Mass Number Research Articles

В.И. Вернадский и новая парадигма

The main directions of V.I.Vernadsky's scientific activity during the period of the scientific revolution occurred at the end of the 19th and until the middle of the20th centuries are briefly listed. His decisive contribution to the initial research and practical application of the phenomenon of radioactivity and nuclear physics is shown. Based on the discovery of low-energy nuclear reactions more than 30 years ago, the development of Vernadsky's ideas about the role of radioactivity − the transformation of some chemical elements into other chemical elements − in geology, in the thermal balance of the Earth, in the prevalence of trace chemical elements is presented. Main provisions of the theory of low-energy nuclear reactions in condensed matter are listed: the threshold for excitation of the medium is indicated; shown is the possibility of generating a strong magnetic field in a unidirectional flow of electrons in a quasineutral plasma with the pairing of free electrons, and, subsequently, the pairing of atomic electrons into orthobosons with the latter forming a Bose-Einstein condensate, in which a new state of matter is formed − transatoms, which are combined, due to their ultra-strong magnetic fields, into nuclear transmolecule, in which multinuclear transmutation reactions occur with non-radioactive products; with the transformation of transmolecules into different sets of stable nuclei, subject to all conservation laws. In this case, the collective parameter that characterizes the quasi-equilibrium distribution of the mass numbers of isotopes – reaction products – is the “thermodynamic” coefficient of the energy content of the medium. Natural nucleosynthesis in the era of recombination of the Universe, which gave rise to the formation and development of organic chemical, and subsequently biochemical synthesis, is described. The development of Vernadsky's doctrine of the biosphere and noosphere of the Earth is supplemented by the concept of fractality of material, including biological structures with the further evolution of living matter, as well as by the concept of planetary nucleosynthesis. Starting from the idea of planetary nucleosynthesis, based on the mechanism of multinuclear quantum transitions of some atomic nuclei to others, a new doctrine of the geological development of the Earth and the foundations of quantum planetology were formulated, which explained the strict temporal cyclicity observed in the geological activity of the Earth associated with galactic jet energy flows. The issues discussed may become a basis for those directions in scientific research that will form a new paradigm, a new worldview.

Influence of Soil Types and Quantities of the Mixture of Hairy Woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) Plus Bovine Manure on the Agronomic Viability of Coriander in the Semiarid Region of Brazil

Aims: Coriander cultivation is an activity of great importance for family farmers in the Brazilian semi-arid region. In this sense, the objective was to study the influence of soil types and quantities of a mixture of hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) and cattle manure on the agronomic viability of coriander in semi-arid region of Brazil.
 Place of Study: The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of the Agricultural and Forestry Sciences department of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Brazil.
 Study Design and Methodology: The design used was completely randomized in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with three replications, being the first factor consisting of four quantities of the mixture of hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) plus cattle manure (0.0; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5 and 6.0 kg m-2 of area) and the second factor consisted of two types of soil (latosol and an argisol) in single cultivation.The coriander cultivar "Frevo" was used, adapted to the edaphic and climatic conditions of the semi-arid region. The spacing used was 0.1 x 0.05 m with five plants pit-1, corresponding to 1000 plants m-2 of area. After harvesting the coriander, the following characteristics were evaluated: plant height (expressed in cm plant-1); number of stems (expressed in plant-1 units); productivity (expressed in grams m-2 of area); number of bunches (expressed in plant-1 units) and dry mass (expressed in grams m-2 of area).
 Agronomic Characteristics of Coriander: Plant height (expressed in cm plant-1); number of stems (expressed in units plant-1); productivity (expressed in grams m-2 of area); number of bunches (expressed in units plant-1) and dry mass (expressed in grams m-2 of area).
 Conclusions: There was no interaction between the factors studied, with the amount of 3.0 kg m-2 of the hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) mixture with cattle manure, promoting the greatest increase in coriander cultivation, with values of 1030.6 g m-2, equivalent to 20.87 units of coriander bunches m-2, respectively. In relation to soil types (latosol and an argisol) there was no statistical difference, with values of 841.9 and 709.6 g m-2 for productivity, equivalent to 16.7 and 14.0 units of coriander bunches m-2.

