bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off‐policy reinforcement learning algorithm for robust optimal control of uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Amirparast Ali , Kamal Hosseini Sani S.
Published: March 2024

In this article an optimal control scheme is proposed to solve robust control problem for matched and unmatched system. In the proposed optimal approach the value functions are designed such that the obtained optimal control law guarantees asymptotic stability of the uncertain nonlinear system. Since the proposed robust optimal control problem is not straightforward to solve, an off‐policy reinforcement‐learning algorithm based on neural networks approximation is developed to obtain robust optimal control law iteratively. The robust control law for matched uncertain systems can be achieved via proposed off‐policy learning algorithm without requiring exact knowledge of system's dynamics. The advantages of the proposed robust optimal controller are verified by comparative simulations on an uncertain model of a car suspension system and a mathematical nonlinear model.
Dynamic event‐triggered fixed‐time average consensus for general linear multi‐agent systems under switching topologies
Authors: Ning Xiaogang , Li Zonggang , Chen Yinjuan , Du Yajiang
Published: March 2024

This article studies the practical fixed‐time average consensus problem of general linear multi‐agent systems under switching topologies. First, a distributed fixed‐time consensus control protocol based on dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is designed by using the local information exchange between neighboring agents. The protocol introduces an internal dynamic variable and the triggering condition changes in real time based on the dynamic variable obtained online, which can significantly reduce the number of triggering events and effectively decrease the energy consumption of the multi‐agent system. Then, the sufficient conditions for the multi‐agent system to solve the practical fixed‐time average consensus problem are given, and it is proved that there is no Zeno behavior in the system. Furthermore, a self‐triggered control scheme is proposed such that the neighboring agents communicate with each other only when one of them is triggered. In other words, this scheme does not require continuous communication between neighboring agents and thus reduces communication cost of the system. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dynamic event‐triggered orbit coordination for spacecraft formation via a self‐learning sliding mode control approach
Authors: Jia Qingxian , Gao Junnan , Wu Yunhua , Liao He , Zhang Chengxi , Wu Jin
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the issue of orbit coordination control for a class of multi‐spacecraft formation systems in presence of limited communication and external disturbance. To solve the limitation of communication sources, a dynamic event trigger (DET) mechanism is developed to reduce the communication frequency between the follower spacecrafts. Subsequently, we explore a robust DET mechanism‐based distributed self‐learning sliding mode control design, in which a variable learning intensity‐based iterative learning algorithm is designed to approximate and compensate space perturbation. This approach can guarantee an event triggering sequence without Zeno phenomenon and accurate coordination control for formation configuration simultaneously. Compared with the traditional event‐triggered control and other state‐of‐the‐art approaches, the distributed DET control scheme achieves higher control accuracy of formation configuration meanwhile requires less communication resource. Finally, a series of numerical simulations demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the event triggered control method.
Robust networked ℒ2$$ {\mathcal{L}}_2 $$‐stable wireless SINR control
Authors: Wigren Torbjörn
Published: March 2024

In the new radio wireless system, use cases for automation, automotive safety and virtual reality will require transmission and reception with very high reliability and very low latency. Radio channel fading and the onset of strong interference combine to make this task hard, which require new methods for mitigation. The alternative studied in this article is to introduce fast signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) feedback control supported by feed‐forward control from interference estimates, thereby improving the robustness of the networked loop. This challenging nonlinear networked control problem involves delay and coarse control signal quantization. To guarantee that the deployed feedback loop instances are always well‐behaved, the SINR feedback controller is designed to be globally ‐stable using a new loop gain—loop delay product condition, derived from the classical circle criterion. Monte‐Carlo simulations show that the proposed controller is able to reduce the SINR back‐off significantly.
Mix with the crowd? Craft‐based campaigns and the value of distinctiveness in campaign success
Authors: Wolfe Marcus T. , Blaseg Daniel , Patel Pankaj C. , Chan Richard
Published: March 2024

Research Summary

Distinctiveness is an essential element of crafts. Building on optimal distinctiveness theory, we examine the relationship between craft‐based ventures, distinctiveness, and crowdfunding performance. Using a sample of 10,915 craft campaigns and 429,290 non‐craft campaigns, we find that craft‐based campaigns have higher distinctiveness but realize lower success through distinctiveness. Additionally, craft‐based campaigns with a higher risk index have lower distinctiveness, those with higher strategy breadth have higher distinctiveness, and those with lower cognitive complexity have higher distinctiveness. The findings have implications for crafts‐based entrepreneurs in leveraging distinctiveness and the value of lowering perceptions of distinctiveness through elements of strategic entrepreneurship—strategy breadth and cognitive complexity.

