Search

Making good health insurance decisions is important for health outcomes and longevity, but consumers' errors are well documented. The authors examine whether targeted choice architecture interventions can reduce these mistakes. The article examines the interaction of two choice architecture tools on improved consumer insurance decisions in online health care exchanges: (1) ordering the options from best to worst based on a high-quality user model and (2) partitioning the total set of options. Although ordering and partitioning do not always improve choices separately, the authors use one field study and three experiments to identify the conditions that allow the combination to greatly improve health insurance decisions. Findings indicate that when options are ordered such that the best options appear at the beginning of the presented list, partitioning nudges consumers to focus on the best options. However, if the best options are not at the top of the list, partitioning discourages search and can impair consumers' discovery of the best options. Process data show that these effects are achieved by focusing consumers' limited attention on higher-quality options. These results suggest that wise choice architecture interventions need to consider the joint effect of choice architecture tools as well as the quality of the firm's user model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One strand of modern coexistence theory (MCT) partitions invader growth rates (IGR) to quantify how different mechanisms contribute to species coexistence, highlighting fluctuation‐dependent mechanisms. A general conclusion from the classical analytic MCT theory is that coexistence mechanisms relying on temporal variation (such as the temporal storage effect) are generally less effective at promoting coexistence than mechanisms relying on spatial or spatiotemporal variation (primarily growth‐density covariance). However, the analytic theory assumes continuous population density, and IGRs are calculated for infinitesimally rare invaders that have infinite time to find their preferred habitat and regrow, without ever experiencing intraspecific competition. Here we ask if the disparity between spatial and temporal mechanisms persists when individuals are, instead, discrete and occupy finite amounts of space. We present a simulation‐based approach to quantifying IGRs in this situation, building on our previous approach for spatially non‐varying habitats. As expected, we found that spatial mechanisms are weakened; unexpectedly, the contribution to IGR from growth‐density covariance could even become negative, opposing coexistence. We also found shifts in which demographic parameters had the largest effect on the strength of spatial coexistence mechanisms. Our substantive conclusions are statements about one model, across parameter ranges that we subjectively considered realistic. Using the methods developed here, effects of individual discreteness should be explored theoretically across a broader range of conditions, and in models parameterized from empirical data on real communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there exists a rich array of matrix column subset selection problem (CSSP) algorithms for use with interpolative and CUR‐type decompositions, their use can often become prohibitive as the size of the input matrix increases. In an effort to address these issues, in earlier work we developed a general framework that pairs a column‐partitioning routine with a column‐selection algorithm. Two of the four algorithms presented in that work paired the Centroidal Voronoi Orthogonal Decomposition (CVOD; Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation Based Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Analysis, 2003, 137–150) and an adaptive variant (adaptCVOD) with the Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM; SIAM J. Sci. Computer. 38 (2016), no. 3, A1454–A1482). In this work, we extend this framework and pair the CVOD‐type algorithms with any CSSP algorithm that returns linearly independent columns. Our results include detailed error bounds for the solutions provided by these paired algorithms, as well as expressions that explicitly characterize how the quality of the selected column partition affects the resulting CSSP solution. In addition to examples involving matrix approximation, we test several of our partition‐based constructions on tasks commonly encountered in model order reduction (MOR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific workflows are essential for many applications, enabling the configuration and execution of complex tasks across distributed resources. In this paper, we contribute an Ethereum blockchain-based scientific workflow execution manager, which distributes workflows to run on cluster computing providers that utilize the Slurm workload manager to execute them. We extended our blockchain-based autonomous resource broker called eBlocBroker, which is a DAO-based decentralized coordinator, by providing distributed workflow execution via blockchain. Through various tests, we demonstrate how our eBlockBroker autonomous organization, which is programmed as a smart contract, can manage scientific workflow submission, scheduling, and execution on cluster computing providers. The utilization of blockchain for distributed workflow execution is a new concept. We are motivated because our system has been developed with e-Science in mind where scientific workflows are widely utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanguard Russet, a fresh market potato developed by the Texas A&M Breeding Program, has been reported to be heat tolerant based on previous greenhouse and field studies. Until now, no studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms involved in its heat tolerance. We compared Vanguard Russet and the heat-sensitive potato variety Russet Burbank using contrasting conditions in growth chambers (normal, 25/15⁰C day/night vs. high-temperature, 25/15⁰C day/night for four weeks, followed by 35/25⁰C day/night). Differences in tuber initiation time, bulking, tuber number, plant height, leaf area, stem thickness, leaf angle, plant biomass, and photosynthetic parameters were sequentially documented at five-time points: 30, 45, 60, 75, and 100 days after planting. Although having slower above-ground plant growth under both conditions, Vanguard Russet initiated tuber formation significantly earlier (< 30 days) than Russet Burbank (30–45 days). This indicates its ability to quickly channel photoassimilates toward tubers, employing early tuberization as a possible heat escape strategy. Screening for early tuberization could be considered as an initial approach to identify varieties able to escape heat stress. In addition to early tuberization, heat-tolerant varieties must produce a high yield of marketable tubers with few internal and external defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article provides an overview of the fundamental background and application of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) in protein and enzyme extraction. The types of ATPSs, including polymer/salt, polymer/polymer, alcohol/salt, surfactant-based, and ionic liquid-based ATPSs, are discussed, along with the unconventional ATPSs. Factors affecting partitioning in ATPSs, such as molecular weight and polymer concentration, pH, temperature, hydrophobicity, and affinity, are also examined. The article then focuses on the application of ATPSs in protein and enzyme extraction, including continuous processing and scaling-up. The future prospects, challenges, and limitations of ATPSs in this field are discussed, along with the challenges associated with their use in industry. The results section highlights the potential of citrate green salts as an alternative to sulfate and phosphate salts in salt-based ATPSs and the need for more research on using ionic liquids as an additive in ATPS types for protein and enzyme extraction. Overall, this review suggests combining cheap and environmentally friendly materials in ATPSs can be a practical solution for using ATPSs in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The δ7Li of marine carbonates has been interpreted as an archive of the evolution of seawater δ7Li, and therefore continental weathering, through geological time. However, little is known about the incorporation of Li into calcium carbonate minerals and, consequently, the controls on Li partitioning (D Li) and isotopic fractionation (Δ7Li solid-fluid) associated with Li incorporation. Crucially, we lack a fundamental understanding of how Li partitioning and Δ7Li solid-fluid change in response to the chemical and physical conditions of crystal formation. Here, we present