Value Of Factor Research Articles

The Influence Of Certification, Competence, Education, Discipline, And Work Motivation On The Performance Of Kindergarten Heads In Islamic Kindergartens Throughout The City Of Serang

This study aims to investigate the influence of certification, competence, education, discipline, and work motivation on the performance of kindergarten heads. This research is included in survey-type research and is quantitative. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively. The analysis method used in this research is the Structural Equation Model (SEM) using the SmartPLS 4.0 application. The results obtained in the validity test state the loading factor value ? 0.7 and the AVE value ? 5 so that it can be declared valid, in the composite reliable test and Cronbach alpha ? 0.7 so that it can be declared reliable. The results showed that the certification variable (X1) had a positive and significant influence on the discipline variable (Z1). The certification variable (X1) has a positive and significant influence on the work motivation variable (Z2). The certification variable (X1) has a positive and significant influence on the performance variable (Y). The competency variable (X2) has a positive and significant effect on the discipline variable (Z1). The competency variable (X2) has a positive and significant influence on the work motivation variable (Z2). The competency variable (X2) has a positive and significant effect on the performance variable (Y). The education variable (X3) has a positive and significant effect on the discipline variable (Z1). The education variable (X3) has a positive and significant influence on the work motivation variable (Z2). The education variable (X3) has a positive and significant influence on the performance variable (Y).

Erodibility Indices and Soil Loss from Different Land uses in Owukpa and Okaba Bioregion of Lower Coal Measures Geological Sediments of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria

The study on erodibility indices and soil loss from different land uses in Owukpa and Okaba bioregion of lower coal measures geological sediments of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria was conducted forested, cultivated and residential lands. Thirty-nine (39) representative soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 – 20 cm using auger, labeled and preserved to the laboratory for standard laboratory procedures. The percentage of different grain sizes Moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter content, soil pH, bulk density, particle density, porosity, soil structural index, specific gravity, particle size and permeability were verified. The three land uses were predominantly sandy soil and classified as sandy loam, moderate Permeability, low moisture and clay contents. Dispersion, Erosion, Clay and Modified Clay ratios where high, while Water Stable Aggregates was low. Cultivated land use has the highest value of erodibility factor K (0.12) and predicted soil loss was 18.22 tons/ha/yr. Residential land use value of erodibility factor K was 0.10 and the predicted soil loss of 14.80 Tons/ha /yr while forested land use K was lowest (0.08) with predicted soil loss of 11.84 tons/ha/yr. Using one way ANOVA at p ? 0.05 the different land use patterns did not significantly influence erodibility factor and soil loss in the study area.

Enhancing Cookie Formulations with Combined Dehydrated Peach: A Machine Learning Approach for Technological Quality Assessment and Optimization.

This study focuses on predicting and optimizing the quality parameters of cookies enriched with dehydrated peach through the application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. The purpose of the study is to employ advanced machine learning techniques to understand the intricate relationships between input parameters, such as the presence of dehydrated peach and treatment methods (lyophilization and lyophilization with osmotic pretreatment), and output variables representing various quality aspects of cookies. For each of the 32 outputs, including the parameters of the basic chemical compositions of the cookie samples, selected mineral contents, moisture contents, baking characteristics, color properties, sensorial attributes, and antioxidant properties, separate models were constructed using SVMs and ANNs. Results showcase the efficiency of ANN models in predicting a diverse set of quality parameters with r2 up to 1.000, with SVM models exhibiting slightly higher coefficients of determination for specific variables with r2 reaching 0.981. The sensitivity analysis underscores the pivotal role of dehydrated peach and the positive influence of osmotic pretreatment on specific compositional attributes. Utilizing established Artificial Neural Network models, multi-objective optimization was conducted, revealing optimal formulation and factor values in cookie quality optimization. The optimal quantity of lyophilized peach with osmotic pretreatment for the cookie formulation was identified as 15%.

