Inclusive and differential cross section measurements of single top quark production in association with a Z boson in proton-proton collisions at √s = 13 TeV

Inclusive and differential cross sections of single top quark production in association with a Z boson are measured in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb−1 recorded by the CMS experiment. Events are selected based on the presence of three leptons, electrons or muons, associated with leptonic Z boson and top quark decays. The measurement yields an inclusive cross section of 87.9 +7.5 −7.3 (stat)+7.3 −6.0 (syst) fb for a dilepton invariant mass greater than 30 GeV, in agreement with standard model (SM) calculations and represents the most precise determination to date. The ratio between the cross sections for the top quark and the top antiquark production in association with a Z boson is measured as 2.37+0.56 −0.42 (stat)+0.27 −0.13 (syst). Differential measurements at parton and particle levels are performed for the first time. Several kinematic observables are considered to study the modeling of the process. Results are compared to theoretical predictions with different assumptions on the source of the initial-state b quark and found to be in agreement, within the uncertainties. Additionally, the spin asymmetry, which is sensitive to the top quark polarization, is determined from the differential distribution of the polarization angle at parton level to be 0.54±0.16 (stat)±0.06 (syst), in agreement with SM prediction

Study of quark and gluon jet substructure in Z plus jet and dijet events from pp collisions

Measurements of jet substructure describing the composition of quark- and gluon-initiated jets are presented. Proton-proton (pp) collision data at root s = 13 TeV collected with the CMS detector are used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb(-1). Generalized angularities are measured that characterize the jet substructure and distinguish quark- and gluon-initiated jets. These observables are sensitive to the distributions of transverse momenta and angular distances within a jet. The analysis is performed using a data sample of dijet events enriched in gluon-initiated jets, and, for the first time, a Z+jet event sample enriched in quark-initiated jets. The observables are measured in bins of jet transverse momentum, and as a function of the jet radius parameter. Each measurement is repeated applying a "soft drop" grooming procedure that removes soft and large angle radiation from the jet. Using these measurements, the ability of various models to describe jet substructure is assessed, showing a clear need for improvements in Monte Carlo generators

Evidence for X(3872) in Pb-Pb Collisions and Studies of its Prompt Production at root s(NN)=5.02 TeV

The first evidence for X(3872) production in relativistic heavy ion collisions is reported. The X(3872) production is studied in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of root s(NN) = 5.02 TeV per nucleon pair, using the decay chain X(3872) -> J/psi pi(+)pi(-) -> mu(+) mu(-) pi(+)pi(-). The data were recorded with the CMS detector in 2018 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.7 nb(-1). The measurement is performed in the rapidity and transverse momentum ranges vertical bar y vertical bar < 1.6 and 15 < p(T) < 50 GeV/c. The significance of the inclusive X(3872) signal is 4.2 standard deviations. The prompt X(3872) to psi 2S yield ratio is found to be rho(Pb-Pb) = 1.08 +/- 0.49(stat) +/- 0.52(syst), to be compared with typical values of 0.1 for pp collisions. This result provides a unique experimental input to theoretical models of the X(3872) production mechanism, and of the nature of this exotic state

Experimental investigation on thermo hydraulic performance of ferronanofluid flow in a dimpled tube under magnetic field effect

Active and passive techniques have been utilized together to enhance heat transfer in this study. The ferronanofluid, magnetic field, and dimpled tube have not been utilized together in the literature so far. Regarding this issue, this investigation is the first experimental study to specify the effect of use of these three effects simultaneously. The concept of this study is to determine the thermo-hydraulic performance of Fe3O4/H2O flow inside a dimpled tube under magnetic field effect. Constant and uniform heat flux of 4500 W/m2 has been applied on the surface of the tube. The work aims to gain data in the range of laminar flow (1131≤ Re≤2102) in the dimpled tube. Dimple geometry with pitch ratio of P/d = 3.75, magnetic field (B = 0.03 ≤ T ≤ 0.16), and nanoparticle volume fraction of 1.0% are the base variables. The results showed that Nusselt number increases with increasing Reynolds number and magnetic field intensity. The highest increase in Nusselt number is obtained as 115.31% compared with the distilled water flow in the smooth tube for the case of magnetic field intensity of 0.3 T. The highest Performance Evaluation Criteria value is also determined as 1.44 for the case of ferronanofluid flow in dimpled tube at Re = 1131 in absence of magnetic field

