bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A molten globule ensemble primes Arf1–GDP for the nucleotide switch
Authors: Koduru Tejaswi , Hantman Noam , Peters Edgar V. , Jaworek Michel W. , Wang Jinqiu , Zhang Siwen , McCallum Scott A. , Gillilan Richard E. , Fossat Martin J. , Roumestand Christian , Sagar Amin , Winter Roland , Bernadó Pau , Cherfils Jacqueline , Royer Catherine A.
Published: September 2024

The adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) ribosylation factor (Arf) small guanosine tri-phosphate (GTP)ases function as molecular switches to activate signaling cascades that control membrane organization in eukaryotic cells. In Arf1, the GDP/GTP switch does not occur spontaneously but requires guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and membranes. Exchange involves massive conformational changes, including disruption of the core β-sheet. The mechanisms by which this energetically costly switch occurs remain to be elucidated. To probe the switch mechanism, we coupled pressure perturbation with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), fluorescence, and computation. Pressure induced the formation of a classical molten globule (MG) ensemble. Pressure also favored the GDP to GTP transition, providing strong support for the notion that the MG ensemble plays a functional role in the nucleotide switch. We propose that the MG ensemble allows for switching without the requirement for complete unfolding and may be recognized by GEFs. An MG-based switching mechanism could constitute a pervasive feature in Arfs and Arf-like GTPases, and more generally, the evolutionarily related (Ras-like small GTPases) Rags and Gα GTPases.
Suppressed recombination of a flexible TiO2 nanowires photoanode by coupling of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles in the photoelectrochemical ultraviolet photodetector
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Xinmiao , Jiang Xu , Li Jiang , Li Hongye , Song Jianqiao , Jin Mengjing , Zhou Jinyuan , Xie Erqing , Pan Xiaojun
Published: September 2024

The noble metal nanoparticles can improve the efficiency of photoelectric conversion via enhancement of light harvesting for the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Here, TiO2 nanowires were constructed on carbon fiber cloth as a flexible photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. By decorated noble metal Ag nanoparticles on TiO2 nanowires, the photocurrent was improved from 35.9 μA cm−2 to 268.4 μA cm−2, and the rise and decay time were increased by 0.14 s and 0.12 s, respectively. Moreover, the recombination of photon-generated electrons and holes was also decreased in photoanode due to the Schottky barrier between Ag and TiO2. This work provided an approach to promote the performances of the PEC UV photodetector.
Absorption and quantum efficiency of GeSn nanopillar arrays for infrared detectors
Authors: He Jianwei , Liu Lei , Wang Zhidong , Tian Jian , Cao Zhihao
Published: September 2024

This research investigates the optical absorption and quantum efficiency of germanium-tin (GeSn) materials with a tin(Sn) content of 4.5%, and their potential applications in infrared optoelectronic systems. It has two forms which are crystalline(c-GeSn) and amorphous(a-GeSn) states. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was used to simulate the absorption of c-GeSn and a-GeSn. By optimising the period, radius and height of the nanopillars, the optimal parameters were determined, and it was found that the c-GeSn nanopillars in that case had a very stable and excellent absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) band. Calculated by MATLAB that the cylindrical nanopillars could reach a maximum quantum efficiency of 3.67% at 1350 nm. It is anticipated that this study will contribute to the further understanding of GeSn and provide a theoretical basis for designing high-performance infrared photodetectors.
Uncertainty of quantum channels based on symmetrized ρ-absolute variance and modified Wigner-Yanase skew information
Authors: Xu Cong , Zhang Qing-Hua , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: September 2024

We present the uncertainty relations in terms of the symmetrized ρ-absolute variance, which generalizes the uncertainty relations for arbitrary operators (not necessarily Hermitian) to quantum channels. By employing the quantity ∣U

ρ
∣(Φ) proposed by Zhang et
al (2023) Quantum Inf. Process. 22, 456, we also establish tighter uncertainty relations for quantum channels by using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. Detailed examples are provided to illustrate the tightness of our results.
Role of oxide charges on the voltage and current coupling effects between adjacent devices examined by concentric metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) tunnel diodes with ultra-thin oxide
Authors: Kao Chi-Yi , Huang Sung-Wei , Shih Hui-Xin , Lin Wei-Cheng , Feng Sin-Yong , Hwu Jenn-Gwo
Published: September 2024

