bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-entropy layer assisting quasi-zero-strain cathodes for P2-Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2
Authors: Sun Shuwei , Bai Ying
Published: April 2024

Layered transition metal oxides have attracted much attention for high-energy density sodium ion batteries. However, most P2-type layered oxides undergo a large volume change when they are charged at a deep desodiated state, accompanied by inevitable anisotropic stress, leading to poor structural stability and terrible ion transfer. In this work, a high entropy (HE) material with a robust structure and fast ion transportation was decorated on P2-Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 (NM) layered oxides. The unique characteristics of HE shells with similar lattice constants could effectively depress particle crack and exfoliation through buffering severe lattice strains, thus leading to enhanced cycling stability and kinetic properties of the HE-NM electrode. In situ x-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the volume expansion of NM could be prominently restrained both under thermal treatments and electrochemical after HE decoration. The modified cathode exhibits a volume change as low as 0.5%. The findings highlight the significance and superiority of the HE coating layer and provide insight for the rational design of high-performance sodium-ion batteries.
Relationships among gastrointestinal mucosal densities of mast cells and eosinophils, helminth infection and diarrhoea in sheep
Authors: Niu X. Y. , Liu S. M. , Greeff J. C. , Palmer D. G. , Martin G. B.
Published: April 2024

Context Diarrhoea linked to helminth resistance is a major problem in sheep health. Aims To test whether the distribution of mast cells and eosinophils along the gastrointestinal tract is related to helminth resistance and to susceptibility to diarrhoea. Methods At weaning, lambs were selected according to extreme (high or low) estimated breeding values for diarrhoea score (50 lambs per genotype, balanced for sex), and for faecal worm egg counts (FWEC). They grazed in single-sex groups in separate but similar enclosures under normal farm conditions (dry summer, wet winter) from autumn until spring, during which time diarrhoea score and FWEC were recorded monthly. Lambs that presented extreme phenotypic values for diarrhoea score and FWEC in August and September were slaughtered (n = 38) at the age of 14 months. For the abomasum, duodenum, ileum, jejunum, caecum and colon, we recorded the densities of eosinophils and mast cells, the number of helminths, their species and developmental stages. The data were pooled across enclosures/sexes and regression analysis was used to assess the relationships among pre-slaughter phenotype, helminth counts, and densities of mast cells and eosinophils. Results Eosinophil density was five- to seven-fold greater in the ileum and jejunum than in the abomasum, duodenum, or colon. Mast cell density was greatest in the abomasum and duodenum, and gradually declined along the jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon. In the most immunologically active site, the jejunum, increasing eosinophil density was related to a decrease in the number of helminths (P < 0.05). Similarly, in the next most active site, the abomasum, increasing eosinophil density was related to decreases in the numbers of fourth-stage larvae and the total number of helminths (P < 0.05). In the abomasum, increasing mast cell density was related to declines in the numbers of Teladorsagia circumcincta, total helminth counts (P < 0.05) and FWEC, but was not related to diarrhoea score. Conclusions Cell-mediated immune mechanisms in the gastrointestinal mucosa enhance resistance to internal parasites but also increase susceptibility to the diarrhoea in sheep. Implications Eosinophil and mast cell responses to helminth infection help explain ‘hypersensitivity diarrhoea’.
Unveiling the TRAPP: The role of plant TRAPPII in adaptive growth decisions
Authors: Galindo Antonio
Published: April 2024

The regulation of intracellular membrane traffic is coupled with the cell’s need to respond to environmental stimuli, which ultimately is critical for different processes such as cell growth and development. In this issue, Wiese et al. (https://www.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202311125) explore the role of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in stress response, exposing its role in mediating adaptive growth decisions.
Electron–molecule collision calculations: a primer
Authors: Tennyson Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Electron–molecule collisions drive many natural phenomena and are playing an increasing role in modern technologies. Over recent years, studies of the collision processes have become increasingly driven by quantum mechanical calculations rather than experiments. This tutorial surveys important issues underlying the physics and theoretical methods used to study electron–molecule collisions. It is aimed at nonspecialists with suitable references for further reading for those interested and pointers to software for those wanting to perform actual calculations.
Reduction of light shifts in a cold-atom CPT clock
Authors: Li Maojie , Ma Zhu , Wu Jiatao , Zhan Chang , Han Chengyin , Lu Bo , Huang Jiahao , Lee Chaohong
Published: April 2024

Light shifts induced during atom–light interactions significantly affect the medium- and long-term frequency stability of atomic clocks. Here, we employ composite laser pulse sequences to mitigate interrogation-induced light shifts in a cold-atom coherent-population-trapping clock. We obtain the anti-symmetry error signal via modulating the local oscillator phase in the free-evolution time of Ramsey interferometry. Utilizing this signal, we employ two feedback loops to simultaneously eliminate light shifts and stabilize the clock frequency using the auto-balanced Ramsey (ABR) spectroscopy scheme. Our experimental results demonstrate that this approach can reduce the clock frequency’s sensitivity to variations in light shifts by implementing four Ramsey sub-sequences. Furthermore, we show that the ABR spectroscopy scheme enhances the long-term frequency stability of the atomic clock when the averaging time τ > 5000 s.
Terahertz wave radiation simulation in the Fe thin film*
Authors: Liu Liwang , Ren Yifan , Robert Wieser , Wang Lu , Wang Xuan , Yang Cuihong
Published: April 2024

