Density Data Research Articles

Health insurance plans offered at NCI-designated cancer centers.

9052 Background: The health insurance landscape in the US represents an expensive and complex challenge to patients and physicians alike. Little is known about health insurance plans (HIPs) offered to physicians, particularly at NCI-designated cancer centers, which represent centers seeking to meet the highest standards. Methods: We collected data on the HIPs offered to physicians at NCI-designated cancer centers by reviewing institution websites from 11/2023 - 01/2024. We abstracted data on the insurance premium, deductible, out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum, and coinsurance for hospitalizations, limited to three HIPs per institution. We derived estimates using the lowest charge. We calculated inpatient stay costs based on standard hospital stay costs ($2,883 per day over an average of 4.5 days). We compared HIPs between public and private cancer centers. We used US Census Bureau population density data and regression models to explore associations among population density and OOP costs. Results: Among 65 NCI-designated cancer centers reviewed, 61 (93.8%) had readily available information about HIPs provided. Most institutions provided HIPs for all hospital employees, while 2 institutions only covered physicians. On average, each cancer center offered 3.67 HIPs, involving 1.67 insurers (54.1% offered a single insurer). Among 153 HIPs overall, 51.6% were preferred provider organization (PPOs) and one-third (33.3%) were health maintenance organization (HMOs). Only 22.9% of HIPs were high-deductible health plans (HDHP). The majority of cancer centers offered PPO plans (75.4%), HMO plans (57.4%), HDHP plans (55.7%), and some (24.6%) offered other plans, such as point of service and exclusive provider organization. Average costs for different kinds of HIPs are presented in the Table. A higher percentage of public cancer centers provided HMOs (60.5% vs. 50.0%, p=0.76) and PPOs (84.3% vs. 60.5%, p=0.09) than private centers, yet differences did not reach significance. Centers located in regions with higher state population density were more likely to have higher HMO OOP costs (beta=2.72; p=.006) and lower PPO OOP costs (beta=-2.98; p=.012). Conclusions: We found that most NCI-designated cancer centers had readily available information about HIPs provided to physicians. For these centers, physicians had limited HIP options offered, particularly in private institutions, which offered fewer HMO and PPO plans. We also demonstrated associations among state population density and OOP max in HMO and PPO plans. Our study provides a current synopsis of HIPs and identifies disparities among them, contributing to a foundation for future research. [Table: see text]

Effects of Gravel Percentage to Compaction Density and Stability of Embankment

Embankments are frequently used in the construction of road, railway, airport, dams and other types infrastructure. Soil compaction is a crucial part of the construction process of embankment. Thus, soil compaction needs to be conducted and investigated in such a way so embankment will not experience large settlement that could lead to collapse. Generally, soil compaction density testing is performed using the sand cone method according to ASTM D-1556. The material used in this test is not carefully considered, which may lead to inaccurate results. In this study, the sand cone correction test according to ASTM D-4718 which consider the percentage of gravel is established to identify the compaction density of embankment and the effect to its stability. 16 secondary data of compaction density have been collected from the construction of embankment. According to the data, the compaction density of the embankment has met the specifications. The relationship between the gravel percentage and the compaction density is obtained. With a determination coefficient (R2) value of 0.805, it can be understood that these two variables have a highly significant correlation. Furthermore, to understand the relationship between the compaction density and the stability of the embankment, a slope stability analysis was conducted on the embankment using the Fellenius method. The result shows that when the compaction density of the embankment meet the specifications, embankment is stable with the safety factor (SF) of 1.511. Furthermore, both variables have a very strong relationship. The safety factor of the embankment is increased as the compaction density increases.

Volumetric and viscometric study on the interaction of amino acid (valine) with an aqueous solution of cationic surfactant, Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K

Interactions between the surfactant (CTAB) and amino acid (valine) were investigated using density and viscosity data. These data were utilized to calculate apparent molar volume, fv, and partial molar volume also known as limiting molar volume f0v and these parameters were further used to find out solute-solvent interactions between amino acid and surfactant at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K temperatures.

