bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH-sensitive and redox-responsive poly(tetraethylene glycol) nanoparticle-based platform for cancer treatment
Authors: Sun Qian , Kong Nuocheng , Zhao Hanqing , Zhang Xianwen , Tao Qimeng , Jiang Hao , Xuan Aili , Li Xianming
Published: September 2024

Effective drug delivery with precise tumour targeting is crucial for cancer treatment. To address the challenges posed by the specificity and complexity of the tumour microenvironment, we developed a poly(tetraethylene glycol)-based disulfide nanoparticle (NP) platform and explored its potential in cancer treatment, focusing on drug loading and controlled release performance. Poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs were characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, we evaluated physicochemical properties, including dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, drug loading capacity (DLC), and drug loading efficiency (DLE). The impact of NPs on the mouse colorectal cancer cell line (CT26) and NIH3T3 cells was assessed using a cytotoxicity assay, live/dead staining assay, flow cytometry, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The experimental results align with the expected chemical structure and physicochemical properties of poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs. These NPs exhibit high DLE (78.7%) and DLC (12%), with minimal changes in particle size over time in different media. In vitro experiments revealed that the NPs can induce significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis in CT26 cells. Cellular uptake notably increases with increasing concentration and exposure time. The confocal microscopic analysis confirmed the effective distribution and accumulation of NPs within cells. In conclusion, poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs hold promise for improving drug-delivery efficiency, offering potential advancements in cancer treatment.
Multi-diagnostic of dust growth in a capacitive Ar/C2H2 plasma
Authors: Peláez R J , Jiménez-Redondo M , Maté B , Herrero V J , Tanarro I
Published: September 2024

The interest in the production of nanoparticles (NPs) within Ar/C2H2 reactive plasmas is increasing, driven by their potential applications in functional materials or for their analogy to cosmic dust. The growth process of NPs has been thoroughly examined using a broad array of diagnostic tools. Significant among these tools are those that determine two-dimensional distributions of NP sizes and densities. The inherent complexity of these techniques has resulted in a limited number of works that integrate these measurements with a multitude of other diagnostic tools. Here, we show a multi-diagnostic exploration of the growing process of NPs in Ar/C2H2 plasmas. The combination of in-situ techniques, such as scattered light images, optical emission spectroscopy, light extinction, quadrupole mass signals, or self-bias voltage, with ex-situ scanning electron microscopy images and FTIR spectra of the deposited dust, provides a detailed picture of the growth process. The temporal evolution of plasma parameters, coupled with chemical composition measurements, provides a comprehensive description of the dust growth phases, and the FTIR measurements reveal an appreciable difference in chemical composition between the core and shell of the NPs. Furthermore, employing a method based on the terminal falling velocity of NPs in the afterglow, the intrinsic mass density of NPs is estimated. The asymmetries observed in the spatial distributions of NP size and density are qualitatively discussed in terms of neutral drag, ion drag, and electrostatic forces.
Ion velocity separation mechanism during vacuum spark stage
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Zhang Hantian , Sun Qiang , Yang Wei , Wang Ziming , Liu Zhaohui , Dong Ye , Zhou Qianhong
Published: September 2024

Supersonic ion jets produced in vacuum arc discharges have a wide range of applications, where precise control of ion kinetic energy is crucial. However, a comprehensive understanding of the ion acceleration mechanism remains elusive, particularly regarding whether there is ion velocity separation in the vacuum spark stage. In this paper, a 1D spherical implicit particle-in-cell (PIC) with Monte Carlo collision (MCC) model is employed to investigate the ion velocity separation in multi-charged vacuum arc plasma with varying electrode bias voltages and plasma ion densities. The results show that ion kinetic energy can reach hundreds of electron volts due to continuous acceleration by the formed potential valley, which leads to ion velocity separation at low electrode bias voltage or low plasma density. An increasing electrode bias voltage flattens the potential valley, reducing the electric field acceleration. While increasing the plasma density deepens the valley and intensifies Coulomb collisions, resulting in nearly-equal velocities across ions in different charge states. These findings can theoretically explain the discrepancies observed in previous experiments regarding the dependence of the ion velocity on its charge state during the vacuum spark stage.
Cross sections for electron scattering from atomic gallium
Authors: Banks Joel , Bray Igor , Fursa Dmitry V
Published: September 2024

The relativistic convergent close-coupling method was applied to calculate cross sections for electron scattering on atomic gallium. The integrated and momentum-transfer cross sections for elastic scattering are presented from the

4

s
2

4
p

4P

1
/
2
,
3
/
2

electronic states for incident energies between 0.03 eV and 1000 eV. Integrated excitation cross sections are also presented from these initial states to the

4

s
2

4
[
d
,
f
]

,

4

s
2

5
[
s
,
p
,
d
]

,

4

s
2

6
[
s
,
p
]

and

4

s
2

7
s

manifolds, as well as cross sections for excitation of the

4

s
2

4
p

2P

1
/
2

state to the

4

s
2

4
p

2P

3
/
2

state. Estimates were presented for the total single ionisation cross section and total cross section for scattering on gallium in the

