Si Deposition Research Articles

Manual and ventilator hyperinflation parameters used by intensive care physiotherapists in Sri Lanka: An online survey.

Hyperinflation is a common procedure to clear secretion, increase lung compliance and enhance oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients. Hyperinflation can be provided as manual hyperinflation (MHI) or ventilator hyperinflation (VHI), where outcomes depend upon the methods of application. Hence it is crucial to assess the application of techniques employed in Sri Lanka due to observed variations from recommended practices. This study is aimed to evaluate the application and parameters used for MHI and VHI by physiotherapists in intensive care units (ICUs) in Sri Lanka. An online survey was conducted among physiotherapists who are working in ICUs in Sri Lanka using WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. A total of 96 physiotherapists responded. The survey comprised of three sections to obtain information about socio-demographic data, MHI practices and VHI practices. Most of the respondents (47%) worked in general hospitals and 74% of participants had a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy; 31.3% had 3-6 years of experience; 93.8% used hyperinflation, and 78.9% used MHI. MHI was performed routinely and as needed to treat low oxygen levels, abnormal breath sounds, and per physician orders while avoiding contraindications. Self-inflation bags are frequently used for MHI (40.6%). Only a few participants (26%) used a manometer or tracked PIP. In addition to the supine position, some participants (37.5%) used the side-lying position. Most physiotherapists followed the recommended MHI technique: slow squeeze (57.3%), inspiratory pause (45.8%), and quick release (70.8%). VHI was practised by 19.8%, with medical approval and it was frequently performed by medical staff compared to physiotherapists. Treatment time, number of breaths, and patient positioning varied, and parameters were not well-defined. The study found that MHI was not applied with the recommended PIP, and VHI parameters were not identified. The study indicates a need to educate physiotherapists about current VHI and MHI practice guidelines.

Neural Respiratory Drive During Different Dyspnea Relief Positions and Breathing Exercises in Individuals With COPD.

When the work load of the respiratory muscles increases and/or their capacity decreases in individuals with COPD, respiratory muscle activation increases to maintain gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, and perception of dyspnea occurs. The present study aimed to compare diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscle activation during normal breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and breathing control in different dyspnea relief positions, supine and side lying. A cross-sectional study design was used. Sixteen individuals with COPD age between 40-75 y were included. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry, muscle activation by surface electromyography, and dyspnea by the modified Borg scale. Muscle activation was measured in the diaphragm, scalene, sternocleidomastoid, and parasternal muscles. The evaluation was made in the dyspnea relief positions (sitting leaning forward, sitting leaning forward at a table, leaning forward with back against a wall, standing leaning forward, and high lying), seated erect, supine, and side lying. There were significant differences between the 8 positions (P < .001). There was no significant difference in muscle activation between sitting leaning forward and sitting leaning forward at a table position with analyzing post hoc test results (P > .99 for each muscle). However, muscle activation was lower in these 2 positions than in the other positions (P < .001 for each muscle). Muscle activation was greater in the supine position than in the other positions (P < .001 for each muscle). No difference was observed in muscle activation between the seated erect, leaning forward with back against a wall, standing leaning forward, high-lying, or side-lying positions (P > .05 for each muscle with a minimum P value of .09). The use of sitting leaning forward and sitting leaning forward at a table positions together with breathing control may help people with COPD to achieve more effective dyspnea relief and greater energy efficiency.

Deformation Analysis and Prediction of a High-Speed Railway Suspension Bridge under Multi-Load Coupling

High-speed railway suspension bridges (HSRSBs) have been constructed with the new advancements in technology. The deformation prediction for HSRSBs is essential to their safety and maintenance. The conventional prediction methods are developed for bridges without high-speed railway. Different factors, including temperature (TEMP), time delay compensation (TDC), train live load (TLL), are considered in these methods. However, the train side (TS) and train instantaneous position (TIP) have a significant impact on deformation for HSRSBs, and they are not used in the prediction. More importantly, the coupling issue among different factors is so significant that it cannot be neglected. In this study, we propose a deformation prediction model based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network. This model uses different factors as model input, including TEMP, TDC, TLL, TS, and TIP. The coupling issue is addressed by using the new model. The new model was evaluated using a dataset of 10-day field measurements. It achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 8.81 mm, a mean relative error (MRE) of 9.82%, and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.94. The new model will provide high-precision prediction for deformation and will be used in the development of an early warning system.

