bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimode polariton effects on molecular energy transport and spectral fluctuations
Authors: Ribeiro Raphael F.
Published: April 2022

Despite the potential paradigm breaking capability of microcavities to control chemical processes, the extent to which photonic devices change properties of molecular materials is still unclear, in part due to challenges in modeling hybrid light-matter excitations delocalized over many length scales. We overcome these challenges for a photonic wire under strong coupling with a molecular ensemble. Our simulations provide a detailed picture of the effect of photonic wires on spectral and transport properties of a disordered molecular material. We find stronger changes to the probed molecular observables when the cavity is redshifted relative to the molecules and energetic disorder is weak. These trends are expected to hold also in higher-dimensional cavities, but are not captured with theories that only include a single cavity-mode. Therefore, our results raise important issues for future experiments and model building focused on unraveling new ways to manipulate chemistry with optical cavities.
Micro-object pose estimation with sim-to-real transfer learning using small dataset
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Barbot Antoine , Seichepine Florent , Lo Frank P.-W. , Bai Wenjia , Yang Guang-Zhong , Lo Benny
Published: April 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) pose estimation of micro/nano-objects is essential for the implementation of automatic manipulation in micro/nano-robotic systems. However, out-of-plane pose estimation of a micro/nano-object is challenging, since the images are typically obtained in 2D using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or an optical microscope (OM). Traditional deep learning based methods require the collection of a large amount of labeled data for model training to estimate the 3D pose of an object from a monocular image. Here we present a sim-to-real learning-to-match approach for 3D pose estimation of micro/nano-objects. Instead of collecting large training datasets, simulated data is generated to enlarge the limited experimental data obtained in practice, while the domain gap between the generated and experimental data is minimized via image translation based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) model. A learning-to-match approach is used to map the generated data and the experimental data to a low-dimensional space with the same data distribution for different pose labels, which ensures effective feature embedding. Combining the labeled data obtained from experiments and simulations, a new training dataset is constructed for robust pose estimation. The proposed method is validated with images from both SEM and OM, facilitating the development of closed-loop control of micro/nano-objects with complex shapes in micro/nano-robotic systems.
Societal drought vulnerability and the Syrian climate-conflict nexus are better explained by agriculture than meteorology
Authors: Eklund Lina , Theisen Ole Magnus , Baumann Matthias , Forø Tollefsen Andreas , Kuemmerle Tobias , Østergaard Nielsen Jonas
Published: April 2022

Droughts are often suspected to increase the risk of violent conflict through agricultural production shocks, and existing studies often explore these links through meteorological proxies. In Syria, an alleged agricultural collapse caused by drought is assumed to have contributed to increased migration and the conflict outbreak in 2011. Here we use satellite derived cropland and climate data to study land use dynamics in relation to drought and conflict in Syria. We show that claims of an agricultural collapse cannot be substantiated as croplands saw a fast recovery after the 2007–2009 drought. Our study highlights the importance of considering land-use dynamics for understanding linkages between meteorological droughts, agricultural impacts, migration and conflict. Furthermore, our results suggest that the influential drought-migration-conflict narrative for Syria needs to be reexamined, with implications for wider discussions of how climate change might alter conflict risk.
The conterminous United States are projected to become more prone to flash floods in a high-end emissions scenario
Authors: Li Zhi , Gao Shang , Chen Mengye , Gourley Jonathan J. , Liu Changhai , Prein Andreas F. , Hong Yang
Published: April 2022

Flash floods are largely driven by high rainfall rates in convective storms that are projected to increase in frequency and intensity in a warmer climate in the future. However, quantifying the changes in future flood flashiness is challenging due to the lack of high-resolution climate simulations. Here we use outputs from a continental convective-permitting numerical weather model at 4-km and hourly resolution and force a numerical hydrologic model at a continental scale to depict such change. As results indicate, US floods are becoming 7.9% flashier by the end of the century assuming a high-emissions scenario. The Southwest (+10.5%) has the greatest increase in flashiness among historical flash flood hot spots, and the central US (+8.6%) is emerging as a new flash flood hot spot. Additionally, future flash flood-prone frontiers are advancing northwards. This study calls on implementing climate-resilient mitigation measures for emerging flash flood hot spots.
Smartphone-based fluorescence detection of bilirubin using yellow emissive carbon dots
Authors: Alshatteri Azad H. , Omer Khalid M.
Published: April 2022

Development of highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for biomolecule detection has significant implications in clinical diagnosis and bioanalysis.
Microbial conversion pathways of particulate organic substrate conversion in aerobic granular sludge systems: limited anaerobic conversion and the essential role of flocs
Authors: Layer Manuel , Brison Antoine , Villodres Mercedes Garcia , Stähle Matthias , Házi Ferenc , Takács Imre , Morgenroth Eberhard , Derlon Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Particulate organic substrate (XB) represents the major fraction of organic substrate in low-strength municipal wastewater (MWW) but its hydrolysis, conversion and utilisation in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) are not well understood.
Critical evaluation of SCGD-OES analytical performance in the presence of NaCl
Authors: Zhang Yinchenxi , Orejas Jaime , Fandiño Jonatan , Blanco Fernández David , Pisonero Jorge , Bordel Nerea
Published: April 2022