4

s
2

4
p

2P

1
/
2
,
3
/
2

states, including direct ionisation from the 4p, 4s and 3d electrons, and excitation-autoionisation contributions from the 4s and 3d electrons. The estimated total single ionisation cross section was found to agree well with existing experimental data.
Design of HTS linear phase bandpass filter based on the inline topology
Authors: Zheng Qibin , Xu Kang , Zhou Weikang , Huang Chengdong , Xia Bin , Zhang Tianliang , Zhou Liguo
Published: September 2024

Inline topology filters have the advantages of a simple structure and fewer coupling coefficients. Based on the inline topology, this paper constructs a phase compensation topology of the filter, which can independently and controllably introduce two types of transmission zeros (TZs), and is convenient to realize the Chebyshev-like function response and compensate group delay (GD). The finite frequency TZ is directly introduced through the source and load, and the real zero point is introduced and adjusted through the cross-coupling unit of the main path in this inline phase compensation topology. The two types of TZs can be introduced and regulated independently, so the side-band suppression and GD compensation can be freely adjusted. A high-temperature superconducting filter with inline is designed and processed with a typical structure based on application requirements. The filter introduces two pairs of symmetrical real TZs to improve sideband rejection and a pair of real TZs to control GD to realize the linear phase. In addition, it has a small size and straightforward construction, and the results of the full-wave analysis method and the theoretical analysis approach match well with the measured results of the frequency response characteristics.
Effect of substrate temperature on the growth mechanism of FeSe superconducting films
Authors: He Ya-Xun , Zhang Jia-Ying , He Tian , Chen Yuan-Qiao , Kang Bao-Juan , Ge Jun-Yi
Published: September 2024

Among all the iron-based superconductors, Fe-chalcogenides (Fe-Ch) possess the advantages of simple structure, non-toxicity, low anisotropy and the potential for high-field applications. One of the most effective methods for preparing Fe-Ch films is pulsed laser deposition (PLD). However, high quality film growth is challenged by the significant volatility difference between the iron and chalcogens (S, Se, Te), which affects stoichiometric transfer from target to substrate and subsequently impacts superconductivity. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between the growth mechanism and preparation conditions of Fe-Ch films, particularly in explaining chalcogen volatility during deposition. Technically, PLD offers various adjustable parameters, among which the substrate temperature (T
s) is the most critical one affecting film quality. It governs particle behavior on the substrate including adsorption, diffusion, bonding reactions, crystallization processes while also strongly affecting volatilization rates. In this study, we fabricated a series of FeSe films using PLD at different T
s ranging from 25 °C to 750 °C.We reveal in detail the impact of competitive processes between Se volatilization and reactive crystallization of Fe/Se on film quality. The optimal film was obtained at

T

s

=
500

 

∘

C with a composition ratio of Fe1.01Se. We also investigate the correlations between T
s and film crystallinity, surface morphology, along with their influence on superconductivity. Additionally, the pinning mechanism in FeSe film grown at the optimal T
s was briefly analyzed. Our results provide reliable experimental evidence regarding the growth mechanism of FeSe films while revealing comprehensive insights into how T
s affects both film quality and performance.
Hamilton energy, competitive modes and ultimate bound estimation of a new 3D chaotic system, and its application in chaos synchronization
Authors: Khan Ayub , Ali Shadab , Khan Arshad
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses the dynamical behavior of a new 3D chaotic system of integer and fractional order. To get a comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics of the proposed system, we have studied competitive modes and Hamilton energy for different parameter values. In order to get the ultimate bound set for the proposed system, we employed the Lagrange coefficient approach to solve the optimization problem. We have also explored the use of the bound set in synchronization. Furthermore, we have examined the Hamilton energy, time series, bifurcation diagrams, and Lyapunov exponents for the fractional version of the proposed chaotic system. Finally, we looked at the Mittage-Leffler positive invariant sets and global attractive sets by merging the Lyapunov function approach with the Mittage-Leffler function. Numerical simulations have shown the obtained bound sets and other analytical outcomes.
Improvement of the hydrogen evolution reaction and photocatalyst activity of ZiF-8 coated with RGO
Authors: Sleem Hadeer , Othman Ismail M M , Gad-Elkareem Mohamed A M , Saad M , Aboraia Abdelaziz M
Published: September 2024

