Target Yield Research Articles

Machine Learning-Based Read Access Yield Estimation and Design Optimization for High-Density SRAM

This paper presents an efficient yield estimation method for the compensated-most probable failure point (C-MPFP) with probability density function (PDF) estimation. Bayesian optimization (BO) is used to estimate the PDF. The computational cost can be significantly reduced using this method, while maintaining the accuracy. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed yield estimation method can reduce the simulation time by more than 20 times compared with the Brute force Monte Carlo (BMC). In addition, the BO based automated SRAM read access design optimization method is proposed. The optimized design found by the proposed method demonstrates a 10% faster speed than arbitrarily selected designs while satisfying the target yield constraint. Consequently, the proposed design optimization process can efficiently reduce the computational cost of yield estimation for a given design as well as effectively reducing the number of times yield estimation is invoked with BO.

Balancing potato yield, soil nutrient supply, and nitrous oxide emissions: An analysis of nitrogen application trade-offs

Potato has been promoted as a national key staple food to alleviate pressure on food security in China. Appropriate nitrogen (N) application rate is prerequisite and is crucial for increasing yield, improving fertilizer efficiency, and reducing N losses. In the present study, we determined the optimum N application rates by analyzing field trial data from the main potato producing areas of China between 2004 and 2020. We considered the equilibrium relationships between potato yield, N uptake, partial N balance (PNB), and N2O emission under different soil indigenous N supply (INS) scenarios. The results showed that N rate, INS, and their interactions all significantly affect potato yield and nutrient uptake increment. On average, N application increased potato yield and N uptake by 29.5 % and 56.7 %, respectively. The relationship between N rate and yield increment was linear-plateau, while the relationship between N rate and N uptake increment was linear-linear. Soil INS accounted for 63.5 % of total potato N requirement. Potato yield increment and nutrient uptake increment were exponentially negatively correlated with INS and had a significant parabolic-nonlinear relationship with the interaction of N fertilizer application rate and INS. PNB was negatively correlated with fertilizer N supply intensity as a power function. Based on our analysis, a N application rate of 166 kg N ha−1 was found to be sufficient when the target yield was <34 t ha−1. However, when the target yield reached 40, 50 and 60 t ha−1, the recommended N application rate increased to 182, 211, and 254 kg N ha−1, respectively, while ensuring N2O emissions low with an emission factor of 0.2 %. Our findings will help guide potato farming toward cleaner production without compromising environmental benefit.

Yield of residues produced in 6Li reaction on Ta: A comparative analysis for 183Os

The present work reports an analysis of the production yield of residues from the 6Li ＋ 181Ta reaction in a low-energy regime. The experimental yield of 183gOs, 183mOs, 182Os, 183Re, 183Ta, 182m2Ta, and 180Ta have been measured in the 27–43 MeV energy window and compared with equilibrium and pre-equilibrium model calculations under the framework of the nuclear reaction model code, EMPIRE-3.2.2. The maximum yield measured for 183gOs is 80.5 ± 14.9 MBq/C at 40.2 MeV energy in a 2.3 mg/cm2 thick Ta target corresponding to a cross-section of 360.1 ± 34.4 mb from the 181Ta(6Li,4n)183Os reaction and that for 183Re is 1.36 ± 0.4 MBq/C at 42.75 MeV in a 2.4 mg/cm2 thick target. The model estimations agree well with the experimental yields of 183gOs and 183Re. The possible production of stable residues has been estimated using the model-predicted cross-section in the studied energy range. A comparison of production yields of 183m,gOs from 6Li- and 7Li-induced reaction on Ta demonstrates the 6Li reaction as a better candidate. Thick target yields have been evaluated for Os and Re isotopes.

Hypercoagulability in Pediatric Autologous Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Collection – Is it the Time to Reconsider Screening? – A Case Report

Peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell harvest by apheresis in pediatric patients, a double-edged sword, has advantages and disadvantages over conventional bone marrow transplantation. The effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization on hemostasis in literature is very scarce. A 3-year-old female child with metastatic neuroblastoma planned for autologous transplant. Following G-CSF mobilization (75 mg; 4 days), the procedure was performed with all default parameters in Spectra Optia with an acid citrate dextrose (ACD) flow rate 1:12, assuming 3-total blood volume (TBV) to be processed with 150 ml of expected collection with target yield of 6 × 106 CD34 cells/kg. Despite normal coagulation laboratory parameters, it was abandoned for reasons such as low-flow alarms and thrombi in the kit tubings. In the subsequent procedures, the ACD to whole blood ratio was decreased to 1:16, and used bolus of heparin was followed by continuous heparin infusion throughout the procedure. Despite using heparin anticoagulation, a long thrombus was aspirated at needleless port. The procedure was completed with continuous low-flow alarms. A cumulative dose of 5.67 × 106 CD34 cells/kg was achieved over four procedures, but the cause of hypercoagulability was unknown. All the coagulation parameters were within normal limits before and after the procedure. The exact cause for hypercoagulability remains elusive. There are no studies or case reports in the pediatric population on hypercoagulability following apheresis procedure after G-CSF mobilization, but evidence is available for adults, with lack of explanation. It can also be due to low draw flow from the patient side or embolization of thrombi developed in the anticoagulant unprimed site in the kit tubings. More extensive studies are required to explain the mechanism of hypercoagulability during apheresis procedures in the pediatric population.

Increasing Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Root Crop Yield Based Scientific Participatory Research

This study aims to improve sweet potato production in the Philippines by identifying the challenges facing sweet potato farmers and providing effective interventions to address these issues. Participatory Action Research (PAR) was used to foster community participation and action and to establish a baseline profile of farmers, assess participation rates, evaluate interventions using high-yield varieties and proper training on the use of the stem-cutting system and staggered planting, and identify challenges after the intervention. The mean age of the participants was 52.44 years old, indicating that they belong to the marginalized adult group, and their average monthly income from sweet potato production was relatively low. In addition to sweet potato farming, the key informants are also engaged in other crop production, such as rice (100%), banana (89%), cassava (67%), corn (67%), taro (67%) and potato (22%). Regarding fertilizer use in sweet potato farming, key informants use urea and complete 14-14-14 fertilizers. Using NSIC Sp-36 and UPL Sp-17 varieties combined with staggered planting and stem-cutting techniques effectively increases sweet potato yield per hectare. The total yield from the scientific interventions was 8,000 kilograms or 8 tons, twice the target yield of 4,000 kilograms or 4 tons. While the adaptation of the farming strategy effectively increased to 160% actual yield, there is a low market demand due to the lack of production takers, which constrained the success of this intervention. Moreover, some farmers could not attend the activity, which is essential to note. These interventions can potentially improve the productivity of sweet potato farming and increase food security and income for small-scale farmers. However, there is a need to intensify the marketing strategy.

Effects of a range of phosphorus levels on yield, phosphorus efficiency, and canopy sunlight interception in direct‐seeded winter rapeseed

AbstractPhosphorus (P) fertilization is a crucial practice for winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production. With the shift to a direct seeding cropping system, the P fertilizer supply should be re‐evaluated for the requirement of direct‐seeded winter rapeseed in southwest China. A two‐factor field experiment was conducted in 2017–18 and 2018–19 in the region. The experiment aimed to investigate the responses of a wide range of P levels (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg P ha−1) on yield, P‐efficiency, and canopy sunlight interception of direct‐seeded winter rapeseed. The results demonstrated that winter rapeseed yield was enhanced as the P fertilizer rate increased from 0 to 90 kg P ha−1, and excessive P fertilizer supply did not significantly contribute to higher grain yield at high P levels. Rapeseed produced 7.1–10.1 kg seed ha−1 to supply 1 kg P ha−1 average across different five P levels from 0 to 180 kg P ha−1. Phosphorus efficiency significantly firstly increased (0–90 kg P ha−1) and then progressively decreased with the rise of P levels (around 120 kg P ha−1). Greater P fertilizer rates were absorbed by the stem and pericarp while playing a negligible role in boosting winter rapeseed yield. When the target yield of 3000 kg ha−1 was set, the corresponding winter rapeseed canopy area index should be 1.42–2.71 to facilitate yield formation depending on the growth stages. Meanwhile, it intercepted 30.8%–88.7% of sunlight by the rapeseed canopy. A reduced P‐fertilizer level of 90–120 kg P ha−1 was recommended to obtain target yield with less environmental risks in direct‐seeded winter rapeseed planting regions.

Clinical Utility of Optical Genome Mapping and 523-Gene Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Evaluation of Myeloid Cancers.

