bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Session 14. Oral Presentation for: An uneasy truce: a post-intervention gas market in Eastern Australia
Authors: Ramesh Kaushal
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 14 We present our analysis of the East Coast fundamentals and our long-term gas price assumptions through 2033 in Wallumbilla and the southern states. The paper concludes that the market has a chance to return from the brink of dysfunction. The replacement of lower-cost legacy supply near demand centres with higher-cost coal seam gas (CSG) from a remote region in another state through limited infrastructure – or liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports – fundamentally signals higher prices even as domestic demand declines from 520 PJ in 2023 to 425 PJ in 2033 with possible intermittent increases during coal retirements. Added to the mix is long-term demand and policy uncertainty, the current era of monetary tightening and vanishing finance for fossil fuel projects. The relationship between East Coast gas producers in Australia and the federal government appears to have de-escalated following the inclusion of potential price cap exemptions in the recently released mandatory code of conduct for the domestic wholesale gas market. Gas remains a crucial long-term input in the manufacturing sector and will continue to support gas intensive industries if price alignment can be achieved, which is what will be needed to ensure the gas sector’s longevity in the energy transition. We also discuss the role of gas in the National Electricity Market which is headed for an increasingly chaotic coal exit, keeping gas extremely relevant to support system resilience. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 15. Oral Presentation for: 2023 PESA business environment review
Authors: Wild Erin
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 15 In 2023, the world faced increased local and global headwinds in achieving the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 due to geopolitical factors, global economic variables, advancing technology, and evolving policies and regulations. Despite a 22% rise in global investments for renewable energy, the world fell short of the 76% required for a Net Zero Emissions Pathway by 2050. There was a collective return to fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), to meet the demand for secure and affordable energy amid global energy supply shocks. As a result of sustained elevated energy prices governments and energy companies are having to consider all three elements of the energy trilemma – affordability, sustainability, and security – in a more balanced way. The energy industry responded to these challenges by increasing investments in gas-oriented resources and the emergence of investments into the critical minerals value chain, indicating a historic convergence of multiple industries to address the global energy transition. Investment in new energy technologies to support decarbonisation continued, albeit at a slower pace than required. The energy transition also accelerated the decommissioning responsibilities of upstream energy producers for their mature infrastructure assets. As Australia and other countries globally, strive to deliver on net zero ambitions, the oil and gas sector continues to grapple with the delicate balancing act of providing reliable, affordable, secure and sustainable sources of energy, which only continues to emphasise the need for fossil fuels during this energy transition. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 17. Oral Presentation for: Repurposing oil and gas infrastructure as artificial reefs – a global perspective
Authors: Saeed Anam
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 17 More than 7000 offshore oil and gas (O&G) installations are found across 53 countries throughout the world’s oceans. During their life span, these structures provide a habitat for marine life and can support diverse assemblages. At the end of planned service life, they are decommissioned which usually involves the complete removal of infrastructure from the ocean, resulting in the loss of these marine communities. Various countries have repurposed O&G platforms as artificial reefs as an alternative solution to decommissioning, such as the Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R) program developed by the United States (US). The repurposing of O&G platforms may have benefits in preserving or enhancing ecological communities, as well as reducing the impacts and costs associated with removal and disposal onshore. The placement of O&G platforms in the ocean as artificial reefs demands prudent planning and high-level management to ensure the anticipated benefits are delivered and potential impacts are managed. The US National Artificial Reef Program (NARP) along with the R2R program provides guidelines on various aspects of artificial reef use, including planning, site selection, design and management. Since 1980, the US has successfully converted more than 593 O&G platforms to permanent artificial reefs due to the active participation and support of O&G operators, government, local fishing and diving communities. Other countries are also taking initiatives to repurpose their O&G infrastructure. The aim of this paper is to identify key considerations in the repurposing of O&G infrastructure as artificial reefs, using the US R2R program and other geographies as examples. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 17. Oral Presentation for: Rehabilitation challenges for the onshore coal seam gas sector in Australia
Authors: Purtill James
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 17 The development of conventional oil and gas reserves followed by valorisation of coal seam gas (CSG) reserves in Queensland has seen the installation of over 16,000 wells. These wells are accompanied by thousands of kilometres of gathering lines, compression and water treatment facilities and transmission pipelines. The major rehabilitation challenges for the industry result less from technical challenges but rather from the sheer scale of the task. At present, the CSG industry continues to grow, and few of the CSG wells (other than exploration and appraisal wells) have yet reached the end of their life. The US experience presents a cautionary tale for adequate financial provisioning to mitigate the risks of orphaned wells. Secondly, the rehabilitation of multiple small parcels of land such as drill pads presents logistical challenges. Strategies to aggregate parcels for relinquishment will be required if the industry is to avoid thousands of individual land parcel evaluations at the time of relinquishment. These two rehabilitation challenges will be explored, risks for the industry and community assessed, and a call made for industry and government to work collaboratively to ensure an orderly and responsible rehabilitation program becomes an integral part of ongoing operations. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 21. Oral Presentation for: Can Australia become APAC’s CCS hub of choice?
Authors: Chiang Stephanie
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 21 Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is critical in Australia for future production of lower-carbon natural gas for domestic use and international export. There may also be targeted applications in other sectors, such as electricity, industrial heat generation and manufacturing, but only a small portion of the country’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are likely to be addressed with carbon capture. That leaves significant CO2 storage potential untapped. Wood Mackenzie’s analysis suggests that Australia’s CCS opportunity lies less in the reduction of domestic emissions, and more in enabling other countries’ net zero ambitions. This involves building hubs to transport and store CO2 at scale, using Australia’s vast geological resources. Such hubs are major capital projects and typically require billions of dollars of investment. However, supporting CO2 storage hubs with public funding may feel like a bitter policy pill to swallow, if there is not a large Australian emissions reduction number on the other side of it. So, why should Australia put its money towards this, and fast? In this paper, we will size the economic opportunity, benchmark Australia’s competitiveness with other aspiring hubs in the region and assess the amount of investment and policies required to get there. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 24. Oral Presentation for: Early exploration modelling of natural hydrogen systems through the use of existing open source data
Authors: McMahon Andrew
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 24 Natural hydrogen’s viability as a sustainable energy source will be enhanced through comprehensive geological modelling. This paper integrates existing open-source data to delve into the geological aspects of natural hydrogen exploration and proposes possible workflows. Geological and geophysical modelling entails characterising subsurface formations conducive to natural hydrogen generation and trapping. Utilising geological surveys, field observation, geophysical seismic and gravity data, alongside existing well logs, this analysis looks to identify regions with favourable geological conditions for the generation, migration and structures for accumulation of natural hydrogen. Furthermore, understanding the subsurface geology aids in the development of safe and efficient extraction techniques. By incorporating geological modelling into the evaluation of natural hydrogen, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of its potential as a sustainable energy solution. Leveraging existing open-source data alongside geological insights ensures a robust foundation for decision-making in exploration, production, storage, and utilisation strategies. This integrated approach empowers stakeholders to make informed choices in shaping a greener, more sustainable energy landscape. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Emission Reductions Visual Presentation R01: The Australian Hydrogen Centre – feasibility studies for achieving 10 and 100% renewable hydrogen in South Australia and Victoria
Authors: Sharpe Owen
Published: June 2024

