bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian inference of electron density and ion temperature profiles from neutral beam and halo Balmer-α emission at Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Bannmann S , Ford O , Hoefel U , Poloskei P Zs , Pavone A , Kwak S , Svensson J , Lazerson S , McNeely P , Rust N , Hartmann D , Pasch E , Fuchert G , Langenberg A , Pablant N , Brunner K J , Wolf R C ,   the W7-X Team
Published: April 2024

By employing Bayesian inference techniques, the full electron density profile from the plasma core to the edge of Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is inferred solely from neutral hydrogen beam and halo Balmer-α (Hα) emission data. The halo is a cloud of neutrals forming in the vicinity of the injected neutral beam due to multiple charge exchange reactions. W7-X is equipped with several neutral hydrogen beam heating sources and an Hα spectroscopy system that views these sources from different angles and penetration depths in the plasma. As the beam and halo emission form complex spectra for each spatial point that are non-linearly dependent on the plasma density profile and other parameters, a complete model from the neutral beam injection and halo formation through to the spectroscopic measurements is required. The model is used here to infer electron density profiles for a range of common W7-X plasma scenarios. The inferred profiles show good agreement with profiles determined by the Thomson scattering and interferometry diagnostics across a broad range of absolute densities without any changes to the input or fitting parameters. The time evolution of the density profile in a discharge with continuous core density peaking is successfully reconstructed, demonstrating sufficient spatial resolution to infer strongly shaped profiles. Furthermore, it is shown as a proof of concept that the model is also able to infer the main ion temperature profile using the same data set.
A review on design and modelling methods of magnetic circuit cores for MR elastomers and MR fluids based system
Authors: Do Xuan Phu , Choi Seung Bok
Published: April 2024

In this review article, different structural types of the magnetic core required for activation of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) and magnetorheological fluid (MRF) are introduced in terms of design feature, magnetic flux analysis and performance, installation with primary structure and close relationship to material types. As a first step, dynamic functions related to the chosen models are summarized and discussed according to the magnetic field variations including the field-dependent damping force and torque of the application systems. To address on the practical feasibility, main issues of design process are also pointed out and are discussed stating the manufacturing feasibility and the scaled factors of dynamic variables. Then, after analysing the featured models and dynamic functions, the derivation approaches to establish mathematical models of the magnetic circuit core (MCC) are provided and compared as a valuable reference for checking both simplicity and accuracy. In this stage, the chosen symbolized magnetic circuit models are clearly described about linear or/and nonlinear behaviours of the input (current) and output (magnetic field). In addition, a couple of commercial software to design the magnetic circuit model is introduced since they can be effectively adopted to analyse the MCCs of many application systems utilizing MRE and MRF without any difficulty.
3D bi-stable negative stiffness mechanical metamaterials for bandgap tuning
Authors: Qi Liyuan , Zhang Kai , Hong Fang , Liu Hong , Deng Zichen
Published: April 2024

A recent topic of interest in dynamics research is bi-stable negative stiffness (NS) mechanical metamaterials that allow for the efficient control of wave propagation and bandgap (BG) tuning. In this study, a three-dimensional bi-stable NS mechanical metamaterial based on fan-shaped inclined beams was developed. It has BGs in multiple directions as well as significant BG tuning capability in specific direction, and the ability to design for multiple geometrical parameters. First, the requirements for NS mechanical metamaterials to achieve bi-stable properties were theoretically investigated. Subsequently, the deformation process of the unit cell of the metamaterial under uniaxial compression and the band structure and vibrational properties of the metamaterial under different steady states were analyzed through a combination of finite element method and experiments. The results showed that the BG range of the bi-stable NS metamaterials in the vertical direction changed with the switching of the steady state, whereas the out-of-plane BG in the horizontal direction remained constant. Therefore, this bi-stable NS mechanical metamaterial could realize modulation of the BG as well as control of wave propagation in multiple directions. In addition, bi-stable NS metamaterials with different angles exhibited different BG ranges. Finally, the vibrational transmittances of the metamaterials were investigated to verify the accuracy of the BG range.
Development of smart materials with versatile bending capabilities using microcellular foaming process: influence of foaming and desorption time
Authors: Lim Donghwan , Kim Jaehoo , Hong Jin , Kim Kwanhoon , Cha Sung Woon
Published: April 2024

