bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elliptic Tracks: Evidence For Superluminal Electrons?
Authors: Fredericks Keith A.
Published: December 2024

In the literature of Low-Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR), particle tracks in photographic emulsions (and other materials) associ- ated with certain electrical discharges have been reported. Some Russian and French researchers have considered these particles to be magnetic monopoles. The mechanisms of energy deposition and track formation, while among the most important properties, are contradictory and the least understood of all of the observations. Our method of producing these tracks differs markedly from most other studies in that no electrical discharge is used as a source. Rather, tracks are created with a simple uniform exposure to photons. This simpler method of producing exactly the same tracks supports a more comprehensive exploration of particle track properties. Out of 750 exposures with this method, elliptic particle tracks were detected, 22 of which were compared to Bohr–Sommerfeld electron orbits in an idealized model. Ellipses fitted to the tracks were found to have quantized semi-major axis sizes with ratios of ≃ n2/α2 to corresponding Bohr–Sommerfeld hydrogen ellipses. This prompts inquiry relevant to magnetic monopoles due to the n2/α2 force difference between magnetic charge and electric charge using the Schwinger quantization condition. Analogy with the electron indicates that the elliptic tracks could be created by a bound magnetically charged particle with mass mm = 1.45 × 10−3 eV/c2, yet with superluminal velocities. Using a modified extended relativity model, mm becomes the relativistic mass of a su- perluminal electron, with m0 = 5.11 × 105 eV/c2, the fine structure constant becomes a mass ratio and charge quantization is the result of two states of the electron. Relevance of this new model is considered in light of the observed inconsistencies in track formation.
Condensed Plasmoids (CPs) – A Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Nuclear Active Environment of LENR
Authors: Jaitner Lutz
Published: December 2024

Researchers have long been puzzled about the basic nuclear reaction mechanisms of low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR). Usually the crystal lattice or nano-particles (among others) are assumed to be the nuclear active environment that catalyzes the reaction somehow. In contrast, the author has built a quantum-mechanical model of the nuclear active environment in LENR, where this environment is modeled as an ultra-dense plasmoid, i.e. a “condensed plasmoid” (CP). The computed properties of CPs are so exotic that CPs qualify as a previously unknown aggregation state of matter. The quantum-mechanical model of CPs is based on the cylindrical symmetry of a very thin (i.e. about 40 pm) plasma “wire”. (The quantitative properties given in the abstract depend on the configuration of the CP; these are just examples.) The electrons of a CP are fully delocalized and decoupled from the nuclei. They are moving with high velocity (10–80% of light speed) against the nuclei. This results in an intrinsic current of about 9 kA in the CP with a mean current density of approximately 2.5 A/pm2. The magnetic field from this current reaches 50 MT (magatesla) and creates a confinement pressure of more than 1021 Pa. The electrons are compressed by the strong z-pinch condition to a mean density of about 0.15 electrons/pm3. The creation of a CP is an endothermic process (i.e. it takes in energy from an external source), which typically requires discharges with high voltages and high currents. Once created, these objects can be long-living (lasting hours). The minimum distance of hydrogen nuclei in a CP is only about 2 pm, which enables tunneling of nuclei through the Coulomb barrier, i.e. nuclear fusion. The barrier is also much screened by the dense electrons.
Highly Relativistic Deep Electrons and the Dirac Equation
Authors: Paillet Jean-Luc , Meulenberg Andrew
Published: December 2024

After analyzing, in the literature, deep orbit results of relativistic quantum equations, we studied them in a semi-classical way, by looking for a local minimum of total energy of an electron near the nucleus, while respecting the Heisenberg Uncertainty Relation (HUR). Now, while using new information thanks to semi-classical computations, we come back to deep electrons as solutions of the Dirac equation, to solve several important and subtle outstanding issues, such as the continuity of derivatives of wave functions, a spectral problem about the energy levels associated with the wave functions to compute, as well as essential relativistic and energy parameters of the solutions. We thus obtain a better completeness of the solutions. Finally, we give some approaches on the probability of the presence of Electron Deep Orbit (EDO) states in H atom.
Distant Behind-screen Action of Undamped Temperature Waves (Long-distance Propagation, X-ray Generation, LENR Stimulation)
Authors: Vysotskii V.I. , Vysotskyy M.V. , Kornilova A.A. , Krit T.B. , Gaydamaka S.N. , Hagelstein P.L.
Published: December 2024

The physical mechanism of the generation, features of propagation and the possible use of undamped temperature waves are con- sidered. The process of generation of these waves is related to the possibility of reversibility of local relaxation thermodynamic processes of heat transfer. In the course of experiments, it was shown that such waves can exist only at certain frequencies, de- pending on the relaxation time. The possibility of energy transfer using these waves over a long distance has been investigated. It is shown that using of these waves X-ray generation is possible, and effective stimulation of nuclear fusion in a TiD target located behind a thick metal screen which is remote from the wave source. In this work is also considered a possible physical mechanism for the realization of LENR reactions connected with the formation of coherent correlated states of interacting particles under the action of these temperature waves.
A Review of Negative LENR Experiments, Determining Why They Failed, and How They Impacted the Field
Authors: Mosier-Boss P.A. , Forsley L.P. , Miles M.H.
Published: December 2024