Modulation of rhizosphere microbial community and metabolites by bio-functionalized nanoscale silicon oxide alleviates cadmium-induced phytotoxicity in bayberry plants

Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic heavy metal that can originate from industrial activities and accumulate in agricultural soils. This study investigates the potential of biologically synthesized silicon oxide nanoparticles (Bio-SiNPs) in alleviating Cd toxicity in bayberry plants. Bio-SiNPs were synthesized using the bacterial strain Chryseobacterium sp. RTN3 and thoroughly characterized using advanced techniques. A pot experiment results demonstrated that Cd stress substantially reduced leaves biomass, photosynthesis efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity, and induced oxidative damage in bayberry (Myrica rubra) plants. However, Bio-SiNPs application at 200 mg kg−1 significantly enhanced plant biomass, chlorophyll content (26.4 %), net photosynthetic rate (8.6 %), antioxidant enzyme levels, and mitigated reactive oxygen species production under Cd stress. Bio-SiNPs modulated key stress-related phytohormones by increasing salicylic acid (13.2 %) and abscisic acid (13.7 %) contents in plants. Bio-SiNPs augmented Si deposition on root surfaces, preserving normal ultrastructure in leaf cells. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that Bio-SiNPs treatment favorably reshaped structure and abundance of specific bacterial groups (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota) in the rhizosphere. Notably, Bio-SiNPs application significantly modulated the key metabolites (phenylacetaldehyde, glycitein, maslinic acid and methylmalonic acid) under both normal and Cd stress conditions. Overall, this study highlights that bio-nanoremediation using Bio-SiNPs enhances tolerance to Cd stress in bayberry plants by beneficially modulating biochemical, microbial, and metabolic attributes.

The Impact of Physiotherapy on the Developmental Progress of Preterm Infants Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Every year, worldwide, 14.9 million babies are born prematurely. Therefore, these children are at greater risk of respiratory, cardiac, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention in premature newborns and whether the utilized techniques promote their normal development Patients: the study population consisted of 20 randomly selected neonates. The 20 neonates were randomly divided into two groups, the intervention group (Group A, 10 neonates) and the control group (Group B, 10 neonates). Methods: In the newborns of the intervention group (A), an intervention was carried out that focused on the correct positioning in a "nest" (imitation of intrauterine experience), on the changes of supine, prone, right, and left side positions, on the reduction or elimination of stress signs and passive mobilization in the supine position. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate were continuously recorded, as well as neurodevelopmental assessment and recording of any feeding problems. weight gain, but also the length of stay of newborns in the hospital. Results: Oxygen saturation was clearly improved in premature neonates who followed respiratory physical therapy as well as improved (decreased) heart rate. Neurological examination in the neonates of the intervention group was normal and none showed feeding problems. It was also found that the newborns in the intervention group had a more stable rate of weight gain compared to the newborns in the control group. Conclusions: It is considered necessary to implement early intervention programs to prevent or minimize the negative effects of prematurity on the respiratory and neurodevelopmental development of newborns

Variability of clinical practice in the care of the second stage of labor among midwives in Spain