Interregional Flows of Embodied Carbon Storage Associated with Land-Use Change in China

With the continuous expansion of regional trade, interregional teleconnections have an increasingly pronounced impact on the changes in carbon storage caused by land use in China. Current research in this area remains remarkably limited, however. This study employs land-use data, carbon density data, and a multiregional input–output model to precisely quantify the embodied flow and spatial patterns of land-use carbon storage in China. We found that the carbon storage embodied in interprovincial trade in China accounts for 34.9 percent of total carbon storage, with cropland (44.9 percent) and woodland (43.6 percent) representing the highest proportions within their land-use categories. Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Tibet were found to be the most externally driven in terms of land-use-related carbon storage, with outflows exceeding 2,000 Tg C. Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, on the other hand, were shown to consume up to 90 percent of land-use-related carbon storage inflows, showcasing the strongest external dependence. Additionally, Hunan (1,300.5 Tg C), Hubei (863.4 Tg C), Henan (1,534.6 Tg C), and Shanxi (2,223.6 Tg C) are the provinces where changes in land-use carbon storage are most significant, exerting the greatest influence on changes in China’s total carbon storage. China’s international export of land-use-related embodied carbon storage decreased by 3,964.7 Tg C during the study period, with woodland (1,516.8 Tg C) and grassland (1,505.7 Tg C) being the primary declining land types. Interestingly, as land utilization efficiency continues to rise, over half of the provinces have seen an increase in export trade value, while their corresponding embodied carbon storage has declined. The findings not only unveil the complex dynamics and spatial distribution at work in China’s embodied land-use-related carbon storage but also provide practical insights and directions for achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Control of Magnetic Shape Anisotropy by Nanopillar Dimensionality in Vertically Aligned Nanocomposites.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy forms the foundation of the current data storage technology. However, there is an ever-increasing demand for higher density data storage, faster read-write access times, and lower power consuming storage devices, which requires new materials to reduce the switching current, improve bit-to-bit distributions, and improve reliability of writing with scalability below 10 nm. Here, vertically aligned nanocomposites (VANs) composed of self-assembled ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) nanopillars in a surrounding ZnO matrix are investigated for controllable magnetic anisotropy. Confinement of LSMO into nanopillar dimensions down to 15 nm in such VAN films aligns the magnetic easy axis along the out-of-plane (i.e., perpendicular) direction, in strong contrast to the typical in-plane easy axis for strained, phase pure LSMO thin films. The dominant contribution to the magnetic anisotropy in these (LSMO)0.1(ZnO)0.9 VAN films comes from the shape of the nanopillars, while the epitaxial strain at the vertical LSMO:ZnO interfaces exhibits a negligible effect. These VAN films with their large, out-of-plane remnant magnetization of 2.6 μB/Mn and bit density of 0.77 Tbits/inch2 offer an interesting strategy for enhanced data storage applications.

BF3 Complexing Phosphate/Phosphonate Ionic Liquids: Synthesis, Characterization and Thermophysical Properties.

A new group of BF3 complexing phosphate/phosphonate ionic liquids (ILs) [Emim][X(BF3)2] (X=dimethyl phosphate, diethyl phosphate, methyl phosphonate, and ethyl phosphonate) were synthesized and characterized. Key thermophysical properties of the new complex ionic liquids, including density, viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, solid-liquid phase transition, and thermal stability were determined and compared with those of [Emim][X]. Some other important thermophysical properties such as isobaric thermal expansion coefficient, molecular volume, standard molar entropy, and lattice potential energy were obtained from measured density data, and the free volume was estimated by a linear equation presented in this article, while critical temperature, normal boiling temperature, and enthalpy of vaporization were estimated from measured surface tension and density data. Furthermore, Fragility study shows that [Emim][X(BF3)2] should be considered as fragile liquids, while [Emim][X] could be considered as extremely fragile liquids. The ionicity of [Emim][X(BF3)2] was predicted by Walden rule, and the result shows that these ILs fit well with Walden law. The key features of these complex ILs are their extremely low glass transition (-95.33~-98.46 °C) without melting, considerably low viscosities (33.876~58.117 mPa ⋅ s), and high values of free volume fraction (comparable to [Omim][BF4], [Emim][NTf2], and [Emim][TCB]).