The impacts of positive oxide charges within the silicon oxide (SiO2) layer on the coupling mechanism in metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS)-coupled devices were studied. By employing the post-metallization annealing (PMA) process, the condition of coupled devices with fewer oxide charges was established. In terms of coupled voltage, the presence of oxide charges facilitated the transmission of gate voltage-induced quasi-Fermi level splitting to neighboring devices, resulting in the induction of coupled voltage. Conversely, with few oxide charges, no coupled voltage was observed at the neighboring device. Additionally, positive oxide charges induced an inversion channel at the silicon surface, fostering the sharing of minority carriers in the conducting channel between adjacent devices. The saturation currents of non-PMA devices were 104 times larger than PMA devices. Less oxide charge will induce less coupling. These mechanisms were validated through TCAD simulations. Furthermore, the impact of oxide charges on photo-sensing was discussed, revealing that oxide charges enhanced the light absorption area and increased photon-induced carriers. However, the PMA devices showed a larger light-to-dark current ratio (>300) due to a smaller dark current.
Theoretical study of the strong piezo-phototronic effect in 2D monochalcogenides for multi-junction solar cells
Authors: Antwi Victor , Gyan Michael , Appiah Desmond , Acquah Isaac Kwesi , Wuver Fortune Addo , Jebuni-Adanu Cynthia
Published: September 2024

The piezophototronic effect is a new scientific area that investigates the synergistic interactions of piezoelectric, semiconductor, and photoexcitation features. This effect is seen in crystals lacking inversion symmetry, where applied strain alters electronic transport and provides a way to modify material properties. Monolayer 2D semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and group IV monochalcogenides, have higher piezoelectric coefficients than conventional piezoelectric materials. This study proposes the development of a stable, high-performance multijunction solar cell (MJSC) leveraging the piezo-phototronic effect. The emphasis is on single-type 5-layer 2D monochalcogenides (SnS, SnSe, GeS, and GeSe) with the assistance of strain engineering. Surprisingly, the ultrathin parallel-connected solar cell achieves an electric power conversion efficiency of over 31% when tested under blackbody radiation, surpassing the recognized Shockley–Queisser (S-Q) limit. The piezophototronic effect improves solar cell performance while also addressing voltage mismatch issues. This work introduces a novel approach to developing and manufacturing high-efficiency and robust monolayer multijunction photovoltaic solar cells (MJPSC) based on 2D monochalcogenides.
Revisiting the fastest way to circle a black hole
Authors: Mazharimousavi S Habib
Published: September 2024

The shortest time for a null particle traveling between two arbitrary points outside a static spherically symmetric black hole is revisited. We introduce a functional for the time taken by a null particle in traveling on the path between the two points. By variating the time functional, we analyze the possible path with the shortest travel time for the null particle. It is analytically proven that the Euler–Lagrange equation corresponding to the time-functional for finding the path with the shortest traveling time is equivalent to the geodesics equation. This is in agreement with Hod’s conjecture on the fastest way to circle a black hole. We apply the formalism to the dirty black hole in Einstein-square-root nonlinear electrodynamics-dilaton theory. We calculate explicitly the time measured by an asymptotic observer which is needed for a null particle to circle the dirty black hole. Accordingly, a null particle circling the dirty black hole on an almost circular path of radius infinity achieves the shortest time.
Fast likelihood-free reconstruction of gravitational wave backgrounds
Authors: Dimitriou Androniki , Figueroa Daniel G. , Zaldívar Bryan
Published: September 2024

We apply state-of-the-art, likelihood-free statistical inference (machine-learning-based)
techniques for reconstructing the spectral shape of a gravitational wave background (GWB). We
focus on the reconstruction of an arbitrarily shaped signal (approximated by a piecewise power-law
in many frequency bins) by the LISA detector, but the method can be easily extended to either
template-dependent signals, or to other detectors, as long as a characterisation of the
instrumental noise is available. As proof of the technique, we quantify the ability of LISA to
reconstruct signals of arbitrary spectral shape (blind reconstruction), considering a
diversity of frequency profiles, and including astrophysical backgrounds in some cases. As a
teaser of how the method can reconstruct signals characterised by a parameter-dependent template
(template reconstruction), we present a dedicated study for power-law signals. While our
technique has several advantages with respect to traditional MCMC methods, we validate it with the
latter for concrete cases. This work opens the door for both fast and accurate Bayesian parameter
estimation of GWBs, with essentially no computational overhead during the inference step. Our set
of tools are integrated into the package GWBackFinder, which is publicly available in
GitHub.
Generalized uncertainty principle from the regularized self-energy
Authors: Jusufi Kimet , Farag Ali Ahmed
Published: September 2024

We use the Schrödinger–Newton equation to calculate the regularized self-energy of a particle using a regular self-gravitational and electrostatic potential derived in string T-duality. The particle mass M is no longer concentrated into a point but is diluted and described by a quantum-corrected smeared energy density resulting in corrections to the energy of the particle, which is interpreted as a regularized self-energy. We extend our results and find corrections to the relativistic particles using the Klein–Gordon, Proca and Dirac equations. An important finding is that we extract a form of the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) from the corrected energy. This form of the GUP is shown to depend on the nature of particles; namely, for bosons (spin 0 and spin 1) we obtain a quadratic form of the GUP, while for fermions (spin 1/2) we obtain a linear form. The correlation we find between spin and GUP may offer insights for investigating quantum gravity.
Valley-selective manipulation of moiré excitons through optical Stark effect
Authors: Xu 徐 Chenran 晨燃 , Zhou 周 Jichen 纪晨 , Shan 单 Zhexu 哲旭 , Su 苏 Wenjian 文健 , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Wang 王 Dawei 大伟 , Tang 汤 Yanhao 衍浩
Published: September 2024