A Review of Negative LENR Experiments, Determining Why They Failed, and How They Impacted the Field
Erratum for JCMNS 27 (2018) 97–142, “Phonon-mediated Nuclear Excitation Transfer”
Authors: Hagelstein Peter L.
Published: December 2024

This erratum concerns a model appearing in Appendix B, which was added hastily prior to sending in the paper. The Hamiltonian for a set of two two-level systems that are driven by an electromagnetic field, and which undergo resonant excitation transfers, is incorrect. In this erratum the Hamiltonian is corrected. The Ehrenfest theorem equations for the updated Hamiltonian are much more complicated, and it is not obvious that such a complicated model will be useful. We also provide a correction to Equation (69) of the paper.
Electrochemical Isoperibolic Calorimetry For D2O Electrolysis
Authors: Miles Melvin H.
Published: December 2024

Equations developed for isoperibolic electrochemical calorimetry were tested for the electrolysis of D2O in an open calorimetric cell. The derivatives of these equations gave correct values within the experimental error range for the important rate of change of the cell temperature with time (dT/dt). In addition, these calorimetric equations were also tested directly in determining the enthalpy change (∆H) for the D2O electrolysis reaction. The mean experimental value at 298.15 K was ∆H = 294.4 ± 0.3 kJ/mole. This compares favorably (within 0.10%) with the literature value of ∆H = 294.600 kJ/mole. The accuracy of these ∆H measurements could be even further improved by more accurate cell voltage and cell temperature measurement.
Development of weak Cold-fusion Engine Reactor (Fusine) Assisted by Molecular Chemical Reaction: Based on Focusing–compression of 1000 bar and 7000 K Due to Pulsed Supermulti-Jets Colliding
Authors: Kobayashi Tomotaka , Konagaya Remi , Naitoh Ken , Wake Yoshinari
Published: December 2024

Some reports from ICCF22 (Takahashi et al., Iwamura et al., Parkhomov et al., Mizuno et al.) show that selected materials lead to higher power at higher temperatures, probably at temperatures below 2000 K, and pressures below 10 MPa. In the early part of this report, we show the theoretical extrapolation of data described in these recent reports which indicates that low energy nuclear reaction systems at temperatures over 7000 K may release energy at a rate comparable to combustion of fossil fuels, or perhaps even higher. It is also stressed that high pressure levels of 100 MPa physically will lead to less diffusion of H2 (or D2) gas from solid materials (e.g., powder of such as palladium or nickel) that have absorbed the gas. Less diffusion leads to higher power. In the present report, we propose a new reactor which may lead to power at the level of a chemical reaction such as combustion of fossil fuels. This reactor is based on two new basic technologies. Our first technology is a new device with a power source based on focusing compression due to pulsed supermulti-jets colliding around the reaction chamber center, which will have potential of the level of 7000 K and 100 MPa in chamber as maximum, leading to high power. It should be able to continuously produce power as an open system. The high compression potential at level of 100 MPa and 7000 K was confirmed by experiments and computational simulations without chemical and nuclear reactions. Our second technology is an injector of nanoparticles such as those of palladium or nickel, which remains durable for more than 30 hours, which may lead to continuous low energy nuclear reactions. These may make it possible to construct a heat source powered by a low energy nuclear reaction in nanoparticles such as palladium or nickel, which is triggered by a chemical reaction of H2 (or D2)-oxygen mixture, where the reactor is initially brought to a high temperature and high pressure.
High Impedance Aqueous Solutions Improve CF/LANR Systems
Authors: Swartz Mitchell R.
Published: December 2024

There are three reasons high impedance cold fusion/lattice activated nuclear reaction (CF/LANR) systems work so well—these are a high loading rate, intrapalladial deuteron flux, and a large cathodic increase of deuterons. This paper demonstrates the existence, and origin, of this cathodic increase of hydrogen isotopes from the applied electric field intensity. There results an advantageous spatial distribution of hydrogen between anode and cathode. This is another confirmation of the quasi-1-dimensional (Q1D) model of hydrogen isotope loading and further explains success of LANR activity using this configuration and technology.
Lattice Energy Converter II: Iron Hydrogen Host Material
Authors: Gordon F.E. , Whitehouse H.J.
Published: December 2024

Continuing development of Lattice Energy Converter (LEC) technology has resulted in both experimental and theoretical advancements. Replicated experimental results and analysis for a LEC wherein a codeposited palladium-hydrogen working electrode produced spontaneous and sustained electrical energy attributed to ionizing radiation have been previously reported. Herein is reported the use of a working electrode comprised of codeposited iron-hydrogen from an aqueous solution of FeCl2 which demonstrated similar capabilities to produce spontaneous and sustained electrical energy as well as ionizing radiation. These results also have been replicated. http://ikkem.com/iccf23/PPT/Invited%20Gordon%20ICCF%2023%20LEC%20T5.MP4. This paper updates the presentation at the workshop in honor of Dr. Srinivasan in January 2021 which is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4dzTWY_aWM This paper provides additional analysis that supports the observed experimental results from both presentations.
Some Novel Analytical Techniques Applied to LENR Active Materials
Authors: Tanzella Francis , Godes Robert , George Robert , Rahman Anis
Published: December 2024

