which has a similar chemical structure and molecular weight as those of 17 β-estradiol was carried out, and this 17 β-estradiol biosensor showed excellent specificity without any interference by similar chemicals.

The differential transformation, an approach based on Taylor's theorem, is proposed as convenient for finding exact or approximate solution to the initial value problem with multiple Caputo fractional derivatives of generally non-commensurate orders. The multi-term differential equation is first transformed into a multi-order system and then into a system of recurrence relations for coefficients of formal fractional power series. The order of the fractional power series is discussed in relation to orders of derivatives appearing in the original equation. Application of the algorithm to an initial value problem results in a reliable and expected outcome.

The study is devoted to the issues of mathematical modeling and simulating the sport differential mechanism (DM) with controllable torque redistribution. The issue is caused by the elaboration of ADAS systems with the automated torque vectoring for transmissions of all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles and the inclusion of such devices in the combined autonomous vehicle trajectory control scheme. At the article's beginning, the use of devices for redistributing traction forces is reasoned by analyzing the curvilinear vehicle motion, where they could ensure the accuracy of vehicle steerability. The literature review highlights modern developments in the field of modeling and researching such DMs. Considering the vehicle turn with a minimum radius, the conditions corresponding to passing greater torque over the outrunning rear axle are determined. All the mechanism's components and loads acting between them are described in detail. To form an original method of mathematical description of the mechanism functioning, the system of differential equations, systems of kinematic and force connections are considered separately. The article details the mathematical approach to generalize the way for automating the equation compilation for rotational mechanical systems such as vehicle transmissions. In the simulation section, a Simulink model reflecting the functional components and calculation procedures is presented. A series of testing and simulations on the DM operation with forcible torque distribution is carried out. Modeling data are presented, and the analysis of simulation results is performed. In the completion, conclusions are made regarding the scope and use of this model and the prospects for further developing the method proposed to automate the formation of equation systems.

Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopic studies allow for deep insights into the mechanisms and timescales of photophysical and photochemical processes. Extracting valuable information from these studies, such as reactive intermediates' lifetimes and coherent oscillation frequencies, is an example of the inverse problems of chemical kinetics. This article describes a consistent approach for solving this inverse problem that avoids the common obstacles of simple least-squares fitting that can lead to unreliable results. The presented approach is based on the regularized Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling for the strongly nonlinear parameters, allowing for a straightforward solution of the ill-posed nonlinear inverse problem. The software to implement the described fitting routine is introduced and the numerical examples of its application are given. We will also touch on critical experimental parameters, such as the temporal overlap of pulses and cross-correlation time and their connection to the minimal reachable time resolution.

The wealth of data obtained during the past 20 years using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) indicates that the technique is very promising to detect small chemical contents of alloying elements. The potential of LIBS was looked more seriously during the past two decades or so as more data were obtained on Aluminum and steel to study the phenomena in the condition of local thermodynamic equilibrium and time-delay between a Q-switch laser and an intensified CCD camera. Since the past decade, some data on compounds were also shown to be useful in determining small concentrations of harmful elements. This manuscript is intended to show that the technique of LIBS performance is very promising in fields such as micro-machining, in alloying element analysis, surface cleaning and environmental applications even with lightweight spectrometers having a relatively low resolution, which can potentially be air-borne.

We consider a Cauchy problem for differential equations in a Hilbert space $X$. The problem is stated in a time interval $I$, which can be finite or infinite. Weuse a fixed point argument for history-dependent operators to prove the unique solvability of the problem. Then, we state and prove convergence criteria for both a general fixed point problem and thecorresponding Cauchy problem. These criteria provide necessary and sufficient conditions on a sequence $\{u_n\}$ which guarantee its convergence to the solution of the corresponding problem, in the space of both continuous and continuously differentiable functions. We then specify our results in the study of a particular differential equation governed by two nonlinear operators. Finally, we provide an application in viscoelasticity and give a mechanical interpretation of the corresponding convergence result.

Estimation and planning play a vital role in the construction of an autonomous navigation framework. However, these problems are often considered separately, while planning gives robot a free-collision path towards the desired goal, estimation algorithm presents the executed trajectory in the sense that it has to be closed to the ground truth path as much as possible. Recently, a unified probabilistic framework, which supports solving these problems simultaneously, dubbed STEAP has been proposed. Nevertheless, its current version is only designated for an omni wheels robot, which allows robot to move and turn in vertical direction. Differential drive robot, on the other hand, though limited to move along only one direction, has been used in various situations due to its flexibility and lower cost in hardware designing. Thus, in this extension, our aim is to control a differential drive robot via STEAP. Moreover, in a more complicated environment such as labyrinth or maze, the original STEAP sometimes fails to find a path. Indeed, this problem is mainly caused by the poor initialization and the non-linearity in optimizer constraints. In our implementation, instead of dealing with these constraints, we employ a global planner algorithm such as Dijkstra or RRT to treat STEAP as an effective local planner module that focus on following the global path. Consequently, the experimental results show that the extended STEAP not only able to navigate a differential drive robot but also in a more complicated and unstructured environment.

Solving the problem of searching for new scintillators based on available materials, we were the first to obtain and study a single crystal of CsI doped with divalent ytterbium ions. This work was directed to study of luminescence mechanism of Yb2+ ions and excitation transfer from crystalline matrix of CsI to dopant ions under VUV excitation. Using time-resolved spectroscopy, spin-allowed and spin-forbidden radiative transitions of ytterbium ions at room temperature were discovered. At 10 degrees, the emission of self-trapped excitons was detected. UV and VUV excitation spectra were obtained in the emission bands of ytterbium and self-trapped excitons. It was found that Yb2+ luminescence is excited in the excitonic region in the range of 10-45 eV. The mechanism of charge compensation of Yb2+ ions in a CsI crystal was also studied, the spectrum of the thermally stimulated depolarization current was measured, and the activation energies of the two observed peaks were calculated. These peaks belong to impurity-vacancy complexes in two different positions.It is concluded that Yb2+ ions are promising dopants for CsI scintillators and X-ray phosphors in combination with SiPM photodetectors.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of pharmaceutical drugs that contain paracetamol is investigated in air and argon atmospheres. Characteristic neutral and ionic spectral lines of various elements and molecular signatures of CN violet and C₂ Swan band systems are observed. The relative hardness of all drug samples is measured as well. Principal component analysis, a multivariate method, is applied in data analysis for demarcation purposes of the drug samples. The CN violet and C₂ Swan spectral radiances are investigated for evaluation of possible correlation of the chemical and molecular structures of the pharmaceuticals. Complementary Raman and Fourier-transform-infra-red spectroscopies are used record molecular spectra of the drug samples. The applicationof the above techniques for the drug screening are important for identification and mitigation of drugs that reveal additives that may cause adverse side-effects.