Herein, a smart material with versatile bending capability is developed using a microcellular foaming process (MCPs). In contrast to previous hydrogel-based approaches, the bi-layered smart material is fabricated using typical thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to achieve shape deformation in response to thermal stimuli. Further, the theoretical model for bi-layered smart materials based on the modified Timoshenko’s model is employed to predict and comprehend this thermal response phenomenon. Due to the distinct foaming characteristics of the two polymers, a reversal in the bending direction is achieved by manipulating the foaming and desorption time. The length variation after foaming differs depending on the desorption time for each polymer. PMMA decreases in length after foaming, measuring 56.25 mm at a desorption time of 40 min and 53.16 mm at 80 min. On the other hand, PETG shows an increase in length after foaming, measuring 53.33 mm at 40 min and 58.25 mm at 80 min. Consequently, when the two polymers are bonded and foamed, bending occurs depending on the desorption time, and a reversal in the bending direction is observed at the critical desorption time of around 60 min. Based on this result, the folding direction of a five-leafed flower-shaped object is successfully altered under thermal stimuli. This innovative approach extends the category of smart materials beyond the hydrogels and showcases the potential of the MCPs for the creation of smart materials for various applications that require versatile shape changes in response to temperature.
Numerical and experimental investigation of an auxetic piezoelectric energy harvester with frequency self-tuning capability
Authors: Zhang Huili , Chen Shun , Karimi Mahmoud , Li Binghao , Saydam Serkan , Hassan Mahbub
Published: April 2024

To deal with the limited availability of long-lasting power sources for sensor nodes in industrial environments, a novel piezoelectric energy harvester with high efficiency and a wide working bandwidth was designed to harvest broadband and random vibrations from the ambient environment. The developed energy harvester adopts a doubly clamped piezoelectric beam with a peanut-shaped auxetic structure to improve the power output. It also incorporates a sliding proof mass for frequency self-tuning, enabling a wider working bandwidth. As the doubly clamped beam exhibits geometry nonlinearity under large vibration amplitudes, the power output of the energy harvester can be further enhanced in the frequency self-tuning process. Finite element simulations are conducted to evaluate the impact of the auxetic structure and the position of the proof mass on the performance of the energy harvester. Experiments are performed to examine the energy harvesting performance of the proposed energy harvester. Under an excitation acceleration of 0.3 g, the use of the sliding proof mass widens the working bandwidth of the auxetic energy harvester (AEH) by 9 Hz, with the maximum root mean square output power of AEH reaching 18.78 μW, which is much higher than that of the plain energy harvester (PEH) or the AEH with a fixed proof mass. The developed energy harvester can successfully power a wireless temperature and humidity sensor node based on the vibration produced by a centrifuge, which demonstrates the practical feasibility of the proposed energy harvester for industrial applications.
The influence of laser focusing conditions on the direct laser acceleration of electrons
Authors: Tang H , Tangtartharakul K , Babjak R , Yeh I-L , Albert F , Chen H , Campbell P T , Ma Y , Nilson P M , Russell B K , Shaw J L , Thomas A G R , Vranic M , Arefiev A V , Willingale L
Published: April 2024

Direct laser acceleration of electrons during a high-energy, picosecond laser interaction with an underdense plasma has been demonstrated to be substantially enhanced by controlling the laser focusing geometry. Experiments using the OMEGA EP facility measured electrons accelerated to maximum energies exceeding 120 times the ponderomotive energy under certain laser focusing, pulse energy, and plasma density conditions. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that the laser focusing conditions alter the laser field evolution, channel fields generation, and electron oscillation, all of which contribute to the final electron energies. The optimal laser focusing condition occurs when the transverse oscillation amplitude of the accelerated electron in the channel fields matches the laser beam width, resulting in efficient energy gain. Through this observation, a simple model was developed to calculate the optimal laser focal spot size in more general conditions and is validated by experimental data.
Photon number resolving detection with a single-photon detector and adaptive storage loop
Authors: Sullivan Nicholas M , Braverman Boris , Upham Jeremy , Boyd Robert W
Published: April 2024

Photon number resolving (PNR) measurements are beneficial or even necessary for many applications in quantum optics. Unfortunately, PNR detectors are usually large, slow, expensive, and difficult to operate. However, if the input signal is multiplexed, photon ‘click’ detectors, that lack an intrinsic PNR capability, can still be used to realize photon number resolution. Here, we investigate the operation of a single click detector, together with a storage line with tunable outcoupling. Using adaptive feedback to adjust the storage outcoupling rate, the dynamic range of the detector can in certain situations be extended by up to an order of magnitude relative to a purely passive setup. An adaptive approach can thus allow for photon number variance below the quantum shot noise limit under a wider range of conditions than using a passive multiplexing approach. This can enable applications in quantum enhanced metrology and quantum computing.
Investigation of electrical ageing effects on the structural and electrical properties of polystyrene by charging and discharging current method
Authors: Hedir Abdallah , Slimani Ferhat , Moudoud Mustapha , Lamrous Omar , Diaham Sombel , Teguar Madjid , Durmus Ali
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on isothermal charging and discharging currents in polystyrene (PS). It is a well known fact that the discharging current is almost the mirror symmetry of the charging current at low electric fields. However, the experimental results presented and discussed in this study have revealed the possibility of an abnormal discharging current (ADC) flowing in the same direction as the charging current. Furthermore, electrical measurements implied that the electrical ageing of PS resulted in a significant increase in the charging current, even for extended ageing periods. Moreover, the intensity and duration of the reverse discharging current have evolved with electrical ageing. This characteristic can be attributed to the presence of ionic impurities both trapped at the polymer surface and in the bulk structure. To highlight the structural changes induced by electrical ageing, detailed structural analyses were conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis.
Hybrid watermarking and encryption techniques for securing three-dimensional information
Authors: Liu Songxiao , Yu Nana , Xi Sixing , Ji Xiangxiang , Yuan Hao , Wang Xiaolei , Zhu Zhuqing
Published: April 2024

