Wide Measurement Range Research Articles

Биологическая борьба с фитофторозом картофеля, вызываемым Phytophthora infestans

Abstract. Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is a serious disease of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and is a common disease in all potato growing regions of Russia. However, successful cultivation of potatoes requires a high level of knowledge and skills from the agronomist. To avoid losses in yield and quality, an average of seven to eight fungicide treatments against this disease are carried out annually. It costs time and money and pollutes the environment. In traditional cultivation, the disease is controlled with the costly application of chemical pesticides. Treatment of tubers with chemicals is effective in reducing tuber-borne infections, but the use of chemicals is dangerous, harmful to beneficial microorganisms, and expensive. In addition, infected tubers should not be stored as they will rot. If the infection is not dealt with, there is a risk of complete loss of the crop. A lot of money has been invested in research and breeding, however, late blight is still the most important disease in potato cultivation. If in some years or regions the disease manifests itself slowly and not very aggressively, in other regions it causes significant crop losses. On the other hand, in agriculture, it is controlled with a comprehensive control strategy, which also includes a wide range of cultural and preventive measures, such as the biological method. Among the various methods in the protection of plants from diseases, the biological method is currently an important share. The mentioned biological method among the means uses special microorganisms, which are characterized by a strong antagonistic reaction in relation to specific pathogens. Scientific novelty lies in the fact that biological preparations showed excellent field performance against late blight in the foothill zone of North Ossetia-Alania. The aim of the study was to test whether the biological defense method against Phytophthora infestans is suitable in the Piedmont zone of the Republic RNO-Alania. Researches were carried out according to the methods accepted in potato breeding according to the recommendations of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Industry, VIR and VIZR. According to the results obtained in field experiments show that in all years of research biopreparations significantly reduced infestation of tubers of phytophthora infestans. Biopreparation “BisolbiSan”, which was used for tubers dressing and spraying of plants four times during the growing season, showed the best protective effect against phytophthora infestans in comparison with other preparations.

A wide measurement range plasmonic refractive index sensor based on side-polished photonic crystal fiber

A wide measurement range plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor based on side-polished photonic crystal fiber (PCF) was proposed and studied in this paper. A composite film containing an Au layer and a TiO2 layer was coated on the polished surface of PCF to excite and modulate the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. The sensing characteristics were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). Numerical results showed that the sensing performances were significantly improved through introducing the unique optoelectronic material of TiO2 film. The designed RI sensor showed an ultra-wide measurement range of 1.20–1.38 with a highest sensitivity of 14600 nm RIU−1. The best resolution (R) and figure of merit (FOM) reached 6.85 × 10−6 RIU and 224.62 RIU−1, respectively. The designed side-polished PCF which is coated with an optimized TiO2/Au composite membranes has a promising performance in the field of RI sensing requiring high sensitivity and wide range monitoring.

Risk Budgeting portfolios: Existence and computation

AbstractModern portfolio theory has provided for decades the main framework for optimizing portfolios. Because of its sensitivity to small changes in input parameters, especially expected returns, the mean–variance framework proposed by Markowitz in 1952 has, however, been challenged by new construction methods that are purely based on risk. Among risk‐based methods, the most popular ones are Minimum Variance, Maximum Diversification, and Risk Budgeting (especially Equal Risk Contribution) portfolios. Despite some drawbacks, Risk Budgeting is particularly attracting because of its versatility: based on Euler's homogeneous function theorem, it can indeed be used with a wide range of risk measures. This paper presents mathematical results regarding the existence and the uniqueness of Risk Budgeting portfolios for a very wide spectrum of risk measures and shows that, for many of them, computing the weights of Risk Budgeting portfolios only requires a standard stochastic algorithm.

