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The structural, electrokinetic, and energetic properties of the TiСо1-xCrxSb semiconductor obtained by doping TiCoSb with Cr atoms introduced into the structure by substituting Co atoms in the crystallographic position 4c were studied. It was shown that in TiСо1-xCrxSb the structural defects of donor and acceptor nature are generated simultaneously in different ratios depending on the impurity concentration. At concentrations of х ≥ 0.02, the conductivity of TiСо1-xCrxSb has a metallic character, and the contribution of current carrier scattering mechanisms to the value of electrical resistivity is of the same order as changes in the concentration of current carriers. It was established that at all temperatures in the range of concentrations x = 0–0.02, the rate of generation of donors exceeds the rate of generation of acceptors, and at concentrations x > 0.02, on the contrary, the rate of generation of acceptors is greater than that of donors. This is indicated by the positive values of thermopower coefficient α(х,Т) of TiСо1-xCrxSb for х > 0.03.

Abstract Protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstone of conservation efforts. Although they provide many benefits to humanity, the variability in the provision of cultural ecosystem services (CES) among global PAs remains unknown. To investigate this, we combined Convolutional Neural Networks with hierarchical clustering to categorize photos from Flickr taken in PAs worldwide. A final sample of 87,090 photos in 2813 PAs within 207 countries was obtained. Distinct global patterns of CES activities emerged. Such activities had three main interaction types: human-nature (abiotic), human-nature (biotic) and human–human. Human-nature (abiotic) interactions dominated in mountain ranges. Human-nature (biotic) photos were more common in equatorial countries, and human–human photos occurred mainly in Europe. To determine the extent of the influence of biome type of PAs on CES, mixed-effects models were subsequently run. These models additionally included the country of PAs as a random effect. Despite differences in physical environments, PAs within each country generally shared similar CES types. Moreover, the effect of biome differences was marginal, thereby demonstrating that country-level management of PAs likely has a more important role in influencing CES activities in PAs. To conclude, we suggest that our results demonstrate the utility of social media data for understanding visitor activities in PAs.

Abstract Accelerating efforts for the Sustainable Development Goals requires understanding their synergies and trade-offs at the national and sub-national levels, which will help identify the key hurdles and opportunities to prioritize them in an indivisible manner for a country. Here, we present the importance of the 17 goals through synergy and trade-off networks. Our results reveal that 19 provinces show the highest trade-offs in SDG13 (Combating Climate Change) or SDG5 (Gender Equality) consistent with the national level, with other 12 provinces varying. 24 provinces show the highest synergies in SDG1 (No Poverty) or SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) consistent with the national level, with the remaining 7 provinces varying. These common but differentiated SDG priorities reflect that to ensure a coordinated national response, China should pay more attention to the provincial situation, so that provincial governments can formulate more targeted policies in line with their own priorities towards accelerating sustainable development.

The structural, electrokinetic, and energetic properties of the Ti1-xAlxNiSn semiconductor solid solution, obtained by introducing of Al atoms into the structure of the TiNiSn half-Heusler phase by substituting Ti atoms in the crystallographic position 4a, were studied. It is shown that in the range of concentrations x = 0–0.01, Al atoms mainly replace Ni atoms in the 4c position, generating acceptor states. It was established that at temperatures T = 80–160 K, the ratio of concentrations of ionized acceptor and donor states in n-Ti1-xAlxNiSn, х = 0–0.04, is unchanged, but the concentration of donors is greater. At higher temperatures, T ≥ 250 K, deep donor states that existed in n-TiNiSn as a result of "a priori doping" of the semiconductor are ionized. An additional mechanism for the generation of donor states in n-Ti1-xAlxNiSn when the tetrahedral voids of the structure are partially occupied by Al atoms was revealed. The concentration ratio of the generated donor-acceptor states determines the position of the Fermi level εF and the conductivity mechanisms of n-Ti1-xAlxNiSn. The studied semiconductor solid solution is a promising thermoelectric material.

