Amphora micrometra Giffen and Halamphora valdeminutissima sp. nov., two tiny benthic diatom species observed in the Black Sea

Abstract: During a survey of the diatom flora present on an artificial substratum (plexiglass) submerged off the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast, a small-celled diatom taxon, reported previously from the Black Sea as Amphora (Halamphora) sp. S21, was observed. Detailed light and scanning electron microscope observations showed that the original taxon actually included two different taxa: an unknown Halamphora species described here as H. valdeminutissima sp. nov., and a second taxon, which, based on SEM observations, could be identified as Amphora micrometra Giffen. The morphology of both taxa is described in detail and a comparison with similar taxa is provided. Additionally, environmental data of the habitat is also provided

Globin phylogeny, evolution and function, the newest update

Abstract: Our globin census update allows us to refine our vision of globin origin, evolution, and structure to function relationship in the context of the currently accepted tree of life. The modern globin domain originates as a single domain, three-over-three alpha-helical folded structure before the diversification of the kingdoms of life (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya). Together with the diversification of prokaryotes, three monophyletic globin families (M, S, and T) emerged, most likely in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, displaying specific sequence and structural features, and spread by vertical and horizontal gene transfer, most probably already present in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Non-globin domains were added, and eventually lost again, creating multi-domain structures in key branches of M- (FHb and Adgb) and the vast majority of S globins, which with their coevolved multi-domain architectures, have predominantly "sensor" functions. Single domain T-family globins diverged into four major groups and most likely display functions related to reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) chemistry, as well as oxygen storage/transport which drives the evolution of its major branches with their characteristic key distal residues (B10, E11, E7, and G8). M-family evolution also lead to distinctive major types (FHb and Fgb, Ngb, Adgb, GbX vertebrate Gbs), and shows the shift from high oxygen affinity controlled by TyrB10-Gln/AsnE11 likely related to RNOS chemistry in microorganisms, to a moderate oxygen affinity storage/transport function controlled by hydrophobic B10/E11-HisE7 in multicellular animals

Socioeconomic differences in associations between living in a 20-min neighbourhood and diet, physical activity and self-rated health : cross-sectional findings from ProjectPLAN

Abstract: The 20-min neighbourhood (20MN) concept aims to enable residents to meet daily needs using resources within a 20-min trip from home noting that there is no single definition of what services and amenities are required for daily needs nor what modes of transport constitute a 20 min trip. Whether 20MNs promote better health and whether associations differ by socio-economic status (SES) is unknown. Using cross-sectional data from adults randomly sampled in 2018-19 from Melbourne or Adelaide, Australia, we examined whether associations be-tween neighbourhood type (20MN/non-20MN) and diet, physical activity or self-rated health vary according to individual-or area-level SES. We found no consistent patterns of interactions. The results do not consistently support the often assumed belief that 20MNs support more healthful behaviour and that these relationships vary by SES

The linear response function as a descriptor of non-covalent interactions : hydrogen and halogen bonds

Abstract: An extension of the use of the linear response function to interpret non-covalent interactions is put forward. Due to its computational intricacies, most applications until now have been done on isolated atoms or molecules using coupled perturbed Hartree-Fock or Kohn-Sham theory, thereby adopting the simplest level for the LRF evaluation, the independent particle approximation. The previously presented possibilities for extension (the random phase and the "full" expression) are scrutinised, thereby highlighting the intricacies in the evaluation of the exchange-correlation term in the case of meta-GGAs and hybrid functionals, and implemented. A set of 25 hydrogen bonded and 11 halogen bonded systems, selected from Hobza S66 and X 40 compilations, were used to investigate the correlation between the stabilisation energy due to these non-covalent interactions and the relevant atom-atom-condensed LRF matrix element. The lack of a relevant correlation in the case of hydrogen bonding is contrasted with the excellent result for the halogen bonds. The correlation between the full option and the IPA is high providing support for our previous work using the IPA as is also the case for the previously used iterative Hirshfeld condensation and the more advanced FOHI method making use of fractional occupation numbers. The fundamental difference between hydrogen and halogen bond behaviour and the retrieval of the stability sequence within the halogen bonds series are traced back to the nature of the LRF as a response function for perturbations in the external potential putting polarisation effects and the polarisability of the atoms of the donor-acceptor couple at the forefront. The extension to the use of the softness kernel is advocated and already invoked to rectify the behaviour of two deviating complexes involving S as second row halogen bond acceptor atom