Propolis is a bee product widely used as a dietary supplement and included in sweets or baby foods due to its well-known antioxidant and nutritional properties that are directly correlated with its phenolic composition. For this reason, this study analysed the total contents of flavones and flavonols, flavanones and dihydroflavonols, and the antioxidant capacity by using the methods of ABTS and linoleic acid/β-carotene in 99 samples of propolis from Spain and Chile. A rapid method was developed for quantifying these parameters in raw propolis using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with an optical fibre probe of remote reflectance applied directly to the ground up sample. The models developed allow the determination of the total of flavones and flavonols (0-183 mg rutin/ g propolis), of the total of flavanones and dihydroflavonols (9-109 mg pinocembrin/ g propolis extract), and the antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method (0-3212 nmolesTrolox/ mg of propolis) and of linoleic acid/β-carotene (22-86% inhibition). The NIR spectroscopy models were applied in external validation to different samples of the calibration group, which led to the conclusion that the methods developed provide significantly identical data to the initial chemical data of reference.

Skeletal muscles are crucial for voluntary movements, and impairments in their function significantly impact our activity. Dysferlin, a protein predominantly present in skeletal muscle, is a focal point of extensive research due to its vital role in muscle repair and maintenance. This study investigates Dysferlin's levels and function in skeletal muscles, emphasizing its significance and the potential effects of its dysregulation on fast and slow muscle fibers. We employed Western blotting on two different rat muscles. The results revealed distinct expressions of Dysferlin in fast and slow fibers, as demonstrated by Western blotting. We propose that Dysferlin may have a metabolic role in addition to its involvement in the repair mechanism.

We propose a notion of $(q,\sigma,\tau)$-differential graded algebra, which generalizes the notions of $(\sigma,\tau)$-differential graded algebra and $q$-differential graded algebra. We construct two examples of $(q,\sigma,\tau)$-differential graded algebra, where the first one is constructed by means of generalized Clifford algebra with two generators (reduced quantum plane), where we use a $(\sigma,\tau)$-twisted graded $q$-commutator. In order to construct the second example, we introduce a notion of $(\sigma,\tau)$-pre-cosimplicial algebra.

This work investigates spatial and temporal distributions of hydroxyl, OH, in laser-plasma in laboratory air at standard ambient temperature and pressure. Of interest are determination of temperature and density of OH and establishment of a correlation of molecular OH emission spectra with shadow graphs for time delays of 50 to 100 microsecond, analogous to previous work on shadow graph and emission spectroscopy correlation for cynaide, CN, in gas mixtures and for time delays of the order of 1 microsecond. Wavelength- and sensitivity- corrected spatiotemporal data analysis focuses on temperature inferences using molecular OH emission spectroscopy. Near-ir radiation from a Q-switched laser device initiates optical breakdown in laboratory air. The laser device provides 6 nanosecond, up to 850 milli Joule pulses at a wavelength of 1064 nanometer, and focal irradiance in the range of 1 to 10 Tera Watt per centimeter-squared. Frequency doubled beams are utilized for capturing shadow graphs for visualization of the breakdown kernel at time delays in the range of 0.1 to 100 microsecond. OH emission spectra of the laser plasma, spatially resolved along the slit dimension, are recorded in the wavelength range of 298 nm to 321 nm, and with gate widths adjusted to 10 microsecond for the intensified charge-coupled device that is mounted at the exit plane of a 0.64 m Czerny-Turner configuration spectrometer. Diatomic OH signals occur due to recombination of the plasma and are clearly distinguishable for time delays larger than 50 microsecond, but are masked by spectra of N2 early in the plasma decay.

Current sources play an essential role in tissue excitation used in bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Most investigations use Howland current sources that, despite their practicality and simplified implementation, have operating frequency limitations and dependence on the load impedance due to theirs narrow output impedance, specially at higher frequencies. The objective of this work is to propose model for a robust current-controlled sinusoidal oscillator. The oscillator is based on fully analog electronics, which enables controlling oscillation phase and amplitude by using a voltage reference. The mathematical model is based on Pyragas control application to the classical harmonic oscillator. From the modelling process, it was build an oscillator topology based on second-generation current carriers and on transconductance amplifiers. The reference signal (Fsync) was a sinusoidal voltage source having a frequency of 1MHz and an amplitude of 1Vpp. The oscillator output current synchronized the oscillations’ phase and amplitude with Fsync, regardless of their magnitude before the control signal acted in the circuit at t≈13.5μs. SPICE simulations using ideal components have confirmed the successful operation of the proposed oscillator. This type of oscillator can be implemented in SOIC, then allowing oscillation control interface with logic circuits.

This article discusses laser-induced laboratory-air plasma measurements and analysis of hydroxyl (OH) ultraviolet spectra. New experiments with Q-switched laser pulses illustrate occurrence of molecular recombination spectra for time delays of the order of several dozen of microseconds after plasma initiation. The computation of the emission spectra utilizes line strength data that are communicated as a supplementary file. Applications of detailed OH computations include laser-induced plasma and combustion analyses, to name but two applications.

Orientational dependence of the IR absorbing amide bands of silk is demonstrated from two orthogonal longitudinal and transverse microtome slices only $\sim 100$~nm thick. A scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) which preferentially probes orientation perpendicular to the sample's surface was used. Spatial resolution of silk-epoxy boundary was defined with a $\sim 100$~nm resolution while the spectra were collected by a $\sim 10$~nm tip. Ratio of the absorbance of the amide-II C-N at 1512~cm$^{-1}$ and amide-I C=O $\beta$-sheets at 1628~cm$^{-1}$ showed sensitivity of SNOM to the molecular orientation. SNOM characterisation is complimentary to the far-field absorbance which is sensitive to the in-plane polarisation. Volumes with cross sections smaller than 100~nm can be characterised for molecular orientation. A method of absorbance measurements at four angles of slice cut orientation, which is equivalent to the four polarisation angles absorbance measurement is proposed.

Solar neutrinos have played a central role in the discovery of the neutrino oscillation mechanism. They still are proving to be a unique tool to help investigate the fusion reactions that power stars and further probe basic neutrino properties. The Borexino neutrino observatory has been operationally acquiring data at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy since 2007. Its main goal is the real-time study of low energy neutrinos (solar or originated elsewhere, such as geo-neutrinos). The latest analysis of experimental data, taken during the so-called Borexino Phase-II (2011-present), will be showcased in this talk - yielding new high-precision, simultaneous wide band flux measurements of the four main solar neutrino components belonging to the "pp" fusion chain (pp, pep, ⁷Be, ⁸B), as well as upper limits on the remaining two solar neutrino fluxes (CNO and hep).

Vibrational spectroscopies (FTIR, Raman) are exceptionally valuable tools for the identification and crystal-chemical study of fibrous minerals, and asbestos amphiboles in particular. Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in toxicological studies and thus a large corpus of reference data on regulated species is found in the literature. However, FTIR spectroscopy has been mostly used in crystal-chemical studies and very few data are found on asbestos amphiboles. This paper is intended to fill this gap; we report new FTIR data collected on a suite of well-characterized samples of the five regulated amphibole species: anthophyllite, amosite and crocidolite, provided by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Organization, and tremolite and actinolite, from two well-known occurrences. The data from these reference samples have been augmented by results from additional specimens to clarify some aspects of their spectroscopic features. We show that the FTIR spectra in both the OH-stretching region and in the lattice modes region can be effective for rapid identification of the asbestos type.