Femtosecond laser (FL) induced terahertz (THz) source is a new type of THz source based on injecting FL beams into ferromagnetic thin films by nonlinear effects to generate THz wave. It has a wider bandwidth compared to the traditional THz source, which provides higher flexibility and tunability in the application. In this paper, the three-temperature model and the stochastic Landau Lifshitz Gilbert equation at the atomic level are applied to simulate THz wave generation in Fe thin film induced by FL. Simulation results show that under a FL irradiance of 2 J m−2, the maximum demagnetization of the Fe thin film reaches 8.7%. The electromagnetic waves generated completely cover the THz band (0.1–10 THz), which fully satisfied the application requirements of the THz technology, verifying the feasibility of FL inducing the Fe thin film as a THz source. However, when the Fe thin film is overheated, it will be difficult for FL to excite valuable THz waves. Therefore, additional cooling devices are needed to keep the THz source in a workable temperature state, or to use ferromagnetic materials with magnetic moments that can quickly recover to saturation.
AeroDetectNet: a lightweight, high-precision network for enhanced detection of small objects in aerial remote sensing imagery
Authors: Bai Ruihan , Lu Jiahui , Zhang Zhiping , Wang Mingkang , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2024

Object detection in remote sensing imagery exhibits difficulties due to complex backgrounds, diverse object scales, and intricate spatial context relationships. Motivated by the problems mentioned above, this paper introduces AeroDetectNet, a novel lightweight and high-precision object detection network custom-designed for aerial remote sensing scenarios, building upon the YOLOv7-tiny algorithm. It enhances performance through four key improvements: the normalized Wasserstein distance for consistent object size sensitivity, the Involution module for reduced background noise, a self-designed RCS-biformer module for better spatial context interpretation, and a self-designed WF-CoT SPPCSP feature pyramid for improved feature map weighting and context capture. Ablation studies conducted on a hybrid dataset composed of three open-source remote sensing datasets (including NWPU VHR-10 remote sensing images, RSOD remote sensing images, and VisDrone UAV images) have demonstrated the effectiveness of four improvements specifically for small-size object detection. Visualizations through Grad-CAM further demonstrate AeroDetectNet’s capacity to extract and focus on key object features. Upon individual testing across three open-source datasets, AeroDetectNet has successfully demonstrated its ability to identify objects in images with a smaller pixel area. Through experimental comparisons with other related studies, the AeroDetectNet achieved a competitive mAP while maintaining fewer model parameters, highlighting its highly accurate and lightweight properties.
Critical points with prescribed energy for a class of functionals depending on a parameter: existence, multiplicity and bifurcation results
Authors: Ramos Quoirin Humberto , Siciliano Gaetano , Silva Kaye
Published: April 2024

We look for critical points with prescribed energy for the family of even functionals

Φ
μ

=

I
1

−
μ

I
2

, where

I
1

,

I
2

are C
1 functionals on a Banach space X, and

μ
∈

R

. For a given

c
∈

R

and several classes of

Φ
μ

, we prove the existence of infinitely many couples

(

μ

n
,
c

,

u

n
,
c

)

such that

Φ

μ

n
,
c

′

(
±

u

n
,
c

)

=
0

and

Φ

μ

n
,
c

(
±

u

n
,
c

)

=
c

∀
n
∈

N

.

More generally, we analyse the structure of the solution set of the problem

Φ
μ

′

(
u
)

=
0
,

Φ

μ

(
u
)

=
c

with respect to µ and c. In particular, we show that the maps

c
↦

μ

n
,
c

are continuous, which gives rise to a family of energy curves for this problem. The analysis of these curves provide us with several bifurcation and multiplicity type results, which are then applied to some elliptic problems. Our approach is based on the nonlinear generalized Rayleigh quotient method developed in Il’yasov (2017 Topol. Methods Nonlinear Anal.
49 683–714).
Contrail or chemtrail? Challenges and opportunities for educators
Authors: Tupec Vojtěch , Šlégrová Leontýna , Šlégr Jan
Published: April 2024

Debunking conspiracy theories is a never-ending battle. These theories often suggest that the condensation trails left by jet aircraft are, in fact, chemical or biological agents intentionally dispersed for various purposes. Although any discussion with supporters of conspiracy theories is pointless, this paper outlines several potential strategies for incorporating this theory into physics education. Specifically, the concept of ‘chemtrails’ can be leveraged to introduce basic principles of thermodynamics, facilitate the construction of atmospheric models, analyze readily available data, and, importantly, underscore the significance of critical and scientific thinking, which is so important for students these days.
A simple LC circuit with a parallel diode
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: April 2024

An inductor in series or parallel with a capacitor is a well known electrical circuit that allows the voltage and current to oscillate sinusoidally with time. If a diode is inserted in parallel with the inductor, then the current in the inductor will remain approximately constant with time.
Second harmonic generation in Harmonic-Gaussian asymmetric double quantum well: effect of magnetic and intense laser fields
Authors: Tuzemen A Turker , Demir M , Dakhlaoui H , Mora-Ramos M E , Ungan F
Published: April 2024