Performance assessment of discrete wavelet transform for de-noising of FBG sensors signals embedded in asphalt pavement

Abstract: In recent years, the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor technology has been increasingly utilized as an optical measurement system in various engineering applications, particularly for structural health monitoring (SHM) purposes. This trend can be attributed to the inherent benefits of FBG sensors, such as their small size, immunity to electromagnetic interference, resistance to corrosion, and high accuracy and sensitivity. Various factors cause noise in the FBG sensor signal, which has a significant effect on measurement precision. As a result, de-noising plays an important role in the use of FBG sensor systems. In this study, strain data collected from FBG sensors embedded in a road section were used to evaluate the performance of discretized wavelet transform (DWT) for denoising FBG signals. The presence of noise poses a significant challenge in accurately measuring low-amplitude strains and light loads. To address this issue, various approaches have been investigated, including the selection of appropriate mother wavelets, levels of decomposition, thresholding functions, and thresholding selection approaches, with the aim of identifying the optimal parameters for effective denoising. The results show that FBG signals could be denoised successfully and low amplitude strains appeared completely without any loss of valuable data

Neural representations unobserved-or : a dilemma for the cognitive neuroscience revolution

Abstract: Neural structural representations are cerebral map- or model-like structures that structurally resemble what they represent. These representations are absolutely central to the "cognitive neuroscience revolution", as they are the only type of representation compatible with the revolutionaries' mechanistic commitments. Crucially, however, these very same commitments entail that structural representations can be observed in the swirl of neuronal activity. Here, I argue that no structural representations have been observed being present in our neuronal activity, no matter the spatiotemporal scale of observation. My argument begins by introducing the "cognitive neuroscience revolution" (Sect. 1) and sketching a prominent, widely adopted account of structural representations (Sect. 2). Then, I will consult various reports that describe our neuronal activity at various spatiotemporal scales, arguing that none of them reports the presence of structural representations (Sect. 3). After having deflected certain intuitive objections to my analysis (Sect. 4), I will conclude that, in the absence of neural structural representations, representationalism and mechanism can't go together, and so the "cognitive neuroscience revolution" is forced to abandon one of its commitments (Sect. 5)

Luis Eduardo Aute and the (post)memory around the Battle of Manila in World War II

Abstract: This article revisits the trilogy of works produced by Luis Eduardo Aute in 2012 about his experience in post-World War II Manila: the short film El ni\uf1o y el basilisco, the album El ni\uf1o que miraba el mar and the comic El ni\uf1o y el basilisco. The works are presented as continuing two traditions, that of cultural production on historical memory in Spain and that of testimonies on World War II in Manila. The singularity of these works as an immersive, transmedia, and elaborated expression of the traumatic experience is highlighted

Optical switching of the properties of filled carbon nanotubes

Abstract: Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exhibit unique and remarkably diverse electronic, optical and mechanical properties, that depend critically on their exact chiral structure. In particular, their hollow structure, with diameters in the nanometer range and lengths up to microns, make them unique one dimensional channels for aligning molecules in one dimension. In this PhD thesis I investigate the encapsulation of small optical switches inside SWCNTs. Such molecules can reversibly change their structure under the influence of external stimuli, such as visible light. By encapsulating optical switches we therefore anticipate to add new functionalities to the already unique properties of the SWCNTs, in particular the ability to switch their electronic and optical properties by visible light. I successfully encapsulated two different optical switches inside the SWCNTs, namely the spiropyran - merocyanine (SP/MC) optical switch and the dihydroazulene - vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) switch. While for SP/MC the switching of the dye inside the SWCNTs could not yet be proven, for DHA/VHF the switching inside the SWCNTs results in shifts of the SWCNT optical transitions of up to 12nm. Finally, I also investigate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light on the optical properties of SWCNTs and demonstrate the creation of luminescent defect sides along the SWCNT backbone. The results of this thesis will create a range of new possible applications of SWCNTs, from light-switchable transistors for sensing applications to the creation of memory elements that can be triggered with ultraviolet or visible light