The standard-of-care (SOC) for genomic testing of myeloid cancers primarily relies on karyotyping/fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (cytogenetic analysis) and targeted gene panels (usually ≤54 genes) that harbor hotspot pathogenic variants (molecular genetic analysis). Despite this combinatorial approach, ~50% of myeloid cancer genomes remain cytogenetically normal, and the limited sequencing variant profiles obtained from targeted panels are unable to resolve the molecular etiology of many myeloid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the performance and clinical utility of combinatorial use of optical genome mapping (OGM) and a 523-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel for comprehensive genomic profiling of 30 myeloid tumors and compared it to SOC cytogenetic methods (karyotyping and FISH) and a 54-gene NGS panel. OGM and the 523-gene NGS panel had an analytical concordance of 100% with karyotyping, FISH, and the 54-gene panel, respectively. Importantly, the IPSS-R cytogenetic risk group changed from very good/good to very poor in 22% of MDS (2/9) cases based on comprehensive profiling (karyotyping, FISH, and 54-gene panel vs. OGM and 523-gene panel), while additionally identifying six compound heterozygous events of potential clinical relevance in six cases (6/30, 20%). This cost-effective approach of using OGM and a 523-gene NGS panel for comprehensive genomic profiling of myeloid cancers demonstrated increased yield of actionable targets that can potentially result in improved clinical outcomes.

Pulmonary disorders in pregnancy – Volume 85 multiple choice questions - Answers

The ARRONAX cyclotron, acronym for “Accelerator for Research in Radiochemistry and Oncology at Nantes Atlantique” is a new facility installed in Nantes, France. A dedicated program has been launched on production of innovative radioisotopes for PET imaging and for β − and α targeted radiotherapy using protons or α particles. Since the accelerator is also able to deliver deuteron beams up to 35 MeV, we have reconsidered the possibility of using them to produce medical isotopes. Indeed, in some cases, the use of deuterons allows higher production yield than protons.186Re is a β − emitter which has chemical properties close to the widely used 99mTc and has been used in clinical trials for palliation of painful bone metastases resulting from prostate and breast cancer. 186Re production cross section has been measured between 9 and 23 MeV using the ARRONAX deuteron beam and the stacked-foil technique.A novelty in our work is the use of a monitor foil behind each natW target foil in order to record efficiently the deuteron incident flux and energies all over the stack relying on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommended cross section of the natTi(d,x)48V reaction. Since a good optimization process is supposed to find the best compromise between production yield and purity of the final product, isotope of interest and contaminants created during irradiation are measured using gamma spectrometry.Our new sets of data are presented and compared with the existing ones and with results given by the TALYS code calculations. The thick target yield (TTY) has been calculated after the fit of our experimental values and compared with the IAEA recommended ones.Presented values are in good agreement with existing data. The deuteron production route is clearly the best choice with a TTY of 7.8 MB/μAh at 30 MeV compared to 2.4 MBq/μAh for proton as projectile at the same energy. The TALYS code gives satisfactory results for 183,186Re isotopes.

Activation cross sections of proton-induced reactions on manganese up to 30 MeV

The excitation functions of the 55Mn(p,x)51Cr, 54Mn reactions were measured up to 30-MeV proton energy. The experiment was performed at the RIKEN AVF cyclotron using the stacked-foil activation technique. High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors were used for the gamma-ray spectrometry. Obtained results were compared with previous experimental data and the prediction of the TALYS nuclear reaction model code available in the TENDL-2021 library. Physical thick target yields of 51Cr and 54Mn were derived from the measured cross sections.

Evaluation of cross section data for the low and medium energy cyclotron production of the non-standard positron emitting radionuclide 90Nb

The radionuclide 90Nb (T1/2 = 14.6 h) is a promising non-standard β+-emitter, with potential for use in Immuno-PET. Its production was studied using 90Zr, 91Zr, 93Nb and 89Y targets. Experimental excitation functions of the reactions 90Zr(p,n)90Nb, 91Zr(p,2n)90Nb, 90Zr(d,2n)90Nb, 93Nb(p,4n)90Mo(→90Nb) and 89Y(α,3n)90Nb were critically analyzed. The nuclear model codes TALYS 1.9, ALICE-IPPE, and EMPIRE 3.2 were employed to check the consistency and reliability of the experimental data. A well-developed methodology, based on the experimental data and the results of theoretical nuclear models, was used to calculate the recommended data for each excitation function. The same was done for reactions leading to possible radioisotopic impurities. By using the recommended/reference data, thick target yields were calculated for each production route and its corresponding impurity reactions. After a careful analysis and comparison of all production routes, it is concluded that the 90Zr(p,n)90Nb reaction is better for low energy cyclotrons (20 → 5 MeV), and the 91Zr(p,2n)90Nb and 90Zr(d,2n)90Nb reactions are suitable for medium energy cyclotrons (30 → 12 MeV). The routes 93Nb(p,4n)90Mo→90Nb and 89Y(α,3n)90Nb are suitable for high energy cyclotrons (80 → 31 MeV). For each of these production routes, an optimum energy range is suggested. The recommended results for 90Zr(p,n)90Nb and 91Zr(p,2n)90Nb reactions were validated by comparison with the data for the natZr(p,x)90Nb process.

