bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-doped flat band and spin-triplet superconductivity in monolayer 1T-TaSe2−x
Te
x
Authors: Phillips Jan , Lado Jose L , Pardo Víctor , Fumega Adolfo O
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional van der Waals materials have become an established platform to engineer flat bands which can lead to strongly-correlated emergent phenomena. In particular, the family of Ta dichalcogenides in the 1T phase presents a star-of-David charge density wave that creates a flat band at the Fermi level. For TaS2 and TaSe2 this flat band is at half filling leading to a magnetic insulating phase. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate that ligand substitution in the TaSe

2
−
x

Te
x
system produces a transition from the magnetic insulator to a non-magnetic metal in which the flat band gets doped away from half-filling. For

x
∈
[

0.846

,

1.231

]

the spin-polarized flat band is self-doped and the system becomes a magnetic metal. In this regime, we show that attractive interactions promote three different spin-triplet superconducting phases as a function of x, corresponding to a nodal f-wave and two topologically-different chiral p-wave superconducting phases. Our results establish monolayer TaSe

2
−
x

Te
x
as a promising platform for correlated flat band physics leading to unconventional superconducting states.
Research on acoustic localization method for multiple leakage sources of water-cooling wall in furnace
Authors: Kong Qian , Yang Jiajia , Liu Yuechao , Jiang Genshan , Li Peng
Published: June 2024

The water-cooling wall of a furnace often leaks under harsh conditions, such as high temperature and pressure, which affects the safe and economic operation of the boiler. To achieve the localization of multiple leakage sources in a water-cooling wall, an acoustic positioning method based on improved differential evolution and density-based spatial clustering of application with noise (IDE-DBSCAN) is proposed. The nonlinear equation system is constructed using the time delay of arrival (TDOA) obtained by the generalized second cross-correlation algorithm, and the IDE algorithm is used to solve the nonlinear equation system and obtain multiple spatial positions corresponding to multiple TDOA sequences. To eliminate false leakage sources, IDE-DBSCAN is presented to cluster multiple estimated positions. The number of clusters obtained is the number of leakage sources, and the cluster centers are the location coordinates of the leakage sources. The numerical simulation results show that, compared to traditional acoustic positioning methods, IDE-DBSCAN has a higher positioning accuracy and better anti-noise ability. In addition, experiments are conducted on multiple leakage sound sources within a measurement area of 1 m × 1 m × 1.06 m, and the positioning errors remain within 5 cm. The proposed method provides a theoretical basis and experimental verification for further research on the localization of multiple leakages of water-cooling wall in furnace.
H/O edge passivated B/N co-doped armchair graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistors, based on first principles
Authors: Deng Jingui , Miao Rui , Deng Yayu , Zhou Guangfeng , Wang Lei , Liang Yujian , Zhang Jian , Chen Qian , Shao Qingyi , Shao Cairu
Published: June 2024

This study employs the nonequilibrium Green’s function method in conjunction with density functional theory to fabricate and analyze a Graphene Nanoribbon Field-Effect Transistor (GNRFET). The co-doping of B and N creates built-in electric fields, thereby reducing leakage current. The results demonstrate effective control performance of planar gates, as evidenced by an increase in IDS
with rising gate voltage. Furthermore, a negative differential conductance phenomenon is observed at bias voltages exceeding 0.7 V, exhibiting correlation with transmission spectra and energy band structures. To precisely illustrate the electron distribution within the doped scattering region, calculations involving transport paths, the molecular projection self-consistent Hamiltonian (MPSH), and the emission eigenvalues and eigenstates of the device are conducted. This research provides a reference for exploring and developing smaller and more energy-efficient AGNR field effect transistor designs and implementations. The principal objective of this paper is to investigate the potential applications of these smaller, more energy-efficient devices.
Predefined-time stabilization of Lorenz system with applications for stabilizing and synchronizing chaotic finance systems
Authors: Wu Jie , Gu Yanting , Ji Zhufangyuan , Wu Kexing , Ma Ru-Ru
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the predefined-time stabilization (PtS) of the canonical Lorenz system at first, and then applies the derived results into the chaotic finance systems (CFSs) so as to realize the stabilization and synchronization, respectively. Compared with the traditional finite-/fixed-time stability analysis, the upper-bound of convergence time (UbCT) in this investigation can be set beforehand in need, which is an explicit constant regardless of initial values, system dimension, and controlling parameters. Moreover, the designed control schemes are non-chattering, which do not contain the conventional discontinuous signum and absolute value functions anymore. Via adopting the second Lyapunov method, the sufficient conditions are obtained successively for guaranteeing the realization of PtS for Lorenz system, CFS, as well as the predefined-time synchronization between two CFSs. The numerical experiments are finally arranged to manifest the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical fruits, in which some comparison and perturbation analysis are made.
Euler-Maruyama approximation for stochastic fractional neutral integro-differential equations with weakly singular kernel
Authors: Asadzade Javad A , Mahmudov Nazim I
Published: June 2024