Direct conversion of alkaline earth metal hydroxides and sulfates to carbonates in ammonia solutions

: In this study, the direct conversion behaviors of different alkaline earth metal solids (the hydroxides and the sulfates of alkaline earth metals Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg) to their corresponding carbonates in dissolved carbonate-containing pregnant solutions obtained by direct leaching of a smithsonite (ZnCO3) ore sample in aqueous ammonia solutions having different concentrations (4 M, 8 M and 13.3 M NH3) were investigated by using X-ray diffraction analyses at alkaline earth metal to dissolved carbonate mole ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, for revealing the conversion possibilities of dissolved carbonate in the pregnant solutions to solid carbonate by-products. The results of direct conversion experiments showed that Ca(OH)2, CaSO4·2H2O, Sr(OH)2·8H2O and Ba(OH)2·8H2O converted to their corresponding carbonates, SrSO4 partially converted to SrCO3 as observed by the presence of unreacted SrSO4 peaks in X-ray diffraction patterns of the converted solids, and BaSO4 did not convert to BaCO3 because of its lower solubility with respect to BaCO3. On the other hand, it was observed that Mg(OH)2 did not convert to MgCO3, but MgSO4·7H2O converted dominantly to an uncommon phase, which was tentatively identified as Mg5Zn3(CO3)2(OH)12·H2O. In the study, a complete discussion on the conversion behaviors of alkaline earth metal solids to their corresponding carbonates was given considering the differences between their solubility product constants and the changes in the free energies of the theoretical conversion reactions. In addition, infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope images of some of the converted solids were also presented for characterization purposes

Conjuncted fertılızatıon regımes boost seed yıeld and chemıcal composıtıon of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In the frame of sustainable farming systems to decrease chemical fertilizers use and protect the environment , organic fertilization regimes hold potential as an alternative strategy to supply essential nutrients to crops. A field trial was conducted to sort out the most superior fertilization regime for boosting sunflower production and quality under semi-arid conditions. Treatments included chemical fertilizer (Cf) (80 kg N ha(-1) and 80 kg P205 ha(-1)), manure from sheep barn manure (MSB) (5161 kg ha(-1)), manure from cattle barn (MCB) (4878 kg ha(-1)), liquid manure from cattle barn (LMCB) (27580 kg ha(-1)) and vermicompost (VCm) (4000 kg ha(-1)), while a control treatment was kept for comparison purpose. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) with regular arrangement was implied to execute the experiment having three replications. The results exhibited that MSB outperformed rest of fertilization regimes for plant height and leaf number. In contrast, the maximum 1000 seed weight and seed yield were recorded by LMCB. The MCB remained unmatched for protein content, while no significant effect of fertilization regimes was recorded for oil content. Regarding chemical composition, control exhibited the maximum palmitic and stearic acids, while MSB gave the highest arachidic acid

Marker-assisted selection and validation of DNA markers associated with cadmium content in durum wheat germplasm

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal having toxic effects on all living organisms. Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is widely used in human diets but has the potential to accumulate Cd. It also has a high level of genetic diversity, which may be exploited to develop cultivars with low Cd content. We aimed to perform marker-assisted selection and validate previously identified Cd markers in durum wheat germplasm for use in the investigation of accessions that accumulate low grain Cd content. We assessed 130 durum wheat accessions phenotypically and using three different molecular markers. Grain Cd contents of the studied germplasm varied 4.91-fold (26.2-128.7 pg/kg) with an average of 58.2 mu g/kg. Landraces showed lower average values of grain Cd content than cultivars. Three molecular markers (usw47, Cad-5B and KASP marker Cad-5B) were used to differentiate high and low Cd accumulating lines. Results showed high correlation and successfully classified the accessions to the expected high or low Cd level; 87 accessions showed the low Cd alleles, and 43 accessions the high Cd alleles, except for five accessions with the usw47 marker that showed heterozygous status. A significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.944*) was observed among the three molecular markers. Based on molecular markers, 96.2% of the accessions were classified accurately. The KASP assay was highly effective in successfully separating low from high Cd content accessions and could be used as a molecular tool in durum wheat breeding programs, with less cost and time, targeting reduced grain Cd levels. The results of this study will allow durum wheat breeders to accelerate their progress to select suitable genotypes with the desired alleles