Differential cross-section measurements of the 6Li(d,nʹγ)7Be, 6Li(d,pʹγ)7Li, 7Li(d,dʹγ)7Li and 19F(d,pʹγ)20F reactions suitable for PIGE applications

Differential cross sections of the 6Li(d,nʹγ)7Be, 6Li(d,pʹγ)7Li, 7Li(d,dʹγ)7Li and 19F(d,pʹγ)20F reactions were determined at three detection angles (0°, 55° and 90°), for deuteron energies ranging from 1000 keV up to 2200 keV, with a 20 keV step. For the detection of the γ-ray peaks of interest at Eγ = 429 keV, Eγ = 478 keV and Eγ = 656 keV, two different LiF targets were used. Three HPGe detectors having a 80% relative efficiency were placed around the targets for the detection of the gamma-ray peaks under study. The present results are compared with existing ones from the literature and the erroneous omission of the 7Li(d,dʹγ)7Li reaction contribution in the yield of the 478 gamma ray in natLi targets is discussed and analyzed. Comparisons with previously reported absolute thick target yields are also performed. Despite the fact that the differential cross sections determined in the present work are in very good agreement with previously reported differential cross-section datasets in literature (properly corrected), remarkable discrepancies in the case of existing absolute thick target yields are observed.

Evaluation of STCR Based Targeted Yield Equations of Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in Southern Laterite Soils (AEU-8) of Kerala

A field experiment was carried out in the Instructional farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram which comes under agro-ecological unit AEU-8 from the period March 2022 to June 2022 to test and validate the targeted yield equation for nutrient management developed by All India Coordinated research project on soil test based crop response studies (AICRP on STCR) 2014 for the cultivation of Amaranthus. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and five treatment combinations viz., T1 as KAU organic POP, T2 as soil test-based KAU, T3, T4, T5 as STCR based targeted yield recommendation for a target yield of 20, 22.5 and 30 tonnes respectively. Nutrient management with the application of STCR based targeted yield recommendation for a target yield of 25 tonnes T5 showed a significant increase in plant height, stem girth, leaf length, petiole length, leaf width, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1 and root length at 30 and 60 DAS respectively. The treatment, T5 also improved the N, P and K content and their uptake by leaf, shoot and root respectively of Amaranthus and gave significantly better results for all parameters in comparison to other treatments. The equation of AICRP on STCR 2014 for the nutrient management for the cultivation of Amaranthus can be extended to the ultisols of AEU-8 of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.

141Pr(α,x): New Cross-Section Data With Special Reference to 140Nd Production for Medicine

Cross sections for the 141Pr(α,x) 144,143,141Pm, 138mPr, 141cum,140cumNd, and 139cumCe reactions were measured by the stacked foil technique at an alpha-particle range of 60 to 20 MeV. Most of the data were obtained for the first time. Experimental data were compared with earlier research and theoretical values from the TENDL-2021 database. Thick target yields of activation products were calculated. The reaction 141Pr(α,5n)140Pm (9.2 s)→140Nd was compared with other 140Nd production routes.

Measurement of 9Be(3He,p i )11B (i = 0, 1, ..., 9) nuclear reaction cross sections in the 1.0 MeV to 2.5 MeV energy range

In fusion materials research using ion beam analysis techniques, the reactions 9Be(3He,p i )11B (i = 0, 1, 2…) are relevant to probe Be-related plasma-wall interactions. The cross sections for this reaction have been examined previously; nevertheless, there is a ∼40% difference in the studied energy interval between the two most relevant earlier studies. Therefore, a new data set for the differential cross sections 9Be(3He,p i )11B for the proton groups i = 0, 1, …, 9 is given. The measurements were performed using a thin beryllium film in the laboratory energy range from 1.0 MeV to 2.5 MeV in steps of 50 keV for lab angles from 115° to 165° to the incoming beam direction in steps of 10°. Additional measurements for intermediate angles were performed over the same energy range in steps of 250 keV. The results are in good agreement with one of the previous studies and a benchmarking measurement was performed against the yield of a beryllium thick target at 2.5 MeV for 135°.

