Level Density Research Articles

Changes in serum bone turnover markers and bone mineral density Z-score in children with osteogenesis imperfecta after zoledronic acid treatment.

The study aimed to investigate the changes in the levels of serum bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and their association with age and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This retrospective study analyzed data from 10 pediatric OI patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid for over 1 year. Patients' clinical data were collected. The levels of BTMs and BMD Z-score before and after zoledronic acid treatment were analyzed. Significant improvement in BMD Z-score was observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment compared to baseline (all p < 0.05). The N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) levels decreased over time (all p < 0.05), indicating that zoledronic acid treatment decreased bone turnover. The levels of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen remained stable after treatment. No correlation was found between PINP level and age, eGFR, or BMD (all p > 0.05). Bisphosphonate treatment can improve BMD and decrease bone turnover (indicated by decreased levels of PINP) in pediatric OI patients. PINP may serve as an independent indicator for monitoring the efficacy of bisphosphonate treatment in pediatric OI patients, particularly in those under the age of 6, where standardized BMD Z-score criteria are lacking.

Detecting sorghum aphid infestation in grain sorghum using leaf spectral response

Sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) have become a major economic pest in sorghum causing 70% yield loss without timely insecticide applications. The overarching goal is to develop a monitoring system for sorghum aphids using remote sensing technologies to detect changes in plant-aphid density interactions, thereby reducing scouting time. We studied the effect of aphid density on sorghum spectral responses near the feeding site and on distal leaves from infestation and quantified potential systemic effects to determine if aphid feeding can be detected. A leaf spectrometer at 400–1000 nm range was used to measure reflectance changes by varying levels of sorghum aphid density on lower leaves and those distant to the caged infestation. Our study results demonstrate that sorghum aphid infestation can be determined by changes in reflected light, especially between the green–red range (550–650 nm), and sorghum plants respond systemically. This study serves as an essential first step in developing more effective pest monitoring systems for sorghum aphids, as leaf reflection sensors can be used to identify aphid feeding regardless of infestation location on the plant. Future research should address whether such reflectance signatures can be detected autonomously using small unmanned aircraft systems or sUAS equipped with comparable sensor technologies.

Neka fizička i mehanička svojstva kavkaske bukovine pregrijane u otpadnome maslinovu ulju

This study set out to look into some of the mechanical and physical characteristics of oil-heated oriental beech wood. Waste olive oil was used for oil-heat treatment. Heat treatment of the oil was done at 200 &amp;deg;C and 230 &amp;deg;C for 2 hours and 4 hours, respectively. After oil-heat treatment, physical traits including oven-dry density and water absorption levels, as well as mechanical traits like compression strength parallel to the grain (CSPG), were determined. Oven dry density of wood increased significantly after being heated in oil. Compared to the control groups, waste olive oil heat-treated (WOHT) oriental beech showed lower levels of water absorption. At 200 &amp;deg;C for 4 h, CSPG of waste olive oil heat-treated wood were at their highest, and then they steadily fell as the temperature and treatment time rose.

The combination effect of optical potential and nuclear level density for alpha induced reaction cross sections on 92,94,95Mo isotopes

The theoretical studies of charged particle induced reactions are important to improve and study the radioisotope production, especially in reactions where the experimental data are incomplete or insufficient. In this study, cross section of alpha induced of 92,94,95Mo isotopes are calculated and analyzed by using different alpha optical model potentials and nuclear level density models with TALYS code. The effects of alpha optical model potentials and nuclear level density are analyzed separately and together for each reaction. To determine the best combination of models, chi-squared values are calculated for all combination cases. The commonly used program is TALYS to calculate the reaction cross section. For the calculations, the latest version of TALYS nuclear code version 1.96 is used. The experimental data are taken carefully for all reactions from experimental nuclear reaction data base (EXFOR). The obtained results are compared with these data and discussed. A good agreement between the calculated and experimental data is clearly presented for all analyzed reactions. It is seen from the results that alpha optical model potentials and nuclear level density models have an effective role on cross section calculations of alpha induced reactions.