Combating Climate Change Through the International Law Perspective: The Role of the EU in Environmental Diplomacy

The impacts of climate change extend to all countries and continents and have a cross-cutting effect on social, economic and ecological systems. Therefore, it is necessary to work together at the international level to effectively manage this problem. One effective method is to adopt a proper international legal framework. International legal regulation allows for the creation of common standards and rules that are followed by participating countries. The European Union is one of the most important actors in international cooperation on the environment and climate change. It has committed itself to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and is taking a wide range of measures, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting renewable energy, and promoting green development. Moreover, the EU provides various instruments and financial support to implement climate change measures. In view of this, it is important to study climate change at the international level, including the role of the EU in this regard. The purpose of the article is to examine the important role of the European Union in environmental diplomacy and combating climate change through international law. The article examines how the EU is an active participant in shaping the international legal regime on climate change. In particular, it participates in negotiations, concludes international agreements, and actively implements and enforces the obligations agreed upon under such agreements, such as the Paris Agreement climate change, international law, European Union, international agreements, climate neutrality, international cooperation

Ultra-highly sensitive and self-healing flexible strain sensor with a wide measuring range based on a bilayer structure

Flexible sensors have attracted attention for their characteristics of high tensility, bendability and deformation recovery. This paper introduces a bilayer flexible strain sensor with ultra-high sensitivity, wide measurable range and self-healing character. The strain sensor comprises a fragile upper metal film and a flexible Ecoflex/graphene substrate. The specially designed dual-channel structure allows two-stage strain detection and realizes higher detection accuracy. The gauge factor reached 136,100 in a micro strain stage of 0%–1.18%, allowing the accurate detection of weak signals from the human body. The gauge factor reached 6145 in a strain range of 1.18%–50%. After 10,000 stretching cycles, the propagation of cracks on the sensor led to large residual resistance. The sensor could self-repair quickly through simple electrical heating. The sensor has potential in the monitoring of human movement, from tiny facial expressions, speech recognition and heart beats to large-scale finger and wrist bending, and is thus promising for application to wearable devices and human–machine interaction.

Low Error and Broadband Microwave Frequency Measurement Using a Silicon Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Coupled Ring Array

The integrated photonic technologies benefit from an improved frequency measurement range with compact size relative to the radio frequency counterparts. Nevertheless, the measurement methods are generally limited by a basic trade-off between the measurement range and accuracy. In this work, we break the above limitations and trade-off based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) coupled ring array and a two-step measurement method. The experimental results show that a wide measurement range of 40 GHz and an ultra-low error of 9 MHz could be obtained. Moreover, owing to the ring flexibly tunable bandwidth and resonant wavelength, the measurement range and accuracy could be significantly adjusted. Another frequency measurement range of 20 GHz with a lower error of 4 MHz is also demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, among the silicon-based measurement schemes, it is a record estimation error with such a wide range. With the dominant advantages of CMOS-compatibility, a broad measurement range, ultra-low estimation errors and adjustable measurement performance, the proposed microwave measurement scheme has many important applications in on-chip microwave systems.

DECUBITUS COMPLICATIONS IN BURN PATIENTS

The complications related to immobilization, include pressure sores and thromboembolic complications.The risk of these complications is increased in burn patients in general, and more precisely in severe burn patients, but it remains underestimated by practitioners.Through our study, we will try to highlight these different complications and their incidence in relation to all hospitalized burned patients.It is a retrospective study spread over a period of 3 years, from January 2020 to December 2022, with the aim of drawing up an epidemiological profile. Conclusion: Pressure sores are the most feared complications, despite the wide range of preventive measures implemented to avoid them (change of position, anti-sore mattress, heparin therapy, etc.). This could correlate to the background pain found in almost all burn patients, which would constitute an obstacle to position changes in these patients.

