Primary Field Research Articles

Bourdieu on love: A latent capital, a primary field and a new research agenda

This article offers an elaboration and reconstruction of Pierre Bourdieu’s brief account of interpersonal love in Masculine Domination. Although Bourdieu presented love as a possibility of escape from relations of domination, he also understood that love was a product of labour, inserted within an economy of exchanges, and liable to become infused with domination. I build on these remarks to make the case that it is possible to conceive of love becoming a form of ‘capital’ operative within fields of intimate relations. Two substantial consequences flow from this move. First, it gives specificity to a species of field that has a threefold primacy over all others. Second, it throws into sharp relief the fact that what a person does in one field is contextualised by their location in many fields. Both moves widen the scope of Bourdieusian research considerably by pushing it into new intellectual territory and deepening its explanatory capacity.

Temporal Coherence Shapes Cortical Responses to Speech Mixtures in a Ferret Cocktail Party.

Segregation of complex sounds such as speech, music and animal vocalizations as they simultaneously emanate from multiple sources (referred to as the "cocktail party problem") is a remarkable ability that is common in humans and animals alike. The neural underpinnings of this process have been extensively studied behaviorally and physiologically in non-human animals primarily with simplified sounds (tones and noise sequences). In humans, segregation experiments utilizing more complex speech mixtures are common; but physiological experiments have relied on EEG/MEG/ECoG recordings that sample activity from thousands of neurons, often obscuring the detailed processes that give rise to the observed segregation. The present study combines the insights from animal single-unit physiology with segregation of speech-like mixtures. Ferrets were trained to attend to a female voice and detect a target word, both in presence or absence of a concurrent, equally salient male voice. Single neuron recordings were obtained from primary and secondary ferret auditory cortical fields, as well as frontal cortex. During task performance, representation of the female words became more enhanced relative to those of the (distractor) male in all cortical regions, especially in the higher auditory cortical field. Analysis of the temporal and spectral response characteristics during task performance reveals how speech segregation gradually emerges in the auditory cortex. A computational model evaluated on the same voice mixtures replicates and extends these results to different attentional targets (attention to female or male voices). These findings are consistent with the temporal coherence theory whereby attention to a target voice anchors neural activity in cortical networks hence binding together channels that are coherently temporally-modulated with the target, and ultimately forming a common auditory stream.

COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY ORGANIZATION AND ENERGY SECURITY POLICIES: THE 2022 KAZAKHSTAN EVENTS

The primary aim of this article is to analyse the energy security policies of the CSTO, which brings together countries of geostrategic importance in the production and transit of energy resources. The article not only seeks to highlight the synergy between military security and energy security but also to draw attention to the role of international organisations in ensuring energy security. In the study, the CSTO's initial peacekeeping mission, the 2022 intervention in Kazakhstan, is chosen as a case study, and it seeks to answer the question of what the effects of these events were. The study, based on the hypothesis that energy security will become one of the CSTO's primary fields of operation, used qualitative research method. The findings of the study indicate that following the events in Kazakhstan, the CSTO has increased its effectiveness as a security provider in the region; military strength is a key factor in achieving energy security; necessary for CSTO members should develop more active policies in the field of energy security, which is component of national and regional security; the events have also had repercussions on other energy-rich Turkic States and have given rise to concerns about Russia's growing influence in the area.

Earthquake Risk Analysis as a Disaster Mitigation-Based Spatial Planning Strategy in the National Tourism Strategic Area of Kolorai Village, Morotai Island

Kolorai Village is a National Strategic Tourism Area (KSPN) influenced by complex tectonic activity. The low community resilience to earthquake disasters in Kolorai Village means that the government must refrain from using disaster risk factors as a reference in developing disaster mitigation-based tourism areas. This research aims to analyse the risk of earthquake disasters in the tourism area of Kolorai Village. Problem-solving in this research uses the survey method and descriptive analysis with a quantitative approach. Primary data or field data in the form of vulnerability and capacity data are obtained using the help of checklist instruments, questionnaires, and interviews. The earthquake disaster risk analysis results in Kolorai Village have a score of 3. They are included in the high category with a percentage of hazard factors of 43%, 28% vulnerability, and 29% capacity. The value of earthquake disaster risk is produced as a map that illustrates the elements of earthquake disaster risk in the Kolorai Village Tourism Area. So that it can be used for spatial planning, it needs to be integrated with disaster risk reduction.