Предметом дослідження є командна взаємодія інтелектуальних агентів на прикладі футболу. У статті описано результати застосування модифікованого алгоритму Utility AI для забезпечення командної взаємодії в умовах відсутності комунікації. Зроблено огляд та порівняння найбільш близьких рішень. Так в статті наведено розробки, що застосовуються в змаганнях «Drop-in player challenge» кубку RoboCup, дослідженнях мультиагентного навчання з підкріпленням університету Іллінойс та алгоритм жорсткої фіксації сценаріїв поведінки у випадку короткочасної втрати зв’язку. Коротко описаний алгоритм Utility AI, що застосовується переважно в ігрових застосунках для реалізації штучного інтелекту. Пропонується використання додаткових вагових коефіцієнтів алгоритмом для формування певної рольової поведінки. Також архітектура розділяється на два прошарки. Перший застосовує саме модифіковану версію Utility Ai для групової координації. Другий – дерево прийняття рішень для індивідуальної тактики. Тестування проводилися в симульованому середовищі футбольного поля – RoboCup. Продемонстровано поетапне трасування ігрового сценарію з наведеними у таблиці вихідними даними та відповідні їм прийняті рішення. Також наданий приклад детального розрахунку алгоритмом майбутньої дії відповідно до обстановки. Бібл. 8, іл. 3, табл. 3

ABSTRACTThe relationship between COVID-19 and nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota has been investigated mainly in the adult population. We explored the NP profile of children affected by COVID-19, compared to healthy controls (CTRLs). NP swabs of children with COVID-19, collected between March and September 2020, were investigated at the admission (T0), 72 h to 7 days (T1), and at the discharge (T2) of the patients. NP microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA targeted-metagenomics. Data from sequencing were investigated by QIIME 2.0 and PICRUSt 2. Multiple machine learning (ML) models were exploited to classify patients compared to CTRLs. The NP microbiota of COVID-19 patients (N = 71) was characterized by reduction of α-diversity compared to CTRLs (N = 59). The NP microbiota of COVID-19 cohort appeared significantly enriched in Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Staphylococcus, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Neisseria, Moraxella, Enterobacteriaceae, Gemella, Bacillus, and reduced in Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides, compared to CTRLs (FDR < 0.001). Exploiting ML models, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Capnocytopagha, Tepidiphilus, Porphyromonas, Staphylococcus, and Veillonella resulted as NP microbiota biomarkers, in COVID-19 patients. No statistically significant differences were found comparing the NP microbiota profile of COVID-19 patients during the time-points or grouping patients on the basis of high, medium, and low viral load (VL). This evidence provides specific pathobiont signatures of the NP microbiota in pediatric COVID-19 patients, and the reduction of anaerobic protective commensals. Our data suggest that the NP microbiota may have a specific disease-related signature since infection onset without changes during disease progression, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 VL.IMPORTANCESince the beginning of pandemic, we know that children are less susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease. A potential role of the nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota has been hypothesized but to date, most of the studies have been focused on adults. We studied the NP microbiota modifications in children affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection showing a specific NP microbiome profile, mainly composed by pathobionts and almost missing protective anaerobic commensals. Moreover, in our study, specific microbial signatures appear since the first days of infection independently from SARS-CoV-2 viral load.

The interaction of the components in the Y-Cu-Sb ternary system was investigated using the methods of X-ray phase analysis, microstructure, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in the whole concentration range at 870 K. At the temperature of investigation Y-Cu-Sb system is characterized by the formation of three ternary compounds: Y3Cu22Sb9 (Dy3Cu20+xSb11-x structure type, space group F-43m, a=1.6614(3) nm), Y3Cu3Sb4 (Y3Au3Sb4 structure type, space group I-43d, а=0.95357(5) nm), YCuSb2 (HfCuSi2 structure type, space group P4/nmm, a=0.42580(1), c=0.98932(3) nm). The solubility of copper in the binary compound YSb (NaCl structure type) extends up to 8 at. %.

Modeling of the thermodynamic, structural, energetic and magnetic properties of the semiconductor solid solution Lu1-xVxNiSb was carried out under the condition of the presence of a magnetic moment on the V atoms and the occurrence of spontaneous magnetization. It is shown that the change in the unit cell parameter a(x) and the mixing enthalpy ΔHmix(х) depends little on the presence or absence of spontaneous magnetization. Modeling of the distribution of the density of electronic states DOS in the presence of a magnetic moment on V atoms revealed the splitting of energy states with spins up and down while preserving the band gap εg of Lu1-xVxNiSb. The relationship between the concentration of magnetic V atoms in Lu1-xVxNiSb and the Curie temperature ТС, when spontaneous magnetization is destroyed and the substance becomes paramagnetic, is established. The solid solution semiconductor Lu1-xVxNiSb, provided spontaneous magnetization is present, can be considered as a promising magnetocaloric.