D Li and Δ7Li solid-fluid data from a series of inorganic calcite precipitation experiments where temperature, and solution pH and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were independently varied. We find D Li values in the range 0.8–1.5 × 10−3, which show no relationship with temperature, a strong positive correlation with pH, and a weak positive correlation with DIC. At face value, these patterns are inconsistent with the results of previous precipitation studies. However, the correlations with pH and DIC are consistent with a strong precipitation rate control on D Li that aligns well with previous data, with a likely secondary influence from the incorporation of Li-HCO 3 0 ion pairs from solution. We find Δ7Li solid-fluid values in the range −6 to −2 ‰, which show no relationship with temperature or pH, and a weak positive correlation with DIC and crystal precipitation rate. These results do not agree with previously published data. Considered alongside previously published data, we observe no consistent relationship between Δ7Li solid-fluid and any reported physical or chemical experimental parameter, highlighting the need for substantial further work to determine whether systematic controls on Li isotopic fractionation exist in carbonate minerals, and whether they may be environmentally significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the accumulation levels, spatial distribution, and sources of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Sb, Mo, V, W, Sr, Mn, Bi, Sn, Fe, Cs, Be, and Ba, in urban soils, road dust and their PM10 fractions in Yalta, a seaside resort town of the Crimean Peninsula. Materials and methods: The concentrations of the PTEs were measured in the urban topsoil (0–10 cm), road dust, and their fine particles, < 10 μm in diameter (PM10), using ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods. The soil and road dust samples were collected in 2018 in various functional zones of Yalta and on different types of roads. In total, 69 soil samples and 57 road-dust samples were taken. The PM10 fraction was isolated by sedimentation method according to Stokes' law. Results and discussion: The urban soils and the road dust were contaminated by Pb, Sb, Zn, Sn, Cd, Cu, Bi, Mo, and Mn. The finer particles (PM10) separated from the urban soils and the road dust showed higher accumulation of the PTEs than the bulk samples. The contribution of the PM10 fraction to the total amount of the pollutants in the bulk soil and road-dust samples accounted for 50–80%. The strongest contamination of the urban soils was found in the residential areas, while the road dust was mostly contaminated on the major highways. Conclusion: According to the results of the principal component analysis, most of the pollutants can be attributed to anthropogenic sources − non-exhaust and exhaust vehicle emissions. The other important sources of the PTEs are soil parent materials and the resuspension of soil particles. The contents of PTEs in the bulk soil and road-dust samples correspond to low and medium pollution levels. The elevated levels of the PTEs in the PM10 fraction pose the greatest environmental hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Metabolic, physiological and inter-tree competitive processes interact to determine long-term growth behaviour of stands and individual trees of even-aged, monospecific forests. Context: Even-aged, monospecific forests go through an initial phase from seedling establishment to full canopy development, then follows a progressive decline in growth rate, leading eventually to tree senescence and death. Individual trees show a relationship between their maximum possible growth rates and their sizes (hence ages), maxima that show a progressive decline as the trees grow larger. Growth rates are further restricted by competition with their neighbours for access from the site to the light, water and mineral nutrients essential to their growth. To ensure they remain standing upright and can access the resources they need, trees must maintain a balance between the sizes of both their above- and below-ground parts. Aims: This review aimed to summarise what is known about the various biological factors that control these growth processes, both at the stand and individual tree levels. Conclusions: The principal factors determining growth behaviour are species characteristics, environmental circumstances of the site on which the forest is growing, availability from the site of the resources essential to growth, sizes (hence ages) of individual trees, competition between neighbours for growth resources and partitioning of growth between the parts of individuals to maintain an appropriate balance between their sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactant corrosion inhibition performance in water–oil environments is influenced by complex relationships between their physical properties, solution chemistry and interfacial characteristics. The existence of polar heads/nonpolar tails influences both the preferential distribution of the surfactant between the two media as well as the phase in which micellisation occurs. Both phenomena affect the efficiency of the surfactant inhibitor and its adsorption at the metal-solution interface. To demonstrate the complexity of such interactions, the effect of brine salinity on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and partitioning/distribution behaviour of a quaternary amine corrosion inhibitor (alkyldimethylbenzylhexadecylammonium chloride, or BAC-C16) in a brine and toluene system (at 1:1 ratio) was explored. All experiments were conducted at 50°C and pH4 over varying salinities (0.1, 1 and 10 wt%) of NaCl brine. Both CMC and partitioning characteristics of BAC-C16 are significantly affected by aqueous phase salinity, with an inversion of the partitioning response observed between concentrations of 0.1 and 1 wt% NaCl. The effect of BAC-C16 partitioning/distribution behaviour on corrosion inhibitor performance was examined using rotating cylinder electrode experiments. The results illustrate that in order to establish the true corrosion inhibition behaviour, consideration of the chemical distribution characteristics is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drylands cover more than 40% of global land surface and will continue to expand by 10% at the end of this century. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of native species is of particular importance for vegetation restoration and management in drylands. In the present study, metabolome of a dominant shrub Campylotropis polyantha in a dry-hot valley were investigated. Compared to plants grown at the wetter site, C. polyantha tended to slow down carbon (C) assimilation to prevent water loss concurrent with low foliar reactive oxygen species and sugar concentrations at the drier and hotter site. Nitrogen (N) assimilation and turn over were stimulated under stressful conditions and higher leaf N content was kept at the expense of root N pools. At the drier site, roots contained more water but less N compounds derived from the citric acid cycle. The site had little effect on metabolites partitioning between leaves and roots. Generally, roots contained more C but less N. Aromatic compounds were differently impacted by site conditions. The present study, for the first time, uncovers the apparent metabolic adaptations of C. polyantha to hostile dryland conditions. However, due to the limited number of samples, we are cautious about drawing general conclusions regarding the resistance mechanisms. Further studies with a broader spatial range and larger time scale are therefore recommended to provide more robust information for vegetation restoration and management in dryland areas under a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing popularity of ORM Frameworks and the need to efficiently manage large datasets, the deployment of various optimizations of this approach is increasingly being explored. In this paper, we focus on investigating the impact of partitioning on IDL performance, which was introduced in a previous study in the publication Design of Data Access Architecture Using ORM Framework. This IDL enables the implementation of ORM Frameworks with loaded data prediction and overall improves and speeds up database data access through ORM Frameworks. This paper extends this work and focuses on further optimizing the IDL in the form of partitioning database tables. At the same time, we have tried to analyze the effect of partitioning on the behavior and performance of IDL. Finally, it will be evaluated whether this optimization technique is applicable in a practical environment and whether an improvement in IDL performance has been achieved.