Dynamic response of a pipe with geometrical restriction subjected to gas-liquid internal flow

Due to the potential hazard of deepwater oil exploration, the Brazilian industry has an ever-increasing concern for reliability during hydrocarbon production. A major source of concern is mechanical failure in devices, such as safety valves, which can fail without warning, putting both the operation and the environment at risk. A possible reason for malfunction and failure could be the permanent occurrence of vibrations induced by internal two-phase flow during the extraction of fluids from the well. An experimental campaign is proposed to better understand these phenomena. Twenty two-phase flow conditions were tested, with superficial velocities ranging from 0.1 m/s to 2.0 m/s for water, and 0.33 m/s to 7.47 m/s for compressed air. The experiments were carried out in a restricted pipe and a pipe without any restriction to evaluate and compare the vibrations produced by two-phase flow (2-FIV). Three accelerometers positioned downstream of the restriction were used to collect vibrational amplitude spectral density data, 2-D acceleration magnitudes, and RMS values of acceleration. Among the main findings are the roles played by the gas volumetric fraction and the mixture velocity, which strongly influence the vibrational amplitude of both tubes, and the observation that the gas phase is the main responsible for vibrational amplitudes at low frequencies, while the liquid phase acts mainly at high frequencies. Furthermore, the flow pattern is also considered a key feature in determining the vibration level, as 20- and 12-fold increments have been observed for the same volumetric fraction when comparing elongated bubbles and severe slug patterns. Finally, it was demonstrated that the presence of an internal restriction strongly influences the structural response.

Nonlinear mechanisms of CO2 emissions in growing and shrinking cities: An empirical study on integrated effects of aging and industrial structure in Japan

For the first time, this research aims to reveal how population age changes the nexus of industrial structure upgrading-carbon emissions under urban growth and shrinkage using a panel threshold model. Population aging, industrial structure upgrading, and CO2 emission mitigation represent three main challenges for urban development globally. However, only a few studies have integrated these challenges under the same framework, especially in the context of differentiated urban development patterns. Taking Japan as an example, urban development patterns are classified into four types using urban population and population density data from 2010 to 2020, including growth type, potential shrinking type, smart shrinking type, and continuous shrinking type. Each type's CO2 emission patterns regarding energy consumption are then examined. After controlling for several socioeconomic and urban land scale variables, population aging and industry structure were used as the threshold variable and the key explanatory variable in the panel threshold model, respectively. The results showed that growing cities have lower carbon emissions than any of the shrinking cities in terms of CO2 emissions per capita. A single-threshold effect of population aging was detected that changes the nexus of industrial structure upgrading-CO2 emissions in potentially shrinking cities and continuously shrinking cities, while no such nonlinear effect was detected in the growing group. The mitigating effect of industrial structure upgrading on CO2 emissions per capita increases as the aging level crosses 23.71% in potentially shrinking cities. In contrast, the promoting effect of industrial structure upgrading on CO2 emissions per capita weakens as the aging level crosses 20.27% in continuously shrinking cities. This study implies a nonlinear mechanism of CO2 emissions considering the integrated effects of aging and industrial structure, contributing to developing a rational and efficient emission reduction strategy considering differentiated urban development patterns.

PρT measurements of 3-aminopropan-1-ol and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine from (293.15 to 473.15) K and up to 40 MPa and modeling with modified Tait and PC-SAFT equations