Managerial Summary

Our study aids craft‐based entrepreneurs in presenting their ventures in crowdfunding contexts. We find that increasing the distinctiveness of craft‐based ventures results in lower crowdfunding campaign performance. Additionally, our results indicate that craft‐based campaigns that have higher risk have lower levels of distinctiveness. Conversely, we find that craft‐based campaigns with higher levels of strategic breadth and lower levels of cognitive complexity exhibit higher levels of distinctiveness. These findings have important implications regarding best practices related to how craft‐based entrepreneurs can best present their ventures within crowdfunding contexts. Specifically, our results indicate that craft‐based ventures can realize better crowdfunding performance via lower levels of distinctiveness within their campaigns.
An Eco‐Friendly Approach for Determination of Lead in Biological Samples after Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction
Authors: Germer Fabiana Luvizon , Lacerda Elenice Hass Caetano , da Silva Macedo Eduardo , Chaves Eduardo Sidinei
Published: March 2024

The present research proposes investigating deep eutectic solvents for extracting Pb from biological samples for further determination by GF AAS. Among the synthesized solvents, the DES obtained from choline chloride and oxalic acid (ChCl : Ox) in a molar ratio 1 : 1 presented the best lead (Pb) extraction efficiency. Subsequently, it was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). For extraction, the optimized conditions were: 40 mg of sample, 400 μL of DES (ChCl : Ox) added, and 30 min at 95±5 °C. The supernatant was diluted, and the Pb was determined by GF AAS. The optimized instrumental conditions for Pb determination were 900 °C and 2100 °C, pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, respectively, using Pd as a chemical modifier. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.04 and 0.12 μg g−1, respectively. The method's accuracy was evaluated by analyzing the certificate reference materials, and good agreement was obtained between the determined and certificate values. The greenness of the proposed method was evaluated by green star and eco‐scale metrics. Thus, the proposed method proved simple, efficient, and eco‐friendly for determining Pb in biological samples.
Molecular Interactions of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate with a Sulpha Drug and its Nanoaggregates in Aqueous System
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Raj Tilak , Kumar Sood Ashwani , Singh Banipal Tarlok , Singh Gagandeep , Bahadur Indra , Mohammad Faruq
Published: March 2024

Interaction study between sulfanilamide (SM) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in an aqueous environment has been conducted using electrical conductivity, emission, and absorption spectroscopy techniques. Conductivity measurements were performed over the temperature range of (288.15 to 318.15) K and SM concentrations ranging from (c=0.005 to 0.03) mol ⋅ L−1. Thermodynamic parameters: Gibbs free energy (ΔGom), enthalpy (ΔHom), and entropy (ΔSom) associated with micellization have been calculated. To further investigate the interactions between (SM and SDS), the absorption and emission spectroscopy were employed at premicellar concentrations of SDS. Resulting SM‐SDS conjugate was then utilized to examine its interaction behavior with electrolytes and vitamins commonly found in biofluids namely chlorides and sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with L‐ascorbic acid (LAA) and nicotinic acid (NA). Moreover, SM drug has been transformed into its nanoaggregates (SMNA). These nanoaggregates have been characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Interactions between SMNA‐SDS conjugates were also studied in the presence of the above‐mentioned electrolytes and vitamins. The findings of this study have been interpreted within the context of the interactions occurring in the solution phase. This research provides valuable insights into the complicated interactions between SM, SDS, electrolytes, and vitamins in aqueous system.
Theoretical, DNA/BSA Binding, Molecular Docking and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies of Homoleptic Metal(II) Complexes Derived from 2‐Formylpyridine‐Based Ligands
Authors: Jayathuna Mugamathu Ali , Rajagopal Gopalan , Anand Thiraviyam , Saxena Kartikey , Kalilur Rahiman Aziz
Published: March 2024

A new class of homoleptic metal(II) complexes of general formula [M(L1–4)2]2Cl in which L1=1‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐N‐(2‐((‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)ethyl)methanimine, L2=1‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐N‐(2‐((‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)phenyl)methanimine, L3=1‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐N‐(2‐((‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)‐4‐nitrophenyl)methanimine and L4=4‐(([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐ylmethylene)amino)‐3‐((−pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)benzophenone, and M=Ni(II) (1–4), Cu(II) (5–8) and Zn(II) (9–12) have been synthesized and characterized. The IR spectra reveal the involvement of azomethine and 2‐formylpyridine ring nitrogen atoms in chelation. The UV‐Vis and EPR spectral studies envisage distorted octahedral geometry around metal(II) ion. All the complexes were stable for 72 h in biologically relevant solutions, and copper(II) complexes were reduced to Cu+ center in the presence of ascorbic acid solution. The binding studies of complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) indicate groove mode of binding, and the complexes 3, 7 and 11 containing the 4‐nitrophenyl substituent exhibit the highest binding affinity than the other complexes. Furthermore, the spectral studies also revealed the interaction of complexes with BSA through static mechanism. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of the complexes was screened against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cancerous, and normal murine fibrosarcoma (L929) cell lines. The molecular docking studies of the homoleptic metal(II) complexes show hydrophobic, π–π, σ–π and hydrogen bonding interactions with EGFR/VEGFR2 kinase receptors.
Exploiting Hydrogen Interaction of Drugs and Biodegradable Scaffolds Using Nanoparticles Loaded Nanofibers
Authors: Naderipour Tahereh , Lemraski Ensieh Ghasemian
Published: March 2024