The Effects of Surface Oxidation and H-Termination Processes Applied to Si Using Electrolytic Hydrogen Peroxide Solution to The Produced Cu/p-Si Schottky Contact Parameters

By using electrolytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution, oxidation and H-termination processes were applied to the p-Si crystal surface, which will be used for Cu/p-Si Schottky contact production, in a selective and controlled manner. Before the oxidation and H-termination processes, the p-Si(100) wafer used in this study was subjected to conventional chemical cleaning, and ohmic contact was made using pure aluminum (99.99%) metal on its back surface. The p-Si/Al with ohmic back contact was divided into three parts. A rectifying contact was immediately made to the front surface of one of them by using pure copper (99.98%) metal and called the REF (Reference) sample. The front surface of one of the remaining two p-Si/Al parts was oxidized, and the front surface of the other was H-Terminated. Rectifier contacts were made for both using pure copper (99.98%) metal and were named MIS (metal-insulator-semiconductor) and SP (surface passivated), respectively. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements of Schottky diodes of REF, MIS, and SP samples were performed at room temperature and in the dark. From the obtained data, the ideality factor (n), barrier height (Fbo), and series resistance (Rs) values of the samples were determined. As a result of the investigations, it was observed that the surface oxidation and H-Termination processes caused a decrease in the rectification factor and Fbo values of MIS and SP samples. These interesting situations were interpreted by the double-layer theory, which Bardeen predicted could exist on the surface of a semiconductor crystal and contribute to its work function.

Construction of prediction model for fetal growth restriction during first trimester in an Asian population.

To construct a prediction model for fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluate its screening performance. This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2019 and April 2022. Basic clinical information, ultrasound indicators and serum biomarkers of pregnant women were collected. Fetal weight assessment was based on the fetal growth curve for the Southern Chinese population. FGR was diagnosed according to Delphi consensus criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical effectiveness of the model were evaluated in training and validation cohorts. A total of 1188 pregnant women were included, of whom 108 had FGR. Lasso regression identified seven predictive features, including history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking or passive smoking, gravidity, uterine artery pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and multiples of the median values of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. The nomogram prediction model constructed from these seven variables accurately predicted FGR, and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve in the validation cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74-0.90). The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration, and the clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve supported its practical value in a clinical setting. The multi-index prediction model for FGR has good predictive value during the first trimester. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Uptake and translocation of brominated flame retardants in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Results from a standard soil-based biotest

The uptake and translocation of four polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and four novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were investigated via the RHIZOtest, a standard soil-based biotest, optimized for organic compounds. Tomato plants were exposed to soil samples spiked with 0 (i.e. control), 5.00 or 50.00 ng g−1dw of each compound. Compared of those of the control, exposure to increasing spiking concentrations resulted in average reductions of 13% and 26% (w/w) in tomato plant biomass. Higher concentrations of NBFRs were analyzed both in roots, ranging from 0.23 to 8.01 ng g−1dw for PBDEs and from 1.25 to 18.51 ng g−1dw for NBFRs, and in shoots, ranging from 0.09 to 5.58 ng g−1dw and from 0.47 to 7.78 ng g−1dw for PBDEs and NBFRs, respectively. This corresponded to an average soil uptake of 5% for PBDEs and 9% for NBFRs at the lower soil-spiking level, and 3% for PBDEs and 6% for NBFRs at the higher soil spiking level. Consequently, among both initial spiking levels, the soil-root concentration factor (RCF) values were lower on average for PBDEs (0.13 ± 0.05 g dw soil g−1dw roots) than for NBFRs (0.33 ± 0.16 g dw soil g−1dw roots). Conversely, nondifferent values of the root-shoot transfer factor (TF) were calculated for both PBDEs (0.54 ± 0.13 g dw roots g−1dw shoots) and NBFRs (0.49 ± 0.24 g dw roots g−1dw shoots). The differences and similarities reported in the RCF and TF between and within the two groups of compounds can be explained by their properties. The calculated RCF and TF values of the PBDEs exhibited a decreasing trend as the number of bromine atoms increased. Additionally, a robust negative linear correlation was observed between RCF values and the respective logKow values for the PBDEs, at both soil-spiking levels. The root uptake of NBFRs exhibited a negative correlation with their hydrophobicity; however, this was not observed in the context of root-to-shoot transfer. The presence of a second aromatic ring appears to be the key factor influencing the observed variations in NBFRs, with biphenyl NBFRs (BTBPE and DBDPE) characterized by lower uptake and reduced translocation potential than monophenyl PBEB and HBB. Understanding the transfer of these compounds to crops, especially near plastic recycling waste sites, is crucial for understanding the risks of their potential inclusion in the human food chain.