We have theoretically analyzed the effects of externally applied fields (magnetic and intense laser) as well as various structural parameters such as well width, barrier width, barrier height, and structural asymmetry on the second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients of GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As Harmonic-Gaussian asymmetric double quantum wells (QW). The time-independent Schrödinger equation was solved using the diagonalization method and effective mass approximation to obtain the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the structure. An expression derived within the compact density matrix approach has been used to evaluate the second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficient. Our numerical results indicate that increasing the magnitude of the magnetic (intense laser) field causes the peak positions of SHG to shift towards higher energy regions/blue (lower energy regions/red). On the other hand, as the structural parameters

A

1

and

A

2

(

k

and

z

0

) increase, the peak positions of the SHG coefficients exhibit a shift towards higher energy regions/blue (lower energy regions/red). We expect that the results of our study will contribute to the development of new optoelectronic devices based on the Harmonic-Gaussian asymmetric double quantum well structure.
Positive incentive CNN structure coupled nonconvex model for image super-resolution
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Shi Yuying , Ni Guoxi
Published: April 2024

This paper studies super-resolution (SR) technique to reconstruct high-quality images for deep image analysis. Currently, the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are well performing methods and the finding that random noise added in the network can have positive incentive effect, we innovatively propose a positive incentive CNNs. However, concerning the uncontrollable characteristic and lack consistency of deep network, we propose a novel framework that joins nonconvex model based on framelet and positive incentive CNN structure, which can impose consistency between the high-resolved image and the given low-resolution image, and depict image information by sparse representation. Furthermore, to overcome the challenge of computing the minimizer of the nonconvex problem, we use proximal linearized minimization (PLM) algorithm to convex the nonconvex term, then apply the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) as the solver which can converge to a stationary point of the nonconvex model. The experimental outcomes on Set5, Set14, BSD100, Urban100, and real-world images demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) value, structural similarity index (SSIM), and visual quality.
Thermo field dynamics on BTZ spacetime
Authors: Rojas C W A , Arenas S J R
Published: April 2024

A thin dust shell contracting from infinity to near its gravitational radius r
+, in a spacetime AdS
3 is analyzed; its equation of motion is determined and the solution R(t) as seen by a FIDO observer is estimated. It is concluded that this Shell's exterior looks like a BTZ black hole with similar properties. Based on the Thermo Field Dynamics technique, a scalar field Φ in the proximity of a non-rotating BTZ (2 + 1) black hole is studied. From the corresponding Killing-Boulware

0

KB
*

and Hartle-Hawking

0

HH
*

vacuum states, the associated Wightman function

W

x
,
x
′

HH

*

−
W

x
,
x
′

KB

*

is determined and based on it, the time component of the momentum-energy tensor of the system

∂

0

∂

0
′

W

HH

*

−

W

KB

*

(
x
,
x
′
)
≈

T

00

(
x
,
x
′
)

=
σ
(
r
)

is calculated. Which allows establishing the origin and location of the degrees of freedom responsible for the entropy that describes a source for the Bekenstein-Hawking S

BH
entropy. The thermal environment described by this model manifests itself with a well-defined and concentrated energy density near the event horizon, according to a FIDO observer.
Black hole solutions with constant Ricci scalar in a model of Finsler gravity
Authors: Nekouee Z. , Narasimhamurthy S.K. , Pacif S.K.J.
Published: April 2024

Ricci scalar being zero is equivalent to the vacuum field equation in Finsler
space-time. The Schwarzschild metric can be concluded from the field equation's solution if the
space-time conserves spherical symmetry. This research aims to investigate Finslerian
Schwarzschild-de Sitter space-time. Recent studies based on Finslerian space-time geometric models
are becoming more prevalent because the local anisotropic structure of space-time influences the
gravitational field and gives rise to modified cosmological relations. We suggest a gravitational
field equation with a non-zero cosmological constant in Finslerian geometry and apprehend that the
presented Finslerian gravitational field equation corresponds to the non-zero Ricci scalar. In
Finsler geometry, the peer of spherical symmetry is the Finslerian sphere. Assuming space-time to
conserve the “Finslerian sphere” symmetry, the counterpart of the Riemannian sphere (Finslerian
sphere) must have a constant flag curvature (λ). It is demonstrated that the Finslerian
covariant derivative of the geometric part of the gravitational field equation is preserved under
a condition using the Chern connection. According to the string theory, string clouds can be
defined as a pool of strings made due to symmetry breaking in the universe's early stages. We find
that for λ ≠ 1, this solution resembles a black hole surrounded by a cloud of strings.
Furthermore, we investigate null and time-like geodesics for λ = 1. In this regard, the
photon geodesics are obtained that are the closest paths to the photon sphere of the first photons
visible at the black hole shadow limit. Also, circular orbit conditions are obtained for the
effective potential.
Probing the impact of delta-baryons on nuclear matter and non-radial oscillations in neutron stars
Authors: Kalita Probit J. , Routaray Pinku , Ghosh Sayantan , Kumar Bharat , Agrawal B.K.
Published: April 2024