New density data has been reported for 3-aminopropan-1-ol (AP) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine (NHEM) at temperatures ranging from (293.15–473.15) K at 19 pressures ranging from (0.1–40) MPa. The experimental measurements were carried out using an Anton Paar high-pressure vibrating tube densimeter with a combined expanded uncertainty of 1 kg m−3 at a 95 % confidence level. Contributions considered in the uncertainty analysis included the impurities in the materials used and apparatus specification. In addition, the density and speed of sound at ambient pressure (81.5 kPa) and temperatures (293.15–343.15) K were measured. The experimental density data were correlated with the modified Tait equation. Values of thermal expansion coefficient (αP ) and isothermal compressibility (κT) were calculated. The work is completed with the modeling of the experimental data using the perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state (PC-SAFT EOS). The parameters of the PC-SAFT equation of state, for the pure compounds, were determined by fitting the equation to the liquid PρT experimental data. Thermodynamic properties such as thermal expansion coefficient (αP), isothermal compressibility (κT), isobaric heat capacity (CP), and speed of sound (u) were calculated with the obtain parameters. Good agreement between experimental data and derived properties represented the modeling accuracy with the obtained parameters.

Assessment of the relationship between gut microbiota and bone mineral density: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Emerging evidence from observational studies and clinical trials suggests a connection between the gut microbiota and variations in bone mineral density (BMD). Nonetheless, the specific association between gut microbiota and BMD alterations at different skeletal sites has not been comprehensively explored. To address this, we employed Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics from a publicly accessible database, conducting a two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis to elucidate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and BMD. This study utilized two distinct thresholds for screening instrumental variables (IVs), followed by an extensive series of quality control procedures to identify IVs that were significantly related to exposure. Gut microbiota were classified into two sets based on hierarchical levels: phylum, class, order, family, and genus. Bone mineral density (BMD) data were systematically collected from four skeletal sites: femoral neck, lumbar spine, forearm, and heel. For Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, robust methods including Inverse-Variance Weighting (IVW) and the Wald Ratio Test were employed. Additional analytical tests such as the Outlier Test, Heterogeneity Test, 'Leave-One-Out' Test, and Pleiotropy Test were conducted to assess the impact of horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities, and the genetic variation stability of gut microbiota on BMD causal associations. The MR Steiger Directionality Test was applied to exclude studies with potential directional biases. In this two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, we utilized five sets of exposure GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) summary statistics and four sets of outcome GWAS summary statistics. The initial analysis, applying a threshold of p < 5 × 10-6, identified 48 significant causal relationships between genetic liability in the gut microbiome and bone mineral density (BMD). A subsequent analysis with a more stringent threshold of p < 5 × 10-8 uncovered 14 additional causal relationships. Upon applying the Bonferroni correction, 9 results from the first analysis and 10 from the second remained statistically significant. Our MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between gut microbiota and bone mineral density at all sites, which could lead to discoveries in future mechanistic and clinical studies of microbiota-associated osteoporosis.

A Theoretical and Experimental Approach to Ultrasonic Velocities, Densities, and Refractive Indices in Benzene and Aniline Mixture

The study investigates the theoretical velocities of binary liquid mixtures comprising Aniline and Benzene under 2MHz ultrasonic waves at temperatures of 303.15K, 308.15K, and 313.15K, examined in relation to mole fraction. Experimental data is compared with various theoretical models, including Nomoto theory (NOM), Ideal mixing relation (IMR), Impedance Relation (IR), Rao’s Specific Velocity Method (R), and Junjie’s relations (JR). The work reflects the changes in refractive index with varying liquid density across different mole fractions, explaining observed impacts on ultrasonic velocities. To assess the goodness of fit, Chi-square tests and average percentage errors are employed, allowing for an evaluation of the relative applicability of these theories within the studied systems. The study also explores how the thermos-acoustical characteristics of the systems evolve concerning the mole fraction of a common molecule, shedding light on molecular interactions. Furthermore, various parameters for the binary mixture, such as discrepancies in ultrasonic velocity, excess isentropic compressibility, surplus acoustic impedance, excess intermolecular free length, and molar refraction deviation, are computed using experimental data of density, refractive index, and ultrasonic velocities at different mole fractions of benzene in the aniline-benzene mixture. These calculations serve to reflect the intermolecular interactions present in the binary liquid mixture.