A hybrid digital watermarking and encryption technique based on the Computer Generated Holography (CGH) and fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) combined with singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm is proposed for securing three-dimensional (3D) information. Initially, hierarchical 3D information is encrypted using the angular spectrum diffraction method and a random phase key. This process yields a binary real valued CGH, where incorporating a random phase key broadens the key space and adds complexity, effectively scrambling and concealing the 3D information. Subsequently, the encrypted binary real valued CGH is embedded into the host image as a watermark using the FRFT-SVD algorithm. This hybrid approach enhances the security of the watermarking process. In the final step, the CGH watermark is extracted using the inverse operation of the embedding algorithm. Applying the correct optical key and angular spectrum inverse algorithm successfully reconstructs the 3D information. The watermark algorithm’s efficiency significantly improves by leveraging the rapid computational speed and high focusing capabilities of the FRFT. Additionally, integrating SVD enhances the image’s resistance to geometric attacks, thereby improving the algorithm’s invisibility and robustness. The proposed scheme effectively achieves the encryption and digital watermarking of 3D information. Simulation results substantiate the presented watermarking scheme’s efficacy and robustness.
Design of a high-throughput integrated microfluidic chip combining micromixing and particle sorting functions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hou Shuyue , Cheng Qiaorui , Wang Yongsheng , Zang Wenxuan , Duan Junping , Zhang Binzhen
Published: April 2024

Most of the current microfluidic chips can only achieve a single function, such as sample mixing, particle sorting, etc. Based on this, in this paper, we designed an integrated microfluidic chip that combines micromixers and separators, which can realize both sample mixing and particle sorting functions. We use software to simulate the chip’s performance and optimize its structure. The final design of the microfluidic chip consists of two parts: the micro-mixer adopts a V-shaped structure, and there are composite sidewall microstructures and contraction and expansion structures in the flow channel; in the part of the particle sorting, we use a combination of inertial sorting and microfiltration sorting. The chip can ultimately realize rapid short-range sample solution mixing and high-efficiency particle sorting within a specific flow rate, with a mixing effect of more than 94%, a sorting efficiency of up to 100%, and a sorting purity of more than 92%.
Resumable probabilistic teleportation of a three qubit state using different quantum channels
Authors: Kumar Mandal Manoj , Choudhury Binayak S , Samanta Soumen , Dhara Arpan
Published: April 2024

In this paper we describe two different probabilistic teleportation protocols for teleporting the same unknown 3-qubit state from the sender Alice to the receiver Bob. The speciality of the state is that it remains a 2-qubit entangled state after any of the three involved qubits is eliminated by partial trace operation. One of the protocols utilizes a two and a three-qubit separate channels while in the other protocol, a five-qubit channel is utilized. One of the channels in the first protocol is a non-maximally entangled Bell state while the 5-qubit channel used in the case of the second protocol is non-maximally entangled. Both the teleportation schemes are probabilistic with the feature that in the case of failure of the teleportation, the state to be teleported is not lost to the sender. So the process can be repeated after failure till success is achieved. Moreover, one of the channels is recovered in the failure case. Both protocols are resumable in the above sense. The above is the speciality of the present work. We analyze the efficiency of our protocol which shows that the present two protocols are better performing than some existing ones.
Nuclear decay database in fission product mass region*
Authors: Huang 黄 Xiao-Long 小龙 , Yang 杨 Dong 东 , Ge 葛 Zhi-Gang 智刚 , Wang 王 Xiang-Han 香涵 , Liu 刘 Yang-Yang 洋阳 , Jin 金 Yong-Li 永利 , Li 李 Jian 剑
Published: April 2024

Accurate and reliable nuclear decay databases are essential for fundamental and applied nuclear research studies. However, decay data are not usually as accurate as expected and need improvement. Hence, a new Chinese nuclear decay database in the fission product mass region (A = 66−172) based on several major national evaluated data libraries has been developed under joint efforts in the CNDC working group. A total of 2358 nuclides have been included in this decay database. Two main data formats, namely ENSDF and ENDF, have been adopted. For the total mean β and γ energies, available data from total absorption gamma ray spectroscopy measurements have been adopted. For some nuclides without experimental measurements, theoretically calculated values have been added.
Transport-driven toroidal rotation with general viscosity profile
Authors: Stoltzfus-Dueck T. , Brzozowski III R.
Published: April 2024