#341 : Does Only the Stage Matters? Influence of a Blastocyst Scoring System on Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth Outcomes with Fresh Set: A Concluding Study

Background: Blastocyst culture with single embryo transfer (SET) is now routinely offered to our IVF patients at KK IVF. We have been using a simplified scoring system since 2016 in our routine assessment of blastocysts. Aims: This retrospective study aims to conclude our centre’s scoring system for fresh blastocyst for Day 5(D5) ET. Method: Data of 694 patients with fresh Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycle and SET on D5 done between Jan 2018 and Dec 2020 were analysed. Only patients with 1[Formula: see text] cycle stimulation attempt and embryos cultured in single-step media under pre-mixed incubator conditions were included in this study. Rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), multiple pregnancy (MPR), miscarriage (MISCR) and livebirth (LBR) were investigated. Data were classified into stage and grade of blastocyst transferred respectively as: Fully Expanded (FE), Early Expanded (EE), Early Blastocyst (EBL); A, B, C and Pseudo (P-; with at least 20% blastomeres excluded from the formation of blastocyst) and subjected to Chi-square test for significance, p<0.05. Blastocysts are scored in our centre first according to the stage of blastocyst development, followed by a grading assessment on the cohesion and cell number of the inner cellular mass (ICM) and trophectoderm cells (TE). The blastocyst grade equivalent by Gardner’s classification system of the ICM and TE is in parentheses - A=(AA), B=(AB, BA,BB) and C=(AC,CA,BC,CB). Blastocysts void of ICM are deemed non-transferrable. Results: CPR significantly different across stages of BL transferred (p = 0.00001). Transferring EBL is associated with a significantly higher MISCR (p=0.004). Multiple pregnancy was observed in groups with expanded blastocyst transferred only and MPR appears higher when top grade BL transferred (p=0.45). LBR is incremental with better quality BL transferred (p=0.000049). Conclusion: Stage of blastocyst development and a graded ICM at ET improve pregnancy and livebirth outcomes. Miscarriage risk is incremental with early blastocyst transferred. Suboptimal embryos remain transferrable as can still result in viable pregnancies and livebirths when there’s no better selection.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Proanthocyanidin in Laying Hens Diet on Productive Performance

The research was carried out at the college of Agriculture/Al-Qasim Green University’s Department of Animal Production farm. The experimental field trial ran for 16 weeks, from March 19, 2022, to July 2, 2022 (divided into four 4-week phases). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of supplementing chicken diets with varying concentrations of the Proanthocyanidin chemical on egg production, quality, and oxidation markers. During the experiment’s breeding phase, which was split into four experimental periods (ages 53–56 weeks, 57–60 weeks, 61–64 weeks, and 65–68 weeks), 105 Lohmann brown laying hens were used.15 pens were set up with 5 experimental treatments for each treatment of 21 birds, and each treatment contained 3 duplicates per 7 birds, all fed according to the standards outlined in the Lohmann Brown Layer Managements Guide. The following procedures were used in the pilot programme:In the first phase, a non-experimental group served as a control. Second, 100 milligrammes of proanthocyanidin per kilogramme of feed was given to a standard diet. Third, we have a standard diet with 200 milligrammes of proanthocyanidin per kilogramme of feed. Fourthly, a standard diet with 300 milligrammes of Proanthocyanidin per kilogramme of feed was used. Fifthly, we have a standard diet with 400 milligrammes of proanthocyanidin per kilogramme of feed. Key findings from the research include: Compared to the control group, the third, fourth, and fifth treatments significantly increased (p0.05) egg production rate, cumulative number of eggs, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion coefficient. - Shell thickness (in millimetres) and relative weight (in percent) were best for treatments three through five. In contrast, albumin height (in millimetres) and hu units improved significantly (p 0.05) for treatments four and five compared to the control therapy (treatment one).