Semiconductor moiré superlattices provide great platforms for exploring exotic collective excitations. Optical Stark effect, a shift of the electronic transition in the presence of a light field, provides an ultrafast and coherent method of manipulating matter states, which, however, has not been demonstrated in moiré materials. Here, we report the valley-selective optical Stark effect of moiré excitons in the WSe2/WS2 superlattice by using transient reflection spectroscopy. Prominent valley-selective energy shifts up to 7.8 meV have been observed for moiré excitons, corresponding to pseudo-magnetic fields as large as 34 T. Our results provide a route to coherently manipulate exotic states in moiré superlattices.
Possible Remediation Approaches for Wastewater Containing Dyes; A Review
Authors: Abuzeyad Osama H. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Tantawy Hesham , Gobara Mohamed , Elsayed Mohamed A.
Published: September 2024

One of the most serious environmental problems is water scarcity and water pollution is a worldwide issue that can have an impact on people, plants, animals, and trees. Reusing wastewater makes sense in light of the limited availability of freshwater sources to conserve and expand the pool of available water sources. Numerous things can contaminate water supplies. Although the fundamental concepts are usually the same, the process of water restoration may vary from one location to another based on the source of contamination. Dyes are a versatile group of organic compounds found in many industries ranging from textiles, papermaking, leather tanning, and food processing. However, untreated or partially treated dye-containing wastewater in the environment can have a significant impact on human health and ecosystems. Dyes can color water bodies, making them aesthetically displeasing and inhibiting the penetration of sunlight. This may cause water plants and algae to produce less. While certain dyes are carcinogenic or mutagenic to humans, others are poisonous to aquatic life.
Valorisation of water hyacinth for different engineering applications
Authors: Elbhnsawi Zeinab Ahmed , Aboelazayem Omar , Farrag Nessren M
Published: September 2024

Nature has many elements that can be beneficial or harmful. One of these elements is water hyacinth (WH) which is an aquatic weed found in water bodies such as rivers and lakes and it has an invasive nature due to its rapid growth rate. On the contrary, water hyacinth, despite its classification as an invasive plant species, possesses a multitude of industrial and engineering applications, demonstrating substantial potential for valorisation into various products. Its versatile attributes and widespread availability render water hyacinth a viable resource for deployment across several sectors, including wastewater treatment, bioenergy generation, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture. The objective of this paper is to analyse methodologies for the valorisation of water hyacinth, with the explicit goal of mitigating its adverse environmental effects.
The potentials of copper chromite nanoparticles on ammonium nitrate decomposition: Towards eco-friendly oxidizers for green solid propellants
Authors: Ashraf Ahmed , Fahd Ahmed , Mostafa Hosam E. , Yossef E.M. , Elbasuney Sherif
Published: September 2024

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is the universal oxidizer for solid propellants; AP combustion is accompanied with the release of white smoke (HCl). HCl has raised an environmental concern; it could cause acidic rain and deteriorate the fertile soil. Chlorine free and eco-friendly oxidizers are highly appreciated for green solid propellants. Ammonium nitrate (AN) could be the greener substitute for AP; yet AN expose low performance. Whereas AP demonstrated exothermic decomposition with the release of -733 J/g; AN demonstrated strong endothermic decomposition process of +1707 J/g. AN with strong endothermic decomposition process could render high burning rates. Copper chromite Nano catalyst of 45 nm was developed via hydrothermal synthesis. Copper chromite was integrated into AN matrix. Catalyzed AN demonstrated advanced exothermic decomposition enthalpy of -1492 J/g. Catalysed AN experienced diminish in activation energy by - 41.5 %, and – 40.6 % using Kissinger and Ozawa models respectively. Copper chromite NPs could secure novel catalytic effect via condensed phase reactions of chromium, and copper ions with nitrate ions (NO-3) to develop NOx gases. This catalytic effect can secure alternative pathway with low energy barrier. Consequently, catalysed AN can expose novel characteristics as a green eco-friendly oxidizer.
Construction of heterojunction superparamagnetic Cd0.5Ag0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite photocatalyst for simulated textile effluent oxidation
Authors: Mangood Ahmed H. , Salama Eman Sh. , El-Sayed Ibrahim E.T. , Fouad Mai K. , Tony MA.
Published: September 2024