The present study deals with the influence of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the analytical response and performance of solution-cathode glow discharge coupled to optical emission spectroscopy (SCGD-OES).
CNFs from linseeds oil: a potential source of X-band microwave absorbers
Authors: Kshirsagar Dattatray E. , Dubey Harish , Puri Vijaya , Jadhav Vijay , Sharon Madhuri
Published: April 2022

Carbon nano fibers (CNFs) were synthesized at high temperature using natural linseeds oil.
KDM4B, a potential prognostic biomarker revealed by large-scale public databases and clinical samples in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Liu Yuan , Hou Siyu , Wang Yiru , Wang Can , Yin Yue , Chen Xiuwei
Published: April 2022

The step-by-step research process of this research. After scientific bioinformatics analysis and rigorous experimental verification, KDM4B was finally found to be a potential novel prognostic biomarker for UCEC.
Synergetic degradation of organic dyes and Cr(vi) by the piezocatalytic BZT-xBCT
Authors: Liang Xiuchen , Shi Xueru , Zou Xuexue , Wang Zengmei , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: April 2022

Recently, piezo-catalysts have gained considerable attention owing to their unique ability to degrade pollutants by harvesting trivial mechanical energy from the surrounding environment.
Engineering biomaterials to 3D-print scaffolds for bone regeneration: practical and theoretical consideration
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Aftab Alam , Golebiowska Aleksandra A. , Dash Madhusmita , Kumar Prasoon , Jain Prashant Kumar , Nukavarapu Syam P. , Ramakrishna Seeram , Nanda Himansu Sekhar
Published: April 2022

Composite 3D-printed mechanically competent scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.
N,S co-doped V3Nb17O50@C fibers used for lithium-ion storage
Authors: Fu Hongliang , Duan Qi , Lian Yue , Wang Dawei , Bai Yongqing , Cao Zonglun , Sun Jie , Zhao Jing , Zhang Huaihao
Published: April 2022

An embedded nanocomposite, S-V3Nb17O50@NC with lattice defects (N,S co-doping) and carbon interfaces, displays stabilized structures upon cycling in LIBs and LICs.
Multicomponent flux growth and composition control of Cu2MnBO5:Ga ludwigites
Authors: Moshkina Evgeniya , Krylov Alexander , Kokh Dieter , Shabanova Ksenia , Molokeev Maxim , Bovina Asya , Plyaskin Mikhail , Rostovtsev Nikita , Bezmaternykh Leonard
Published: April 2022

The Cu2MnBO5/Cu2GaBO5 phase boundary was found in grown Cu2Mn1−xGaxBO5 ludwigites at x = 0.15–0.175 using X-ray and vibrational spectroscopy techniques. The polarized Raman spectra of the monoclinic ludwigites were obtained and analyzed for the first time.
Spontaneous chiral resolution of pentahelicene molecules on Cd(0001)
Authors: Han Qing , Li Zuo , Sun Kai , Tao Min-Long , Shi Ming-Xia , Yang Da-Xiao , Xia Jing-Xiang , Wan Jia-Jie , Wang Jun-Zhong
Published: April 2022

Chiral resolution is of fundamental importance to conglomerate or racemate crystallization.
Anisotropic thermal expansion and electronic transitions in the Co3BO5 ludwigite
Authors: Kazak Natalia , Arauzo Ana , Bartolomé Juan , Molokeev Maxim , Dudnikov Vyacheslav , Solovyov Leonid , Borus Andrew , Ovchinnikov Sergei
Published: April 2022

The thermal expansion affects the electronic state of Co3+ ions triggering the spin-state crossover and following the charge-ordering transition without changing the symmetry.
Enhanced up-conversion photoluminescence in fluoride–oxyfluoride nanophosphor films by embedding gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ngo Thi Tuyen , Lozano Gabriel , Míguez Hernán
Published: April 2022

Gold nanoparticles embedded in fluoride–oxyfluoride nanophosphor films enable plasmon-mediated enhancement of upconversion photoluminescence.
A freestanding nitrogen-doped MXene/graphene cathode for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Yuanzheng Luo , Zhicheng Ye , Lianghao Mo , Buyin Li , Shufa Li
Published: April 2022

Designing heteroatomic doped MXene/rGO freestanding cathode enhanced the chemical adsorption capability of the polysulfide.
Direct complexation of citric acid to synthesize high-efficiency bismuth vanadate through molten polymerization route for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light irradiation
Authors: Tao Zihao , Hu Xiaojun , He Lan , Zhang Hongbo
Published: April 2022

Tetracycline hydrochloride can be efficiently degraded over BiVO4 prepared through direct citric acid complexation.
Direct synthesis of H2O2 over Pd–M@HCS (M = Sn, Fe, Co, or Ni): effects of non-noble metal M on the electronic state and particle size of Pd
Authors: Wu Quansheng , Zhou Songhua , Fu Chengbing , Zhang Jiesong , Chen Bo , Pan Hongyan , Lin Qian
Published: April 2022

Direct synthesis of H2O2 in a yolk–shell structure assisted by M (M = Fe,Co,Ni,Sn) metal doping.
Investigating the properties of l-lysine dendrimers through physico-chemical characterisation techniques and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: England R. M. , Sonzini S. , Buttar D. , Treacher K. E. , Ashford M. B.
Published: April 2022