This work reports measurements of calcified gallstone elemental compositions using laser-induced optical emission spectroscopy. The experimental results support the importance of the magnesium concentration in gallstone growth. Granular stones reveal an increased magnesium concentration at the periphery of the granules, suggesting the inhibition of further growth. Non-granular gallstones reveal lower overall magnesium concentrations but with higher values near the center.

Friction and wear take place on two solid surfaces in sliding contact as a result of the mechanical, thermal and chemical interactions with the participation of environmental species. Electron microscopy and the associated spectroscopic analyses are powerful in probing these mechanisms in spatial resolutions from micro to atomic scale. This article provides a review of the author’s work in the wear and friction mechanisms of PVD hard coatings in which various SEM- and TEM-based microscopic and spectroscopic techniques were employed. Understanding on the failure mechanisms and the origin of self-adaptive friction has been improved to nano-scale. Other related issues are also discussed, such as sample preparation techniques for cross-sectional electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Previous studies had shown that mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA were associated with cardiovascular diseases. The study was aimed to explore the differential expressions of mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA between coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy control, and their interaction in CAD. We investigated the differential expression of ceRNA between CAD and healthy control through data collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarrays. Furthermore, we investigated the biological function of these differential expressions of ceRNAs by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created to identify the hub genes. Biosystems and literature search were performed for signaling pathways and their function of the included differential expression ceRNAs. A total of 456 miRNA expression profiles, 16,325 mRNA expression profiles, and 2,869 lncRNA expression profiles were obtained. Eleven Go and KEGG pathways (count ≥9), top 15 of PPI network node connectivity rank, and top 15 of ceRNA network node degree centrality rank were achieved at the statistical significance level (P<0.05). We further identified that several differential expressions of ceRNAs and their signaling pathways were associated with CAD through biosystems and literature search. Based on eleven Go and KEGG pathways, top 15 of PPI network node connectivity rank, and top 15 of ceRNA network node degree centrality rank in CAD population, our findings would contribute to further exploration for the molecular mechanism of CAD.

Autonomous differential equations of fractional order and non-singular kernel are solved. While solutions can be obtained through numerical, graphical, or analytical solutions, we seek an implicit analytical solution.

In this paper we use the conformable fractional derivative to discuss some fractional linear differential equations with constant coefficients. By applying some similar arguments to the theory of ordinary differential equations, we establish a sufficient condition to guarantee the reliability of solving constant coefficient fractional differential equations by the conformable Laplace transform method. Finally, we analyze the analytical solution for a class of fractional models associated with Logistic model, Von Foerster model and Bertalanffy model is presented graphically for various fractional orders and solution of corresponding classical model is recovered as a particular case.

A hypothesis that the generally accepted value of the LiPON conductivity should be attributed to the absorption and displacement currents is substantiated. The reason is a small contribution of the drift current due to field screening by the electric double layer. The basis for this assumption is the measurement of the LiPON absorption capacitance, according to which its dielectric constant is about 106. An alternative equivalent circuit containing a non-ideal absorption element is proposed and its impedance is calculated. It is shown that the Bode diagrams of the alternative circuit well approximate the experimental curves. Parameters and the magnitude of electric field screening are calculated basing on proposed model of a double electric layer. Considering the screening effect, the drift conductivity of LiPON is obtained, which value is in good agreement with the data on lithium concentration and mobility.

Abstract: The high entropy alloy (HEA) of equiatomic composition CrNiFeCoMn and with FCC 11 crystal structure was prepared by either induction melting and additive manufacturing with a se- 12 lective laser melting (SLM) process, starting from mechanically alloyed powders. Unlike induction 13 melting, the as-produced SLM alloy showed fine nitride and Cr-rich s phase precipitates. Mechan- 14 ical spectroscopy measurements were performed on specimens cold worked and/or recrystallized. 15 Young’s modulus values of (140±10) GPa and (90±10) GPa were measured at 300 K for induction 16 melted and SLM samples, respectively. The values increased to (160±10) GPa and (170±10) GPa for 17 recrystallized samples. Damping measurements as a function of temperature showed two peaks 18 which were attributed to dislocations bending and grain boundaries sliding. The peaks were super- 19 posed on a temperature increasing background.

Micro- and nanoflowers are a class of materials composed of particles with high surface-to-volume ratio. They are being extensively studied in the last decade due to simple preparation protocols and promising applications in biosensing, as drug delivery agents, for water purification and so on. Flowerlike objects, due to their highly irregular surface, may act also as plasmonic materials, providing resonant coupling between optical waves and surface plasmon excitations. This fact infers for the possibility to use micro- and nanoflowers as effective surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate materials. Here, we report on the design and Raman enhancement properties of silver flowerlike structures, deposited on aluminum surface. A simple and cost-effective fabrication method is described, which leads to SERS substrates of high developed surface area. The morphology of the silver flowers on a nanoscale is characterized by self-organized quasiperiodic stacks of nanosheets, which act as plasmonic cavity-resonators. The substrates were tested against rhodamine-6G (R6G) water solutions of concentration varying between 10^–3 M and 10^–7 M. Optimal SERS enhancement factors of up to 10⁵ were established at R6G concentrations in the range 10^–6 – 10^–7 M.

Biocomposite membranes based on polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were developed using a scientific approach. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used as a polymerization ini-tiator, while tin octoate (Sn(Oct)2) and triphenylphosphane (P(C6H5)3) were used as catalysts. A torque rheometer was used to mix the components of the biocomposite, and thin films was prepared by solvent casting. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the coupling between the PLA and CNCs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the CNCs were well-dispersed in the PLA matrix with an unimodal particle size distribution and a maximum particle size of around 200 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calo-rimetry (DSC) analysis demonstrated good thermal stability and improved biodegradability of the biocomposite membrane compared to pure PLA. Mechanical characterization showed a Young's modulus of 1.65 GPa, which is comparable to that of other composite materials, and a maximum tensile strength of 20.31 MPa, which is higher than that of pure PLA. These results suggest that the developed biocomposite membrane has potential applications in water filtration, food packaging, and biomedical devices.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors like Transitional Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted strong research interest in the last decade. Unlike the more celebrated 2D material graphene, TMDCs like molybdenum disulfide(MoS₂) possess bandgap. The number of layers critically depends on the band structure of MoS₂. For example, it is indirect for bulk MoS₂. However, it becomes direct bandgap material for a monolayer MoS₂. Monolayer MoS₂, therefore, becomes an important material for photoelectronic devices. An essential aspect of such devices is the metal-semiconductor junction. Metal-TMDC junction is, therefore, a well-studied interface due to its importance for 2D materials-based photoelectronic devices. Most importantly, it can be flexible, stretchable to it’s length, and bent to a large angle. We used metals like Au and Al to interface with TMDs like MoS₂. We used silicon and PDMS as substrates. So, we have to focus on investigating the relative properties of various TMDCs. We see change in band energy and vibrational modes via Photoluminiscence and Raman spectroscopy as shown in the article. However, certain aspects are yet to be explored, for example, how this interface behaves in the presence of strain.