LEGU-MED: Developing biodiversity-based agriculture with legume cropping systems in the mediterranean basin

Environmental degradation and the decrease of ecosystem service provision are currently of major concern, with current agricultural systems being a major driver. To meet our future environmental and sustainability targets a transformation of the agro-food systems and current agricultural value chain are crucial. One approach to redesign farming systems is the concept of biodiversity-based agriculture (BBA) which relies on sustainable diversification of biological components and their natural interactions in farming systems to maximize fertility, productivity, and resilience to external perturbations. Despite minimizing anthropogenic inputs, BBA is not yet able to meet all beneficial environmental objectives. BBA applied in the Mediterranean basin requires urgent innovation in approaches, methodologies, and models for small-holder traditional farming systems to ensure a stable provision of ecosystem services and better resilience to environmental stresses linked to climate change. Legumes are the backbone of the Mediterranean agro-ecosystems from ancient times, but their unique and wide biodiversity was not sufficiently valorized, especially by North-African countries. Here, we present LEGU-MED, a three-year international project funded by PRIMA initiative 2019. An international consortium was established involving five universities, 5 research institutes, and one private company from 8 countries: Italy, Germany, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, and Croatia. The main objective of this project is to put forward an international and well-integrated plan to valorize the legume agrobiodiversity of the Mediterranean in biodiversity-based farming systems and consequently enhance agro-ecosystem functions and services in the Mediterranean basin. The successful completion of LEGU-MED will have the following impacts on Mediterranean legume-based farming systems: (1) improve water use efficiency, (2) reduce the use of anthropogenic inputs through the maintenance of soil fertility, (3) enhance pollination and improve ecological connectivity with flora and fauna, (4) protect close-by wildland ecosystems, (5) enhance other ecosystem services (e.g., pest, disease, and weed suppression), and (6) provide healthier and safer protein-rich food

First report of Fusarium avenaceum causing branch canker on pear in Turkey

Pear (Pyrus communis) is an important fruit crop in Turkey. In May 2021, canker lesions were observed in pruning wounds on approximately 70% of the pear trees cultivar Deveci in a fve-year-old orchard in Bursa province, Turkey. Disease symptoms were twig blight, brownish bark and branch canker. Twenty small pieces from branch lesions were surface disinfected with 1% NaOCl solution for 3 min and placed on potato dextrose agar. Petri dishes were incubated for 10 days at 23 °C. All colonies were Fusarium-like with the production of a yellow to rose pigment and a dark pink to red reverse with abundant white aerial mycelium

Measurement of double-parton scattering in inclusive production of four jets with low transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at root s=13 TeV

A measurement of inclusive four-jet production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV is presented. The transverse momenta of jets within vertical bar eta vertical bar 4.7 are required to exceed 35, 30, 25, and 20 GeV for the first-, second-, third-, and fourth-leading jet, respectively. Differential cross sections are measured as functions of the jet transverse momentum, jet pseudorapidity, and several other observables that describe the angular correlations between the jets. The measured distributions show sensitivity to different aspects of the underlying event, parton shower modeling, and matrix element calculations. In particular, the interplay between angular correlations caused by parton shower and double-parton scattering contributions is shown to be important. The double-parton scattering contribution is extracted by means of a template fit to the data, using distributions for single-parton scattering obtained from Monte Carlo event generators and a double-parton scattering distribution constructed from inclusive single-jet events in data. The effective double-parton scattering cross section is calculated and discussed in view of previous measurements and of its dependence on the models used to describe the single-parton scattering background