Poly(l-lysine) dendrimers up to generation 6 have been analysed by SEC, Taylor dispersion analysis and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to determine their properties, in what could be considered an understudied dendrimer series.
Ultrathin black phosphorus as a pivotal hole extraction layer and oxidation evolution co-catalyst boosting solar water oxidation
Authors: Chen Biyi , Li Dan , Wu Xiaojie , Deng Shuang , Li Longhua , Shi Weidong
Published: April 2022

A large built-in electric field was formed due to the unequal work functions between BP and WO3, which is crucial for extracting photo-generated holes.
Modulating the catalytic activity by the mechanical bond: organocatalysis with polyamide [2]rotaxanes bearing a secondary amino function at the thread
Authors: Perez Jesus de Maria , Alajarin Mateo , Martinez-Cuezva Alberto , Berna Jose
Published: April 2022

The activity as organocatalysts of a series of [2]rotaxanes bearing secondary amino functions at the thread is modulated by the electronics at the entwined macrocycles.
The influence of the internal interface energy barrier and the device dimensions on the transient electroluminescence lifetime of bi-layer OLEDs
Authors: Yonish Adi , Shikler Rafi
Published: April 2022

Unexpected asymmetric dependence of the transient EL lifetime in bilayer OLEDs on the device dimensions is observed. It is associated with an asymmetric energy barrier at the HTL:ETL interface, and verified by a “Marburg model” based simulation.
Inherent electron and hole trapping in amorphous phase-change memory materials: Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Konstantinou Konstantinos , Elliott Stephen R. , Akola Jaakko
Published: April 2022

Charge trapping is energetically favourable for electronic states in the band gap of glassy phase-change memory materials. Intrinsic near-linear triatomic environments in defective-octahedral configurations can capture extra electrons and holes.
Spiropyran-incorporated honeycomb porous films with reversible multistimuli-responsive properties
Authors: Xie Junwen , Zhang Junming , Ma Yingyi , Han Yuhang , Li Jingfang , Zhu Min
Published: April 2022

Spiropyran-modified honeycomb porous film with photo-, thermo- and acido-chromic properties.
Resilience assessment methodologies and enhancement strategies of multi‐energy cyber‐physical systems of the distribution network
Authors: Yang Baijie , Ge Shaoyun , Liu Hong , Li Junkai , Zhang Shida
Published: April 2022

Natural disasters and cyber intrusions threaten the normal operation of the critical Multi‐Energy Systems (MESs) infrastructures. There is still no universally‐accepted definition of MESs resilience under the integration of cyber and physical, and lack of a widely accepted methodology to quantify and assess the resilience in MESs. Hence, this paper introduces an extensive review of the state‐of‐the‐art research of power systems’ resilience. Then, this work proposes the definition of the Multi‐Energy Cyber‐Physical Systems (MECPSs) resilience and its related characteristics. To improve the resilience of MECPSs, this paper investigates extreme natural disaster models and analyses the vulnerability of the system to find the key constraint factors. Furthermore, this work presents the qualitative assessment curve, quantitative indexes, and assessment framework of the MECPSs resilience. Finally, the key improvement measures for the planning and operation of MECPSs resilience and the focus of future research are presented.
An ultra high step‐up DC‐DC converter based on VMC, POSLLC, and boost converter
Authors: Mahdizadeh Saeed , Gholizadeh Hossein , Shahrivar Reza Sharifi , Afjei Ebrahim , Mosallanejad Ali
Published: April 2022

In this article, an ultra‐high step‐up DC‐DC converter has been proposed. The topology of the converter is a combination of a cascaded boost converter, positive output super lift Luo converter (POS LLC), and a voltage multiplier cell (VMC). The lower values of the duty cycle provide a more than 10 times voltage gain. Consequently, the high voltage gain has been provided beside the lower value of the voltage/current stress of the semiconductor and an acceptable value of the efficiency. With a detailed look, it can be understood the voltage gain and efficiency of the converter have become 12 times and 90.5% based on the experimental results while the percentage of the duty cycle has become 50%. Moreover, by the mentioned percentage of the duty cycle, the normalized value of the voltage/current stress of the semiconductors has become lower than 50% by exception of only 3 semiconductor‐based components which have voltage/current stresses more than 50% and lower than the unity. In addition to all the mentioned advantages, the input current has remained continuous which solves the challenges of the input filter's capacitor. Moreover, the voltage/current stresses have been kept low‐valued. The ideal mode of the topology has been discussed for both continuous/discontinuous current modes. The non‐ideal mode of the topology and its related comparisons have been done. A comparison of the voltage/current stresses of the semiconductor‐based components has been done. Moreover, the comparison of the losses and efficiency have been done for the proposed converter and recently suggested topologies. In addition, the efficiency has been discussed for the different values of its effective factors and the resulted behavior has been expressed. Finally, the simulation and experimental outcomes have been extracted for a 120 W output power and compared with the theoretical relations' results.
Analytical prediction of the flux reversal permanent magnet machine with Halbach array magnets in rotor slot considering saturation
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yang Kuang , Zhang Chengming , Li Liyi
Published: April 2022