Emission Reductions Visual Presentation R01 The Australian Hydrogen Centre (AHC) was established to deliver Australian-first feasibility studies into how existing natural gas distribution networks could be used in a system to produce, store, and transport renewable hydrogen, decarbonising gas supply while still meeting the needs of customers. The AHC Reports show that it is technically and economically feasible to use existing gas infrastructure for scaled hydrogen distribution, delivering: (1) net-zero carbon emissions gas; (2) minimised customer disruption while retaining security and diversity of supply; (3) services to the electricity grid through flexible electricity demand and frequency control; (4) 15 gigawatts (GW) of electrolysis supported by over 30 GW of new renewable electricity generation; (5) 30 petajoules (PJ) of hydrogen storage to harness the ability of gas to store vast amounts of energy, balancing renewable electricity supply and demand swings between colder and warmer months; and (6) over AU$1.5 billion in additional economic value a year including more than 12,500 jobs during construction and 6200 jobs during operation. Supported by a range of independent technical studies, the Reports provide a better understanding of the opportunity to access Australia’s world-class gas distribution infrastructure to unlock hydrogen opportunities while retaining energy security and affordability; identifying a range of low-regret enablers that could trigger coordinated action by government and industry. They also share learnings from Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA), an Australian-first demonstration of hydrogen blending in a gas distribution network. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Emission Reductions Visual Presentation R05: Operating in the context of evolving climate disclosure practices and frameworks
Authors: Einfeld Edward
Published: June 2024

Emission Reductions Visual Presentation R05 The standards for companies reporting on the environmental impacts of their operations have changed drastically over the last decade and are about to become even more complex. Initially, limited regulation or guidance available to companies in relation to climate disclosures led to widely diverging practices. This has resulted in many companies facing allegations of ‘greenwashing’ and in some cases litigation and shareholder activism. However, the Australian Government has recently announced it will implement mandatory climate reporting commencing from 1 July 2024 for many Australian companies. Additional climate disclosures – encouraged by pressure from stakeholders and required by the new reporting regulations – will make environmental risk management more complex. The additional disclosures will also provide further opportunities for interference with the approval process for new projects, if there are inconsistencies between a company’s climate disclosures generally and what they have said in their project approval documents. In this paper, we provide an overview of effective strategies and mitigation steps that can be taken to reduce this risk of disruption and disincentivise activist interference more generally, drawing from recent climate change proceedings and experience advising energy and resources clients in relation to climate change and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) issues more broadly. In particular, we will cover the aspects of the new mandatory climate reporting regime that will be most difficult to comply with; common greenwashing pitfalls; stakeholder/activist engagement planning; and how Boards should approach these issues. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Health, Safety and Environment Visual Presentation H05: Prioritising mental health: a focus on energy sector fabrication workforce
Authors: Das Suvadip
Published: June 2024