This manuscript examines the problem of nonlinear stochastic fractional neutral integro-differential equations with weakly singular kernels. Our focus is on obtaining precise estimates to cover all possible cases of Abel-type singular kernels. Initially, we establish the existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence on the initial value of the true solution, assuming a local Lipschitz condition and linear growth condition. Additionally, we develop the Euler-Maruyama method for numerical solution of the equation and prove its strong convergence under the same conditions as the well-posedness. Moreover, we determine the accurate convergence rate of this method under global Lipschitz conditions and linear growth conditions.
Exploring the nonlinear optical characteristics of supersalt-decorated graphyne via DFT analysis: unveiling quantum insights into light-matter interaction
Authors: Ayub Ali Raza , Zeshan Muhammad , Salba  , Tahir Sheza , Hussain Talib , Ali Qasim , Iqbal Javed
Published: June 2024

In this comprehensive study, we explore into the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of graphyne (GRY) and its compounds decorated with a super salt (OLi3BeF3), namely GRY@SS1, and GRY@SS2) using the

rB
3
LYP
/
6
−
31
G
(
d
,
p
)

DFT method. Our findings reveal a substantial enhancement in the electron transfer properties of decorated compounds compared to the pristine GRY surface. This enhancement is evidence by the reduction in the bandgap energies

(

E

g

)

from 3.52 eV to 1.68 eV and remarkable boost in maximum absorption (

λ

max

)

from 372.66 to 807.73 nm. Noteably, GRY@SS2 exhibits a significant increase in linear polarizability (

α

0

) (538.18 au), first hyperpolarizability (

β

0

) (3872.76 au), and second hyperpolarizability (

γ

0

) (1.00 × 106) due to reduced excitations energies compared to the GRY (

α

0

= 448.61,

β

0

 = 0.14 and

γ

0

 = 5.97 × 105 au). NBO charges show that electrons are transferring from the dopant (supersalt) to the GRY sheet. Furthermore, Non-covalent interactions (NCl), iso-surface, infrared (IR), 1H NMR, and 13C NMR studies have been conducted to provide insights into the nature of interactions, vibrational frequencies, and structural-functional aspects of GRY and GRY@SS1, and GRY@SS2. According to TD-DFT calculations, all compounds demonstrate superior vertical ionization potential, UV–vis absorbance, HOMO–LUMO characteristics, as well as interaction energies. Our results underscore the potential of these compounds as valuable NLO materials, particularly highlighting the promising prospects of GRY@SS2.
Computational study of the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of (Ag, B, I) doped Cs2PdBr6 compound
Authors: Boubekraoui Amina , Ziati Meryem , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid
Published: June 2024

This investigation explores the properties of pure lead-free Cesium Hexabromopalladate (IV), Cs2PdBr6, and Cs2PdBr6-xYx (Y = Ag, B, I) (x = 0.2496) compounds using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. The study examines the compounds’ structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric attributes, establishing their negative formation energies and relative stability, indicating their potential for synthesis. The research reveals a decrease in indirect band gap with the incorporation of Iodine, Boron, and Silver dopants. Additionally, the optical properties, including the absorption coefficient and optical band gap, demonstrate pronounced absorbance and efficacy in the visible region. The transport properties are modelled, with the Seebeck coefficient indicating a transition from p-type to n-type conductive demeanor for B and Ag-doped Cs2PdBr6. The study concludes that pure Cs2PdBr6 and B, Ag, I-doped Cs2PdBr6 are superlative contenders for optoelectronic and solar cell applications. Overall, this research proffers valuable insights into the prospective applications of these compounds and their attributes.
Robust brain tumor detection and classification via multi-technique image analysis
Authors: N Salma , G R Madhuri , Jagadale Basavaraj , G M Akshata
Published: June 2024