Direct measurements of cosmic rays with the calorimetric electron telescope on the international space station

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope, CALET, has been measuring high-energy cosmic rays on the International Space Station since October 13, 2015. The scientific objectives addressed by the mission are to search for possible nearby sources of high-energy electrons and potential signatures of dark matter, and to investigate the details of galactic cosmic-ray acceleration and propagation. The calorimetric instrument, which is 30 radiation lengths or 1.3 proton interaction lengths thick with fine imaging capability, is optimized to measure cosmic-ray electrons by achieving large proton rejection and excellent energy resolution well into the TeV region. In addition, very wide dynamic range of energy measurement and individual charge identification capability enable us to measure proton and nuclei spectra from a few tens GeV to a PeV scale. Nearly 20 million cosmic-ray shower events over 10 GeV per month are triggered and the continuous observation has been kept without any major interruption since the start of operation. Using the data obtained over 6.5 years of operation, we will present a brief summary of the CALET observation including electron spectrum, and proton and nuclei spectra as well as the performance study on orbit with MC simulations.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the PROMIS-Cancer-Anxiety item bank assessed using a graded response model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Cancer-Anxiety item bank using a graded response model in a sample of patients with cancer. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted and the Chinese version of the PROMIS-Cancer-Anxiety item bank was used to measure anxiety in patients with cancer. The unidimensional structure of the item bank was evaluated using principal component analysis. Residual correlations and the graphs of item mean scores conditional on the rest scores were examined to evaluate the local independence and monotonicity of the items, respectively. Item characteristics were described using item parameter estimates and item information. Operating characteristic curves (OCCs) and test information curve (TIC) were also plotted. Measurement invariance across age, gender, and education level was assessed to identify possible differential item functioning (DIF). ResultsA total of 1075 patients with cancer were enrolled. Under the assumptions of unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity, the discrimination parameters a ranged from 2.30 to 5.47, and the threshold parameters b ranged from b1 = −2.87 to b4 = 3.21 with proper intervals. Completely overlapped category curves were not observed among the OCCs of any items. Item information and TIC showed that the item bank had a wide measurement range. The DIFs for age, gender, and education level for all items were not remarkable. ConclusionsThe results supported using the Chinese version of the PROMIS-Cancer-Anxiety item bank to measure anxiety and develop a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system for anxiety in patients with cancer.

Book Review of Vorticity Vibration Effects,Principles and Aerodynamic Control Measures for Large-Span Bridges

With the rapid development of the world's economy and technology, bridge structures are developing in the direction of large spans. Large span means that the main girder of the bridge becomes longer, the whole bridge becomes more flexible, and the effect of the fluid, mainly wind, will be more obvious. Vortex Vibration Effects, Principles and Pneumatic Control Measures for Large-Span Bridges is a monograph in the field of wind engineering related to bridge structures written by Zhao Lin and Ge Yaojun of Tongji University (published by Tongji University Press) , which starts from the basic characteristics of vortex vibration of large-span bridges, the research progress and principles, and experimental situations, and puts forward the control countermeasures applicable to vortex vibration of a wide range of bridges and pneumatic control measures. This paper provides a brief introduction to the editors of the work, systematizes the chapter structure of the book, and explores its academic and theoretical values. The monograph shows how to apply the theory and mechanism related to vortex vibration of large-span bridges to practice, with a view to providing reference for workers and researchers in the fields of bridge structural wind engineering, disaster prevention and mitigation engineering.

Ratiometric optical temperature sensor with wide range and high sensitivity based on the emission of Dy3+ ion-doped Ca5(PO4)2SiO4 phosphor

There is an urgent demand for the development of non-contact optical temperature sensors that possess a wide temperature measurement range and high sensitivity, particularly for extreme environments. In this study, Dy3+-doped Ca5(PO4)2SiO4 phosphors were prepared and comprehensively analyzed. XRD, SEM, EDS, Raman spectrum, as well as excitation and emission spectrum were employed to investigate the structural, photoluminescent, and temperature-dependent properties of the phosphors. Under 349 nm excitation, the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of Dy3+ ions at 453 nm (4I15/2) and 480 nm (4F9/2) exhibited a strong correlation with temperature within the range of 296-1073 K. By fitting the FIR of I453 and I480 at different temperatures using Boltzmann equations, we observed a larger energy gap, indicating high relative sensitivity of the synthesized phosphor. Additionally, Ca4.95(PO4)2SiO4: 0.05Dy3+ phosphor shows excellent temperature repetitiveness. These findings highlight the potential applications of Ca5(PO4)2SiO4: Dy3+ phosphors as highly sensitive ratiometric optical temperature sensor over a wide temperature range.