Health, Safety and Environment Visual Presentation H05 INPEX and McDermott have teamed up to implement an impactful mental health campaign, in Batam, Indonesia – at the project fabrication site for the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG energy development. This campaign forms part of a larger program known as ‘Five Star HSSE Program’. Anchored as one of its five key pillars, the mental health element of the program is being championed by senior leadership from both organisations. While mental health awareness is already broadly addressed at the project’s headquarters in Australia, the program’s primary focus has been at the project fabrication site – McDermott’s Batam Fabrication Yard. The program aims to support the mental health and well-being of all yard employees, taking into consideration that statistically construction workers tend to be more susceptible to mental stress. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
“So I know how to do this”
Authors: Reijven Menno H.
Published: June 2024

Debates are important events during presidential elections in the U.S.A. Candidates are juxtaposed and engage with
each other on a wide range of issues. This poses the question how disagreement between the two candidates and the public is
managed. The aim of this paper is to articulate the prototypical argumentative pattern used by candidates which shows that to
defend that the public should vote for them, candidates recurringly make three central claims. Specifically, they claim that some
political action has to happen, they will do that action if elected, while their opponent will not. This basic argument scheme –
which could be referred to as campaign promise argumentation – is further expanded by candidates by responding to six distinct
critical questions, resulting in a prototypical argumentative pattern designed to deal with potential criticisms against a bid to
become president.
Nonreciprocal Photon Blockade Based on Zeeman Splittings Induced by a Fictitious Magnetic Field
Authors: Su 苏 Xin 欣 , Jin 金 Biao-Bing 飚兵 , Tang 唐 Jiang-Shan 江山 , Xia 夏 Keyu 可宇
Published: June 2024

Quantum nonreciprocity, such as nonreciprocal photon blockade, has attracted a great deal of attention due to its unique applications in quantum information processing. Its implementation primarily relies on rotating nonlinear systems, based on the Sagnac effect. Here, we propose an all-optical approach to achieve nonreciprocal photon blockade in an on-chip microring resonator coupled to a V-type Rb atom, which arises from the Zeeman splittings of the atomic hyperfine sublevels induced by the fictitious magnetic field of a circularly polarized control laser. The system manifests single-photon blockade or multi-photon tunneling when driven from opposite directions. This nonreciprocity results from the directional detunings between the countercirculating probe fields and the V-type atom, which does not require the mechanical rotation and facilitates integration. Our work opens up a new route to achieve on-chip integrable quantum nonreciprocity, enabling applications in chiral quantum technologies.
Robust and Tunable Ferroelectricity in Ba/Co Codoped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Liu 刘 Jiaxun 佳讯 , Zha 查 Jielin 节林 , Yang 杨 Yulong 玉龙 , Lu 吕 Xiaomei 笑梅 , Hu 胡 Xueli 雪莉 , Yan 阎 Shuo 朔 , Wu 吴 Zijing 子敬 , Huang 黄 Fengzhen 凤珍
Published: June 2024

The 0.98(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-0.02Ba(Nb0.5Co0.5)O3–δ
ceramics with doped Ba2+ and Co2+ ions are fabricated, and the impacts of the thermal process are studied. Compared with the rapidly cooled (RC) sample, the slowly cooled (SC) sample possesses superior dielectric and ferroelectric properties, and an 11 K higher ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature, which can be attributed to the structural characteristics such as the grain size and the degree of anisotropy. Heat treatment can reversibly modulate the content of the oxygen vacancies, and in turn the ferroelectric hysteresis loops of the samples. Finally, robust and tunable ferroelectric property is achieved in SC samples with good structural integrity.
Solving, tracking and stopping streaming linear inverse problems
Authors: Pritchard Nathaniel , Patel Vivak
Published: June 2024

In large-scale applications including medical imaging, collocation differential equation solvers, and estimation with differential privacy, the underlying linear inverse problem can be reformulated as a streaming problem. In theory, the streaming problem can be effectively solved using memory-efficient, exponentially-converging streaming solvers. In special cases when the underlying linear inverse problem is finite-dimensional, streaming solvers can periodically evaluate the residual norm at a substantial computational cost. When the underlying system is infinite dimensional, streaming solver can only access noisy estimates of the residual. While such noisy estimates are computationally efficient, they are useful only when their accuracy is known. In this work, we rigorously develop a general family of computationally-practical residual estimators and their uncertainty sets for streaming solvers, and we demonstrate the accuracy of our methods on a number of large-scale linear problems. Thus, we further enable the practical use of streaming solvers for important classes of linear inverse problems.
X-ray study on the core collapse supernova 2008ax using XMM-Newton and Swift/XRT
Authors: Fouad Ahmed M , Shehata SH M , Pawar Devraj D , Awad Zainab , Takey Ali , Dwidar Hany
Published: June 2024