Using the assumption of a weak normalized turbulent viscosity, usually valid in practice, the modulated-transport model (Stoltzfus-Dueck 2012 Phys. Plasmas
19 055908) is generalized to allow the turbulent transport coefficient to vary in an arbitrary way on radial and poloidal position. The new approach clarifies the physical interpretation of the earlier results and significantly simplifies the calculation, via a boundary-layer asymptotic method. Rigorous detailed appendices verify the result of the simple boundary-layer calculation, also demonstrating that it achieves the claimed order of accuracy and providing a concrete prediction for the strong plasma flows in the immediate vicinity of the last closed flux surface. The new formulas are used to predict plasma rotation at the core-edge boundary, in cases with and without externally applied torque. Dimensional formulas and extensive discussion are provided, to support experimental application of the new model.
COREDIV simulations of D and D–T high current–high power Baseline pulses in JET-ITER like wall
Authors: Telesca G. , Field A.R. , Ivanova-Stanik I. , Brezinsek S. , Chomiczewska A. , Frigione D. , Garzotti L. , Kowalska-Strzeciwilk E. , Lomas P. , Mailloux J. , Pucella G. , Rimini F. , Van Eester D. , Zagórski R. ,   JET Contributors
Published: April 2024

The two best performing pulses of the so called ITER-Baseline scenario (I
p = 3.5 MA and P
in ≈ 35 MW) of JET-ITER like wall, one in deuterium (D) the other in deuterium–tritium (D–T) plasma are examined and compared in this study. Generally, the D–T Baseline pulses exhibit an electron density level higher than the D pulses and the plasma energy is higher than in the comparable D pulses by up to 20%, reaching about 12 MJ in the pulse studied here. In contrast with the D pulses, the D–T pulses are often characterised by the increase in time of the radiated power in the mantle region (0.70 < ρ < 0.95), which may lead to the loss of the edge localised mode activity when the threshold H–L transition power is approached and to the subsequent plasma disruption due to excessive radiation. In this study we try to identify the physical mechanisms responsible for this behaviour using the available experimental data (principally the total radiated power from the bolometry) and the results of the fluid COREDIV model (1D in the core, 2D in the scrape-off-layer (SOL)), self-consistent with respect to core-SOL and also to main plasma-impurities. In fact, the loss of power caused by impurity radiation affects the temperature profile and finally the power to the divertor plate. The electron density and temperature profiles are numerically reconstructed as well as the radiated power density profiles, indicating no major difference in impurity transport in D and D–T. Indeed, the impurity transport coefficients used in COREDIV to match the experimental radiated power profiles are similar in the two pulses. The computed tungsten sources and densities are lower in the D–T pulse and the divertor impurity retention capability is a little better in the D–T pulse, indicatinga stronger collisional drag force in the SOL. The higher electron density and the broadening of its profile are the main cause of the observed increase of the radiated power in the D–T pulse.
Smoothness Enforcing Projected Gradient Descent Adversarial Training
Authors: Ma Menghao , Xu Ye , Xiong Feng , Gao Luxiong , Yang Huafang , Zou Bingyu
Published: April 2024

The paper proposes a novel adversarial training method based on a smoothness enforcing framework called Smoothness Enforcing Adversarial Training (SEAT). It is known that the traditional adversarial training methods suffer from prohibitive computational overhead and mismatched class distributions. To this end, our method is combined with smoothness enforcing methods in adversarial training iterations to achieve better robustness and generalization. SEAT reuses gradient information computed when updating model parameters. Meanwhile, random initialization and output smearing are integrated into the process to optimize the mismatched problems with better generalization performance. Furthermore, the temporal ensembling serves as an implicit self-ensemble of the adversarial information which benefits from a longer memory. In different iterations, the smoothness constraints are imposed to enforce smoothness. Unlike existing adversarial training methods, our method is free from arbitrarily complicated distributions and expensive generation of adversarial examples. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of SEAT in comparison with state-of-the-art adversarial training methods.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Automated Test Resource Allocation
Authors: Chen Junying , Li Yingjie , Yang Yandan , Ma Jiqin
Published: April 2024

With the rapid increase of software complexity, automated testing has become the mainstream of software testing. However, the current automated test tools adopt a large number of common test equipment resource. At the beginning of the test, for specific test scenarios, the testers need to plan the test equipment resources according to the requirements of the software under test. An automatic test equipment resource planning and optimization algorithm based on group optimization is proposed IPSO (Improved Particle Swarm Optimization) to solve this problem. This method maps the requirement description to the equipment description to obtain the matching matrix, and then establishes a multi-objective constrained optimization model for test equipment resource planning. The solution is obtained through improved particle swarm optimization algorithm to achieve the optimal planning of test equipment resources. Compared with traditional manual planning methods, this algorithm reduces the workload of testers, and improves the automation and efficiency of testing. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal solutions found by the algorithm proposed in this paper is superior to those of the PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization)) and Linearly Decreasing Inertia Weight Particle Swarm Optimization (LWPSO) algorithms.
Discussion on the Reform of the Cultivation of Computational Thinking Ability for Information Engineering Major under the Background of Engineering Education Accreditation
Authors: An Xinjun , Wang Hongjuan
Published: April 2024