AutoATES v2.0: Automated Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale mapping

Abstract. Avalanche risk assessment is complex and challenging, with terrain assessment as one of the most fundamental factors. To aid people's terrain assessment, Parks Canada developed the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES), a system that classifies the severity of avalanche terrain into five classes from non-avalanche terrain to extreme terrain. Manual classification is laborious and dependent on expert's assessments. To ease the process Larsen et al. (2020) developed an automated ATES model (AutoATES v1.0). Although the model allowed large-scale mapping, it had some significant limitations. This paper presents an improved AutoATES v2.0 model improving the potential release area (PRA) model, utilizing the new Flow-Py runout simulation package. Furthermore, it incorporates forest density data in the PRA, in Flow-Py, and in a newly developed post-forest-classification step. AutoATES v2.0 has also been rewritten in open-source software, making it more widely available. The paper includes a validation of the model measured against two consensus maps made by three experts at two different locations in western Canada. For Bow Summit, the F1 score (a measure of how well the model performs) improved from 64 % to 77 %. For Connaught Creek, the F1 score improved from 40 % to 71 %. The main challenge limiting large-scale ATES classification is the determination of optimal input parameters for different regions and climates. In areas where AutoATES v2.0 is applied, it can be a valuable tool for avalanche risk assessment and decision-making. Ultimately, our goal is for AutoATES v2.0 to enable efficient, regional-scale, and potentially global ATES mapping in a standardized manner rather than based solely on expert judgment.

Combining species distribution models and big datasets may provide finer assessments of snakebite impacts.

Snakebite is a major poverty-related neglected tropical disease. An integrated scientific approach is needed to understand the dynamics of this important health issue. Our objective was to estimate snakebite occurrence in a tropical area by using a blend of ecological modelling and robust statistical analysis. The present study used climatic, environmental, and human population density data to determine the area with snakebite occurrence-probability for the first time in Bangladesh. We also analysed a large, 16-year dataset of hospitalized snakebite cases to reveal the epidemiology of snakebite in the south-eastern zone of the country. Our results show that cobra bite is the most commonly occurring venomous snakebite in humans (around ~12% of the total yearly snakebite records), and men are more frequently bitten than women (2/3 of human victims are men). Most bites occur during the rainy season for cobra and green pit viper, while krait bites are not restricted to any particular season. As snakebite incidents are closely related to climate conditions, we can model snakebite risk using temperature and precipitation variables. Whereas there is a lack of snakebite reports from several parts of the study area in official records, our models predict that the entire study area is favourable for snakebite incidents. Based on the combined evidence we estimate that about 200,000 snakebite events occur every year in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh alone. Considering future global climate change, our model projections show that snakebite incidence in Bangladesh might not significantly decrease in the future (- 2070-); however, the distribution of probabilities might change, with a predicted increase of snakebite incidence in the hilly areas of the country. Using climatic data to predict snakebite incidence in Bangladesh allowed us to provide estimations of the total annual number of snakebite cases in the study area. As in most countries, the scarcity of accurate epidemiological data in official records might have masked the real magnitude of this problem. Our analysis suggests that the problem of snakebite envenoming in Bangladesh might be worse than currently perceived. A long-term sustainable snakebite program plan should be designed and institutionalized, considering climatic, geographical and human demographic variables, to obtain better data and facilitate the implementation of accurate snakebite management programs for this country.

Variation of Ultrasonic Velocity and a Few Acoustic Parameters as a Function Frequency in Some Commonly Used Edible Oils

In the present investigation an attempt is made to find out whether ultrasonic velocity and acoustic parameters vary as a function of frequency by using the ultrasonic technique. Ultrasonic velocities of commercially available edible oils were various frequencies by using Ultrasonic Multi-frequency Interferometer at room temperature. The density of the oils was determined by using a specific Gravity bottle of 10ml capacity at 30±0.1ºC. The present study gives information about the ultrasonic velocity changes as a function of frequency and the data of Ultrasonic Velocity and density obtained will be highly useful in estimating various acoustic parameters such as Acoustic impedance (Z), Bulk Modulus (K), and Adiabatic Compressibility (βad). Acoustic parameters and their variation in the systems of oils studied. The variation of ultrasonic velocity is critically discussed as a function of frequency and the data presented in the present work will be highly useful in identifying the adulteration in oils.