Intermetallic compound Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5 was prepared by arc melting and annealing at 873 K. It was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and electron probe microanalysis. The crystal structure of low temperature Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5 phase belongs to the orthorhombic Ho6Co2Ga structure type (space group Immm, a = 0.93116(1) nm, b = 0.94993(1) nm, c = 0.98947(1) nm). Crystal structure refinements showed the deviation from the ideal 6:2:1 stoichiometry corresponding to the formula Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5. It exhibits a sequence of magnetic phase transitions; antiferromagnetic ordering sets in at 60 K, while further order-order magnetic phase transitions take place at lower temperatures.

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Diagnosing breast cancer relies on clinical examination, imaging and biopsy. A core-needle biopsy enables a morphological and biochemical characterization of the cancer and is considered the gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis. A histopathological examination uses high-resolution microscopes with outstanding contrast in the 2D plane, but the spatial resolution in the third, Z-direction, is reduced. In the present paper, we propose two high-resolution table-top systems for phase-contrast X-ray tomography of soft-tissue samples. The first system implements a classical Talbot–Lau interferometer and allows to perform ex-vivo imaging of human breast samples with a voxel size of 5.57 μm. The second system with a comparable voxel size relies on a Sigray MAAST X-ray source with structured anode. For the first time, we demonstrate the applicability of the latter to perform X-ray imaging of human breast specimens with ductal carcinoma in-situ. We assessed image quality of both setups and compared it to histology. We showed that both setups made it possible to target internal features of breast specimens with better resolution and contrast than previously achieved, demonstrating that grating-based phase-contrast X-ray CT could be a complementary tool for clinical histopathology.

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the addition of salivary α-amylase on starch hydrolysis in protein-containing dispersions during an in vitro digestion process. In vitro digestion provides useful insights on the fate of nutrients during gastro-intestinal transit in complex food matrices, an important aspect to consider when developing highly nutritious foods. Many foods contain polysaccharides, and as their disruption in the gastric stage is limited, salivary α-amylase is often neglected in in vitro studies. A reference study on the effect of salivary α-amylase using one of the most advanced and complex in vitro digestion models (INFOGEST) is, however, not available. Hence, this work reports the gastrointestinal breakdown of three mixed dispersions containing whey protein isolate with different polysaccharides: potato starch, pectin from citrus peel and maize starch. The latter was also studied after heating. No polysaccharide or salivary α-amylase-dependent effect on protein digestion was found, based on the free NH2 and SDS-PAGE. However, in the heat-treated samples, the addition of salivary α-amylase showed a significantly higher starch hydrolysis compared to the sample without α-amylase, due to the gelatinization of the starch granules, which improved the accessibility of the starch molecules to the enzyme. This work demonstrated that the presence of different types of polysaccharides does not affect protein digestion, but also it emphasizes the importance of considering the influence of processing on food structure and its digestibility, even in the simplest model systems.

The structural, electrokinetic, energetic, and magnetic properties of the new semiconductive solid solution Lu1-xVxNiSb, х=0–0.10, were studied. It was shown that V atoms could simultaneously occupy different crystallographic positions in different ratios, generating structural defects of acceptor and donor nature. This creates corresponding acceptor and donor bands in the bandgap εg of Lu1-xVxNiSb. The mechanism of the formation of two acceptor bands with different depths of occurrence has been established: a small acceptor band εА2, formed by defects due to the substitution of Ni atoms by V ones in the 4c position, and band εА1, generated by vacancies in the LuNiSb structure. The ratio of the concentrations of generated defects determines the position of the Fermi level εF and the conduction mechanisms. The investigated solid solution Lu1-xVxNiSb is a promising thermoelectric material.

The results of the influence of complex probiotic defence of the mucous membranes of the reproductive system and intestines on the development of the corpus luteum of the cycle in heifers have been presented. By the method of differential palpation diagnostics in vivo, it was reliably examined that in the experimental group after carrying out procedures for the normalization of mucous membranes with the multicomponent probiotic drug “Multibacterin Veterinary Ba + La”, the number of heifers with high-quality of corpus luteum the ovaries was 48.21% more, and the number of cases of premature luteolysis was 12.50 % less (P

The phase equilibrium diagram of the Tm–Cr–Ge ternary system was constructed at a temperature 1070 K based on the results of X-ray phase, microstructural analyzes and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in the whole concentration range. At the temperature of investigation, two new ternary compounds are realized in the system: TmCr6Ge6 (SmMn6Sn6 structure type, space group P6/mmm, a=0.51506(1), c=0.82645(2) nm) and Tm4Cr4Ge7 (Zr4Co4Ge7 structure type, space group I4/mmm, а=1.39005(9), с=0.54441(1) nm). Inclusion of Cr atoms in the structure of the binary germanide TmGe2 (structure type ZrSi2) up to 10 at. % Cr leads to the formation of a solid solution TmCrxGe2 (x = 0-0.33).