Evaluation and Comparison of Multi-Satellite Aerosol Optical Depth Products over East Asia Ocean.

The atmosphere over the ocean is an important research field that involves multiple aspects such as climate change, atmospheric pollution, weather forecasting, and marine ecosystems. It is of great significance for global sustainable development. Satellites provide a wide range of measurements of marine aerosol optical properties and are very important to the study of aerosol characteristics over the ocean. In this study, aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from seventeen AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) stations were used as benchmark data to comprehensively evaluate the data accuracy of six aerosol optical thickness products from 2013 to 2020, including MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectrometer), VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), MISR (Multi-Angle Imaging Spectrometer), OMAERO (OMI/Aura Multi-wavelength algorithm), OMAERUV (OMI/Aura Near UV algorithm), and CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) in the East Asian Ocean. In the East Asia Sea, VIIRS AOD products generally have a higher correlation coefficient (R), expected error within ratio (EE within), lower root mean square error (RMSE), and median bias (MB) than MODIS AOD products. The retrieval accuracy of AOD data from VIIRS is the highest in spring. MISR showed a higher EE than other products in the East Asian Ocean but also exhibited systematic underestimation. In most cases, the OMAERUV AOD product data are of better quality than OMAERO, and OMAERO overestimates AOD throughout the year. The CALIPSO AOD product showed an apparent underestimation of the AOD in different seasons (EE Below = 58.98%), but when the AOD range is small (0 < AOD < 0.1), the CALIPSO data accuracy is higher compared with other satellite products under small AOD range. In the South China Sea, VIIRS has higher data accuracy than MISR, while in the Bohai-Yellow Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan, and the western Pacific Ocean, MISR has the best data accuracy. MODIS and VIIRS show similar trends in R, EE within, MB, and RMSE under the influence of AOD, Angstrom exponent (AE), and precipitable water. The study on the temporal and spatial distribution of AOD in the East Asian Ocean shows that the annual variation of AOD is different in different sea areas, and the ocean in the coastal area is greatly affected by land-based pollution. In contrast, the AOD values in the offshore areas are lower, and the aerosol type is mainly clean marine type aerosol. These findings can help researchers in the East Asian Ocean choose the most accurate and reliable satellite AOD data product to better study atmospheric aerosols' impact and trends.

Soliton microcomb-assisted microring photonic thermometer with ultra-high resolution and broad range

Whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMRs) have proven their advantages in terms of sensitivity and precision in various sensing applications. However, when high precision is pursued, the WGMR demands a high-quality factor usually at the cost of its free spectral range (FSR) and corresponding measurement range. In this article, we propose a high-resolution and wide-range temperature sensor based on chip-scale WGMRs, which utilizes a Si3N4 ring resonator as the sensing element and a MgF2-based microcomb as a broadband frequency reference. By measuring the beatnote signal of the WGM and microcomb, the ultra-high resolution of 58 micro-Kelvin (μK) was obtained. To ensure high resolution and broad range simultaneously, we propose an ambiguity-resolving method based on the gradient of feedback voltage and combine it with a frequency-locking technique. In a proof-of-concept experiment, a wide measurement range of 45 K was demonstrated. Our soliton comb-assisted temperature measurement method offers high-resolution and wide-range capabilities, with promising advancements in various sensing applications.

Small-angle measurement system enhanced byan optical phased array.

Small-angle measurement can be realized by embedding the laser beam in a reflective sector, within which multiple reflections enlarge the angle between the input and the output beams. However, the maximum detectable angle is limited by the detector aperture at the receiver side. In this work, we propose, to the best of our knowledge, a novel small-angle measurement system enhanced by an optical phased array (OPA), which is loaded on a spatial light modulator (SLM) to increase the maximum measurement range. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, and a wider measurement range with an unaffected measurement accuracy can be obtained. In the proof-of-concept demonstration, the measurement range of the system is enlarged by at least five times compared to the system without OPA, while maintaining the same measurement accuracy.