REAL-TIME MONITORING FOR DETECTING LAKE POLLUTION AND BIOTIC CONSERVATION

This research unveils a comprehensive system designed to tackle plastic pollution in lakes autonomously, eliminating the necessity for human intervention. By harnessing sensor data and camera imagery processed through the YOLO algorithm, the system identifies plastic debris. It then calculates the debris density and compares it against a preset threshold. Once the threshold is exceeded, an automated email alert containing the density data is sent to relevant authorities. Additionally, water quality sensors are integrated to continuously monitor environmental conditions. Regular updates are provided to enable proactive measures in pollution prevention. This endeavor showcases the utilization of advanced technology to address environmental challenges and safeguard aquatic ecosystems' health. By employing automated detection and monitoring mechanisms, the system offers a sustainable approach to combat plastic pollution in lakes, fostering environmental conservation endeavors.

Systematic investigation on semi-empirical thermodynamic quantities of excited nuclei using canonical ensemble

Semi-empirical thermodynamic quantities (TQs) of 78 nuclei ranging from 43Sc to 243Pu have been systematically investigated in the temperature region below 1 MeV using the thermodynamic canonical ensemble. The latter is carried out by taking into account the experimental nuclear level density (NLD) data measured using the Oslo method for the low-excitation region below the neutron binding energy B n combining with the back-shifted Fermi gas NLD model for the excitation energy from B n to about 250 MeV. In particular, the uncertainty of the TQs propagating from the fluctuation of the experimental NLD data has been, for the first time, calculated. The results obtained indicate that the uncertainty of TQs due to the experimental NLD is incomparable with the changes caused by the nuclear structure effects. The free energy of even–even nuclei behaves differently from that of odd-A ones. The total energy in the low-temperature region below T E ≃ 0.4 − 0.6 MeV for medium-mass nuclei and T E ≃ 0.2 − 0.4 MeV for heavy-mass ones slowly varies. When temperature is from T E to 1 MeV, the total energy increases extremely faster than the increase of temperature, exhibiting the constant-temperature behavior. The entropy exhibits an abrupt change in their slope at T S ≃ 0.2 − 0.4 MeV in medium-mass nuclei and T S ≃ 0.5 − 0.6 MeV in heavy-mass ones. The existence of T E and T S has been interpreted due to the breaking of the first Cooper pair. Finally, the heat capacity shows a strongly pronounced S-shape in nuclei belonging to the rare-earth region. The temperatures defined at the center of the S − shaped heat capacities, which are known to closely relate to the critical temperature of the pairing phase transition T C, are quite close to those theoretically predicted, namely T C ≈ 0.5Δ − 0.6Δ with Δ = 12A −1/2 being the empirical pairing gap at zero temperature. The semi-empirical TQs obtained in the present work can be, therefore, a reliable data source to test and/or validate many nuclear thermodynamical models and to examine some nuclear structure properties such as pairing and deformation.

Transfiguring energy with an advantageous supercapacitor integrating MoS2/carbon quantum dots bi‐composites into a high‐performance polypyrrole matrix for unprecedented efficiency

AbstractFor the first time, a simple one‐step in situ chemical polymerization technique is used to create a novel molybdenum disulphide/sulphonated carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and polypyrrole (MCP) nanocomposite that is extended for successful use in charge storage supercapacitor (SC) device. By inheriting qualities of excellent electrical conductivity of MoS2, CQDs and improved pseudocapacitive activity of polypyrrole (PPy), the MCP nanocomposite provides a suitable SC electrode material. 0.6 MCP nanocomposited three‐electrode system demonstrates 93.21% retention after 5000 cycles, and a maximum specific capacity of 2253 F/g at 2 mV/s with higher side of energy density as 106.06 Wh/kg along with a considerable power density as 180.28 W/kg. Using MCP as anode and an AC or activated charcoal electrode as cathode, a solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was constructed. The fabricated device supplies a greater value of specific capacitance as 154.09 F/g at 100 mV/s and 175 F/g at 0.1 A/g, also evidenced superior energy density data as 126 Wh/kg along with an appreciable power density of 604.8 W/kg. After charging the ASC for 2 min, the light emitting diode shone for 5 min. The findings underpin that MCP is a potential electrode material that could be utilized as a better alternative in futuristic supercapacitor devices.