The KKR (AkaiKKR software package) and FLAPW (Elk software package) methods were used to model the structural, thermodynamic, energetic, and electrokinetic characteristics of the Lu1-xZrxNiSb semiconductor solid solution. It is shown that defects of acceptor nature are present in the structure of LuNiSb as a result of vacancies in positions 4a and 4c of Lu and Ni atoms, respectively, which generates two acceptor levels eAVac 4a and eAVac 4c in the band gap εg. When Zr atoms are introduced into the LuNiSb structure by replacing Lu atoms in position 4a, Zr atoms also occupy vacancies in this position, which increases the lattice parameter a(x) and eliminates defects of acceptor nature and corresponding acceptor levels eAVac 4a. When the vacancies are filled, Lu atoms are displaced, which reduces the value of the unit cell parameter and generates defects of donor nature and donor levels eD4a. The Ni atoms return to position 4c, which increases the a(x) value and eliminates defects of acceptor nature and the corresponding acceptor levels eAVac 4c. At the lowest concentration of Zr atoms, the conduction type of Lu1-xZrxNiSb changes from p- to n-type. The simulation results are consistent with experimental studies of Lu1-xZrxNiSb.

Abstract We construct the basic Neveu-Schwarz (NS) brane solutions of non-relativistic string theory using longitudinal T-duality as a solution generating technique. Extending the NS background fields to a supergravity multiplet, we verify that all solutions we find are half-supersymmetric. The two perturbative solutions we find both have an interpretation as the background geometry outside a string-like object. Correspondingly, we refer to these non-Lorentzian backgrounds as winding string and unwound string solution. Whereas the winding string is part of the on-shell spectrum of non-relativistic string theory, the unwound string only makes sense off-shell where it mediates the instantaneous gravitational force. Seen from the nine-dimensional point of view, we find that the winding string solution is sourced by a non-relativistic massive particle and that the unwound string solution is sourced by a massless Galilean particle of zero colour and spin. We explain how these two string solutions fit into a discrete lightcone quantization of string theory. We shortly discuss the basic NS five-brane and Kaluza-Klein monopole solutions and show that they are both half-supersymmetric.

The effect of doping of half-Heusler phase p-LuNiSb (MgAgAs structure type) by Zr atoms on the structural, kinetic, energetic and magnetic characteristics of the semiconductor solid solution Lu1-xZrxNiSb was studied in the ranges: T = 80–400 K, x = 0–0.10. From experimental studies it has been established that doping of p-LuNiSb compound with Zr atoms simultaneously generates both structural defects of acceptor and donor nature, the concentration of which increases with increasing content of Zr atoms. It was shown that the investigated semiconductor solid solution Lu1-xZrxNiSb is a promising thermoelectric material.

The resistance of ternary intermetallic compounds, namely RE(Ce, Nd, Sm)3Cu4Sn4 (space group Immm), RE(Gd, Tb, Ho)NiSn2 and DyNiSi (space group Pnma) and DyNiSi3 (space group Cmmm), has been studied in the temperature range up to 0.3 K and magnetic field up to 12 Tl. The temperature dependencies of electrical resistivity evidently show the anomalies at low temperatures. The anomalies of resistance temperature dependencies observed at the absence of an external magnetic field, agree well with magnetic phase transitions. In the majority of the investigated compounds, an increase of the external magnetic field leads to an erosion of the peculiarities on the temperature dependency of resistivity, right up to complete disappearance. Such effect is caused by the corresponding magnetic order phase transitions. Magnetic field influence on the temperature dependency of resistance is treated as an influence on the magnitude of hybridization between (s-d) conductivity electrons and localized f-electrons including influence on change on the charge caries mobility due to a possible spin-compensated interaction. Electron transport properties expose peculiarities in dependency of different chemical environment vicinity in elementary cell of crystal lattice and of magnetic state of the compound.

We report on the first experimental characterization of a gamma-ray spectrometer designed to spectrally resolve high-flux photon beams with energies in the GeV range. The spectrometer has been experimentally characterized using a bremsstrahlung source obtained at the Apollon laser facility during the interaction of laser-wakefield accelerated electron beams (maximum energy of 1.7 GeV and overall charge of 207±62 pC) with a 1 mm thick tantalum target. Experimental data confirms the possibility of performing single-shot measurements, without the need for accumulation, with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Scaling the results to photons in the multi-GeV range suggests the possibility of achieving percent-level energy resolution as required, for instance, by the next generation of experiments in strong-field quantum electrodynamics.