Quantification of seismic performance factors of mixed concrete/steel buildings using the FEMA P695 methodology

The concurrent utilization of both concrete and steel stories within buildings results in the establishment of a hybrid lateral load-resistant system throughout its height. Different seismic codes do not provide specific values for the seismic factors to be used in the design of mixed concrete/steel buildings. Through these parameters, the nonlinear responses of the structure are estimated. In this study, an investigation was conducted into the seismic design parameters' quantification, encompassing the response modification factor (R), the system over-strength factor (Ωo), and the deflection amplification factor (Cd). Whether to apply the transition story or not in the transition zone between the concrete and steel sections along with considering the different ratios between the number of concrete-based stories and steel-based stories, 18 archetypes in the form of three performance groups of 7, 13, and 19 stories were studied. Pushover curves of all archetypes were achieved. Then, to evaluate the system's behavior and measure the adequacy of the assumed R factor, Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) was used and fragility curves were also extracted to investigate the collapse probability of different archetypes. The results showed that the values of R = 8, Ω0 = 3, and Cd = 5.5 were suitable for the mixed concrete/steel buildings studied. Therefore, a unique R can be assigned to archetypes in different concrete-to-steel floor ratios and the two transition methods. Taking overall uncertainty into account, R= 8 was entirely adequate to satisfy the acceptance criteria of the FEMA P695 methodology.

Significance of Vibronic Coupling that Shapes Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Double Helicenes

AbstractThe circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra of S‐ and X‐shaped double helicenes exhibit distinct vibrational structures and overall shape variations. In this study, we conducted an in‐depth investigation into the vibronic effects influencing the CPL spectra of two double helicenes, namely DPC and DNH. Employing state‐of‐the‐art computations utilizing the FC‐HT1|VH model at the CAM−B3LYP/def2‐TZVP level, we unveiled the paramount impact of Franck–Condon (FC), Herzberg‐Teller (HT), and Duschinsky effects on their chiroptical responses. Our research underscores the pivotal role of structural deformations associated with the S1‐to‐S0 electronic transition in molding CPL spectra and wavelength‐dependent dissymmetry (g) factor values, as well as the significance of HT effects in shaping and enhancing CPL responses. This extensive investigation not only advances our comprehension of the vibronic characteristics in configurationally distinct double helicenes but also offers valuable insights for the design of chiral molecules featuring controllable or finely‐tunable CPL responses.

Increasing the Q-factor of resonant cantilevers in magnetic force microscopy through helium gas flow

To obtain high-resolution magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images, it is essential to have a cantilever with a high-quality factor. However, conventional vibrating cantilevers typically have quality factor values in the range of a few hundred, which limits their sensitivity for MFM measurements. To address this limitation, numerous studies have explored methods to enhance the quality factor in different environments, including vacuum, air, and liquid. This study introduces a novel approach for improving the quality factor using flowing helium gas. By selecting helium gas with a low viscosity coefficient, we successfully achieved a higher quality factor (Q-factor) of MFM microcantilever oscillations at room temperature in one atmosphere compared with the Q-factor in air. This provides a potential approach for achieving high-resolution MFM measurements under room temperature conditions. By optimizing the gas flow rate at room temperature in one atmosphere, we successfully obtained a higher MFM cantilever oscillation Q-factor and clearer MFM images compared with the air. The experimental results revealed a long and narrow resonant curve, and the quality factor significantly increased to 778.2, which is 3.8 times higher than that observed in air 205.4. Furthermore, systematic investigations demonstrated the capability of this approach to produce high-resolution MFM images of videotape track patterns under the optimized helium gas flow rate of 60 mm/s.

Separation and purification of phycobiliproteins from Thermosynechococcus PCC 6715 by foam fractionation and aqueous twophase extraction

The use of foam fractionation followed by aqueous two-phase extraction has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional liquid chromatography, hitherto irreplaceable in the purification of phycobiliproteins. The crude extracts of C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were obtained after Thermosynechococcus PCC 6715 biomass disintegration. The FF process with air flow of 2.4 L·h -1 resulted in purification factors up to 1.47 and partitioning coefficients of about 39, and did not require the addition of surfactants. A temperature of 35˚C allowed for the highest partitioning coefficient of 67.6 and yield of 76%; however, the purity of C-PC in condensate at this temperature was lower than at 25˚C. ATPE was tested in 20 different systems consisting of polyethylene glycol and phosphate or citrate salts, of which PEG1500-citrate gave the highest purification factor value of 2.31. Conversely, a partitioning coefficient of 2416 and 1094 were obtained for the PEG1500-phosphate and PEG3000-phosphate systems, respectively. Interestingly, the use of FF condensate in subsequent ATPE step resulted, for the first time, in the separation of the polymer phase into two fractions, one contained C-phycocyanin and the other allophycocyanin. It can be concluded that the use of a two-step system of FF and ATPE is a viable way to separate phycobiliproteins.