Accurate detection and classification of brain tumors play a critical role in neurological diagnosis and treatment.Proposed work developed a sophisticated technique to precisely identify and classify brain neoplasms in medical imaging. Our approach integrates various techniques, including Otsu’s thresholding, anisotropic diffusion, modified 3-category Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) for segmentation after skull stripping and wavelet transformation for post-processing for segmentation, and Convolution neural networks for classification. This approach not only recognizes that discriminating healthy brain tissue from tumor-affected areas is challenging, yet it also focuses on finding abnormalities inside brain tumors and early detection of tiny tumor structures. Initial preprocessing stages improve the visibility of images and the identification of various regions while accurately classifying tumor locations into core, edema, and enhancing regions by segmentation as well. Ultimately, these segmented zones are refined using wavelet transforms, which remove noise and improve feature extraction. Our CNN architecture uses learned abstractions to distinguish between healthy and malignant regions, ensuring robust classification. It is particularly good at identifying tiny tumors and detecting anomalies inside tumor regions, which provides substantial advances in accurate tumor detection. Comprehensive hypothetical evaluations validate its efficacy, which could improve clinical diagnostics and perhaps influence brain tumor research and treatment approaches.
A DFT study of the physical properties of novel vanadium-based half-Heusler alloys VYAl (Y = Ni,Pd, and Pt) pertinent to their optoelectronics application
Authors: Lawati Dhan Raj , Shrestha Pitamber , Sharma Shriram , Joshi Leela Pradhan , Parajuli Rajendra
Published: June 2024

We investigated three novel 18-valence electron count (VEC) vanadium-based half-Heusler alloys, VYAl (Y = Ni, Pd, and Pt), for their structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties using density functional theory (DFT). The computation was carried out employing Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) and all three alloys have exhibited structural, chemical, mechanical, and thermodynamic stability. We obtained the lattice constants of 5.520, 5.800, and 5.820 Å for VNiAl, VPdAl, and VPtAl, respectively. The elastic parameters imply a ductile and hard nature of the system and exhibit anisotropic behavior. Electronic band characterization demonstrated that all three alloys are semiconductors with direct narrow gaps at the Γ-point which is crucial for photovoltaic applications. In addition to that, the high density of the band states near the Fermi level indicates a promising candidate for thermoelectric conversion. The influence of SOC interaction in the system generates a small shift in the bands. From the optical response, we infer that the studied compounds have exceptional light absorption and reflection quality, making them suitable for optoelectronics purposes.
Complete analysis of the background and anisotropies of scalar-induced gravitational waves: primordial non-Gaussianity f
NL and g
NL considered
Authors: Li Jun-Peng , Wang Sai , Zhao Zhi-Chao , Kohri Kazunori
Published: June 2024

Investigation of primordial non-Gaussianity holds immense importance in testing the inflation paradigm and shedding light on the physics of the early Universe. In this study, we conduct the complete analysis of scalar-induced gravitational waves (SIGWs) by incorporating the local-type non-Gaussianity f
NL and g
NL. We develop Feynman-like diagrammatic technique and derive semi-analytic formulas for both the energy-density fraction spectrum and the angular power spectrum. For the energy-density fraction spectrum, we analyze all the relevant Feynman-like diagrams, determining their contributions to the spectrum in an order-by-order fashion. As for the angular power spectrum, our focus lies on the initial inhomogeneities, giving rise to anisotropies in SIGWs, that arise from the coupling between short- and long-wavelength modes due to primordial non-Gaussianity. Our analysis reveals that this spectrum exhibits a typical multipole dependence, characterized by C̃
ℓ ∝ [ℓ(ℓ + 1)]-1, which plays a crucial role in distinguishing between different sources of gravitational waves. Depending on model parameters, significant anisotropies can be achieved. We also show that the degeneracies in model parameters can be broken. The findings of our study underscore the angular power spectrum as a robust probe for investigating primordial non-Gaussianity and the physics of the early Universe. Moreover, our theoretical predictions can be tested using space-borne gravitational-wave detectors and pulsar timing arrays.
Constraining the variable generalized Chaplygin gas model in matter creation cosmology
Authors: Bhardwaj Yogesh , Singh C P
Published: June 2024

We explore the variable generalized Chaplygin gas (VGCG) model in the theory of matter creation cosmology within the framework of a spatially homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann—Lemaître—Robertson—Walker space-time. Matter creation cosmology is based on reinterpretation of the energy–momentum tensor in Einstein’s field equations. This creation corresponds to an irreversible energy flow from the gravitational field to the created matter constituents. The variable Chaplygin gas (VCG) is also studied as a particular solution. We use the Markov chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the free parameters of three models, namely, Lambda-Cold-Dark matter (ΛCDM), VGCG and VCG models with and without matter creation from the latest observational data from baryon acoustic oscillations, cosmic chronometer, type Ia supernovae (Pantheon) including gamma-ray bursts, quasars and the local measurement of H
0 from R21 data. Two different combinations of dataset provide a fairly tight constraint on the parameters of the ΛCDM, VGCG and VCG models. The present values of various cosmological parameters are obtained, which are very close to the ΛCDM model. Furthermore, we perform stability analysis, Bayesian evidence analysis and information criteria analysis for these models through studying the sound speed, Bayes factor, and Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC) selection criteria. The values of sound speed for VGCG and VCG models shows that both the models are stable. According to AIC, it is observed that VGCG and VCG models with matter creation are supported considerably less by current observations, while BIC shows that these models are not favoured by observational data.
Dynamic properties of rumor propagation model induced by Lévy noise on social networks
Authors: Jing 景 Ying 颖 , Wang 王 Youguo 友国 , Zhai 翟 Qiqing 其清 , Sun 孙 Xianli 先莉
Published: June 2024