Non-radial oscillations of Neutron Stars (NSs) provide a means to learn important details regarding their interior composition and equation of state. We consider the effects of Δ-baryons on non-radial f-mode oscillations and other NS properties within the Density-Dependent Relativistic Mean Field formalism. Calculations are performed for Δ-admixed NS matter with and without hyperons. Our study of the non-radial f-mode oscillations revealed a distinct increase in frequency due to the addition of the Δ-baryons with upto 20% increase in frequency being seen for canonical NSs. Other bulk properties of NSs, including mass, radii, and dimensionless tidal deformability (Λ) were also affected by these additional baryons. Comparing our results with available observational data from pulsars (NICER) and gravitational waves (LIGO-VIRGO collaboration), we found strong agreement, particularly concerning Λ.
Effectiveness of activated zeolite adsorber in decreased soot emission and increased oxygen concentration from combustion smokes of polyvinyl chloride plastic
Authors: Banurea Rahmadhani , Purwanti Eva , Syahrina Maulia , Buysang Luke Gilbert , Rachmad Humam Rafi
Published: April 2024

Polyvinyl Chloride plastic waste is becoming an increasingly urgent global environmental issue. Combustion PVC plastic waste can have significant negative impacts on human health. To overcome these problems, this research was conducted by utilizing zeolite as an adsorbent for PVC combustion smokes. The research methodology is zeolite activation, adsorber design and gas adsorption process through dry adsorption method which is the core of this research. This study will evaluate oxygen concentration and soot emissions. Before being given a zeolite adsorbent, the oxygen concentration produced in PVC combustion smokes was only 17.2% with high soot levels as evidenced by the blackened smoke color. Furthermore, after being given an adsorbent in the form of activated zeolite as much as 283.5 grams, the oxygen concentration produced increased significantly to 20.9% followed by a decrease in soot emission levels as evidenced by changes in the color of whitened smoke. Based on the test results related to the increase in oxygen concentration and the decrease in soot emission levels, it can be concluded that activated zeolite has a high effectiveness in carrying out the PVC combustion smoke adsorption process by producing particles of carbon and oxygen within the normal threshold in the air.
Significant Potential of Cocos nucifera L. Bunches Waste as Carbon Source for Sustainable Electrode Material Supercapacitors
Authors: Pratiwi S , Putra R M , Martin A , Mubarak M , Suwondo S , Halim E H , Taer E
Published: April 2024

The interest in utilizing biowaste materials to produce carbon source, especially for electrode materials in physicochemical energy storage devices like Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors, is driven by concerns regarding energy cost-effectiveness and environmental pollution. This study specifically concentrates on the utilization of waste from Cocos nucifera L. bunches as an eco-friendly source of carbon source designed for supercapacitor electrodes. The precursors chosen in this study were old Cocos nucifera L. bunches and young Cocos nucifera L. bunches. The preparation involves chemical activation of the waste using a 0.5 M potassium hydroxide solution at 900°C, with pyrolysis occurring in an nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas environment. The resultant activated carbon, configured as monolithic coins, retains its structure by optimizing the bonding characteristics of the precursor, eliminating the necessity for supplementary adhesives. Every coin-shaped monolith displays carbon structures ranging from turbostratic to highly amorphous. Electrochemical testing in a symmetric supercapacitor showed old Cocos nucifera L. bunches a high specific capacitance of 262 F g−1 at a constant density of 1.0 A g−1. Furthermore, the maximum energy density was determined to be 3.54 Wh kg−1 at an optimal power density of 85 W kg−1 in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Utilizing waste, combined with a straightforward preparation process and remarkable electrochemical properties, positions carbon source derived from aged Cocos nucifera L. bunches as a prospective and sustainable electrode material for energy storage applications in supercapacitors.
Elaeis guineensis Jacq.waste-derived as an supercapacitor electrode material with low cost and environmentally friendly
Authors: Taer Erman , Yanti Novi , Rini Ari Sulistyo , Farma Rakhmawati , Muhammad Juandi , Rianna Martha , Awitdrus Awitdrus , Taslim Rika
Published: April 2024

The increasingly rapid development of environmentally friendly porous activated carbon (AC) materials has attracted the attention of researchers. Moreover, the material can be produced from organic waste which is abundantly available. This time, porous active carbon based on green material (palm frond waste) has been successfully prepared and characterized. The application of more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective, methods and production instrument has been optimized in this research. Integrated pyrolysis with carbonization (N2; 600 °C) and physical activation (H2O; 800 °C) produces activated carbon with a high purity level of up to 80 %. Through reviewing N2 gas absorption, it was confirmed that palm frond AC has a specific surface area of 356 m2 g−1, with a rough morphological structure and very rich surface nanopores. Furthermore, XRD characterization confirmed the purity of carbon through good amorphorosity properties with the presence of two wide peaks at diffraction angles of 22-24° and 42-44°. These findings show that the development and innovation of activated carbon production that is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective from palm frond waste is capable of producing active carbon with extraordinary physical characteristics. This palm tree AC has high potential for developing applications such as as an absorption material in air purifiers and water purifiers. Apart from that, these extraordinary characteristics also make palm frond AC suitable for use as electrode material in components of energy storage devices, supercapacitors with specific capacitance 86 F g−1.
Silica Sol as a Filler in Process of Materializing Mullite Fiber (SiO2.Al2O3)
Authors: Sinuhaji Perdinan , Wismogroho Agus S , Lumban Gaol Isac Mangantar T
Published: April 2024

