Ages and Masses of Star Clusters in M33: a Multiwavelength Study

We combine archival images for the nearby galaxy M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared to derive ages, masses, and extinctions for the young star cluster population, and compare our physical parameters with published ones. Our goal is to test the robustness of clusters ages and masses, and possibly improve on existing ones both by expanding the wavelength range of the spectral-energy distribution (SED) fits and by using more recent population synthesis models. The rationale for this experiment is to verify the sensitivity of the clusters physical parameters to observational setups and model choices that span those commonly found in the literature. We derive the physical parameters of 137 clusters, using SEDs measured in eight UV-to-I bands, including Hα, from GALEX and ground-based images. We also add the 24 μm image from the Spitzer Space Telescope to help break some age degeneracies. We find that our derived cluster ages show significant differences with earlier determinations, while the masses remain relatively insensitive to the fitting approach adopted. We also highlight an already known difficulty in recovering old, low-extinction clusters, as SED-fitting codes tend to prefer younger, higher extinction solutions when the extinction is a free parameter. We publish updated ages, masses, and extinctions, with uncertainties for all sample star clusters, together with their photometry. Given the proximity of M33, this represents an important population to secure for the study of star formation and cluster evolution in spirals.

Comparative genome characterization of Echinicola marina sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment provide insight into carotenoid biosynthetic gene cluster evolution

Echinicola, carotenoid-pigmented bacteria, are isolated from various hypersaline environments. Carotenoid accumulation in response to salt stress can stabilize the cell membrane in order to survive. A pink-colored strain SCS 3–6 was isolated from the deep-sea sediment of the South China Sea. Growth was found to occur at 10–45 °C. The strain could tolerate 10% (w/v) NaCl concentration and grow at pH 5–9. The complete genome of SCS 3–6 comprises 5053 putative genes with a total 5,693,670 bp and an average G + C content of 40.11 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain SCS 3–6 was affiliated with the genus Echinicola, with the closely strains were Echinicola arenosa CAU 1574T (98.29%)and Echinicola shivajiensis AK12T (97.98%). For Echinicola species with available genome sequences, pairwise comparisons for average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) revealed ANIb values from 70.77 to 74.71%, ANIm values from 82.72 to 88.88%, and DDH values from 18.00 to 23.40%. To identify their genomic features, we compared their genomes with those of other Echinicola species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain SCS 3–6 formed a monophyletic clade. Genomic analysis revealed that strain SCS 3–6 possessed a complete synthetic pathway of carotenoid and speculated that the production was astaxanthin. Based on phenotypic and genotypic analyses in this study, strain SCS 3–6 is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Echinicola for which the name Echinicola marina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SCS 3-6T (= GDMCC 1.2220T = JCM 34403T).

Global destruction networks and hybrid e-waste economies: Practices and embeddedness in Guiyu, China

Recent geographical scholarship on the illicit e-waste geographies and e-waste processing hubs in the Global South has shed light on the global mobilities, production/destruction networks, and political economy/ecology of e-waste. However, their views about the reactivation of value in waste and the dialectics between waste and value rest predominantly on networks of material linkages shaped by broader political-economic structures at macro scales, but are relatively reticent about how mobilities and networks are coordinated by specific places, and how economic practices conducted by a broad diversity of local actors, often informal, constitute economic relations, transactions and dependencies, mediated by place-sticky social and cultural fabrics and vernacular institutions. Based on a study of Guiyu town in Guangdong Province, China, an (in)famous hub of global e-waste recycling, this study unpacks its cluster evolution through a perspective that works with the concept of embeddedness but by way of an emphasis on practice. By tracing a multiplicity of territorial, sociocultural, and political dynamics that articulate between the local and the global, this study enriches existing scholarships on e-waste geographies, global production/destruction networks, and the economic geographies of the illicit.

Cluster Evolution in Thermal Decomposition of CL-20/TNT Co-Crystal in Compressed State:A ReaxFF Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

The thermal decomposition process of CL-20/TNT co-crystal in different compression states is simulated by ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics method. Co-crystals models with different degrees of compression are obtained under four pressures of atmospheric pressure, 4.6GPa, 9.2GPa and 18.4GPa. The potential energy evolution, product formation and cluster evolution in the process are analyzed. We find that the formation of clusters is the key to the decomposition process. When the system is compressed, there will be more clusters which can bind the free atoms, resulting in the reaction to be inhibited. Other evolution information conforms this.