BackgroundThere are recommendations based on scientific evidence on care in the second stage of labor, but it is not known to what degree the professionals comply with these recommendations.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the variability in clinical practices among midwives during the second stage of labor, including positions, mobility, practices, and the maximum time allowed before initiating active pushing, and to assess their adherence to clinical practice guidelines.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study. A self-designed questionnaire was developed and distributed online through scientific societies. The main variables studied were professional and work environment characteristics, maternal positions and mobility, practices during this stage, maximum time to start active pushing and duration of the second stage of labor. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS 24.0.ResultsRegarding the woman’s position during childbirth, 80.3% (245) of midwives frequently or always allow the woman to choose her birthing position. Furthermore, 44.6% (136) of professionals prefer using side-lying positions for the mother. Regarding drinking fluids during childbirth, 51.1% (156) of midwives allowed the woman to drink the amount of liquids she wanted, whereas 11.1% (34) said that they would allow them to do so however, this was against the protocol of their hospital. When inquiring about the Kristeller maneuver, it was reported to be excessively performed in 35.1% (107) of cases for fetal bradycardia, 33.1% (101) for maternal exhaustion, and 38.4% (117) to avoid instrumental birth. Finally, a great variability was observed in the time criteria used for the initiation of active pushing and the maximum duration of the second stage of labor.ConclusionsCertain practices, such as the Kristeller maneuver, are overused among midwives, with great variability in the use of certain procedures, the waiting times to initiate pushing and completion of the second stage of labor. Further training and awareness campaigns are needed for professionals to apply evidence-based care.

Silicon eccentric shell nanoparticles fabricated by template-assisted deposition for Mie magnetic resonances enhanced light confinement

We report a structure of silicon eccentric shell particles array, fabricated by the SiO2 particles monolayer array assisted deposition of amorphous Si, for high-efficiency light confinement. The SiO2 particles monolayer array is tailored to regulate its interparticle distance, followed by silicon film deposition to obtain silicon eccentric shell arrays with positive and negative off-center distance e. We studied the Mie resonances of silicon solid sphere, concentric shell, eccentric shell and observed that the eccentric shell with positive off-center e supports superior light confinement because of the enhanced Mie magnetic resonances. Spectroscopic measurements and finite difference time domain simulations were conducted to examine the optical performance of the eccentric shell particles array. Results show that the Mie magnetic resonance wavelength can be easily regulated by the size of the inner void of the silicon shell to realize tunable enhanced light confinement. It was found silicon shell with D = 460/520 nm offered high enhanced light absorption efficiency at wavelength of λ = 830 nm, almost beyond the bandgap of the amorphous silicon.

InN nanowire solar cells on Si with amorphous Si interlayer deposited by sputtering

Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of InN nanowire solar cells deposited by RF sputtering with a bandgap energy of 1.78 eV. By adding an amorphous Si (a-Si) buffer to the n-InN/p-Si structure, we have improved the photovoltaic performance of the resulting devices while maintaining their material quality. We have firstly optimized the deposition of Si on Si(100) by DC sputtering, obtaining an amorphous material with bandgap energy of 1.39 eV. Then we have studied the influence of the thickness of the a-Si buffer layer (0–25 nm) on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of InN nanowires on Si(100) substrates. With the use of a 15-nm buffer, n-InN/a-Si/p-Si nanowire heterojunction solar cells exhibit a promising short-circuit current density of 17 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage of 0.37 V and fill factor of 35.5%, pointing to a power-conversion efficiency of 2.3% under 1-sun (AM 1.5G) illumination. These work demonstrates that the combination of in-situ sputtered a-Si, which could serve as potential passivation layer, and the light trapping enhancement by the nanostructured active layer leads to an improvement of the photovoltaic efficiency of sputtered III-nitride devices.

Influence of Side Duct Position and Venting Position on the Explosion and Combustion Characteristics of Premixed Methane/Air