In this paper, we consider the zero distributions of q-shift monomi-als and difference polynomials of meromorphic functions with zero order, that extends the classical Hayman results on the zeros of differential poly-nomials to q-shift difference polynomials. We also investigate problem of q-shift difference polynomials that share a common value.

In this paper, a relatively new hyper convolution spectra for characterization liquid, viscoelastic and solid samples is presented. Special attention is paid to the biophysical characterization of epithelial tissues and early detection of cancer of the skin, cervix, colon, and oral cavity. The method is based on the use of two types of white light, diffuse and polarized, from the same LED light sources. Based on the subtraction of the intensity values of these two lights and using the hyper convolution algorithm, the ratio of paired and unpaired electrons of tissue is obtained. This ratio correlates well with the state of the tissue: normal, irritating, precancerous, and cancerous. First, a proof-of-concept studies were performed, and later clinical studies on samples from one thousand two hundred fifteen people were performed. It showed that hyper Opto-Magnetic Imaging Spectroscopy (OMIS) can detect epithelial tissue cancers with an accuracy of 85-96%. Bearing in mind that the OMIS method also acquires the biophysical characteristics of the deeper skin layers (epidermis, basement membrane, dermis) by analysing convolution spectra of RGB channels of both diffuse and polarized white light, it is possible to apply this method in cosmetics (skin hydration, collagen, and elastin states, etc.). During OMIS applications, we noticed places where improvements could be made to increase method’s accuracy using advanced machine learning methodologies.

Functional osseoconductive coatings based on hydroxylapatite (HAp) and applied preferentially by atmospheric plasma spraying to medical implant surfaces are a mainstay of modern implantology. During contact with the hot plasma jet, HAp particles melt incongruently and undergo complex dehydration and decomposition reactions that alter their phase composition and crystallographic symmetry, and thus, the physical and biological properties of the coatings. Surface analytical methods such as laser-Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies are useful tools to assess the structural changes of HAp imposed by heat treatment during their flight along the hot plasma jet. In this contribution, the controversial information on the existence or non-existence of oxyapatite, i.e. fully dehydrated HAp as a thermodynamically stable compound is highlighted.

Principle of memristor presented by Leon Chua and time reversal based non-linear elastic wave spectroscopy (TR-NEWS) which can be applied to acoustic tomography are reviewed. Correlation of acoustic or electromagnetic nonlinear waves and its time reversed wave can produce strong signal. Materials like transducer or biological skin can be assumed to be composed of a large number of small elastic unit: hysteretic elementary unit (HEU), and one can take a HEU as a memristor whose operation depends on time. Relation between TR-NEWS and solitonic wave in fluid, and relation between decomposition of time reversal operator (DORT) and chaotic oscillation are discussed.

Using the World Bank Global Findex Database for 91 countries in 2014, 2017, and 2021, we examine whether fintech levels influence bank performance and whether fintech’s interaction with GDP per capita causes differential effects on bank performance globally. Since fintech levels were already very high for rich countries when the World Bank started providing fintech development statistics in 2014, we estimate AbFintech by regressing fintech levels on GDP per capita by year. AbFintech is the difference between the fintech level and its fitted values. Then, using multiple regression analyses, we investigate the impact of AbFintech on bank performance worldwide, focusing on the differential effects of AbFintech and GDP levels on bank performance. We find AbFintech significantly increases bank performance, primarily in less developed countries. Specifically, AbFintech increases banks’ ROA in the least developed countries and net interest margin in the 75th percentile countries. Also, AbFintech decreases the cost-to-income ratio in the 75th percentile countries, while it increases the ratio in the most developed countries. AbFintech does not affect the ratio of noninterest income to total income, regardless of the level of economic development.

A linear Cauchy problem with polynomial coefficients wich combines q-difference operators for q>1 and differential operators of irregular type is examined. A finite set of sectorial holomorphic solutions w.r.t the complex time is constructed by means of classical Laplace transforms. These functions share a common asymptotic expansion in the time variable which turns out to carry a double layers structure which couples q-Gevrey and Gevrey bounds. In the last part of the work, the problem of confluence of these solutions as q tends to 1 is investigated.

The prevalence of differential equations as a mathematical technique has refined the fields of control theory and constrained optimization due to the newfound ability to accurately model chaotic, unbalanced systems. However, in recent research, systems are increasingly more nonlinear and difficult to model using Differential Equations only. Thus, a newer technique is to use policy iteration and Reinforcement Learning, techniques that center around an action and reward sequence for a controller. Reinforcement Learning (RL) can be applied to control theory problems since a system can robustly apply RL in a dynamic environment such as the cartpole system (an inverted pendulum). This solution successfully avoids use of PID or other dynamics optimization systems, in favor of a more robust, reward-based control mechanism. This paper applies RL and Q-Learning to the classic cartpole problem, while also discussing the mathematical background and differential equations which are used to model the aforementioned system.

DGJ (Daftardar-Gejii-Jafaris) method is used to obtain numerical solution of the third order fractional differential equation. Providing the DGJ method converges, the approximate solution is a good and effective numerical result which is close to the exact solution or the exact solution. For this,the examples of the explaning the method are presented. The proposed method is implemented for the approximation solution of the third order nonlinear fractional partial differential equations. The method was shown to be unsuitable and inconsistent for an example of a nonlinear fractional partial differential equation depend on initial-boundary value conditions. The fact that these numerical results are not consistent can be explained by the fact that the method is not convergent.

This work communicates the connection of measured shadowgraphs from optically induced air breakdown with emission spectroscopy in selected gas mixtures. Laser-induced optical breakdown is generated using 850 mJ and 170 mJ, 6-ns pulses at a wavelength of 1064 nm, the shadowgraphs are recorded using time-delayed 5-ns pulses at a wavelength of 532 nm and a digital camera, and emission spectra are recorded for typically a dozen of discrete time-delays from optical breakdown by employing an intensified charge-coupled device. The symmetry of the breakdown event can be viewed as close-to spherical symmetry for time-delays of several 100 ns. Spectroscopic analysis explores well-above hypersonic expansion dynamics using primarily the diatomic molecule cyanide and atomic hydrogen emission spectroscopy. Analysis of the air breakdown and selected gas breakdown events permits the use of Abel inversion for inference of the expanding species distribution. Typically, species are prevalent at higher density near the hypersonically expanding shockwave, measured by tracing cyanide and a specific carbon atomic line. Overall, recorded air breakdown shadowgraphs are indicative of laser-plasma expansion in selected gas mixtures, and optical spectroscopy delivers analytical insight into plasma expansion phenomena.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by symbiotic bacteria plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture. However, current quantification methods are often expensive and impractical. This study explores the potential of Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive technique, for rapid assessment of BNF activity in soybeans. Raman spectra were obtained from soybean plants grown with and without rhizobia bacteria to identify spectral signatures associated with BNF. δN15 isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was used to determine actual BNF percentages. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was employed to develop a model for BNF quantification based on Raman spectra. The model explained 80% of the variation in BNF activity. To enhance the model's specificity for BNF detection regardless of nitrogen availability, a subsequent elastic net (Enet) regularization strategy was implemented. This approach provided insights into key wavenumbers and biochemicals associated with BNF in soybeans.

