2-(4-Meth­oxy­phen­yl)-4H-1,3,2-benzoxathia­phosphinine 2-sulfide

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H13O2PS2, contains two crystallographically independent mol­ecules, which differ in the conformation of the 1,3,2-benzoxathia­phosphinine moieties (screw boat in the first mol­ecule and envelope in the second mol­ecule). In the crystal, neither classical nor non-classical hydrogen bonds are found. Weak inter­actions (about 2.9–3.0 Å) between the lone pair of the terminal S atoms with H atoms occur. This compound was further characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy

Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris

The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a consensus on how to define and categorize plastic debris. This is evident for microplastics, where inconsistent size classes are used and where the materials to be included are under debate. While this is inherent in an emerging research field, an ambiguous terminology results in confusion and miscommunication that may compromise progress in research and mitigation measures. Therefore, we need to be explicit on what exactly we consider plastic debris. Thus, we critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unified terminology, propose a definition and categorization framework, and highlight areas of uncertainty. Going beyond size classes, our framework includes physicochemical properties (polymer composition, solid state, solubility) as defining criteria and size, shape, color, and origin as classifiers for categorization. Acknowledging the rapid evolution of our knowledge on plastic pollution, our framework will promote consensus building within the scientific and regulatory community based on a solid scientific foundation

ZnMoO4: a promising bolometer for neutrinoless double beta decay searches

We investigate the performances of two ZnMoO4 scintillating crystals operated as bolometers, in view of a next generation experiment to search the neutrinoless double beta decay of Mo-100. We present the results of the alpha vs beta/gamma discrimination, obtained through the scintillation light as well as through the study of the shape of the thermal signal alone. The discrimination capability obtained at the 2615 keV line of Tl-208 is 8 sigma, using the heat-light scatter plot, while it exceeds 20 sigma using the shape of the thermal pulse alone. The achieved FWHM energy resolution ranges from 2.4 keV (at 238 keV) to 5.7 keV (at 2615 keV). The internal radioactive contaminations of the ZnMoO4 crystals were evaluated through a 407 hours background measurement. The obtained limit is < 32 microBq/kg for Th-228 and Ra-226. These values were used for a Monte Carlo simulation aimed at evaluating the achievable background level of a possible, future array of enriched ZnMoO4 crystals.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

Improving the economic performance of Russia's energy system based on the development of alternative energy sources

An upward trend in conventional energy consumption and the exhaustibility of its resources, volatility of the prices for hydrocarbons in the global energy market update the development of scientific approaches to justification of the commercial efficiency of alternative energy in the Russian Federation. Integrated economic performance and environmental safety coefficients for generating companies in Russia were calculated through taxonomic analysis. Trends in the expenditure level for energy production in the context of alternative and conventional energy resources were forecasted by means of neural modeling technologies. Using an integrated assessment method, global priorities for the use of energy resources in Russia that would enhance the national energy system operation efficiency were identified. A forecasting integrated model of the Russian energy system development was elaborated, taking into account the commercial efficiency of alternative energy. Measures to stimulate energy production based on the use of alternative energy sources were proposed. Practical implementation of the research findings would contribute to Russia's energy system restructuring and meeting the energy needs of the national economy to the fullest extent possible. Keywords: Alternative Energy Sources, Alternative Energy, Energy System, Economic Performance of Energy Production, Energy Resources, Conventional Energy JEL Classifications: L98; L16; O25 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.702

Midlife Cardiovascular Health and Robust Versus Frail Late-Life Status: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Background: We examined the relationship of midlife cardiovascular health (CVH) with late-life robustness among men and women and the impact of survivorship bias on sex differences in robustness. Methods: Prospective analysis of 15 744 participants aged 45-64 (visit 1 median age: 54 years, 55% female, 27% Black) in 1987-1989 from the population-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. CVH was operationalized according to the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metric of health behaviors (smoking, weight, physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose); each behavior was scored as ideal (2 points), intermediate (1 point), or poor (0 points) and summed. Late-life robust/prefrail/frailty was defined at visit 5 (2011-2013). Multinomial regression estimated relative prevalence ratios (RPRs) of late-life robustness/prefrailty/frailty/death across overall midlife LS7 score and components, for the full visit 1 sample. Separate analyses considered visit 5 survivors-only. Results: For each 1-unit greater midlife LS7 score, participants had a 37% higher relative prevalence of being robust versus frail (overall RPR = 1.37 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.30-1.44]; women = 1.45 [1.36-1.54]; men = 1.24 [1.13-1.36]). Among the full visit 1 sample, women had a similar 1-level higher robustness category prevalence (RPR = 1.35 [95% CI: 1.32-1.39]) than men (RPR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.27-1.35]) for every 1-unit higher midlife LS7 score. Among survivors, men were more likely to be robust than women at lower LS7 levels; differences were attenuated and not statistically different at higher midlife LS7 levels. Conclusions: Midlife CVH is positively associated with robustness in late life among men and women. Accounting for mortality in part explains documented sex differences in robustness across all levels of LS7

Quantitative ultrasound rating of liver fibrosis in children with cystic fibrosis

Aim of investigation. To determine potential of non-invasive ultrasound techniques of fibroelastometry (FEM) and Acoustic Structure Quantification (ASQ) at liver parenchyma assessment and fibrosis stage grading in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).Material and methods. Overall 89 children in the age of 2 months to 18 years with pulmonary and intestinal form of cystic fibrosis were investigated. The course of CF in 64 patients was considered as moderate, in 25 — as severe. The diagnosis was established according to clinical and laboratoric investigation with analysis of past history data, DNA-diagnostics with assessment of genotype and positive sweat test.Results. Evaluation of liver parenchyma with the help of traditional ultrasound investigation with assessment of blood flow in portal vessels and celiac trunk allows to determine degree of hepatic fibrosis severity and to reveal initial signs of portal hypertension. Application of ultrasound techniques of ASQ and FEM objectifies study results as alongside with the qualitative analysis of ultrasound echograms quantitative grading of liver parenchyma and fibrosis stage became possible.Conclusions. ASQ in CF patients can be applied for early detection of fibrosis, follow-up of process development and rating of hepatoprotective treatment efficacy

Effect of Initial Disturbance on The Detonation Front Structure of a Narrow Duct

The effect of an initial disturbance on the detonation front structure in a narrow duct is studied by three-dimensional numerical simulation. The numerical method used includes a high resolution fifth-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory scheme for spatial discretization, coupled with a third order total variation diminishing Runge-Kutta time stepping method. Two types of disturbances are used for the initial perturbation. One is a random disturbance which is imposed on the whole area of the detonation front, and the other is a symmetrical disturbance imposed within a band along the diagonal direction on the front. The results show that the two types of disturbances lead to different processes. For the random disturbance, the detonation front evolves into a stable spinning detonation. For the symmetrical diagonal disturbance, the detonation front displays a diagonal pattern at an early stage, but this pattern is unstable. It breaks down after a short while and it finally evolves into a spinning detonation. The spinning detonation structure ultimately formed due to the two types of disturbances is the same. This means that spinning detonation is the most stable mode for the simulated narrow duct. Therefore, in a narrow duct, triggering a spinning detonation can be an effective way to produce a stable detonation as well as to speed up the deflagration to detonation transition process.Comment: 30 pages and 11 figure