Abstract Key message Metabolic, physiological and inter-tree competitive processes interact to determine long-term growth behaviour of stands and individual trees of even-aged, monospecific forests. Context Even-aged, monospecific forests go through an initial phase from seedling establishment to full canopy development, then follows a progressive decline in growth rate, leading eventually to tree senescence and death. Individual trees show a relationship between their maximum possible growth rates and their sizes (hence ages), maxima that show a progressive decline as the trees grow larger. Growth rates are further restricted by competition with their neighbours for access from the site to the light, water and mineral nutrients essential to their growth. To ensure they remain standing upright and can access the resources they need, trees must maintain a balance between the sizes of both their above- and below-ground parts. Aims This review aimed to summarise what is known about the various biological factors that control these growth processes, both at the stand and individual tree levels. Conclusions The principal factors determining growth behaviour are species characteristics, environmental circumstances of the site on which the forest is growing, availability from the site of the resources essential to growth, sizes (hence ages) of individual trees, competition between neighbours for growth resources and partitioning of growth between the parts of individuals to maintain an appropriate balance between their sizes.

From Leonhard Euler to Alfred Lotka and in recent years understanding the stationary process of the human population has been of central interest to scientists. Population reproductive measure NRR (net reproductive rate) has been widely associated with measuring the status of population stationarity and it is also included as one of the measures in the millennium development goals. This article argues how the partition theorem-based approach provides more up-to-date and timely measures to find the status of the population stationarity of a country better than the NRR-based approach. We question the timeliness of the value of NRR in deciding the stationary process of the country. We prove associated theorems on discrete and continuous age distributions and derive measurable functional properties. The partitioning metric captures the underlying age structure dynamic of populations at or near stationarity. As the population growth rates for an ever-increasing number of countries trend towards replacement levels and below, new demographic concepts and metrics are needed to better characterize this emerging global demography.

This paper studies the method for assigning workstations optimally in tandem automated guided vehicle system (TAGVS) with multiple automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in overload zone of transport. Workstations are assigned to zones by minimizing inter-zone and intra-zone flow and avoiding collision between AGVs. In TAGVS, only one AGV is assigned to each zone, so carrying load is not available or takes long time, in case of vehicle failure or overload of vehicle. This problem can be resolved by assigning multiple vehicles in such zone. This paper proposes a novel method for assigning workstations optimally in order to minimize inter-zone and intra-zone flow in accordance with building layout and transport flow in manufacturing process and avoid collisions between AGVs in overload zone with multiple AGVs. This method is compared with the architecture of traditional TAGVS. The proposed method is experimented at AGVS for a book printing process in Textbook Print Shop as the real world, and it is verified that this method is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding phenology, its genetics and agronomic consequences, is critical for crop adaptation. Here we aim to (i) characterize lentil response to photoperiod with a focus on five loci: the lentil ELF3 orthologue Sn , two loci linked to clusters of lentil FT orthologues, and two loci without candidates in chromosomes 2 and 5 (Experiment 1: 36 lines, short and long days in a phytotron), and (ii) establish the phenology–yield relationship (Experiment 2: 25 lines, 11 field environments). A vintage perspective, where we quantify time trends in phenotype over three decades of breeding, links both experiments. Yield increased linearly from older to newer varieties at 29 kg ha–1 year–1 or 1.5% year–1, correlated negatively with flowering time in both winter- and summer-rainfall regimes, and decoupled from biomass in favourable environments. Time to flowering shortened from older to newer varieties at –0.56% year–1 in the field, and –0.42% year–1 (short days) and –0.99% year–1 (long days) in the phytotron. Early-flowering lines of diverse origin carried multiple early alleles for the five loci, indicating that at least some of these loci affect phenology additively. Current germplasm primarily features the early-flowering haplotype for an FTb cluster region, hence the potential to increase phenological diversity with yield implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective solubilities (maximum contents) of Ta and Nb in model felsic lithium-fluoride melts of variable alkalinity and alumina content were experimentally determined at the dissolution of Ta–Nb and Nb minerals: pyrochlore, microlite, ilmenorutile, and ferrotapiolite at T = 650–850°C and P = 100 and 400 MPa. The Ta and Nb partitioning in the mineral-melt systems was also studied. When pyrochlore is dissolved in granitoid melts at P = 100 MPa and T = 650–850°C, the highest effective solubilities of Nb (0.7–1.8 wt %) are obtained in alkaline melt, and they significantly decrease (to 0.03–0.5 wt %) in subaluminous and peraluminous melts. A temperature increase increases the solubility (content) of Nb in the melt. Similar dependences were obtained for Ta solubility by dissolving microlite. In peraluminous granitoid melt, microlite remains stable, while pyrochlore becomes unstable. A pressure decrease from 400 to 100 MPa in alkaline and subaluminous melts was found out to not significantly affect on the dissolution of microlite and pyrochlore, whereas Ta and Nb contents in the peraluminous melt noticeably decrease. The dependences of Nb solubility and its partitioning between granitoid melts and ilmenorutile on the alkalinity–alumina content of the melt are similar to those for the dissolution of columbite and tantalite. The dependences obtained by dissolving ferrotapiolite, pyrochlore, and microlite differ from them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are widely found in the genomes of pathogenic bacteria. They regulate vital cellular functions like transcription, translation, and DNA replication, and are therefore essential to the survival of bacteria under stress. With a focus on the type II parDE modules, this study thoroughly examines TAome in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium well-known for its adaptability and antibiotic resistance. We explored the TAome in three P. aeruginosa strains: ATCC 27,853, PAO1, and PA14, and found 15 type II TAs in ATCC 27,853, 12 in PAO1, and 13 in PA14, with significant variation in the associated mobile genetic elements. Five different parDE homologs were found by further TAome analysis in ATCC 27,853, and their relationships were confirmed by sequence alignments and precise genomic positions. After comparing these ParDE modules’ sequences to those of other pathogenic bacteria, it was discovered that they were conserved throughout many