This study presents a detailed investigation of the structural and surface modifications of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was utilized to analyze the distinct characteristic peaks of Fe3O4 NPs and their subsequent modifications with stearic acid (ST) layers. The FTIR analysis revealed characteristic peaks at 580 cm−1, and 441 cm−1, corresponding to the Fe‐O stretching vibrations of the bulk Fe3O4 NPs. The successful loading of stearic acid onto the Fe3O4 NPs was confirmed by the appearance of new peaks at 1413 cm−1 and 2908 cm−1, indicative of the asymmetric CH2 stretch and CH3 umbrella vibration modes of stearic acid. UV‐Vis spectroscopy further corroborated the efficient loading of tetracycline and ibuprofen onto Fe3O4/DST nanoparticles, as evidenced by changes in absorption spectra. N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms illustrated the presence of micro and meso pores on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs, with alterations in pore volume and diameter post‐surface modification and drug loading. Evaluation of magnetic properties indicated a reduction in saturation magnetization after surface modification and drug loading, attributed to changes in homogeneity and surface moments. Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Raman spectroscopy elucidated distinctive peaks and shifts in spectra, confirming the composition and structural changes in drug‐loaded nanofibers.
A Simple and Rapid Quinoline Schiff Base as a Fluorescent Probe for Zn2+ and Its Application in Test Strips
Authors: Dong Yuwei , Wang Yang , Song Yang , Yu Zhou , Yu Zhan , Zhao Zhen , Wang Liyan
Published: March 2024

A simple fluorescent probe, (E)‐N‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenyl)‐1‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)methanimine (L), was synthesized via Schiff base condensation reaction between quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde and 3‐methoxy‐4‐methylaniline. L can be used as a ′turn‐on′ fluorescent probe for the selective and sensitive detection of Zn2+ ions in a CH3OH/HEPES medium. The detection limit was 1.04×10−7 M. Job plot analysis shows that the binding stoichiometry of L and Zn2+ is 1 : 1, further verified by the single crystal structure. The fluorescence‐enhanced response of L towards Zn2+ ions may be related to the chelation‐enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) supported by theoretical calculations. By adding EDTA, the reversibility of the probe binding to Zn2+ ions is demonstrated, enabling the construction of a functional molecular logic circuit. In addition, probe L was successfully incorporated into test strips for the quantitative detection of Zn2+.
Co–N–C/C Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Dual Applications in Seawater Electrolysis and Catalyst in Hydrazine Fuel Cells
Authors: Behera Snehanjali , Chauhan Chetansinh , Mondal Biswajit
Published: March 2024

The convergence of water electrolysis and alkaline fuel cells offers captivating solutions for sustainably harvesting energy. The research explores both hydrazine‐assisted seawater electrolysis (hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and hydrogen production reaction (HER)), as well as alkaline hydrazine fuel cell reactions (HzOR and Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)) by using a bifunctional cobalt polyaniline derived (Co PANI/C) catalyst. The catalyst shows excellent performance for hydrazine‐assisted seawater electrolysis in harsh seawater environments to produce H2 as fuel with nearly 85% Faradaic efficiency and during alkaline HzOR, the bifunctional catalyst generates H2 with 95% Faradaic efficiency by acting as both anode and cathode side catalyst. Also, the same catalyst requires only a potential of 0.34 V versus RHE and 0.906 V versus RHE for HzOR and ORR, respectively, in 1 m KOH, which makes this overall process useful for a Hz/O2 fuel cell.
Assessing Field Degradation of Photovoltaic Modules by Near‐Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Encapsulant
Authors: Stroyuk Oleksandr , Buerhop Claudia , Wittman Ernst , Mashkov Oleksandr , Stephan Pascal , Crozier McCleland Jacqui , Vumbugwa Monphias , Vorster Frederik , van Dyk Ernest , Hauch Jens , Brabec Christoph , Peters Marius
Published: March 2024

The degradation status of polymer encapsulants in photovoltaic (PV) modules with backsheets of various compositions is evaluated by near‐infrared absorption (NIRA) spectroscopy. The method is used to identify backsheet types and to assess the content of carbonyl species in the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer encapsulant expressed as a carbonyl index (CI). The CI distributions are collected for PV modules of different ages and in different climatic conditions from twelve PV installations in Europe (EU) and South Africa (ZA) and the peak of the index distribution is found to be related exponentially to the total dose of solar irradiation. The CI growth rate with the irradiation dose in EU is around two times larger than in ZA, most probably due to more massive moisture ingress into PV modules installed in a more humid EU climate. For similar total solar exposures, the CI is found to depend on the backsheet structure. Repeated measurements on the same plant after an additional 2 years of module operation confirm the capacity of NIRA spectroscopy to track the temporal progression of encapsulant degradation using CI as a quantifier depending on the encapsulant‐backsheet bill of materials, plant age, and climatic zone.
Effect of Magnesium on Sulfide and Microstructure in Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Tian Qianren , Liu Songtao , Song Guangjie , Fu Jianxun
Published: March 2024