Comprehensive analysis of uncertainty quantification for the 58Ni(n, p)58Co reaction cross section* *Project supported by the Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India (File No 09/013(882)/2019-EMR-1) for providing senior research fellowships, the IUAC-UGC, Government of India (Sanction No. IUAC/XIII.7/UFR- 71353), and Institutions of Eminence (IoE) BHU (Grant No. 6031).

In this study, we measured the 58Ni(n, p)58Co reaction cross section with neutron energies of 1.06, 1.86, and 2.85 MeV. The cross section was measured using neutron activation techniques and γ-ray spectroscopy, and it was compared with cross section data available in the EXFOR. Furthermore, we calculated the covariance matrix of the measured cross section for the aforementioned nuclear reaction. The uncertainties of the theoretical calculation for 58Ni(n, p)58Co reaction cross section were calculated via Monte Carlo method. In this study, we used uncertainties in the optical model and level density parameters to calculate uncertainties in the theoretical cross sections. The theoretical calculations were performed by using TALYS-1.96. In this study, we aim to analyze the effect of uncertainties of the nuclear model input as well as different experimental variables used to obtain the values of reaction cross section.

Population Density-Dependent Developmental Regulation in Migratory Locust.

Insect development is intricately governed by hormonal signaling pathways, yet the pivotal upstream regulator that potentiates hormone activation remains largely elusive. The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, exhibits population density-dependent phenotypic plasticity, encompassing traits such as flight capability, body coloration, and behavior. In this study, we elucidated a negative correlation between population density and ontogenetic development during the nymphal stage of locusts. We found that the level of density influences the developmental trajectory by modulating transcript abundance within the ecdysone signaling pathway, with knockdown of the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) resulting in developmental delay. Transcriptomic analysis of locust brains across solitary and gregarious phases revealed significant differential expression of genes involved in various pathways, including protein synthesis, energy metabolism, hormonal regulation, and immunity. Notably, knockdown experiments targeting two energy regulators, adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and insulin-like polypeptide 1 (ilp1), failed to elicit changes in the developmental process in solitary locusts. However, knockdown of immunoglobulin (IG) significantly shortened the developmental time in higher-density populations. Collectively, our findings underscore the regulatory role of population density in determining developmental duration and suggest that an immune-related gene contributes to the observed differences in developmental patterns.

Investigation of 209Bi (α,2n)211At reaction route for the production of α-emitter 211At

In this research, the calculations have been done for α-emitters of 211At, which is a promising isotope in cyclotrons for radiotherapy. The scope of the study is to investigate the production parameters of 211At, which can be produced in the cyclotron by bombarding bismuth with an alpha particle beam for the 209Bi(α,2n)211At reaction. The total activity, reaction yield, and production cross–sections of 209Bi(α,2n)211At reaction have been calculated by using diverse level density models of the TALYS 1.95 code. Furthermore, recommended data with 95% confidence limits have been obtained. Experimental data available in the literature based on EXFOR compilation are used to compare the findings. Consequently, the required beam energy has been found to be 28 MeV to produce 211At.

The effect of stocking density and crude protein level on performance, carcass characteristics, nitrogen use, and ammonia emissions of the Indonesian native chickens

This was study aimed to investigate the impact of stocking density and crude protein level on the performance, carcass characteristics, nitrogen (N) use, and ammonia emissions of Sentul Selected (Sensi)-1 Agrinak chickens. A total of 504 chickens were used in the 70-day analysis using a random ized block design with factorial pattern of 3 × 3 which was arranged in nine treatments and four repli cates. The administered treatment covered two factors, including stocking density (A) and crude pro tein level (B). The treatments were administered when chickens reached 5 weeks of age. The results showed that different stocking density significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) the average weekly feed con sumption per chicken at 6, 7, 8, and 9 weeks, but not at 5, 6, and 10 weeks. However, varying crude protein levels showed no significant effect on carcass weight, giblet weight, and total edible parts. There was also no significant interaction observed between stocking density and crude protein level in relation to carcass weight and edible parts. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in giblet and carcass weights between the two groups (p&gt;0.05). The results showed that feeding Sensi-1 Agrinak chickens with a lower crude protein level of up to 14% did not compromise their performance, meat quality, protein digestibility, or ammonia emissions, but affected carcass characteristics.