Computational thinking is the basic ability that contemporary college students should have, and it is more demanding for engineering students. Combining with the orientation and characteristics of information engineering specialty in our university, and comparing with the graduation requirement index system in engineering education certification, this paper puts forward the idea of strengthening the cultivation of computational thinking ability, reconstructs the specialty curriculum system, strengthens the teaching of computational thinking series courses to optimize the teaching content, and implements the reform measures of “problem solving” series courses with “domain” as the teaching unit to innovate the practical teaching method. Years of teaching reform practice shows that the reform of computational thinking series courses has achieved good results and met the requirements of talent training objectives.
Components of Wireless Charging Technology for Smart Cars and Simple Applications
Authors: Shi Zhouxin , Zhang KaiBin , Chen Xiai
Published: April 2024

A wireless charging smart car that can perform rapid short-term wireless charging was designed in this research. This car features energy-saving, fast, and efficient operation, with strong usability and potential for development. The CH32V307VCT6 microcontroller is used as the main controller for the smart car, and the CH32V203C8T6 microcontroller functions as a control chip for the wireless charging transmitting end. Combining the use of a super-capacitor group as an energy storage device along with the DRV8701 motor drive and corresponding sensors, it enables the smart car to accomplish wireless charging and automatic tracking. The wireless transmission terminal of this project employs an LCC compensation circuit method and an inverter circuit to achieve high-power wireless charging of 600W. The wireless charging receiver module receives and converts electrical energy to ultimately power the movement of the smart car.
From powerpoint to powerplant: evaluating the impact of the U.S.-China Sunnylands commitment to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030
Authors: Ball-Burack Ari , Xi Xi , Kammen Daniel M
Published: April 2024

In the Sunnylands statement, China and the U.S. committed to supporting efforts toward a global tripling of renewable energy by 2030. Despite unprecedented recent renewable energy growth, the world is currently off track by a substantial margin: 3,432 GW in 2030, a lacuna roughly equal to the world’s combined renewables capacity in 2022. Closing this gap requires vastly increased ambition and cooperation. The U.S. would need to significantly raise its domestic renewables ambitions. Meanwhile, both China and the U.S. would need to launch new efforts to collaboratively accelerate financial, technological, and capacity-building support for renewables development elsewhere in the world.

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or
ill.

- Attributed to the Buddha
Impact of endogenous learning curves on maritime transition pathways
Authors: Franz Sebastian , Bramstoft Rasmus
Published: April 2024

The maritime industry is a crucial hard-to-abate sector that is expected to depend on high-energy density renewable liquid fuels in the future. Traditionally, decarbonization pathways have been assessed assuming exogenous cost trajectories for renewable liquid fuels based on an exogenous learning curve. While past studies have looked at the impact of endogenizing learning curves for a specific technology utilizing linear approximation, a fully endogenous direct non-linear implementation of learning curves in a detailed sectoral model (maritime industry) that explores dynamics concerning sensitive parameters does not yet exist. Here, we apply an open-source optimization model for decarbonizing the maritime industry and further develop the model by encompassing a nonconvex mixed-integer quadratically constrained programming approach to analyze the impact of endogenized learning curves for renewable fuel costs following an experience curve approach. We find that global greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower (up to 25% over a 30 year horizon) when utilizing endogenously modeled prices for renewable fuels compared to commonly used exogenous learning frameworks. Furthermore, we find that conventional modeling approaches overestimate the cost of climate mitigation, which can have significant policy implication related to carbon pricing and fuel efficiency requirements. In a broader context, this emphasizes the potential opportunities that can be achieved if policymakers and companies accelerate investments that drive down the costs of renewable technologies efficiently and thus trigger endogenous experience-based learning in real life.
Air pollution perception for air quality management: a systematic review exploring research themes and future perspectives
Authors: J Aswin Giri , S M Shiva Nagendra
Published: April 2024

Air pollution is perceived through sensory stimuli and interpreted by our brain. Perception is highly subjective and varies from person to person. As many direct and indirect factors influence air pollution perception, it is difficult to unearth the underlying mechanisms. Many studies have tried to understand the mechanisms and relations affecting perception, and it is important to evaluate those different approaches. We systematically reviewed 104 studies on air pollution perception, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. There is a difference between the public’s subjective perception and objective air quality measurements. This discrepancy has been found to occur due to varied socio-economic characteristics, knowledge, emotions, etc. The advent of social media and the internet has had a significant effect on risk perception. All these influencing factors create differences between the public’s perception and the scientific community/policymakers. This gap can be fixed by tailoring science-backed information for better communication. Based on past studies, we highlight the need for tailored data dissemination, integration of big data for urban management, development of robust frameworks to incorporate perception and use of a perception index for better communication.
Despite a century of warming, increased snowfall has buffered the ice phenology of North America’s largest high-elevation lake against climate change
Authors: Tronstad Lusha M , Oleksy Isabella A , Pomeranz Justin P F , Preston Daniel L , Gianniny Gordon , Cook Katrina , Holley Ana , Farnes Phil , Koel Todd M , Hotaling Scott
Published: April 2024