In order to explore the influence of the side duct position and venting position on the premixed combustion and explosion characteristics of methane/air, a premixed combustion and explosion experiment of methane/air and a simulation of an explosion of the same size were carried out in a tube with an internal size of 2000 mm × 110 mm × 110 mm. The results showed that the side duct could change the flame structure and accelerate the flame inside the tube. The maximum increase ratio of the flame propagation speed was 106.1%. The side duct had a certain venting effect on the explosion pressure. For different position cases, when the venting film was placed over the bottom section, the maximum overpressure first decreased and then increased. When the venting film was placed over the middle section and the top section, the maximum overpressure first increased and then decreased, and the change trend of the top section was stronger. Turbulence mostly occurred inside the side duct when the venting film of the side duct ruptured. There is no linear relationship between the maximum flame propagation velocity within the tube and the maximum turbulent kinetic energy inside the side duct. The two had a relationship that could be fitted to the Gauss function; the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.836, and the minimum value was at (4767.72, 17.918), suggesting that the side duct had the best venting effect on the flame inside the duct at this maximum turbulent kinetic energy. The analysis results of the influence of the location of the vent on the maximum flame propagation velocity inside the tube are helpful for optimizing the layout design of the underground space, reducing the combustion efficiency, and ensuring the safety of the process.

Low power silicon evaporation source—Construction, performances, and applications

The construction of a low power silicon evaporation source for thin film deposition applications is proposed in this article. A few differently shaped tungsten filaments were mounted inside a quartz glass crucible, which assured an effective heating of silicon wafer pieces. The sublimation process was monitored at filament powers in the range of 8–22 W, which corresponds to temperatures far below the melting point of Si. The operation of the evaporation source requires only the use of a low voltage power supply. All considered models of evaporation sources are characterized by an easy construction. The measurements carried out with the use of a quartz crystal microbalance sensor enabled to determine the deposition rate at different filament powers for all constructed Si sources and confirm the long-term stability of the silicon flux. The experimental data exhibit the Polany–Wigner dependence of the deposition rate as a function of inverse of power at higher filament powers. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to monitor the deposition of Si on Ag(100) under constant silicon flux. The Auger signal recorded from Si and Ag reflects the growth of subsequent silicon layers. This enabled the determination of the Frank–van der Merwe growth mode of Si on Ag(100) at early stages of growth, the formation time of one Si monolayer, and, thus, the deposition rate. The presented designs of the Si source exhibit long time stable evaporation fully controlled by the applied filament power, which is crucial in the precise adsorption of ultrathin Si layers.

Numerical simulation of single-jet impact cooling and double-jet impact cooling of hot-rolled L-shaped steel based on multiphase flow model

In this paper, numerical simulations of single-jet impingement cooling and double-jet impingement cooling processes of heated L-shaped steel are carried out using the VOF model. The SIMPLEC pressure–velocity coupling algorithm and realizable k-ε model are used for the solution. The effects of jet position, water flow, and jet distance in the single-jet condition are analyzed in the simulations. The distributions of impact pressure, turbulence kinetic energy, and Nusselt number were obtained, as well as the variation of the peak values of these three factors with the jet position, water flow, and jet distance. The water flow rate is 3–11 L/min, and the jet distance is 5–25 cm. The effect of the distance between the two nozzles on the jet cooling uniformity under the dual jet condition was also analyzed. The distance between the two nozzles was 15–45 mm. The results showed that the variation of water flow rate had a greater effect on the ability of jet cooling compared with the jet position and jet distance, and the heat transfer efficiency also increased gradually with the increase of water flow, but the increased rate of heat transfer efficiency decreased gradually. When the flow rate increased from 3 to 11 L/min, the maximum instantaneous cooling rates at 1/4 of the thickness of the short side upper side, long side upper side, short side lower side, and long side lower side positions increased by 38.9%, 48.5%, 48.2%, and 32.9%, respectively. To ensure that the jet does not shift, the jet distance should be less than or equal to 10 cm. In the case of the double jet, the nozzle distance is 1.5 cm, and the cooling uniformity of the cooling area between the two nozzles is better. The peak Nusselt number in the cooling area of each part under the double jet cooling condition increased by 5%, 9.4%, 10.2%, and 13.3%, respectively, compared with the single jet.