Geospatial evaluation of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and urban heat island: a spatio-temporal study of Gandhinagar City, Gujarat, India

The latest Conference of the Parties (COP) demonstrated that development and 'Climate change’ are inextricably intertwined, making them the primary fields to be tackled in addressing rational global tendencies. Since the beginning of urbanization, asphalt, and concrete have supplanted natural vegetation, which has led to an increase in energy demand. This increase has accelerated the urban heat island (UHI) effect and paved the way for a rise in building energy consumption. In addition to that, the increased impervious surfaces capture more solar radiation, increasing Land Surface Temperature (LST). Increasing Greenspace, where vegetation changes have been monitored with the help of the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) since the early 1980s, has been suggested as a strategy for urban areas in response to increasing urbanization and forecasts of more frequent heatwaves under a climate change scenario. The present study focuses on using remotely sensed data of MODIS to evaluate the relationship between, Urban Greenspace and UHI for the city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. For the detection of relation as well as change, Land Surface Temperature (oC) and Precipitation rate (mm/day) were incorporated. This study compared UHI and NDVI for an annual average for the years 2003 and 2018. In the entire study period, a considerable change in land use was observed with a significant increase in build-up area. Correlation among the variables depicted a significant negative relation between NDVI (r = −0.76) and LST and Precipitation (r= −0.38). The linear trend showed a significant drop in precipitation in recent years. For a better understanding of continuous time series data, cross-wavelet transformation was used. The result of the wavelet transformation revealed a substantial coherence period and phase relationship between the variables. The finding of the study states that rapid urbanization is the chief contributor to the changes in the Land Surface Temperature.

Unleashing the potential of Health Promotion in primary care-a scoping literature review.

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the role and extent of health promotion lifestyle interventions targeting adults in primary care, and especially those who are considered overall healthy, i.e. to study the outcomes of research applying salutogenesis. We performed a literature review, with three specific aims. First, to identify studies that have targeted the healthy population in intervention within the primary health care field with health promotion activities. Second, to describe these interventions in terms of which health problems they have targeted and what the interventions have entailed. Third, to assess what these programs have resulted in, in terms of health outcomes. This scoping review of 42 studies, that applied salutogenesis in primary care interventions shows that health promotion targeting healthy individuals is relevant and effective. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting on scoping review were used. Most interventions were successful in reducing disease-related risks including CVD, CVD mortality, all-cause mortality, but even more importantly success in behavioural change, sustained at follow-up. Additionally, this review shows that health promotion lifestyle interventions can improve mental health, even when having different aims.

IoT Based Crop Monitoring System

The IoT-Based crop monitoring System is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency by utilizing sensor technology and automation. The core objective is to automate the irrigation process based on real-time soil moisture data. The systememploysanESP8266 module to facilitate the seamless exchange of data between various sensors and Firebase, a real-time cloud database. This interconnected system comprises two primary fields, each equipped with soil and soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, smoke detectors, UV light, buzzer, solenoid valves, and mini water pump. The ESP8266 module serves as the central hub for collecting data from the sensors and transmitting it to the Firebase database. The data includes crucial information such as soil moisture levels, temperature, smoke detection, and UV light intensity. Furthermore, the system integrates alarm functionality through the buzzer and precise irrigation control via the solenoid valve and mini water pump. The data stored in Firebase is accessible through a web application built using React.js and Node.js. This web interface provides users with a graphical representation of the gathered data, allowing them to monitor the agricultural conditions in real-time. The main key features are Data Visualization in which users can remotely monitor soil moisture levels and receive real-time updates on crop conditions through a web application. Resource Efficiency by automating irrigation, this model optimizes water usage, reducing waste and improving water conservation. This paper not only showcases the integration of IoT technology in agriculture but also serves as a practical and environmentally responsible solution for modern farming practices.