Significant attempts have been recently made regarding nanomaterials due to their several environmental applications especially in wastewater treatment technologies. Among the available nanoparticles, ferrite based substances are gaining a special interest since their superior characteristics such as their magnetic nature, high adsorption capacity and large specific surface area. In this regard, Cd0.5Ag0.5Fe2O4 was prepared using the green simple co-precipitation route. Then, the sample is characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) that proved the produced material’s surface morphology. The substance is then employed as a catalyst source for Fenton reaction to oxidize textile effluent solution containing Rhodamine B (Rh-B 6G) dye. The oxidation experiment conducted under ultraviolet (UV) light with the ferrite-based Fenton catalyst supplemented with hydrogen peroxide showed an exceptional removal rate of up to 94% removals. Notably, the oxidation system is significantly impacted by the operational variables. The oxidation efficiency of the dye was maximized at pH 3.0 and 50 mg/L and 1600 mg/L for ferrite-based Fenton catalyst and H2O2, respectively. The impacts of the operational factors, i.e. initial pH value, initial dye concentration, catalyst, and H2O2 concentrations were also investigated. This perspective introduces the role of a superparamagnetic material to be a recyclable sustained catalyst.
Recent development of metal-organic frameworks as a novel flame-retardant in polymeric applications
Authors: Elashker A , Eldakhakhny A M , Mokhtar M
Published: September 2024

The increasing concern regarding hazardous fires related to polymeric materials has prompted numerous research into eco-friendly flame retardants. in recent years metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising flame-retardant materials, characterized by metal-containing units linked to organic linkers to create strong and porous crystalline frameworks. The organic ligands make MOFs possess significant surface area and adsorption properties desirable for different applications including flame retardancy. This paper gathers many of the recently published to discuss the use performance of polymer composites with MOFs for flame retardancy in comparison with polymeric composite materials without MOFs. Besides, a comparison based on mechanical, physical, and thermal properties shows the effect of MOF on the total effectiveness of the polymeric composite materials. This paper is of great interest to both the readers involved in the sphere of heat-resistance materials, encompassing contemporary advanced composite materials used for dampening hazardous fires. Furthermore, prospective trends, including the integration of innovative fillers such as MOFs in rubber composites such as NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and silicone rubber, are deliberated upon.
Behavior and Mobility of U Series Radionuclides during Gibbsite Processing, Abu Thor Locality, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Attia R. M. , Harpy N. M. , Sarhan H. K.
Published: September 2024

Gamma spectrometry was employed to measure the natural activity of radionuclides using High purity germanium detector during the leaching of gibbsite sample from Abu Thor locality using three different organic agents. Among these agents, EDTA exhibited the lowest leaching efficiency for 238U, approximately 21%, while oxalic and citric acids achieved efficiencies of 42.77% and 32.44%, respectively. The leaching process revealed that the leaching efficiency of 234U and 232Th were higher than that of 238U, 230Th, and 235U. Additionally, the radionuclides 226Ra, 214Pb, and 214Bi were predominantly found in the residue of the three organic agents. The oxalic acid residual sample shows the highest ratios for 230Th/238U, 226Ra/238U, and 226Ra/230Th ratios, all exceeding 1, with values of 1.33, 1.6, and 1.22, respectively. Therefore, the 226Ra/238U ratio is deemed superior for studying the behavior and mobility of U.
Improving the energetic properties of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene in PBX mixture
Authors: Hussein A K , Abdelhafiz M , Elbeih A
Published: September 2024

The new eyesight in the energetic materials focuses on reserving high efficiency together with optimization of safe handling. In this study, a novel nitramine, cis1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (BCHMX), is combined with 1,1diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX7), and bound by a styrene-butadiene rubber fabricating an insensitive plastic bonded explosive (PBX) mixture. The obtained PBX was fully characterized in comparison with the familiar explosives; SEMTEX, EPX1 and other PBXs, filled by RDX (1,3,5trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane), HMX (1,3,5,7tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazine). The related individual fillers were also included. Sensitivities to various stimuli and the velocities of detonation were measured for the composites in comparison with the selected explosives. EXPLO 05 has been applied to obtain the detonation properties of the tested explosives. Different relationships (comparing performance with sensitivities) are stated and discussed. The results showed that BC/FOX7 - SBR has very low sensitivity compared with the studied compositions while its performance has larger values.
A distribution network carbon metering method and user carbon emission characterization method considering the influence of harmonics
Authors: Chunyan Wang , Da Lu , Helong Li , Hao Chen
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a novel carbon metering method for distribution grids that fully considers the impact of harmonics on the grid. Harmonics are sinusoidal waves with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, and the presence of harmonics can lead to power losses, damage to equipment and degradation of power quality, thus increasing carbon emissions from the grid. Currently available carbon measurement methods often do not take this into account, so a more accurate method is needed to assess the carbon emissions of distribution grids. This new method, based on the carbon flow theory of trending power distribution, combines harmonic energy correction and node carbon potential correction, and is able to accurately calculate the carbon emissions as well as the harmonic carbon correction for each node and branch in the distribution network. In order to evaluate the carbon behavior characteristics of users more comprehensively, the study also adopts the DTW-K-Means clustering technique to group distribution network users. This innovative approach provides an effective technical means and theoretical basis for the monitoring, assessment and management of distribution network carbon emissions. This innovative method provides effective technical means and theoretical basis for distribution network carbon emission monitoring, assessment and management, not only considering the impact of harmonics on power metering, but also more accurately portraying the carbon behavior of users, which is expected to provide strong support for the reduction of grid carbon emissions.
New technology research of efficient utilization of geothermal energy
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Tao , Zhang Biyong , Lei Zhou
Published: September 2024