taxa, especially Proteobacteria. Nucleic acids were predicted as potential ligands for ParD antitoxins, whereas ParE toxins interacted with a wide range of small molecules, indicating a diverse functional repertoire. The interaction interfaces between ParDE TAs were clarified by protein-protein interaction networks and docking studies, which also highlighted important residues involved in binding. This thorough examination improves our understanding of the diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and functional significance of TA systems in P. aeruginosa, providing insights into their roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to characterize the trophic ecology and test the hypothesis of niche overlap between four sympatric batoid species of the subtropical South Atlantic. Data were collected between 2017 and 2022 from two artisanal fishery communities in southern Brazil. Batoid's stomach contents were identified, separated into categories, and weighed. We calculated the Levins, Pianka's, and Prey-specific index of relative dietary importance (PSIRI) and performed a similarity test using PERMANOVA and the similarity percentage (SIMPER) for niche analysis. We analyzed 229 stomachs of four batoid species, 187 containing foods. All species showed a narrow food niche. The most important diet items for each species were Leptochaela serratorbita and Onuphidae for Dasyatis hypostigma; Nematoda for Pseudobatos horkelii; L. serratorbita, Sicyonia dorsalis and Portunidae for Rioraja agassizii and Achelous spinicarpus and fish for Sympterygia bonapartii. The analyses showed dissimilarity among the species' diets without significant niche overlap. Our results detected the absence of significant niche overlap among batoid species, suggesting other types of niche partitioning and spatiotemporal habitat variation. This information could be considered for local management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register, this study examines the gender disparity among patients with type 1 diabetes who have experienced a specific cardiovascular complication, while exploring the association between their weight variability, age group, and gender. Fourteen cardiovascular complications have been considered. This analysis is conducted using three-way correspondence analysis (CA), which allows for the partitioning and decomposition of Pearson's three-way chi-squared statistic. The dataset comprises information organized in a data cube, detailing how weight variability among these patients correlates with a cardiovascular complication, age group, and gender. The three-way CA method presented in this paper allows one to assess the statistical significance of the association between these variables and to visualize this association, highlighting the gender gap among these patients. From this analysis, we find that the association between weight variability, age group, and gender varies among different types of cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of three-dimensional (3D) IC layouts necessitates the development of unique partitioning methods that will be suitable for the 3D component designs. Net lists partitioning is a key aspect of the physical design of a 3D IC. Reducing wire lengths between gates is possible with 3D-ICs since they have a small footprint as well as vertical connectivity among dies. As a result, they consume less power and have shorter connection delays. This paper presents an efficient genetic algorithm (GA) based layer partitioning technique for 3D ICs that focuses on proper layer assignment to reduce area deviation and minimization of Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) to reduce IC footprint. The method starts with random initial solutions and refines the solutions with efficient crossover and mutation operator till the optimized solution is achieved. Our methodology produces high-quality solutions on well-known benchmarks. The experimental findings are compared with state-of-the-art methodologies and the suggested strategy is found to be very effective in the case of decreasing the TSV count and space need of the 3-dimensional IC design. In addition, the performance of our strategy is also compared with two recent publications that use GA and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and it is found that the proposed method achieves 20.18% and 38.66% average reduction in terms of TSV count respectively. Thus, the suggested technique is beneficial for multilayered 3D IC partitioning, as it can reduce TSV count while also satisfying balancing criteria and latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced high‐strength steels (AHSS) have been extensively studied to develop its third generation from relatively low‐cost alloys, but seeking optimized mechanical properties. In this context, the effects of quenching heat treatments are evaluated in this work after intercritical austenitizing (IA) on microstructure, alloying elements partitioning, and Ms temperature for a commercial CMnSi alloy. Applying dilatometric data and microstructural characterization, different heat cycles are evaluated. The obtained experimental results are compared with those ones obtained by computer simulations at equilibrium conditions. Based on this characterization, an optimized one‐step quenching and partitioning (Q&P) cycle (after IA) is proposed and applied to tensile test specimens. Then, the specimen microstructure is characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as by X‐ray diffraction. Using the proposed methodology, it is possible to produce a Q&P steel with a product of tensile strength and elongation of 29.5 GPa% and a 7% volumetric fraction of retained austenite. It is concluded that the precise knowledge about the IA effects on the phase transformations and microstructure evolution in a commercial CMnSi alloy has great potential to be applied in defining a one‐step Q&P heat treatment that favors a multiphase microstructure, which meets mechanical properties requirements for a third‐generation AHSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a partition of quantum observables in an open quantum system that is inherited from the division of the underlying Hilbert space or configuration space. It is shown that this partition leads to the definition of an inhomogeneous continuity equation for generic, non-local observables. This formalism is employed to describe the local evolution of the von Neumann entropy of a system of independent quantum particles out of equilibrium. Crucially, we find that all local fluctuations in the entropy are governed by an entropy current operator, implying that the production of entanglement entropy is not measured by this partitioned entropy. For systems linearly perturbed from equilibrium, it is shown that this entropy current is equivalent to a heat current, provided that the system-reservoir coupling is partitioned symmetrically. Finally, we show that any other partition of the coupling leads directly to a divergence of the von Neumann entropy. Thus, we conclude that Hilbert-space partitioning is the only partition of the von Neumann entropy that is consistent with the laws of thermodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 14 August 2021 Haiti earthquake mainly portrayed reverse motion to the east near L'Asile town and left‐lateral strike‐slip motion to the west near Camp‐Perrin town. To map the rupture and infer its segmentation, we conducted the first post‐seismic field reconnaissance along the left‐lateral strike‐slip Enriquillo fault from L'Asile to