The fine structure of Apricot pectin polysaccharides is discussed from both literature and recent work we have performed. Structural characterization utilized 1D and 2D homo- and hetero-nuclear NMR spectroscopy including results from High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography (HP-SEC), HP Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD) and FTIR spectroscopy. The purified pectin fraction (F1AP) was found to be composed of D-galacturonic acid, L-rhamnose, D-arabinose and D-galactose in a 1.0 : 0.1 : 0.36 : 0.12 molar ratio, respectively, which is consistent with a pectin RG-1 branched with arabinogalactan side chain polysaccharides, and has a weight-average molecular weight of approximately 1588.2 kDa. The slope of the hydrodynamic radius versus the molar mass was 0.57, indicating the presence of coil conformations. The results from HPAEC-PAD, HPSEC and NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, zTOCSY, HSQC, HSQCTOXY and HMBC) demonstrated that F1AP fine fraction F1AP1, derived from original F1AP, has a backbone of (1→4)-linked -D-galacturonic acid and -L-rhamnopyranosyl residues branched with arabinogalactan of multiply glycosidic linkages of T- α-Araf, 3-α-Araf, 5-α-Araf, T- α -Arap, 2- α-Arap side chains, having methyl and acetylated groups, and has high molecular weights (1945 kDa). While the other F1A6 fraction consists predominately of an HG region of pectin polysaccharides with low molecular weights (117.5 kDa), less aggregated. The F1AP1 polysaccharide was highly viscous and its hydrodynamic radius was 64,3 nm. The exponent b of Rh-Mw (conformation plot) was determined to be 0.48, indicating a compact flexible coil conformation of the macromolecule in solution. However, the F1AP6 fraction of apricot fruits belong to backbone of repeats units of [-(1→4)-α-D-GalpA-1]n – both HG and partly contents RG-II polysaccharides, bearing heterosugar sidechains, including α-Ara, α -Rha and β-Gal residues and adopt more stiffness rod like conformation.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), provides valuable biochemical information for biomedical analysis. It aids in identifying cancerous tissues, diagnosing diseases like acute pancreatitis or Alzheimer's, and has applications in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A combination of FTIR and chemometrics constitute an approach that shows promise in fields like biology, forensics, food quality control, and plant variety identification. The study aims to explore the feasibility of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for identifying ABO-blood types using spectroscopic tools. We employ various classifying algorithms, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and combinations of these methods, to detect A and B antigens and determine the ABO blood type. The results show that these algorithms predict the blood type to a greater extent than random selection, although they do not match the precision of biochemical blood typing tools. Additionally, our findings suggest a higher sensitivity of the methodology in identifying B antigens compared to A antigens.

This work discusses diatomic molecular spectroscopy of laser-induced plasma and analysis of data records, specifically signatures of cyanide, CN. Line strength data from various databases are compared for simulation of the CN, B2Σ+⟶X2Σ+, Δv=0 sequence. Of interest are recent predictions using an astrophysical database, i.e., ExoMol, a laser-induced fluorescence database, i.e., LIFBASE, and a program for simulating rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra, i.e., PGOPHER. Cyanide spectra that are predicted from these databases are compared with line strength data that are in use by the author for the last three decades in the analysis of laser-plasma emission spectra. Comparisons with experimental laser-plasma records are communicated as well, and for spectral resolutions of 33 and 110 picometer. The accuracy of the CN line strength data is better than one picometer. Laboratory experiments utilize 308-nm, 35-picosecond bursts within an overall 1-nanosecond pulse-width, and 1064-nm, 6-ns pulse-width radiation. Experimental results are compared with predictions. Differences of the databases are elaborated for equilibrium of rotational and vibrational modes and at an internal, molecular temperature of the order of 8,000 Kelvin. Applications of accurate CN data include for example combustion diagnosis, chemistry, and supersonic and hypersonic expansion diagnosis. The cyanide molecule is also of interest in the study of astrophysical phenomena.

Water plays a crucial role in maintaining plant functionality and drives many ecophysiological processes. The distribution of water resources is in a continuous change due to global warming affecting the productivity of ecosystems around the globe, but there is a lack of non-destructive methods capable of continuous monitoring of plant and leaf water content that would help us in understanding the consequences of the redistribution of water. We studied the utilization of novel small hyperspectral sensors in the 1350-2450 nm spectral range in non-destructive estimation of leaf water content in laboratory and field conditions. We found that the sensors captured up to 96% of the variation in equivalent water thickness (EWT, g/m²) and up to 90% of the variation in relative water content (RWC). These laboratory findings were supported by field measurements, where repeated leaf spectra measurements were in good agreement (R²=0.79) with a time-lagged change of tree xylem diameter. Further tests were done with an indoor plant (Dracaena marginate Lem.) by continuously measuring leaf spectra while drought conditions developed, which revealed detailed diurnal dynamics of leaf water content. We conclude that close-range hyperspectral spectroscopy can provide a novel tool for continuous measurement of leaf water content at the single leaf level and help us to better understand plant responses to varying environmental conditions.

A laser-based hydrogen (H₂) sensor using wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) was developed for contactless measurements of molecular hydrogen. The sensor uses a distributed feedback (DFB) laser to target the H₂ quadrupole absorption line at 2121.8 nm. The H₂ absorption line exhibits weak collisional broadening and strong collisional narrowing effects. Both effects were investigated by comparing measurements of the absorption linewidth with detailed models using different line profiles that include collisional narrowing effects. The collisional broadening and narrowing parameters were determined for pure hydrogen as well as for hydrogen in nitrogen and air. Performance of the sensor was evaluated and the sensor applicability for H₂ measurements in a range of 0- 10 %v of H₂ was demonstrated. A precision of 0.02 %v was achieved with 1 meter of absorption pathlength (0.02 %v∙m) and 1 s of integration time. For the optimum averaging time of 20 s a precision of 0.005 %v∙m was achieved. A good linear relationship between H₂ concentration and the sensor response was observed. A simple and robust transmitter-receiver configuration of the sensor allows in-situ installations in harsh industrial environments.