The electron density at the midpoint of the plasmapause

The high density plasmasphere in the magnetosphere is often separated from a lower density region outside of the plasmasphere, called the plasmatrough, by a sharp gradient in electron density called the plasmapause. Here we use plasmapause events identified from electron density data from the ISEE, CRRES, Polar, and IMAGE missions, and the nonlinear genetic algorithm TuringBot, to find models for the electron density at the midpoint of the plasmapause, ne,pp. A good model for ne,pp should include dependence on L, which is the strongest dependence. But models can be improved by including weaker dependencies on the magnetic local time, MLT, the solar EUV index F10.7, and geomagnetic activity as indicated by averages of Kp and AE. The most complicated model that we present predicts ne,pp within a factor of 1.64, and is within the range of observed plasmapause densities for about 96% of our events. These models can be useful for separating plasma populations into plasmasphere-like and plasmatrough-like populations. We also make available our database of electron density measurements categorized into various populations.

The water bimodal inherent structure and the liquid-liquid transition as proposed by the experimental density data.

The bulk water density data are studied in a very large temperature-pressure range, from stable liquid to glass in the frame of water polymorphism. Because this thermodynamic variable evidences a crossover T*, above which the hydrogen bond (HB) is unable to arrange tetrahedral networks, the T-dependence of their isobars was considered. Such an analysis also shows pressure, P*, around which their thermal behaviors are completely different: concave below P* (with maxima and minima) and convex above (without extremes). Having ρ's measured values of the bimodal structures of the liquid phase, HDL (ρHDL), made of not-bonded monomers (ρNHB) and partially bonded dimers plus trimers (ρNHB), and LDL tetramers (ρLDL) the isobars of the relative distributions [W(P, T)] of the three species (WLDL, WPHB, and WNHB) have been evaluated. The results were studied by means of a logistic function (LF) that details the evolutions of the relative polpulations of the water LDL and HDL phases by decreasing T (for the isobars, in the range of 0.1-400 MPa). The LFs analysis obtained by proposing a full connection between liquid water from its supercooled metastable phase to the stable up to the boiling temperature identifies the Widom line quite satisfactorily and fully supports the presence of the liquid-liquid critical point in the deep supercooled region, located at about 190K and in the range 200 > P > 180 MPa.

Effects of natural treatments on the varroa mite infestation levels and overall health of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies.

The survival of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which has a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem maintenance, is threatened by many pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses. The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is considered the major cause of the worldwide decline in honey bee colony health. Although several synthetic acaricides are available to control Varroa infestations, resistant mites and side effects on bees have been documented. The development of natural alternatives for mite control is therefore encouraged. The study aims at exploring the effects of cinnamon and oregano essential oils (EOs) and of a mixed fruit cocktail juice on mite infestation levels and bee colony health. A multi-method study including hive inspection, mite count, molecular detection of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, analysis of defensin-1, hymenoptaecin and vitellogenin immune gene expression, colony density and honey production data, was conducted in a 20-hive experimental apiary. The colonies were divided into five groups: four treatment groups and one control group. The treatment groups were fed on a sugar syrup supplemented with cinnamon EO, oregano EO, a 1:1 mixture of both EOs, or a juice cocktail. An unsupplemented syrup was, instead, used to feed the control group. While V. destructor affected all the colonies throughout the study, no differences in mite infestation levels, population density and honey yield were observed between treatment and control groups. An overexpression of vitellogenin was instead found in all EO-treated groups, even though a significant difference was only found in the group treated with the 1:1 EO mixture. Viral (DWV, CBPV and BQCV), fungal (Nosema ceranae) and bacterial (Melissococcus plutonius) pathogens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic colonies were detected.