The need for sustainable energy production is critical because of the considerable impact on the environment associated with the use of fossil fuels. In this study, we examine the physicochemical properties, photocatalytic performance, and electrochemical hydrogen evaluation of ZiF-8 coated with RGO, which were prepared using the ultrasonication method. All samples were examined with x-ray diffraction and exhibited a cubic phase. With an increase in RGO concentrations, the direct optical bandgap transition experienced a decline from 5.6 to 3.62 eV. As the concentration of RGO increased, a higher quantity of RGO was added resulting in the formation of a single layer of amorphous RGO on the surface. This layer of amorphous RGO played a key role in enhancing the electronic conductivity of the samples. The RGO coating effect on the photocatalytic performance since the efficiency of dye removal increased from 67% to 99% in 120 minutes. ZiF-8 combined with 8% RGO (ZiF-8@8%RGO) has a noticeably smaller arc radius compared to pure ZIF-8 and ZIF-8 with 4% RGO. The pure ZiF-8 is a typical n-type semiconductor. The ZiF-8@8%RGO demonstrated the highest rate of hydrogen evolution. These results suggest the feasibility of using ZiF-8@8%RGO for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.
Laser-synthesized TiN-based nanoparticles as novel efficient electrostatic nanosorbent for environmental water cleaning
Authors: Syuy Alexander V , Martynov Ilya V , Zavidovskiy Ilya A , Dyubo Dmitry V , Sun Qingjiang , Yang Xi , Tikhonowski Gleb V , Tselikov Daniil I , Savinov Maxim S , Sozaev Islam V , Popov Anton A , Klimentov Sergey M , Tselikov Gleb I , Volkov Valentyn S , Novikov Sergey M , Arsenin Aleksey V , Zhao Xiangwei , Kabashin Andrei V
Published: September 2024

Dyes used in industries such as textile, paper, and leather are known to be harmful to both human health and aquatic ecosystems, which makes critically important the search of effective and sustainable methods for their removal from wastewater in order to mitigate the detrimental pollution effects. Here, we show that titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiN NPs) synthesized by scalable methods of pulsed laser ablation in liquid ambient (water, acetone and acetonitrile) can serve as extremely efficient sorbents for water decontamination from dye molecules (methylene blue, crystal violet, and malachite green). Our tests show that adsorption of TiN NPs is associated with the electrostatic effect due to a strong negative charge of laser-synthesized TiN NPs and the presence of pores in the NPs. Comprehensive characterization using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, along with Raman spectroscopy, evidenced that the appearance of surface charge is related to the formation of under-stoichiometric TiN (TiN1−x), associated with the predominance of nitrogen vacancies. This study identifies an optimal configuration of vacancy defects that maximizes dye adsorption, with TiN NPs synthesized in water exhibiting superior performance, achieving a dye sorption capacity of 136.5 mg g−1 at room temperature for methylene blue, which corresponds to best earlier reported values for nanomaterials. This study not only extends the utility of TiN NPs to environmental remediation but also highlights the critical influence of synthesis conditions on their functional properties, offering a pathway towards the design of more effective materials for pollution control.
Eluding Zeno effect via dephasing and detuning
Authors: Cuadrado Julio , Luis Alfredo
Published: September 2024

We analyze some variants of the Zeno effect in which the frequent observation of the population of an intermediate state does not prevent the transition of the system from the initial state to a certain final state. This is achieved by considering system observation involving suitably introduced phase shifts and detunings that leads to a rather rich measurement-induced dynamics by the alteration of the interference governing quantum evolution. For initial nonclassical states this includes entanglement as a way of evolution from the initial to the final state avoiding the intermediate state. This possibility is presented in a particular physical scenario in the form of a chain of three coupled harmonic oscillators, but we readily show then that the idea can be applied to other physical systems as well, such as atomic-level dynamics. These results are significant for a better knowledge of fundamental quantum concepts as well as regarding suitable applications in the proper control of quantum dynamics, as this is a key feature of modern applications of the quantum theory.
Optimizing biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating on Ti-6Al-6Mo alloy: influence of immersion time
Authors: Dwijaya Made Subekti , Kartika Ika , Annur Dhyah , Erryani Aprilia , Sutowo Cahya , Rokhmanto Fendy , Siswayanti Bintoro , Senopati Galih , Setyawan Albertus Deny Heri
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the formation and characteristics of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating on Ti-6Al-6Mo alloy through immersion in a supersaturated calcification solution (SCS) for 3, 7, and 14 days. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary electron microscopy (SEM) with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to identify the phases and characterize the morphology and composition of the HAp layer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle tests were used to evaluate the surface properties, while potentiodynamic corrosion testing in Hanks’ solution was used to assess corrosion behavior. It is confirmed that the sample immersed for 14 days formed an HAp layer on the Ti-6Al-6Mo substrate with a Ca/P ratio of 2.5, approaching the ideal value of 1.67. This HAp film exhibits a smooth and homogeneous crystal structure, with a surface roughness of 31.47 nm and an appreciable corrosion rate of 0.0005 mm y−1. This study signifies the impact of immersion time on the microstructural properties and biocompatibility of biomimetic HAp coatings applied to Ti-6Al-6Mo alloy, contributing to the progress of HAp coatings in biomedical engineering.
Quantum instability and Ehrenfest time for an inverted harmonic oscillator
Authors: Wang Shangyun , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: September 2024