Macaya mountain. We identified 98 linear, minor cracks that are not representative of primary fault surface rupture. Analyzing the topographic slope distribution, we detected that the cracks were often located in areas that are prone to topographic instability. About 60% of the cracks are located in Quaternary alluvium and Middle‐Miocene continental marls, indicating a preference for soft sediments. The rivers also have an impact, as crack lengths and openings negatively correlate with their distance to neighboring rivers. In addition, the earthquake occurred in a rainy region with up to 2,479.34 mm of rainfall in 2021, increasing soil instability. Above all, we found a contrast and asymmetry between the eastern and the western parts of the rupture. By dividing the 60‐km long rupture into two equal parts, we observed 57 cracks to the west against 41 to the east. The longest and the widest cracks are to the west. Analyzing their orientation, the cracks mainly oriented as left‐lateral strike‐slip faults to the west and mainly thrusts to the east. This configuration appears to be influenced by the slip pattern of the 2021 Haiti earthquake and consistent with the regional stress field. Key Points: Alongside geology, topography, and hydroclimate, tectonics is the biggest factor for crack generation during the 14 August 2021, Mw 7.2 Haiti earthquakeThrust and sinistral strike‐slip cracks partition similarly to the earthquake slip pattern and to the oblique‐convergence margin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VVC standard has achieved great performance improvements and has outperformed its predecessor HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) with more than 30% compression rate by VVC with no significant loss in quality. The VVC standard has a very broad use, which can be used for camera capture results up to immersive applications with HDR (High dynamic range) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) quality. However, with an increase in VVC's excellent compression capability, it comes with an increase in the encoding process complexity, especially in the partitioning process because VVC implements a block partition method that is far more flexible than its predecessor HEVC, namely the Quadtree method with multi-type tree structures (QT+MTT) so it requires a lot of work. In this research, we propose a fast depth decision algorithm with spatial homogeneity and threshold value modified method to save the amount of time and overall process complexity using uniform areas and decisionmaking of CU (coding unit) split type. The VVC reference program VTM 14.2 implements the suggested fast-depth decision algorithm and tests it under common test conditions (CTC) to determine how effective it is. Fourteen sequences and the All-Intra primary configuration are used in the simulation. The average encoding time savings (Tsaving) are evaluated and obtained 36.70% with insignificant quality degradation Bjontegaard delta bit rate (BDBR) of 1.37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of the photoperiod on the accumulation and distribution of dry matter in potato, a pot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with two varieties (Atlantic and Hezuo 88). The varieties were used as the main plot, and light treatments (short-day and long-day) were used as the subplot. The results showed that extended hours of light delayed tuber formation in Hezuo 88, however, the effect was not obvious for the Atlantic. Comprehensive analyses were carried out using the potato developmental process, dynamic equation fitting of the tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation, and the dry matter accumulation and distribution rate of each organ of the two varieties under two photoperiods. The two photoperiods had different effects on the parameters of rapid tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation: the starting point of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (t1), the duration period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Δt), and the average growth rate of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Vmean). According to comprehensive analysis, tuber dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the short-day condition, while Hezuo 88 showed the lowest tuber dry matter accumulation under the long-day condition and was the latest to enter the rapid tuber dry matter accumulation period. The whole-plant dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the long-day condition and lowest in Hezuo 88; meanwhile, Hezuo 88 was the latest to enter the rapid whole-plant dry matter accumulation period. In terms of the dry matter accumulation and dry matter partitioning ratio of various organs, Hezuo 88 had the lowest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and partitioning ratio under the long-day condition but the highest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. On the contrary, Atlantic had the highest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and portioning ratio under the short-day condition but the lowest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. It was concluded that different varieties of potato respond differently to the photoperiod. In the case of Hezuo 88, prolonging the photoperiod affected the dynamics and distribution of dry matter accumulation; increased the stem, leaf, root, and underground stem dry matter partitioning ratio; and decreased the tuber dry matter partitioning ratio, which resulted in a decrease in tuber dry matter accumulation and consequently delayed the emergence of the equilibrium period between the aboveground and underground dry matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) aggregations are important in the Southern Ocean ecosystem; however, the amount of energy that krill swarms contain is unknown. We assessed the population structure of E. superba swarms in East Antarctica for two different sectors corresponding to the study areas of the ENRICH (2019) and TEMPO (2021) voyages. We also estimated swarm energy content based on calorific values for whole animals and key tissues (gonads, digestive gland, and muscle). A relationship between the energy content of muscle and gonads in gravid and adult females was detected: The higher the energy content in muscle tissue, the lower the energy content in the gonad tissue. This relationship was consistent for different female maturity stages, suggesting a trade-off in energy allocation between somatic growth and reproduction. Females will redirect energy to gonad development at the expense of somatic growth. Total swarm energy was calculated using the volumetric density of each swarm estimated from an acoustic survey. Four swarm types (A-D) were determined based on the body length and maturity stage of the individuals. The highest energy contents were found in Type B swarms, composed predominantly of adult males and females, and Type D swarms, comprising mostly gravid females. Trends in swarm demographic composition and energy content were consistent between surveys. We recommend swarm energy be incorporated into ecosystem models to represent energy transfer to top predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review covers the analytical applications of protein partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs). We review the advancements in the analytical application of protein partitioning in ATPSs that have been achieved over the last two decades. Multiple examples of different applications, such as the quality control of recombinant proteins, analysis