This study presents an improved sub‐domain analytical model for the characteristic evaluation of the flux reversal permanent magnet machine with Halbach array magnets (FRPMM‐HAM) in rotor slot. The influence of iron saturation is considered by equating iron reluctances into airgap. Based on the different material magnetic permeabilities, the FRPMM‐HAM is divided into several regions, including slots, permanent magnets (PMs), airgap and so on. By solving the Maxwell equations in polar coordinate for each region according to the boundary conditions, the vector magnetic potential can be derived. According to the vector magnetic potential, the airgap flux density distributions are predicted and the electromagnetic characteristics are calculated. The average magnetic density of the tooth and yoke is combined with the Bertotti model to calculate the iron loss. Besides, the eddy current loss of PMs is also calculated. The accuracy of analytical results is validated via the finite element method (FEM).
Fast principal component analysis‐based detection of small targets in sea clutter
Authors: Li Jing‐Yi , Shui Peng‐Lang , Guo Zi‐Xun , Xu Shu‐Wen
Published: April 2022

Aiming at fast small target detection in high‐resolution maritime surveillance radars, this letter proposes a fast detection method using multiple salient features extracted from radar returns and principal component analysis (PCA) in the feature space. It consists of offline clutter feature subspace selection and online fast decision. The PCA of the training feature vectors of sea clutter is computed to generate the recombined features for compact representation of sea clutter features, and the training feature vectors of simulated target returns plus sea clutter are used to find the optimal clutter feature subspace spanned by significant recombined features. The distance of a feature vector under test from the optimal clutter feature subspace is used as the test statistic for fast online decision. Experimental results on the recognised and open IPIX and CSIR radar databases show that the proposed detector reduces decision time up to two scales of magnitude and keeps competitive performance in comparison with the existing feature‐based detectors.
Long-term scintillation studies of EPTA pulsars
Authors: Liu Yulan , Verbiest Joris P. W. , Main Robert A. , Wu Ziwei , Ambalappat Krishnakumar Moochickal , Champion David J. , Cognard Ismaël , Guillemot Lucas , Gaikwad Madhuri , Janssen Gemma H. , Kramer Michael , Keith Michael J. , Karuppusamy Ramesh , Künkel Lars , Liu Kuo , McKee James W. , Mickaliger Mitchell B. , Stappers Ben W. , Shaifullah Golam. M. , Theureau Gilles
Published: April 2022

Context. Interstellar scintillation analysis of pulsars allows us to probe the small-scale distribution and inhomogeneities of the ionized interstellar medium. From the frequency scale of scintillation, one can estimate the geometric time delays from multipath propagation, a source of (typically) unmodeled, correlated noise in pulsar timing. Interstellar scintillation analysis of well-timed pulsars is useful to quantify the effects of time delays and may lead to improved timing precision, enhancing the probability of detecting gravitational waves.

Aims. Our priority is to present the data set and the basic measurements of scintillation parameters of pulsars, employing long-term scintillation observations carried out from 2011 January to 2020 August by the European Pulsar Timing Array radio telescopes in the 21-cm and 11-cm bands. Additionally, we aim to identify future possible lines of study using this long-term scintillation data set.

Methods. The autocorrelation function of dynamic spectra has been used to estimate the scintillation bandwidth vd and scintillation timescale τd.

Results. We present the long-term time series of vd and τd for 13 pulsars. Sanity checks and comparisons indicate that the scintillation parameters of our work and previously published works are mostly consistent. For two pulsars, PSRs J1857+0943 and J1939+2134, we were able to obtain measurements of the vd at both bands, which allowed us to derive the time series of frequency scaling indices with a mean and a standard deviation of 2.82 ± 1.95 and 3.18 ± 0.60, respectively. We found some interesting features which will be studied in more detail in subsequent papers in this series: (i) in the time series of PSR J1939+2134, where vd and τd sharply decrease associated with a sharp increase in the dispersion measure; (ii) PSR J0613-0200 and PSR J0636+5126 show a strong annual variation in the time series of the τd; and (iii) PSR J1939+2134 shows a weak anticorrelation between the scintillation timescale and the dispersion in Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope data.
Post-Newtonian gravity and Gaia-like astrometry
Authors: Butkevich Alexey G. , Vecchiato Alberto , Bucciarelli Beatrice , Gai Mario , Crosta Mariateresa , Lattanzi Mario G.
Published: April 2022

Context. Relativistic models of light propagation adopted for high-precision astrometry are based on the parametrised post-Newtonian formalism, which provides a framework for examining the effects of a hypothetical violation of general relativity on astrometric data. Astrometric observations are strongly affected by the post-Newtonian (PPN) parameter γ describing the strength of gravitational light deflection.

Aims. We study both analytically and numerically how a deviation in the PPN parameter γ from unity, which is the value predicted by general relativity, affects the parallax estimations in Gaia-like astrometry.

Methods. Changes in the observable quantities produced by a small variation in PPN γ were calculated analytically. We then considered how such variations of the observables are reflected in the parallax estimations, and we performed numerical simulations to check the theoretical predictions.