Social networks are inevitably subject to disruptions from the physical world, such as sudden internet outages that sever local connections and impede information flow. While Gaussian white noise, commonly used to simulate stochastic disruptions, only fluctuates within a narrow range around its mean and fails to capture large-scale variations, Lévy noise can effectively compensate for this limitation. Therefore, a susceptible–infected–removed rumor propagation model with Lévy noise is constructed on homogeneous and heterogeneous networks, respectively. Then, the existence of a global positive solution and the asymptotic path-wise of the solution are derived on heterogeneous networks, and the sufficient conditions of rumor extinction and persistence are investigated. Subsequently, theoretical results are verified through numerical calculations and the sensitivity analysis related to the threshold is conducted on the model parameters. Through simulation experiments on Watts–Strogatz (WS) and Barabási–Albert networks, it is found that the addition of noise can inhibit the spread of rumors, resulting in a stochastic resonance phenomenon, and the optimal noise intensity is obtained on the WS network. The validity of the model is verified on three real datasets by particle swarm optimization algorithm.
Coupling of photovoltaics with neurostimulation electrodes—optical to electrolytic transduction
Authors: Jakešová Marie , Kunovský Ondřej , Gablech Imrich , Khodagholy Dion , Gelinas Jennifer , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: June 2024

Objective. The wireless transfer of power for driving implantable neural stimulation devices has garnered significant attention in the bioelectronics field. This study explores the potential of photovoltaic (PV) power transfer, utilizing tissue-penetrating deep-red light—a novel and promising approach that has received less attention compared to traditional induction or ultrasound techniques. Our objective is to critically assess key parameters for directly powering neurostimulation electrodes with PVs, converting light impulses into neurostimulation currents. Approach. We systematically investigate varying PV cell size, optional series configurations, and coupling with microelectrodes fabricated from a range of materials such as Pt, TiN, IrO
x
, Ti, W, PtO
x
, Au, or poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate). Additionally, two types of PVs, ultrathin organic PVs and monocrystalline silicon PVs, are compared. These combinations are employed to drive pairs of electrodes with different sizes and impedances. The readout method involves measuring electrolytic current using a straightforward amplifier circuit. Main results. Optimal PV selection is crucial, necessitating sufficiently large PV cells to generate the desired photocurrent. Arranging PVs in series is essential to produce the appropriate voltage for driving current across electrode/electrolyte impedances. By carefully choosing the PV arrangement and electrode type, it becomes possible to emulate electrical stimulation protocols in terms of charge and frequency. An important consideration is whether the circuit is photovoltage-limited or photocurrent-limited. High charge-injection capacity electrodes made from pseudo-faradaic materials impose a photocurrent limit, while more capacitive materials like Pt are photovoltage-limited. Although organic PVs exhibit lower efficiency than silicon PVs, in many practical scenarios, stimulation current is primarily limited by the electrodes rather than the PV driver, leading to potential parity between the two types. Significance. This study provides a foundational guide for designing a PV-powered neurostimulation circuit. The insights gained are applicable to both in vitro and in vivo applications, offering a resource to the neural engineering community.
NeurostimML: a machine learning model for predicting neurostimulation-induced tissue damage
Authors: Li Yi , Frederick Rebecca A , George Daniel , Cogan Stuart F , Pancrazio Joseph J , Bleris Leonidas , Hernandez-Reynoso Ana G
Published: June 2024

Objective. The safe delivery of electrical current to neural tissue depends on many factors, yet previous methods for predicting tissue damage rely on only a few stimulation parameters. Here, we report the development of a machine learning approach that could lead to a more reliable method for predicting electrical stimulation-induced tissue damage by incorporating additional stimulation parameters. Approach. A literature search was conducted to build an initial database of tissue response information after electrical stimulation, categorized as either damaging or non-damaging. Subsequently, we used ordinal encoding and random forest for feature selection, and investigated four machine learning models for classification: Logistic Regression, K-nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Multilayer Perceptron. Finally, we compared the results of these models against the accuracy of the Shannon equation. Main Results. We compiled a database with 387 unique stimulation parameter combinations collected from 58 independent studies conducted over a period of 47 years, with 195 (51%) categorized as non-damaging and 190 (49%) categorized as damaging. The features selected for building our model with a Random Forest algorithm were: waveform shape, geometric surface area, pulse width, frequency, pulse amplitude, charge per phase, charge density, current density, duty cycle, daily stimulation duration, daily number of pulses delivered, and daily accumulated charge. The Shannon equation yielded an accuracy of 63.9% using a k value of 1.79. In contrast, the Random Forest algorithm was able to robustly predict whether a set of stimulation parameters was classified as damaging or non-damaging with an accuracy of 88.3%. Significance. This novel Random Forest model can facilitate more informed decision making in the selection of neuromodulation parameters for both research studies and clinical practice. This study represents the first approach to use machine learning in the prediction of stimulation-induced neural tissue damage, and lays the groundwork for neurostimulation driven by machine learning models.
Experiments on plasma detachment in a V-shaped slot divertor in the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Maurizio R. , Thomas D. , Yu J.H. , Abrams T. , Hyatt A.W. , Herfindal J. , Leonard A. , Ma X. , McLean A.G. , Ren J. , Scotti F. , Shafer M.W. , Sinclair G. , Wang H.Q. , Watkins J.
Published: June 2024