Free volume is an extremely important intrinsic defect in polymers. Structurally, the free volume is the randomly distributed holes in the polymer molecular chain segments. From the perspective of molecular movement, it is also the space needed for the movement of molecular segments. In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the free volume is also the space needed for the directional conduction of protons. Irradiation grafting sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is one of the methods to produce proton exchange membrane with good proton channel rate. Using the LYS-1 program, based on the linear absorption coefficient and backscatter coefficient models, the percentage of annihilated positrons in PVDF in the two-layer model and the three-layer model was studied, and comparing the two fitting results it is determined that the model closest to the positron annihilation percentage required by the PALS experiment is the two-layer model, which allows the percentage of positrons that are annihilated in PVDF films with a thickness of 100 μm to reach 46% using the high energy positron source ⁴⁴Ti without using the positron moderator. Using positron annihilation lifetime spectrum (PALS) analysis methods, based on Eldrup's classical model of free volume, the influence of absorbed doses of α particles on the free volume and crystallinity of PVDF was investigated, respectively. Based on the two test results the model of cross-linking and degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride irradiated by α particles was determined. Afterwards, X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods was used to study the change of PVDF crystal area before and after irradiation. The XRD results are consistent with the results measured by PALS.

This article describes the choice of an optimization algorithm for solving problems and the optimal design of an unmanned aerial vehicle propeller. To solve the problem using evolutionary algorithms, it was transformed into an unconstrained optimization problem using a penalty function. The airfoil contours were constructed using a Bezier curve. Design variables were divided into two types: those that describe in general terms the propeller geometry or operation, such as propeller diameter, number of blades, and rev/min; and those that vary with propeller radius, such as chord length, effective airfoil angle, and airfoil geometry. The objective function is the calculation of the propeller power required to achieve a given thrust. The differential evolution algorithm was used to solve this problem.

Perforating dermatoses are dermatologic disorders with transepidermal elimination (TE) of dermal substances. While TE is typically associated with collagen and elastin, it can also occur as a secondary event in other processes, and it is important to keep a broad differential. We present a case of perforating tophaceous gout, which underscores the need for a thoughtful approach to perforating disorders. An updated review of recent literature is also presented.

In this paper, we consider with a class of system of differential equations whose argument transforms are involution. In this an initial value problem for a differential equation with involution is reduced to an initial value problem for a higher order ordinary differential equation. Than either two initial conditions are necessary for a solution, the equation is then reduced to a boundary value problem for a higher order ODE.

A new type of ordinary differential equation is introduced and discussed, namely, the time-dependent order ordinary differential equations. These equations can be solved via fractional calculus and are mapped into Volterra integral equations of second kind with singular integrable kernel. The solutions of the time-dependent order differential equations smoothly deforms solutions of the classical integer order ordinary differential equations into one-another, and can generate or remove singularities. An interesting symmetry of the solution in relation to the Riemann zeta function and Harmonic numbers was also proved.

In the paper, by virtue of techniques in combinatorial analysis, the authors simplify two families of nonlinear ordinary differential equations in terms of the Stirling numbers of the first kind.

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that transforms high-strength organic effluents into biogas with multiple benefits. However, concurrent with organics' biological transformation, a liquid phase with a high solid content is also derived from this process. Valorizing this fraction is not an easy task if an agronomic application cannot be considered as a suitable option. The thermal valorization of this fraction allows for energy extraction, but also gives rise to additional capital investment and increases the energy demand of the global process. In addition, the thermal treatment of digestate has to deal with a mineralized material. The changes in organic matter due to anaerobic stabilization were studied in the present manuscript, by evaluating the thermal behavior of samples, activation energy and organic transformation using FTIR spectroscopy. Digested samples of a mixture composed of manure and glycerin (5% v/v) were studied. The stabilization caused a dramatic decrease in aliphatic compounds, greatly increasing the mineral content of the sample. Thermal valorization of digestates must consider the lower energy content and more complex structure of these materials, with higher content of lignin and protein-type compounds.

Despite the increasing popularity of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based lipidomics, there is a lack of accepted and validated method for lipid extract quality and quantity assessment prior to LC-MS. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been reported for quantification of pure lipids, however, the sample complexity and purity complex lipid extract quantification in lipidomics experiments could be impact quantification accuracy. Here, we report comprehensive assessment of the sample matrix on the accuracy of lipid quantification using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Pure lipids are characterized by CH-and C=O-stretching vibrations on FTIR, with quantitative range of 40–3000 ng and a limit of detection of 12 ng. Sample extraction method and local baseline subtraction during FTIR spectral processing significantly impact lipid quantification by CH-stretching. To facilitate sample quality screening, we developed the Lipid Quality (LiQ) score from a spectral library of common contaminants, using a ratio of peak heights between CH-stretching vibrations maxima and the collective vibrations from amide/amine, CH-stretching minima and sugar moieties. We evaluated LiQ score as a rapid sample quality control method by comparing to total LC-MS intensity of targeted lipidomics of 107 human plasma lipid extracts. Exclusion of poor-quality samples based on LiQ score improved the correlation between FTIR and LC-MS quantification. Finally, the uncertainty of absolute quantification by FTIR was estimated using a 795 ng SPLASH LipidoMix standard to be &lt;10%. In summary, this study identified key parameters for accurate FTIR-based quantification of complex lipid mixture, and developed a rapid workflow requiring only 1 µL of MS-ready sample and &lt; 5 minutes for routine lipidomics sample quality and quantity assessment.

Multinuclear NMR studies of the gaseous mixtures that involve volatile compounds and ³He atoms are featured in this review. Precise analyses of the ³He and other nuclei resonance frequencies show linear dependences on the gas density. Extrapolation of the gas phase results to the zero-pressure limit gives ν₀(³He) and ν₀(ⁿX) resonance frequencies of nuclei in a single 3-helium atom and nuclei in molecules at a given temperature. The NMR frequency comparison method provides an approach for determining different nuclear magnetic moments. Application of quantum chemical shielding calculations which include a more complete and careful theoretical treatment allows the shielding of isolated molecules to be achieved with great accuracy and precision. They are used for evaluation of nuclear moments without shielding impact on bare nuclei: ^10/11B, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, ¹⁷O, ¹⁹F, ²¹Ne, ²⁹Si, ³¹P, ³³S, ^35/37Cl, ³³S , ⁸³Kr, ^129/131Xe, and ¹⁸³W. On the other hand, new results of nuclear moments were used for reevaluation of absolute nuclear magnetic shielding in molecules under study. Additionally, ³He gas in water solutions of lithium and sodium salts was used for measurements of ^6/7Li and ²³Na magnetic moments and reevaluation of shielding parameters of Li⁺ and Na⁺ water solvated cations. In this paper, guest ³He atoms that play a role in probing the electron density in many host macromolecules are presented as well.