We explore the results from the analyses of several low energy nuclear reactions (LENR)-active tubes run by Brillouin Energy (BEC) using several different techniques. The most novel analytical techniques are terahertz (THz) imaging and THz spectroscopy. This imaging technique gives insight into the lattice spacing of crystalline and micro-crystalline metals and ceramics complimentary to that from X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. XRD of powder removed from this sample showed the normal lattice spacing for pure Ni powder. However, THz imaging showed lattice dilation in the Ni coating. We discuss the potential source of this dilation as well as its possible importance to LENR. We will also discuss the results of THz spectroscopy performed on materials from this and similar tubes This report discusses metallurgical and physical measurements, such as optical microscopy, density and porosity measurements, terahertz (THz) imaging and spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also cover chemical and elemental measurements such as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP- OES), ICP-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and He mass spectroscopy. With the latter method we present an intriguing result that shows tritium production in a unique Pd electrolysis experiment. EDX, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS can help the researcher understand the role of minor and major elemental impurities in these materials. If present, ICP-MS may also detect isotopic anomalies in these materials post experiment. The ultimate point of this exercise should be to help the LENR field reproduce the materials that are best suited for use in LENR experiments such as that presented as a worked example of designing and manufacturing a Pd rod from measurements like these.
Excess Heat From Cold Fusion Activates Nitinol
Authors: Swartz Mitchell R.
Published: December 2024

Nitinol was investigated as a possible sensor of CF/LANR (Lattice Assisted Nuclear Reactions) activity. Several Nitinol devices were built to examine the responses of Nitinol to both ordinary and to CF/LANR-induced excess heat. A NANOR􏰣-type component delivered a peak power output of ∼12.17 Watts when driven with input power of 3.94 Watts. The metric of qualitatively derived RMS induced force was more useful than length measurement for both prosaic applied heat and excess heat. The Nitinol had derived RMS induced force-power response of about ∼170-250 microNewtons/Watt. The Nitinol LANR/CF Detectors were equally sensitive to both ordinary heat and to CF/LANR excess heat, and the sensitivity was only qualitative.
The Electromagnetic Considerations of the Nuclear Force—PART II: The Determination of the Lowest Energy Configurations for Nuclei
Authors: Bowen N. L.
Published: December 2024

This paper explores how the electromagnetic energies of the quarks within the atomic nucleus affect the behavior of the Nuclear Force. By examining the electromagnetic energies and forces, many questions about nuclear behavior can be answered, and many insights into the atomic nucleus can be gained. Previous theoretical models for the Nuclear Force include only the Coulomb electric force of the protons, but with little or no consideration of the electromagnetic characteristics of the quarks. By incorporating the electromagnetic energies and forces into nuclear theory, this model has been able to achieve predictions of binding energy better than any previous model, doing so by using only one parameter instead of the five parameters used in the semi-empirical Weizsäcker formula of the Liquid Drop Model. The Electromagnetic Model unifies the Nuclear Force to the Electromagnetic Force. The Electromagnetic Model of the Nuclear Force includes the calculation of electromagnetics of the quarks, and by doing such, it is shown that the Nuclear Force is significantly influenced by the Electromagnetic Forces of the quarks. This paper, Part II of this series, illustrates the ground state configurations of the atomic nuclei, showing the basic segments of how the protons and neutrons cluster together, and how these segments bond to form larger atomic nuclei. A pattern emerges for the ground state configurations due to the uniformity of the electromagnetic laws. Diagrams are shown for this basic pattern, for both stable and radioactive atomic nuclei. By incorporating the electromagnetic energies and forces into nuclear theory, this model has been able to achieve not only excellent predictions of binding energy, but the ability to answer many other questions regarding the various behaviors of atomic nuclei.
Formation of Hydrogen Miniatoms in the Medium of Free Electrons–the Key to the Mechanism of Low-energy Nuclear Reactions
Authors: Goncharov A. I. , Kirkinskii V. A.
Published: December 2024