Research has been carried out on the effect of adding silica sol as a filler in making mullite fiber (SiO2.Al2O3). The process of making mullite fiber is carried out using the cast molding method. Sample preparation of (I)silica sol and alumina fiber. (II) silica sol with alumina fiber and kaolin. (III) alumina fiber with kaolin and distilled water. Then the samples were mixed until homogeneous in their respective containers. Then printed in a PVC pipe measuring 2.81 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm high. Mullite fiber samples were dried at a temperature of 110°C for 1 hour, then sintered at a temperature of 1200°C, 1300°C, 1400°C, 1500°C. The density of mullite fiber increases linearly, the porosity decreases linearly, and the compressive strength of mullite fiber increases linearly as the sintering temperature increases. XRD characterization shows that in the three mullite fiber samples the same phase appears, namely mullite, sillimanite has an orthorhombic structure, and cristobalite has a tetragonal structure.
Experimental investigation on ceramic materials of wood flour and bentonite
Authors: Rianna Martha , Harahap Regina Aperita Lusiana , Ananda Novira , Situmorang Putri Cahaya , Sembiring Timbangen , Sianturi Herty Afrina , Amiruddin Erwin , Hussain Muhammad Khalid , Setiadi Eko Arief , Tetuko Anggito P. , Sebayang Perdamean
Published: April 2024

In this research, the solid-state reaction method obtained experimental investigation on wood flour and bentonite ceramic materials. The bentonite of 3 g and the wood flour of 7 g were mixed in a glass beaker and then activated at a temperature of 500°C for 2 hours. Next, the powder was ground using ball milling at 500 rpm for 30 minutes. Characterization uses XRD, SEM with mapping, and Fourier transforms infrared. Results show that the XRD confirmed having silica or SiO2 peaks in crystal structure and composition. The obtained morphological properties of the material are almost cubic with uniform size. FTIR results showed a single bond between silica and oxide. Therefore, wood flour and bentonite are proven ceramic materials because they have stable SiO2.
High-order genuinely multidimensional finite volume methods via kernel-based WENO
Authors: May I C T , Lee D
Published: April 2024

In this paper a family of fully multidimensional kernel-based reconstruction schemes for use in finite volume methods (FVMs) will be presented. These methods are intended for use in shock dominated problems, and stability is achieved through a suitable adaptation of the Adaptive Order Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO-AO) method to the proposed kernel-based reconstruction schemes. There are a number of key difficulties in the design of high-order finite volume schemes which will be discussed and addressed. High (4th and 6th) order convergence will be demonstrated on smooth exact solutions of the ideal MHD equations. The very same scheme will then be applied to extremely stringent astrophysical benchmark problems.
GanESS: detecting coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering with noble gases
Authors: Simón A. ,   the GanESS experiment
Published: April 2024

The recent detection of the coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) opens the possibility to use neutrinos to explore physics beyond standard model with small size detectors. However, the CEνNS process generates signals at the few keV level, requiring very sensitive detecting technologies for its detection. The European Spallation Source (ESS) has been identified as an optimal source of low energy neutrinos offering an opportunity for a definitive exploration of all phenomenological applications of CEνNS.

GanESS will use a high-pressure noble gas time projection chamber to measure CEνNS at ESS in gaseous Xe, Ar and Kr. Such technique appears extraordinarily promising for detecting the process, although characterization of the response to few-keV nuclear recoils will be necessary. With this goal, we are currently commissioning GaP, a small prototype capable of operating up to 50 bar. GaP will serve to fully evaluate the low energy response of the technique, with a strong focus on measuring the quenching factor for the different noble gases that will later be used at GanESS. An overview of the GanESS project with a focus on the status of GaP and its short-term plans is presented.
Towards a fiber barrel detector for next-generation high-pressure gaseous xenon TPCs
Authors: Soleti S.R. ,   the NEXT collaboration
Published: April 2024

The NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) project is an international collaboration aimed at finding evidence of neutrinoless double beta decay using gaseous xenon. The current phase of the project involves the construction and operation of NEXT-100, which is designed to hold 100 kg of xenon at 15 bar and is expected to start commissioning in the first quarter of 2024. NEXT-HD will be a tonne scale experiment following NEXT-100 and will incorporate a symmetric design, with one cathode and two anodes. For this detector, the collaboration is considering to implement a barrel of wavelength-shifting fibers read-out by silicon photomultipliers to measure the energy of the particles interacting in the gaseous xenon. In this document, we will discuss the characteristics of this approach and provide an update on the related R&D efforts.
Proton spectroscopy for 11B(p,α)2α fusion reaction with RCF films: calibration and unfolding procedure
Authors: Guarrera M. , Petringa G. , Milluzzo G. , Catalano R. , Kantarelou V. , Siragusa C. , Midili F. , La Cognata M. , Guardo L. , Lattuada D. , Passarello D. , Angemi G. , Arjmand S. , Cantone G. , Caruso E. , Cuttone G. , Farokhi F. , Fattori S. , Giampiccolo O. , Giuffrida L. , Kurmanova A. , Margarone D. , Oliva D. , Pappalardo A. , Pizzino A. , Schillaci F. , Sciuto A. , Suarez J. , Cirrone G.A.P.
Published: April 2024

The reaction occurring between protons and 11B isotope (p+11B → 3α+8.7 MeV) has recently attracted attention as a possible candidate to overcome the generation of high-energy neutrons via the more studied Deuterium-Tritium fusion reaction. Since the early 2000s, several experiments have been carried out to investigate the viability of triggering this aneutronic reaction in laser-target interaction schemes. During these experiments, the total number of escaping α particles is measured to infer fusion reaction efficiency. However, the accurate detection of α particles in such experiments poses a real challenge.