Diagnostic and Management Value of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography in Esophageal Jujube Pit Impaction

Objective: The diagnostic value of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in esophageal jujube pit impaction was explored in this study. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on MSCT data obtained from a cohort of 40 patients experiencing esophageal jujube pit impaction. The study period encompassed the interval from December 2018 to November 2019. The analysis involved examining the age distribution of the patients, the location of the jujube pit impaction, its connection to the esophagus, associated complications, and the methods used for treatment. All imaging results were compared with the outcomes of surgical or endoscopic interventions. Results: (1) Out of 40 patients, 30 individuals were 58 years old or above, constituting 75% of the study sample. (2) In 80% of the instances (32 cases), the jujube pit was located in the initial segment of the esophagus, exhibiting a spindle shape with varying levels of central low density. (3) We examined the correlation between the angle of the impacted jujube pit and the esophageal longitudinal axis, categorizing 2 cases as longitudinal impaction, 16 as oblique impaction, and 22 as transverse impaction. Among the 40 cases, 28 displayed only slight thickening of the esophageal wall at the impaction site, while 9 cases exhibited heightened periesophageal fat density, and 3 showed small periesophageal air bubbles. (4) Endoscopic evaluation identified damage to the esophageal mucosa in 35 instances and the formation of esophageal perforation in 5 cases. Among patients with perforation, one or both ends of the jujube pit had penetrated the esophageal wall, accompanied by different levels of surrounding inflammatory encapsulation. Conclusion: MSCT is crucial for pinpointing jujube pit impaction and its relation to the esophageal wall and nearby structures, aiding in preoperative and postoperative complications. It is highly feasible for endoscopic cases but limited in complex ones needing thoracoscopy or open-heart surgery.

Experimental and numerical analysis of granular phase flow behavior in a rotary bed reactor: Velocity profile study

The rotary bed reactor, essentially a rotating drum involving chemical reactions, emerges as a promising option for multiphase reactions due to its effective gas-solid contacts and sustainable input/output of the granular phase. This study integrated the Euler-Euler multiphase model with experiments to examine velocity profiles of the bed layer under varying conditions, including rotating speed, filling level, and material density. Several optimization strategies were proposed for reducing the “dead zone” size under the rolling mode to improve overall heat and mass transfer efficiency. Results validated the model's accuracy and revealed flow behavior characteristics under low rotating speed modes (sliding and slumping). Additionally, increasing rotating speeds, decreasing filling levels, and using higher-density bed materials mitigated the “dead zone” size under the rolling mode. This work advances the understanding of granular hydrodynamic behavior in rotating drums and lays the foundation for the application of such reactors in the field of chemical engineering.

CROSS-SECTIONS OF PHOTONEUTRON REACTION natMo(γ,xn)93mMo AT THE BREMSSTRAHLUNG ENERGY UP TO 95 MeV

The photoproduction of the 93mMo nucleus on natural molybdenum was studied using the electron beam of the LUE-40 linac RDC “Accelerator” NSC KIPT. Measurements were performed using the activation method and off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. For the natMo(γ,xn)93mMo reaction the experimental flux-averaged cross-sectionϭ(Eγmax)m at the bremsstrahlung end-point energy range of 38…93 MeV was first time determined. The theoretical values of the yields Ym,g(Eγmax) and flux-averaged cross-sections(Eγmax)m,g for the natMo(γ,xn)93m,gMo reactions were calculated using the cross-sections ϭ(Eγ) from the TALYS1.96 code for different gamma strength functions and level density models. The comparison showed strong discrepancies between the experimental values and the theoretical results of (Eγmax)m.