We have modeled the behavior of hydrogen atoms in the flow of free electrons in metals by the molecular dynamic method. The trajectories of the particles were calculated by numerically solving a system of differential equations of mechanics. Relativistic equations were used, and the interaction of particles was considered Coulombic without taking into account magnetic effects. About 104 stories were modeled, each of them containing up to 100 collisions of free electrons with a hydrogen atom. The total number of simulated atoms that experienced collisions was ∼ 106. Dynamic modeling revealed the formation of neutral particles consisting of protons (deuterons) with an electron rotating around them in nonstationary, close to elliptical orbits with an apogee to a distance of less than 10−11 cm and to a perigee of ∼ 10−12 cm. These particles, which are continuously changing in size and shape, are up to 3 to 4 orders of magnitude smaller than ordinary hydrogen atoms, and 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than neutrons. Such nonstationary hydrogen miniatoms can exist for a short time (on our estimate, up to ∼ 10−12 sec.) in the environment of free electrons of metals, easily move in them and, like neutrons, approach the nuclei of isotopes of hydrogen or other elements at a distance at which nuclear fusion reactions or transmutation of elements are possible due to the tunneling effect. Taking into account the formation of such hydrogen miniatoms the previously calculated rate of low-energy nuclear reactions in metals1−6 increases more than by 5 – 6 orders of magnitude, that is, to values corresponding to experimental data. Formation of hydrogen miniatoms in the medium of free electrons is of primary importance in the mechanism of low-energy nuclear reactions.
Excess Energy from Heat-Exchange Systems
Authors: Huang Bin-Juine , Tso Ming-Li , Liu Ying-Hung , Yeh Jong-Fu , Wu Litu , Chen I-Fee , Pan Yu-Hsiang , Huang Ching-Kang , Liao Mou-Yung , Chen Yi-Chun , Wu Po-Hsien
Published: December 2024

At ICCF-22, we presented a vapor compression machine (VCS) which can produce excess energy. The hot refrigerant vapor from the freon compressor is used to heat the water flowing through a tiny passage of a triple-pipe heat exchanger (THX). This can cause a violent cavitation of water and two-phase flow instabilities, and produce excess energy. The VCS machine was further modified and tested for two years since then. We improved the calorimetry in measuring COP. From the energy balance of THX, we defined COP as the net heat output from water divided by the net heat input to THX, which is denoted as COPx. If the measured COPx was greater than 1, we can confirm the occurrence of excess energy generation or the low energy nuclear reaction (LENR). The test results show that the maximum COPx reaches 2.39 and COPx increases with decreasing inlet water temperature. We observed some peculiar phenomena. The output refrigerant vapor from the compressor is, instead, heated by water at some part of the heat exchanger. In addition, abnormally-high water line pressure damaged the pressure gauge, and also caused crack and leakage of the copper pipe. We also observed severe buckling and black appearance of the middle pipe. The buckling may result from a huge exerted pressure around 740 bar which is far beyond the system operating pressure. This may be caused by LENR. We also made another machine (DHX-1) using a double-pipe heat exchanger heated by a steam boiler. The maximum COPx reaches 2.55 and some peculiar phenomena similar to the VCS machine was observed. The inner copper pipe was deformed by buckling and the outer pipe wall was cracked and leaked. This may be caused by huge pressure (>225 bar) or a high temperature (>500◦C) which results in buckling and rupture of the pipes. The surface of the ruptured inner pipe becomes shining black and looks like CuO nanowires produced by thermal oxidation of copper. The chemical element of the ruptured copper pipe increases by 3 to 4 folds in C, 10 folds in O, and 1.4 to 4.4 folds in Fe. Replacing the identical brand-new double-pipe heat exchanger (DHX-1B), we obtained the same results as DHX-1 with COPx > 2.0, inner pipe rupture and blackening, and chemical element change. COPx > 2.0 also occurred in a new heat exchanger (DHX-2) made from stronger copper tubes with a larger size. All of these excess-energy phenomena in VCS and DHX are probably induced by LENR. In the present study, we experimentally confirm that excess energy or LENR can be induced by a heat transfer process involving cavitation in heat-exchange systems. The excess energy process has been shown reproduceable and controllable.
Conductivity and Molar Conductivity of LiOD Heavy Water Solution
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhang Wu-Shou , Xiao Wu-Yun , Chen Ye , Qi Sheng
Published: December 2024

In cold fusion research, the LiOD heavy water solution has been used as electrolyte in Pd-D2O electrolytic systems for over 30 years. The conductivity of LiOD not only affects the electrical and thermal properties but also can be used to determine the LiOD concentration. In this paper, conductivities of LiOD heavy water solution (0.01409 ∼ 0.09721 mol·L−1) at 10 ∼ 70◦C were measured. Changes of conductivity κ in mS·cm−1 with concentration c in mol·L−1 and temperature T in ◦C can be expressed by the quadratic form: κ = 60.56c – 14.25c2 + 2.514cT – 0.5459c2T. This relationship can be simplified to κ = 123.41c – 27.90c2 or c=8.1031×10−3 κ+1.484×10−5 κ2 at25◦C.
Low Energy Nuclear Reactions with Emission of Two Photons
Authors: Jain Pankaj , Kumar Ankit , Ramkumar K. , Rajeev K. P. , Pala Raj
Published: December 2024

We propose a new mechanism for inducing low energy nuclear reactions (LENRs). The process is initiated by an electromagnetic perturbation. The initial two body nuclear state emits a photon and forms an intermediate state which makes a transition into the final nuclear state with the emission of another photon. We need to sum over all energies of the intermediate state. Since the energy of this state is unconstrained, we get contributions from very high energies for which the barrier penetration factor is not necessarily small. By considering fusion of 1H and 2H to form 3He, we determine the conditions under which this mechanism leads to fusion at observable rates. We show that this mechanism works only inside a medium and not in free space. We show that a clear experimental signature of this process is emission of two photons in coincidence whose total energy is related to the Q value of this process. Hence this process can be confirmed or ruled by the presence or absence of such photons in the final state.
Upper Bound in the Fusion Products and Transmutation Enhancement in Alloys
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Jain Pankaj , Rajeev K. P. , Pala Raj Ganesh
Published: December 2024