The effect of Mg on MnS inclusion and the formation mechanism of (Mn,Mg)S‐MgAl2O4 (MA) composite inclusion are analyzed by combining observation for the inclusions in medium microalloyed steel with (and without) 15 ppm Mg, thermodynamics, phase diagram, and crystallography. The addition of magnesium can improve the morphology of inclusions and promote microstructure uniformity. MA is formed by the reaction of dissolved Mg, Al, and O in the Mn‐Mg‐Al‐S‐O liquid melt, while residual Mg is dissolved in MnS, forming (Mn,Mg)S. As the Mg content in the Mn‐Mg‐Al‐S‐O liquid melt increases, the precipitation temperature of the melt increases. Excessive Mg content can lead to a decrease in the proportion of MA in the melt, forming MgO instead of MA. Based on the two‐dimensional slices of MnS and MA, the three‐dimensional morphology can be derived. The lowest mismatch value is 8.00% when the interface is {111} of MnS and {110} of MA.
Ratcheting Effect of 304 Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Metal Deposition Under Uniaxial Cyclic Stress
Authors: Huang Weibo , Zhao Xiaoyu , Lu Wenjia , Du Zunling , Zhang Yimin
Published: March 2024

Laser metal deposition (LMD) is an advanced manufacturing technology which has become increasingly popular in recent years. The cyclic tests of 304 austenitic stainless steel (SS304) manufactured by LMD are conducted under symmetrical and asymmetrical cyclic stress. In the results, it is shown that SS304 manufactured by LMD exhibits cyclic softening/hardening and ratcheting effect under symmetrical cyclic stress. The ratcheting strain and ratcheting strain rate of the smooth specimen both increase as the cyclic stress amplitude under the asymmetric cyclic stress. The ratcheting strain and ratcheting strain rate of the smooth specimen change non‐monotonously as the mean stress increases. As the stress amplitude increases, the area of fatigue fracture becomes smaller until no fatigue crack initiation zone can be observed. In this case, only the characteristic of plastic fracture is significant. Park et al.'s model has the worst predicted accuracy. Modified Goodman equation and Smith–Watson–Topper model have the similar predicted accuracy.
Chemically Tailored Semiconductor Moiré Superlattices of Janus Heterobilayers
Authors: Zhang Wenjin , Liu Zheng , Nakajo Hiroshi , Aoki Soma , Wang Haonan , Wang Yanlin , Gao Yanlin , Maruyama Mina , Kawakami Takuto , Makino Yasuyuki , Kaneda Masahiko , Chen Tongmin , Aso Kohei , Ogawa Tomoya , Endo Takahiko , Nakanishi Yusuke , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Oshima Yoshifumi , Yamada‐Takamura Yukiko , Koshino Mikito , Okada Susumu , Matsuda Kazunari , Kato Toshiaki , Miyata Yasumitsu
Published: March 2024

Janus monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are promising building blocks for moiré superlattices because of their built‐in electric field and clean fabrication process. In particular, Janus TMDC monolayers can be chemically converted from conventional TMDC monolayers by atomic substitution, enabling the direct formation of lattice‐mismatched heterobilayers from TMDC bilayers. However, the moiré superlattices of Janus heterobilayers have not been studied experimentally. Herein, this work reports the fabrication and characterization of semiconductor moiré superlattices in chemically tailored Janus heterobilayers. The MoSSe/MoSe2 (or WSSe/WSe2) Janus heterobilayers are prepared by replacing the top layer Se atoms with S atoms in MoSe2 (or WSe2) bilayer using H2 plasma treatment. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that an average moiré period of about 14 nm formed due to lattice mismatch resulting from the chalcogen substitutions. The cryogenic photoluminescence spectra show sharp, near‐infrared emissions, which are attributed to excitons trapped by moiré potentials based on comparison with theoretical calculations. The Janus‐based heterostructures provide a long‐period moiré system with built‐in potential even for nontwisted heterobilayers, allowing the functionalization of confined and correlated electron systems.
Effects of Starch‐Lipid Complexes on Quality and Starch Digestibility of Wheat Noodles
Authors: Chao Chen , Liang Song , Sun Bowen , Zhang Yongyue , Yang Yuedong , Wang Shujun
Published: March 2024

In this study, starch‐lipid complexes with different crystalline forms (type I and type II) are prepared by twin‐screw extruder and their effects on quality and in vitro starch digestibility of wheat noodles are investigated. The substitution of wheat flour by type I and type II complexes increases and decreases the lightness of wheat noodles, respectively. The cooking loss of noodles increases with increasing addition of complexes, which is due to the destruction of gluten networks. Textural analysis shows that type I complexes, and to a lesser extent type II complexes, reduced the hardness and increased the elasticity of cooked noodles. Noodles made with type II complex are more resistant to amylolysis than those made with type I complexes, probably due to the less susceptibility of more crystalline type II complexes to amylolysis. From this study, it is concluded that starch‐lipid complex, as a new kind of clean‐label starch with promising functionality, can be used to improve the quality and nutrition of starchy foods.
Seismic fragility analysis of high‐strength concrete frame structures reinforced with high‐strength steel bars
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhang Jianwei , Zhao Zuozhou
Published: March 2024