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF MAGNETRON-SPUTTERRED NiTi THIN FILM DEPOSITION BY SRIM/TRIM

Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) thin films have gained a lot of attention due to their unique features, such as the shape memory effect. Micro-actuators, micro-valve, micro-fluid pumps, bio-medical applications, and electronic applications have a lot of interest in these smart thin films. Sputter-deposited NiTi thin films have shown the potential to be very useful as a powerful actuator in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) because of their large recovery forces and high recoverable strains. Despite the advancement of improved deposition methods for the NiTi thin films, there are still certain unsolved challenges that impede accurate composition control throughout the deposition process. Many applications, spanning from the aerospace industries to a range of nanotechnologies, require knowledge of the sputtering characteristics of the materials that are subjected to bombardment, ejection, and deposition of ions. In recent decades, atomic scale modeling has been given a high emphasis in ion sputtering research, providing an adequate and precise description of collision cascades in solids using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) and Transport of Ions in Matter (TRIM). In this paper, SRIM is used to address how the heavy ions interact with the target materials. A variety of ion-solid interaction characteristics, including the sputter yield, have been determined by simulating collision cascades in the solids. On the other hand, TRIM was used to describe the range of ions that enter into the matter and cause damage to the target throughout the process. The simulation was carried out to compare the sputtering yield of Ni and Ti by varying the energy input (from 300[Formula: see text]V to 1300[Formula: see text]V). SRIM simulation was conducted by varying the thickness of the film, the angle of incidence of ions, and the energy involved in the sputtering process. The characterization of the films has been carried out using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to comprehend the surface and interface morphologies of the films and to validate the simulated results. With an increase in energy input (target voltage), the sputtering yield increased. The sputtering yield of the Ni target was higher than the Ti target indicating that Ni can be removed relatively easier than Ti.

Biochemical responses in leaf tissues of alkaloid producing Psychotria brachyceras under multiple stresses.

Under natural conditions plants are generally subjected to complex scenarios of combined or sequential environmental stresses. Among the various components of plant biochemistry modulated by abiotic variables, a pivotal role is played by antioxidant systems, including specialized metabolites and their interaction with central pathways. To help address this knowledge gap, a comparative analysis of metabolic changes in leaf tissues of the alkaloid accumulating plant Psychotria brachyceras Müll Arg. under individual, sequential, and combined stress conditions was carried out. Osmotic and heat stresses were evaluated. Protective systems (accumulation of the major antioxidant alkaloid brachycerine, proline, carotenoids, total soluble protein, and activity of the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were measured in conjunction with stress indicators (total chlorophyll, ChA/ChB ratio, lipid peroxidation, H2O2 content and electrolyte leakage). Metabolic responses had a complex profile in sequential and combined stresses compared to single ones, being also modified over time. Different stress application schemes affected alkaloid accumulation in distinct ways, exhibiting similar profile to proline and carotenoids, constituting a complementary triad of antioxidants. These complementary non-enzymatic antioxidant systems appeared to be essential for mitigating stress damage and re-establishing cellular homeostasis. The data herein provides clues that may aid the development of a key component framework of stress responses and their appropriate balance to modulate tolerance and yield of target specialized metabolites.

Extending the breeder's equation to take aim at the target population of environments.

A major focus for genomic prediction has been on improving trait prediction accuracy using combinations of algorithms and the training data sets available from plant breeding multi-environment trials (METs). Any improvements in prediction accuracy are viewed as pathways to improve traits in the reference population of genotypes and product performance in the target population of environments (TPE). To realize these breeding outcomes there must be a positive MET-TPE relationship that provides consistency between the trait variation expressed within the MET data sets that are used to train the genome-to-phenome (G2P) model for applications of genomic prediction and the realized trait and performance differences in the TPE for the genotypes that are the prediction targets. The strength of this MET-TPE relationship is usually assumed to be high, however it is rarely quantified. To date investigations of genomic prediction methods have focused on improving prediction accuracy within MET training data sets, with less attention to quantifying the structure of the TPE and the MET-TPE relationship and their potential impact on training the G2P model for applications of genomic prediction to accelerate breeding outcomes for the on-farm TPE. We extend the breeder's equation and use an example to demonstrate the importance of the MET-TPE relationship as a key component for the design of genomic prediction methods to realize improved rates of genetic gain for the target yield, quality, stress tolerance and yield stability traits in the on-farm TPE.