The article deals with the theoretical description, analysis, and recommendations for the use of the “flipped” method for teaching foreign language grammar, which is introduced into the educational process of higher education institutions. The essence of the technology of flipped learning consists in the reorganization of the educational process – the home study of new material and classroom practice to reinforce it allows to make the learning process more effective. The “flipped” method has its advantages and disadvantages both for teachers and students. The advantages include intensification of the use of classroom time; proactivity, increased responsibility, and autonomy of students; conscious assimilation of educational material; creativity and critical thinking; taking into account the specifics of professionally oriented education, age characteristics and psychological needs of students; an opportunity to work on an individual schedule; archiving of materials. The “flipped” method encourages proactive schemes of teacher-student interaction. Experiments have shown a positive attitude of millennials to the inverted format after a period of adaptation and development. The level of acquisition of the new material depends on the internal motivation of the student. The classroom interactive and group-based tasks create and maintain external motivation.

Abstract We construct a non-relativistic limit of ten-dimensional N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 supergravity from the point of view of the symmetries, the action, and the equations of motion. This limit can only be realized in a supersymmetric way provided we impose by hand a set of geometric constraints, invariant under all the symmetries of the non-relativistic theory, that define a so-called ‘self-dual’ Dilatation-invariant String Newton-Cartan geometry. The non-relativistic action exhibits three emerging symmetries: one local scale symmetry and two local conformal supersymmetries. Due to these emerging symmetries the Poisson equation for the Newton potential and two partner fermionic equations do not follow from a variation of the non-relativistic action but, instead, are obtained by a supersymmetry variation of the other equations of motion that do follow from a variation of the non-relativistic action. We shortly discuss the inclusion of the Yang-Mills sector that would lead to a non-relativistic heterotic supergravity action.

Objectives. The Little Owl is the most common owl in the Western Palearctic and its population is declining significantly in Europe. Therefore, conservation and study of this owl is an important issue in most European countries. Analysis of trophic patterns at the local level provides interesting and valuable information about the predator’s eating habits. The owl’s diet investigation allows us to analyze their potential adaptations to habitats with different levels of environmental transformation. Materials and Methods. We studied nutrition of the Little Owl Athene noctua, in agricultural lands of Berehove district of Transcarpathian region in Ukraine. In total, 1446 pellets were collected at 15 pellet stations in 2002–2020 and 2506 prey items were identified. The prey items represented 18 vertebrate species (16 species of small mammals of three orders Rodentia, Soricomorpha, Carnivora, as well as reptiles of the family Lacertidae and birds of the order Passeriformes and arthropods. Results. Vertebrates play a major role in feeding the Little Owl (over 99 % of total prey biomass in all of the studied sites). The common vole is the most common prey in the owl’s diet (52.1 % of the total prey number and 67.5 % of the biomass of the prey caught), as well as a high proportion of mice of the genus Apodemus and Sylvaemus. The contribution of invertebrates to total prey biomass is insignificant (0.3 %). A large number of invertebrates were observed in the diet of the Owl in summer and were almost completely absent in winter. Conclusions. According to our data, the Little Owl is a typical predator generalist in Transcarpathia. The 28 taxa found in the pellets show a wide range of food objects in a relatively small area, and high level adaptations to habitats with different levels of environmental transformation (agrosystems and anthropogenic areas).

Experimental studies of the phase equilibrium diagram of the Hf-Fe-Sn ternary system at 1070 K were performed by X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis techniques in the whole concentration range. At annealing temperature four ternary compounds are realized: Hf6FeSn2 (K2UF6 structure type, space group P-62m), Hf1.8Fe5Sn3.8 (Hf1.82Fe5Sn3.82 structure type, space group Cmmm), Hf3Fe4Sn4 (Zr3Fe4Sn4 structure type, space group Pnma), and Hf9Fe3.7Sn10.3 (Hf9Fe4Sn10 structure type, space group Cmc21). An existence of the Hf1-xFe2+x-ySny solid solution formed by substitution of the iron atoms by tin in the Hf1-xFe2+x (MgZn2-type) binary compound up to 19 at. % Sn was found. Solubility of Fe in the Hf5Sn3 binary (Mn5Si3-type) extends up to 10 at. % (a=0.8363(2)-0.8324(4), c=0.5726(1)-0.5686(4) nm).