Geothermal energy is being widely valued as a clean energy source. Underground structure has a controlling influence on the geothermal development. If the underground structure can be visualized, it is the key technology to improve the geothermal development. Through the streaming potential detection technology, under the action of external pressure, the liquid can be forced to flow through the solid pores to generate directional flow, and the flow potential can be generated at both ends of the solid pores. Different streaming potential phenomena under pressure can help engineer to distinguish different geological structures. A set of laboratory tests was designed to prove the feasibility and accuracy of this proposed detection methods, and tests were conducted using the core injection system and the streaming potential tester to carry out injection on sandstone specimens of two different structures, to study the effect of different injection pressures and different salinity on variation of streaming potential in sandstone. The laboratory test results show that the flow potential is accompanied by the liquid injection process in the sandstone specimen, and the flow potential produced by the sandstone with different porosity is obviously different, so the flow potential accompanying the actual rock injection process can be used to distinguish different geological structures, and this study provides a new idea for studying geological structures, and are expected to improve the efficiency of geothermal development.
Entropy generation analysis in greenhouse environmental system
Authors: Tian Shujiao , Chang Yixiao , Zhang Riru , Zhang Zhijuan
Published: September 2024

To minimize energy loss in a greenhouse environmental system, analyzing the entropy generation within the system is crucial. Based on the established mathematical model of the greenhouse environment, entropy generation in the greenhouse environment system is analyzed, and the irreversible energy loss in the greenhouse environment system is determined by viscous flow, heat and mass transfer. In the closed greenhouse environment at night, internal temperature change is small, and total entropy generation rate is small. Under different ventilation conditions during the day, the entropy generation is mainly concentrated near the ventilation window, with larger ventilation areas leading to higher entropy generation rates.
Design of distributed photovoltaic power station on the roof of 200 kW industrial plant
Authors: Binshun Zhang , Ru Yang , Yule Jin
Published: September 2024

With the depletion of fossil energy and the increasing attention of people to environmental pollution, it was urgent to find clean and non-polluting alternative energy. Solar photovoltaic power generation had the advantages of low cost, long life, no pollution and stability. This project designed a photovoltaic power station on the roof of a 200 kW industrial plant. 360 single-crystal 550W photovoltaic modules were selected, the installation inclination was 20°. Through PVsyst simulation, the total power generation in 25 years was 4.8884 million kWh and the average annual power generation was about 195,500 kWh.
Sensitivity of surface water and groundwater contributions to streamflow in a tropical glacierized basin under climate change scenarios
Authors: Aubry-Wake Caroline , McNamara Gavin , Somers Lauren D , McKenzie Jeffrey M , Pomeroy John W , Hellström Robert
Published: September 2024

While mountain water faces threats posed by climate change, particularly in snow-dominated and glacierized systems, the role of groundwater (GW) in sustaining streamflow in these systems remains elusive. Changing mountain headwaters, marked by reduced snowpacks, retreating glaciers, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures, pose a crucial question: what is the resilience of streamflow in these mountains, and what role does GW play in this resilience? This is particularly uncertain in tropical high mountains where the seasonality of precipitation and glacier melt govern streamflow generation. A glacio-hydrological model was created using the Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling platform to investigate cryosphere-surface water–GW interactions in the Quilcayhuanca Basin, in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. The model was forced by in-situ meteorological observations and parameterized using numerous data sources and process-based studies in the basin. Model results show that during the dry season, 37% of streamflow is generated from GW discharge, increasing to 56% during the lowest flows. Evapotranspiration is the largest mass flux from the basin at the peak of the dry season. Precipitation, temperature, and glacier change scenarios were used to assess the sensitivity of basin hydrology to climate change and glacier retreat. In a warmer, wetter, and nearly deglaciated future, Quilcayhuanca basin streamflow is expected to decrease by 4%–19% annually, with a larger volumetric change in overland and vadose zone flow than in GW flow. The range in values is more closely linked to uncertainty in precipitation change than temperature change. Despite a strong reduction in snow and ice contribution to streamflow with warming and deglaciation, the concomitant increase in precipitation can limit the changes in streamflow and GW flow, showcasing the resilience of the system to shifts in climate and glacier cover.
A methodical approach to design adiabatic waveguide couplers for heterogeneous integrated photonics
Authors: Van Asch Jef , Kandeel Ahmed , He Junwen , Missinne Jeroen , Bienstman Peter , Van Thourhout Dries , Van Steenberge Geert , Van Campenhout Joris
Published: September 2024