To investigate the influence of using high‐strength steel bars in columns on the seismic resistance capacity and seismic resilience of frame structures, seismic fragility evaluation of three 8‐story reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures was conducted based on the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) using 11 ground motion records. The main parameter is the longitudinal reinforcement configuration in the frame columns, where the first structure is reinforced with HRB 600 grade steel bars in the columns, the second structure is replaced with equal area ultra‐high‐strength (UHS) steel bars (i.e., with a yield strength of approximately 1425 MPa), and the third structure is replaced with equal strength UHS steel bars. A numerical model of the RC frame structure was developed and then validated using previous experimental results. The exceeding probabilities at various performance limit states were calculated based on two typical engineering demand parameters (EDPs) of maximum interstory drift and residual interstory drift. The results showed that using UHS longitudinal steel bars instead of HRB 600 grade steel bars in frame columns could reduce the energy dissipation capacity of the structure, inevitably leading to an increase in the maximum interstory response of the frame. However, much lower exceedance probability was observed in the UHS‐enhanced frame under the repair available limit state based on the residual interstory drift, indicating that the UHS‐enhanced RC frame had higher seismic resilience. In addition, compared to equal area substitution, equal strength substitution is a more ideal design method that can use fewer UHS steel bars to achieve comparable reparability and a smaller increase in maximum interstory drift.
Rising water temperature in rivers: Ecological impacts and future resilience
Authors: Johnson Matthew F. , Albertson Lindsey K. , Algar Adam C. , Dugdale Stephen J. , Edwards Patrick , England Judy , Gibbins Christopher , Kazama So , Komori Daisuke , MacColl Andrew D. C. , Scholl Eric A. , Wilby Robert L. , de Oliveira Roque Fabio , Wood Paul J.
Published: March 2024

Rising water temperatures in rivers due to climate change are already having observable impacts on river ecosystems. Warming water has both direct and indirect impacts on aquatic life, and further aggravates pervasive issues such as eutrophication, pollution, and the spread of disease. Animals can survive higher temperatures through physiological and/or genetic acclimation, behavioral and phenological change, and range shifts to more suitable locations. As such, those animals that are adapted to cool‐water regions typically found in high altitudes and latitudes where there are fewer dispersal opportunities are most at risk of future extinction. However, sub‐lethal impacts on animal physiology and phenology, body‐size, and trophic interactions could have significant population‐level effects elsewhere. Rivers are vulnerable to warming because historic management has typically left them exposed to solar radiation through the removal of riparian shade, and hydrologically disconnected longitudinally, laterally, and vertically. The resilience of riverine ecosystems is also limited by anthropogenic simplification of habitats, with implications for the dispersal and resource use of resident organisms. Due to the complex indirect impacts of warming on ecosystems, and the species‐specific physiological and behavioral response of organisms to warming, predicting how river ecosystems will change in the future is challenging. Restoring rivers to provide connectivity and heterogeneity of conditions would provide resilience to a range of expected co‐occurring pressures, including warming, and should be considered a priority as part of global strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through two full‐scale wastewater sludge incinerators
Authors: Winchell Lloyd J. , Wells Martha J. M. , Ross John J. , Kakar Farokh , Teymouri Ali , Gonzalez Dana J. , Dangtran Ky , Bessler Scott M. , Carlson Shane , Almansa Xavier Fonoll , Norton John W. , Bell Katherine Y.
Published: March 2024

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging issue in wastewater treatment. High‐temperature thermal processes, incineration being time‐tested, offer the opportunity to destroy and change the composition of PFAS. The fate of PFAS has been documented through wastewater sludge incinerators, including a multiple hearth furnace (MHF) and a fluidized bed furnace (FBF). The dewatered wastewater sludge feedstock averaged 247‐ and 1280‐μmol targeted PFAS per sample run in MHF and FBF feed, respectively. Stack emissions (reportable for all targeted PFAS from MHF only) averaged 5% of that value with shorter alkyl chain compounds comprising the majority of the targeted PFAS. Wet scrubber water streams accumulated nonpolar fluorinated organics from the furnace exhaust with an average of 0.740‐ and 0.114‐mol Fˉ per sample run, for the MHF and FBF, respectively. Simple alkane PFAS measured at the stack represented 0.5%–4.5% of the total estimated facility greenhouse gas emissions.

Practitioner Points

The MHF emitted six short chain PFAS from the stack, which were shorter alkyl chain compounds compared with sludge PFAS.

The FBF did not consistently emit reportable PFAS from the stack, but contamination complicated the assessment.

Five percent of the MHF sludge molar PFAS load was reported in the stack.

MHF and FBF wet scrubber water streams accumulated nonpolar fluorinated organics from the furnace exhaust.

Ultra‐short volatile alkane PFAS measured at the stack represented 0.5%–4.5% of the estimated facility greenhouse gas emissions.
Wolves in the borderland – changes in population and wolf diet in Romincka Forest along the Polish–Russian–Lithuanian state borders
Authors: Nowak Sabina , Szewczyk Maciej , Stępniak Kinga M. , Kwiatkowska Iga , Kurek Korneliusz , Mysłajek Robert W.
Published: March 2024