Significance of Vibronic Coupling that Shapes Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Double Helicenes.

The circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra of S- and X-shaped double helicenes exhibit distinct vibrational structures and overall shape variations. In this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the vibronic effects influencing the CPL spectra of two double helicenes, namely DPC and DNH. Employing state-of-the-art computations utilizing the FC-HT1|VH model at the CAM-B3LYP/def2-TZVP level, we unveiled the paramount impact of Franck-Condon (FC), Herzberg-Teller (HT), and Duschinsky effects on their chiroptical responses. Our research underscores the pivotal role of structural deformations associated with the S1-to-S0 electronic transition in molding CPL spectra and wavelength-dependent dissymmetry (g) factor values, as well as the significance of HT effects in shaping and enhancing CPL responses. This extensive investigation not only advances our comprehension of the vibronic characteristics in configurationally distinct double helicenes but also offers valuable insights for the design of chiral molecules featuring controllable or finely-tunable CPL responses.

Examining the Effects of Strength Training with Load Progression on Sleep Parameters and Mental Health in College Students

Abstract Objective To compare the effects of strength training with load progression after 4 weeks on sleep parameters and mental health in college students. Methods A total of 17 university students (11 women, 6 men), ranging from 18 to 21 years old, were randomized into a strength training group (STG) and a control group (CG). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), insomnia severity questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale, profile of mood states (POMS), and chronotype were used to evaluate the main outcomes. Training consisted of 60 minute·d−1 (2 times/week, for 4-weeks), with 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, and a 1-minute rest interval between sets and exercises. Baseline and postintervention differences were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results After 4 weeks of ST, a significant time effect on the chronotype (β: 1.33; p < 0.05) was observed in the STG. Additionally, there was a significant time and group effect in the reduction of tension (β: 5.00; p < 0.05), depression (β: 15.41; p < 0.05), anger (β: 8.00; p < 0.05), and confusion (β: 6.50; p < 0.05). For fatigue (β: 2.66; p < 0.05), there was a significant time effect difference in its reduction. Vigor was meaningfully increased in the STG group (β: −1.75; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was observed between sleep quality and anxiety (r = 0.54; p = 0.03). Finally, insomnia was positively related with an increase in confusion (r = 0.70; p = 0.04) and anxiety (r = 0.52; p = 0.04), as well as with a decrease in vigor (r = −0.71; p = 0.03). Discussion Short-term strength training for 4 weeks was effective for improving mental health, helping achieve characteristics of a positive mood profile, that is, low values for negative factors and a high value for the positive factor.

Reducing the effect of engine failure on the aerodynamic performance of the light transport aircraft model

Recently, aircraft engine manufacturers have shown increased interest in developing hybrid powerplants, which are a combination of gas turbine engines (GTE) with electric motor-generators. The use of the hybrid powerplant makes it possible to increase the fuel efficiency of an airplane, as well as to create new configurations with improved aerodynamic and thrust characteristics. The fuel efficiency improvement is achieved as a result of optimizing the powerplant operation mode to meet the cruising flight requirements, compensating insufficient power during the takeoff and go-around procedures by activating battery-powered electric motors. The creation of new configurations with improved performance can be ensured due to the synergetic effect of the propeller-airframe interaction. Successful flight tests of the hybrid powerplant prototypes in light aircraft configurations allow us to rely on their possible application in the future regarding the projects of new propeller-driven aircraft. The potential benefits of using new powerplants on local airlines can lead to both fuel savings and carbon emission reduction. Short-term maintaining a safe flight mode is also practical in case of one engine failure when using multiple power sources. The power, generated by an electric generator connected to the running engine, can be used both for the electric motor drive of the tip propellers and for rotating the thrust producer of the failed engine. The paper presents the study results of the critical engine failure effect on the aerodynamic performance of the light transport aircraft model obtained as under available electrical transmission as under non-available one between a running and a failed engine. Experimental studies were carried out in a low-speed wind tunnel T-102 TsAGI. The simulation of the electric transmission operation was carried out by setting the operation mode of two power-plant simulators corresponding to the half value of the load factor of one engine propeller Bo in the take-off mode.

