The Soft X-ray Imager(SXI)on the SMILE Mission

The Soft X-ray Imager(SXI)is part of the scientific payload of the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer(SMILE)mission.SMILE is a joint science mission between the European Space Agency(ESA)and the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)and is due for launch in 2025.SXI is a compact X-ray telescope with a wide field-of-view(FOV)capable of encompassing large portions of Earth’s magnetosphere from the vantage point of the SMILE orbit.SXI is sensitive to the soft X-rays produced by the Solar Wind Charge eXchange(SWCX)process produced when heavy ions of solar wind origin interact with neutral particles in Earth’s exosphere.SWCX provides a mechanism for boundary detection within the magnetosphere,such as the position of Earth’s magnetopause,because the solar wind heavy ions have a very low density in regions of closed magnetic field lines.The sensitivity of the SXI is such that it can potentially track movements of the magnetopause on timescales of a few minutes and the orbit of SMILE will enable such movements to be tracked for segments lasting many hours.SXI is led by the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom(UK)with collaborating organisations on hardware,software and science support within the UK,Europe,China and the United States.

Regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi(Mirb.)Ørst.in little to moderately disturbed southern beech forests in the Andes of Patagonia(Argentina)

Natural forests and stands subjected to little to moderate human impact are continuously declining worldwide and with these,their biodiversity and ecosystem services.Many Nothofagus forests in the south of the South American continent are in a pristine state or only moderately impacted by humans.Forest grazing by livestock,in the past and still today often practiced in a non-sustainable way is,however,increasingly under discussion to meet current environmental and socio-economic challenges.Accordingly,we investigate the regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi,a keystone species of the Patagonian Andes,in secondary forests in Argentinian northern Patagonia,particularly addressing the role of disturbance through grazing by livestock at various intensities.We test the hypothesis that the regeneration of this tree species is favored by grazing impact and,thus,disturbance of the herb layer and soil surface.In support of our hypothesis,Nothofagus dombeyi regeneration was significantly higher in terms of individuals and height classes in moderately grazed forests.Multivariate analysis shows significant positive effects of moderate grazing pressure,herb layer cover,and the occurrence of bare soil on the regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi.Our results show that an integration of livestock grazing and forest regeneration is possible and that agroforestry systems can be an adequate management option for stakeholders in the region.A grazing management can also be part of a forest fire prevention strategy.However,the regeneration success and grazing pressure should be continuously monitored.

Heuristic Estimation of the Vacuum Energy Density of the Universe: Part II-Analysis Based on Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Radiation

In Part I of this paper, an inequality satisfied by the vacuum energy density of the universe was derived using an indirect and heuristic procedure. The derivation is based on a proposed thought experiment, according to which an electron is accelerated to a constant and relativistic speed at a distance L from a perfectly conducting plane. The charge of the electron was represented by a spherical charge distribution located within the Compton wavelength of the electron. Subsequently, the electron is incident on the perfect conductor giving rise to transition radiation. The energy associated with the transition radiation depends on the parameter L. It was shown that an inequality satisfied by the vacuum energy density will emerge when the length L is pushed to cosmological dimensions and the product of the radiated energy, and the time duration of emission is constrained by Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. In this paper, a similar analysis is conducted with a chain of electrons oscillating sinusoidally and located above a conducting plane. In the thought experiment presented in this paper, the behavior of the energy radiated by the chain of oscillating electrons is studied in the frequency domain as a function of the length L of the chain. It is shown that when the length L is pushed to cosmological dimensions and the energy radiated within a single burst of duration of half a period of oscillation is constrained by the fact that electromagnetic energy consists of photons, an inequality satisfied by the vacuum energy density emerges as a result. The derived inequality is given by where is the vacuum energy density. This result is consistent with the measured value of the vacuum energy density, which is 5.38 × 10-10 J/m. The result obtained here is in better agreement with experimental data than the one obtained in Part I of this paper with time domain radiation.

Simulations and software development for the Hard X-ray Imager onboard ASO-S

China’s first solar mission,the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory(ASO-S),is now changing from Phase B to Phase C.Its main scientific objectives are summarized as’1M2B’,namely magnetic field and two types of bursts(solar flares and coronal mass ejections).Among the three scientific payloads,Hard X-ray Imager(HXI)observes images and spectra of X-ray bursts in solar flares.In this paper,we briefly report on the progresses made by the HXI science team(data and software team)during the design phase(till May 2019).These include simulations of HXI imaging,optimization of HXI grids,development of imaging algorithms,estimation of orbital background,as well as in-orbit calibration plan.These efforts provided guidance for the engineering,improved HXI’s imaging capability and reduced the cost of the instrument.

