Periodic squeezing in a polariton Josephson junction

The use of a Kerr nonlinearity to generate squeezed light is a well-known way to surpass the quantum noise limit along a given field quadrature. Nevertheless, in the most common regime of weak nonlinearity, a single Kerr resonator is unable to provide the proper interrelation between the field amplitude and squeezing required to induce a sizable deviation from Poissonian statistics. We demonstrate experimentally that weakly coupled bosonic modes allow exploration of the interplay between squeezing and displacement, which can give rise to strong deviations from the Poissonian statistics. In particular, we report on the periodic bunching in a Josephson junction formed by two coupled exciton-polariton modes. Quantum modeling traces the bunching back to the presence of quadrature squeezing. Our results, linking the light statistics to squeezing, are a precursor to the study of nonclassical features in semiconductor microcavities and other weakly nonlinear bosonic systems.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Anderson localisation in steady states of microcavity polaritons

We present an experimental signature of the Anderson localisation of microcavity polaritons, and provide a systematic study of the dependence on disorder strength. We reveal a controllable degree of localisation, as characterised by the inverse-participation ratio, by tuning the positional disorder of arrays of interacting mesas. This constitutes the realisation of disorder-induced localisation in a driven-dissipative system. In addition to being an ideal candidate for investigating localisation in this regime, microcavity polaritons hold promise for low-power, ultra-small devices and their localisation could be used as a resource in quantum memory and quantum information processing.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Phylogeny of Artemisia L.: Recent developments

In this review, classification and phylogeny of genus Artemisia L. is discussed. Its centers of diversity lie in the temperate and cold temperate regions of the Eurasia, North America and Asia. Artemisia has two basic chromosome numbers, with ploidy levels x=9 and x=8. Chromosome number in diploid is most often 2n=18 or 16. The genus is divided into five large groups Absinthium DC., Artemisia L., Dracunculus Besser, Seriphidium Besser and Tridantatae (Rydb.) McArthur. Its phylogeny was based on the two hypothesized evolutionary trends, loss of fertility in the disc florets and loss of ray florets. Recently its molecular phylogeny based on internally transcribed spacer (ITS), externally transcribed spacer (ETS) regions of the DNA and chloroplast DNA suggested that the genus Artemisia is a monophyletic but it could not resolve the problem of infra-generic classification. This study revealed that there is need to search new genome regions to establish a natural classification based on modern molecular techniques

Enhancement of Biodegradation of Palm Oil Mill Effluents by local Isolated Fungi

This study was designed to investigate the fungi associated with palm oil mill effluent (POME) in Gulur village of Tumkur. Biodegradation of palm oil mill effluents was conducted to measure the discarded POME based on physicochemical quality. The fungi that were isolated are Aspergillusniger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, Rhizopussp, Peniciliumsp and Trichodermavirde. The autoclaved and unautoclaved raw POME samples were incubated for 7 days and the activities of the fungi were observed each for 12 hours. The supernatants of the digested POME were investigated for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color (ADMI), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at the end of each digestion cycle. The results showed that the unautoclaved raw POME sample degraded better than the inoculated POME sample and this suggests that the microorganisms that are indigenous in the POME are more effective than the introduced micro-organisms. This result, however, indicates the prospect of isolating indigenous microorganisms in the POME for effective biodegradation of POME. Moreover, the effective treatment of POME yields useful products such as reduction of BOD, COD, and color

Graphene: Chemistry and Applications for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In the present era, different allotropes of carbon have been discovered, and graphene is the one among them that has contributed to many breakthroughs in research. It has been considered a promising candidate in the research and academic fields, as well as in industries, over the last decade. It has many properties to be explored, such as an enhanced specific surface area and beneficial thermal and electrical conductivities. Graphene is arranged as a 2D structure by organizing sp2 hybridized C with alternative single and double bonds, providing an extended conjugation combining hexagonal ring structures to form a honeycomb structure. The precious structure and outstanding characteristics are the major reason that modern industry relies heavily on graphene, and it is predominantly applied in electronic devices. Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) foremostly utilize graphene as an anode or a cathode, and are combined with polymers to use them as polymer electrolytes. After three decades of commercialization of the lithium-ion battery, it still leads in consumer electronic society due to its higher energy density, wider operating voltages, low self-discharge, noble high-temperature performance, and fewer maintenance requirements. In this review, we aim to give a brief review of the domination of graphene and its applications in LIBs

Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of plant resources of Kiwai,Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, Pakistan