Results. A variation in the PPN γ results in a global shift of parallaxes and we present a formula describing the parallax bias in terms of the satellite barycentric distance, the angle between the spin axis and the direction to the Sun, and the PPN γ uncertainty. Numerical simulations of the astrometric solutions confirm the theoretical result. The up-to-date estimation of PPN γ suggests that a corresponding contribution to the Gaia parallax zero point unlikely exceeds 0.2 μas. The numerical simulations indicate that the parallax shift is strongly dependent on ecliptic latitude. It is argued that this effect is due to an asymmetry in the Gaia scanning law and this conclusion is fully validated by additional simulations with a reversed direction of the precession of the spin axis around the direction to the Sun.
The local atomic pressures in 79 atom Pd-Ag-Pt truncated octahedron structure
Authors: Garip Ali Kemal , Göcen Tuğba
Published: April 2022

The best chemical ordering structures of 79-atom trimetallic PdnAg(60−n)Pt19 nanoalloys with truncated octahedron (TO) geometry were optimized and local relaxations were performed by using Monte Carlo Basin-Hopping algorithm within Gupta potential. The mixing energy variations were calculated to compare the relative stability. The lowest excess energy value was obtained at the compositions of Pd25Ag35Pt19 at Gupta level. In addition, a detailed investigation of local atomic pressure has been carried out. The factors affecting local atomic pressures were discussed.
Reconsidering the Limits of Normal Hearing
Authors: Martin Frederick N. , Champlin Craig A.
Published: April 2022

A proposal is made that 15 dB HL, rather than 25 dB HL, be considered the upper limit of normal hearing sensitivity. This recommendation is based on an explanation of the change from an earlier philosophy and the fact that so many people with hearing levels that average less than 25 dB HL consider themselves to have hearing difficulty. Such reclassification of people with slight to mild hearing losses would dignify their clinical complaints and aid in counseling that would assist them with their hearing difficulties.
Self-Reported Hearing Handicap and Audiometric Measures in Older Adults
Authors: Wiley Terry L. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Nondahl David M. , Tweed Ted S.
Published: April 2022

As part of an epidemiologic study of hearing disorders in older adults, audiometric thresholds (250–20,000 Hz), word recognition performance (Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 word lists in quiet and in competing message), and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S) scores were evaluated for 3178 adults ranging in age from 48 to 92 years. Overall, higher HHIE-S scores were more prevalent for older age groups and for greater degrees of hearing loss. After adjusting for the degree of hearing loss, the probability of reporting a hearing disability (handicap) decreased with age.

Abbreviations: ANSI = American National Standards Institute, HHIE = Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, HHIE-S = Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening, NU-6 = Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6, PTA = pure-tone average
Individualism and the fight against COVID-19
Authors: Huang Li , Li Oliver Zhen , Wang Baiqiang , Zhang Zilong
Published: April 2022

What is the role of societal culture in the individualism-collectivism paradigm in pandemic containment? In the prolonged fight against COVID-19, government-initiated non-pharmaceutical interventions critically hinges on citizens’ adherence to these restrictive policies. Using an international setting, this research shows that countries scoring high on individualism generally have a more severe COVID-19 situation throughout the trajectory of the pandemic. This link between individualism and the severity of the virus situation is plausibly due to social non-cooperativeness in individualistic countries which reduces the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at mitigating the virus situation. Exploiting cultural disparity in the individualism-collectivism paradigm between former East and West German districts, this research further demonstrates that, after controlling for local characteristics that can affect the pandemic outcome, former East German districts have a less severe COVID-19 situation than former West German districts. Evidence collectively suggests that a greater reluctance among people in more individualistic cultures to heed virus-fighting policies impose a negative public health externality in a pandemic.
Instrument for simultaneous measurement of Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity in the temperature range 300–800 K with Python interfacing
Authors: Sk Shamim , Pandey Abhishek , Pandey Sudhir K.
Published: April 2022

Fabrication and characterization of an instrument for the high-temperature simultaneous measurement of the Seebeck coefficient (S) and thermal conductivity (κ) have been carried out with Python automation. The steady-state-based Fourier’s law of thermal conduction is employed for κ measurement. The parallel thermal conductance technique is implemented for heat loss measurement. Introducing a thin heater and insulating heater base minimizes the heat loss and makes it easier to arrive at high temperatures. Measurement of S is carried out using the differential method. The same thermocouples are used to measure the temperature as well as voltage for S measurement. Care of temperature dependent S of the thermocouple has also been taken. Simple design, small size, and lightweight make this instrument more robust. All the components for making a sample holder are easily available in the market and can be replaced as per the user’s demand. This instrument can measure samples with various dimensions and shapes in the temperature range 300–800 K. The instrument is validated using different classes of samples, such as nickel, gadolinium, Fe2VAl, and LaCoO3. A wide range of S values from ∼−20 to ∼600 μV/K and κ values from ∼1.1 to ∼23.5 W/m K are studied. The measured values of S and κ are in good agreement with the reported data.
Selenium application methods and rates for biofortification of common bean and their residual effects on Mombaça grass
Authors: Araújo Suellen Nunes de , Raymundo Jéssica Francisco , Costa Fábio Freire Ribeiro , Lessa Josimar Henrique de Lima , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Lopes Guilherme
Published: April 2022