Carbon fibers (CFs) are commonly applied reinforcement material in various composites to improve their mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties. The physical and chemical state of the interface, the chemical bonds, and adhesion between the fiber and matrix have a great influence on certain properties of the composite, including the mechanical ones. The originally low adhesion between the CFs and the matrix material can be improved by employing non-equilibrium plasma for surface treatment of the fiber. In the present study, we compared the effect of an atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and a low-pressure radio frequency (RF) plasma processing on poly(acrylonitrile) based and sized CFs in terms of surface chemistry, morphology, and adhesive properties of the treated fibers. It was found that atmospheric DBD plasma treatment induced greater changes in the surface properties of the CFs as compared to RF plasma. The DBD treated CF surface became more oxidized, increasing the O/C ratio by 30%, while reaching a twofold increase in the roughness. Surface adhesion improved after both plasma treatments, but it was significantly higher after the atmospheric DBD process.

The local variation of grain boundary atomic structure and chemistry caused by segregation of impurities influences the macroscopic properties of polycrystalline materials. Here, the effect of co-segregation of carbon and boron on the depletion of aluminum in a α − Fe grain boundary is shown.

The energy expediency of the existence of Er1-xScxNiSb substitutional solid solution up to the concentration x≈0.10 was established by modeling the variation of free energy ΔG(x) values (Helmholtz potential). At higher Sc concentrations, x> 0.10, there is stratification (spinoidal decomposition of phase). It is shown that in the structure of p-ErNiSb semiconductor there are vacancies in positions 4a and 4c of Er and Ni atoms, respectively, generating structural defects of acceptor nature. The number of vacancies in position 4a is twice less than in position 4c. This ratio also remains for p-Er1-xScxNiSb. Doping of p-ErNiSb semiconductor by Sc atoms by substitution of Er atoms is also accompanied by the occupation of vacancies in position 4a. In this case, Ni atoms occupy vacancies in position 4c, which can be accompanied by the process of ordering the p-Er1-xScxNiSb structure. Occupation of vacancies by Sc and Ni atoms leads to an increase of the concentration of free electrons, an enlarge of the compensation degree of semiconductor, which changes the position of the Fermi level εF and the mechanisms of electrical conductivity.

Abstract We discuss a particular non-relativistic limit of NS-NS gravity that can be taken at the level of the action and equations of motion, without imposing any geometric constraints by hand. This relies on the fact that terms that diverge in the limit and that come from the Vielbein in the Einstein-Hilbert term and from the kinetic term of the Kalb-Ramond two-form field cancel against each other. This cancelling of divergences is the target space analogue of a similar cancellation that takes place at the level of the string sigma model between the Vielbein in the kinetic term and the Kalb-Ramond field in the Wess-Zumino term. The limit of the equations of motion leads to one equation more than the limit of the action, due to the emergence of a local target space scale invariance in the limit. Some of the equations of motion can be solved by scale invariant geometric constraints. These constraints define a so-called Dilatation invariant String Newton-Cartan geometry.

The isothermal section of the phase diagram of the Gd–Cr–Ge ternary system was constructed at 1070 K over the whole concentration range using X-ray diffractometry, metallography and electron microprobe (EPM) analysis. Three ternary compounds are realized in the Gd–Cr–Ge system at the temperature of annealing: Gd117Cr52Ge112 (Tb117Fe52Ge112 structure type, space group Fm-3m, Pearson symbol cF1124, a = 2.8971(6) nm), GdCr6Ge6 (SmMn6Sn6 structure type, space group P6/mmm, Pearson symbol hP16, a = 0.51797(2), c = 0.82901(4) nm) and GdCr1-хGe2 (CeNiSi2 structure type, space group Cmcm, Pearson symbol oS16, a = 0.41569(1)-0.41593(8), b = 1.60895(6)-1.60738(3), c = 0.40318(1)-0.40305(8) nm). For the GdCr1-xGe2 compound the homogeneity range was determined (x=0.73 – 0,69).

Abstract Mobile phone big data can offer new opportunities for identifying weather impacts on recreational ecosystem services in protected areas. This could be useful to assess how climate change could affect recreational ecosystem services. To explore these opportunities, we utilize mobile phone data and examine impacts of tropical weather (temperature, rainfall, and wind) and holidays on visitor numbers and stay time in an urban protected area in Singapore. These impacts were analyzed by visitors’ home regions and ethnic groups as well. The study results showed that rising temperatures below 31.7 °C had positive impacts on visitor numbers, in contrast to the common perception that cooler temperatures would be always preferred for outdoor activities in a tropical region. Meanwhile, these rising temperatures reduced visitor stay time in the protected area. Rain and wind had limited impacts on visitors. Compared to the weather variables, holidays had bigger impacts on visitors, particularly the Chinese group and those visitors living not close to the protected area. The study results highlight several advantages of mobile phone data application to analyzing weather impacts on public use of urban protected areas.