We assessed changes in the population size, density, and diet composition of wolves inhabiting the Romincka Forest (RF), an area of 480 km2 situated along the state border between Poland, Russian Federation (Kaliningrad), and Lithuania. We compared the results of our research in 2020–2021 with data from other projects conducted since 1999. We found that both packs living in RF had transboundary territories. The number of packs was stable over 21 years; the average pack size almost doubled (from 4–4.5 to 7.5–8 wolves per pack); the total wolf numbers increased 1.8 times, reaching 15–16 wolves; and the density increased 1.5 times up to 3.1–3.3 wolves/100 km2 in winter 2020/2021. Our analyses of 165 scats revealed that beavers Castor fiber made up 45.6% of food biomass in the wolf diet in 2020, which was 3.4 times more than in 1999–2004 (n = 84 scats,13.4%). Wild ungulates constituted 44.8% of the wolf food biomass in 2020, 1.6 times less than before (71.1%). In our study, among wild ungulates, wolves primarily consumed roe deer Capreolus capreolus (22.6% of food biomass), then wild boars Sus scrofa (13.7%), and red deer Cervus elaphus (5.0%), while moose Alces alces was eaten rarely (0.4%). We also recorded domestic dogs (4.9% of food biomass) and cattle (3.1%). The food niche breadth was wider (B = 2.31) than in the earlier period (B = 1.84), and the Pianka index showed moderate similarity in food composition between both periods (α = 0.816). In November 2022, due to the migration crisis, a 199 km impermeable fence along the state border with Kaliningrad was erected, which blocked access to 48% of the RF area that was regularly used by the resident wolf packs. This may cause wolf numbers to decrease and isolation from the central part of the Baltic wolf population to which they belong, according to our DNA analyses.
Let it stick: Strategies and applications for intracellular plasma membrane targeting of proteins inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Muth Liv Teresa , Van Bogaert Inge Noëlle Adriënne
Published: March 2024

Lipid binding domains and protein lipidations are essential features to recruit proteins to intracellular membranes, enabling them to function at specific sites within the cell. Membrane association can also be exploited to answer fundamental and applied research questions, from obtaining insights into the understanding of lipid metabolism to employing them for metabolic engineering to redirect fluxes. This review presents a broad catalog of membrane binding strategies focusing on the plasma membrane ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Both lipid binding domains (pleckstrin homology, discoidin‐type C2, kinase associated‐1, basic‐rich and bacterial phosphoinositide‐binding domains) and co‐ and post‐translational lipidations (prenylation, myristoylation and palmitoylation) are introduced as tools to target the plasma membrane. To provide a toolset of membrane targeting modules, respective candidates that facilitate plasma membrane targeting are showcased including their in vitro and in vivo properties. The relevance and versatility of plasma membrane targeting modules are further highlighted by presenting a selected set of use cases.
The School Systems Remix: Building Democratic School Systems Through Hip-Hop
Authors: Lipset Michael , Simmons Tony
Published: March 2024

4 Learning is the sister nonprofit to the High School for Recording Arts, a public charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota, that has been working to reengage out-of-school youth through the recording arts and other creative endeavors since 1998. The school serves roughly 350 students each year through a personalized, project-based approach to instruction that centers student identities, social justice, entrepreneurship, and production through the recording arts. 4 Learning was founded in 2019 to serve schools and districts across the country and around the world in implementing best practices for democratic schooling honed and codified at the High School for Recording Arts over the course of the last 25 years.
Conclusions
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea Ribeiro , Sandrin Paula , Doukas Yannis E.
Published: March 2024

This chapter summarizes the main findings and presents a compilation of key recommendations advanced by the authors of this edited volume to address the climate change. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the volume, which includes theoretical perspectives from international relations, law, economics, global ethics, and psychoanalysis, the recommendations refer both to the political and the policy level, as well as the institutional design of cooperation.
Moduli spaces of instantons in flag manifold sigma models. Vortices in quiver gauge theories
Authors: Fujimori Toshiaki , Nitta Muneto , Ohashi Keisuke
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss lumps (sigma model instantons) in flag manifold sigma models. In particular, we focus on the moduli space of BPS lumps in general Kähler flag manifold sigma models. Such a Kähler flag manifold, which takes the form $$ \frac{\textrm{U}\left({n}_1+\cdots +{n}_{L+1}\right)}{\textrm{U}\left({n}_1\right)\times \cdots \times \textrm{U}\left({n}_{L+1}\right)} $$