Localized,non-viral delivery of nucleic acids:Opportunities,challenges and current strategies

Localized delivery of drugs is an emerging field both with regards to drug delivery during disease as well as in tissue engineering.Despite significant achievements made in the last decades,the efficient delivery of proteins and peptides remains challenging,especially in cases requiring long-term release of proteins after application.The localized delivery of nucleic acids(NA)represents an interesting alternative due to higher physicochemical stability of NA,increased efficiency by harnessing cells as bioreactors for the production of required proteins and improved versatility with regards to expression of specific proteins through plasmid DNA or repression of gene products through siRNA.However,unlike most proteins and peptides,NA must be delivered to the cytoplasm or nucleus to be efficacious,resulting in significant delivery challenges.We herein describe frequently used non-viral vectors for the delivery of NA including polyplexes,lipoplexes and lipopolyplexes and summarize recent developments in the field of nucleic acid delivery systems for local application based on hydrogels,solid scaffolds and physical delivery methods.The challenges associated with the different approaches are identified and options to address these challenges are discussed.

The Effect of Pre-Exercise Cooling on Performance Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Exercising in high environmental temperatures may cause precocious hyperthermia induced fatigue resulting in a decreased athletes’ performance output. This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the possible effects of pre-exercise cooling on performance output. This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO-model was used to establish the research question. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to assess the validity of the included studies. Study eligibility was given when the studies compared the effects between any kind of pre-cooling and non-cooling strategies prior to exercise on performance output. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Risk of bias was high or unclear but the performance bias was low. The estimated standardized mean difference revealed that external pre-cooling (21 studies) enhanced performance (Hedges’ g = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.64]), with the main effect observed in endurance cycling or running. Internal (7 studies) and mixed-method (5 studies) pre-cooling failed to significantly affect performance parameters. However, the main output parameter, evaluated in these studies, was peak power output. Subgroup analysis for different outcome measures was not possible because meaningful grouping was not plausible. Limitations of this meta-analysis were the high or unclear risk of bias and the comparability of the included studies. Future studies should also determine the effects of different pre-cooling applications on female and untrained participants. Based on the results of this meta-analysis, it can be concluded that there is some evidence in favour of external pre-cooling to avoid precocious hyperthermia induced fatigue in endurance athletes exercising in hot environments.

Surface Activation of Plane and Curved Automotive Polymer Surfaces by Using a Fittable Multi-Pin DBD Plasma Source

In this work, surface activation of automotive polymers using atmospheric pressure plasmas was investigated. The aim was to increase the polar fraction of the surface energy of both plane and convex polymer devices with a radius in the range of 30 mm. For this purpose, a fittable low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma source based on capacitively coupled multi-pin electrodes was set up and applied. Each single electrode generates a treatment spot of approximately 2 cm2 with a tunable power density of up to 1.4 W/cm2. The surface energy was evaluated by contact angle measurements. After treatment at a low energy density of 1.01 J/cm2, the polar fraction of the surface energy of the investigated polymers was increased by a factor of 3.3 to 132, depending on the polymer materials. It was shown that by applying the presented fittable plasma source, this effect is independent of the surface radius of the polymer sample.

Linked Data Based Framework for Tourism Decision Support System: Case Study of Chinese Tourists in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most desirable European destinations for Chinese tourists;therefore, a better understanding of Chinese tourists is essential for successful business practices. In China, the largest and leading social media platform—Sina Weibo, a hybrid of Twitter and Facebook—has more than 600 million users. Weibo’s great market penetration suggests that tourism operators and markets need to understand how to build effective and sustainable communications on Chinese social media platforms. In order to offer a better decision support platform to tourism destination managers as well as Chinese tourists, we proposed a framework using linked data on Sina Weibo. Linked Data is a term referring to using the Internet to connect related data. We will show how it can be used and how ontology can be designed to include the users’ context (e.g., GPS locations). Our framework will provide a good theoretical foundation for further understand Chinese tourists’ expectation, experiences, behaviors and new trends in Switzerland.

Comparison of Nitric Oxide Concentrations in μs-and ns-Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas by UV Absorption Spectroscopy

In this paper,an absorption spectroscopy measurement method was applied on two atmospheric pressure plasma sources to determine their production of nitric oxide.The concentrations are essential for evaluating the plasma sources based on the principle of the Dielectric Barrier Discharge（DBD）for applications in plasma medicine.The described method is based on a setup with an electrodeless discharge lamp filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.One of the emitted wavelengths is an important resonance wavelength of nitric oxide（λ = 226.2 nm）.By comparing the absorption behaviour at the minimum and maximum of the spectral absorption cross section of nitric oxide around that wavelength,and measuring the change in intensity by the absorbing plasma,the concentration of nitric oxide inside the plasma can be calculated.The produced nitric oxide concentrations depend on the pulse duration and are in the range of 180 ppm to 1400 ppm,so that a distance of about 10 cm to the respiratory tract is enough to conform to the VDI Guideline 2310.