Seismic design of hybrid braced frames with self-centering braces and fluid viscous damping braces

Combining self-centering braces (SCBs) and fluid viscous damping braces (FVDBs) in parallel emerges as a promising seismic-resistant strategy, because it has the potential of simultaneously controlling peak deformation, peak acceleration, peak base shear and nearly eliminating residual deformation. However, the corresponding seismic design method is still under development. To this end, this paper extended the performance-based plastic design (PBPD) method to hybrid braced frames (HBFs) equipped with SCBs and FVDBs. The PBPD method selected target drift and yield mechanism at the very beginning of the design procedure, and then it derived the design base shear using energy equivalent concept. The key step was to obtain the constant-ductility spectra of the equivalent single-degree-of-freedom systems through nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA). The regression functions of the spectra were then incorporated with the PBPD procedure. A six-story steel frame was selected for demonstrating the design method. A total of 4 HBFs were designed by defining 4 levels of viscous damping ratio (ξv) supplemented by FVDBs. The seismic responses of the designed HBFs were examined by subjecting them to 20 earthquake ground motions. The NLTHA results indicated that the designed HBFs can well satisfy the performance targets. The design method was robust, although the ξv values were varied in a wide range. The design method may also shed light to the other types of hybrid systems with displacement- and velocity- dependent damping braces.

Targeting yield and reducing nitrous oxide emission by use of single and double inhibitor treated urea during winter wheat season in Northern Germany

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas and has an adverse effect on stratospheric ozone. Field application of synthetic N fertilizers is the largest source of global N2O emission and different N forms (nitrate vs. ammoniacal N) may play a significant role. In addition, the use of nitrification inhibitor (NI) is considered as a reliable way to mitigate agricultural N2O emission, whereas this effect is still debated for urease inhibitors (UI). However, the efficacy of NI or UI is still variable among different inhibitor products and environmental conditions. This study was conducted to test the efficacy of N form (calcium ammonium nitrate CAN vs. urea) and the almost unstudied UI, N-(2-nitrophenyl) phosphoric triamide (2-NPT), as well as an NI, mixture of dicyandiamide and 1H-1,2,4-triazol (DCD/TZ) and the combination of both inhibitors on N2O emission and crop yield. The measurements were carried out in winter wheat growth season in the subsequent years of 2012–2013 in the North of Germany. No difference in cumulated N2O emissions were observed between urea and CAN. The results confirmed the positive effect of NI (DCD/TZ) on reducing N2O emission. Compared with untreated urea, NI addition caused ∼75 % reduction of fertilizer derived N2O emissions within the vegetation period. The combination of UI and NI did not result in a further reduction of relative or yield-scaled N2O emission, although it resulted in higher grain yield and nitrogen recovery. Addition of UI showed no consistent effect on N2O emission compared to untreated urea, however in year 2013 a significant reduction of fertilizer derived emissions by ∼50 % was observed. Higher yields were observed for CAN fertilization compared to urea, though not significant. For both treatments including UI the yield effects, in particular N use efficiency, were stronger than for untreated urea and urea solely treated with NI. Therefore, the combined treatment with UI and NI was the most advantageous fertilizer solution for concomitantly achieving high yield, high nitrogen utilization efficiency and N2O emission reduction.

Deuteron and α-particle-induced nuclear reactions on 45Sc: activation cross section measurement and thick target yield evaluation

Systematic measurements of nuclear reaction cross sections were done in the low energy range for the two reactions 45Sc(d,p)46Sc and 45Sc(α,n)48V. Thin foils of high-purity (99.95%) natural Sc targets (100% 45Sc), purchased from Good-Fellow, were irradiated with 10 and 20 MeV incident deuteron and α-particle energies, respectively, at beam current of 100 nA using MGC-20 cyclotron. For precise measurements, high-purity Ti and Cu foils were used for monitoring the actual deuteron and α-particle beam intensities, respectively. The conventional stacked-foil technique was applied for measurement and calculation of the cross section values using a high-resolution γ-ray spectrometer for measuring the radioactivity. Nuclear model code EMPIRE-3.2 was used for calculation of the investigated excitation functions. The obtained results were compared with the experimental values and TENDEL-2021 data which are based on TALYS-1.96 code calculations. The integrated yields for the two reactions, based on the proposed average excitation functions, were estimated.