Crater-free monolayer graphene above the 2D Si film on SiC(0001) formed via SiSn cointercalation and Sn deintercalation

When Si atoms are intercalated under the graphene-like zero layer (ZL) generated on the SiC(0001) substrate, the resulting quasi-free-standing monolayer graphene (QFMLG) has lots of crater-like defects due to a strong Si-C reaction. Here, a method for creating crater-free QFMLG above a two-dimensional Si film is investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission spectroscopy. The method involves forming a SiSn interfacial film as a precursor via cointercalation performed by sequential Sn and Si deposition on the ZL at room temperature and annealing at 650–700 °C. The Sn atoms prevent reactive Si atoms from directly contacting the ZL, which would otherwise cause SiC defects. The sample is then annealed at 750 °C to selectively remove the Sn atoms from the SiSn interfacial film, leaving a well-ordered Si film. The SiSn film composed of a bottom Si layer and top Sn atoms has a short-range-ordered “2 × 2” or a long-range-ordered 2×7 superstructure depending on the annealing temperature and the Sn coverage. Both the superstructures are semiconducting and induce less n-doped QFMLG than the pure Si film.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Side-Lying Position in Infant Modified Barium Swallow Studies: A Qualitative Investigation

Purpose: This qualitative study explored the practices of hospital-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) conducting modified barium swallow studies (MBS) for infants at risk for dysphagia. Specifically, this research aimed to determine whether or not SLPs use side-lying position during MBS, to examine possible differences in the use of positioning, and to better understand SLPs' perceptions and experiences in this practice. Using a constructivist view, research questions guiding this inquiry were as follows: What is the current practice of hospital-based pediatric SLPs in regard to the use of side-lying position during infant MBS? What is the experience of the hospital-based SLP in their use of side-lying position during MBS? How do SLPs report perceived barriers or benefits to using side-lying position during MBS? Method: Employing a purposive-convenience sampling technique, data were collected using semistructured interviews of SLPs serving at-risk infants with dysphagia. All participants were practicing in Level-III or -IV neonatal intensive care units. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, loaded into NVivo, and coded using initial and consensus coding. Themes achieved saturation following six interviews. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) variations in practice patterns, (b) factors influencing clinical practice, and (c) items that SLPs identified as needs to facilitate change in their clinical practice. Conclusions: Although SLPs acknowledged the importance of MBS replicating an infant's typical feeding, some SLPs who consistently use side-lying position during feeding do not assess feeding in side-lying position during MBS. This inconsistency in practice results from SLPs' perceived barriers, including lack of experience, concern over interdisciplinary conflict, need for MBS protocols, and lack of research on the potential impacts of side-lying positioning on swallowing. Participants reported the need for research to determine whether side-lying position alters, possibly improves, swallow functions and safety (e.g., airway protection) for at-risk infants.

Asuhan Keperawatan Pada Pasien Stroke Hemoragik Dengan Pemberian Intervensi Posisi Miring Kanan Kiri Terhadap Pencegahan Dekubitus

The background of this research is based on a brain disease, namely stroke. Stroke results in much higher mortality and morbidity. Viewed from the aspects of risk of death, high medical costs, decreased quality of life and increased prevalence, stroke has a broad impact. Apart from that, decubitus problems also arise in stroke sufferers due to prolonged pressure, the parts that experience bruising are the hips, buttocks, foot joints and heels. Based on a preliminary study conducted at the Tangerang Regency General Hospital, there were 89 patients with a diagnosis of stroke starting from 2022. Meanwhile, in the Cempaka room, it was found that during the assessment there was 1 case with a diagnosis of stroke on January 2 2024. The results of this research are effectiveness. right and left tilt positions in reducing pressure sores or decubitus in patients with stroke. The conclusion of this study is that the right and left side positions are non-pharmacological techniques for reducing pressure ulcers or decubitus and can be used in patients who experience problems with prolonged bed rest. The suggestion from this research is that intervention in right and left tilt positions can be carried out according to the 2021 PPNI SOP.