We present an elegant and effective approach for the design of adiabatic waveguide couplers tailored for the heterogeneous integration of photonic building blocks. This method empowers users to incorporate the shortest taper(s) in their designs, while upholding optimal coupling efficiency. The technique assesses mode overlap between a minimum of two waveguides within the cross-section of any heterogeneous material stack, determining the necessary waveguide cross-sectional dimension to achieve optimal coupling efficiency. Two illustrative design applications are showcased and compared to a linear, concave, and convex taper for reference: a SiN-to-polymer structure exhibiting a 40% coupling improvement and a Si-to-GeSi structure having a 2.2 up to 5 times shorter length.
Elucidating the origin of laser-induced nonlinearities in propagation inside transparent media: a comparative numerical study of silicon and fused silica
Authors: Das Amlan , Yu Xiaoming
Published: September 2024

The creation of localized bulk modification using femtosecond pulses inside semiconductors like silicon (Si) is quite challenging, whereas it is not difficult to achieve it for dielectric materials like fused silica (FS). This report addresses the fundamental origin of this issue. By taking a simple numerical approach, it has been found that in FS we can deliver stronger fluence due to self-focusing at higher power levels compared to Si. The origin for the above lies in the spatio-temporal pulse-splitting behavior, which is dominant in the case of FS at the focus, whereas, for Si, it is only effective after focus. We have also considered the influence of plasma and Kerr terms to elucidate the reason behind these nonlinearities. For the FS case, omission of Kerr term dominates, whereas, for Si, the influence of each term does not significantly create self-focusing like FS under a similar focusing condition. This study could provide an important guideline for researchers to understand the complexity of laser-matter interaction in transparent materials specifically being studied by many laser-processing industries.
Scalable electronic and optoelectronic devices based on 2D TMDs
Authors: Zhou Guigang , Ji Jinsheng , Chen Ziling , Shuai Jing , Liang Qijie , Zhang Qian
Published: September 2024

Materials are the building blocks of various functional applications. With Moore’s Law approaching Si’s physical limits, traditional semiconductor-based monolithic three-dimensional (M3D) integrated circuits always suffer from the issues, including electrical performance (carrier scattering), chip-overheating (low heat conductivity), electromagnetic interference. Recently, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) inherit the atomically-thin thickness of 2D materials and exhibit outstanding natures, such as smooth flatness (excellent compatibility), electronic property (thickness below 1 nm), absence of dangling bonds (decreasing carrier scattering), making them highly promising for next-generation functional devices in comparison with traditional bulk materials. Up to now, 2D TMD-based transistors have already exhibited the feasibility of replacing conventional one in terms of performances. Furthermore, the technology of large-area 2D TMDs films has been greatly successful, which lays the foundation for the fabrication of scalable 2D TMD-based devices. Besides, the scalable devices based on 2D TMDs also show the prospects of realizing ultra-high-density M3D integrated circuits owing to the presence of outstanding compatibility. Herein, we focus some thriving research areas and provide a systematic review of recent advances in the field of scalable electronic and optoelectronic devices based on 2D TMDs, including large-area synthesis, property modulation, large-scale device applications, and multifunctional device integration. The research in 2D TMDs has clearly exhibited the tremendous promise for scalable diversified applications. In addition, scalable 2D TMD-based devices in terms of mass production, controllability, reproducibility, and low-cost have also been highlighted, showing the importance and benefits in modern industry. Finally, we summarize the remaining challenges and discuss the future directions of scalable 2D TMDs devices.
Animal Politics
Authors: Sugiyama Nawa
Published: September 2024

It is time we take seriously the myriad of ways animal matter executed the “dirty work” of the state. Animal politics involved situated actions that established social differences among the public. Biological properties and physical human–animal encounters were essential to how each animal mediated the socially differentiated landscape and how personhood was constructed. For example, the domestication process fundamentally alters human–animal dynamics, and corporeal animal forms physically materialize such novel relationships. Each animal’s social positionality within a native classification system is inquired: the felid (jaguar and puma), the canid (wolf, dog, and coyote), the eagle, and the rattlesnake. The distinct distribution of its representation versus its corporeal animal form suggests discrete roles and degrees of engagement of each matter in animal politics. In addition, relevant biological and ecological factors pertinent to decoding animal matter helps substantiate a holistic interpretation of animal politics applied in subsequent chapters.
Isotope Evidence of Captivity
Authors: Sugiyama Nawa
Published: September 2024