In this scenario,
RadioChromic Films
(RCFs) arranged in a stack configuration can be used for the fluence and energy spectra reconstruction of generated protons, being this mandatory information in both “pitcher-catcher” and “in plasma” p-11B irradiation schemes. Nevertheless, RCF response exhibits a dependence on Linear Energy Transfer (LET), which leads to an underestimation of the response in high-LET conditions. This can result in dosimetric errors if not properly taken into account.
In this work, an analytical procedure able to reconstruct the incident energy spectra in an RCF stack was developed and validated thanks to a calibration procedure that was established for high and low proton energy (4–60 MeV) beams to properly reconstruct the incident spectra in the “pitcher-catcher” irradiation scheme.
Spectrum of coherent VUV radiation generated by 5.7 MeV electrons in a multilayer X-ray mirror
Authors: Shevelev M.V. , Uglov S.R. , Vukolov A.V.
Published: April 2024

The spectral and angular properties of diffracted transition radiation (DTR) and parametric radiation (PXR) in the ultrasoft X-ray region generated by the periodic structure upon interaction with a relativistic electron beam with energy of 5.7 MeV are numerically studied using a sample of the periodic structure [Mo/Si]50, known as a multilayer X-ray mirror. Based on calculations, an experimental approach is proposed to separate and identify the contributions of PXR and DTR. The ultrasoft X-ray radiation can be used to eliminate coherent effects occurring in the optical range when diagnosing the submicron electron beam size.
Development of a compact multiprobe system for monitoring positron-emitting tracers in plant stems
Authors: Nagao Y. , Suzui N. , Yin Y.-G. , Miyoshi Y. , Noda Y. , Enomoto K. , Tsuda M. , Yabe T. , Watabe H. , Yamaguchi M. , Kawachi N.
Published: April 2024

Nondestructive monitoring of positron-emitting tracers in
plant bodies at multiple points, including points separated by large
distances, has been realised with the positron multiprobe system
(PMPS) to investigate graminaceous plants, whose stems and leaves
have simple shapes. Recently, the translocation of photosynthates
into fruits has been studied intensively using a 11C tracer.
The relatively complex shapes of the stems and leaves of these
plants sometimes prevent the detector heads of the PMPS from
approaching and being fixed to the target stem properly because of
its relatively large and heavy detector heads based on
photomultiplier tubes. Owing to the compactness, lightweightness
and recent advances of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), fabricating
compact and lightweight detector heads has become possible. In this
study, we developed a compact PMPS (CPMPS) using SiPMs and
successfully demonstrated its capability for monitoring a 11C
tracer in strawberry stems. Moreover, we found that energy-window
filtering markedly reduced noise events without radiation shielding.
The dominant ionisation events detected by the CPMPS were Compton
scattering and subsequent photoabsorption of a single 511 keV gamma
ray, suggesting that the ionisation events of single-gamma-ray
emitters, such as 42K, 43K, 54Mn, 59Fe and
 65Zn, can be detected by the CPMPS. The developed CPMPS can
also be applied to study the physiology of other plants with
intricately shaped stems and leaves, such as the tomato and
eggplant.
A miniature prototype of Time Projection Chambers for CSR External-Target Experiment
Authors: Yang Yuansheng , Qin Zhi , Li Zhijie , Wei Xianglun , Wen Xiangjie , He Zhoubo , Guo Dong , Yang Herun , Ma Peng , Lu Chengui , Hu Rongjiang , Qiu Tianli , He Zhixuan , Duan Limin
Published: April 2024

A miniature prototype of time projection chamber for the
cooling storage ring external-target experiment (CEE) at the Heavy
Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL) was designed for
three-dimensional tracking of charged particles produced in
heavy-ion collisions at the target region and for particle
identification. The prototype consists of a TPC detector chamber
with active volume of 9 cm (height), 10 cm (length) and 10 cm
(width), gas electron multiplier (GEM) detector readout and
SAMPA-based electronics. This work describes design, track
reconstruction method and performance of the prototype. The energy
resolution is 11.03% sigma using a 55Fe x-ray source. Using
heavy-ion beam of 150 MeV/u Fe, the test results show that the
two-dimensional position resolution and drift time resolution of the
prototype are better than 400 μm and 20 ns, respectively.
Double-layer hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for ultrasound-guided photodynamic treatment
Authors: Chen Zhihui , Liu Wei , Liu Kaiwen , Wang Siqi , Li Cuiying , Wu Feiyun , Wang Shouju , Tang Yuxia
Published: April 2024