Analysis of Geochemical Parameters for Surface and Groundwater in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty• This study provides novel insights into the geochemical parameters of surface and groundwater in Zuru, Kebbi State, revealing significant differences in water quality. • By systematically comparing these values against WHO standards, the research identifies groundwater as more suitable for consumption and domestic use. • This comparative analysis offers new, region-specific data that contributes to the understanding of water quality in southern Kebbi State, addressing a critical gap in localized environmental health research. Full Abstract As one of the fundamental elements of life, living nature could not survive without water. Contaminated water consumption can lead to water-borne diseases and can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system illnesses, reproductive effects, and chronic diseases such as cancer. In this study, some geochemical parameters were analysed for surface and undergroundwater around Zuru in southern part of Kebbi state. The result was compared with WHO's prescribed standard for quality water consumption. Four samples of each surface and groundwater were collected from various geographical locations within Zuru for analyses to determine density, conductivity, total hardness, calcium (Ca2+) hardness, magnesium (Mg2+) hardness, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) by employing scientific and technological approaches. Surface water has higher values for mean total hardness (93.8 mg/L), the average value for calcium (62.0 mg/L), magnesium (Mg2+) hardness (44.0 mg/L), and the mean value for total dissolved solids (TDS) (620 mg/L), while groundwater has lower values for mean total hardness (30.0 mg/L), the average value for calcium (26.0 mg/L), magnesium (Mg2+) hardness (17.0 mg/L) and mean value for total dissolved solids (TDS) (564.5 mg/L). Groundwater has higher values of average density (0.92 g/cm3), conductivity (114.3µS/cm), and average pH level (7.0), while surface water has lower values of average density for (0.90 g/cm3), conductivity (76.1µS/cm), and average pH level (6.9). The research has shown that groundwater is favourably more recommended for drinking and other domestic usages.

An empirical analysis of the coupling and coordinated development of new urbanization and ecological welfare performance in China’s Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle

New urbanization (NU) and ecological welfare performance (EWP) play pivotal roles in achieving sustainable urban development, with both emphasizing social equity and environmental management. Exploring the coordinated relationship between EWP and NU is invaluable for understanding the symbiotic interplay between humans and nature. We constructed a framework to elucidate the coupling mechanism of EWP and NU from the perspective of systems theory. We quantified the levels of NU and EWP utilizing the entropy weighting method and the super-efficient SBM method, respectively. Furthermore, we assessed the degree of coupling coordination between the two using the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM). Spatial and temporal evolution analysis was conducted, and factors influencing the degree of coupling coordination between EWP and NU were explored through a spatial–temporal geographically-weighted regression model (GTWR). The results indicate: (1) During the study period, the average annual increase in EWP in the study area was 2.59%, with a narrowing relative gap between cities. Conversely, the average annual increase in the level of NU was 7.6%, with demographic and economic dimensions carrying the highest weights. (2) The type of coupling coordination between EWP and NU transitions from basic coordination to moderate coordination, with the development of EWP lagging behind that of NU. (3) City size demonstrates a positive yet diminishing trend on the coupling coordination level, with economic development exerting the greatest influence and exhibiting a "V" trend, while the impact of green technology innovation diminishes negatively. Additionally, regional disparities are significant, with city size exhibiting a negative impact in areas of high population density and low economic levels, and green technology innovation showing notable polarization characteristics in core cities. These findings serve as a foundation for fostering coordinated ecological development amid the rapid urbanization process of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle.