Progression of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia in a 43-Year-Old Woman with Breast Cancer

Most liver masses that are incidentally found are benign lesions. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is the second most common benign solid hepatic mass that does not transform to malignancy. A 43-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer recently visited our clinic for evaluation of an incidentally found hepatic mass. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed two lesions on segment 6 of the liver, suggestive of FNH. The patient had undergone surgery for breast cancer and had been taking tamoxifen. We followed the lesions on abdominal ultrasound every six months. Imaging at two years after diagnosis revealed fatty change of the liver parenchyma and increased size and number of masses. Liver biopsy was performed to distinguish metastatic lesions. Conclusively, FNH with drug-induced steato-hepatitis was confirmed by histopathologic finding. We are following the patient with imaging study and liver fibroscan.

Flow regimes and basal normal stresses in rock–ice avalanches by experimental rotating drum tests

Rock–ice avalanches have been observed to travel longer distances than rock avalanches, and their flow regime may vary as ice melts. Several reports on the deposition characteristics, mobility, and hazard assessment of rock–ice avalanches have been published. However, thus far, no systematic investigation on the flow regime evolution and basal stress characteristics of rock–ice avalanches have been conducted. In this study, flow regime is characterized by several dimensionless spaces bounded by parameters (Froude number, Savage number, Friction number, Mass number, and Reynolds number). To examine the mechanisms controlling basal stress, a 12.56-cm2 load plate was used to measure the basal normal stress in a 1.5-m-diameter 30-cm-wide vertically rotating drum in a temperature-controlled laboratory. Results demonstrate that the flow regimes of rock–ice avalanche, dominated by short-term collision or long-term friction, considerably vary due to the influence of initial conditions (ice content, grain size, flow velocity, and meltwater). Although rock–ice avalanches under experimental and natural conditions substantially differ, the dominant stress mechanism is the same as that in the movement process. Other findings show that the average normal stress profiles vary significantly with the ice content and meltwater volume. Furthermore, the mean stress (σ¯), maximum stress (σ1%), and standard deviation (σsd) demonstrate the close relationship between fluctuations, static loads of flow, and grain interactions. Grain agitation in the rock–ice avalanche is caused by intense collisions depending on grain size, velocity, and fluid matrix at the grain scale level.

Assessment of indoor air quality in health clubs: insights into (ultra)fine and coarse particles and gaseous pollutants.

Exercising on regular basis provides countless health benefits. To ensure the health, well-being and performance of athletes, optimal indoor air quality, regular maintenance and ventilation in sport facilities are essential. This study assessed the levels of particulate, down to the ultrafine range (PM10, PM2.5, and particle number concentration in size range of 20-1,000 nm, i.e., - PNC20-1000 nm), gaseous pollutants (total volatile organic compounds - TVOCs, CO2, and O3) and comfort parameters (temperature - T, relative humidity - RH) in different functional spaces of health clubs (n = 8), under specific occupancy and ventilation restrictions. In all HCs human occupancy resulted in elevated particles (up to 2-3 times than those previously reported), considering mass concentrations (PM10: 1.9-988.5 μg/m3 PM2.5: 1.6-479.3 μg/m3) and number (PNC 1.23 × 103 - 9.14 × 104 #/cm3). Coarse and fine PM indicated a common origin (rs = 0.888-0.909), while PNC showed low-moderate associations with particle mass (rs = 0.264-0.629). In addition, up to twice-higher PM and PNC were detected in cardiofitness & bodybuilding (C&B) areas as these spaces were the most frequented, reinforcing the impacts of occupational activities. In all HCs, TVOCs (0.01-39.67 mg/m3) highly exceeded the existent protection thresholds (1.6-8.9 times) due to the frequent use of cleaning products and disinfectants (2-28 times higher than in previous works). On contrary to PM and PNC, TVOCs were higher (1.1-4.2 times) in studios than in C&B areas, due to the limited ventilations combined with the smaller room areas/volumes. The occupancy restrictions also led to reduced CO2 (122-6,914 mg/m3) than previously observed, with the lowest values in HCs with natural airing. Finally, the specific recommendations for RH and T in sport facilities were largely unmet thus emphasizing the need of proper ventilation procedures in these spaces.