We studied the x-ray evolution of the core collapse, Type IIb, supernova SN 2008ax. In addition to the four Swift/XRT observations previously published, we included, for the first time, two observations from XMM-NEWTON to our analysis that have not been published before. By focusing on the early observations of the SN 2008ax, we were able to explore the time evolution of both x-ray luminosity (Lx) and temperature (Tx) during the radiative phase. The analysis showed that the evolution of Lx and Tx can be expressed as a power law as Lx ∝ t −0.87 and Tx ∝ t −0.46, respectively. Based on the observed x-ray luminosity, we estimated the mass-loss rate (

M

̇

) for the progenitor star to be approximately 0.64 ± 0.15 × 10−5 M⊙ yr −1, for a wind velocity of 10 km s−1. This finding is in good agreement with the previous studies.
Sub-megahertz compact self-pulsed Raman laser
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Ye , He Hongsen , Dong Jun
Published: June 2024

Broadband self-pulsed Raman laser operating at sub-megahertz (sub-MHz) has been widely used in optical sensing, high-spectral-resolution lidar, frequency-division multiplexing, and optical communication. However, it is a big challenge for achieving stable self-pulsed Raman laser oscillation in a wide pump power range. Here, we construct a compact Yb:YAG/YVO4 Raman laser for generating broadband self-pulsed laser operating at high repetition rate. The effects of cavity length (LC) and Raman crystal length (LR) on the performance of self-pulsed Raman laser have been investigated. By utilizing a 1.5 mm-thick YVO4 crystal as a Raman crystal, the repetition rate increases dramatically from 62 to 280 kHz when the LC decreases from 10 to 4 mm. Meanwhile, the pulse width of 0.66 μs and peak power of 1.1 W are achieved for the self-pulsed Raman laser with LC = 4 mm. For the 4 mm-long Raman laser cavity constructed with a 2 mm-thick YVO4 crystal, the pump power range enable for self-pulsed Raman laser oscillation extends from 1.8 to 3.9 W, the repetition rate has been further increased from 258 to 467 kHz. While the peak power and pulse width are 0.6 W and 0.98 μs, respectively. The Yb:YAG/YVO4 self-pulsed Raman laser oscillates in broadband multi-longitudinal-mode, the spectral bandwidth is 27.4 nm covering from 1051.1 to 1078.5 nm. Utilization of a tilted 2 mm-thick YVO4 crystal as output coupler to construct compact Yb:YAG/YVO4 self-pulsed Raman laser dramatically expands the pump power range for generating high repetition rate self-pulsed Raman laser. Sub-MHz self-pulsed Raman lasers with a wide spectral bandwidth have potential applications in materials processing, quantum information processing, and optical communications.
C-doped MoSeTe for SO2, H2S, Cl2 gas sensing study based on first-principles
Authors: Zhong Yifei , Pang Jianhua , Wei Guang , Wang Kuanyi , Wei Songrui
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the feasibility of C-doped MoSeTe and the adsorption properties of several common toxic gases (SO2, H2S, Cl2) on Janus MoSeTe and both side of MoSeTe-C monolayers were systematically investigated based on first-principle theoretical calculations. The results show that the MoSeTe-C monolayers has only weak interaction with H2S, and the adsorption energies of SO2 and Cl2 are reduced to −0.547, −0.427 and −0.470, −0.475 eV on the Se/Te side, respectively, compared with that of the Janus MoSeTe monolayers . In addition, due to the high sensitivity of MoSeTe-C monolayers to SO2 and Cl2 adsorption, the bandgaps of the developed systems are reduced by 37.9%, 36.4% and 44.3%, 53.2% on both sides, respectively. The results are critical to manifest the favorable sensing potential of MoSeTe-C monolayer upon SO2 and Cl2, shedding light on the further explorations on MoSeTe-based materials for gas adsorption, catalytic and sensing applications.
The high energy spaceborne all-solid-state lasers based on fluid-loop cooling system
Authors: Song Tieqiang , Wan Yuan , Zhang Xin , Meng Jie , Liu Jiqiao , Zang Huaguo , Liu Chunlai , Fang Su , Hou Xia , Chen Weibiao
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate a 532.2 nm high-power all-solid-state pulse laser with a repetition rate of 85 Hz, a single pulse energy of 215.8 mJ. The lasers spot size is (3.8, 3.6) mm, and the divergence angle is (0.57, 0.69) mrad. The stable working state of this laser last for 402 s and the pointing stability of the output beam is better than 50 μrad. A fluid loop system based on phase-change energy-storage heat exchanger is designed in this paper in order to solve several key problems induced by the heat dissipation. The laser is working normally in orbit, and it lays the foundation for the development of spaceborne all solid-state laser with high-energy, high-repetition rate.
Precipitation-induced abrupt decrease of Siberian wildfire in summer 2022 under continued warming
Authors: Cho Yeonsoo , Yoon Jin-Ho , Jeong Jee-Hoon , Kug Jong-Seong , Kim Baek-Min , Kim Hyungjun , Park Rokjin J , Kim Sang-Woo
Published: June 2024