Samples of Er1-xScxNiSb (x = 0–0.10) solid solution were synthesized by an arc-melting and the effect of doping by Sc atoms on the electrokinetic and energetic characteristics of the half-Heusler ErNiSb phase was investigated. It was established that at the studied concentrations the main carriers of electricity in the Er1-xScxNiSb semiconductor are holes. It was shown that doping of p-ErNiSb compound by Sc atoms introduced by substitution of Er atoms in 4a position is accompanied by the occupation of presented vacancies in position 4a, which leads to the reduction and elimination of structural defects of acceptor nature and corresponding acceptor band. The concentration ratio of ionized acceptors and donors generated in Er1-xScxNiSb determines the position of the Fermi level and the mechanisms of electrical conduction. The investigated solid solution Er1-xScxNiSb is a promising thermoelectric material.

Abstract Background Despite the licensure of the world’s first dengue vaccine and the current development of additional vaccine candidates, successful Aedes control remains critical to the reduction of dengue virus transmission. To date, there is still limited literature that attempts to explain the spatio-temporal population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes within a single city, which hinders the development of more effective citywide vector control strategies. Narrowing this knowledge gap requires consistent and longitudinal measurement of Aedes abundance across the city as well as examination of relationships between variables on a much finer scale. Methods We utilized a high-resolution longitudinal dataset generated from Singapore’s islandwide Gravitrap surveillance system over a 2-year period and built a Bayesian hierarchical model to explain the spatio-temporal dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in relation to a wide range of environmental and anthropogenic variables. We also created a baseline during our model assessment to serve as a benchmark to be compared with the model’s out-of-sample prediction/forecast accuracy as measured by the mean absolute error. Results For both Aedes species, building age and nearby managed vegetation cover were found to have a significant positive association with the mean mosquito abundance, with the former being the strongest predictor. We also observed substantial evidence of a nonlinear effect of weekly maximum temperature on the Aedes abundance. Our models generally yielded modest but statistically significant reductions in the out-of-sample prediction/forecast error relative to the baseline. Conclusions Our findings suggest that public residential estates with older buildings and more nearby managed vegetation should be prioritized for vector control inspections and community advocacy to reduce the abundance of Aedes mosquitoes and the risk of dengue transmission.

Abstract Background Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged as a global epidemic in 2015–2016 from Latin America with its true geographical extent remaining unclear due to widely presumed underreporting. The identification of locations with potential and unknown spread of ZIKV is a key yet understudied component for outbreak preparedness. Here, we aim to identify locations at a high risk of cryptic ZIKV spread during 2015–2016 to further the understanding of the global ZIKV epidemiology, which is critical for the mitigation of the risk of future epidemics. Methods We developed an importation simulation model to estimate the weekly number of ZIKV infections imported in each susceptible spatial unit (i.e. location that did not report any autochthonous Zika cases during 2015–2016), integrating epidemiological, demographic, and travel data as model inputs. Thereafter, a global risk model was applied to estimate the weekly ZIKV transmissibility during 2015–2016 for each location. Finally, we assessed the risk of onward ZIKV spread following importation in each susceptible spatial unit to identify locations with a high potential for cryptic ZIKV spread during 2015–2016. Results We have found 24 susceptible spatial units that were likely to have experienced cryptic ZIKV spread during 2015–2016, of which 10 continue to have a high risk estimate within a highly conservative scenario, namely, Luanda in Angola, Banten in Indonesia, Maharashtra in India, Lagos in Nigeria, Taiwan and Guangdong in China, Dakar in Senegal, Maputo in Mozambique, Kinshasa in Congo DRC, and Pool in Congo. Notably, among the 24 susceptible spatial units identified, some have reported their first ZIKV outbreaks since 2017, thus adding to the credibility of our results (derived using 2015–2016 data only). Conclusion Our study has provided valuable insights into the potentially high-risk locations for cryptic ZIKV circulation during the 2015–2016 pandemic and has also laid a foundation for future studies that attempt to further narrow this key knowledge gap. Our modelling framework can be adapted to identify areas with likely unknown spread of other emerging vector-borne diseases, which has important implications for public health readiness especially in resource-limited settings.

