Observations of the 21 cm signal face significant challenges due to bright astrophysical foregrounds that are several orders of magnitude higher than the brightness of the hydrogen line, along with various systematics. Successful 21 cm experiments require accurate calibration and foreground mitigation. Errors introduced during the calibration process such as systematics can disrupt the intrinsic frequency smoothness of the foregrounds, leading to power leakage into the Epoch of Reionisation window. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to effectively address these challenges. In this work, we adopt a stringent approach to identify and address suspected systematics, including malfunctioning antennas, frequency channels corrupted by radio frequency interference, and other dominant effects. We implement a statistical framework that utilises various data products from the data processing pipeline to derive specific criteria and filters. These criteria and filters are applied at intermediate stages to mitigate systematic propagation from the early stages of data processing. Our analysis focuses on observations from the Murchison Widefield Array Phase I configuration. Out of the observations processed by the pipeline, our approach selects 18%, totalling 58 h, that exhibit fewer systematic effects. The successful selection of observations with reduced systematic dominance enhances our confidence in achieving 21 cm measurements.

Consumption of unpasteurised milk in the United States has presented a public health challenge for decades because of the increased risk of pathogen transmission causing illness outbreaks. We analysed Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System data to characterise unpasteurised milk outbreaks. Using Poisson and negative binomial regression, we compared the number of outbreaks and outbreak-associated illnesses between jurisdictions grouped by legal status of unpasteurised milk sale based on a May 2019 survey of state laws. During 2013–2018, 75 outbreaks with 675 illnesses occurred that were linked to unpasteurised milk; of these, 325 illnesses (48%) were among people aged 0–19 years. Of 74 single-state outbreaks, 58 (78%) occurred in states where the sale of unpasteurised milk was expressly allowed. Compared with jurisdictions where retail sales were prohibited (n = 24), those where sales were expressly allowed (n = 27) were estimated to have 3.2 (95% CI 1.4–7.6) times greater number of outbreaks; of these, jurisdictions where sale was allowed in retail stores (n = 14) had 3.6 (95% CI 1.3–9.6) times greater number of outbreaks compared with those where sale was allowed on-farm only (n = 13). This study supports findings of previously published reports indicating that state laws resulting in increased availability of unpasteurised milk are associated with more outbreak-associated illnesses and outbreaks.

Demand for soybeans consists of the derived demand for its use as an input in the production of soybean oil and meal. The marginal value product of any bushel is determined by its oil and protein content and the price of oil and meal. Until recently, traders have been forced to estimate the value of soybeans through a grading scheme based on visual inspection and measured moisture content. Instruments that provide a quick and accurate measurement of the protein and oil content of soybeans and other grains are becoming available. Their use will allow purchasers to adjust the price paid for soybeans that do not possess average protein and oil contents.

The purpose of this paper is to report the development of a system of discounts and premiums that would complement the use of these new instruments in the pricing of soybeans.

The nonlinear optical properties of epitaxial KNbO3 were studied for films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on different substrates. X-ray diffraction revealed epitaxial KNbO3 with a (110) orientation for layers deposited on single crystal strontium titanate. Whereas, films grown on (100) spinel exhibited a multi-variant structure, consisting of the (110) and (001) orientations. The volume fraction of each crystallographic variant in the film was calculated. Second harmonic generation measurements at 532 nm were performed to determine the ferroelectric domain variants present. The Maker-fringe technique was employed to obtain the effective nonlinear optical susceptibility of the films, which ranged from 0.1 - 1.8 pm/V. The SHG intensity profiles reveal a strong dependence upon substrate type.