Experiments in DIII-D demonstrate that the upstream plasma density to detach an un-pumped slot divertor is similar for a V-shaped and a flat-end slot, despite significantly higher neutral pressure in the V-shaped slot and in contrast to SOLPS-ITER predictions. The detachment threshold can be reduced by using in-slot instead of main-chamber gas fuelling or by placing the strike point on the inner slanted slot baffle instead of the slot end, as described by simulations with full drift physics. When increasing the plasma line-averaged density (without extrinsic impurities), the transition to detachment in DIII-D slot divertor is sharp and requires a high value of plasma density with the ion

B

→

×

∇
B

drift into the slot, whereas it is smooth and requires a lower value of plasma density with the opposite drift direction, in accord with detachment experiments in the DIII-D open lower divertor. Unique experiments on DIII-D and comparison to advanced simulations expand the scientific understanding of slot-shaped divertors, considered highly desirable for next step fusion devices.
Implications of vertical stability control on the SPARC tokamak
Authors: Nelson A.O. , Garnier D.T. , Battaglia D.J. , Paz-Soldan C. , Stewart I. , Reinke M. , Creely A.J. , Wai J.
Published: June 2024

To achieve its performance goals, SPARC plans to operate in equilibrium configurations with a strong elongation of

κ

areal

∼
1.75

, which in turn will destabilize the n = 0 vertical instability. However, SPARC also features a relatively thick conducting wall that is designed to withstand disruption forces, leading to lower vertical instability growth rates than usually encountered. In this work, we use the TokSyS framework to survey families of accessible shapes near the SPARC baseline configuration, finding maximum growth rates in the range of

γ
≲
100

s−1. The addition of steel vertical stability plates has only a modest (

∼

25
%

) effect on reducing the vertical growth rate and almost no effect on the plasma controllability when the full vertical stability system is taken into account, providing flexibility in the plate conductivity in the SPARC design. Analysis of the maximum controllable displacement on SPARC is used to inform the power supply voltage and current limit requirements needed to control an initial vertical displacement of 5% of the minor radius. From the expected spectra of plasma disturbances and diagnostic noise, requirements for filter latency and vertical stability coil heating tolerances are also obtained. Small modifications to the outboard limiter location are suggested to allow for an unmitigated vertical disturbance as large as 5% of the minor radius without allowing the plasma to become limited. Further, investigations with the 3D COMSOL code reveal that strategic inclusion of insulating structures within the VSC supports are needed to maintain sufficient magnetic response. The workflows presented here help to establish a model for the integrated predictive design for future devices by coupling engineering decisions with physics needs.
Cell information processing via frequency encoding and excitability
Authors: Givré Alan , Ponce Dawson Silvina
Published: June 2024

Cells continuously interact with their environment mediating their responses through signaling cascades. Very often, external stimuli induce pulsatile behaviors in intermediaries of the cascade of increasing frequency with the stimulus strength. This is characteristic of intracellular Ca2+ signals involving Ca2+ release through Inositol Trisphosphate Receptors (IP3Rs). The mean frequency of IP3R-mediated Ca2+ pulses has been observed to scale exponentially with the stimulus strength in many cell types. In this paper we use a simple ODE model of the intracellular Ca2+ dynamics for parameters for which there is one excitable fixed point. Including fluctuations through an additive noise term, we derive the mean escape rate from the stationary state and, thus, the mean interpulse time, as a function of the fraction, β, of readily openable IP3Rs. Using an IP3R kinetic model, experimental observations of spatially resolved Ca2+ signals and previous estimates of the IP3 produced upon stimulation we quantify the fluctuations and relate β to [IP3] and the stimulus strength. In this way we determine that the mean interpulse time can be approximated by an exponential function of the latter for ranges such that the covered mean time intervals are similar or larger than those observed experimentally. The study thus provides an easily interpretable explanation, applicable to other pulsatile signaling intermediaries, of the observed exponential dependence between frequency and stimulus, a key feature that makes frequency encoding qualitatively different from other ways commonly used by cells to ‘read’ their environment.
Critical exponents testing of a random number generator with the Wolff cluster algorithm
Authors: Zhu Dongjie , Lin Yun , Sun Guoya , Wang Fuming
Published: June 2024