U

n
1

+
⋯
+

n

L
+
1

U

n
1

×
⋯
×
U

n

L
+
1

, can be realized as a vacuum moduli space of a U(N1) × ··· × U(NL) quiver gauged linear sigma model. When the gauge coupling constants are finite, the gauged linear sigma model admits BPS vortex configurations, which reduce to BPS lumps in the low energy effective sigma model in the large gauge coupling limit. We derive an ADHM-like quotient construction of the moduli space of BPS vortices and lumps by generalizing the quotient construction in U(N) gauge theories by Hanany and Tong. As an application, we check the dualities of the 2d models by computing the vortex partition functions using the quotient construction.
Multiple soft-photon emission at next-to-leading power to all orders
Authors: Engel Tim
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper derives a next-to-leading power (NLP) soft theorem for multi-photon emission to all orders in the electromagnetic coupling constant, generalising the leading-power theorem of Yennie, Frautschi, and Suura. Working in the QED version of heavy-quark effective theory, multi-emission amplitudes are shown to reduce to single- and double-radiation contributions only. Single soft-photon emission, in turn, is described by the recent all-order extension of the Low-Burnett-Kroll theorem, where the tree-level formula is supplemented with a one-loop exact soft function. The same approach is used in this article to prove that the genuine double-emission contribution is tree-level exact. As a validation and a first non-trivial application of the multi-photon theorem, the real-real-virtual electron-line corrections to muon-electron scattering are calculated at NLP in the soft limit.
Flipped SU(5): unification, proton decay, fermion masses and gravitational waves
Authors: King Stephen F. , Leontaris George K. , Zhou Ye-Ling
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We study supersymmetric (SUSY) flipped SU(5) × U(1) unification, focussing on its predictions for proton decay, fermion masses and gravitational waves. We performed a two-loop renormalisation group analysis and showed that the SUSY flipped SU(5) model predicts a high GUT scale MGUT> 1016 GeV. We also investigated the restrictions on the MB−L scale which is associated with the U(1)χ breaking scale. We found that the MB−L scale can vary in a broad region with negligible or little effect on the value of MGUT. Proton decay in this model is induced by dimension-6 operators only. The dimension-5 operator induced by SUSY contribution is suppressed due to the missing partner mechanism. We found that the partial decay width p → π0e+ is high suppressed, being at least one order of magnitude lower than the future Hyper-K sensitivity. We also studied fermion (including neutrino) masses and mixings which can also influence proton decay. We presented two scenarios of flavour textures to check the consistency of the results with fermion masses and mixing. The B − L gauge breaking leads to the generation of cosmic strings. The B − L scale here is not constrained by gauge coupling unification. If this scale is very close that of GUT breaking, strings can be unstable due to the decay to monopole-antimonople pair. Such metastable strings can be used to explain the NANOGrav signals of stochastic gravitational wave background, which may be interpreted here as resulting from the decay of metastable cosmic strings.
Direct quarkonium-plus-gluon production in DIS in the color glass condensate
Authors: Kang Zhong-Bo , Li Emilie , Salazar Farid
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We compute the differential cross-section for direct quarkonium production accompanied by a gluon in high-energy deep inelastic scattering (DIS) at small-x. We employ the Non-Relativistic QCD factorization framework, focusing on the S-wave contribution to the formation of the quarkonium, and including both color singlet and octet contributions. Our short distance coefficients for the production of the heavy quark pair are obtained within the Color Glass Condensate effective field theory. Our results pave the way towards the next-to-leading order computation of direct quarkonium in DIS, as well as the study of azimuthal correlations of direct quarkonium and jet.
Bounds on scattering of neutral Goldstones
Authors: Acanfora Francesca , Guerrieri Andrea , Häring Kelian , Karateev Denis
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We study the space of 2 → 2 scattering amplitudes of neutral Goldstone bosons in four space-time dimensions. We establish universal bounds on the first two non-universal Wilson coefficients of the low energy Effective Field Theory (EFT) for such particles. We reconstruct the analytic, crossing-symmetric, and unitary amplitudes saturating our bounds, and we study their physical content. We uncover non-perturbative Regge trajectories by continuing our numerical amplitudes to complex spins. We then explore the consequence of additional constraints arising when we impose the knowledge about the EFT up to the cut-off scale. In the process, we improve on some aspects of the numerical S-matrix bootstrap technology for massless particles.
Leptogenesis in a Left-Right Symmetric Model with double seesaw
Authors: Patel Utkarsh , Adarsh Pratik , Patra Sudhanwa , Sahu Purushottam
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We explore the connection between low-scale CP-violating Dirac phase (δ) and high-scale leptogenesis in a Left-Right Symmetric Model (LRSM) with scalar bidoublet and doublets. The fermion sector of the model is extended with one sterile neutrino (SL) per generation to implement a double seesaw mechanism in the neutral fermion mass matrix. The double seesaw is performed via the implementation of type-I seesaw twice. The first seesaw facilitates the generation of Majorana mass term for heavy right-handed (RH) neutrinos (NR), and the light neutrino mass becomes linearly dependent on SL mass in the second. In our framework, we have taken charge conjugation (C) as the discrete left-right (LR) symmetry. This choice assists in deriving the Dirac neutrino mass matrix (MD) in terms of the light and heavy RH neutrino masses and light neutrino mixing matrix UPMNS (containing δ). We illustrate the viability of unflavored thermal leptogenesis via the decay of RH neutrinos by using the obtained MD with the masses of RH neutrinos as input parameters. A complete analysis of the Boltzmann equations describing the asymmetry evolution is performed in the unflavored regime, and it is shown that with or without Majorana phases, the CP-violating Dirac phase is sufficient to produce the required asymmetry in the leptonic sector within this framework for a given choice of input parameters. Finally, we comment on the possibility of constraining our model with the current and near-future oscillation experiments, which are aimed at refining the value of δ.
Matrices for finite group representations that respect Galois automorphisms
Authors: Benson David J.
Published: March 2024

We are given a finite group H, an automorphism $$\tau $$
τ
of H of order r, a Galois extension L/K of fields of characteristic zero with cyclic Galois group $$\langle \sigma \rangle $$

⟨
σ
⟩

of order r, and an absolutely irreducible representation $$\rho :H\rightarrow \textsf {GL} (n,L)$$

ρ
:
H
→
GL
(
n
,
L
)

such that the action of $$\tau $$
τ
on the character of $$\rho $$
ρ
is the same as the action of $$\sigma $$
σ
. Then the following are equivalent.

   $$\bullet $$
∙
$$\rho $$
ρ
is equivalent to a representation $$\rho ':H\rightarrow \textsf {GL} (n,L)$$

ρ
′

:
H
→
GL

(
n
,
L
)

such that the action of $$\sigma $$
σ
on the entries of the matrices corresponds to the action of $$\tau $$
τ
on H, and

   $$\bullet $$
∙
the induced representation $$\textsf {ind} _{H,H\rtimes \langle \tau \rangle }(\rho )$$

ind

H
,
H
⋊
⟨
τ
⟩

(
ρ
)

has Schur index one; that is, it is similar to a representation over K.