Vanadium in a coastal Lagoon: distribution, sources, speciation, and ecological risks in sediments and water at Xiamen in China

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution, sources, contamination status, speciation, and risks of vanadium (V) in sediments and water from Yundang Lagoon (YL) at Xiamen in China. The concentration of V in YL water exhibited a similar distribution pattern, with an average concentration lower than the Chinese drinking water limit value. The V content in the sediments of various YL sampling sites varied significantly. The average V concentration in sediments was 108.28 mg/kg, ranging from 77.38 mg/kg to 151.20 mg/kg. Speciation investigations revealed that the largest amount of V was bound in the residual fraction, while the acid-soluble fraction had the lowest concentration in sediments. On average, the residual and acid-soluble fractions were 51.82% (ranging from 16.09% to 76.13%) and 1.22% (ranging from 0.16% to 2.60%), respectively. Enrichment factor values suggested minor anthropogenic enrichment of V in sediments. Correlation analysis indicated a weak correlation between silt and clay, while carbonate and Fe showed significant correlations with total V in sediments. This correlation suggests that concentrations of Fe and carbonate could favour V accumulation in YL sediments. Potential ecological risk values suggested no risk of V to aquatic biota in the study area.

Pengaruh Variasi Parameter Filter Terhadap Harmonisa Pada Operasi PLTS Terintegrasi Sistem Tenaga Listrik

This paper provides a comprehensive harmonic picture of Photovoltaic operations integrated with the Electric Power System (Photovoltaic on-grid). Harmonics in Photovoltaic on-grid are generated from the inverter. One way to reduce harmonics is by installing a filter. Apart from reducing harmonics, filters can improve the system power factor value. This research examines the effect of variations in Photovoltaic on-grid filter parameters on inverter power capacity using Simulink/Matlab simulation. The FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) method is used to determine the harmonic order and THD of the current and voltage of the system on the side before and after the filter. The simulation results show changes in filter parameter variations for Qc (Var) values ​​giving THDi and THDv values ​​before and after filter installation using the FFT approach.

Subregional Differentiated Safety Factors Design Based on Nonprobabilistic Structural Reliability

The structural safety factor is an essential parameter in aircraft design, representing the ratio of the design load to the operating load. Traditional design methods rely on subjective determination of safety factor values based on experience, lacking objectivity in quantifying uncertainty. However, with advancements in aircraft design technology and increasing competition in the commercial space market, new-generation hypersonic aircraft with complex load environments require a more optimal approach. Applying a uniform safety factor to each component within subregions of the aircraft leads to overly conservative results and impacts flight performance. To address this limitation, a design scheme that incorporates subregional, differentiated safety factors is necessary. This approach allows for better material utilization and ensures compliance with safety requirements. This paper utilizes reliability-based design optimization theory to consider uncertainty in structural systems. It establishes a mapping relationship between structural reliability and differentiated safety factors, providing safety under uncertainty while guaranteeing weight reduction. Additionally, this paper develops a subregional, differentiated safety factors distribution program to determine the safety factors of different subregions of the structure. Consequently, a refined subregional differentiated safety factors scheme that balances safety and economy is derived.

Permeability Prediction for Carbonate Rocks using a Modified Flow Zone Indicator Method

Carbonate reservoir rocks are usually heterogeneous, so it is not an easy task to establish a relation between porosity and permeability in these types of reservoir rocks. First, Kozney and Kozney-carmen formulas were used to establish these relations. Later, the flow zone indicator (FZI) method was introduced, which was widely used to find such a relation since it shows better results than the two former methods. In this work, the classical FZI method and a modified form of the FZI method are utilized to identify the hydraulic flow units and rock quality index to predict permeability. In this FZI method, the cementation factor (m) was introduced in calculating the value of FZI. The data collected from core analysis of the cored intervals in the Tanuma and Khasib formations were used as a database for this work. The classical and the modified FZI methods were applied using the database to predict core permeability. The value of the cementation factor was tuned to get a better match between the predicted permeability resulting from applying the modified method and the measured permeability values. Results show that the correlation coefficients resulting from applying the modified FZI method are closer to unity compared with that resulting from the classical FZI method. Cementation factor (m) of m = 3 for Tanuma formation and m = 3 for Khasib formation are the best values used with the modified FZI method. The modified FZI method shows a regression factor of 0.9986 for Tanuma and 0.9942 for Khasib formation.