Identification of Cinnamein, a Component of Balsam of Tolu/Peru, as a New Ligand of PPARα for Plaque Reduction and Memory Protection in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Despite intense investigations, no effective treatment is yet available to reduce plaques and protect memory and learning in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore, it is important to identify a non-toxic, but effective, treatment option for AD. Cinnamein, a nontoxic compound, is naturally available in Balsam of Peru and Tolu Balsam. We examined whether cinnamein treatment could decrease plaques and improve cognitive functions in 5XFAD mouse model of AD. We employed in silico analysis, time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer assay, thermal shift assay, primary neuron isolation, western blot, immunostaining, immunohistochemistry, Barnes maze, T maze, and open field behavior. Oral administration of cinnamein led to significant reduction in amyloid-β plaque deposits in the brain and protection of spatial learning and memory in 5XFAD mice. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear hormone receptor, is involved in plaque lowering and increase in hippocampal plasticity. While investigating underlying mechanisms, we found that cinnamein served as a ligand of PPARα. Accordingly, oral cinnamein upregulated the level of PPARα, but not PPARβ, in the hippocampus, and remained unable to decrease plaques from the hippocampus and improve memory and learning in 5XFAD mice lacking PPARα. While A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) is one of the drivers of nonamyloidogenic pathway, transcription factor EB (TFEB) is considered as the master regulator of autophagy. Cinnamein treatment was found to upregulate both ADAM10 and TFEB in the brain of 5XFAD mice via PPARα. Our results suggest that this balsam component may have therapeutic importance in AD.

Phase equilibria of TiO2–SiO2–CaO–10%Al2O3-7.5%MgO at 1773 K and effects of MgO on the distribution of phase fields

The 1773 K phase diagram of the TiO2–SiO2–CaO-10 wt%Al2O3-7.5 wt%MgO system was constructed experimentally using the quenching method, focusing on the composition range of high TiO2 content. The obtained isothermal section contains four phase fields: the liquid phase field, the primary phase field of pseudo-brookite, the primary phase field of perovskite, and the liquid + perovskite + pseudo-brookite phase field. The pseudo-brookite particle precipitated in its primary phase field is more suitable for the efficient selective enrichment and separation of titanium resources. The increase of MgO from 5 % to 7.5 % in the TiO2–CaO–SiO2-10 wt%Al2O3–MgO system leads to a decrease of the liquidus temperature and an expansion of the liquid + pseudo-brookite + perovskite phase field. The increase of MgO promotes the enrichment of TiO2 into the pseudo-brookite phase and reduces the TiO2 level in the glass phase.

Explicit observation of tertiary magnetic field in TDEM transients; plausible explanation towards induced polarization effect in geophysical prospecting

In time domain electromagnetic central loop sounding or coincidence loop measurements often a sign reversal is observed in the recorded decay transients. These negative decay transients are generally attributed to induced polarization effect. We observed a similar sign reversal in the decay transients recorded with SQUID as a receiver in central loop sounding measurements at later decay times. The magnitude of the secondary magnetic field observed in the negative decay transients is considerably high and the SQUID output never reaches its noise floor even at decay times of >155 ms. This observation stimulated us to record the current flow in the transmitter loop and therefore a small resistor is connected in series with the transmitter loop. Decay transients have been recorded simultaneously across the resistor and the SQUID which is located at the centre of the transmitter loop. To our surprise, the time at which the sign reversal occurred in the recorded decay transients with SQUID and across the resistor confirmed that the SQUID is recording the magnetic field produced by the flow of the induced current in the transmitter loop in addition to the decay of the secondary magnetic field from the ground. A novel hypothesis has been proposed to explain the flow of induced current in the transmitter loop and extensive laboratory experimental simulations have been performed to prove it. The proposed novel hypothesis explains the occurrence of sign reversal in TEM systems not only in single loop but also in coincidence loop and central loop TEM configurations. In all cases, the sign reversal is due to the self induced tertiary magnetic fields. In this work, a set of transient measurements have been carried out with different targets and different thicknesses. The experiments have been repeated by locating the targets at different depths in order observe the response of the tertiary magnetic field in the decay transients. The experimental data and subsequent analysis confirmed our hypothesis that the self induced tertiary magnetic field is responsible for the sign reversals rather than the induced polarization effects.

Congenital deafness reduces alpha-gamma cross-frequency coupling in the auditory cortex