Modelling some rod set imperfections of a quadrupole mass filter.

The problem of modeling the mass peak shape of a quadrupole mass filter (QMF) with round rods is considered. A number of factors leading to the degradation of the mass peak shape are studied, namely, displacement of the electrodes with respect to their original position, changes in the diameter of the electrodes, and asymmetry of the supply potentials. Decomposition of the rod set field on multipole fields allows to obtain an analytical representation of the ion motion equations. Simulations have shown that a parallel shift of one or two electrodes leads to a shift of the peak along the mass number axis and dips at the peak apex. Unbalance of supply voltages does not significantly distort the peak shape, but it shifts the peak along the mass axis and creates a jump of the quadrupole offset potential proportional to the relative unbalance of X and Y rods potentials.

Recommended Nuclear Structure and Decay Data for A = 200 Isobars

Evaluated nuclear structure and decay data for all nuclei with mass number A=200 (200Os, 200Ir, 200Pt, 200Au, 200Hg, 200Tl, 200Pb, 200Bi, 200Po, 200At, 200Rn, and 200Fr), are presented. All available experimental data are compiled and evaluated, and best values for level and γ-ray energies, quantum numbers, lifetimes, γ-ray intensities and transition probabilities, as well as other nuclear properties, are recommended. Inconsistencies and discrepancies that exist in the literature are discussed. A number of computer codes (https://www-nds.iaea.org/public/ensdf_pgm/) developed by members of the NSDD network were used during the evaluation process. This work supersedes the earlier evaluation by F.G. Kondev and S. Lalkovski (2007Ko42), published in Nuclear Data Sheets108, 1471 (2007).

The donor star radial velocity curve in the cataclysmic variable GY Cnc confirms white dwarf eclipse modelling mass

ABSTRACT A large number of white dwarf and donor masses in cataclysmic variables have been found via modelling the primary eclipse, a method that relies on untested assumptions. Recent measurements of the mass of the white dwarf in the cataclysmic variable GY Cnc, obtained via modelling its ultraviolet spectrum, conflict with the mass obtained via modelling the eclipse light curve. Here we measure the radial velocity of the absorption lines from the donor star in GY Cnc to be Kabs = 280 ± 2 km s−1, in excellent agreement with the prediction based on the masses derived from modelling the eclipse light curve. It is possible that the white dwarf mass derived from the ultraviolet spectrum of GY Cnc is affected by the difficulty of disentangling the white dwarf spectrum from the accretion disc spectrum.

Single-Spin Asymmetry of Neutrons in Polarized pA Collisions

Absorptive corrections, which are known to suppress proton-neutron transitions with a large fractional momentum z→1 in pp collisions, become dramatically strong on a nuclear target, and they push the partial cross sections of leading neutron production to the very periphery of the nucleus. The mechanism of the pion π and axial vector meson a1 interference, which successfully explains the observed single-spin asymmetry in a polarized pp→nX, is extended to the collisions of polarized protons with nuclei. When corrected for nuclear effects, it explains the observed single-spin azimuthal asymmetry of neutrons that is produced in inelastic events, which is where the nucleus violently breaks up. This single-spin asymmetry is found to be negative and nearly atomic mass number A-independent.