Heuristic Estimation of the Vacuum Energy Density of the Universe: Part I—Analysis Based on Time Domain Electromagnetic Radiation

In this paper, an inequality satisfied by the vacuum energy density of the universe is derived using an indirect and heuristic procedure. The derivation is based on a proposed thought experiment, according to which an electron is accelerated to a constant and relativistic speed at a distance L from a perfectly conducting plane. The charge of the electron is represented by a spherical charge distribution located within the Compton wavelength of the electron. Subsequently, the electron is incident on the perfect conductor giving rise to transition radiation. The energy associated with the transition radiation depends on the parameter L. It is shown that an inequality satisfied by the vacuum energy density will emerge when the length L is pushed to cosmological dimensions and the product of the radiated energy and the time duration of emission are constrained by Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. The inequality derived is given by ρΛ ≤ 9.9×10-9J/m3 where ρΛ is the vacuum energy density. This result is consistent with the measured value of the vacuum energy density, which is 0.538 × 10-9J/m. Since there is a direct relationship between the vacuum energy density and the Einstein’s cosmological constant, the inequality can be converted directly to that of the cosmological constant.

Hints of the Photonic Nature of the Electromagnetic Fields in Classical Electrodynamics

Several recent publications show that the electromagnetic radiation generated by transmitting antennas satisfy the following universal conditions: The time domain radiation fields satisfy the condition A ≥ h/4π ⇒q ≥ e where A is the action of the radiation field, which is defined as the product of the radiated energy and the duration of the radiation, h is the Planck constant, e is the electronic charge and q is the charge associated with the radiating system. The frequency domain radiation fields satisfy the condition U ≥ hv ⇒q ≥ e where U is the energy radiated in a single burst of radiation of duration T/2 and v is the frequency of oscillation. The goal of this paper is to show that these conditions, which indeed are expressions of the photonic nature of the electromagnetic fields, are satisfied not only by the radiation fields generated by physical antennas but also by the radiation fields generated by accelerating or decelerating electric charges. The results presented here together with the results obtained in previous studies show that hints of the photonic nature of the electromagnetic radiation remain hidden in the field equations of classical electrodynamics, and they become apparent when the dimension of the radiating system is pushed to the extreme limits as allowed by nature.

Governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations

This paper draws parallels between the OECD principle on disclosure and transparency and the decentralized autonomous organization(DAO)governance on a blockchain.It provides an overview of the DAO concept based on self-executing smart contracts on a blockchain.The blockchain keeps a record of data and tranasctions in a decentralized and immutable form.The self-executing smart contracts on a blockchain ensure transparency and automation of the decision-making process in a DAO.The paper concludes that a DAO governance structure provides for transparency and enables shareholders to exercise their rights in an informed way.Considering the early stage of development of DAOs,however,caution is needed especially with regards to potential protocol vulnerabilities and legal uncertainties.

Joint hard X-ray observations with ASO-S/HXI and SO/STIX

This paper discusses the potential of future joint hard X-ray solar flare observations between the Hard X-ray Imager(HXI)onboard the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory(ASO-S)mission and the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays(STIX)on Solar Orbiter.The different viewing perspectives of the two telescopes relative to the Sun will allow us for the first time to systematically study non-thermal hard X-ray emissions stereoscopically.During the 4-years of the nominal mission of ASO-S,we expect to jointly observe about 160 flares above GOES M1 class to systematically study hard X-ray directivity.For about 16 partially limb-occulted STIX flares,we will have observations of the entire flare by HXI.Such observations will enable us to simultaneously study the all-important coronal hard X-ray sources,which are generally lost in the instrument’s individual imaging dynamic range,in combination with the chromospheric footpoint emissions.The two different detector systems used in the two telescopes make the relative calibration between the two instruments a key task that needs to be addressed before creditable science results can be published.If an accurate inter-calibration can be achieved using jointly observed flares on the disk,observations with HXI and STIX will provide new and essential key diagnostics for solar flare physics.