A novel hollow nanostructure with charge collection function based on bimetallic MOFs: Ameliorating the catalytic reaction of norepinephrine bitartrate in serum

Bimetallic hollow organic frameworks (H-MOFs) have been brought into focus in recent years and are being researched in various disciplines. However, there haven't been many reports of their application in electrochemical sensing. In this study, an innovative 3D hollow nanomaterial that resembles a "chocolate sugar cube" was created using a quick and easy hydrothermal synthesis technique. On this basis, a series of core-shell structured materials (H-MOF@PPy) were obtained by modifying polypyrrole (PPy) on the surface of H-ZnNi-MOF using an in-situ synthesis method. With its substantial specific surface area, distinctive frame structure, and wide range of active sites, H-MOF@PPy can be used to build an electrochemical sensor that can detect norepinephrine bitartrate (NE-B). Under optimal conditions, this assay platform has the advantages of a wide measurement range (0.1–10 and 10–1000 μM), high sensitivity (0.288 and 0.112 μA·μM·cm−2), and a low detection limit (0.033 μM). In addition, the sensor demonstrates high selectivity for NE-B in the presence of other coexisting interfering substances and can be used for over 60 cycles without significant loss of analytical performance. The suggested method was utilized for the measurement of NE-B in actual human serum with satisfactory results. It is firmly believed that our study will pave a feasible way for development of high-performance bimetallic hollow MOF-based electrochemical sensors.

A portable device for quick, on-spot, total arsenic measurement over a wide concentration range in water

It is important from a public health perspective, that an on-spot measurement method can quickly distinguish between water sources both below and above the WHO-allowed level of 10 ppb of arsenic (As) in drinking water, because of its toxicity. To that end, a low-cost, colorimeter-based portable device has been developed that works in conjunction with an optimized concentration of a molybdenum-based sensor reagent as a fast method for As measurement. The device, which consists of an IR LED-phototransistor assembly along with the onboard microcontroller, measures the absorbance of the analyte at a wavelength of 890 nm. The absorbance increases in proportion to As(V) concentration. Reagent optimization in the device allows for a very wide measurement range (6 ppb – 1 ppm) for both As(III) and As(V), and hence As, within 10 min of response time. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the device are 6 and 18 ppb, respectively. The device does not give any interference, even on spiking with high concentrations of other common cations (Fe2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Na+) and anions (SO42−, NO3−), which can be present in water. Also, phosphate interference, if present, is completely eliminated by using an appropriate amount of amberlite IRA-96 free-base microporous resin. The performance of the developed device was verified with environmental water samples and compared with both UV–VIS spectrophotometer and ICP-MS, showing high accuracy. Overall, this work demonstrates that there is a reliable, on-site method for quantitative measurement of As, across a wide range.

Ti3C2Tx/MXene Composite Aerogel Flexible Biosensor for Measuring Occlusal Force In Situ.

Occlusal force is an important parameter for evaluating the function of the occlusal system. Traditional occlusal forces can only be measured qualitatively. Here, we report a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor with high sensitivity and a wide measurement range for in situ occlusal force measurements through the articulating paper. The sensing layer of the flexible piezoresistive sensor is a 3D porous MXene composite aerogel, which is fabricated by vacuum freezing. The MXene piezoresistive sensor is composed of the interdigital electrodes, the sensing layer, the PI encapsulation layer, and an articulating paper encapsulation layer. The sensor shows perfect performance with high sensitivity (210.21 kPa-1), wide measurement range (∼420 kPa), and a fast response time (123 ms response time, 163 ms recovery time). The amplitude of the occlusal force, which varied with time, can be observed on the mobile phone through the wireless system with the Bluetooth module. This technique has broad application prospects in oral health. In this work, we propose a simple method and a new idea for manufacturing high-performance wearable bioelectronic sensors.

