3,220 research outputs found
The effects of retardation on the topological plasmonic chain: plasmonic edge states beyond the quasistatic limit
We study a one-dimensional plasmonic system with non-trivial topology: a
chain of metallic nanoparticles with alternating spacing, which is the
plasmonic analogue to the Su-Schreiffer-Heeger model. We extend previous
efforts by including long range hopping with retardation and radiative damping,
which leads to a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian with frequency dependence. We
calculate band structures numerically and show that topological features such
as quantised Zak phase persist due to chiral symmetry. This predicts parameters
leading to topologically protected edge modes, which allows for positioning of
disorder-robust hotspots at topological interfaces, opening up novel
nanophotonics applications
Companion planting to attract pollinators increases the yield and quality of strawberry fruit in gardens and allotments
1. Global pollinator declines have led to concern that crop yields might fall as a result of a pollination deficit. Companion planting is a traditional practice thought to increase yield of insect pollinated crops by planting a co-flowering species next to the crop.
2. Using a combination of conventional researcher-led experiments and observational citizen scientist data, we tested the effectiveness of bee-friendly borage (Borago officinalis) as a companion plant to strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Insect visitors to the ‘Test’ (strawberry + borage) versus ‘Control’ (strawberry only) plants were observed, and strawberry fruit collected. Strawberries collected during the researcher-led experiment were also subject to fruit measurements and assessments of market quality.
3. Companion plants were found to significantly increase both yield and market quality of strawberries, suggesting an increase in insect pollination per plant. Test strawberries companion planted with borage produced an average of 35% more fruits, and 32% increased yield by weight. Test strawberry plants produced significantly more fruit of higher aesthetic quality when assessed by Marketing Standards for Strawberries.
4. Although there was no significant difference in the overall insect visits, when broken down by broad insect group there were significantly more flies visiting the test strawberries than controls.
5. These results could have implications for both gardeners and commercial growers. As consumers prefer a cosmetically perfect fruit, the production of fruit with increased aesthetics aids food waste reduction
Can somatic GATA2 mutation mimic germ line GATA2 mutation?
Somatic GATA2
mutation is associated
with immunodeficiency
and pulmonary alveolar
proteinosis in a patient
with myeloproliferative
neoplasm
Healthcare choice: Discourses, perceptions, experiences and practices
Policy discourse shaped by neoliberal ideology, with its emphasis on marketisation and competition, has highlighted the importance of choice in the context of healthcare and health systems globally. Yet, evidence about how so-called consumers perceive and experience healthcare choice is in short supply and limited to specific healthcare systems, primarily in the Global North. This special issue aims to explore how choice is perceived and utilised in the context of different systems of healthcare throughout the world, where choice, at least in policy and organisational terms, has been embedded for some time. The articles are divided into those emphasising: embodiment and the meaning of choice; social processes associated with choice; the uncertainties, risks and trust involved in making choices; and issues of access and inequality associated with enacting choice. These sociological studies reveal complexities not always captured in policy discourse and suggest that the commodification of healthcare is particularly problematic
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