Meta-analysis of the hazards of microplastics in freshwaters using species sensitivity distributions

The environmental hazards of microplastics have raised concerns about their potential ecological risks. However, our understanding of the true risks may be limited because most laboratory studies used pristine microplastics. Here, we analyzed the available literature about ecotoxicological effects of microplastics, including weathered microplastics in particular, on freshwater biota and performed probabilistic species sensitivity distributions. The predicted no-effect concentrations for pristine microplastics were lower than those for weathered microplastics, both in mass concentration (6.1 and 4.8 × 102 μg/L) and number concentration (2.6 × 104 and 2.0 × 106 part/m3). In addition, the toxicological studies on microplastics contains often inconsistent and inconclusive information due to the complexity of the microplastics and the employed exposure conditions. The available data for Daphnia magna and Danio rerio was analyzed in detail to understand the effects of microplastic size, shape and polymer type on their ecotoxicity. Microplastic size was the biggest driving factor, followed by shape and polymer type. There was a tendency for increasing toxicity with smaller size, however, a high variability of effect data was observed for small microplastics. This study provided further insights into the effect thresholds for ecological risk assessment of microplastics and the effects of microplastic characteristics on toxicity.

Determination of seven mycotoxins in cereals by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry based on the self-built database

A method for the determination of seven mycotoxins in rice and wheat by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) based on self-built database was established. Samples were extracted with 0.2% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile (50∶50, v/v), dehydrated and salted according to the QuEChERS method (4 g of magnesium sulfate, 1 g of sodium chloride, 1 g of sodium citrate, 0.5 g of citrate disodium salt), and separated on an HSS T3 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). UPLC-Q-TOF/MS with MSE screening was performed, and the positive and negative ions of the screened mycotoxins were calibrated and quantified using matrix-matched standard curves with time of flight multiple reaction monitoring (TOF-MRM). The results showed that aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), and ochratoxin A (OTA) exhibited moderate matrix effects in rice, while OTA and zearalenone (ZEN) exhibited moderate matrix effects in wheat. The seven mycotoxins showed good linearities in their respective concentration ranges, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9900-0.9998. The limits of detection (LODs) for rice and wheat were 0.50-400 and 0.50-200 μg/kg, respectively, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) for both cereals were 1.00-800 μg/kg. In rice, the average recoveries at three spiked levels of low, medium, and high were 88.1%-123.9%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.2%-13.6%. In wheat, the average recoveries at three spiked levels of low, medium, and high were 102.0%-123.4%, with RSDs of 0.8%-14.8%. As a result, one batch of 46 batches of rice was screened out for AFB1 and AFB2, with a screening rate of 2.2%, of which the measured values were 10.8 μg/kg and 1.2 μg/kg, respectively. According to GB 2761-2017, the maximum allowable level of AFB1 in rice is 10 μg/kg; thus, the exceeding rate for AFB1 is 2.2%. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was screened out in 9 out of 24 batches of wheat (screening rate, 37.5%), while ZEN was screened out in 19 batches (screening rate, 79.2%). According to GB 2761-2017, the maximum allowable levels of DON and ZEN in wheat are 1000 and 60 μg/kg, respectively. The levels of DON and ZEN detected in the wheat samples did not exceed these limits. The proposed method uses MSE for qualitative screening to avoid the occurrence of false positives caused by interfering compounds with mass numbers and retention times similar to those of the analytes. TOF-MRM mode is then used to quantify the positively screened mycotoxins. The method is fast, accurate, sensitive, and suitable for the isolation and quantitative detection of mycotoxin residues in rice and wheat samples. The findings provide powerful technical support for mycotoxin contamination monitoring in rice and wheat and early risk-warning efforts.

Relationship Between Number of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Training Sessions, Muscle Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Rural Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease [Letter

Relationship Between Number of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Training Sessions, Muscle Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Rural Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease [Letter

Relationship Between Number of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Training Sessions, Muscle Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Rural Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