This chapter presents stable isotope data of the Moon Pyramid faunal assemblage. Isotope-based dietary models provide a parallel line of evidence when pathological indicators of captivity are inconclusive and capture diachronic changes in the animal’s diet. Inter-species, as well as intra-species (primary versus secondary burial) patterns, are assessed. Generally, primary burials had statistically significant isotope values (δ13Ccarbonate, δ13Ccollagen, δ15Ncollagen), signaling higher levels of C4-based (maize) intake and higher trophic levels characteristic of anthropogenic diets. Secondary remains were typically composed of a more heterogeneous population with a relatively high proportion of wild-hunted individuals. The exception was the golden eagles that, as a group, demonstrated primary and secondary burials to be isotopically indistinguishable with clearly elevated values, which concurs with the zooarchaeological data of captivity among both burial types.
Penny Lane Is Her Real Name!
Authors: MacDonald Scott
Published: September 2024

Penny Lane began as an experimental filmmaker, first making, as a student, The Abortion Diaries (2005), in which a group of women talk about their abortions; then memorable personal films—She Used to See Him Most Weekends (2007) about her absentee father; and The Voyagers (2010), a love letter to Brian Frye whom she would marry. With Frye, she collaborated on a documentary feature, Our Nixon (2013), that used archival, home-movies, shot by Richard Nixon’s staff about their trip to China with the president. Solo once again, Lane continued with Nuts! (2016), a bio-pic about a con artist who cons us! Then there was, The Pain of Others (2018), an exploration of YouTube posters’ claims that they suffer from a mysterious illness called “Morgellons”; then Hail Satan? (2019), an investigation of the Satanic Temple’s reputation as a hate group; and the HBO film Listening to Kenny G, focusing on issues about artistic purity, race, pop culture, and the “fascinating weirdo” whose beloved music is hated by many. Her newest, Confessions of a Good Samaritan (2024), documents Lane’s donation of a kidney.
Jennifer Anderson, Vernon Lott (et al.), on #monalisa and The Act of Becoming
Authors: MacDonald Scott
Published: September 2024

#monalisa (2020), the eleven-hour documentation of visitors to the Louvre gallery where the Mona Lisa is displayed, instigated by Jennifer Anderson and Vernon Lott, and shot in slow-motion by Nandan Rao with a GoPro camera, offers a motion study of a particular crowd with a shared interest and demonstrates how modern technology has transformed the museum experience. The result is a meditation on modernity, accompanied by an eleven-hour score by Peter Broderick and David Allred. Anderson/Lott’s earlier film, The Act of Becoming (2015), explores the international rediscovery of John Williams’s novel Stoner, fifty years after its publication.
Chloé Galibert-Laîné and the Video Essay
Authors: MacDonald Scott
Published: September 2024

The recent history of the video essay—forms of cine-scholarship presented audiovisually—offers new ways of learning about film history from works that are themselves part of film history. Chloé Galibert-Laîné’s video essays, available at her website, use combinations of voice-over narration, visual text, film clips, YouTube postings, music, and enacted dialog to explore traditional films, modern internet debates, and computer games. Specific foci of her video essays include James Benning’s feature film READERS (2017), Peter Watkins’s La Commune (Paris, 1871) (2000), Chris Kennedy’s Watching the Detectives (2017), Penny Lane’s The Pain of Others (2017), and in GeoMarkr (2022), the videogame GeoGuessr and Chris Marker’s essay films.
Symbiosis of Teacher Leadership and Professional Learning Communities
Authors: Tengku Ariffin Tengku Faekah , Noman Mohammad , Suhaili Yusoff Mohd
Published: September 2024

The professional learning community (PLC) has established itself as a form of teacher professional development embedded in the work of teachers. Although it has been discussed in the literature for a considerable period of time, the concept has not been delivered in practice effectively enough to be widely accepted as a significant contributor to teacher leadership and development. The need for the proper enhancement of PLC practices is thus justified in the increasingly challenging world of the teaching profession. Teacher leadership can play an essential role in strengthening PLC implementation in the school setting. When teacher leaders play their roles in the PLC setting, they are able to drive PLC and help other teachers improve their instruction and bring about changes in student achievements. PLC is instrumental in developing teacher leadership within the schools. Teachers who are informally regarded as mentors and guide others voluntarily will develop a sense of efficacy and confidence. These teachers are leaders in the making. Because PLC and teacher leadership exist in a symbiotic relationship wherein both support each other, schools need to remove hurdles from implementing PLC and teacher leadership and support their mutual development.
The Rise of Crowdfunding
Authors: Lambert Thomas
Published: September 2024

