Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

About: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is a government organization based out in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Coupling constant & Catalysis. The organization has 17989 authors who have published 36276 publications receiving 642820 citations. The organization is also known as: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences，簡稱：BAS & Balgarska Akademiya na Naukite.

Modular S4 models of lepton masses and mixing

Abstract: We investigate models of charged lepton and neutrino masses and lepton mixing based on broken modular symmetry. The matter fields in these models are assumed to transform in irreducible representations of the finite modular group Γ4 ≃ S4. We analyse the minimal scenario in which the only source of symmetry breaking is the vacuum expectation value of the modulus field. In this scenario there is no need to introduce flavon fields. Using the basis for the lowest weight modular forms found earlier, we build minimal phenomenologically viable models in which the neutrino masses are generated via the type I seesaw mechanism. While successfully accommodating charged lepton masses, neutrino mixing angles and mass-squared differences, these models predict the values of the lightest neutrino mass (i.e., the absolute neutrino mass scale), of the Dirac and Majorana CP violation (CPV) phases, as well as specific correlations between the values of the atmospheric neutrino mixing parameter sin2θ23 and i) the Dirac CPV phase δ, ii) the sum of the neutrino masses, and iii) the effective Majorana mass in neutrinoless double beta decay. We consider also the case of residual symmetries ℤ 3 and ℤ 2 respectively in the charged lepton and neutrino sectors, corresponding to specific vacuum expectation values of the modulus.

Initial Upper Palaeolithic Homo sapiens from Bacho Kiro Cave, Bulgaria

Abstract: The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe witnessed the replacement and partial absorption of local Neanderthal populations by Homo sapiens populations of African origin1. However, this process probably varied across regions and its details remain largely unknown. In particular, the duration of chronological overlap between the two groups is much debated, as are the implications of this overlap for the nature of the biological and cultural interactions between Neanderthals and H. sapiens. Here we report the discovery and direct dating of human remains found in association with Initial Upper Palaeolithic artefacts2, from excavations at Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria). Morphological analysis of a tooth and mitochondrial DNA from several hominin bone fragments, identified through proteomic screening, assign these finds to H. sapiens and link the expansion of Initial Upper Palaeolithic technologies with the spread of H. sapiens into the mid-latitudes of Eurasia before 45 thousand years ago3. The excavations yielded a wealth of bone artefacts, including pendants manufactured from cave bear teeth that are reminiscent of those later produced by the last Neanderthals of western Europe4–6. These finds are consistent with models based on the arrival of multiple waves of H. sapiens into Europe coming into contact with declining Neanderthal populations7,8. Direct dates for human remains found in association with Initial Upper Palaeolithic artefacts at Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria) demonstrate the presence of Homo sapiens in the mid-latitudes of Europe before 45 thousand years ago.

Alumina-supported Ni catalysts modified with silver for the steam reforming of methane: Effect of Ag on the control of coke formation

Abstract: The effect of Ag loading (0.1–0.6 wt.%) on the physicochemical properties and catalytic behavior of Al2O3-supported Ni catalysts on steam reforming of methane was studied. The surface properties of catalysts were evaluated by applying FTIR of adsorbed CO. Additional information was obtained by SBET, XRD, TPR, XANES, XPS and TEM characterizations. Ag caused a strong modification at the surface properties of the samples related to the CO adsorption and the stability to graphitic carbon deposition. The FTIR spectra of adsorbed CO on Ni/Al2O3 catalyst showed bands in two regions: (i) high frequency region (HF) with bands at 2075 cm−1 (HF1) and 2037 cm−1 (HF2), and (ii) low frequency region (LF) with bands at 1946 cm−1 (LF1) and 1902 cm−1 (LF2). The spectra of TPD-CO revealed that the HF2 species were favored with increasing the Ag loading, while the LF species were strongly suppressed. The kinetics parameters E a app versus ln A showed a compensation effect. The catalysts with Ag loading ≥0.3 wt.% submitted to stability tests showed high resistance to coke deposition. The high stability of the Ni catalysts promoted with Ag was attributed to changes in the superficial structure of Ni sites as result of the combination of different effects: (i) the decrease of Ni ensemble by geometric effect of Ag, (ii) changes of Ni sites involved in the nucleation of the graphite structure and (iii) equilibration of different steps of reaction rate decreasing the C* formation rate.

Assessment of goods and services, vulnerability, and conservation status of European seabed biotopes: a stepping stone towards ecosystem-based marine spatial management

Abstract: The goal of ecosystem-based marine spatial management is to maintain marine ecosystems in a healthy, productive and resilient condition; hence, they can sustainably provide the needed goods and services for human welfare. However, the increasing pressures upon the marine realm threaten marine ecosystems, especially seabed biotopes, and thus a well-planned approach of managing use of marine space is essential to achieve sustainability. The relative value of seabed biotopes, evaluated on the basis of goods and services, is an important starting point for the spatial management of marine areas. Herein, 56 types of European seabed biotopes and their related goods, services, sensitivity issues, and conservation status were compiled, the latter referring to management and protection tools which currently apply for these biotopes at European or international level. Fishing activities, especially by benthic trawls, and marine pollution are the main threats to European seabed biotopes. Increased seawater turbidity, dredged sediment disposal, coastal constructions, biological invasions, mining, extraction of raw materials, shipping-related activities, tourism, hydrocarbon exploration, and even some practices of scientific research, also exert substantial pressure. Although some first steps have been taken to protect the European sea beds through international agreements and European and national legislation, a finer scale of classification and assessment of marine biotopes is considered crucial in shaping sound priorities and management guidelines towards the effective conservation and sustainability of European marine resources.