This study aimed to compare the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise program on skeletal muscle index (SMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients aged ≥65 years. From January 2012 to December 2021, patients living in rural regions aged ≥65 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and at least one CR exercise session were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who underwent an exercise tolerance test (ETT) at initial and 3-month follow-ups. A total of 36 patients were enrolled who underwent a mean of 6.56 exercise sessions and were divided into groups based on the number of center-based CR (CBCR) sessions: 14 in Group A (≥7 sessions) and 22 in Group B (<7 sessions). In CBCR session, we comprehensively counseled them about their nutrition, smoking cessation et al. Both groups underwent an ETT after 12 weeks. The outcomes were CRF parameters examined by a cardiorespiratory exercise test and the SMI examined by bioimpedance analysis (BIA). The number of exercise sessions was significantly correlated with the rate of SMI change. Group A showed significant increases in metabolic equivalent of task (MET), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and SMI after 3 months. There were significant differences in the rates of change in MET, VO2max, and SMI between the two groups. CRF significantly improved in Group A in a short period. Further studies are required to increase long-term CBCR adherence in elderly patients with AMI in rural regions.

High-throughput screening of 54 alternative plasticizers in sesame oil using gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Restrictions on the use of phthalates have led to the wide use of alternative plasticizers (APs) such as organophosphate, adipate, citrate, and sebacate. However, because plasticizers combine with polymers in plastic products via unstable noncovalent bonds, they can easily migrate out of these products, causing environmental pollution. In particular, their migration out of food packaging, containers, and other food-contact materials and into food has raised great concerns. Toxicological studies have shown that APs contain potentially toxic substances that can affect endocrine functions and cause neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and other adverse effects. Thus, their potential risks to food should not be underestimated. Sesame oil is a necessity in daily cooking. The results of risk monitoring in recent years have indicated that sesame oil often contains phthalates in excess of the standard limits. However, the potential risks of APs in sesame oil have not yet been reported. Some common detection methods for APs include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Unfortunately, these methods use low-resolution mass spectrometry and are limited by the resolution, scan rate, and analysis mode. Gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-Q-TOF/MS) has the advantages of high resolution, sensitivity, and analysis speed. In full-scan mode, GC-Q-TOF/MS can accurately collect the full-spectrum mass number of target compounds with low content levels in complex substrates, thereby realizing efficient screening and quantitative analysis. It shows outstanding advantages in the trace analysis of pesticide residues and pollutants. Furthermore, it features strong qualitative and high screening abilities. Establishment of a personal compound database and library (PCDL) addresses limitations in the number of compounds that can be measured and enables the rapid identification of targets without the use of standard products. In addition, increasing the number of targets for synchronous screening enables the retrospective analysis of new targets. In this study, a method based on GC-Q-TOF/MS was developed for the determination of 54 APs in sesame oil. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile and purified using a PSA/silica solid-phase extraction column. The mass-spectral information of the samples was then collected by GC-Q-TOF/MS in full-scan mode, and the 54 APs were searched using an established high-resolution mass-spectrum database to simultaneously achieve the broad-spectrum screening, qualitative identification, and quantitative analysis of multiple targets. The effects of different extraction solvents and purification methods on sample extraction and purification were compared. The accuracy of the screening results was improved by optimizing the GC-separation conditions, quality-extraction window, retention-time deviation, and other screening parameters. The screening detection limits (SDLs) of the 54 APs ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg; specifically, the SDL of 41 compounds was 0.01 mg/kg and that of 13 compounds were 0.02 mg/kg. The limits of quantification were in the range of 0.02-0.04 mg/kg. A total of 80 sesame-oil samples were rapidly screened using this method under optimal conditions. Five APs were identified from the 80 sesame-oil samples and quantitatively analyzed using the matrix-matched external-standard method. The results of this quantitative methodology showed that the five APs had good linear relationships in the range of 0.01-0.2 mg/L, with all correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The accuracy and precision of the method were verified using a standard recovery test with blank sesame-oil samples. Under the three standard levels of 0.04, 0.08, and 0.2 mg/kg, the recoveries of the five APs ranged from 71.3% to 97.8%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 0.4% to 6.1%(n=6). The developed method is fast, accurate, sensitive, and has high throughput. Thus, it can realize the efficient screening, qualitative identification, and quantitative analysis of the 54 APs in sesame oil and provides a potential solution for the monitoring of other contaminants in food.