Re-analysis of temperature dependent neutron capture rates and stellar β-decay rates of 95-98Mo

The neutron capture rates and temperature dependent stellar beta decay rates of Mo isotopes are investigated within the framework of the statistical code TALYS v1.96 and the proton neutron quasi particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) model. The Maxwellian average cross-section (MACS) and neutron capture rates for the Mo(n,γ) Mo radiative capture process are analyzed within the framework of the statistical code TALYS v1.96 based on the phenomenological nuclear level density model and gamma strength functions. The present model-based computations for the MACS are comparable to the existing measured data. The sensitivity of stellar weak interaction rates to various densities and temperatures is investigated within the framework of the pn-QRPA model. Particular attention is paid to the impact of thermally filled excited states in the decaying nuclei ( Mo) on electron emission and positron capture rates. Furthermore, we compare the neutron capture rates and stellar beta decay rates. It is found that neutron capture rates are higher than stellar beta decay rates at both lower and higher temperatures.

The Association Between CYP2R1 rs10741657 Polymorphisms and Bone Variables, Vitamin D, and Calcium in Iranian Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Osteoporosis is a common disorder with a strong genetic component. Bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D, and calcium levels declining are a main contributor of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. This cross-sectional study designed to explore the possible link between CYP2R1 rs10741657 polymorphism and BMD of the total hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck, vitamin D, and calcium in Iranian children and adolescents. 247 children and adolescents (127 girls and 120 boys) between 9 and 18 years old from Kawar (an urban area located 50 km east of Shiraz, the capital city of the Fars province in the south of Iran) were randomly selected based on age-stratified systematic sampling and recruited for genetic analysis. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping CYP2R1 rs10741657. Anthropometric, biochemical, and bone mineral density (BMD) parameters were also measured. The results specified that in the dominant [P < 0.0001, -2.943 (-4.357-1.529)] and over-dominant [P < 0.0001, 2.789 (1.369-4.209)] models, vitamin D concentration significantly differed between genotypes. The highest vitamin D levels were displayed for participants carrying the rs10741657 AG genotype (16.47 ng/ml). In regard to calcium, in a dominant model [P = 0.012, 0.194 (0.043-0.345)] and over-dominant model [P = 0.008, 0.206 (-0.357-0.055), there was a significant association. AG genotype displayed the highest (9.96 mg/dl) and GG genotype the lowest (9.75 mg/dl) calcium values. This study reported the association of CYP2R1 rs10741657 polymorphisms with calcium and vitamin D levels in Iranian children and adolescents.

Effective Lifetime of Nonequilibrium Carriers in Perovskite‐Inspired Cu2AgBiI6

Perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) are potential alternatives to lead halide perovskites, as they not only inherit the benign optoelectronic properties but also diminish the stability and toxicity issues of lead halide perovskites. As a newly discovered PIM, Cu2AgBiI6 has exhibited promising potential for photovoltaic applications. However, studies on its fundamental properties related to photovoltaic performance are scarce, particularly from a theoretical perspective. Herein, the effective lifetime of nonequilibrium carriers (photo‐excited charge carriers) is systematically investigated, a critical property affecting the photovoltaic performance of Cu2AgBiI6, based on the nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that under the standard solar spectrum illumination, the dominant recombination mechanism affecting the effective lifetime can be band‐to‐band nonradiative decay, band‐to‐band radiative decay, or Shockey–Read–Hall defect‐assisted decay. The specific mechanism is highly dependent on the radiative recombination coefficient and the density of defect recombination levels. The effective lifetime can vary from 0.1 ms to 10 ns. When considering different illumination conditions (generation rates), Auger decay can also become the dominant recombination mechanism, with the effective lifetime varying from 0.1 s to 0.1 ns. These findings can be vital for further experimental researches aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency of Cu2AgBiI6‐based solar devices.