Context Agronomic biofortification is recognised as being an important strategy to increase selenium (Se) contents in food crops. The effectiveness of agronomic biofortification may differ depending on the methods of how Se is applied in agricultural systems. Aims This study aimed to evaluate different Se application methods (involving Se addition in the soil via Se-enriched fertilisers and foliar Se application) and rates for biofortification of common bean and to assess residual effects of soil Se additions for biofortification of Mombaça grass grown after the common bean. Methods Both experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. In the first cultivation (common bean), Se (as sodium selenate) was added at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/dm3 using six different methods, as follows: Se-enriched monoammonium phosphate, Se-enriched urea, Se-foliar application, Se-enriched monoammonium phosphate + Se-enriched urea, Se-enriched monoammonium phosphate + Se-foliar application, and Se-enriched urea + Se-foliar application. To evaluate the residual effects of soil Se additions, Mombaça grass plants were grown after the common bean (second cultivation) without additional Se supply. Key results Agronomic biofortification effectiveness varied among methods, with higher Se contents in common bean grains being found when Se-enriched urea, Se-foliar application, and the combination of both methods were applied. Conclusions Selenium addition methods via soil using fertilisers as carriers to add Se, including Se-enriched monoammonium phosphate, showed a potential of residual effects on succeeding crops since these methods were efficient for increasing Se contents in Mombaça grass shoots.
A-site deficient La0.52Sr0.28Ti0.94Ni0.06O3 by low-pulsed electric current treatment: achieved exsolution of B-site Ni nanoparticles and significant improvement of electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Yu Wenwen , Qi Jingang , Hu Xin , Qiao Sifan , Shang Jian , Liu Liang , Wang Bing , Tang Lidan , Zhang Wei , Cheng Yu
Published: April 2022

Perovskite materials with exsolved nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in energy conversion systems owing to their unique basal plane active sites and excellent catalytic properties. The introduction of A-site deficiency can help the formation of highly mobile oxygen vacancies and remarkably enhance the reducibility of Ni nanoparticles, thus significantly increasing electronic conductivity and catalytic activity simultaneously. Herein, we adopt pulsed electric current (PEC) treatment, a novel approach instead of the long-time high-temperature reduction technique, and for the first time review that the exsolution of minuscule Ni nanoparticles (8–20 nm) could be facilitated on Ni-doped La0.52Sr0.28Ti0.94Ni0.06O3 (LSTN) anodes with A-site deficiency. Encouragingly, finding that low PEC can successfully lead to nanoparticle exsolution and show a significantly improved oxygen evolution reaction performance of LSTN-PEC (LSTN after PEC treatment) possessing A-site deficiency, the onset potential of LSTN-PEC (500 V) (LSTN after PEC treatment with 500 V–4 Hz–90 s) was advanced by 0.173 V, the R
ct value was reduced by 82.38 Ω·cm2, and the overpotential was also reduced by 73 mV.
The critical role of electron induced secondary electrons in high-voltage and low-pressure capacitively coupled oxygen plasmas
Authors: Horváth B , Donkó Z , Schulze J , Derzsi A
Published: April 2022

Particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions simulations are performed to study the effects of electron induced secondary electrons (SEs) in single-frequency (13.56 MHz) capacitively coupled oxygen discharges operated in the low-pressure regime (

<
1

Pa). A comparison of the plasma parameters is presented based on different surface models in the simulations. Both for electrons and ions, simple and realistic approaches are used to model their interactions with the electrode material. The simple approaches use constant coefficients (electron reflection, SE emission), irrespectively of the discharge conditions and the surface properties, while the realistic surface coefficients are functions of the energy of the particles hitting the electrode and depend on the surface properties. When electron induced secondary electron emission (SEE) is accounted for, a complex electron emission and ionization dynamics of ion induced γ- and electron induced δ-electrons is found. When both the electron and ion induced SEE is described by energy dependent surface coefficients, an exponential increase of the plasma density and the O2(a1Δg) metastable concentration is observed by increasing the driving voltage amplitude, as well as a strong decrease of the electronegativity of the discharge and a transition of the discharge operation mode from the drift-ambipolar mode to the α-mode are found to take place.
Numerical characterization of capacitively coupled plasmas modulated by ion beam injection
Authors: Zhou Youyou , Wang Yu , Wu Hao , Zhang Ya , Jiang Wei , Lapenta Giovanni
Published: April 2022

This work proposes to use the Ar+ ion beam (IB) injection to modulate the properties of the single-frequency capacitively coupled plasma (CCP). The particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions method is used to simulate the plasma characteristics after the IB (2 keV, 0.5 A) is injected into the discharge area from the grounded electrode. The results show that the IB can effectively increase the plasma density, reduce the electron energy, increase the self-bias voltage, and thus increase ion flux and broaden the ion energy distribution function on the electrode. Furthermore, transition from α-mode to γ-mode occurs by increasing the secondary electron emission coefficient γ and discharge pressure. In general, the IB injection can be used as a complementary tool to control the plasma properties of CCP.
Effectiveness of rastall gravity in modified chaplygin gas inspired viscous-flation
Authors: Saleem Rabia , Wahab Abdul , Shahid Iqra
Published: April 2022