Neurons within a neuronal network can be grouped by bottom-up and top-down influences using synchrony in neuronal oscillations. This creates the representation of perceptual objects from sensory features. Oscillatory activity can be differentiated into stimulus-phase-locked (evoked) and non-phase-locked (induced). The former is mainly determined by sensory input, the latter by higher-level (cortical) processing. Effects of auditory deprivation on cortical oscillations have been studied in congenitally deaf cats (CDCs) using cochlear implant (CI) stimulation. CI-induced alpha, beta, and gamma activity were compromised in the auditory cortex of CDCs. Furthermore, top-down information flow between secondary and primary auditory areas in hearing cats, conveyed by induced alpha oscillations, was lost in CDCs. Here we used the matching pursuit algorithm to assess components of such oscillatory activity in local field potentials recorded in primary field A1. Additionally to the loss of induced alpha oscillations, we also found a loss of evoked theta activity in CDCs. The loss of theta and alpha activity in CDCs can be directly related to reduced high-frequency (gamma-band) activity due to cross-frequency coupling. Here we quantified such cross-frequency coupling in adult 1) hearing-experienced, acoustically stimulated cats (aHCs), 2) hearing-experienced cats following acute pharmacological deafening and subsequent CIs, thus in electrically stimulated cats (eHCs), and 3) electrically stimulated CDCs. We found significant cross-frequency coupling in all animal groups in > 70% of auditory-responsive sites. The predominant coupling in aHCs and eHCs was between theta/alpha phase and gamma power. In CDCs such coupling was lost and replaced by alpha oscillations coupling to delta/theta phase. Thus, alpha/theta oscillations synchronize high-frequency gamma activity only in hearing-experienced cats. The absence of induced alpha and theta oscillations contributes to the loss of induced gamma power in CDCs, thereby signifying impaired local network activity.

Women’s Participation in Local Governments of Nepal: Assessing Local Elections of 2017 and 2022

The Federal Republic of Nepal was established after the second people's movement in 2006. The movement was for more political rights after the 1990 political change in the country. As a result, through the incorporation of inclusive principles into Nepal's constitution, women's representation has been mandated across all sectors of the state, including at the local level. This paper aims to examine the legal provisions and practices concerning gender-balanced seat allocation in key municipal positions, such as chief and deputy chief, chairperson and vice-chairperson, in which at least one occupant must be female. It seeks to understand the reasons behind the political parties nominating women candidates for these positions and whether they are considered reservations for women. Using primary field visits and secondary sources, descriptive analytical and content analysis methods were used to make conclusions about the representation of deputy chief and deputy chairperson in the local elections of 2017 and 2022. The study shows that inclusion is emphasised in Nepal's constitution and other legislation, which require women to be represented in all fields. In the 2017 and 2022 local elections, women held 92% and 74% of the deputy positions, respectively. However, neither politically nor constitutionally, the office of deputy chief is solely reserved for women. The analysis sheds light on the motivations behind political parties nominating women candidates for these positions and explores whether they are perceived as reservations for women.

Experiments and numerical modelling of secondary flows of blood and shear-thinning blood analogue fluids in rotating domains

The transition from concentric primary flow to non-tangential secondary flow of blood was investigated using experimental steady shear rheometry and numerical modelling. The aims were to: assess the difference in secondary flow in a Newtonian versus shear-thinning blood analogue; and measure the secondary flow in the blood. Both experiments and numerical modelling showed that the transition from primary to secondary flow was the same in a Newtonian fluid and a shear-thinning blood analogue. Experiments showed whole blood transitioned to secondary flow at lower modified Reynolds numbers than the Newtonian fluid; and transition was haematocrit dependent with higher RBC concentrations transitioning at lower modified Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that modelling blood as a purely shear-thinning fluid does not predict the correct secondary flow fields in whole blood; non-Newtonian effects beyond shear-thinning behaviour are influential, and incorporating effects such as multiphase contributions and viscoelasticity, yield stress and thixotropy is necessary.

Has Women's Participation in Local Government Been Strengthened? A Legal and Political Analysis in Riau Province?

This research delves into the critical role of women within the Village Consultative Body in Siak, Indonesia, with the aim of bolstering their involvement in local community empowerment endeavors. Employing a comprehensive sociological-legal research approach and drawing from a diverse array of data sources—ranging from primary field research to secondary and tertiary literature—the study offers profound insights into the multifaceted dynamics of women's roles within these bodies. Despite strides made in recent years towards gender equality, the study reveals persistent limitations hindering women's full participation in the Village Consultative Body. Cultural norms, deeply ingrained in societal structures, often perpetuate traditional gender roles, constraining women's agency in decision-making processes. Additionally, disparities in education levels and limited access to resources further marginalize women's involvement. However, amidst these challenges, the study illuminates the invaluable contributions of women to community development within the Village Consultative Body. Their participation not only brings diverse perspectives to the decision-making table but also fosters the development of better human resources within the community. In light of these findings, the study advocates for concerted efforts to bolster women's engagement in local governance structures. This includes initiatives aimed at challenging and reshaping entrenched cultural norms that inhibit women's agency, as well as addressing systemic barriers to education and resource access. Furthermore, recognizing the vital role of women in community development, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support and empower women within the Village Consultative Body. In conclusion, the research underscores the imperative of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in their pursuit of equality and active participation in local developmental processes. By fostering an environment that values and amplifies women's voices and contributions, local governance structures can become more inclusive, responsive, and effective in addressing the diverse needs of their communities.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te SYSTEM