Association of Breast-Feeding Positions with Scapular Dyskinesia in Postpartum Females

Background: Breastfeeding is a vital activity for the nurturing and development of infants. However, the postures adopted during breastfeeding may have implications for the physical well-being of postpartum females, particularly concerning scapular dyskinesia—a condition characterized by altered scapular movement and positioning, which can affect shoulder function. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between different breastfeeding positions and the prevalence of scapular dyskinesia among postpartum females, providing insights into the potential musculoskeletal implications of breastfeeding practices. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 111 postpartum females aged 18-45 years, who had been breastfeeding for six months or more. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenient sampling from various hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Data on breastfeeding positions and the occurrence of scapular dyskinesia were collected through self-administered questionnaires and the Scapular Dyskinesia Test (SDT) by McClure, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant demographics and breastfeeding practices, while the chi-square test was employed to examine the association between breastfeeding positions and scapular dyskinesia. Results: Among the participants, the cradle hold was the most commonly used breastfeeding position (82.0%), followed by the cross cradle (13.5%), side-lying (3.6%), and laid-back positions (0.9%). The prevalence of scapular dyskinesia was 41.4%, with no statistically significant association found between breastfeeding positions and scapular dyskinesia (p-value = 0.06). Additionally, upper back pain was reported by 39.6% of the participants, indicating a notable presence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no significant association between breastfeeding positions and scapular dyskinesia among postpartum females. Despite the high prevalence of scapular dyskinesia and musculoskeletal discomfort, the type of breastfeeding position does not appear to influence the likelihood of developing scapular dyskinesia. These findings suggest the need for further research into the factors contributing to musculoskeletal health in postpartum females and the development of guidelines for breastfeeding practices that promote maternal comfort and physical well-being.

The Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Silicon Action in Salt Stress Amelioration.

Salinity is one of the most common abiotic stress factors affecting different biochemical and physiological processes in plants, inhibiting plant growth, and greatly reducing productivity. During the last decade, silicon (Si) supplementation was intensively studied and now is proposed as one of the most convincing methods to improve plant tolerance to salt stress. In this review, we discuss recent papers investigating the role of Si in modulating molecular, biochemical, and physiological processes that are negatively affected by high salinity. Although multiple reports have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Si application in mitigating salt stress, the exact molecular mechanism underlying these effects is not yet well understood. In this review, we focus on the localisation of Si transporters and the mechanism of Si uptake, accumulation, and deposition to understand the role of Si in various relevant physiological processes. Further, we discuss the role of Si supplementation in antioxidant response, maintenance of photosynthesis efficiency, and production of osmoprotectants. Additionally, we highlight crosstalk of Si with other ions, lignin, and phytohormones. Finally, we suggest some directions for future work, which could improve our understanding of the role of Si in plants under salt stress.

Silicene growth mechanisms on Au(111) and Au(110) substrates

Despite the remarkable theoretical applications of silicene, its synthesis remains a complex task, with epitaxial growth being one of the main routes involving depositing evaporated Si atoms onto a suitable substrate. Additionally, the requirement for a substrate to maintain the silicene stability poses several difficulties in accurately determining the growth mechanisms and the resulting structures, leading to conflicting results in the literature. In this study, large-scale molecular dynamics simulations are performed to uncover the growth mechanisms and characteristics of epitaxially grown silicene sheets on Au(111) and Au(110) substrates, considering different temperatures and Si deposition rates. The growth process has been found to initiate with the nucleation of several independent islands homogeneously distributed on the substrate surface, which gradually merge to form a complete silicene sheet. The results consistently demonstrate the presence of a buckled silicene structure, although this characteristic is notably reduced when using an Au(111) substrate. Furthermore, the analysis also focuses on the quality and growth mode of the silicene sheets, considering the influence of temperature and deposition rate. The findings reveal a prevalence of the Frank–van der Merwe growth mode, along with diverse forms of defects throughout the sheets.