Research results of the screw dispenser of dry bulk feed components

In the production of compound feeds, it is necessary to follow the recipe at the time of introducing all the necessary components, for which various types of dispensers are used. Currently, automatic dosing systems are widely used, providing increased dosing accuracy. However, individual settings of such systems are required for each component, which makes the work of operators harder. The article describes the design of a technical device containing a main and an additional screw and allowing components with different physical and mechanical properties to be weighed at the same tuning parameters. A brief description of the dispenser's workflow is given, the research factors and criteria for evaluating its work are listed. The influence of five factors was determined: the frequency setpoint of the dispensers n1, the pre-filling setpoint m, the setpoint for switching on the filling speed t, the frequency setpoint of the dispensers n2, the set weight of the suspension MZ on the dosing accuracy. At the first stage, the influence of the studied factors on grain dosing was determined. To do this, the Box-Benkin plan was implemented for five factors. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, a regression model was built, on the basis of which three combinations of factor values were determined, in which the grain dosing error by an additional dispenser screw was 0. At the next stage of the research, the accuracy of dosing chalk and salt was determined at the established combinations. It was revealed that salt dosing was carried out according to a pattern close to the grain curve, and the dosing error was within the permissible limits of 5%. As a result of the conducted studies, the best combination of factors was determined, in which the dosing error did not exceed the permissible value when weighing grain, salt and chalk: n1 = 30.3 Hz, t = 11.9 %; n2 = 40.9 % of n1 (12.42 Hz), MZ = 202.8 g. With these values of the studied parameters, it is possible to dose components with the permissible error of the weight of the suspension is over 200 g.

Chiroptical properties of membrane glycerophospholipids and their chiral backbones.

Glycerophospholipid membranes are one of the key cellular components. Still, their species-dependent composition and homochirality remain an elusive subject. In the context of the astrophysical circularly polarized light scenario likely involved in the generation of a chiral bias in meteoritic amino and sugar acids in space, and consequently in the origin of life's homochirality on Earth, this study reports the first measurements of circular dichroism and anisotropy spectra of a selection of glycerophospholipids, their chiral backbones and their analogs. The rather low asymmetry in the interaction of UV/VUV circularly polarized light with sn-glycerol-1/3-phosphate indicates that chiral photons would have been unlikely to directly induce symmetry breaking to membrane lipids. In contrast, the anisotropy spectra of d-3-phosphoglyceric acid and d-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate unveil up to 20 and 100 times higher maximum anisotropy factor values, respectively. This first experimental report, targeted on investigating the origins of phospholipid symmetry breaking, opens up new avenues of research to explore alternative mechanisms leading to membrane lipid homochirality, while providing important clues for the search for chiral biosignatures of extant and/or extinct life in space, in particular for the ExoMars 2028 mission.

Cadmium accumulation in wastewater-irrigated vegetables: Exploring factors, thresholds, health implications, and transfer modeling

The Introduction of cadmium (Cd) into the soil-crop system through wastewater (WW) irrigation poses a significant challenge to environmental safety. However, the understanding of the relationship between Cd phytoavailability in WW-irrigated soil and its uptake characteristics in edible vegetables remains largely unknown. This study aims to analyze the influence of WW irrigation on the accumulation characteristics and health risks associated with Cd in the soil-vegetables system. Soil and corresponding vegetable samples were collected from 12 vegetable farms including cabbage, lettuce, green beans, and pepper were studied under wastewater (WW) and freshwater (FW) irrigation. WW irrigation led to a significant increase in soil Cd levels, with enrichment factor, and contamination factor values ranging from 2.9 to 3.1 and 2.7 to 3.3 times higher, respectively, compared to the control. Across the study farms, WW irrigation increased Cd concentrations in cabbage, green beans, lettuce, and pepper by 62–220%, 55–100%, 25–68%, and 29–80%, respectively, compared to FW-irrigated farms. The average hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) scores for Cd in WW-irrigated vegetables indicated low risk (0.1 < HQ) and fell within the permissible range (1.00E-06 < CR < 1.00E-04) for children and adults. The soil DTPA-extractable Cd thresholds for WW-irrigated farms cultivating cabbage, lettuce, green beans, and pepper were 0.62, 0.72, 0.85, and 0.83 mg kg−1, respectively. The results provide insight into the management strategies along with developing sustainable production practices for common leafy vegetables in Cd-enriched soil resulting from WW irrigation.