We use out-of-time order correlators (OTOCs) to investigate the quantum instability and Ehrenfest time for an inverted harmonic oscillator (IHO). For initial states located in the stable manifolds of the IHO we find that the corresponding OTOC exhibits identical evolutionary characteristics to the saddle point before the Ehrenfest time. For initial states located in the unstable manifolds, the OTOCs still grow exponentially but the time to maintain exponential growth is related to the center position of its wave packet in phase space. Moreover, we use the Husimi Q function to visualize the quantum wave packets during exponential growth of the OTOCs. Our results show that quantum instability exists at arbitrary orbits in the IHO system, and the Ehrenfest time in the IHO system depends not only on the photon number of the initial system but also on the central positions of the initial states in phase space.
Fully relativistic energies, transition properties, and lifetimes of lithium-like germanium
Authors: Li 李 Shuang 双 , Zhou 周 Jing 璟 , Zhu 朱 Liu-Hong 柳红 , Mei 梅 Xiu-Fei 秀菲 , Yan 颜 Jun 君
Published: September 2024

Employing two fully relativistic methods, the multi-reference configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) method and the relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT) method, we report energies and lifetime values for the lowest 35 energy levels of the (1s2)nl configurations (where the principal quantum number n = 2–6 and the angular quantum number l = 0, …, n–1) of lithium-like germanium (Ge XXX), as well as complete data on the transition wavelengths, radiative rates, absorption oscillator strengths, and line strengths between the levels. Both the allowed (E1) and forbidden (magnetic dipole M1, magnetic quadrupole M2, and electric quadrupole E2) ones are reported. The results from the two methods are consistent with each other and align well with previous accurate experimental and theoretical findings. We assess the overall accuracies of present RMBPT results to be likely the most precise ones to date. The present fully relativistic results should be helpful for soft x-ray laser research, spectral line identification, plasma modeling and diagnosing. The datasets presented in this paper are openly available at https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00135.
Supersymmetric hybrid inflation in light of CMB experiments and swampland conjectures
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Raza Shabbar
Published: September 2024

In this study, we revisit supersymmetric (SUSY) hybrid inflation within the context of considering the latest Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) observations and swampland conjectures. We demonstrate that SUSY hybrid inflation remains consistent with Planck 2018 data when radiative, soft mass, and supergravity (SUGRA) corrections are applied to the scalar potential. It is commonly perceived that SUSY hybrid inflation with a minimal Kähler potential results in a gauge symmetry breaking scale M of

GeV, leading to issues with the proton decay rate. In our analysis, we introduce a novel parameter space that alleviates the proton decay issue by achieving

GeV with

and

. This scenario necessitates a soft SUSY breaking scale

GeV. Further, we find that the tensor-to-scalar ratio r spans from

to

, indicating a very small value. This small ratio allows the modified swampland criteria to hold, although satisfying the trans-Planckian censorship conjecture (TCC) remains challenging. To address this, we also explo non-minimal Kähler potentials. By fixing the spectral index at

, consistent with the central value of Planck 2018 data, and setting

GeV, we present our calculations. We show that the canonical measure of primordial gravitational waves, r, for

1 TeV,

1 TeV, and

for

1 and

2, ranges from

to

, rendering it detectable by Planck and upcoming experiments such as LiteBIRD, Simons Observatory, PRISM, PIXIE, CORE, CMB-S4, and CMB-HD. Additionally, we outline the parametric space and provide benchmark points for the non-minimal case to ensure compatibility with both the modified swampland conjecture and TCC.
Dynamical study of T

ss
systems using the chiral quark model*
Authors: Ji 纪 Jiazheng 家正 , Xing 邢 Yuheng 玉恒 , Wu 吴 Xinxing 新星 , Xu 徐 Ning 宁 , Tan 谭 Yue 悦
Published: September 2024

Since the discovery of Tcc
by LHCb, there has been considerable interest in Tcc
and its heavy-flavor partners. However, the study of its strange partner Tss
has been largely overlooked. Within the framework of the chiral quark model, we conducted a systematic study of the bound states of Tss
based on the Gaussian Expansion Method. We considered all physical channels with 01+, including molecular and diquark structures. Moreover, by considering the coupling between diquarks and molecular states, our calculations allowed us to identify a deep bound state with a bounding energy of 60 MeV primarily composed of KK
*. Using the 3
P
0 model, we calculated the decay width of K
* within the KK
* bound state, which is approximated as the decay width of the bound state in the Tss
system. These results indicate that, owing to the effect of binding energy, the decay width of K
* in KK
* is approximately 3 MeV smaller than that of K
* in vacuum. Additionally, resonance state calculations were performed. We used the real-scaling method to search for possible resonance states in the Tss
sysytem. Because of the strong attraction in the [K
*]8[K
*]8 configuration, four resonance states were found in the vicinity of 2.2−2.8 GeV, predominantly featuring hidden-color structures. The decay widths of these states are less than 10 MeV. We strongly recommend experimental efforts to search for the resonance states in the Tss
system predicted by our calculations.
Reducing the total stimulated brillouin scattering of two-color lasers through two-ion decay
Authors: Liu D.J. , Wang Qing , Zhang S.T. , Cheng R.J. , Li X.X. , Lv S.Y. , Huang Z.M. , Chen Z.J. , Xu Z.Y. , Wang Qiang , Liu Z.J. , Cao L.H. , Zheng C.Y.
Published: September 2024