Cervical carcinoma persists as a major global public health burden. While conventional therapeutic modalities inevitably cause ablation of adjacent non-tumorous tissues, photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a targeted cytotoxic strategy through a photosensitizing agent (PS). However, the hydrophobicity and lack of selective accumulation of promising PS compounds such as zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) impedes their clinical translation as standalone agents. The present study sought to incorporate ZnPc within double-layer hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DHMSN) as nanocarriers to enhance aqueous dispersibility and tumor specificity. Owing to their compartmentalized design, the hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) demonstrated enhanced ultrasonic imaging contrast. Combined with the vaporization of the perfluorocarbon perfluoropentane (PFP), the HMSN-encapsulated ZnPc enabled real-time ultrasound monitoring of PDT treatment. In vivo, the innate thermal energy induced vaporization of the DHMSN-carried PFP to significantly amplify ultrasound signals from the tumor site. Results demonstrated biocompatibility, efficient PFP microbubble generation, and robust photocatalytic activity. Collectively, this investigation establishes ultrasound-guided PDT utilizing multi-layer HMSN as a targeted therapeutic strategy for cervical malignancies with mitigated toxicity.
Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries
Authors: Colombo Emanuela , Crevani Giacomo , Stevanato Nicolò , Mereu Riccardo
Published: April 2024

Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy remains a critical goal under the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Based on traditional engineering approaches, many energy solution planning tools have been developed to identify the optimal solution in these areas to assess the competition across different technological options. Nevertheless, these approaches, based on an economic optimum, do not necessarily grant long-term sustainability of the solution in specific local contexts, since they are not able to capture the social implications within the Energy-Development nexus. Moreover, also in light of the 2030 Agenda, scientific and grey literature on energy access highlights how energy solutions planning methodologies developed in the last decades need to be complemented by a more comprehensive view, able to integrate evidence from various disciplines, especially engineering and social sciences. Based on the above considerations, this paper introduces a novel framework under the name of CESP, where three social sciences-based phases complement three engineering phases, each one characterized by specific tools, to offer an informed decision framework for the local planner. CESP encompasses a set of techno-economic and socio-technical actions to prevent potential failure as evidenced by a counterfactual analysis used to identify the reasons behind past project failures. The CESP framework presents a sequential and iterative structure that underlines the cyclic perspective of a holistic decision process where social sciences feed the engineering analysis and vice versa. Finally, CESP emerges as a practical and applicable framework for supporting energy access planning in critical areas.
Assessing the tradeoffs in emissions, air quality and health benefits from excess power generation due to climate-related policies for the transportation sector
Authors: Efstathiou Christos I , Arunachalam Saravanan , Arter Calvin A , Buonocore Jonathan
Published: April 2024

As the transportation sector continues to decarbonize through electrification, there is growing interest in quantifying potential tradeoffs in air pollution and health impacts due to potential excess emissions from the power sector. This study investigates air pollution and health impacts of policy-driven changes in the transportation sector and the associated power generation demand in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. Five illustrative scenarios were designed to capture the effects of different policies under the first mandatory market-based program to reduce greenhouse gases in the US power sector (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative—RGGI) and the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). Considering future power generation with new renewable energy investments to meet demands from decarbonized transportation, the scenarios were framed using: 1. 2030 reference cases for both sectors and a hybrid TCI portfolio, 2. Departure from the reference cases defined by Pennsylvania included or not in RGGI, and 3. Power grid emissions estimated under clean energy standard (CES) policy and hybrid TCI portfolio. While the cross-sectoral policy effect on domain-wide concentrations is modest (max ΔPM2.5 ∼ 0.06 μg m3, ΔNO2 ∼ 0.3 ppbv, ΔO3 ∼ 0.15 ppbv), substantial increases in Ohio and West Virginia were attributed to Pennsylvania joining RGGI. With CES enacted and Pennsylvania in RGGI, significant reductions are seen in average concentrations (max ΔPM2.5 ∼ 1.2 μg m3, ΔNO2 ∼ 1.1 ppbv, ΔO3 ∼ 1.7 ppbv) except for Louisiana and Mississippi with corresponding disbenefits. When focusing exclusively on emissions reductions from transportation, the hybrid TCI portfolio had health benefits of 530 avoided adult deaths, and 46 000 avoided asthma exacerbations. With a ‘business as usual’ power grid, these benefits remain comparable and are mainly driven by NO2, followed by PM2.5 and O3. However, if Pennsylvania joins RGGI, total health benefits and spatial distribution change substantially, with a large portion of adverse health impacts moving from TCI states to Ohio and West Virginia. The overall monetized impact of a CES scenario can substantially exceed the estimated average range of 66–69 Billion US$, depending on the interaction with transportation decarbonization strategies and other drivers of exposure.
Quantification of static softening process and its effects on work hardening characteristics of a typical high strength steel during multi-pass deformation
Authors: Zhao Mingjie , Lu An , Jiang Lihong , Huang Liang , Li Jianjun , Guo Zhenghua
Published: April 2024