Significant elemental transmutations occur on cathodes comprised of either pure metals (Ni, Cu) or the alloys Kanthal (Fe0.74Cr0.21Al0.05) and Ni-Fe (Ni0.93Fe0.07) in light water electrolysis highly biased (~30 V) against a pure graphite anode. The utilization of graphite as an anode is advantageous because it avoids anode-driven contamination and establishes a distinct upper bound in the fusion products (Cu), which is different from upper bounds in previous studies (Pb or Ag) with a Pt anode. Whenever isotopic shifts were measured following transmutation, they differed from the natural ratios. Pure Ni cathode predominantly transmutes to Fe and Cu, pure Cu cathode transmutes to Fe and Mg, Kanthal shows the appearance of Cu and Mg and the Ni-Fe alloy transmutes to Mg and Cu. While the extent of transmutation in pure cathodes is a few tens of percent after about twelve hours of Cathodic Hydrogen Loading (CHL), Kanthal and Ni-Fe alloy show comparable or larger amounts of transmutations in less than an hour of CHL.
Fra fænomenologi til det mere end menneskelige
Authors: Brinkmann Trine
Published: December 2024

Særligt siden 1980’erne har der i Danmark været en generel opfattelse af, at der foregår en slags social eksport af socioøkonomiskmarginaliserede mennesker, fra by til land, enten i form af bolig- og arbejdsmarkedsstrukturer, der skubber mennesker med begrænsede økonomiske råderum ud af byerne, eller i form af konkrete forvaltningspraksisser i storbykommuner. Den begrænsede forskning, der findes på området, beskæftiger sig overvejende med denne migration som et udtryk for økonomiske rationaler. Meget tyder imidlertid på, at mange andre forhold spiller en rolle, når socioøkonomisk udsatte mennesker flytter og finder hjem nye steder, ikke mindst (kæle)dyr. Da jeg, i forbindelse med et forskningsprojekt, hvis ærinde var at undersøge tilflytning til et dansk landdistrikt, foretog kvalitative interviews med en række tilflyttere, dukkede (kæle)dyr kontinuerligt op, både i erindringer – og i forestillinger om hjem og i aktuelle praksisser for at gøre hjem. Mens dette skabte en opmærksomhed omkring (kæle)dyrs betydning og ledte mig i retning af et mellem-artsligt perspektiv, ændrede det ikke afgørende på min metodiske tilgang, som forblev overvejende fænomenologisk inspireret. I denne artikel undersøger jeg, til dels refleksivt, til dels spekulativt, hvordan jeg etnografisk kunne have beskæftiget mig med flytning og hjem som et mellemartsligt fænomen, samt hvilke politiske og etiske spørgsmål en sådan mere end menneskelig etnografi involverer. Artiklen er inspireret af inter-artslige, posthumanistiske perspektiver, ikke mindst ved Donna Haraway.
Menneskelige og andet-end-menneskelige ledsagere
Authors: Dag Rasmussen Jon
Published: December 2024

Med udgangspunkt i en række etnografiske studier tematiserer dette essay betydningen af det andet-end- og mere-end-menneskelige domæne, som træder frem i disse forskningsarbejder. Essayet anskueliggør og analyserer, hvordan der blandt engruppe af de mennesker, som er fulgt i antropologisk feltforskning, findes relationer til ikke-menneskelige dyr og livsformer,der har afgørende betydning for deres hverdag. I bidraget analyseres empiriske eksempler på væsensforskellige tværartsligeinteraktioner og relationer, der opsøges og plejes i offentligt og privat rum. Som der argumenteres for, besidder det andet-end-menneskelige domæne en række vigtige og ofte ikkeerkendte eller upåagtede betydninger i hverdagslivet, som manifesterersig og bliver tilgængelige, når mennesker følges under etnografisk feltarbejde. I essayet relateres indsigter, konkrete eksempler og empiriske fund fra egen forskning til det voksende felt af såkaldt multispecies forskning, som aktuelt udføres og publiceres.
Features of Germany's new migration policy in the context of multilevel governance theory
Authors: Ivkina Natalia Viktorovna , Moraru Nicoleta-Florina
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on the new migration policy of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The research aims to identify the migration strategy introduced by Olaf Scholz and the ruling "traffic light" coalition for the pan-European asylum system. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the multilevel governance theory, which employs three levels of analysis: national, supranational, and subregional. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of Germany's national migration policy, followed by its application at the EU's integration level and within the subregional context. The African region was selected as a subregional case study due to the high percentage of migrants arriving from this area. The novelty of the research lies in its analysis of changes in Germany's migration policy, which came into effect in 2023–2024, using an unconventional integration theory to substantiate shifts in the country's foreign policy course. The research findings are presented at each individual level. At the national level, the authors identified key changes in Germany's migration policy and, more importantly, examined the attitudes within the country's political establishment toward these changes. At the supranational level, conclusions were drawn regarding the influence of Germany's new approach on the pan-European asylum policy. Finally, at the subregional level, the study assessed the impact of these processes on the African region, which significantly contributes to the growing number of migrants in the EU. The results have both theoretical and practical applications. The research demonstrated the efficacy of the methodological toolkit provided by multilevel governance theory and established a connection between changes in Germany's migration policy and the pan-European strategy.
Inelastic neutron scattering spectrometer and its applications
Authors: HU Ze , YUAN Yuan , LI Lisi , REN Qingyong , FENG Yu , SHEN Junying , LUO Wei , TONG Xin ,   Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   China Spallation Neutron Source, Dongguan 523803, China
Published: December 2024