This work examines atomic and molecular signatures in laser-induced plasma in standard ambient temperature and pressure environments, including background contributions to the spectra that depend on the laser pulse-width. Investigations include solids, gases, and nano-particles. Abel inversions of measured line-of-sight data reveal insight into the radial plasma distribution. For nominal 6 nanosecond laser pulses and for pulse-energies in the range of 100 to 800 milli-Joules, expansion dynamics and turbulence due to shock phenomena are elucidated to address local equilibrium details that are frequently assumed in spatially averaged emission spectroscopy. Chemical equilibrium computations reveal temperature dependence of selected plasma species. Specific interests include atomic hydrogen (H) and cyanide (CN). The atomic H spectra, collected following optical breakdown in ultra-high-pure hydrogen and 9:1 mixtures of ultra-pure hydrogen and nitrogen gases, indicate spherical shell structures and isentropic expansion of the plasma kernel over and above the usual shockwave. The recombination radiation of CN emanates within the first 100 nanoseconds for laser-induced breakdown in a 1:1 CO₂:N₂ gas mixture when using nanosecond laser pulses to create the micro-plasma. The micro-plasma is generated using 1064 nm, 150 mJ, 6 ns Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation. Measurements of the optical emission spectra utilize a 0.64 m Czerny-Turner type spectrometer and an intensified charge-coupled device.

Analyzing the cells in various body fluids can greatly deepen the understanding of the mechanisms governing the cellular physiology. Because of the variability of physiological and metabolic states, it is important to be able to perform such studies on individual cells. Therefore, we developed an optofluidic system in which we precisely manipulated and monitored individual cells of Escherichia coli. We used laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) in a microchamber chip to manipulate and analyze individual E. coli cells. We subjected the cells to antibiotic cefotaxime, and we observed the changes by the time-lapse microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We found observable changes in the cellular morphology (cell elongation) and in Raman spectra, which were consistent with other recently published observations. We tested the capabilities of the optofluidic system and found it to be a reliable and versatile solution for this class of microbiological experiments.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a multichannel bio-impedance spectroscopy system on field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). The proposed system is capable of acquiring multiple signals from multiple bio-impedance sensors, process the data on the FPGA and store the final data in the on-board Memory. The system employs the Digital Automatic Balance Bridge (DABB) method to acquire data from biosensors. The DABB measures initial data of a known impedance to extrapolate the value of the impedance for the device under test. This method offers a simpler design because the balancing of the circuit is done digitally in the FPGA rather than using an external circuit. Calculations of the impedance values for the device under test were done in the processor. The final data is sent to an onboard Flash Memory to be stored for later access. The control unit handles the interfacing and the scheduling between these different modules (Processor, Flash Memory) as well as interfacing to multiple Balance Bridge and multiple biosensors. The system has been simulated successfully and has comparable performance to other FPGA based solutions. The system has a robust design that is capable of handling and interfacing input from multiple biosensors. Data processing and storage is also performed with minimal resources on the FPGA.

In this paper, we define the cohomology of a modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric algebra with coefficients in a suitable representation. We also introduce the notion of modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric 2-algebra. We classify linear deformations and abelian extensions of modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric algebras using the second cohomology group and classify skeletal modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric 2-algebra using the third cohomology group as our propose cohomology applications. Moreover, we prove that strict modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric 2-algebras are equivalent to crossed modules of modified $\lambda$-differential left-symmetric algebras.

Concatemeric viral DNA is packaged into Bacteriophage P22 procapsids via a headful packaging mechanism mediated by a molecular machine consisting of small (gp3) and large (gp2) terminase subunits. Although a negative stain reconstruction exists for the terminase holoenzyme, it is not clear how this complex binds dodecameric portal protein located at a 5-fold mismatch vertex. Herein, we describe new assemblies for the holoenzyme. Both native mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the P22 terminase complex adopts three main assemblies, which include a nonameric S-terminase bound to two L-terminase 1(gp3)9:2(gp2), two nonameric S-terminase bound to five L-terminase 2(gp3)9:5(gp2), and three nonameric S-terminase bound to seven L-terminase 3(gp3)9:7(gp2). Native agarose gel electrophoresis shows that the terminase complex interacts with procapsid with mild crosslinking. These results herein illustrate the P22 terminase complex can adopt a variety of confirmations and assembly states.

The fractional derivatives are a generalization the derivatives of integer order and find applications in studying memory processes in various scientific fields. Numerical methods are used to solve and analyze fractional models of real world problems. In this paper, we consider an approximation of the Caputo fractional derivative and its asymptotic formula, whose generating function is the polylogarithmic function. In the paper, we prove the convergence of the approximation and derive an estimate for the error and order. We consider an application of the approximation for the construction of finite difference schemes for numerical solution of the two-term ordinary fractional differential equation and the time-fractional Black-Scholes equation for option pricing. The properties of the approximation are used to prove the convergence of the methods used for numerical solution of the fractional differential equations. The theoretical results for the error and order of the methods are illustrated by the results of numerical experiments.

Fractional differential systems have received much attention in recent decades likely due to its powerful ability in modeling memory processes, which are mostly observed in real world. Fractional models have been widely investigated and applied in many fields such as physics, biochemistry, electrical engineering, continuum and statistical mechanics. It is shown by many researchers that fractional derivatives can provide more accurate models than integer order derivatives do. Obviously, bang-bang property is of a significant importance in optimal control theory. In this paper a Bang-Bang property and time-optimal control problem for time-Fractional Differential System (FDS) is under consideration. First we formulate our problem and we prove the existence theorem. We state and prove the bang-bang theorem. Finally we give the optimality conditions that characterized the optimal control. Some illustrate applications are given to clarify our results.

The current study explores the problem of illiquidity in the corporate bond market and examines a broad set of liquidity proxies through empirical investigation. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to give solution to the global issue of illiquidity in the corporate bond market. The problem is identified by many researchers and this paper attempts to find out the viable solution of the "fungibility route" as an alternative to the "liquidity route". Design/ Methodology: An Analysis of a sample size of 2,34,772 trade data of corporate bonds and a sample size of 2,00,607 trade data of G-securities is done to identify the problem. Findings / Solution proposed: A mathematical model based on credit risk differential and sensitivity differential is proposed to find out the fair value at which an illiquid bond can be swapped by a liquid bond. To arrive at the fair value of the illiquid bond, we have calculated risk adjusted discount rate using modified duration and credit risk differential. With our solution, it is possible to enhance the liquidity of the bond not directly but through fungibility route. Originality: the research is first of its kind in which solution is given to the global problem of corporate bond illiquidity. To execute the trade in the fungibility route, proposed parties involved are the Fungibility platform, the initiator, and the bidder. The derived fair value would facilitate trade and serve as an exit strategy for illiquid bond holders worldwide.

We derive some Quantum Central Limit Theorems for expectation values of macroscopically coarse-grained observables, which are functions of coarse-grained hermitean operators consisting of non-commuting variables. Thanks to the hermicity constraints, we obtain positive-definite dis- tribution for the expectation values of observables. These probability distributions open some pathway for an emergence of classical behaviours in the limit of in nitely large number of identical and non-interacting quantum constituents. This is in contradistinction to other mechanisms of classicality emergence due to environmental decoherence and consistent histories. The probabil- ity distributions so derived also enable us to evaluate the nontrivial time-dependence of certain differential entropies.

