A new inflationary Universe scenario with inhomogeneous quantum vacuum

We investigate the quantum vacuum and find the fluctuations can lead to the inhomogeneous quantum vacuum. We find that the vacuum fluctuations can significantly influence the cosmological inhomogeneity, which is different from what previously expected. By introducing the modified Green's function, we reach a new inflationary scenario which can explain why the Universe is still expanding without slowing down. We also calculate the tunneling amplitude of the Universe based on the inhomogeneous vacuum. We find that the inhomogeneity can lead to the penetration of the universe over the potential barrier faster than previously thought.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figure

Genome-Wide Association Study/ Genomic Prediction of Cowpea Seed Protein and Black Seed Coat Color in Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a crucial crop in many regions, serving as a vital protein source for humans and livestock. Addressing the need to enhance its nutritional quality and make it easier to cultivate cowpeas of specific colors, this study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify markers associated with protein content and seed coat color patterns in cowpea. In the protein content study, a GWAS was conducted on 161 cowpea accessions using 110,155 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Seven significant SNP markers were identified, all located at a locus on chromosome 8 associated with the gene Vigun08g039200, enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis for protein content variation in cowpea. Additionally, genomic prediction models were employed, yielding accuracies ranging from 42.9% to 52.1%, offering potential for early prediction of individual performance in breeding programs aimed at improving seed protein content and nutritional quality. The second study focused on seed coat color and patterns, important traits for consumer preferences in cowpea. A GWAS was conducted on 315 cowpea lines, revealing associations between specific SNP markers and seed coat color on chromosome 5. Genes such as Vigun05g039700, Vigun05g039800, and Vigun05g041100 were identified as potential candidates linked to black seed coat. These findings underscore the utility of associated SNP markers in selecting desired seed colors and patterns through genomic breeding approaches in cowpea breeding programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture underlying protein content and seed coat color traits in cowpea, facilitating the selection of desirable traits in breeding programs through genomic approaches. Such advancements hold promise for enhancing both the nutritional quality and aesthetic appeal of cowpea, thereby contributing to food security and consumer preferences

Genome-Wide Association Study/ Genomic Prediction of Cowpea Seed Protein and Black Seed Coat Color in Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a crucial crop in many regions, serving as a vital protein source for humans and livestock. Addressing the need to enhance its nutritional quality and make it easier to cultivate cowpeas of specific colors, this study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify markers associated with protein content and seed coat color patterns in cowpea. In the protein content study, a GWAS was conducted on 161 cowpea accessions using 110,155 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Seven significant SNP markers were identified, all located at a locus on chromosome 8 associated with the gene Vigun08g039200, enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis for protein content variation in cowpea. Additionally, genomic prediction models were employed, yielding accuracies ranging from 42.9% to 52.1%, offering potential for early prediction of individual performance in breeding programs aimed at improving seed protein content and nutritional quality. The second study focused on seed coat color and patterns, important traits for consumer preferences in cowpea. A GWAS was conducted on 315 cowpea lines, revealing associations between specific SNP markers and seed coat color on chromosome 5. Genes such as Vigun05g039700, Vigun05g039800, and Vigun05g041100 were identified as potential candidates linked to black seed coat. These findings underscore the utility of associated SNP markers in selecting desired seed colors and patterns through genomic breeding approaches in cowpea breeding programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture underlying protein content and seed coat color traits in cowpea, facilitating the selection of desirable traits in breeding programs through genomic approaches. Such advancements hold promise for enhancing both the nutritional quality and aesthetic appeal of cowpea, thereby contributing to food security and consumer preferences

On the Use of Self-Assembling Block Copolymers to Toughen A Model Epoxy

Block copolymers have been receiving considerable attention in tougheningepoxy due to their ability to form a wide variety of nanostructures. This study focuseson using both triblock and diblock copolymers to improve the fracture toughness ofan aromatic-amine cured epoxy system. The curing system consisted of 1,3-phenylenediamine (mPDA) as curing agent and aniline as a chain extender. Threetriblock copolymers and three diblock copolymers were incorporated in the samelightly crosslinked model epoxy system, which was chosen to mimic an underfillmaterial in flip-chip packaging for the microelectronics industry.In this research, rubber particles were formed in situ using self-assembling blockcopolymers. Mechanical, thermal and microscopic studies were conducted with themain goal to study the relationship between the block parameters and the finalmorphologies and their effects on static and dynamic mechanical properties of thetoughened resin, especially fracture toughness.In these block-copolymer-modified epoxies, spherical micelles and wormlikemicelles were obtained by varying block lengths, molecular weight, polarities andcompositions. It was found that miscibility of the epoxy-miscible block played acrucial role in the formation of different types of morphologies. At a low loadinglevel, diblock copolymers were able to toughen the model epoxy as effectively astriblock copolymers. The fracture toughness was improved to almost three times withrespect to that of the neat resin with addition of 10 phr AM*-27. At the same time,other mechanical properties, such as yield strength and modulus, were well retained.Incorporation of block copolymers did not have a significant effect on glass transitiontemperature but caused an increase in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of themodified epoxy. Particle cavitation and matrix void growth were proved to be thetoughening mechanisms for SBM-Modified epoxies. However, these typicaltoughening mechanisms for rubber toughening were not identified in the AM*27-modified epoxies by examining the fracture surface and the subsurface damage