Inelastic neutron scattering is a pivotal technique in materials science and physics research, revealing the microscopic dynamic properties of materials by observing the changes in energy and momentum of neutrons interacting with matter. This technique provides important information for quantitatively describing the phonon dispersion and magnetic excitation of materials. Inelastic neutron scattering spectrometers can be divided into triple-axis spectrometers and time-of-flight spectrometers, according to the method of selecting monochromatic neutrons. The former has high signal-to-noise ratio, flexibility, and precise tracking capabilities for specific measurement points, while the latter significantly improves experimental efficiency through various measures. The application of inelastic neutron scattering spectrometers is quite extensive, playing an indispensable role in advancing frontier scientific research in the study of mechanisms in various materials such as magnetism, superconductivity, thermoelectrics, and catalysis. The high-energy inelastic spectrometer at the China Spallation Neutron Source is the first time-of-flight neutron inelastic spectrometer in China, achieving high resolution and multi-energy coexistence with its innovative Fermi chopper design. Additionally, the number of available single neutron beams in the experiment of this facility has reached the international leading level.
On the interpretability of fuzzy knowledge base systems
Authors: Camastra Francesco , Ciaramella Angelo , Salvi Giuseppe , Sposato Salvatore , Staiano Antonino
Published: December 2024

In recent years, fuzzy rule-based systems have been attracting great interest in interpretable and eXplainable Artificial Intelligence as ante-hoc methods. These systems represent knowledge that humans can easily understand, but since they are not interpretable per se, they must remain simple and understandable, and the rule base must have a compactness property. This article presents an algorithm for minimizing the fuzzy rule base, leveraging rough set theory and a greedy strategy. Reducing fuzzy rules simplifies the rule base, facilitating the construction of interpretable inference systems such as decision support and recommendation systems. Validation and comparison of the proposed methodology using both real and benchmark data yield encouraging results.
MSR-UNet: enhancing multi-scale and long-range dependencies in medical image segmentation
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Lei , Wang Jun , Peng Xinyue , Liu Baosen
Published: December 2024

Transformer-based technology has attracted widespread attention in medical image segmentation. Due to the diversity of organs, effective modelling of multi-scale information and establishing long-range dependencies between pixels are crucial for successful medical image segmentation. However, most studies rely on a fixed single-scale window for modeling, which ignores the potential impact of window size on performance. This limitation can hinder window-based models’ ability to fully explore multi-scale and long-range relationships within medical images. To address this issue, we propose a multi-scale reconfiguration self-attention (MSR-SA) module that accurately models multi-scale information and long-range dependencies in medical images. The MSR-SA module first divides the attention heads into multiple groups, each assigned an ascending dilation rate. These groups are then uniformly split into several non-overlapping local windows. Using dilated sampling, we gather the same number of keys to obtain both long-range and multi-scale information. Finally, dynamic information fusion is achieved by integrating features from the sampling points at corresponding positions across different windows. Based on the MSR-SA module, we propose a multi-scale reconfiguration U-Net (MSR-UNet) framework for medical image segmentation. Experiments on the Synapse and automated cardiac diagnosis challenge (ACDC) datasets show that MSR-UNet can achieve satisfactory segmentation results. The code is available at https://github.com/davidsmithwj/MSR-UNet (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13969855).
Cholera in Zambia: Explanatory Factors and Mid-term Impact of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Siamalube Beenzu , Ehinmitan Emmanuel , Ngotho Maina , Onguso Justus , Runo Steven
Published: December 2024

Cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, poses a severe public health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Symptoms such as acute watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle cramps can lead to rapid dehydration, and without timely treatment, cholera can be fatal. Globally, cholera incidence has increased significantly, with World Health Organisation data showing a rise from 223,370 cases in 2021 to 472,697 in 2022, with the number of affected countries growing from 35 to 47. In Zambia, cholera outbreaks are recurrent, particularly during the rainy season, with 30 outbreaks recorded between 1977 and 2018. Fishing camps in rural areas and densely populated peri-urban areas, particularly in the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces, report the highest incidences, attributed to inadequate waste management and poor drainage. This study investigates the factors influencing cholera dynamics in Zambia, focusing on climate variability, population density, and water and sanitation infrastructure. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, analysing historical cholera records, climate data, and socioeconomic factors since 1977. The article seeks to identify correlations between environmental and socioeconomic variables and cholera incidence, to guide effective public health strategies. The findings aim to support Zambia’s efforts to eliminate cholera within its borders by 2025, aligned with the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan and Vision 2030.
Development of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus Resistance: From Plant Breeding to Genome Editing
Authors: Prajapati Archana , Sengar Shalini , Nain Vikrant
Published: December 2024

Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) is a major constraint for global tomato production. ToLCV affects a variety of crops other than those in the Solanaceae family. ToLCV genome is compact and codes for structural and functional proteins that helps the virus to evade host mechanism. This article discusses the genomic architecture and functionalities of ToLCV genes, the influence of satellite DNA expression on host genes, plant-pathogen interactions (specifically host gene interactions with begomoviruses), the evolution and distribution of begomoviruses, strategies for developing virus-resistant plant varieties, the challenges in developing such crops, the role of genome editing in addressing these challenges, and the future directions for enhancing techniques to develop ToLCV or virus-resistant plants. In addition, we have discussed the unexplored methods for producing disease resistance in plant system. We also suggested a multi-level approach required to target various critical life-cycle virus genes in a single system with multiple approaches to increase resistance and prevent mutant escape and evolution.
Evaluation of Carbon Sequestration Potential of Different Melia Germplasms in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Kumar M. B. Praveen , Verma Rinku , Hanumanthappa D. C. , Murthy M. Mahadeva , Madappa Savitha , Raghu H. B. , Rao Gangadhar Eshwar , Yogesh T. C.
Published: December 2024

Melia dubia is one of the best agroforestry tree species, which is known for its faster growth rate and biomass accumulation. To maintain ecological balance and sustainability carbon sequestration plays an important role, hence this study aimed at identifying the best suitable Melia germplasm for Eastern dry zone of Karnataka. The present research was conducted from April, 2023 to July, 2024 in Agroforestry field unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Randomized block design was used for the experiment. Evaluation of 15 Melia germplasms revealed that highest tree height was recorded in MD-173 (16.06 m) and lowest in MD-129 (12.31 m). Girth at breast height (GBH) was highest in MTP-3 (97.94 cm) and lowest in MD-135 (60.35 cm). Tree volume was highest in MTP-3 (328.6 m3 ha-1) and was on par with MTP-1 (314.4 m3 ha-1) and MD-138 (307.4 m3 ha-1) whereas, significantly lower tree volume was found in MD-135 (106.0 m3 ha-1). The above ground biomass, belowground biomass, total biomass and total biomass carbon were found highest in MTP-3 (197.2 t ha-1, 51.3 t ha-1, 248.6 t ha-1 and 124.2 t ha-1 respectively), and significantly lowest were found in MD-135 (63.6 t ha-1, 16.5 t ha-1, 80.1 t ha-1 and 40.1 t ha-1 respectively). MTP-3 consistently exhibited the highest biomass CO₂ values across all intervals, reaching a remarkable 455.9 t ha⁻¹ at 81 months followed by MTP-1 (436.1 t ha⁻1). MD-138 (426.4 t ha⁻¹), MD-157 (375.9 t ha⁻¹), and MD-164 (375.7 t ha⁻¹) were found to be intermediate CO2 accumulators. Lowest carbon sequestration potential was found in MD-135 (147.1 t ha-1), MD-174 (209.8 t ha-1) and MD-129 (236.3 t ha-1). MTP-3 followed by MTP-1 and MD-138 were more suitable for Eastern dry zone of Karnataka.
LSTM-GNN Synergy: A New Frontier in Stock Price Prediction
Authors: Kuppan Karthigeyan , Acharya Deepak Bhaskar , B Divya
Published: December 2024

Aims/ Objectives: Stock price forecasting can be a complex task because of the aggressiveness and growth of financial data. This study presents a new approach combining LSTM and GNN that overcomes the problems of separate models in stock price forecasting. Rather than handling time or relations separately, as is typical in existing systems, the proposed model can do both simultaneously. In addition, the suggested model enhances forecasting accuracy and defines a framework that can be used for other financial prediction problems. In contrast with existing approaches, in this case, this model is based on time series and the interrelation between stocks, which significantly enhances prediction accuracy. Time-series data from real stock markets and historical and fundamental stock market data have been used to validate this model. The results prove that the hybrid model is superior to traditional machine learning models and standalone models. Lower values of RMSE, MAE, higher values of R² scores characterize this model. This model has potential application areas such as financial forecasting, algorithmic trading, and portfolio management.
Design: The design is experimental since the stock market data were used to assess the performance of the machine learning models.
Place and Duration of Study: The model was trained and evaluated using stock market data retrieved from Yahoo Finance, which was available from 2020 to the present.
Methodology: The study consisted of data preparation, where the stock prices were normalized. This was followed by the development of LSTM and GNN models. The two models were used jointly to develop a hybrid LSTM-GNN model. The models were fitted to a training data set and tested on the test dataset using performance measures such as root mean square error(RMSE), Mean absolute error(MAE), and R squared.
Results: The findings showed that GNN outperformed the LSTM model, which had lower RMSE. The hybrid LSTM-GNN model had the highest R2 score and the lowest prediction errors. The hybrid model managed to show an enhanced prediction of stock prices compared to the individual models; thus, the effectiveness of the hybrid model is confirmed.
Conclusion: The hybrid LSTM-GNN model for stock price prediction has provided an innovative approach by integrating sequential patterns (LSTM) and interdependencies among inputs (GNN). Future research should focus on improving the model and evaluating it against actual financial datasets to leverage its capabilities for financial prediction in a wider context.
Effect of Chemical Weed Control on Growth, Herb Yield and Oil Content of Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) Across Northern Eastern and Central Highlands of India
Authors: Gourav Raj Kumar , Dawson Joy , Gautam Manjesh , Kumar Ashok , Singh Aditya , Patel Anjali
Published: December 2024