Wildfires in Northeast (NE) Siberia have become more frequent owing to the warming climate, exerting a profound impact on the global carbon cycle. While an increase in global temperature is recognized as a primary driver of unprecedented wildfires, the role of precipitation during wildfire season is relatively unexplored. Here, we present evidence that an increase in summer precipitation led to a sudden decrease in NE Siberian wildfires, especially in 2022, notwithstanding the persistent warming trend in the northern high latitudes. The interannual variability of summer precipitation, linked to the large-scale atmospheric circulation, known as the Scandinavia (SCAND) pattern, significantly impacts the regulation of wildfires. Climate models project enhanced variability in summer precipitation, potentially amplifying year-to-year fluctuations in wildfire occurrences. The interplay between the temperature and precipitation patterns in NE Siberia under ongoing warming may increase the occurrence of extreme wildfires, leading to a substantial release of carbon and further contributing to climate warming.
Water resource management and land tenure on allotted and tribal lands
Authors: Bulltail Grace
Published: June 2024

Historical land tenure policies often prevent tribal members from accessing and managing resources on lands to which they hold allotment titles. Tribal trust landowners continue to experience challenges in applying long-contested water resource rights for beneficial use on their land. This study examines the relationship between land tenure and water resource management in tribal lands. Conflicts arising from diverse land ownership types and the implications of water rights management of tribal trust and non-tribal assets are analyzed. Watershed analyses of landownership types are performed to provide a comprehensive picture of the extent of tribal control and management of water resources. These analyses provide an estimate of land within the reservation boundary not controlled by the tribe, thus highlighting the restrictions that such land presents for tribal resource management. To further detail the potential impact of these restrictions, the land tenure of the tribal land base is outlined, including the percentage of tribal trust, fee, or non-trust land types, with the goal of specifically addressing the potential limitations on water resource usage for allottee landowners on Crow tribal lands. Using highly fractionated lands as a proxy for idle lands, 33% of tribal trust lands were estimated to be precluded from water resource management. The convergence of large-fee land and fractionated idle land is identified as alienated land. The primary waterway basins consist of over 60% fee and idle land as alienated land. Fee and non-trust lands are subject to state control over water rights, and the reserved rights associated with idle allotted land are inaccessible to the tribal management authority. This leaves allottee landowners unable to use and manage their land and related water resources. The key to effectively managing tribal water resources is to ensure that all landowners have the means to participate in resource management.
Effect of pulse electroplating parameters on the morphology and corrosion resistance of Ag plating coating
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Li Qiu , Sun De , Ye Xin , Yi Xiaolong , Fang Wei , Luo Zhitao
Published: June 2024

Pulse electroplating technology has the characteristics of fine grain and good corrosion resistance. In order to ensure the good application of electroplated silver cone cavity in solar radiation detector. The effects of three process parameters, including average current density (0.4–1 A dm−2), pulse on-time (0.2–1.8 ms) and pulse off-time (0.8–4.8 ms), on the deposition rate, appearance and corrosion resistance of silver coating were studied by control variates. The surface morphology and composition of silver coatings were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser confocal microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX). The corrosion resistance of silver coating in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

(
p
H
=
5.5
)

was studied by polarisation curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that pulse electroplating takes advantage of the dynamic change of current to influence the size of deposited particles and the degree of densification of the coating by precisely adjusting the pulse plating parameters, and ultimately obtains the coating with excellent morphology. The optimal parameters are: average current density 0.6 A dm−2, pulse on-time 1.2 ms, pulse off-time 1.8 ms. The silver coating prepared under process conditions has excellent corrosion resistance (7059 Ω cm−2). The surface crystal grain is dense, without obvious defects.
Effect of bionic texture on the lubrication efficiency and mechanical efficiency loss for rotating gears
Authors: Zhang Ziqiang , Li Junye , Zou Tiangang , Hou Wei , An Yuanyuan , Liu Jianhe
Published: June 2024