Development of semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical sensing strategies for phenolic compounds in natural and supply water

Abstract: A wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds have been frequently released into the environment without control by industries and agricultural activities. This has caused significant impact on the development and health of living organisms, and biodiversity. Therefore, the challenge of monitoring and/or remediation of these contaminants remains. This thesis presents the development of three sensing strategies based on photoelectrochemical sensors to monitor phenolic contaminants. The well-known semiconductors TiO2 and ZnO were used for building novel setups for nM analysis of phenolic compounds in water. The setups employing TiO2-based photosensors were integrated into a photoelectrochemical flow cell. The flow system favored higher sensitivity of the method by periodic wash sequences of the electrode, significantly reducing the electrode fouling. Firstly, a straightforward method was developed based on the immobilization of TiO2 on screen printed graphite electrodes. Under UV light, the developed photosensor presented high performance for the detection of 4- aminophenol. A second study was developed by impregnating gold nanoparticles into TiO2 structure. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles can broaden the light absorption region of TiO2 and improve its photocatalytic activity for the detection of hydroquinone under visible light. In both systems, the detection was possible due to the presence of reactive oxygen species at the surface of TiO2 upon light, which participate in the oxidation process of the analyte. By applying a reductive potential, the oxidized form of the analyte gets reduced and a measurable amperometric response proportional to the initial analyte concentration is recorded. The third proposed setup is a ZnO-based photosensor for the quantification of 4-nitrophenol under UVA light. Nanostructured ZnO was electrochemically synthesized on FTO glass without the use of catalysts or seed layer. A post-growth annealing treatment significantly improved ZnO nanorods physicochemical properties. Subsequent modification of ZnO nanorods with a photosensitizer (perylene acid) increased the photocurrent response and the sensitivity. In this system, the detection mechanism is based on the decrease of the photocurrent response at the presence of an electron harvesting molecule, such as 4-nitrophenol. The decrease in photocurrent is proportional to the increase of 4-nitrophenol concentration in the solution. The applicability of the photoelectrochemical semiconductor-based sensing setups was verified to analyze phenolic compounds in natural and supply water samples. The proposed robust and sensitive approaches were designed for the on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds. The encouraging results confirm the potential of these photosensors as promising tools for tracelevel sensing purposes

Is webcare good for business? A\ua0study of the effect of managerial response strategies to online reviews on hotel bookings

Abstract: Purpose Engaging in webcare, i.e. responding to online reviews, can positively affect consumer attitudes, intentions and behavior. Research is often scarce or inconsistent regarding the effects of specific webcare strategies on business performance. Therefore, this study tests whether and how several webcare strategies affect hotel bookings. Design/methodology/approach We apply machine learning classifiers to secondary data (webcare messages) to classify webcare variables to be included in a regression analysis looking at the effect of these strategies on hotel bookings while controlling for possible confounds such as seasonality and hotel-specific effects. Findings The strategies that have a positive effect on bookings are directing reviewers to a private channel, being defensive, offering compensation and having managers sign the response. Webcare strategies to be avoided are apologies, merely asking for more information, inviting customers for another visit and adding informal non-verbal cues. Strategies that do not appear to affect future bookings are expressing gratitude, personalizing and having staff members (rather than managers) sign webcare. Practical implications These findings help managers optimize their webcare strategy for better business results and develop automated webcare. Originality/value We look into several commonly used and studied webcare strategies that affect actual business outcomes, being that most previous research studies are experimental or look into a very limited set of strategies