of protein misfolding, characterization of structural changes as small as a single-point mutation, conformational changes upon binding of different ligands, detection of protein–protein interactions, and analysis of structurally different isoforms of a protein are presented. The new approach to discovering new drugs for a known target (e.g., a receptor) is described when one or more previous drugs are already available with well-characterized biological efficacy profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valence state of Fe plays a vital role in setting and recording the oxidation state of magmas, commonly expressed in terms of oxygen fugacity ( f O 2 ). However, our knowledge of how and why f O 2 varies within and between magmatic systems remains patchy because of diverse challenges associated with estimating the valence state of Fe in glasses and minerals routinely. Here we investigate Fe valence systematics in magmatic clinopyroxene crystals from ocean island basalts (OIBs) erupted in Iceland and the Azores to explore whether they record information about magma Fe 3 + contents and magmatic f O 2 conditions. Although many studies assume that all Fe in augitic clinopyroxene crystals from OIBs occurs as Fe 2 + , we find that up to half of the total Fe present can occur as Fe 3 + , with crystals from alkali systems typically containing more Fe 3 + than those from tholeiitic systems. Thus, Fe 3 + is a major if under-appreciated constituent of augitic clinopyroxene crystals erupted from ocean island volcanoes. Most Fe 3 + in these crystals is hosted within esseneite component (CaFe 3 + AlSiO 6 ), though some may be hosted in aegirine component (NaFe 3 + Si 2 O 6 ) in crystals from alkali systems. Observations from samples containing quenched matrix glasses suggest that the incorporation of Fe 3 + is related to the abundance of tetrahedrally coordinated Al ( IV Al), implying some steric constraints over Fe 3 + partitioning between clinopyroxene and liquid (i.e., D Fe 2 O 3 cpx - liq values), though this may not be an equilibrium relationship. For example, IV Al-rich { h k 0 } prism sectors of sector-zoned crystals contain more Fe 3 + than IV Al-poor { 1 ¯ 11 } hourglass sectors. Moreover, IV Al-rich compositions formed during disequilibrium crystallisation are enriched in Fe 3 + . Apparent clinopyroxene-liquid Fe 2 + –Mg exchange equilibria (i.e., K D , Fe 2 + - Mg cpx - liq values) are similarly affected by disequilibrium crystallisation in our samples. Nonetheless, it is possible to reconcile our observed clinopyroxene compositions with glass Fe valence systematics estimated from olivine-liquid equilibria if we assume that K D , Fe 2 + - Mg cpx - liq values lies closer to experimentally reported values of 0.24 - 0.26 than values of ∼ 0.28 returned from a general model. In this case, olivine-liquid and clinopyroxene-liquid equilibria record equivalent narratives, with one of our glassy samples from Iceland recording evolution under f O 2 conditions about one log unit above fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) equilibrium (i.e., ∼ FMQ+1) and our glassy Azorean sample recording evolution under significantly more oxidising conditions (≥ FMQ+2.5) before experiencing syn-eruptive reduction, likely as a result of SO 2 degassing; our other glassy sample from Iceland was also affected by reductive SO 2 degassing. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the Fe valence systematics of clinopyroxene crystals can record information about the conditions under which OIBs evolve, but that further experimental work is required to properly disentangle the effects of magma composition, disequilibrium and f O 2 conditions on clinopyroxene-liquid equilibria involving Fe 2 + and Fe 3 + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sectorization of a water distribution network (WDN) into district meter areas (DMAs) is considered a key strategy for an efficient management of WDNs. Typically, it involves a two-stage procedure: a clustering stage, in which the division of the WDN into clusters is performed, and a dividing stage, which involves the placement of valves and flow meters on the cluster's boundary pipes to define the DMAs. While recently published methods attempt to enhance both the clustering and dividing stages, they fail to provide decision-making flexibility. They also neglect to consider the presence of existing valves in the WDN, which can significantly affect the evaluated implementation cost, often considered the primary decision-driving factor. This paper presents improvements to the previously introduced DeNSE method for sectorization of WDNs, aiming to address these deficiencies. The methodology consists of a clustering stage, based on the network uniformity index, and a dividing stage, in which the originally used heuristic procedure is replaced with Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization, minimizing implementation cost. Consideration of existing valves in WDN and criteria for water supply security are also included in the dividing stage to offer a better estimate of implementation costs and post-sectorized operational efficiency of the WDN. Finally, GIS visualization is implemented, and a hydraulic model of the sectorized WDN (EPANET file) is generated, providing practitioners with valuable insights and decision-making flexibility. The methodology is tested on a part of the Amsterdam WDN in the Netherlands, serving as a pilot for methodology evaluation. A range of feasible sectorization solutions is generated and compared based on implementation cost and three performance indicators (PIs). The paper provides an in-depth discussion on the selection of preferable sectorization solution. The reported results demonstrate the method's efficiency in optimizing sectorization solutions with minimum implementation cost whilst preserving the WDN operational efficiency and meeting the local design criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Beijing University of Technology is the property of Journal of Beijing University of Technology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Surfactant corrosion inhibition performance in water–oil environments is influenced by complex relationships between their physical properties, solution chemistry and interfacial characteristics. The existence of polar heads/nonpolar tails influences both the preferential distribution of the surfactant between the two media as well as the phase in which micellisation occurs. Both phenomena affect the efficiency of the surfactant inhibitor and its adsorption at the metal-solution interface. To demonstrate the complexity of such interactions, the effect of brine salinity on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and partitioning/distribution behaviour of a quaternary amine corrosion inhibitor (alkyldimethylbenzylhexadecylammonium chloride, or BAC-C16) in a brine and toluene system (at 1:1 ratio) was explored. All experiments were conducted at 50 °C and pH4 over varying salinities (0.1, 1 and 10 wt%) of NaCl brine. Both CMC and partitioning characteristics of BAC-C16 are significantly affected by aqueous phase salinity, with an inversion of the partitioning response observed between concentrations of 0.1 and 1 wt% NaCl. The effect of BAC-C16 partitioning/distribution behaviour on corrosion inhibitor performance was examined using rotating cylinder electrode experiments. The results illustrate that in order to establish the true corrosion inhibition behaviour, consideration of the chemical distribution characteristics is crucial.