In order to enhance lubrication effectiveness and transmission efficiency in gear transmission, it is imperative to minimize mechanical efficiency losses and frictional wear of the gears during the lubrication process. This paper proposes a bionic design scheme for the tooth surface structure of gears based on the surface texture of bay scallop shells, considering the operational conditions within the gearbox. Firstly, the microstructure of the bay scallop shell surface is analyzed, and a bionic gear mapping model based on the bay scallop shell surface is established. Meanwhile, the oil coverage rate and convective heat transfer coefficient of gear surfaces with different textures was analyzed using finite element analysis. The results showed that the oil coverage rate of gear tooth surfaces with bionic fringes surpassed that of conventional gear lubrication. Thirdly, based on the jet lubrication test calculation, it is proposed that the bionic gear exhibits a lower mechanical efficiency loss and wear mass compared to conventional gears, while the mechanical efficiency loss and wear mass of arc groove gear type lower than that of vertical groove gears. Finally, the optimal structure of the arc groove gear was predicted through orthogonal data analysis, and the validity of the data prediction was verified through experiments and simulations. The optimal combination of texture parameters for the arc groove gear is as follows: a texture depth of 225 μm, a texture width of 275 μm, a texture interval of 275 μm, and a texture length of 1600 μm. As a result, compared with the conventional gear, the lubrication efficiency of the optimized gear is increased by 41.98%, heat dissipation efficiency increased by 32.21%, and mechanical efficiency loss is decreased by 89.39%, the wear mass is reduced by 74.33%.
A mechanically robust superhydrophobic conductive coating based on amino-epoxy reaction
Authors: Bao Senbuer , Chen Qizhi , Shi Wenjiang , Wang Peng , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Shuwei , Wang Lixin , Zou Deyuan , Dong Shuai , Meng Fanxing , Zhao Jiawu , Xiang Shujun , Wang Peng
Published: June 2024

The physical mixing of inorganic fillers and a polymer matrix is a common method for constructing superhydrophobic coatings. Nevertheless, the interface bonding strength between the polymer and nanofiller was weak. The construction of interacting covalent bonds is a potential solution. In this study, carbon nanotubes were modified by aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and fluorosilane, and the reaction between the amino groups in APTES and -NCO(curing agent N3390) improved the bonding strength. Thus, the coatings maintained superhydrophobicity even after 260 abrasion cycles, 200 tape-peeling cycles, 18-day heat treatment, and acid/alkali attack. Furthermore, the corrosion current density could be reduced by three orders of magnitude compared with that of bare steel.
Sticky materials un-stick themselves in jumps
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: June 2024

Researchers in Germany and the US have found a new explanation for why soft solids stick to surfaces easily but are difficult to remove.
New measurements hint at Majorana fermions
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: June 2024

Researchers say they have found evidence for the existence of Majorana fermions in the thermodynamic behaviour of a Kitaev magnet, as Isabelle Dumé reports.
Peter Higgs dies aged 94
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: June 2024

The Nobel-prize-winning particle theorist was as elusive as the particle that now bears his name, as Michael Banks reports
US astronomers slam cuts to Chandra X-ray Observatory
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: June 2024

X-ray astronomers in the US have begun a campaign to save the Chandra X-ray Observatory from budget cuts that would effectively end the mission.
Electron-ion collider hits milestone
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: June 2024

The US Department of Energy has given the green light for the next stage of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).
Quantum advantage
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: June 2024

Welcome to this special issue on quantum physics – both fundamental and applied.
X-ceedingly good
Authors: Bradfield Philip
Published: June 2024

A response to the April feature on radio astronomy by Emma Chapman, who claimed that “radio astronomer” is a curious phrase as scientists rarely attach themselves to particular wavelengths.
Painful memory
Authors: Adams Bob
Published: June 2024

A response to the April Lateral Thoughts article by Andrew Ferguson, who looked at the history of George Kaye and Thomas Laby’s Tables of Physical and Chemical Constants.
Entangled entities
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: June 2024

Philip Ball reviews Quantum Drama: From the Bohr-Einstein Debate to the Riddle of Entanglement by Jim Baggott and John L Heilbron.
Origin of life explained with physics
Authors: Malone Claire
Published: June 2024

Claire Malone reviews Molecular Storms: the Physics of Stars, Cells and the Origin of Life by Liam Graham.
Tackling England’s physics teacher shortage
Authors: Skipper Katherine
Published: June 2024

The shortage of physics teachers in England has led the government to set up a new apprenticeship scheme that it hopes will help encourage more people into the profession. But with high workloads and low pay causing many teachers to quit, Katherine Skipper asks if this latest scheme will be enough to fix the issue.
Frequency stability study of energy storage participation in new energy power system using virtual synchronous machine control
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Jing , Rong Hualiang
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the frequency stability of the power system under the increasing proportion of new energy sources, the study adopts the virtual synchronous machine-based energy storage adaptive control strategy and the frequency response model of the new power system. The energy storage adaptive control strategy coordinates the control of the battery’s charging state and the grid operation state by monitoring the grid operation parameters and the battery operation state in real time, so as to calculate the commanded power of the grid-connected converter. The results show that the system stability of adaptive virtual synchronization control improves when the electric transmission power increases from 205 to 510, while the system stability of virtual synchronization control decreases. The extended SFR model possesses excellent frequency matching ability when the new energy penetration rate is 8.497% and 15.66%. Virtual synchronous energy storage control strategy and the power system frequency response model can effectively predict and control the system frequency change to improve system stability under the increasing penetration rate of new energy.
Properties of PS-modified asphaltic concrete containing waste RHA and de-silted sand
Authors: Ewa Desmond E , Etika Anderson A , Egbe Enang A
Published: June 2024