Peculiarities of the structural, electrokinetic, energetic, and magnetic characteristics of Er1-xZrxNiSb semiconductive solid solution, х=0–0.10, were studied. It was suggested that when Zr (4d25s2) atoms were introduced into the structure of the ErNiSb half-Heusler phase by substitution of Er (5d06s2) atoms in 4a position, Zr atoms can also simultaneously occupy the 4c position of Ni (3d84s2) atoms. As a result, in Er1-xZrxNiSb semiconductor, the structural defects of donor nature in position 4a and ones of acceptor nature in position 4c were generated simultaneously. In this case, in the band gap of Er1-xZrxNiSb, the energy states of impurity donor and acceptor bands (donor-acceptor pairs) appear and determine the electrical conductivity mechanism of the semiconductor.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from patients with haematological malignancies or who were undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to identify the molecular mechanism of resistance. Methods: In this 28-month prospective study involving 18 Italian centres, Aspergillus isolates from surveillance cultures were collected and screened for azole resistance, and mutations in the cyp51A gene were identified. Resistant isolates were genotyped by microsatellite analysis, and the allelic profiles were compared with those of resistant environmental and clinical isolates from the same geographical area that had been previously genotyped. Results: There were 292 Aspergillus isolates collected from 228 patients. The isolates belonged mainly to the section Fumigati (45.9%), Nigri (20.9%), Flavi (16.8%) and Terrei (4.8%). Three isolates showed itraconazole resistance: Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, Aspergillus lentulus (section Fumigati) and Aspergillus awamori (section Nigri). The itraconazole resistance rates were 1% and 1.48% considering all Aspergillus spp. isolates and the Aspergillus section Fumigati, respectively. The prevalence of azole resistance among all the patients was 1.3%. Among patients harbouring A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates, the resistance rate was 0.79%. The A. fumigatus isolate, with the TR34/L98H mutation, was genotypically distant from the environmental and clinical strains previously genotyped. Conclusions: In this study, the Aspergillus azole resistance rate was 1% (3/292). In addition to A. fumigatus sensu stricto, A. lentulus and A. awamori azole-resistant isolates were identified. Therefore, it is important have a correct identification at the species level to address a rapid therapy better, quickly understand the shift towards cryptic species and have an updated knowledge of the local epidemiology.

The high level of natural ecosystems’ biodiversity is the key to their sustainability. Conservation of species diversity is one of the key tasks of nature reserves. Achieving of this goal is impossible without high quality of monitoring. The results of species diversity monitoring of higher vascular plants of forest ecosystems with the type of habitat conditions – boreal forests, Drevlyansky Nature Reserve are presented in this article. 12 quarters of Narodytskyi and Rozsokhivskyi nature protection research departments of the Drevlyanskyi Nature Reserve were studied. According to the results of research, the species composition of higher vascular plants of boreal forests vegetation conditions were determined. A total of 26 species belonging to 17 families were identified, 24 genera, among which the most numerous are the families of heather, thin-legged, pink, bean, deaf nettle, bellflower and birch, characteristic of the forests of Narodytsky and Rozsokhiv NSD. Numerical accountings were performed, on the basis of which the dominant specie was determined – cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), the dominance index of which is 0.457. The general Margalef species diversity index, which is 2.85, the Simpson index – 0.741, the Shannon index – 1.72 and the equivalence index (Piel) – 05.84 for the studied forests. Certain indicators indicate low stability of these areas with the type of habitat conditions – boreal forests. Therefore, the prospect for further research is to continue monitoring of these areas, given their vulnerability and to study the patterns of dynamics of plant populations and develop measures to improve the effectiveness of measures to preserve species diversity in the nature reserve "Drevlyansky"

Abstract We construct explicit examples of non-relativistic supersymmetric field theories on curved Newton-Cartan three-manifolds. These results are obtained by performing a null reduction of four-dimensional supersymmetric field theories on Lorentzian manifolds and the Killing spinor equations that their supersymmetry parameters obey. This gives rise to a set of algebraic and differential Killing spinor equations that are obeyed by the supersymmetry parameters of the resulting three-dimensional non-relativistic field theories. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions that determine whether a Newton-Cartan background admits non-trivial solutions of these Killing spinor equations. Two classes of examples of Newton-Cartan backgrounds that obey these conditions are discussed. The first class is characterised by an integrable foliation, corresponding to so-called twistless torsional geometries, and includes manifolds whose spatial slices are isomorphic to the Poincaŕe disc. The second class of examples has a non-integrable foliation structure and corresponds to contact manifolds.