A mechanism coupling the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) of two-color lasers with wavelengths of 527 and 351

nm

via the two-ion decay instability is proposed. When the SBS reflectivities of both lasers exceed 10%, the ion-acoustic wave excited by the 527

nm

laser seeds the decay process of the ion-acoustic wave excited by the 351

nm

laser, thereby promoting the decay of the latter into the former. This results in a significant reduction in the SBS reflectivity of the 351

nm

laser, while the SBS of the 527

nm

laser exhibits minimal variation, consequently reducing the total SBS reflectivity. The total SBS reflectivity initially decreases and then increases as the intensity fraction α of the 527

nm

laser rises. When

α
∼
(
20
%

−

30
%
)

, the laser energy reflections from both lasers become approximately equal, achieving the minimum total reflectivity. Through this mechanism, the incidence of the two-color lasers can achieve lower reflected energy compared to monochromatic lasers with the same total intensity. These results demonstrate the significant potential of replacing a small fraction of high-frequency light with low-frequency light in enhancing the laser-target coupling efficiency for inertial fusion energy.
Controllable Oil Adsorption from water Using Hydrophobic (Paraffin/Stearic Acid)/CoFe2O4 Magnetized Fibril Wax
Authors: Ghobashy M. M.
Published: September 2024

The development of efficient oil-water separation techniques is critical for mitigating environmental pollution from industrial oily wastewater. This study synthesized a hydrophobic and oleophilic (paraffin/stearic acid) (Par/St)/CoFe2O4 magnetized fibril wax for controllable adsorption and removal of waste engine oil from water. Structural and morphological characterization confirmed the successful incorporation of 30 wt% CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into the Par/St wax matrix with fibril morphology. Structural and morphological characterization using TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM consistently confirmed the successful integration of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into the Par/St wax matrix, forming fibrils with a high surface area. The oleophilic fibril demonstrated rapid adsorption and excellent removal efficiency of 99% for waste engine oil within 30 seconds. The fibrils could be magnetically guided for oil collection, ensuring reusable and eco-friendly oil remediation. This work introduces a novel solution for controllable oil spill clean-up and oily wastewater treatment.
Design of arduino-based track inspection trolley
Authors: Cao Yuhao , Liu Jilai , Yang Qiyao
Published: September 2024

In recent years, China’s transport industry has been booming, and among them, rail transport plays a crucial role. Along with the track laying volume and mileage of continuous growth, the track of the daily inspection work burden is increasing, the current track inspection in China is still in the manual inspection stage, it is difficult to ensure the safety of workers, so a stable, accurate, lightweight track inspection vehicle has become the development of the general trend. The core of this design is the use of Arduino as a motherboard, non-contact track detection, the ability to use the appropriate sensors to detect the track of the super-high problem, while being able to use the camera on the collection of track line information, fast and stable on the track whether there is a foreign body and the track surface levelling for the collection and sent to the upper computer, in the upper computer for subsequent image processing.
Central America’s agro-ecological suitability for cultivating coca, Erythroxylum spp
Authors: Murillo-Sandoval Paulo J , Sesnie Steven E , Ordoñez Armas Manuel Eduardo , Magliocca Nicholas , Tellman Beth , Devine Jennifer A , Nielsen Erik , McSweeney Kendra
Published: September 2024

We assess how much of Central America is likely to be agriculturally suitable for cultivating coca (Erythroxylum spp), the main ingredient in cocaine. Since 2017, organized criminal groups (not smallholders) have been establishing coca plantations in Central America for cocaine production. This has broken South America’s long monopoly on coca leaf production for the global cocaine trade and raised concerns about future expansion in the isthmus. Yet it is not clear how much of Central America has suitable biophysical characteristics for a crop domesticated in, and long associated with the Andean region. We combine geo-located data from coca cultivation locations in Colombia with reported coca sites in Central America to model the soil, climate, and topography of Central American landscapes that might be suitable for coca production under standard management practices. We find that 47% of northern Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize) has biophysical characteristics that appear highly suitable for coca-growing, while most of southern Central America does not. Biophysical factors, then, are unlikely to constrain coca’s spread in northern Central America. Whether or not the crop is more widely planted will depend on complex and multi-scalar social, economic, and political factors. Among them is whether Central American countries and their allies will continue to prioritize militarized approaches to the drug trade through coca eradication and drug interdiction, which are likely to induce further expansion, not contain it. Novel approaches to the drug trade will be required to avert this outcome.
On the convergence of phase space distributions to microcanonical equilibrium: dynamical isometry and generalized coarse-graining
Authors: Barkan Casey O
Published: September 2024