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2015 at Crop Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad to study the effect of various weed management options on weed dynamics and production of mentha. In the experiment six treatments namely, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 50 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 62.5 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100  ml/ha, hand weeding and un-weeded control were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that a significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were recorded under hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. The higher plant height, herbage yield (21.8 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.00 t/ha) and oil yield (136.9 l/ha) of mentha were also obtained with hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha also resulted in the most effective herbicide against grassy weed and generated maximum net return (Rs. 92303/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) followed by propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha.
Effect of Zero Tillage Practices on the Economic Performance of Potato
Authors: Parihar Chitrangda , Singh SP , Sharma SK , Sadawarti MJ , Gupta Varsha , Harsha  , Chauhan Aman Pratap Singh , Gupta Sourabh , Kumar Gopal
Published: December 2024

Potato is an important winter rotation and vegetable crop which provides a stable income for small holders in order to increase the knowledge and profits of farmers through the adoption of zero-tillage potato with rice straw mulch will promote climate-smart agriculture in addition to reduce environmental pollution caused by straw burning. More importantly, the use of rice straw for mulching puts nutrients back in the soil and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the conventional practice of straw burning. Mulch provides an important habitat for natural enemies, which are vital for pest population regulation. An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station RS, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment consisted of 7 treatments viz.; Farmer’s practice (T1), CIP Technique (T2), Regional AICRIP/INSTITUTE recommendation/hoeing (T3), Flat-bed planting (T4), Flat-bed planting & mulching (T5), Flat-bed planting & ridging (T6) and Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) with 3 replications. The soil of experimental field was a sandy clay loam with uniform topography. The result showed that CIP Technique (T2) followed by Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) were registered superior values of growth parameters (number of stems per plant and root length), yield attributes (number of tubers grade-wise and grade-wise tuber yield) as well as economics (gross monetary return) of potato in both years as well as pooled over rest of the treatments. In case of B:C ratio; Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) followed by CIP Technique (T2) observed significantly economical (1.65 and 1.50; respectively) over rest of the treatments in pooled analysis.
Knowledge Of Brazilian University Professors About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Adhd
Authors: Ferreira João Carlos Peixoto , Coutinho Roberto , Gallo Rosângela Peixoto , Ferreira Rosilene Peixoto , Rocha Gabrielle Peixoto , Silva Alessandro Pereira Da , Boschi Sílvia Regina Matos Da Silva , Scardovelli Terigi Augusto , Martini Sílvia Cristina
Published: December 2024

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with global
prevalences ranging from 1% to 10.2% in children and up to 6.76% in adults, depending on the region. In Brazil,
the prevalence of ADHD among children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 is 7.6%, and between 5.2% and 6.1% in
the adult population. Studies indicate that the prevalence of ADHD in university students ranges from 2% to 8%;
however, more recent data from the World Health Organization point to a high rate of 15.9% among college
freshmen exhibiting ADHD symptoms. This study aims to investigate and analyze the level of knowledge of
university professors in Brazil about ADHD, with the purpose of identifying gaps and opportunities to enhance
pedagogical strategies and promote a more adaptive and inclusive educational environment.
Materials and Methods: An analytical and comparative study was conducted with 174 Brazilian university
professors, using snowball sampling. Knowledge about ADHD was measured with the KADDS-BR, an adapted
version of the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale for Brazilian Portuguese, assessing associated
Features (general characteristics), symptoms/diagnosis, and treatment. Statistical analyses, including MannWhitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman's coefficient, were used to explore knowledge differences based
on sociodemographic variables, ADHD training, practical experience with students, and specialized readings.
Results: The level of knowledge among university professors about ADHD is low, with an accuracy rate of
37.53%. Misconceptions (12.58%) and significant gaps (49.89%) were identified, particularly in the areas of
treatment and general characteristics of the disorder. Factors such as direct experience with students with ADHD,
access to specialized educational materials, and participation in specific training on the disorder were found to
be beneficial for improving knowledge.
Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for ongoing training programs for university professors, aiming to improve educational support for students with ADHD and foster a more inclusive and effective academic environment.