Local plants of an area are highly valuable for people of that locality. Plant resources are actually part and parcel of traditions and culture of inhabitants due to their consumption in daily life. Aim of the present study was to explore the culturally significant floral diversity of a remote area with special reference to medicinal plants and quantification of local wisdom through statistical indices. Study was carried out in mountainous region of Kiwai included in Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, northern Pakistan. Questionnaire method was adopted and semi-structured interviews were also conducted for data collection.  Two hundred informants were interviewed to report the ethnobotanical knowledge of targeted plants. Relative frequency citation (RFCs), Consensus Index (CI%) and Use Value (UVi) were calculated for results. Study reports 110 plants belonging to 98 genera and 53 families. Asteraceae was found dominant family with 10 plant species. Angiosperms (59%) were abundant in the study area followed by Gymnosperm (5%) and Pteridophytes (2%). Herbs (59%) were recorded abundant followed by trees (31%) and shrubs (10%). The most used parts were leaves (30%), stem (13%) and whole plant (11%). Common fever was the most cited disease by locals. RFC and CI% was highest for Bergenia ciliata and Silybum marianum. Use value of Pinus roxburghii was high with 0.045 value. Study area shows rich ethno-floral diversity. Peoples are not only using plants for medicinal purposes but also for a number of uses such as for construction, as fruit, vegetable, furniture and fodder

Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of plant resources of Kiwai, Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, Pakistan

141-153Local plants of an area are highly valuable for people of that locality. Plant resources are actually part and parcel of traditions and culture of inhabitants due to their consumption in daily life. Aim of the present study was to explore the culturally significant floral diversity of a remote area with special reference to medicinal plants and quantification of local wisdom through statistical indices. The study was carried out in mountainous region of Kiwai located in Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, northern Pakistan. Questionnaire method was adopted and semi-structured interviews were also conducted for data collection. Two hundred informants were interviewed to report the ethnobotanical knowledge of targeted plants. Relative frequency citation (RFCs), consensus index (CI%) and use value (UVi) were calculated for results. Study reports 110 plants belonging to 98 genera and 53 families. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 10 plant species. Angiosperms (59%) were abundant in the study area followed by Gymnosperm (5%) and Pteridophytes (2%). Herbs (59%) were recorded abundant followed by trees (31%) and shrubs (10%). The most used parts were leaves (30%), stem (13%) and whole plant (11%). Common fever was the most cited disease by locals. RFC and CI% was highest for Bergenia ciliata and Silybum marianum. Use value of Pinus roxburghii was high with 0.045 value. Study area shows rich ethno-floral diversity. Peoples are not only using plants for medicinal purposes but also for a number of uses such as construction, fruit, vegetable, furniture and fodder

The nexus between global disruption due to the covid-19 and performance of the construction project

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, this paper attempts to empirically find out the increasing workplace bullying effect on project performance with employee deviant behaviour as a mediator, internal, and external locus of control as moderators. The random sampling technique was used to gather data from 777 employees, working in construction companies in Pakistan. The examination was established using WarpPLS software version 7.0. The results revealed that workplace bullying is positively associated with employee deviant behaviour which in return negatively affects the project performance. It can be inferred from the results that the “moderating role” of internal “locus of control” is insignificant; whereas the external “locus of control” significantly moderates the relationship between workplace bullying & employee deviant behaviour. The proposed research and hypotheses support social exchange theory and social behaviour exchanges. This study has clarified some unique points that are equally important for the managers, employees, and project-based construction organization as a whole. It is also recommended that once the pandemic COVID-19 passes, it would be the dire need of that time to re-evaluate that, what has been changed in terms of professional thinking, working & behaving as for as their project work and communication between the team members is concerned

Note on the special fillet fatty acid composition of the dwarf carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) living in thermal Lake Hévíz, Hungary

Fatty acid (FA) composition of the fillet and the intestinal content of dwarf common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) living in Lake Hévíz was determined in wintertime collected samples and results were compared to widespread literature data on carp. Fillet FA profile of the thermally adapted (28 oC) Hévíz dwarf carps differed from profiles originated from divergent culture and feeding conditions in the overall level of saturation. Fillet myristic acid proportions largely exceeded all literature data in spite of poor dietary supply. Fillet fatty acid results indicate the effects of thermal adaptation (high saturation level) and the correlative effects of feed components rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with special respect to docosahexaenoic acid. With the application of discriminant factor analysis the Hévíz sample was accurately differentiated from the literature data on carp fillet fatty acid profile, mostly based on C14:0, C18:1 n9, C18:2 n6, C20:1 n9 and C20:4 n6 FAs. In summary, fillet FA profile suggested thermal adaptation, location specificity and the ingestion of algal and bacterial material