This paper is a contribution to study the effectiveness of Rastall gravity (RG) by another mechanism of warm viscous inflation inspired by modified Chaplygin gas (MCG). The matter contents of our cosmos are taken to be standard scalar field (ϕ) and radiation within flat FRW geometry. We establish the current model using intermediate form of scale factor and calculate the analytic solution of inflaton, effective potential V(ϕ) necessary to inflate the Universe and entropy density S under slow-roll limit. The further work in this paper is restricted to high dissipative regime, taking constant and variable dissipative (Γ) and viscous coefficients (ξ). The evaluated exact solutions are the main source in developing the inflationary observable like scalar/tensor power spectra, scalar/tensor spectral indices, tensor to scalar ratio and running of scalar spectral index for our model. The model parameters as well as additional theory parameter λ are constrained to check the compatibility of RG with Planck 2018 data via

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−

n

s

and α

s
− n

s
trajectories. We conclude that RG along with modification of CG model can lead to significant changes in the early universe.
Imaging a periodic moving/state-changed object with Hadamard-based computational ghost imaging
Authors: Guo Hui , Wang Le , Zhao Sheng-Mei
Published: April 2022

We propose a method for imaging a periodic moving/state-changed object based on computational ghost imaging with Hadamard speckle patterns and a slow bucket detector, named as PO-HCGI. In the scheme, speckle patterns are produced from a part of each row of a Hadamard matrix. Then, in each cycle, multiple speckle patterns are projected onto the periodic moving/state-changed object, and a bucket detector with a slow sampling rate records the total intensities reflected from the object as one measurement. With a series of measurements, the frames of the moving/state-changed object can be obtained directly by the second-order correlation function based on the Hadamard matrix and the corresponding bucket detector measurement results. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate the validity of the PO-HCGI. To the best of our knowledge, PO-HCGI is the first scheme that can image a fast periodic moving/state-changed object by computational ghost imaging with a slow bucket detector.
Abnormal phase–amplitude coupling characterizes the interictal state in epilepsy
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Fukuma Ryohei , Ura Natsuko , Oshino Satoru , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: April 2022

Objective. Diagnosing epilepsy still requires visual interpretation of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) by specialists, which prevents quantification and standardization of diagnosis. Previous studies proposed automated diagnosis by combining various features from EEG and MEG, such as relative power (Power) and functional connectivity (FC). However, the usefulness of interictal phase–amplitude coupling (PAC) in diagnosing epilepsy is still unknown. We hypothesized that resting-state PAC would be different for patients with epilepsy in the interictal state and for healthy participants such that it would improve discrimination between the groups. Approach. We obtained resting-state MEG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 90 patients with epilepsy during their preoperative evaluation and in 90 healthy participants. We used the cortical currents estimated from MEG and MRI to calculate Power in the δ (1–3 Hz), θ (4–7 Hz), α (8–13 Hz), β (13–30 Hz), low γ (35–55 Hz), and high γ (65–90 Hz) bands and FC in the θ band. PAC was evaluated using the synchronization index (SI) for eight frequency band pairs: the phases of δ, θ, α, and β and the amplitudes of low and high γ. First, we compared the mean SI values for the patients with epilepsy and the healthy participants. Then, using features such as PAC, Power, FC, and features extracted by deep learning (DL) individually or combined, we tested whether PAC improves discrimination accuracy for the two groups. Main results. The mean SI values were significantly different for the patients with epilepsy and the healthy participants. The SI value difference was highest for θ/low γ in the temporal lobe. Discrimination accuracy was the highest, at 90%, using the combination of PAC and DL. Significance. Abnormal PAC characterized the patients with epilepsy in the interictal state compared with the healthy participants, potentially improving the discrimination of epilepsy.
The Study of A System of Non-Homogeneous Equations Using Matrix Exponential Method and Analysis With Scilab Software 6.1.1
Authors: Singh Ravindra , Shukla Ashok Kumar , Gaur Shiv Shankar , Yadav Rakesh , Gautam Krishan Kant Singh , Rana Omwati , Biswas Polly
Published: April 2022

The study for a system of non-homogeneous equations (coupled differential equations) with initial conditions using Matrix Exponential Method has been done through Scilab software as well as manually. We observe that both the procedures for the equations have been satisfied with the initial conditions. Eigen values and corresponding eigen vectors have been determined to get the complete solutions; and the solutions for x and y also have been found manually. The graphs are plotted with Scilab software 6.1.1. A linear relation between x & y is observed by the new outcomes when they plotted. The study of variation of x, y with t shows the curves increase linearly for limited values of t also the study between t, x+y & t, x-y shows that the curves of both are the mirror image about x-axis. There are much more applications of matrix exponential method in science, engineering and computational fields.
Computational Treatment for The Solution of A Set of Coupled Differential Equations for Any Physical System Using Scilab and Generating Scilab Codes
Authors: Singh Ravindra , Shukla Ashok Kumar , Yadav Rakesh , Gautam Krishan Kant Singh , Biswas Polly , Rana Omwati , Gaur Shiv Shankar , Verma Priyanka
Published: April 2022

A set of coupled differential equations with initial conditions and its computational treatment as well as Scilab codes have been done. For constant E the variation of x & y with t shows the higher amplitude for y that’s a dependent variable; when E is cos(ωt) then oscillatory motion has been observed at different frequencies, ω= π/6, π/3, π/2 and π. The direction of the E in downward and upward motion has been observed at different frequencies and many times E touches the horizontal axis for downward motion. In the study of this paper it has been found that the oscillations are much higher in case of y as compared to x. All Scilab codes have been developed successfully.
An intuitionistic fuzzy inventory model with waste disposal using the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers
Authors: Singh Surendra , Kumar Tanuj
Published: April 2022