Phase equilibria of the SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te portion of the Sn–Sb–Te ternary system have been experimentally investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microstructural analysis methods. Based on the measured experimental results and literature information, isothermal sections at 500 K, liquidus surface projection, and several vertical sections of the phase diagram were plotted. The 500 K phase diagram of this system consists of 2 single-phase regions, 2 two-phase regions, and 3 three-phase regions. The liquidus surface projection is represented by the primary crystallization fields of 5 phases. The primary crystallization fields of all phases, the types, and coordinates of non- and monovariant equilibria were determined. Obtained experimental data can be valuable input for design for Sn–Sb–Te-based alloys

Capture enhanced neutron irradiation for the treatment of the Alzheimer Disease: Micro-nanodosimetric characterization of beta amyloid peptide samples

Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. 46.8 million people live with AD worldwide, with numbers projected to almost double every 20 years. The etiological mechanisms underlying the neuropathological changes in AD remain unclear. The beta amyloid peptide Aβ is considered to be the main culprit of the pathological processes. NECTAR (NEutron Capture-enhanced Treatment of neurotoxic Amyloid aggRegates) project proposes an alternative and revolutionary strategy to address AD, investigating the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of a Capture-Enhanced Neutron Irradiation to structurally damage Aβ aggregates, by exploiting capture agent vectors containing B-10 and Gd-157.Among many others, one of the goals of the project is to perform calculations and measurements of microdosimetric and nanodosimetric quantities to characterize the effect of reaction products at local level and to link it to the fibrils depolymerization process. In this framework, a new low-pressure tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) was designed and developed. The system is a wall-free TEPC able to measure micro-nanometric dose deposition for different biological samples. It is characterized by two main features: i) a wall-less structure allows the charged particles produced by the sample to access the sensitive volume, where their effects are studied; ii) a trigger system enables the assessment of the number of ionizations induced in the sensitive volume related to a single primary particle for obtaining nandosimetric information.The prototype system was tested in the PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis) facility of the LENA reactor (Pavia) to directly study secondary particles from Aβ fibrils, loaded with Boron. Results of the micro-nanodosimetric characterization of high LET secondaries from Aβ-fibrils were compared to a reference Boron sample. For a 500 nm simulated site size, the presence of Boron in the Aβ sample greatly populates microdosimetric spectra at high lineal energy values. Instead, lower LET particles (photons, protons) from reactions on the other Aβ aggregate solution molecules populate the low lineal energy portion of the distribution.The nanodosimetric distributions highlights the presence of different field components on the nanodosimetric spectra: low LET particles (protons/electrons) produce small ionization clusters, while alpha and Lithium ions induce larger clusters, thus have a higher biological effect. The nanodosimetric measurements have been compared with Monte Carlo simulations performed with a track-structure code, showing a good agreement.This multi-level approach provides a deeper physical understanding of the mixed secondaries field coming from B-enriched target, as well as a reference for the biological effect on Aβ fibrils at nanometer level. These preliminary measurements represent the first microdosimetric and nanodosimetric characterization of the secondary mixed field directly emitted by a biological sample irradiated with neutrons.

Identification of seasonal drought and its impacts on cropping season in Bangladesh

PurposeThis study aims to identify seasonal drought using standardized precipitation index (SPI). The following specific objectives are to generate result and identify seasonal drought and determine different scale of seasonal drought and its impacts on cropping season.Design/methodology/approachSeasonal SPI was calculated using long-term rainfall data for three seasons. The SPI was calculated using the formula and it is effective for the determinants. This study showed the functional relationship between drought duration, frequency and drought time scale using the SPI. SPI=X−X¯σ.FindingsSeasonal drought occurs more frequently in Bangladesh that affects crops and the agricultural economy every year. More severe drought was recorded during the Kharif-1 and Kharif-2 seasons and most crops were affected in these two seasons. No severe or moderate drought was recorded during the Rabi season. The results showed that monsoon crops were severely affected severely by extreme and severe droughts during the Kharif-2 season. Eventually, the people remain jobless during the monsoon, and they experience food shortages like monga. Several obstacles were recorded during the season, including delayed preparation of land, sowing, transplanting and other farming activities because of monsoon droughts. This study revealed that very frequently, mild dryness occurs in winter, but crop loss is minimal. The scale and occurrence of extreme droughts are more frequent during monsoons and reduce crop yields, affecting livelihoods in the study area. Seasonal drought affects cropping patterns as well as reduce crop yields.Originality/valueThe outcome of this study derived from the secondary data and field data.

