Excited states time evolution on a laser-ablated molybdenum plume

The dynamics of the excited states on a laser-ablated Mo plume was studied, both in air and in vacuum, by emission spectroscopy along the plume expansion axis. The emission related to ionized atoms occurs in the beginning of the plume expansion, near the metal surface, and is predominantly ultraviolet emission. In the middle of the plasma plume, it takes place the electron transitions between excited states of neutral atoms, and in the end of the plume, the visible emission is to transitions to the ground state of neutral molybdenum atoms. It was possible to determine plume parameters such as plasma expansion velocity of (5.0 ± 0.7) km/s at atmospheric pressure and (4.0 ± 0.7) km/s in vacuum, and the plasma duration that was (160 ± 14) ns at atmospheric pressure and (138 ± 18) ns in vacuum.     

A rich vehicle routing problem dealing with perishable food: a case study

This paper presents a successful application of operations research techniques in guiding the decision making process to achieve a superior operational efficiency in core activities. We focus on a rich vehicle routing problem faced by a Portuguese food distribution company on a daily basis. This problem can be described as a heterogeneous fleet site dependent vehicle routing problem with multiple time windows. We use the adaptative large neighbourhood search framework, which has proven to be effective to solve a variety of different vehicle routing problems. Our plans are compared against those of the company and the impact that the proposed decision support tool may have in terms of cost savings is shown. The algorithm converges quickly giving the planner considerably more time to focus on value-added tasks, rather than manually correct the routing schedule. Moreover, contrarily to the necessary adaptation time of the planner, the tool is quite flexible in following market changes, such as the introduction of new customers or new products.     

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric and semi-empirical calculations study of five isoflavone aglycones

Five isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, prunetin and biochanin A, known for their biological properties, are investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode. The most probable protonation sites are determined taking into account semi-empirical calculations using the PM6 Hamiltonian. Fragmentation mechanisms are proposed based on accurate mass measurements, MS(3) experiments and supported by the semi-empirical calculations. Some of the fragmentation pathways were found to be dependent on the substitution pattern of the B-ring and the ions afforded by these fragmentations can be considered as diagnostic. It was possible to distinguish between prunetin and biochanin A, two isobaric isoflavone aglycones included in this study. Furthermore, a comparison of the fragmentation patterns of genistein and biochanin A, two isoflavones, with those of their flavone counterparts, apigenin and acacetin, enabled us to identify some key ions mainly due to structural features, allowing distinction to be made between these two classes of compounds.     

A framework for the development of STR genotyping in domestic animal species: Characterization and population study of 12 canine X‐chromosome loci

This study reports the methodology used to search, select and characterize STR loci on the canine X chromosome using publicly available genome resources and following the current guidelines for human and non‐human forensic testing. After several rounds of selection, 12 X‐STR markers were optimized for simultaneous co‐amplification in a single PCR, and genetic profiles were determined in a sample of 103 unrelated dogs. Mendelian inheritance was verified and mutation rates were assessed using family groups. Alleles that varied in size were sequenced to create a standardized nomenclature proposal based on the number of repeats. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The resulting panel showed high forensic efficiency, presenting high values of power of discrimination (in males and females) and mean exclusion chance, both in trios involving female offspring and in duos composed of dam and male offspring. Its use may complement the information obtained by autosomal STR analysis and contribute to the resolution of complex cases of kinship in dogs. The presented methodology for the de novo construction of an STR multiplex may also provide a helpful framework for analogous work in other animal species. As an increasing number of reference genomes become available, convenient tools for individual identification and parentage testing based on STR loci selected from autosomes or sex chromosomes' sequences may be created following this strategy.     

Baseline separation of α and β‐acids homologues and isomers in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) by CD‐MEKC‐UV

An alternative method for simultaneous baseline separation of α and β‐acids homologues and isomers in hop by CD‐MEKC with UV detection was proposed. The optimized background electrolyte was composed of 30 mmol/L sodium tetraborate solution, 45 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfate, 20 mmol/L β‐cyclodextrin and 10% v/v acetonitrile. The instrumental conditions were evaluated by using a 3³ Box‐Benhken experimental design. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the method, 21 hop samples from different varieties were analyzed. The repeatability intra‐ and interday tests were performed and relative standard deviations lower than 7% for area and migration times were observed. The present method comprehended 8 min analysis time and revealed to be faster and more efficient when compared to previous reports from literature.     

Charged spinning fluids in general relativity

The treatment of neutral spinning fluids in general relativity due to Ray and Smalley is generalized, by considering the fluid as charged and having a magnetic dipole moment proportional to the spin.     

Limits for the central production of Theta+ and Xi(--)pentaquarks in 920-GeV pA collisions

We have searched for Theta+(1540) and Xi(--)(1862) pentaquark candidates in proton-induced reactions on C, Ti, and W targets at midrapidity and square root of s = 41.6 GeV. In 2 x 10(8) inelastic events we find no evidence for narrow (sigma approximately 5 MeV) signals in the Theta+ --> pK0(S) and Xi(--) --> Xi- pi- channels; our 95% C.L. upper limits (UL) for the inclusive production cross section times branching fraction B dsigma/dy/(y approximately 0) are (4-16) mub/N for a Theta+ mass between 1521 and 1555 MeV, and 2.5 mub/N for the Xi(--). The UL of the yield ratio of Theta+/Lambda(1520) < (3-12)% is significantly lower than model predictions. Our UL of B Xi(--)/Xi(1530)0 < 4% is at variance with the results that have provided the first evidence for the Xi(--).     

Transition metal tellurides as emerging catalysts for electrochemical water splitting

Renewable energy powered electrochemical water splitting has been recognized as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to produce green hydrogen, which is an important vector to decarbonize the transport sector and hard-to-abate industry, able to contribute to achieving global carbon neutrality. For large-scale deployment of water electrolyzers, it is essential to develop efficient and durable electrocatalysts—one of key components determining the electrochemical performance, based on cheap and earth-abundant materials. To this end, transition metal tellurides (TMTs) have recently emerged as a promising alternative to the conventional platinum group metals for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This review article provides a brief account of the latest development in TMT-based HER and OER catalysts, with a focus on various strategies developed to improve the catalytic performance, such as nanostructure engineering, composition engineering, and heterostructuring/hybridization. Perspectives of future research on TMT-based catalysts are also shortly outlined.     

Subharmonic Solutions of a Pendulum Under Vertical Anharmonic Oscillations of the Point of Suspension

We prove the existence of subharmonic solutions in the dynamics of a pendulum whose point of suspension executes a vertical anharmonic oscillation of small amplitude.