Lakes are sentinels of environmental change. In cold climates, lake ice phenology—the timing and duration of ice cover during winter—is a key control on ecosystem function. Ice phenology is likely driven by a complex interplay between physical characteristics and climatic conditions. Under climate change, lakes are generally freezing later, melting out earlier, and experiencing a shorter duration of ice cover; however, few long-term records exist for large, high-elevation lakes which may be particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. Here, we quantified ice phenology over the last century (1927–2022) for North America’s largest high-elevation lake—Yellowstone Lake—and compared it to seven similar lakes in northern Europe. We show that contrary to expectation, the ice phenology of Yellowstone Lake has been uniquely resistant to climate change. Indeed, despite warming temperatures in the region, no change in the timing nor duration of ice cover has occurred at Yellowstone Lake due to buffering by increased snowfall. However, with projections of continued warming and shifting precipitation regimes in the high Rocky Mountains, it is unclear how long this buffering will last.
Anthropogenic influence on altitudinally amplified temperature change in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Ying , Hu Ting , Zhang Xuebin
Published: April 2024

As the highest plateau on the Earth, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has experienced rapid warming in the last decades, affecting natural ecosystem and water resources extending far beyond the plateau itself. A distinctive characteristic known as elevation-dependent warming (EDW) in the high mountain regions was particularly pronounced in the TP, whereby the magnitude of temperature warming was amplified with increasing altitudes. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, however, the link between the root cause of warming, human activities, and the EDW remains poorly understood. Here we used the homogenized observation and simulations by the newest climate models to discern human influence on both mean and extreme temperatures within the region. An optimal fingerprinting method was applied in a vertical space rather than in traditional horizontal space. We found that the long-term trends in mean and extreme temperature amplified with increasing elevation, with larger magnitude of trends at higher elevations. The response to external forcing, primarily driven by human activities, was robustly detected in altitudinal amplification of temperature increase, providing clear evidence of human causes of EDW. As warming increases, the EDW in the region will continue, with more pronounced EDW corresponding to larger magnitude of warming under a high emission scenario. These findings mark the first evidence of human influence on temperature across different vertical altitudes of climate system.
Spatial dynamics of higher order rock-paper-scissors and generalisations
Authors: Griffin Christopher , Feng Li , Wu Rongling
Published: April 2024

We introduce and study the spatial replicator equation with higher order interactions and both infinite (spatially homogeneous) populations and finite (spatially inhomogeneous) populations. We show that in the special case of three strategies (rock–paper–scissors) higher order interaction terms allow travelling waves to emerge in non-declining finite populations. We show that these travelling waves arise from diffusion stabilisation of an unstable interior equilibrium point that is present in the aspatial dynamics. Based on these observations and prior results, we offer two conjectures whose proofs would fully generalise our results to all odd cyclic games, both with and without higher order interactions, assuming a spatial replicator dynamic. Intriguingly, these generalisations for

N
⩾
5

strategies seem to require declining populations, as we show in our discussion.
Study of liquid smoke toxicity cocoa shell with different purification methods
Authors: Budaraga I K , Putra D P
Published: April 2024

Cocoa shell is an underutilized agricultural trash. Cocoa shells can be used to make liquid smoke and cocoa charcoal as basic materials. The charcoal made from cocoa pod husks can be used as a dye adsorbent. The study will look at the effects of different purification and filtering procedures on the toxicity of liquid smoke from cocoa husks in order to determine which purification process is best for making liquid smoke from cocoa husks that is not harmful. The results demonstrated that several procedures for purifying and filtering liquid smoke from cocoa peels were non-toxic. Cocoa shell is an underutilized waste from plantations. Cocoa shells can be used as raw materials in the manufacture of liquid smoke and cocoa charcoal. The burning of cocoa pod husks charcoal can be used as a dye adsorbent. The research intends to observe the different purification and filtering methods on the liquid smoke toxicity from cocoa husks to find out which purification method is more appropriate for liquid smoke from cocoa husks so that it is not toxic. The results showed that the purification and filtering of liquid smoke from cocoa peels using various methods were non-toxic. The best approach with the highest LD50 value is zeolite purification, which has an LD50 value of 3019.95 ppm. The activated charcoal technique, activated charcoal + zeolite method, and distillation method were then used, with LD50 values of 2,951.21 ppm, 2,398.83 ppm, and 1,412.54 ppm, respectively.
Lethal competition on joint predators during suppressing brown planthopper population
Authors: Syahrawati M , Hidayat R , Arneti  , Hidrayani
Published: April 2024