This work explores the manner in which classical phase space distribution functions converge to the microcanonical distribution. We first prove a theorem about the lack of convergence, then define a generalization of the coarse-graining procedure that leads to convergence. We prove that the time evolution of phase space distributions is an isometry for a broad class of statistical distance metrics, implying that ensembles do not get any closer to (or farther from) equilibrium, according to these metrics. This extends the known result that strong convergence of phase space distributions to the microcanonical distribution does not occur. However, it has long been known that weak convergence can occur, such that coarse-grained distributions—defined by partitioning phase space into a finite number of cells—converge pointwise to the microcanonical distribution. We define a generalization of coarse-graining that removes the need for partitioning phase space into cells. We prove that our generalized coarse-grained distribution converges pointwise to the microcanonical distribution if the dynamics are strong mixing. As an example, we study an ensemble of triangular billiard systems.
Reordering of point-vortex lattices under anisotropic diffraction: far-field analysis
Authors: Mellado-Villaseñor Gabriel , Balbuena Ortega Argelia , Karen Volke-Sepúlveda
Published: September 2024

A study of the far-field complex amplitude obtained from initially ordered arrays of N × M point-vortices with equal unitary topological charge embedded in carrier beams with different geometry is presented. This can be understood as the final stationary configuration after the dynamical evolution of the vortices upon propagation, and our aim is to investigate the impact of a geometric anisotropy on the diffraction process by using an elliptic Gaussian beam as a carrier and a rectangular vortex lattice. For comparison, illumination by a circular Gaussian beam and a plane wave diffracted by a rectangular aperture are also analyzed. We show that vortices tend to cluster in some regions under high eccentricity of the carrier and there can be an entire redistribution of the vortices depending on the size of the initial array with respect to the size of the carrier, which inherits some geometric characteristics of the latter.
Assessment of electrochemical removal mechanisms of diverse transition metal dichalcogenides for caesium ion removal in wastewater treatment
Authors: Boeurn Ousa , Chavalekvirat Panwad , Chanapai Parichat , Saeloo Boontarika , Hirunpinyopas Wisit , Iamprasertkul Pawin
Published: September 2024

Effective treatment of radioactive wastewater is crucial for broader nuclear energy adoption, with caesium radionuclides (most exist in the form of caesium chloride) presenting challenges due to their long half-life and biological hazards. Conventional adsorbents like zeolites and carbon-based materials, including graphene, face limitations in adsorption capacity due to the formation of electric double layers (EDL). This has led to the investigation of alternatives such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) e.g. MoS2, MoSe2, and WSe2, which offer promising galleries for caesium ion removal. Aside from extensively studied MoS2, there is limited research on the adsorption mechanisms and capacities of other TMDs like MoSe2 and WSe2. Here, we conduct a comparative study examining the removal mechanisms and capacities of exfoliated MoS2, MoSe2, and WSe2 nanosheets, alongside an evaluation of these properties in relation to graphene. Our investigation reveals distinct removal mechanisms and capacities among these three materials for capturing caesium ions in a variety of mechanisms. MoS2 nanosheets primarily utilise a pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism via electrochemical intercalation, as evidenced by a total charge storage of 0.78 C g–1, with only 2.6% stored via EDL formation. In contrast, MoSe2 predominantly relies on EDL formation, with almost 60% of the total 0.54 C g–1 charge storage attributed to this mechanism. Lastly, WSe2 exhibits a combination of both charge storage behaviours, with a total charge storage of 0.77 C g–1, of which 14% is due to EDL formation. This research highlights the potential efficacy of TMDs as viable materials for caesium removal, offering an appealing alternative to conventional adsorbents and likely fostering advancements in water treatment technologies.
Theoretical analysis of structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of XNaH2 (X = K, Rb) hybrid metal hydride composites
Authors: Khalid Ayesha , Mumtaz Umair , Rouf Syed Awais , Gulzar Shakila , Masood Hafiz Tariq , Abid Amin , Alam Hafiz Farooq , Choudhury Maria Imran , Ali Nazim , Raza Saqlain
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen storage has become a global challenge for scientists of this era because it is an economical, clean, and non-pollutant element present in nature. In the present work, the DFT study of structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of metal hydride XNaH2 (X = K, Rb) has been performed. Both of these materials are found stable in ambient conditions having semiconductor nature. The optical properties have been investigated in terms of dielectric function, refractive index, absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and energy loss function. The better thermoelectric profile of these composites computed from the BoltzTraP2 code to shows their remarkable thermoelectric response between 200 to 950 K temperature. Remarkably, the computational calculations of these hydrides are made, which could lead to outstanding advancements in applications for hydrogen storage.
High-precision alignment of optoelectronic devices for optical phase conjugation
Authors: Ding Chunxu , Shao Rongjun , Qu Yuan , Yang Jiamiao
Published: September 2024

Digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) is considered as a promising solution to achieve optical focusing against scattering. The implementation of DOPC based on the digital micromirror device (DMD) has been proven to have great potential, supporting a large number of modulation modes and a high modulation rate. However, the accuracy of optical alignment seriously affects the focusing contrast, limiting the applications of DMD-based DOPC systems. Here we demonstrate a simple alignment protocol including a marker-assisted tuning and an embedded compensation. Our approach can realize an exact pixelwise optical conjugation between the DMD and detector, as well as a rapid compensation for aberrations and minor misalignment. Experimental results show that the proposed alignment protocol improves the focusing contrast to 66% of the highest value predicted in the theory.
Imaging through scattering media by exploiting the optical memory effect: a tutorial
Authors: Penketh H , Bertolotti J
Published: September 2024