ABSTRACT: Processing temperature has a significant influence on the composition and functionality of the resulting streams following microfiltration (MF) of skim milk. In this study, MF and diafiltration (DF) were performed at 4 or 50°C to produce β-casein (β-CN)-depleted and nondepleted (i.e., native casein profile) micellar casein isolate retentates, respectively. Microfiltration combined with extensive DF resulted in a 40% depletion of β-CN at 4°C, whereas no β-CN depletion occurred at 50°C. Microfiltration at 4°C led to higher transmission of calcium into permeates, with retentate generated at 4°C containing less total calcium compared with retentate generated at 50°C, based on the volume of retentate remaining. Higher heat stability at 120°C was measured for retentates generated at 4°C compared with those at 50°C, across all pH values measured. Retentates generated at 4°C also had significantly lower ionic calcium values at each pH compared with those generated at 50°C. Higher apparent viscosities at 4°C were measured for retentates generated at 4°C compared with retentates generated at 50°C, likely due to increased voluminosity of β-CN-depleted casein micelles. The results of this study provide new information on how changing the composition of MF retentate, by appropriate control of processing temperature and DF, can alter physicochemical properties of casein micelles, with potential implications for ingredient functionality.

Droughts are becoming more intense and frequent in the Brazilian semiarid because of El Niño and global climate changes. The Jaguaribe River estuary is a semiarid ecosystem that experiences a reduction in freshwater discharges due to droughts and river damming. The decrease in freshwater fluxes has increased metal availability through the water residence time increase in the Jaguaribe River estuary. Then, this study aimed to evaluate the dissolved organic matter quality and its interaction with metals in the Jaguaribe River estuary after a severe drought period. It was performed through carbon analyses, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultrafiltration technique, and determinations of metals by ICP-MS. Optical analysis showed that the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was preponderantly composed of terrestrial-derived humic compounds, while the low ratio between the particulate organic carbon (POC) and chlorophyll-a indicated that POC was predominantly phytoplankton-derived. DOC and POC presented non-conservative removal during the estuarine mixing. DOM and dissolved elements were mostly distributed within the LMW fraction and presented a low percentage in the colloidal fraction. Li, Rb, Sr, Mo, and U showed conservative behavior, while Cu, Fe, Cr, and V had non-conservative behavior with a significant positive correlation with DOM, suggesting DOM as a relevant driver of metal availability at the Jaguaribe River estuary even during the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing temperature has a significant influence on the composition and functionality of the resulting streams following microfiltration (MF) of skim milk. In this study, MF and diafiltration (DF) were performed at 4 or 50°C to produce β-casein (β-CN)-depleted and nondepleted (i.e., native casein profile) micellar casein isolate retentates, respectively. Microfiltration combined with extensive DF resulted in a 40% depletion of β-CN at 4°C, whereas no β-CN depletion occurred at 50°C. Microfiltration at 4°C led to higher transmission of calcium into permeates, with retentate generated at 4°C containing less total calcium compared with retentate generated at 50°C, based on the volume of retentate remaining. Higher heat stability at 120°C was measured for retentates generated at 4°C compared with those at 50°C, across all pH values measured. Retentates generated at 4°C also had significantly lower ionic calcium values at each pH compared with those generated at 50°C. Higher apparent viscosities at 4°C were measured for retentates generated at 4°C compared with retentates generated at 50°C, likely due to increased voluminosity of β-CN-depleted casein micelles. The results of this study provide new information on how changing the composition of MF retentate, by appropriate control of processing temperature and DF, can alter physicochemical properties of casein micelles, with potential implications for ingredient functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational techniques, such as quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs), can play a significant role in exploring the important chemical features essential for the degree of sorption or sludge/water partition coefficient (Kd) towards sewage sludge of wastewater treatment process to evaluate the environmental consequence and risk of pharmaceuticals. The current research work aims to construct a predictive QSPR model for the sorption of 148 diverse active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in sewage sludge during wastewater treatment. For the development of the model, we employed easily computable 2D descriptors as independent variables. The model has been developed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) guidelines. It has undergone internal and external validation using a variety of methodologies, as well as been tested for its applicability domain. A measure of hydrophobicity, i.e., MLOGP2, showed the most promising contribution in modeling the sorption coefficient of APIs. Among other parameters, the number of tertiary aromatic amines, the presence of electronegative atoms like N, O, and Cl, the size of a molecule, the number of aromatic hydroxyl groups, the presence of substituted aromatic nitrogen atoms and alkyl-substituted tertiary carbon atoms were also found to be influential for the regulation of solid water partition coefficient of APIs during the wastewater treatment process. The statistical validity tests performed on the developed partial least squares (PLS) model showed that it is statistically evident, robust, and predictive (R2Train = 0.750, Q2LOO = 0.683, Q2F1 = 0.655, Q2F2 (or R2Test) = 0.651). In addition, the predictivity of the constructed model was further inspected by using the "prediction reliability indicator" tool for 14 external APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to separate arbutin, a natural hydroquinone variant used in food and pharmaceuticals. While DESs are commonly used for natural product extraction, their potential for arbutin separation has not been studied until now. To address this gap, the authors selected a qualified aqueous biphasic system (ABS) composed of polypropylene glycol and DESs made with choline chloride and various carboxylic acids (lactic, acetic, and citric acid). To assess the effectiveness of the system, the partition coefficient and recovery of arbutin were determined as quantitative measures. The effects of different variables affecting the arbutin partitioning such as weight percentages of DES and polypropylene glycol, types of DES, and temperatures on the partitioning of arbutin were also investigated. Furthermore, thermodynamic transfer properties such as molar Gibbs energy, molar enthalpy, and molar entropy were calculated to analyze the effect of temperature on arbutin partitioning. The results indicated that increasing the weight percentages of polypropylene glycol and DESs resulted in higher partition coefficients of arbutin. The highest values of arbutin recovery (≈99.14%) and partition coefficient (≈166.22) were obtained using an ABS containing polypropylene glycol and DES-Lactic acid, suggesting the potential of this system for the separation of arbutin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinational logic circuits (CLCs) are basic building blocks of a system and optimization of these circuits in terms of reduced gates, transistors, or levels will lead to reduced area on chip, reduced power, and improved speed. Simulated annealing (SA) is a thermo-inspired metaheuristic used for solving various engineering and non-engineering problems. SA is also used for the realization and optimization of CLCs. Circuits