Heavy components of 300 M steel are usually manufactured by multi-pass forging. It is necessary to study the flow characteristics of 300 M steel during multi-pass deformation, which helps to regulate the flow behaviors during the actual forging process. In the study, multi-pass compression experiments are conducted on the Gleeble-3500 device to mimic the forging process of 300 M steel. Results show that the deformation parameters and inter-pass holding parameters can affect the work hardening rate significantly. It can be ascribed to coupling effects of dynamic softening and static softening behaviors. A unified static softening kinetics model is established to evaluate the coupling effects of static recovery, static recrystallization, and metadynamic recrystallization on the static softening behaviors. The established static softening kinetics model shows high prediction accuracy with a reliability of 0.99605. Furthermore, a new constitutive model is established to describe the effects of dynamic softening and static softening on the flow stress during multi-pass deformation. The prediction accuracy of the new constitutive model is 0.98897 with a mean absolute error of 4.075%, which demonstrates that the established constitutive model is reliable.
Surface roughness and gloss retention of bioactive resin composite after simulated toothbrush abrasion
Authors: Turkistani Alaa , Hasanain Fatin A
Published: April 2024

Background. Newly introduced bioactive resin composites are being used more often. Few studies have evaluated the influence of toothbrush abrasion on their surface characteristics. Methods. This study aims to assess the surface roughness (Ra) and gloss values (GU) of 3 bioactive composites and a conventional nanohybrid composite before and after simulated toothbrush abrasion. Five samples each of Filtek Z250 XT, Beautifil Flow Plus, Activa Presto and Predicta Bioactive Bulk were subjected to 10,000 cycles of simulated toothbrush abrasion. Ra and GU values were evaluated at baseline and after each 2,500 cycles. Results. Significant difference was found in both Ra and GU (P < 0.001). For each material, GU gradually decreased as the brushing cycles increased. GU values of Beautifil Flow Plus were significantly higher at the baseline, 2,500- and 5,000-cycles stages (P < 0.05). The GU values were 78.20 (7.20), 69.67 (6.17) and 63.30 (5.52) respectively. Activa Presto showed the lowest mean GU after 10,000 cycles. A significant increase in Ra at each of the measuring stages was observed in all materials compared to the baseline measurement (P < 0.001). No significant difference in Ra values of all four materials at the baseline and up to 5,000-cycles (P > 0.05). After 7,500 cycles, the mean Ra value of Activa Presto at 0.64 (0.14) was significantly higher than that of Z250 XT at 0.49 (0.03) (P < 0.001). At 10,000 cycles, Activa Presto had significantly higher Ra at 0.70 (0.10) when compared to Z250 XT at 0.52 (0.08), Beautifil Flow Plus at 0.56 (0.07) and Predicta Bioactive Bulk at 0.59 (0.10) (P < 0.001). Conclusion. All materials showed an increase in Ra and decrease in GU after simulated toothbrushing.
Enhancing ECG signal classification through pre-trained stacked-CNN embeddings: a transfer learning approach
Authors: Benchaira Khadidja , Bitam Salim
Published: April 2024

Rapid and accurate electrocardiogram (ECG) signal classification is crucial in high-stakes healthcare settings. However, existing computational models often struggle to balance high performance with computational efficiency. This study introduces an innovative computational framework that combines transfer learning with traditional machine learning to optimize ECG classification. We use a pre-trained Stacked Convolutional Neural Network (SCNN) to generate high-dimensional feature embeddings, which are then evaluated by an array of machine learning classifiers. Our models demonstrate exceptional performance, particularly when utilizing embeddings from SCNNs trained on diverse datasets. This underscores the importance of data diversity in improving classifier discrimination. Notably, Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs) stand out for their ability to balance computational efficiency with strong performance, achieving test F1-scores of 0.94 and 1.00 in multi-class and binary tasks on the CinC2017 dataset, and 0.85 and 0.99 on the CPSC2018 dataset. Our approach consistently outperforms existing methods, setting new benchmarks in ECG classification. The synergy between deep learning-based feature extraction and traditional machine learning through transfer learning offers a robust, efficient, and adaptable strategy for ECG classification, addressing a critical research gap and laying the groundwork for future advancements in this crucial healthcare field.
Silk fibroin and hydroxypropyl cellulose composite injectable hydrogel-containing extracellular vesicles for myocardial infarction repair
Authors: Hua Yinjian , He Zhengfei , Ni Yunjie , Sun Linggang , Wang Rui , Li Yan , Li Xintong , Jiang Guohua
Published: April 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as one of the promising specific drugs for myocardial infarction (MI) prognosis. Nevertheless, low intramyocardial retention of EVs remains a major impediment to their clinical application. In this study, we developed a silk fibroin/hydroxypropyl cellulose (SF/HPC) composite hydrogel combined with AC16 cell-derived EVs targeted modification by folic acid for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction repair. EVs were functionalized by distearoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG-FA) via noncovalent interaction for targeting and accelerating myocardial infarction repair. In vitro, cytocompatibility analyses revealed that the as-prepared hydrogels had excellent cell viability by MTT assay and the functionalized EVs had higher cell migration by scratch assay. In vivo, the composite hydrogels can promote myocardial tissue repair effects by delaying the process of myocardial fibrosis and promoting angiogenesis of infarct area in MI rat model.