Novel Insights in Soil Mechanics: Integrating Experimental Investigation with Machine Learning for Unconfined Compression Parameter Prediction of Expansive Soil

This paper presents a novel application of machine learning models to clarify the intricate behaviors of expansive soils, focusing on the impact of sand content, saturation level, and dry density. Departing from conventional methods, this research utilizes a data-centric approach, employing a suite of sophisticated machine learning models to predict soil properties with remarkable precision. The inclusion of a 30% sand mixture is identified as a critical threshold for optimizing soil strength and stiffness, a finding that underscores the transformative potential of sand amendment in soil engineering. In a significant advancement, the study benchmarks the predictive power of several models including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient boosting regression (GBR), random forest regression (RFR), decision tree regression (DTR), support vector regression (SVR), symbolic regression (SR), and artificial neural networks (ANNs and proposed ANN-GMDH). Symbolic regression equations have been developed to predict the elasticity modulus and unconfined compressive strength of the investigated expansive soil. Despite the complex behaviors of expansive soil, the trained models allow for optimally predicting the values of unconfined compressive parameters. As a result, this paper provides for the first time a reliable and simply applicable approach for estimating the unconfined compressive parameters of expansive soils. The proposed ANN-GMDH model emerges as the pre-eminent model, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with the best metrics. These results not only highlight the ANN’s superior performance but also mark this study as a groundbreaking endeavor in the application of machine learning to soil behavior prediction, setting a new benchmark in the field.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Land Surface Temperature Changes by Vegetation Density in Central Lombok Regency

Abstract Land surface temperature is different from air temperature and is caused by various things, one of which is due to changes in vegetation density. Central Lombok Regency is one of the locations that has experienced massive and well-known development in Indonesia. Based on these circumstances, this research was conducted with several objectives, namely: to determine changes in vegetation density, as well as changes in land surface temperature in Central Lombok Regency in 2018 and 2023, and prove the relationship between vegetation density and changes in land surface temperature. The research method used in this research is descriptive quantitative because it involves numerical data, to find the relationship of vegetation density to changes in land surface temperature. In addition, this research also uses the NDVI method to determine the level of vegetation density, and LST to determine the land surface temperature there. The results showed changes in vegetation density and changes in land surface temperature in Central Lombok Regency. The average change in vegetation density and land surface temperature occurred in the Central region of Central Lombok Regency which is the economic center area. Then there is a strong relationship between vegetation density and land surface temperature changes.

Utilization of fused deposition modeling in the fabrication of lattice structural Al2O3 ceramics

This study focuses on fabricating lattice structural Al2O3 ceramics with lattice infill densities ranging from 25 % to 70 % using filament-based fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. A specialized filament for FDM printing was developed, comprising 53 vol% Al2O3 powder and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as the primary binder component. The filament demonstrated excellent flexibility as assessed by a self-designed three-point bending test. The impact of lattice infill density and sintering temperature on dimensional changes, microstructure evolution, compressive strength, and strength-to-density ratio was explored. It was found that with increasing sintering temperature, the samples became more compact, resulting in higher levels of shrinkage, bulk density, and compressive strength. At a sintering temperature of 1600 °C, the sintered parts reached their maximum density through the solid-state sintering process. The sample sintered at 1600 °C with 70 % infill density exhibited the maximum compressive strength of 31.47 MPa, with a corresponding strength-to-density ratio of 20.84 MPa/g·cm−3. These findings highlight the successful fabrication of lattice structural Al2O3 with low density and high compressive strength by FDM technology.

Analysis Of Land Subsidance Rates In DKI JAKARTA In 2018, 2020 And 2022 With The DINSAR Method

Abstract DKI Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, as the center of growth and development has a high population. The high population has an impact on land use change in an effort to fulfill housing which directly impacts the increase in building density or Normalized Diffrence Built-up Index (NDBI). The purpose of this research is to analyze the rate of land subsidence in DKI Jakarta and analyze the effect of building density on land subsidence. The impact of high growth rates creates the potential for natural and anthropogenic disasters. This research uses the Differential Inferometry Synthetic Aperarure Radar (DinSAR) method, in observing land subsidence with accuracy reaching cm units. The data used in this research is Sentinel 1A image with observation time in 2018, 2020, and 2023. The results showed that land subsidence in DKI Jakarta was dominated in the North Jakarta area, the highest land subsidence value reached -26.08 cm/year. The fastest land subsidence occurs in densely populated areas prone to flooding. The correlation results show that there is no relationship between the high level of building density and land subsidence.