In the present study, we formulate an inventory model with waste disposal cost under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment. To optimize the best inventory policy under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment, the alpha-cut approach is used for the defuzzification of all intuitionistic fuzzy decision variables. This study aims to reduce the total inventory cost and adjust the waste outcomes during the production processes to keep a clean and green climate, which will be cost-effective for any organization, both environmentally and economically. A numerical example is presented regarding the proposed intuitionistic fuzzy model to validate the methodology.
On the comparison of optimization algorithms for the random-field Potts model
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Weigel Martin
Published: April 2022

For many systems with quenched disorder the study of ground states can crucially contribute to a thorough understanding of the physics at play, be it for the critical behavior if that is governed by a zero-temperature fixed point or for uncovering properties of the ordered phase. While ground states can in principle be computed using general-purpose optimization algorithms such as simulated annealing or genetic algorithms, it is often much more efficient to use exact or approximate techniques specifically tailored to the problem at hand. For certain systems with discrete degrees of freedom such as the random-field Ising model, there are polynomial-time methods to compute exact ground states. But even as the number of states increases beyond two as in the random-field Potts model, the problem becomes NP hard and one cannot hope to find exact ground states for relevant system sizes. Here, we compare a number of approximate techniques for this problem and evaluate their performance.
The fast beam condition monitor as standalone luminometer of the CMS experiment at the HL-LHC
Authors: Sedghi M.
Published: April 2022

For the Phase-2 CMS upgrade for the High-Luminosity LHC, a luminosity uncertainty of 1% is targeted. To achieve this goal, measurements from multiple luminometers with orthogonal systematics are required. A standalone luminometer, the Fast Beam Condition Monitor (FBCM) is being designed for the online bunch-by-bunch luminosity measurement. The sampling time resolution of ∼0.7 ns also enables the measurement of beam-induced backgrounds. In this paper, the hardware architecture and the readout protocol of the FBCM are described. The expected performance with a simple behavioral model of the front-end comprising a constant fraction discriminator is discussed, although the final implementation in the ASIC is still under discussion. Simulation results show that the FBCM will provide the required statistical uncertainty and deviation from linearity by employing 336 silicon-pad sensors, each with an area of about 3 mm2. In addition, the front-end with sensitivity to as low as 6000 electrons will satisfy the longevity constraints for an exposure of 1 MeV neutron equivalent fluence of 3.5 × 1015 per cm2.
Why does snowmelt-driven streamflow response to warming vary? A data-driven review and predictive framework
Authors: Gordon Beatrice L , Brooks Paul D , Krogh Sebastian A , Boisrame Gabrielle F S , Carroll Rosemary W H , McNamara James P , Harpold Adrian A
Published: April 2022

Climate change is altering the seasonal accumulation and ablation of snow across mid-latitude mountainous regions in the Northern Hemisphere with profound implications for the water resources available to downstream communities and environments. Despite decades of empirical and model-based research on snowmelt-driven streamflow, our ability to predict whether streamflow will increase or decrease in a changing climate remains limited by two factors. First, predictions are fundamentally hampered by high spatial and temporal variability in the processes that control net snow accumulation and ablation across mountainous environments. Second, we lack a consistent and testable framework to coordinate research to determine which dominant mechanisms influencing seasonal snow dynamics are most and least important for streamflow generation in different basins. Our data-driven review marks a step towards the development of such a framework. We first conduct a systematic literature review that synthesizes knowledge about seasonal snowmelt-driven streamflow and how it is altered by climate change, highlighting unsettled questions about how annual streamflow volume is shaped by changing snow dynamics. Drawing from literature, we then propose a framework comprised of three testable, inter-related mechanisms—snow season mass and energy exchanges, the intensity of snow season liquid water inputs, and the synchrony of energy and water availability. Using data for 537 catchments in the United States, we demonstrate the utility of each mechanism and suggest that streamflow prediction will be more challenging in regions with multiple interacting mechanisms. This framework is intended to inform the research community and improve management predictions as it is tested and refined.
Temperature dependent magnetic studies of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe11.8O19 prepared by solid state reaction method
Authors: Argish V , Shalini M G , Sahoo Subasa C
Published: April 2022

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe11.8O19 was synthesized using solid state reaction method. Lattice parameters ‘a’ and ‘c’ were found to be 5.886 Å and 23.110 Å respectively. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed platelet type structures in the sample and the elemental mapping showed the uniform distribution of cations throughout the sample. The spontaneous magnetization (Ms) of 62 emu/g with coercivity (Hc) of 1.22 kOe was observed at 300K. The Ms value increased whereas the Hc decreased with the decreasing measurement temperature. The highest Ms value of 88 emu/g was observed at 60K. Curie temperature of 819 K was observed for the sample. The anisotropy constant (K1) and anisotropy field (Ha) were found to be increased with the decrease in measurement temperature. The observed magnetic behaviour can be explained on the basis of distribution of cations in the lattice sites and shape anisotropy of the prepared sample.