ISO/IEC 27000, 27001 and 27002 for Information Security Management

With the increasing significance of information technology, there is an urgent need for adequate measures of information security. Systematic information security management is one of most important initiatives for IT management. At least since reports about privacy and security breaches, fraudulent accounting practices, and attacks on IT systems appeared in public, organizations have recognized their responsibilities to safeguard physical and information assets. Security standards can be used as guideline or framework to develop and maintain an adequate information security management system (ISMS). The standards ISO/IEC 27000, 27001 and 27002 are international standards that are receiving growing recognition and adoption. They are referred to as “common language of organizations around the world” for information security [1]. With ISO/IEC 27001 companies can have their ISMS certified by a third-party organization and thus show their customers evidence of their security measures.

Effects of newly devised plasma lice comb on human hair

A plasma device was developed showing high potential for a pesticide-free treatment of pediculosis. As a first safety assessment of the device was presented earlier, this present paper focuses on the damage introduced to human hair during a plasma treatment for pediculosis control. Therefore, human hairs were treated repeatedly to assess the possible occurring damage developing with increasing treatment durations. To analyse the inflicted changes on human hair examinations using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS/ESCA), scanning nearfield optical microscopy(SNOM) and scanning electron microscopy were conducted, to compare the modifications of surface chemistry and mechanical alterations. The investigations revealed a mild impact on the surface chemistry(XPS/SNOM), while more distinct morphological changes on the hair surface could be observed. The authors conclude that an effect of the plasma comb device on the hair during a real-life treatment is negligible, due to the very short contact times during a standard combing procedure for pediculosis control.

Occurrence of Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>in Cheese Produced in German Farm-Dairies

The aim of this study was to determine if raw milk cheese or cheese to be made out of heated milk, manufactured in small German cheese dairies might be a reservoir of contaminations with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Due to predominantly manual handling during cheese making, recontaminations with Staphylococcus (S.) aureus or MRSA cannot be excluded. Commercial cheese products (n = 72) available in the region of Hanover(Lower Saxony) and dairy products offered via internet were analyzed with regard to the occurrence of S. aureus and MRSA. Thereof, two cheese samples, manufactured from pasteurized milk and two samples, produced from raw milk, were S. aureus positive with CFU/g between 1.0 × 101 and 7.0 × 101. MRSA was not detected. All analysed cheese samples could be considered safe for consuming.

Reliability Study of a New Electromechanical Device Designed to Measure the Relative Dorsal Mobility of the First Ray of the Foot

Introduction: A new electromechanical instrument has been developed to measure relative dorsal mobility of the first ray in an objective and reliable way by simulating ground reaction forces during gait. This device equally applies a standardized, electronically controlled, and precise force under the first metatarsal head M1 as well as under the heads of the lesser metatarsals M2 to M5. The relative dorsal mobility between these two bearings is then measured. The purpose of this study is to assess the intra- and inter-examiners reliabilities of the measurements obtained with this device. Methods: The protocol included two examiners and 36 feet (18 volunteers with healthy feet and no history of forefoot disorders). A total of nine measurements were performed on each foot separated into three sets of three trials for the assessment of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. For this purpose, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the error of measurement (SEM) and the Bland and Altman (B&A) graphical analysis were computed. Results: Excellent ICC values (≥0.91) were obtained with the novel device for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability when using the FRRM calculation. The B&A analysis presented a bias between examiners of -0.25 mm ranging from -1.66 to 1.18 mm. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the capability of the developed device to reliably measure the relative dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot. This is a promising first step for further studies to better understand, qualify and quantify first ray hypermobility.

Numerical Optimization of Pressure Force from Multiple Jets Impinging on a Moving Curved Surface for Industrial Drying Machines

Jet force on the surface is typical for impinging jets towards the surface and it is very important in drying applications for force-sensitive surfaces. The designer should optimize the design parameters of industrial drying equipment to achieve minimum pressure force between multiple jets and a moving curved surface. SST k-ω turbulence model is used to simulate a real geometry for industrial drying applications. The SST k-ω turbulence model succeeded with reasonable accuracy in reproducing the experimental results. The jet to surface distance, jet to jet spacing, jet inlet velocity, jet angle, and surface velocity are chosen as the design parameters. For the optimization of the impinging round jet, the pressure force coefficient on the moving curved surface is set as the objective function to be minimized. The SHERPA search algorithm is used to search for the optimal point from the weighted sum of all objectives method. One correlation is developed and validated for the pressure force coefficient. It is found that the pressure force coefficient is highly dependent on the nozzle to surface distance and jet angle but relatively insensitive to jet inlet velocity, jet to jet spacing, and surface velocity. The minimum pressure force coefficient correlates with a high value of nozzle to surface distance (tenfold diameter in this analysis) and a low value of the jet angle (40? in this analysis). The agreement in the prediction of the pressure force coefficient between the numerical simulation and developed correlation is found to be reasonable and all the data points deviate from the correlation approximately 8% on average.