    As examples, we discuss a three dimensional irreducible representation of $$A_5$$

A
5

over $$\mathbb {Q}[\sqrt{5}]$$

Q
[

5

]

and a four dimensional irreducible representation of the double cover of $$A_7$$

A
7

over $$\mathbb {Q}[\sqrt{-7}]$$

Q
[

-
7

]

.
Global Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for Nonlinear Robin Problems with an Indefinite Potential Term
Authors: Öztürk Eylem , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: March 2024

We consider a Robin problem driven by a nonlinear nonhomogeneous differential operator plus an indefinite potential term. The reaction is parametric and exhibits the competing effects of a concave (sublinear) and of a convex (superlinear) terms (“concave-convex” problem). The parameter multiplies the convex term. We prove an existence and multiplicity theorem which is global in parameter.
Whittaker vectors for $$\mathcal {W}$$-algebras from topological recursion
Authors: Borot Gaëtan , Bouchard Vincent , Chidambaram Nitin K. , Creutzig Thomas
Published: March 2024

We identify Whittaker vectors for $$\mathcal {W}^{\textsf{k}}(\mathfrak {g})$$

W

k

(
g
)

-modules with partition functions of higher Airy structures. This implies that Gaiotto vectors, describing the fundamental class in the equivariant cohomology of a suitable compactification of the moduli space of G-bundles over $$\mathbb {P}^2$$

P

2

for G a complex simple Lie group, can be computed by a non-commutative version of the Chekhov–Eynard–Orantin topological recursion. We formulate the connection to higher Airy structures for Gaiotto vectors of type A, B, C, and D, and explicitly construct the topological recursion for type A (at arbitrary level) and type B (at self-dual level). On the physics side, it means that the Nekrasov partition function for pure $$\mathcal {N} = 2$$

N
=
2

four-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories can be accessed by topological recursion methods.
That’s BAD: blind anomaly detection by implicit local feature clustering
Authors: Zhang Jie , Suganuma Masanori , Okatani Takayuki
Published: March 2024

Recent studies on visual anomaly detection (AD) of industrial objects/textures have achieved quite good performance. They consider an unsupervised setting, specifically the one-class setting, in which we assume the availability of a set of normal (i.e., anomaly-free) images for training. In this paper, we consider a more challenging scenario of unsupervised AD, in which we detect anomalies in a given set of images that might contain both normal and anomalous samples. The setting does not assume the availability of known normal data and thus is completely free from human annotation, which differs from the standard AD considered in recent studies. For clarity, we call the setting blind anomaly detection (BAD). We show that BAD can be converted into a local outlier detection problem and propose a novel method named PatchCluster that can accurately detect image- and pixel-level anomalies. Experimental results show that PatchCluster shows a promising performance without the knowledge of normal data, even comparable to the SOTA methods applied in the one-class setting needing it.
Level-k thinking in the extensive form
Authors: Schipper Burkhard C. , Zhou Hang
Published: March 2024

Level-kthinking has been widely applied as a solution concept for games in normal form in behavioral and experimental game theory. We consider level-k thinking in games in extensive form. Player’s may learn about levels of opponents’ thinking during the play of the game because some information sets may be inconsistent with certain levels. In particular, for any information set reached, a level-kplayer attaches the maximum level-$$\ell $$ℓthinking for$$\ell < k$$ℓ<kto her opponents consistent with the information set. We compare our notion of strong level-kthinking with other solution concepts such as level-kthinking in the associated normal form, strong rationalizability,$$\Delta $$Δ-rationalizability, iterated admissibility, backward rationalizability, backward level-kthinking, and backward induction. We use strong level-kthinking to reanalyze data from some prior experiments in the literature.
Clinical immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ye Xiaorong , Yu Yue , Zheng Xiaohu , Ma Hongdi
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease with limited treatment options, resulting in high mortality rates. The predominant approach to managing pancreatic cancer patients continues to be systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite substantial advancements in immunotherapy strategies for various cancers, their clinical utility in pancreatic cancer has proven less effective and durable. Whether administered as monotherapy, employing immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors T cells, or in combination with conventional chemoradiotherapy, the clinical outcomes remain underwhelming. Extensive preclinical experiments and clinical trials in the realm of pancreatic cancer have provided valuable insights into the complexities of immunotherapy. Chief among the hurdles are the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, limited immunogenicity, and the inherent heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview and critical analysis of current clinical immunotherapy strategies for pancreatic cancer, emphasizing their endeavors to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Particular focus is placed on strategies aimed at reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Ultimately, through deeper elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the refinement of therapeutic approaches, we anticipate breakthroughs that will pave the way for more effective treatments in this challenging disease.