This research evaluated the impact of incorporating waste polystyrene (PS) in bitumen-binder modification for sustainable asphalt, with replacement levels ranging from 5% to 50% by weight. Rice husk ash (RHA) was used as a filler, and de-silted sand served as the fine aggregate, while crushed granite was employed as the coarse aggregate. Various tests, including penetration, viscosity, flash point, fire point, specific gravity, ductility, and the Marshall stability test, were conducted on the asphalt binder. The modified binder's penetration, ductility, viscosity, and specific gravity decreased with increasing PS content, whereas the flash and fire points increased. Stability testing showed that at 10% PS content, the asphalt had properties suitable for heavy traffic (wearing course), with stability, flow, density, air voids, voids in mineral aggregates (VMA), and voids filled with bitumen (VFB) values of 6825 N, 3.33 mm, 2.362 g cm−3, 4.52%, 18.21%, and 75.18%, respectively. Within the 15%–45% PS content range, the modified asphalt met the criteria for medium traffic (binder course). FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of PS-modified asphalt, revealing the encapsulation of PS microspheres on the binder’s surface, forming a composite network structure in the asphalt. The study concluded that this modified asphalt, derived from waste materials, could be effectively utilized in constructing asphalt pavement courses. These findings indicate the potential for the developed modified asphalt to serve as an economical road surfacing material while addressing pollution and environmental concerns associated with waste.
The future extreme precipitation systems of orographically locked diurnal convection: the benefits of using large-eddy simulation ensembles
Authors: Chen Wei-Ting , Chang Yu-Hung , Wu Chien-Ming , Huang Huai-Yi
Published: June 2024

The precipitation hotspot of the orographically locked convection highly depends on the interactions among physical processes governing local energetics and cloud dynamics. Accurately estimating the future change of these hotspots will require a model with sufficient spatial resolution as well as an appropriate representation of the critical physical processes. In this study, ensembles of TaiwanVVM large-eddy simulations (Δx = 500 m) were designed to capture the summertime diurnal convection in Taiwan when local circulation dominates. The precipitation hotspots identified by long-term observations are well represented by the present-day ensemble simulations with appropriate environment variabilities. A pseudo global warming experiment is carried out to identify changes in convective structures, which results in local rainfall changes. Under the scenario of 3 K uniform warming with conserved relative humidity, the changes in the thermodynamic environment feature an overall higher convective available potential energy and a small decrease in convective inhibition (CIN), owing to the marked increase in low-level water vapor in the marine boundary layer. The results show that mean precipitation and the occurrence of extreme convective systems (ECSs) increase, with hotspots over mountains expanding toward the foothills and plains. The response in cloud dynamics leads to more short-duration, intense rainfall events. The tracking of ECSs with maximum rainfall exceeding 100 mm h−1 reveals more numerous short-lived ECSs (lifetime <6 h) and the enhancements in maximum updrafts by ∼10 m s−1, in cloud top heights by ∼1 km, and in the volume of cloud objects by ∼1.5 folds. These sets of high-resolution simulations under the specific weather regime offer critical information for assessing the potential impacts of the future changes of extreme rainfall contributed by the orographically locked diurnal convection on natural disasters and water resources.
Emotional Distress and Physical Activity Engagement in U.S. Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bamonti Patricia M , Rose Grace A , Park Stella , Silberbogen Amy K , Moye Jennifer , Moy Marilyn L
Published: June 2024

Background

Physical activity is recommended as part of guideline-based care for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at all stages of the disease. However, physical activity interventions are less effective in individuals with co-occurring emotional distress (i.e., depression and/or anxiety symptoms). Interventions that dually promote improved physical and mental health in COPD are needed. The first step for intervention development is understanding individuals’ experience of these factors.

Purpose

To understand the experience of emotional distress in U.S. Veterans diagnosed with COPD and to explore how emotional distress impacts physical activity engagement.

Methods

Structured interviews informed by the cognitive and behavioral models of psychopathology were conducted with 29 United States Veterans with COPD (89.66% male, age 67.72 ± 6.55 years, 93.10% White) at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Three major themes encapsulating 17 codes emerged through thematic analysis: (i) the experience of emotional distress in Veterans with COPD; (ii) the complex relationship between emotional distress, physical activity engagement, and COPD; (iii) contextual and personal factors.