Finite-size scaling (FSS) of critical exponents including γ, β and α of 2D Ising models of sizes up to 327682 are studied using the Wolff clustering algorithm and are used to assess the quality of pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs). Critical exponents of PRNGs with quality issues are found to diverge from their theoretical values at large lattice sizes, similar to previous reports that used the Metropolis algorithm to simulate the Ising lattice. Four high-quality PRNGs, including Mersenne Twister, an additive lagged Fibonacci generator, Xorshift and Xorwow are tested and assessed with their FSS behaviors. Dynamic exponent z is also used to assess the quality of the four tested PRNGs and corroborating results are obtained.
Status of the MDT Trigger Processor for the ATLAS Level-0 Muon trigger at the HL-LHC
Authors: Rojas Rimsky ,   the ATLAS TDAQ collaboration
Published: June 2024

The MDT Trigger Processor (MDTTP) is a key ATLAS Level-0 Muon trigger upgrade component designed to meet High-Luminosity LHC requirements. The MDTTP will use MDT hits in the hardware level trigger for the first time in ATLAS to improve the momentum resolution of muon candidates provided by RPC and TGC detectors and reduce the fake muon trigger rate.

The MDTTP hardware is based on the Apollo ATCA platform. The prototype includes a VU13P-FPGA, high-speed FireFly optical transceivers, peripherals, and other improvements learned from using the previous hardware demonstrator. We present the prototype status, firmware implementation, core algorithm, slow-control software, and first integration tests.
The DarkSide-20k underground argon procurement chain
Authors: Cocco V. ,   the DarkSide-20k collaboration
Published: June 2024

The DarkSide-20k experiment searches for dark matter by looking for interactions of WIMPs in a 50-tonnes target of liquid argon using double-phase time projection chamber (TPC) technology. The key component of the experiment is low radioactivity argon depleted in the isotope 39Ar. Unfortunately, 39Ar is naturally present in atmospheric argon and it is constantly produced due to the interaction with cosmic rays. Finding a source of depleted argon was the first step of the Collaboration when it started to size the DarkSide-20k detector.

The procurement chain begins with the Urania plant in Colorado, which can produce argon with a purity of 99.99% from a crude CO2 stream extracted from a deep well, at a rate of about 250 kg per day. The plant has already been fabricated while the site is being prepared for installation. After the extraction and purification of 120 t of underground argon (UAr), it will be transported to Sardinia, Italy, where the ARIA plant, consisting of a 350 m cryogenic distillation column, will further remove impurities up to 2 orders of magnitude. The final purity is expected to be 99.9999%. After the ARIA purification stage, the ultra-pure UAr will be delivered to the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, L'Aquila, Italy where it will fill the DarkSide-20k TPC.

The ARIA plant has already been fully fabricated and is now in the installation phase in a mine shaft. A shorter version, about 26 m high, has been tested over the last three years with very positive results. We were able to measure the separation factor between two isotopes of nitrogen (29N2, 28N2) and three of argon (40Ar, 38Ar, 36Ar) thus validating the capability of performing isotopic distillation with ARIA.
Flash droughts and their impacts—using newspaper articles to assess the perceived consequences of rapidly emerging droughts
Authors: Henrique Lima Alencar Pedro , Sodoge Jan , Nora Paton Eva , Madruga de Brito Mariana
Published: June 2024

Flash droughts (FDs) have attracted increasing attention in the past decade. They are characterised by a rapid depletion of soil moisture resulting from interactions between the soil and atmospheric conditions. To date, there is a lack of consistent FD definitions and an understanding of their socio-economic impacts. Here, we explore the relationship between biophysical FD conditions and the perceived impacts of FDs in Germany between 2000 and 2022. We measured perceived impacts by analysing consequences reported in newspaper articles (2000–2022) and online search behaviour using Google trends data (2004–2022). To characterise the physical process, we considered root zone soil moisture data. Our results show that FDs are becoming increasingly frequent in Germany, occurring once every two years on average. Despite the lack of knowledge from the general public regarding the phenomenon of FDs, the peaks of interest in drought impacts correspond to the physical occurrence of FDs across the country. We identified an average time gap of four weeks between FD onset and the reporting of perceived impacts. This gap is longer than the average duration of FDs’ onset. Consequently, our findings highlight that consistent monitoring of FD conditions and drivers is necessary to guarantee effective preparedness. As impact perception is too slow to allow the adoption of mitigation measures, FDs require new schemes for response measures compared with slowly emerging (conventional) drought events. The novel method also allows the consistent and impact-based validation of FD identification methods.
Variational Gaussian approximation for the magnetic Schrödinger equation
*
Authors: Burkhard Selina , Dörich Benjamin , Hochbruck Marlis , Lasser Caroline
Published: June 2024