Scattering, especially multiple scattering, is a well known problem in imaging, ranging from astronomy to medicine. In particular it is often desirable to be able to perform non-invasive imaging through turbid and/or opaque media. Many different approaches have been proposed and tested through the years, each with their own advantages, disadvantages, and specific situations in which they work. In this tutorial we will show how knowledge of the correlations arising from the multiple scattering of light allows for non-invasive imaging through a strongly scattering layer, with particular attention on the practicalities of how to make such an experiment work.
Optimal estimation of SoC, SoH using machine learning models and design of control algorithm for active cell balancing in lithium ion batteries
Authors: K Sabeena Beevi , S Abhishek , L Mahima , G Naveen Ram C , M Parvati , P B Adithyan , S Sonu
Published: September 2024

Electric vehicles transform the automotive industry by replacing traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels with less polluting and efficient vehicles. They are powered by rechargeable Li-ion batteries. While there are drawbacks associated with Li-ion battery technology, it's important to note that these challenges can be addressed or mitigated effectively. A battery management system ensures the tracking of all functions performed by the battery. An advanced battery management system should accurately estimate the battery's state of health and state of charge. This paper aims to develop machine learning models for the estimation of the state of health and state of charge and to implement cell balancing in a battery management system. A dataset of battery charging and discharging profiles was used to train various machine learning models for estimation. These methods are computationally less complex than conventional methods. In addition, a cell balancing algorithm is implemented to control the charging and discharging of individual cells in a battery pack and balance the state of charge of each cell. The machine learning solution is created using several machine learning models, including Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Linear Regression, AdaBoost, and Multi-layer Perceptron. Among the models Gradient Boosting and Random Forest provide good MSE and R2 score. The use of machine learning algorithms for the assessment of state of health and charge estimation combined with the design of an efficient control algorithm for active cell balancing offers significant advancements in the battery management system to optimise the performance, reliability, and useful life of Li-ion batteries. The paper also presents a case study utilising a combination of deep learning-based SoC, SoH estimation algorithms in a simulated data set. A well-designed control algorithm for active cell balancing presents a holistic and effective approach to optimise the performance, reliability, and lifespan of Li-ion batteries.
Low-order-model-based design of additive-manufactured heat exchanger
Authors: Naidu Aravin Dass , Rey Lucas , Chowdhury Nafiz H K , Povey Thomas
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses a comprehensive approach to the design of an additive-manufactured heat exchanger for a high-temperature application. This manufacturing route is attractive because of the flexibility afforded in design, but there is a requirement for calibration of internal friction factors and heat transfer coefficients because of uncertainty regarding the characteristics of the manufactured internal surfaces. The design was informed by physics-based low-order models (total pressure loss model; conjugate heat transfer model) calibrated against experimental data. To extract heat transfer coefficients we use transient experiments performed over timescales for which the surfaces can be regarded as semi-infinite. The calibrated models are used to predict accurate performance characteristics for the heat exchanger. Experimental results for a prototype design were found to be in excellent agreement with the model over a wide operational range, validating both the design methodology and the utility of the particular design for the given application. Our process, though not unique, has wide applicability, has been conducted with considerable care, and will be of interest to those engaged in low-order-model-based heat exchanger design.
Tone mapping algorithm based on BL-Hilbert-L2 decomposition model for HDR image
Authors: Yang Xuejie , Xu Wenjun , Su Yonggang
Published: September 2024

Tone mapping algorithms are mainly used to produce standard dynamic range (SDR) images from high dynamic range (HDR) images. To address the issues of halo artifacts and over-enhancement in current tone mapping algorithms based on layer decomposition model, we propose a tone mapping algorithm based on the BL-Hilbert-L
2 decomposition model. In our proposed algorithm, we first convert HDR image from RGB space to HSV space. Subsequently, utilizing the BL-Hilbert-L
2 decomposition model, we decompose the V channel of the HDR image into cartoon, texture and high-frequency detail components. Next, we separately compress the cartoon component and stretch the texture and high-frequency detail components. The processed cartoon, texture and high-frequency detail components are then recombined to form a new V channel. Finally, by converting the H and S channels of the HDR image, along with the newly formed V channel, back into the RGB color space, we obtain a tone mapped SDR image. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can effectively eliminate the halo artifacts and avoid the issue of over-enhancement while retaining the edge details.
Benchmarking of quantum fidelity kernels for Gaussian process regression
Authors: Guo Xuyang , Dai Jun , Krems Roman V
Published: September 2024