European Integration and Countering Hybrid Threats: Challenges and Prospects

The relevance of the article’s topic is determined by the non-standard nature of the challenges and threats of today. In the modern world, hybrid threats have become a major challenge for European countries, the European Union, and the world as a whole. Hybrid warfare encompasses various forms and types of aggression that are used to influence a country’s domestic politics, public opinion, and government activities. Hybrid threats are complex and multifaceted phenomena that require a comprehensive and systemic approach to counter them. They can target different spheres of life, such as politics, economy, culture, the information space, and others. Since they have an unpredictable nature, countering them requires the development and implementation of modern strategies and effective tools at both the national and supranational levels. The European Union must develop an effective strategy to counter hybrid threats that would allow it to protect its citizens and prevent the further expansion of these threats. Therefore, the process of Eurointegration is an important element in countering hybrid threats for countries and the region as a whole. The European Union provides significant support in combating hybrid threats, including through cooperation and coordination with member countries. One important element of Eurointegration is the alignment of legislation and security standards among countries. This helps reduce risks and enhance protection against hybrid threats. Collaboration in the field of cybersecurity is also a crucial component of Eurointegration. The development and implementation of joint strategies and tools enhance the effectiveness of countering hybrid threats at the regional level. Furthermore, Eurointegration can assist countries in developing and implementing new strategies and tools to counter hybrid threats, including through financial and technical support. This will enable more effective combat against these phenomena and ensure the security of countries and the region as a whole. The EU’s approach to defining and addressing hybrid threats is outlined in the «Joint Framework on Countering Hybrid Threats - European Union Response» (2016), «Increasing Resilience and Strengthening the Capacity to Address Hybrid Threats» (2018), and the EU Security Strategy (2020). The integrated system for countering hybrid threats encompasses a wide range of measures at both the member state and supranational EU levels, including early detection, analysis, raising awareness, building resilience, prevention, crisis response, and consequence management.

Arctic Tundra Lake Drainage Increases Snow Storage in Drifts

AbstractSnowdrifts formed by wind transported snow deposition represent a vital component of the earth surface processes on Arctic tundra. Snow accumulation on steep slopes particularly at the margins of rivers, coasts, lakes, and drained lake basins (DLBs) comprise a significant water storage component for the ecosystem during spring and summer snowmelt. The tundra landscape is in constant change as lakes drain, substantially altering the surface morphology that partially controls how snow drifts and accumulates throughout the cold seasons. Here, we combine field measurements, remote sensing observations, and snow modeling to investigate how lake drainage affects snow redistribution at Inigok on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, where the snow movement is controlled by wind. Field observations included measurements of snow depth using ground penetrating radar and probe. We mapped mid‐July snow cover and modeled snow redistribution before and after drainage simulation for 33 lakes (∼30 km2) in our study area (∼140 km2). Our results show the advantage of using a wide range of snow depth measurements on frozen lakes, DLBs, and upland to validate the snow modeling in order to capture the variability inherent in the landscape. The lake drainage simulation suggests an increase in snow storage of up to ∼24% at DLBs compared to extant lakes, ∼35% considering only snowdrifts (assumed as ≥1 m depth), and ∼4% considering the whole study area. This increase in snow accumulation could significantly impact the landscape when it melts, including wildlife, vegetation, biogeochemical processes, and potential natural hazards like snow‐dam outburst floods.

Human social rights in Ukraine: international standards, current state and prospects for development

The article is devoted to the current state of social protection of citizens of Ukraine. The issue of social human rights and standards of regulation, provision and protection of social human rights in Ukraine. The study of existing international standards for the regulation, provision and protection of social human rights, which in connection with the development of society are gaining more and more importance, as they are designed to guarantee people a decent standard of living. The development of human social rights is analyzed, as well as the analysis of international mechanisms and standards for their observance and protection. It is justified that the state should have a wide range of measures aimed at ensuring maximum coverage by the social protection system. The main focus is on the existing gaps in the field of social security, which may hinder the economic recovery of the country. It is proposed to pay more detailed attention in further research to the comprehensive development of mechanisms for ensuring and protecting social human rights and their improvement in connection with the constant challenges of modernity. Key words: social protection, international standards of social rights, human rights activities, human and citizen rights and freedoms, constitutional reform.