In the present paper we consider the semiclassical magnetic Schrödinger equation, which describes the dynamics of particles under the influence of a magnetic field. The solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation is approximated by a single Gaussian wave packet via the time-dependent Dirac–Frenkel variational principle. For the approximation we derive ordinary differential equations of motion for the parameters of the variational solution. Moreover, we prove L
2-error bounds and observable error bounds for the approximating Gaussian wave packet.
Adsorption of Water Content in Biodiesel Blends using Potassium Polyacrylate: Impact on Acid Number
Authors: Matheofani  , Tresna Pratiwi Fatimah , Amri Khairil , Romelan  , Maharani Mutiara , Aminuddin  , Dewi Solikhah Maharani
Published: June 2024

Many countries worldwide have implemented the use of biodiesel as a blend with diesel fuel. Since 2023, Indonesia has implemented the use of biodiesel blends up to 35% (B35). As the use of biodiesel as a blend increases, more stringent requirements, particularly regarding water content, have been enforced. In the field of water treatment, hydrogels, specifically potassium polyacrylate (PPA), are utilized to reduce water content by adsorbing water molecules in biodiesel blends. Elevated water content can have detrimental effects on the quality of biodiesel blends. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PPA in adsorbing water content in biodiesel blends. The experiment involved a 60-minute water removal process conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The adsorption results were then analyzed for water content and acid number and compared to predefined specifications. Additionally, an acidity test was conducted to assess the impact of PPA on water adsorption. The research findings demonstrated that PPA was capable of adsorbing approximately 84.47% of water molecules without affecting the acid number of the biodiesel blends. The final measured water content was determined to be 66.03 ppm, and the acid number was found to be 0.14 mg KOH/g, both satisfying the quality requirements specified by the government.
SiO2 Content and Chemical Properties of Potassium Silicate Extracted from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash using Sol Technique
Authors: Setyawan N , Hoerudin  , Harimurti N , Misgiyarta
Published: June 2024

Bagasse is a by-product of the extraction process in sugarcane production. In sugar factories, the bagasse is generally used as fuel in boilers for steam power plants and sugar production. The burning process produces abundant bagasse ash containing high levels of silica (SiO2). The end product of by-product utilization has high economic value and is widely used in various industries, such as absorbent materials, food, rubber products, paints, ceramics, glasses, cement/concrete, toothpaste, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The present study investigates the effect of concentration of alkaline solution/KOH (5, 7, and 9 %), extraction time (30, 60, and 90 min) and ratio of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and alkaline solution (1:5, 1:7, and 1:9 w/v) on the characteristic of “intermediate” liquid potassium silicate product. The extraction process was conducted using sol technique. The result showed that silica extraction conducted using KOH 5% at 90 min with ratio of SBA and alkaline solution 1:9 produced liquid potassium silicate with high content of SiO2 (14.85 %) and K2O (19.73%).
Development of water hyacinth as an alternate biomass source for power generation: Saguling Reservoir Case Study
Authors: Soleh Mochamad , Hidayat Yudi , Hakim Lukmanul
Published: June 2024

Energy security consists of three aspects: the availability of energy sources, the affordability of energy supplies, and the sustainable development of new renewable energy. This paper proposed to help overcome energy problems while solving environmental problems using water hyacinths at Saguling Dam in West Java province, Indonesia. Using an integrated community empowerment approach, the scheme for using water hyacinth is to be developed into an energy source for electricity generation or other thermal energy sources. This scheme is a new concept in developing water hyacinths as an alternative to renewable energy.

To ensure the sustainability of this scheme, community support and financial benefits must be established. The results showed that the scheme to use water hyacinth as a source of heat energy is a new scheme in addition to benefiting the community by encouraging local economic development and solving the problem of water hyacinth that disrupts the operation of the Saguling Dam. Utilizing water hyacinth as an alternative energy will improve the community’s economy, which will contribute to increasing the economic activities of a region.