Membrane fouling in engineering nanofiltration process for drinking water treatment: The spatial and chemical aspects

Nanofiltration (NF) has become an established process for advanced treatment of drinking water, while membrane fouling remains as the main issue slowing the widespread application of the process. In this study, the key foulants were identified, and their spatial distribution and potential interactions were investigated based on a two-stage NF engineering project for municipal drinking water treatment. Over half a year of operation showed that the membrane fouling was mostly chemically reversible. Characterizations of the cleaning waste revealed that inorganic fouling dominated at both stages, which was mainly caused by the deposition of Al, Ca, and Si. While the overall fouling was much more severe at Stage 2, the organic fouling was the reverse. Autopsy of one full-size membrane element from each stage indicated that in addition to Al, P and humic acid-like compounds were abundant in the fouling layer for both stages despite the spatial differences. The spatial distribution of foulants was influenced by both concentration effects and presence of feed channel spacers. For the free membrane area, inorganic foulants and humic acid-like compounds had higher contents at Stage 2 than Stage 1. While for the membrane area contacting with spacers, Al and P at Stage 1 were 0.74 and 1.51 times higher than those at Stage 2, respectively. Moreover, statistical analysis, complexation experiments and engineering operation strongly supported that the residual Al and natural organic matter (NOM) were key foulants for the NF process, mainly by forming Al-NOM complexes. Besides the Al-NOM complexes, condensed phosphate, primarily sourced from the dosed phosphate-containing antiscalants, might also co-precipitate with Al or Al-NOM complexes.

Anomalous intralayer growth of epitaxial Si on Ag(111)

The epitaxial growth of silicene has been the subject of many investigations, controversies and non-classical results. In particular, the initially promising deposition of Si on a metallic substrate such as Ag(111) has revealed unexpected growth modes where Si is inserted at the beginning of the growth in the first atomic plane of the substrate. In order to rationalize this anomalous growth mode, we develop an out-of-equilibrium description of a lattice-based epitaxial growth model, which growth dynamics are analyzed via kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations. This model incorporates several effects revealed by the experiments such as the intermixing between Si and Ag, and surface effects. It is parametrized thanks to an approach in which we show that relatively precise estimates of energy barriers can be deduced by meticulous analysis of atomic microscopy images. This analysis enables us to reproduce both qualitatively and quantitatively the anomalous growth patterns of Si on Ag(111). We show that the dynamics results in two modes, a classical sub-monolayer growth mode at low temperature, and an inserted growth mode at higher temperatures, where the deposited Si atoms insert in the first layer of the substrate by replacing Ag atoms. Furthermore, we reproduce the non-standard Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Lambda $$\\end{document} shape of the experimental plot of the island density as a function of temperature, with a shift in island density variation during the transition between the submonoloyer and inserted growth modes.

Identification of novel germplasm and genetic loci for enhancing mineral element uptake in soybean

Bioavailability, uptake, and spatial distribution of essential and toxic mineral elements are pivotal factors that govern crop growth, development, and productivity. Soybean is a major leguminous crop globally, and yield losses are commonly attributed to various abiotic factors, including nutrient deficiencies or the influence of toxic minerals in the soil. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of differential mineral element uptake, translocation, and accumulation in soybean is vital for developing improved cultivars. Here, we used portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) for rapid and high-throughput mineral element profiling of a diverse set of soybean germplasm using leaves, stem, root, and seed tissues. Genome-wide association (GWAS) was performed on the element profiles of 219 soybean accessions, revealing lines with notable two to tenfold difference in various mineral nutrient uptake. These identified lines represent valuable genetic resources for germplasm development and gene discovery. The GWAS analysis pinpointed significant genomic loci and haplotypes associated with accumulation of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Remarkably, genes associated with the transport of solutes, metals, and ions have been pinpointed, indicating their potential involvement in the nutrient uptake and soybean improvement. To gain functional insights, Si deposition, allelic variants and expression of three Si transporter genes was studied in greater details. The high Si accumulating line PI548452 showed 12-fold increase in leaf Si content compared to low Si lines. Expression of HiSil2b and HiSil2c effluxer genes showed root and leaf specific expression, respectively, providing evidence for tissue specific Si transport and the basis for precise management of Si uptake to improve abiotic and biotic stresses. In summary, this study uncovered the novel accessions, haplotypes, allelic diversity, and the potential candidate genes underpinning the mineral nutrient accumulation in soybean.