Gamow–Teller Beta Decay and Pseudo-SU(4) Symmetry

We report on recent experimental results on β decay into self-conjugate (N=Z) nuclei with mass number 58≤A≤70. Super-allowed β decays from the Jπ=0+ ground state of a Z=N+2 parent nucleus are to the isobaric analogue state through so-called Fermi transitions and to Jπ=1+ states by way of Gamow–Teller (GT) transitions. The operator of the latter decay is a generator of Wigner’s SU(4) algebra and as a consequence GT transitions obey selection rules associated with this symmetry. Since SU(4) is progressively broken with increasing A, mainly as a consequence of the spin–orbit interaction, this symmetry is not relevant for the nuclei considered here. We argue, however, that the pseudo-spin–orbit splitting can be small in nuclei with 58≤A≤70, in which case nuclear states exhibit an approximate pseudo-SU(4) symmetry. To test this conjecture, GT decay strength is calculated with use of a schematic Hamiltonian with pseudo-SU(4) symmetry. Some generic features of the GT β decay due to pseudo-SU(4) symmetry are pointed out. The experimentally observed GT strength indicates a restoration of pseudo-SU(4) symmetry for A=70.

Improved semi-empirical formulae for Beta-decay

We attempted to improve semi-empirical equations for β−-decay in the atomic number range 1≤Z≤42 and mass number range 3≤A≤118. We suggested a semi-empirical formula in terms of an atomic number of daughter nuclei and decay energy in keV. We divided the nuclei into four categories: even(Z)-even(N), even(Z)-odd(N), odd(Z)-even(N), and odd(Z)-odd(N) to propose improved semi-empirical formulae. The existing equation values are compared to the experimental results. When compared to other semi-empirical equations accessible in the literature, the standard deviation produced from the current formula is lower. The improved semi-empirical formulas are of the first kind, requiring only an atomic number of daughter and decay energy during β−-decay. This study discovers a significance in predicting β−-decay.

Investigations on the Ti-induced fusion cross-sections in the range 44≤Z≤104

As a function of the barrier height, center-of-mass energy, Coulomb interaction parameter and [Formula: see text], a new empirical formula for the astronomical [Formula: see text]-factor has been proposed. Around 14 fusion reactions using [Formula: see text]Ti as projectiles were taken into consideration for various targets, producing compound nuclei with atomic and mass number ranges of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The geometric factor, Gamow–Sommerfield factor and empirical [Formula: see text]-factor formulas have been used to determine the fusion cross-sections. Compared to Wong’s formula, this study shows a better agreement with the available experiments except for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] fusion reactions. When employed to correlate with the experimental data on titanium-induced fusion reactions, this study yields a lower standard deviation value than Wong’s formula except for the fusion reactions leading to the formation of compound nuclei [Formula: see text]Hf and [Formula: see text]Th.

Quantum entanglement patterns in the structure of atomic nuclei within the nuclear shell model

Quantum entanglement offers a unique perspective into the underlying structure of strongly-correlated systems such as atomic nuclei. In this paper, we use quantum information tools to analyze the structure of light and medium-mass berillyum, oxygen, neon and calcium isotopes within the nuclear shell model. We use different entanglement metrics, including single-orbital entanglement, mutual information, and von Neumann entropies for different equipartitions of the shell-model valence space and identify mode-entanglement patterns related to the energy, angular momentum and isospin of the nuclear single-particle orbitals. We observe that the single-orbital entanglement is directly related to the number of valence nucleons and the energy structure of the shell, while the mutual information highlights signatures of proton–proton and neutron–neutron pairing, as well as nuclear deformation. Proton and neutron orbitals are weakly entangled by all measures, and in fact have the lowest von Neumann entropies among all possible equipartitions of the valence space. In contrast, orbitals with opposite angular momentum projection have relatively large entropies, especially in spherical nuclei. This analysis provides a guide for designing more efficient quantum algorithms for the noisy intermediate-scale quantum era.