Functional gradation of material coefficients and size –effects in heat conduction: Numerical simulations

It is well known that the classical theory of heat conduction is scale invariant. On the other hand, it is experimentally evident that size-dependent effects are observable in small samples of micro/nano-scale dimensions. Incorporation of higher-order gradients of primary field variables into constitutive relationships yields a qualitative explanation of size-effects. Form the mathematical point of view, the governing equations are given by the partial differential equations (PDE) with higher-order derivatives in higher-grade continuum theories. As compared with classical theory of continua, the other complication of governing equations occurs in case of continuous media with functional gradation of material coefficients, when the problem is described by the PDE with variable coefficients. The traditional weak formulations are considered in global sense, hence the whole analysed domain/boundary is to be discretized into finite size elements. On the other hand, the strong formulations bring better computational efficiency because of elimination of integrations, but the price which should be paid is the need to approximate higher order derivatives of field variables. One of the most criticized shortcoming of the finite element (FE) approximation is its limited continuity on element intersections. The C0 continuity is insufficient for calculation of gradients of field variables on element intersections as well as for numerical solution of problems with governing equations of higher than 2nd order partial differential equations (PDE). Recently widely spread and elaborated mesh-free approximations utilize the higher order continuous shape functions. Another advantage is elimination of discretization of the analysed domain into finite elements, since only the nodes are scattered on the domain and its boundary. Both the strong and weak formulations are applicable in combination with mesh-free approximations. The Moving Finite Element Approximation (MFEA) and its utilization in mesh-free formulations for heat conduction problems is presented in this paper.

Electron streaming dose measurements and calculations on a 1.5 T MR-Linac.

To evaluate the accuracy of different dosimeters and the treatment planning system (TPS) for assessing the skin dose due to the electron streaming effect (ESE) on a 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR)-linac. Skin dose due to the ESE on an MR-linac (Unity, Elekta) was investigated using a solid water phantom rotated 45° in the x-y plane (IEC61217) and centered at the isocenter. The phantom was irradiated with 1 × 1, 3 × 3, 5 × 5, 10 × 10, and 22 × 22cm2 fields, gantry at 90°. Out-of-field doses (OFDs) deposited by electron streams generated at the entry and exit surface of the angled phantom were measured on the surface of solid water slabs placed±20.0cm from the isocenter along the x-direction. A high-resolution MOSkin™ detector served as a benchmark due to its shallower depth of measurement that matches the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended depth for skin dose assessment (0.07mm). MOSkin™ doses were compared to EBT3 film, OSLDs, a diamond detector, and the TPS where the experimental setup was modeled using two separate calculation parameters settings: a 0.1cm dose grid with 0.2% statistical uncertainty (0.1cm, 0.2%) and a 0.2cm dose grid with 3.0% statistical uncertainty (0.2cm, 3.0%). OSLD, film, the 0.1cm, 0.2%, and 0.2cm, 3.0% TPS ESE doses, underestimated skin doses measured by the MOSkin™ by as much as -75.3%, -7.0%, -24.7%, and -41.9%, respectively. Film results were most similar to MOSkin™ skin dose measurements. These results show that electron streams can deposit significant doses outside the primary field and that dosimeter choice and TPS calculation settings greatly influence the reported readings. Due to the steep dose gradient of the ESE, EBT3 film remains the choice for accurate skin dose assessment in this challenging environment.

Closed string vertex operators with various ghost number

We construct closed string vertex operators with various ghost numbers in addition to the conventional ones, using the Faddeev-Popov procedure for the gauge fixing of the conformal Killing group, from matter primary fields. We find that these operators give solutions to the descent equations in the framework of the BRST formalism. Similarly, we also construct solutions to the descent equations for the dilaton vertex operator with the Lorentz covariant form. Using the unintegrated vertex operator of the dilaton with the ghost number three, we obtain the correct result of the tadpole amplitude on the disk, including a non-zero contribution from a BRST exact term which comes from a conformal transformation.