Joint predator is one technique to control brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in the rice field by combining two or more predator species having a positive interaction. This study aims to determine the effect of joint predator density (Pardosa pseudoannulata and Phidippus sp) on competition and its predatory rate in suppressing the N.lugens population. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) by combining P. pseudoannulata or Pp (1,2,3 individuals) and Phidippus sp or Ps (1,2,3 individuals) to become Pp1Ps1, Pp1Ps2, Pp1Ps3, Pp2Ps1, Pp2Ps2, Pp2Ps3, Pp3Ps1, Pp3Ps2, Pp3Ps3. The parameters observed were predation rate, bodyweight, mortality of both predators, and competition model. The results showed that the composition difference between P. pseudoannulata and Phidippus sp affected on competition model and the predation. The predation rate of joint predators at different densities ranged from 40.4 – 47.0 individuals of N.lugens (80.8-94.0%) in one-day observation, and they consumed all prey until the third day’s observation. The highest predation rate occurred for Pp3Ps3, but it was assumed it was not safe because of cannibalism and lethal competition. The Pp1Ps2 composition of joint predators was classified as safe, with 0 and 0.2 individuals’ mortalities and followed by draw competition between two predators.
The Diversity of Local Rice Varieties with Specific West Sumatra Flavor Based on Agronomic Characteristics and Yield Components
Authors: Sumilah  , Syarif A , Swasti E
Published: April 2024

Unlike in other provinces in Indonesia, West Sumatran people prefer a specific nonsticky or pera-flavor of rice. The availability of pera-flavor rice varieties is very limited. Because of that, local rice germplasms of West Sumatra can be alternative to overcome the variety’s limitation. The research aimed to determine the diversity of West Sumatra’s local lowland rice varieties with specific preferences of West Sumatra’s people based on their agronomic characteristics and yield components. The research was conducted in farmers’ field at Air Tajun village in Lubuk Alung district and Toboh Gadang Barat village in Sintuk Toboh Gadang district, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, from April to June 2018. A randomized complete block design with six treatments and four replications was used in this research. The treatments consisted of six of West Sumatra’s local rice varieties, i.e. Putiah Papanai, Lubuak Nyarai, Cantik Manih, Kuriak Putiah, Randah Kuning and Padi Merah. Observations were made on their agronomic characteristics and yield components. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by LSD test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that the Putiah Papanai variety had relatively more productive tillers with an average of 20.8 stems and higher productivity (7.28 tons/ha) compared to other varieties.
Getting more pieces of Mosaics on West Sumatran Spiders (Araneidae): Inventory from Mount Marapi in West Sumatra
Authors: Mairawita  , Herwina H , Dahelmi  , Diniyati F , Janra M N
Published: April 2024

The field survey had been regulated from September until December 2019 by deploying an array of hand collection, sieving, sweeping and beating techniques applied simultaneously along three pairs of 120 m transect positioned at both sides of mountain hiking tracks. This exploration aimed to survey and inquiry the diversity of spiders (Araneidae) in Mount Marapi, West Sumatra Province. There were 25 spider individuals collected in this study; they were then identified and classified into 15 species which associated with 8 genera. Gasteracatha was a genus with the most species found (3 species, 9 individual), followed by Argiope (3 species, 7 individual) and Cyclosa (3 species, 5 individuals). Without minimizing the role of other collecting techniques, the hand collection technique was seemed to be more effective in doing the inventory on either spider individuals or species than the beating, sweeping or sieving techniques. The latter technique yielded the least result in this study.
Effects of urea types combination with alternate wetting and drying irrigation on rice yield in the Vietnam Mekong Delta
Authors: Duong Nha V
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was arranged with a split-plot design with three replications, two irrigation methods including continuous flooding (CF) and Alternate Wet Drying (AWD) combination with three amounts of two fertilizers, nitrogen White Urea and Black Urea. Actual yield, yield components, leaf N content, and chlorophyll index were investigated. The results showed that AWD application saved 9.5% of freshwater. Compared with FC, OM18 did not respond to AWD combination with white and black urea. Applying 100 or 120N of both nitrogen types gave better performances in panicles, filled grain, and yield under both FC and AWD. Regarding OM 18 yield, 100N (Black Urea)– 80 P2O5 – 60K2O in CF gave the best yield (8.0 tons/ha), but this treatment showed non-significant differences from 120N(Black Urea) – 80 P2O5– 60K2O in AWD as well as 120N (Black Urea) – 80 P2O5 – 60K2O in CF (7.2 tons/ha). OM 18 responded to Black Urea better than White Urea under AWD and FC. OM 18 showed the best yield in 100N(Black Urea) – 80 P2O5 – 60K2O under CF. AWD application saved up to 9.5% freshwater.
Invasive ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Paratrechina longicornis along elevational gradients on Mount Marapi, West Sumatera
Authors: Mairawita  , Sakdiah H T S , Herwina H , Janra M N
Published: April 2024