Crowdfunding is the process of raising capital online from a large audience. It has emerged since the mid-2000s as a popular funding source for innovative ideas and projects. Crowdfunding encompasses various forms, including reward-based, equity-based, and lending-based models. The key actors in crowdfunding are entrepreneurs seeking capital, contributors constituting the “crowd,” and the platform that facilitates the interaction between them. Entrepreneurs primarily resort to crowdfunding because they can raise capital at a lower cost compared to traditional funding sources and acquire valuable information from the crowd. As for the crowd, the appeal of crowdfunding lies in the community benefits and expanded access to economic opportunities compared to those available offline. Platforms play a crucial role in addressing asymmetric information and coordination problems. Asymmetric information gives rise to informational externalities, where contributors attempt to infer project quality from the decisions of other contributors. Coordination problems stem from the interdependence between entrepreneurs’ and contributors’ decisions, leading to payoff externalities. The interplay between informational and payoff externalities influences campaign dynamics and the growth of crowdfunding platforms. The market for blockchain-based crowdfunding has also developed since the mid-2010s. Platforms can leverage blockchain technology to enhance the transactional efficiency of the crowdfunding process and facilitate the emergence of secondary markets. In addition, early evidence from the United States indicates positive real effects of crowdfunding. Crowdfunding activity is associated with both increased venture capital investment and heightened entrepreneurship.
Environmental Economic Ethics
Authors: Muradian Roldan
Published: September 2024

Environmental economic ethics refers to the moral philosophy underlying the interaction between economic processes and the natural environment. The ethical foundations shaping the way the economy interacts with nature vary greatly, depending on culture and the historical period. Nonetheless, current economic thinking and practice is dominated by utilitarianism, a philosophical stream consolidated in Western culture in the late 18th century. A utilitarian way to conceive and deal with the natural world and other humans can be identified as the ultimate cause of the current global environmental crisis. Even though ecological economics, as a field, has tried to overcome some of the drawbacks of utilitarianism when applied to the study of sustainability problems from an economic perspective, this school of thought remains essentially within the utilitarian paradigm. However, recent changes in social values, moving away from utilitarianism, are creating new opportunities for changing the philosophical and ethical foundations of ecological economics thinking and practice. The global movement for the rights of nature is an example of such a societal shift. An overhaul of the current allocation of rights can be a first step toward less suffering among humans, as well as a more peaceful relationship between humans and the natural environment. The economic implications of adopting the rights of nature paradigm are vast and wide. They include the thriving of new forms of property rights, new ways of allocating responsibilities and liabilities among social groups, and the acknowledgement of the territory as a key dimension for caring about in human economic development.
Considerations for developing a health-system 503B outsourcing strategy
Authors: Pamphile Gilnou , Yaniv Angela , Burton Samantha , Boreen Christopher , Eggers Garrett
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To provide guidance for health systems on how to develop a strategy for utilizing 503B outsourcing facilities for sterile product preparation.

Health-system pharmacies face an increasingly complex set of challenges related to providing sterile products to patients. New United States Pharmacopeia <797> regulations, increasing drug shortages, and an ongoing pharmacy technician workforce shortage have made sterile compounding more difficult than ever for health-system pharmacies. Outsourcing of production to 503B outsourcing facilities is one strategy pharmacy leaders can use to help navigate these challenges. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource a product and which 503B vendors are safe and reliable. The Cleveland Clinic Health System (CCHS) has developed a robust internal structure to appropriately vet 503B outsourcing facilities for safety and reliability, as well as standardized criteria used to determine which products will be outsourced. This article describes the tools CCHS has used to evaluate 503B outsourcing vendors and to evaluate individual products to determine the pros and cons of outsourcing vs insourcing. Additionally, general considerations regarding outsourcing are described.

Conclusion

Outsourcing to 503B facilities can be an effective strategy for navigating sterile compounding challenges but is not without some risk. Pharmacy leaders must develop a standardized approach to thoroughly evaluate 503B vendors and products to ensure their outsourcing strategy is both safe and cost-effective.
The Slithering Dead: Does locomotor performance affect post-capture death feigning in dice snakes (Natrix tessellata, Laurenti 1768)?
Authors: Bjelica Vukašin , Maričić Marko , Anđelković Marko , Tomović Ljiljana , Arsovski Dragan , Golubović Ana
Published: September 2024

Functional constraints between different types of antipredator behavior should be common, especially if they are on the opposite sides of the behavioral spectrum such as flight and post-capture immobility. We examined a potential compromise between post-capture immobility displays and sprint speed in dice snakes (Natrix tessellata), using a field-based approach. We sampled snakes (N = 238) from two populations: from a dense island population free of mammal predators, and from a less dense mainland population, preyed upon by both bird and mammal predators. We explored the effects of sexual maturity, temperature, body size, presence of palpable food in the gut, and injuries on the occurrence and duration of post-capture immobility as well as sprint speed. Our results confirm the existence of functional constraints between locomotor performance and post-capture immobility in dice snakes. Faster dice snakes start escaping promptly after release, while slower individuals utilize more passive antipredator behaviors such as death feigning. Local adaptations seem to have great influence on behavioral compromise, since the mammal-free island population exhibited a higher incidence of post-capture immobility and a significantly lower sprint speed, compared to the less dense mainland population. Additionally, immature individuals tended to avoid death feigning and their post-capture immobility lasted shorter compared to adult individuals. It remains to be seen how individuals adjust their behavior to accomodate locomotor constraints, and in which specific phases of the predator-prey interaction these adjustments occur.