Forging connections: The role of ‘boundary spanners’ in globalising clusters and shaping cluster evolution

Synthesising the endogenous-centred evolutionary economic geography perspective, and the globally oriented ‘global pipelines’ and global production networks frameworks, this article develops the ‘boundary spanner’ concept to propose a theoretical framework to illustrate how resourceful actors, as boundary spanners, globalise clusters and in turn drive cluster evolution. This framework comprises four interrelated cluster boundary-spanning functions, namely, discursive construction, innovation promotion, production coordination and market reach. This article aims to advance the cluster literature by unpacking how clusters’ global connections are constructed and maintained, conceptualising the multidimensional role of the agency of boundary spanners and demonstrating boundary spanners’ contributions to cluster evolution.

Genome organization and evolution of a eukaryotic nicotinate co-inducible pathway

In Aspergillus nidulans a regulon including 11 hxn genes ( hxnS , T , R , P , Y , Z , X , W , V , M and N ) is inducible by a nicotinate metabolic derivative, repressible by ammonium and under stringent control of the nitrogen-state-sensitive GATA factor AreA and the specific transcription factor HxnR. This is the first report in a eukaryote of the genomic organization of a possibly complete pathway of nicotinate utilization. In A. nidulans the regulon is organized in three distinct clusters, this organization is variable in the Ascomycota . In some Pezizomycotina species all 11 genes map in a single cluster; in others they map in two clusters. This variable organization sheds light on cluster evolution. Instances of gene duplication followed by or simultaneous with integration in the cluster, partial or total cluster loss, and horizontal gene transfer of several genes (including an example of whole cluster re-acquisition in Aspergillus of section Flavi ) were detected, together with the incorporation in some clusters of genes not found in the A. nidulans co-regulated regulon, which underlie both the plasticity and the reticulate character of metabolic cluster evolution. This study provides a comprehensive phylogeny of six members of the cluster across representatives of all Ascomycota classes.

Articulating the development strategy for the innovation and industrial cluster by the compound option method

Subject. The article focuses on the development strategy for the innovation and industrial cluster by the compound option method. Objectives. We articulate the development strategy for the innovation and industrial cluster by the compound option method, which would allow for flexible administrative decisions on the cluster evolution. Methods. The proposed method is based on the use of the compound option method, which includes constituents as follows: 1) the option for the reduction in the cluster strategy and withdrawal from it; 2) the option for the development and dissemination of experience across the cluster; 3) the option for the rearrangement and temporary suspension of the cluster strategy. Results. To illustrate the proposed method, we formulated the development strategy for the pilot innovation and industrial cluster of power engineering in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, which is represented with the backbone company PAO TNS Energo NN. The real option method helped increase the value of the cluster’s strategy. Combining the compound real option just as we suggest, it will be possible to avoid unreasonable administrative decisions on the withdrawal from the current strategy, which would provide for multiple, already existing tactical opportunities for the cluster’s development. The value of the current strategy, first of all, absorbs a put option. This is an option to reduce the cluster’s strategy or withdraw from it. Afterwards if the current strategy is continued, three call options are added to it. Conclusions and Relevance. The findings can be useful for governmental authorities in planning the development of innovation and industrial clusters and the harmonious advancement of the country.

Covid-19 response of an additive manufacturing cluster in Australia

Purpose The sudden arrival of Covid-19 severely disrupted the supply chain of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Australia. This paper aims to examine the development of a geographical cluster, which, through the application of additive manufacturing (AM), responded to the PPE supply crisis. Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal case study focuses on an AM cluster, which was developed to supply PPE in a responsive and flexible manner from 2019/2020. The study gathered data over three stages of cluster evolution: pre, during and post-peak Covid-19. Findings The type and nature of exchanges between organizations involved in the cluster established important insights into success factors for cluster creation and development. Using an established complexity framework, this study identifies the characteristics of establishing a cluster. The importance of cluster alignment created initially by a common PPE supply goal led to an emerging commercial and relational imperative to address the longer-term configuration after the disruption. Practical implications Clusters can be a viable option for a technology-driven sector when there is a “buzz” that drives and rapidly diffuses knowledge to support cluster formation. This research identifies the structural, socio-political and emergent dimensions, which need to be considered by stakeholders when aiming at improving competitiveness using clusters. Originality/value Covid-19 has rapidly and unexpectedly disrupted the supply chain for many industries. Responding to challenges, businesses will investigate different pathways to improve the overall resilience including on-/near-shoring. The results provide insights into how clusters are formed, grow and develop and the differentiating factors that result in successful impacts of clusters on local economies.