with a large number of inputs and outputs require more generations for realization. Realization of the optimal circuit with fewer generations is desired as realization time increases with increase in the number of generations. In this paper, an attempt is made to realize circuits using population-based SA with fewer generations. SA with partitioning approach is proposed in this paper for circuits that could not be realized with fewer preset generations. To evaluate the performance of the proposed work, benchmark circuits from LGSynth'91 are considered, and it is observed that the success rate improved and realization time reduced with the proposed partitioning approach. During the evaluation, it is also observed that the gate count was reduced by 2.5–77.39% and the transistor count was reduced by 7.69–95.53% on using proposed work with fewer generations over circuits reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed processing systems play a crucial role in query search operations, where large-scale data are partitioned across multiple nodes using shard selection algorithms. However, the existing shard selection algorithms pose significant challenges, such as shard ranking, shard cut-off estimation, high latency, low throughput, and high processing costs. These limitations become more pronounced as the data size increases, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of search operations. To address these challenges, the novel Hybrid Shard Selection Algorithm (HSSA) is proposed as a solution in this paper, designed specifically to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of search operations within distributed processing systems. HSSA employs an advanced sharding approach that adeptly navigates and targets pertinent shards based on specific queries. This not only curtails search-related overhead but also enhances operational efficiency. Through rigorous testing using the Gov2 dataset, the HSSA algorithm has proven its merits. When set against well-established algorithms like CORI, Rank-S, and SHiRE, HSSA stands out, registering remarkable gains in average throughput by 21%, 16%, and 12%, while also slashing latency by 14.2%, 9.4%, and 8.2%, respectively. The insights gained from this research underscore HSSA's capability to effectively bridge the gaps inherent in traditional shard selection strategies. Furthermore, its exemplary efficacy with datasets of varied sizes amplifies its relevance for practical integration within distributed processing landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personnel scheduling aims to determine least-cost personnel schedules to meet the demand for employees in each period of a planning horizon. In this article, we propose a parallel ruin and recreate heuristic, denoted PRRH, for solving a personnel scheduling problem. PRRH is an integrated approach for this type of problem that generates and assigns shifts simultaneously. Starting from an initial solution, the method is based on an iterative scheme that ruins the current solution at each iteration by inducing a disruption in an employee schedule and recreates a new solution by finding a cost-effective ejection chain. Each disruption is targeted according to predetermined probabilistic improvement scores, and each solution is created using an algorithm inspired by the heuristic of Hassani et al. (Eur J Oper Res 293:93–108, 2021), which re-optimizes a schedule following a minor disruption. The approach is also based on a partition of the current solution, which is updated at each iteration to treat a maximum number of disruptions in parallel. The proposed algorithm has been tested on real-life instances involving up to 94 employees and 10 jobs. PRRH found solutions of very good quality (1.9% from optimality on average) in fast computational times (less than three minutes on average). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Sessile droplets solubilizing in surfactant solution are frequently encountered in practice, but the factors governing their non-equilibrium dynamics are not well understood. Here, we investigate mechanisms by which solubilizing, sessile oil droplets in aqueous surfactant solution dewet from hydrophobic substrates and spread on hydrophilic substrates. We quantify the dependence of droplet contact line dynamics on drop size and oil, surfactant, and substrate chemistries. We consider halogenated alkane oils as well as aromatic oils and focus on common nonionic nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants. We correlate these results with measurements of the interfacial tensions. Counter-intuitively, under a range of conditions, we observe complete dewetting of oil from hydrophobic substrates but spreading on hydrophilic substrates. The timescales needed to reach a steady-state contact angle vary widely, with some droplets examined taking over a day. We find that surfactant surface adsorption governs the contact angle on shorter timescales, while partitioning of surfactant from water to oil, and oil solubilization into the water, act on longer timescales to facilitate the complete dewetting. Understanding of the role played by surfactant and oil transport presents opportunities for tailoring sessile droplet behaviors and controlling droplet dynamics under conditions that would previously not have been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naphthalene is the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in vehicle emissions and polluted urban areas. Its atmospheric oxidation products oxygenated compounds potentially harmful for health and/or contributing to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Despite its impact on air quality, its complex structure and lack of data mean that no detailed scheme of naphthalene gaseous oxidation for SOA formation and speciation has yet been established. This study presents the construction of the first near-explicit chemical scheme for naphthalene oxidation by OH including kinetic and mechanistic data. The scheme redundantly represents all the classical steps of atmospheric organic chemistry (i.e. oxidation of stable species, peroxy radical formation and reaction and alkoxy radical evolution) integrating therefore fragmentation or functionalization pathways and the influence of NOx on secondary compound formation. Missing kinetic and mechanistic data were estimated using structure-activity relationships (SARs) or by analogy with existing experimental or theoretical data. The proposed chemical scheme involves 392 species (237 stable species, including 93% of the major molar masses observed in previous experimental studies) and 503 reactions with products. A first simulation reproducing experimental oxidation in oxidation flow reactor under high NOX conditions shows a simulated SOA mass in the same order of magnitude as experimentally observed, with an error of -12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop and belongs to the family Leguminosae. However, the productivity of groundnut in India is less as compared to average productivity of the world. The main cause of low groundnut production is an unbalanced and insufficient usage of nutrients. Because groundnut is a legume-oilseed crop, it has a high phosphorus, calcium, and Sulphur demand. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2021 at crop physiology field lab, Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four phosphorus levels (Control, 40, 50, 60 kg P2O5/ha) in main plots and four Sulphur levels (Control, 25, 50, 75 kg S/ha) in sub-plots with three replications. Result revealed that application of 60 kg P2O5/ha resulted in significantly higher total plant biomass and its partitioning into different plant parts viz, leaves, stem, root and pod at different growth stages in groundnut followed by 50 kg P2O5/ha. Among Sulphur levels application of 75 kg S/ha record higher total biomass and its partitioning at all growth stages followed by 50 kg S/ha. So, to obtain a higher total biomass and its partitioning, the crop may be fertilized with phosphorus and sulphur levels of 50 kg/ha each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]