Conclusions

Veterans’ interpretation of their COPD symptoms as unpredictable and uncontrollable and COPD-related physical limitations influenced their experience of emotional distress, while the experience of emotional distress both promoted and deterred physical activity engagement. Veterans were motivated to engage in physical activity despite experiencing emotional distress when they faced a responsibility in daily life. They identified motivational strategies and self-regulation techniques to manage emotional distress and to foster physical activity.
Daily heat and mortality among people experiencing homelessness in 2 urban US counties, 2015-2022
Authors: Lin Zihan , Weinberger Emma , Nori-Sarma Amruta , Chinchilla Melissa , Wellenius Gregory A , Jay Jonathan
Published: June 2024

High and low daily ambient temperatures are associated with higher mortality in the general population. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are thought to be particularly vulnerable, but there is almost no direct evidence available. We examined the temperature-mortality association among PEH in 2 populous, urban counties in hot-climate regions of the United States, focusing on heat effects. Study setting was Los Angeles County, CA, and Clark County, NV, which encompass the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, respectively. Outcomes were 2015-2022 deaths among decedents categorized as homeless in county administrative records. We used quasi-Poisson distributed lag nonlinear models to estimate the association of mortality with daily temperatures and with 7-day lagged temperatures, adjusting for day of week, seasonality, and long-term trends. We estimated the minimum mortality temperature and fraction of mortality attributable to temperatures above and below minimum mortality temperature. The association between daily temperature and PEH mortality was skewed towards greater risk at higher temperatures, especially in Clark County. Temperature-attributable mortality equaled 50.1% of deaths in Clark County (95% CI, 29.0-62.8) and 7.0% in Los Angeles County (95% CI, 1.4-12.1). In both counties, most temperature-attributable deaths were attributable to heat rather than cold. In these hot-climate urban counties, our estimates of heat-attributable mortality among PEH were orders of magnitude greater than those reported in prior research on the general population. These results indicate that temperature vulnerability, particularly heat vulnerability, requires stronger public health and policy responses.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Associations between flood risk and US Census tract–level health outcomes
Authors: Sheng Alvin , Reich Brian J , Messier Kyle P
Published: June 2024

Human-induced climate change has led to more frequent and severe flooding around the globe. We examined the association between flood risk and the prevalence of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and poor mental health in the United States, while taking into account different levels of social vulnerability. We aggregated flood risk variables from First Street Foundation data by census tract and used principal component analysis to derive a set of 5 interpretable flood risk factors. The dependent variables were census-tract level disease prevalences generated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bayesian spatial conditional autoregressive models were fit on these data to quantify the relationship between flood risk and health outcomes under different stratifications of social vulnerability. We show that 3 flood risk principal components had small but significant associations with each of the health outcomes across the different stratifications of social vulnerability. Our analysis gives, to our knowledge, the first United States–wide estimates of the associated effects of flood risk on specific health outcomes. We also show that social vulnerability is an important moderator of the relationship between flood risk and health outcomes. Our approach can be extended to other ecological studies that examine the health impacts of climate hazards.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
The emergence of circulating activated autoreactive desmoglein 3-specific follicular regulatory T cells is associated with long-term efficacy of rituximab in patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Hébert Vivien , Novarino Julien , Maho-Vaillant Maud , Perals Corine , Calbo Sébastien , Golinski Marie-Laure , Martinez Fanny , Joly Pascal , Fazilleau Nicolas
Published: June 2024

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is characterized by autoantibodies targeting keratinocyte adhesion proteins desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3, and by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) predisposition allele HLA-DRB1*0402. Treatment using rituximab (RTX) combined with short-term corticosteroids (CS) allows disease control and long-lasting remission.

Objectives

The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of RTX on the circulating subpopulations of Dsg3-specific T lymphocytes that specifically regulate B-cell responses: follicular helper T (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) lymphocytes.

Methods

Using the HLA-DRB1*0402 tetramer loaded with the Dsg3 immunodominant peptide, we used flow cytometry to analyse the frequency, polarization and activation status of blood Dsg3-specific follicular T-cell populations at baseline, month (M) 6 and long-term follow-up (M60–90) from patients with PV.

Results

At baseline, we observed a predominance of Tfh1* and Tfh17 subsets and an underrepresentation of the Tfh2 subset among autoreactive Dsg3-specific Tfh cells compared with nonautoreactive Tfh cells. RTX treatment induced a decrease of autoreactive Tfh cells with no effect on their polarization during follow-up. In parallel, we observed the emergence of a Dsg3-specific Tfr subpopulation with a significant overexpression of the surface activation markers PD1, ICOS and CD25 that was not observed at the surface of autoreactive Tfh and nonautoreactive Tfr cells of the same patients with PV. In contrast, very few Dsg3-specific Tfr cells were observed in patients with PV who were treated with CS alone.

Conclusions

Here we show that the emergence of circulating autoreactive Dsg3-specific Tfr cells is associated with the long-term efficacy of RTX in patients with PV.

Graphical Abstract