Quantum computing algorithms have been shown to produce performant quantum kernels for machine-learning classification problems. Here, we examine the performance of quantum kernels for regression problems of practical interest. For an unbiased benchmarking of quantum kernels, it is necessary to construct the most optimal functional form of the classical kernels and the most optimal quantum kernels for each given data set. We develop an algorithm that uses an analog of the Bayesian information criterion to optimize the sequence of quantum gates used to estimate quantum kernels for Gaussian process models. The algorithm increases the complexity of the quantum circuits incrementally, while improving the performance of the resulting kernels, and is shown to yield much higher model accuracy with fewer quantum gates than a fixed quantum circuit ansatz. We demonstrate that quantum kernels thus obtained can be used to build accurate models of global potential energy surfaces (PES) for polyatomic molecules. The average interpolation error of the six-dimensional PES obtained with a random distribution of 2000 energy points is 16 cm−1 for H3O+, 15 cm−1 for H2CO and 88 cm−1 for HNO2. We show that a compositional optimization of classical kernels for Gaussian process regression converges to the same errors. This indicates that quantum kernels can achieve the same, though not better, expressivity as classical kernels for regression problems.
Spatial and signaling overlap of growth factor receptor systems at clathrin-coated sites
Authors: Alfonzo-Méndez Marco A. , Strub Marie-Paule , Taraska Justin W.
Published: September 2024

Cellular communication is regulated at the plasma membrane by the interactions of receptor, adhesion, signaling, exocytic, and endocytic proteins. Yet, the composition and control of these complexes in response to external cues remain unclear. We use high-resolution and high-throughput fluorescence imaging to map the localization of growth factor receptors and related proteins at single clathrin-coated structures in human squamous HSC3 cells. We find distinct protein signatures between control cells and cells stimulated with growth factors. Clathrin sites at the plasma membrane are preloaded with some receptors but not others. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor induces capture and concentration of epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 1, and low-density lipoprotein receptor (EGFR, FGFR1, and LDLR). Regulatory proteins including ubiquitin ligase Cbl, the scaffold Grb2, and the mechanoenzyme dynamin2 are also recruited. Disrupting FGFR1 or EGFR activity with drugs prevents the recruitment of both EGFR and FGFR1. EGF was able to activate FGFR1 phosphorylation. Our data reveal novel coclustering and activation of receptors and regulatory factors at clathrin-coated sites in response to stimulation by a single growth factor, EGF or FGF. This behavior integrates growth factor signaling and allows for complex responses to extracellular cues and drugs at the plasma membrane of human cells.
Making forest landscape restoration work for livelihoods and well-being of local communities
Authors: Djoudi Houria , Djenontin Ida N S , Pierce Colfer Carol J
Published: September 2024

This chapter advocates for increased consideration of local level needs in the planning, execution, and monitoring of Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). The predominant emphasis on environmental and ecological outcomes limits FLR’s potential to equitably and inclusively support a wide range of ecosystem services for local people and their landscapes, underscoring the persistent challenges and trade-offs in balancing local needs and global objectives. This chapter anticipates the significant consequences of disregarding local well-being in FLR initiatives by exploring three key questions: (1) What is the potential of FLR to enhance local livelihoods and well-being? (2) What are the existing challenges and trade-offs in connecting restoration efforts with local livelihoods and well-being? (3) What are some approaches to enhance the socio-ecological benefits and co-benefits of FLR initiatives? Addressing these questions leads to recommendations for giving greater attention to local needs and aspirations within FLR processes and outcomes.
An economic view on the costs and benefits of forest restoration
Authors: Pacheco Pablo , Beatty Craig , Patel Jwalin
Published: September 2024

This chapter focuses on assessing the costs and benefits of forest restoration. It provides key findings and knowledge gaps drawing on a review of available studies and data, assessing the costs and benefits of forest restoration across six different restoration options. It looks at both financial analysis of the costs incurred and benefits accrued by private actors or enterprises and wider economic analysis of the returns of forest restoration to society at large. It shows that while financial costs and benefits vary widely across and within forest restoration options, almost all forest restoration options are financially attractive. Natural regeneration options are the least costly options, followed by tree plantations. Agroforestry systems are most costly, requiring higher upfront investments, yet may yield higher economic and ecological benefits depending on the agroforestry system. There are several trade-offs associated with forest restoration, mainly regarding the financial, socioeconomic, and environmental benefits of restoration.
Sustainable and fair forest and land restoration
Authors: de Jong Wil , Katila Pia , Winkel Georg , Pacheco Pablo , Galloway Glenn , Pierce Colfer Carol J
Published: September 2024

The chapter synthesizes the findings of the 11 chapters of this book and situates them in current debates on forest restoration and related literature. It explores forest restoration histories and trends; summarizes projections of what can be expected of future forest restoration; discusses the goals, costs, and actual and potential social, economic, and environmental benefits of forest restoration; and estimates how likely it is that benefits will be achieved in practice. The chapter deliberates on international, national, and local restoration governance, including how international restoration governance takes shape, how it relates to other international processes, and how it links to national and subnational forest restoration governance. The chapter, furthermore, discusses fairness and justice of local level governance. It ends by summarizing the major challenges of forest restoration and suggests how they might be overcome, reflecting on the best ways to translate the global restoration project into feasible pathways of doing restoration in a just and sustainable manner.