We examine a family of nonlinear q-difference-differential Cauchy problems obtained as a coupling of linear Cauchy problems containing dilation q-difference operators, recently investigated by the author, and quasi-linear Kowalevski type problems that involve contraction q-difference operators. We build up local holomorphic solutions to these problems. Two aspects of these solutions are explored. One facet deals with asymptotic expansions in the complex time variable for which a mixed type Gevrey and q-Gevrey structure is exhibited. The other feature concerns the problem of confluence of these solutions as q tends to 1.

This paper reports applying Minimax principle and impulsive differential inequality to derive the existence of multiple stationary solutions and the global stability of a positive stationary solution for a delayed feedback Gilpin-Ayala competition model with impulsive disturbance. The conclusion obtained in this paper reduces the conservatism of the algorithm compared with the known literature, for the impulsive disturbance is not limited to impulsive control.

In order to overcome this problem our group designed a novel machine learning technique, multivariate linear method (MLM) which can capture convergent data from voxel-based morphometry, functional resting state and task-related neuroimaging and the relevant clinical measures. In this paper we report results from convergent cross-validation of biological signatures of disease in a sample of patients with schizophrenia as compared to depression. Our model provides evidence that the combination of the neuroimaging and clinical data in MLM analysis can inform the differential diagnosis in terms of incremental validity to reach 90 % accuracy of the prediction.

Enzymatic degradation of organic pollutants is a new and promising remediation approach. Peroxidases are one of the most commonly used classes of enzymes to degrade organic pollutants. However, it is generally assumed that all peroxidases behave similarly and produce similar degradation products. In this study, we conducted detailed studies of the degradation of a model aromatic pollutant, Sulforhodamine B dye (SRB dye), using two peroxidases—soybean peroxidase (SBP) and chloroperoxidase (CPO). Our results show that these two related enzymes had different optimum conditions (pH, temperature, H₂O₂ concentration...etc.) for efficiently degrading SRB dye. High-performance liquid chromatography and LC-mass spectrometry analyses confirmed that both SBP and CPO transformed the SRB dye into low molecular weight intermediates. While most of the intermediates produced by the two enzymes were the same, the CPO treatment produced at least one different intermediate. Furthermore, toxicological evaluation using lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds demonstrated that the SBP-based treatment was able to eliminate the phytotoxicity of SRB dye, but the CPO-based treatment did not. Our results show, for the first time, that while both of these related enzymes can be used to efficiently degrade organic pollutants, they have different optimum reaction conditions and may not be equally efficient in detoxification of organic pollutants.

In this study, the biodegradation properties of leather treated with various finishing chemicals were evaluated in order to enhance the sustainability of leather processing. We applied advanced analytical techniques including FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Leather samples treated with different polymers, resins, bio-based materials, and traditional finishing agents were subjected to a composting process under controlled conditions to measure their biodegradability. The findings revealed that bio-based polyurethane finishes and acrylic wax exhibited biodegradability, while traditional chemical finishes like isocyanate and nitrocellulose lacquer showed moderate biodegradation levels. The results indicated significant differences in the biodegradation rates and the impact on plant germination and growth. Some materials, such as black pigment, nitrocellulose lacquer and wax, were beneficial for plant growth, while others, such as polyurethane materials, had adverse effects. These results support the use of eco-friendly finishes to reduce the environmental footprint of leather production. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting sustainable finishing chemicals to promote eco-friendly leather manufacturing practices.

The interaction between single or a fixed number of photons with a single absorber is of fundamental interest in quantum technology. The harnessing of light matter interactions at the single particle limit has several potential applications ranging from quantum communication and quantum metrology to quantum imaging. In this letter, a setup for heralded two-photon absorption at the single absorber level is proposed. The setup is based on a heralded two-photon source utilizing spontaneous parametric down-conversion, entanglement swapping and sum frequency generation for joint detection. The feasibility of the scheme is discussed by reviewing recent achievements in utilizing entangled and correlated photons for two-photon absorption as well as single photon absorption experiments at the limit of single absorbers in the context of applications in imaging (here mainly microscopy) and spectroscopy.

This work examines atomic and molecular signatures in laser-induced plasma in standard ambient temperature and pressure environments, including background contributions to the spectra that depend on the laser pulse-width. Investigations include solids, gases, and nano-particles. Abel inversions of measured line-of-sight data reveal insight into the radial plasma distribution. For nominal 6 nanosecond laser pulses and for pulse-energies in the range of 100 to 800 mJ, expansion dynamics and turbulence due to shock phenomena are elucidated to address local equilibrium details that are frequently assumed in spatially averaged emission spectroscopy. Chemical equilibrium computations reveal temperature dependence of selected plasma species. Specific interests include atomic hydrogen (H) and cyanide (CN). Atomic hydrogen spectra indicate axisymmetric shell structures and isentropic expansion of the plasma kernel over and above the usual shockwave. The recombination radiation of CN emanates within the first 100 nanoseconds for laser-induced breakdown in a 1:1 CO2:N2 gas mixture when using nanosecond laser pulses to create the micro-plasma. The micro-plasma is generated using 1064 nm, 150 mJ, 6 ns Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation. Measurements of the optical emission spectra utilize a 0.64 m Czerny-Turner type spectrometer and an intensified charge-coupled device.

Magnetic ceramic nanoparticles system xTm2O3-(1-x)alpha-Fe2O3 (x=0.1 and 0.5) was synthesized by mechanochemical activation starting from hematite and thulium oxide precursors and characterized by transmission Mӧssbauer spectroscopy. The Mӧssbauer spectra were typically analyzed considering 1-3 sextets, corresponding to hematite (with and without thulium doping) and a doublet, representing thulium iron perovskite (thulium orthoferrite). The magnetic hyperfine fields (BHF) and doublet abundance were studied as function of the ball milling time (BMT) for both molar concentrations employed. The results are consistent with the formation of solid solutions in the investigated system. The mixed-oxide nanoparticle system synthesized may have important applications in displays, sensors and photovoltaics, and is paving the way for emerging utilizations related to mechanically flexible electronics.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a important biomarker with significant clinical importance. It plays a key role in angiogenesis, would healing, tumor growth, lung development, and in retinal diseases. Hence, detecting and quantifying VEGF is crucial in clinical diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. In this work, a simple but highly cost-effective platform is developed for VEGF protein detection by using commercially available interdigitated sensors that are modified through surface chemistry tagged with DNA aptamer grafting. The dielectric characteristics between the fingers of sensor is modulated by the negatively charged aptamer-VEGF capture and the impedance is estimated using impedance analyzer. Impedance spectra tests was compared between pristine unmodified, functionalized monolayer surfaces and aptamer-grafted surfaces in order to evaluate the efficacy of VEGF detection. In our results, the sensitivity experiments as conducted had shown the ability of the interdigitated sensor to detect VEGF at a low concentration of 5 pM. The specificity of the functionalized sensor in detecting VEGF is further studied by comparing the impedance to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and the results confirm the specificity of the sensor. Finally, an alternative illustration of impedance spectra is also proposed to improve the data visualization, and such presentation may be potential for intelligent VEGF detection.