The diversity of ants along elevational gradients has become a topic in many scientific types of research, while the information regarding patterns of, and processes that shapes, ant community structure across different elevations is still considerably lacking. Therefore, the study about ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at Mount Marapi, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, was conducted at three elevations (low elevation at 0-1200 m, mid-elevation at 1200-2100m and high elevation at 2100-3000 m) and by applying Quadra Protocol (honey bait trapping, soil sampling, leaf litter sifting and hand collecting). It focused on Paratrechina longicornis, renowned as an invasive species. A total of 144 individuals from this species were collected; 13 individuals from low elevation, 144 individuals from mid-elevation and 127 individuals from the high elevation. Paratrechina longicornis, also named as ‘longhorn crazy ant’, became the only species observed to be present along the whole study transects. Its ability to adapt to many artificial environments could explain its success as an invasive species. P. longicornis distributions at the elevational gradients of Mount Marapi were discussed in this paper.
Detection of pyroclastic material and deformation of the lava dome in Mt. Sinabung with multi-temporal analysis (2010-2020)
Authors: Hidayat F R , Ginting F I , Agustian  , Fiantis D
Published: April 2024

The persistent eruptions of Mt. Sinabung resulted in the lava dome’s deformation and blanketed the surrounding area with pyroclastic material. This research focused on determining the changes in Mt. Sinabung during the prolonged eruptions from 2010-2020. A total of 22 volcanic ash samples were collected following a 1x1 km grid interval spread over from the East to South slope of Mt. Sinabung. The studied area is the most affected by the volcanic eruption. Digital elevation models from the shuttle radar topographic mission and sentinel-1 were utilized to monitor deformations of the lava dome and the distribution of pyroclastic material on Mt. Sinabung. Sentinel Application Platform and Google Earth Engine were used as the main tools in multi-temporal digital elevation model (DEM) data processing. The eruption of Mt. Sinabung from 2010 to 2020 changed the height from 2,460 m to 2,404.3 m and created a new crater (5.35 ha). The lava dome volume from 2010 to 2020 is about 2,308,041 m3 and has collapsed to produce pyroclastic material which deposits to the surrounding area of Mt. Sinabung during the eruption. The distribution of pyroclastic material increased from 2010 to 2019, covered up an area of 103.27 ha (2010), 846.48 ha (2013), 1,029.74 ha (2016), 1,235.97 ha (2017) and 1,463.62 ha (2019). The thickness of the pyroclastic material deposits at Mt. Sinabung until 2020 varied from 13,24 cm to 219 cm. The findings from this study can be used as a reference for observing topographic changes due to volcanic activities and drawing a mitigation and contingency plan for a volcanic disaster program in the active volcanic region of Indonesia.
The normalized difference vegetation index value of volcanic paddy soils of Mt. Talang using Landsat 8 image
Authors: Amelia S , Agtalarik A , Yasin S , Fiantis D
Published: April 2024

Accurate and up-to date information on the spatial distribution of paddy fields in volcanic soils is important. The volcanic soil in West Sumatra covers an area about 602.500 ha. Soils of volcanic origin are considered fertile and productive soils. They are widely used to grow annual and perennial crops. Paddy cultivation in volcanic soils is commonly practiced in West Sumatra. Remote sensing data can be used to observe the condition of rice plants in volcanic soils from by calculating the vegetation index value through the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). This study aims to determine the vegetation index of paddy grows in Mt. Talang by using Landsat 8 satellite imagery and correlate the index value with the total carbon and fractions content. Soil samples were collected using the 1x1 km interval grid method from 5099,78 ha of volcanic paddy fields. Soil samples were collected undisturbed and disturbed condition. The undisturbed soil samples were used to analyze bulk density (BD). The disturbed soil samples were dried and sieved with a 2-mm sieve and then analyzed for soil pH (H20 and KCl), Organic C, Labile C, and Very Labile C. All of soil samples have low bulk density (0.76-0.89 Mg/m3). Soil pH is considered neutral (6.50 to 6.93). The average vegetation index value was high, with a maximum value of 0.60 and a minimum value of 0.39. The results of the regression analysis showed that there was no relationship between NDVI and soil chemical properties. Determination of the vegetation index during the growing period of paddy is very useful to improve the accuracy of paddy identification sites at the regional scale and to predict the potential paddy production in due time.
Family resilience of smallholder farmers in Indonesia’s oil palm plantation
Authors: Pradipta L , Romdiati H , Setiawan B , Vibriyanti D , Seftiani S , Oktafiani I
Published: April 2024

Problems about family are still analyzed in general and do not specifically look at the livelihood aspect. Whereas from the social sciences lensed, livelihood is the main factor that significantly contributes to the resilience of family. One of the family issues which became a major problem in Indonesia is family resilience in the oil palm plantation context. Families in the plantation sector always have tremendous challenges either from internal, external, or structural layers. At the internal level, families have to bear with psychological and physical issues which may trigger them to become more vulnerable. From an external level, the work ambiance in palm plantations, as well as price fluctuation and access to financial capital, may threaten the families who work and live surrounding palm plantations. Furthermore, from a structural level, families have to deal with biased and unfair regulations which undeniably make them much poorer and more suffered. This study aimed to analyze the vivid condition of smallholder families in the oil palm plantation context and how they deal with those challenges. Besides, this study also aimed to formulate some strategies to make them become a resilient family. This study used qualitative methods, by conducting FGDs and in-depth interviews with smallholder farmers of oil palm plantations as key informants in two different plantation areas in Indonesia; Lampung and Kalimantan.