This paper steps to develop a design scheme for the use of water hyacinth as alternative energy, especially in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, using water hyacinth as alternative energy can guide local communities to encourage them to use biomass resources as an incentive for regional economic prosperity.
Product Design of Vegetable Floss Made from Kluwih (Artocarpus camansi) Fruit
Authors: Setyaningsih Dwi , Folasade F Pakasy Fidelia , Santoso Abdullah Jabr G , Gracella Nadine , Muna Neli , Udin Faqih
Published: June 2024

Increasing awareness of health risks encourages the development of plant-based products to replace the animal products. One of the popular snack foods is floss made from beef or chicken meat. Vegetable floss is a potential product to develop for vegetarian or kids. This study aims to provide a product design of vegetable floss made from kluwih fruit starts from formulation, characterization, scale up in small scale industry, include factory layout, calculation of cost of goods sold as well as business development model that was suitable for vegetable floss market. Notably, this study aims to make vegetable floss without using garlic or shallots in the seasoning, distinguishing it from the previous research of vegetable floss. Human-Centered Design used to match the product with the consumer’s expectations. The vegetable floss formulation and production process were successfully defined after several iteration. The best results had the characteristics of brown color, fibrous, light, and acceptable tastes. The floss had water, ash, protein, fat and carbohydrate contents of 6.05%; 2.29%; 2.07%; 27.80% and 61.79%, respectively, and organoleptic quality of its color and flavor were in the like category. Small scale production was planned with the capacity of 300 kg kluwih fruits per month using a series of machine for peeling, shredding, seasoning preparation, boiling, mixing, frying, oil draining, and packaging. Factory required a building area of 92.31 m2. The cost of goods sold was set at IDR 32,178.8 for 150 g aluminum foil pouch and IDR 12,534.6 for 50 g plastic jar packaging. Business Model Canvas showed the overall business activity of vegetable floss products. Based on the SWOT analysis and matrix, there were 12 alternative strategies that have an effect on improving the element of key partners, key activities, value propositions, customer relationship, customer segments, channels, and revenue streams.
Design of an automatic electric torrefaction reactor for oil palm empty fruit bunch pellets
Authors: Telaumbanua M , Fitni A , Wisnu F K , Haryanto A , Suharyatun S , Ansari A
Published: June 2024

One of the technologies for utilizing waste into high-quality fuel is torrefaction. Torefaction of empty palm fruit bunches is a thermochemical process without the presence of oxygen by heating the biomass slowly and holding it for a certain time. Torrefaction degrades the hemicellulose content to optimize mass and energy yields. The purpose of this study was to design a temperature control system using a electrical heater on a rotary torrefaction reactor for Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) pellets. The validation temperature sensor has shown a coefficient of determination (R2) 0.9999 using the model coefficient y = 1.0029x + 0.4017. The performance results of the electric reactor control system for torrefaction show a temperature control accuracy of 85.77% at various setting points. The response of the temperature control system within 10 minutes can reach a temperature of 213°C and in the 13th minute it reaches 301.6°C. The stability of the tool produces good performance. The electric power consumption for 6 kg OPEFB pellets was 2.98 kWh at a cost of USD 0.33. The water content in the torrefaction pellets is 1-2%. The results of the hydrophobicity test showed that the torrefactive samples at temperatures above 200 °C did not change their physical form after immersion in water for 24 hours. These results indicate that the electric torrefaction reactor automatic has succeeded in increasing the caloric ratio of the material, resistance to water such as charcoal, but still has the characteristics and properties of biomass.
Introduction
Authors: McGovern Nathan
Published: June 2024

The introductory chapter presents the problem posed by sing saksit (“holy things”) in Thailand and traces the argument the book will make to solve it. The chapter opens with a description of Luang Phǭ Sōthǭn, a famous Buddha image found in a temple near Bangkok that is regularly propitiated for mundane boons. This is followed by a description of the process of kānbonbānsānklāo, or promising offerings to request a boon, as well as the full variety of “holy things” one can request boons from. The central argument of the book is then presented: syncretism is the solution to a pseudo-problem posed by misunderstanding the nature of Buddhist inclusivism. A genealogical study of the category saksit will show that the seemingly “syncretic” nature of kānbonbānsānklāo is in fact the result of the historical interaction of cosmopolitan discourses on the nexus of Siam/Thailand.
Buddhism as Implicit Theology
Authors: McGovern Nathan
Published: June 2024

Building on the argument in the introduction that Buddhist inclusivism renders models of syncretism moot, this chapter goes further to argue that Buddhism includes an “implicit theology” that necessitates, brings into being, and taxonomizes in particular ways a host of supernatural beings. Borrowing from Jan Assman’s useful concept, the chapter explores a variety of “implicit theologies”—discourses that do similar work to theology but without calling themselves such. The chapter then demonstrates that Buddhism intervened in a particular way in the branch of Indo-European implicit theology found in India by redefining devas as a class of mortal but morally superior beings and defining a variety of other supernatural beings in contrast to them.
Situating Siam in History
Authors: McGovern Nathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter presents historical background on Siam (the kingdom that was the precursor to the modern nation-state of Thailand) and argues that this kingdom has existed on the nexus of transforming cosmopolitan formations. The Sanskrit Cosmopolis with its associated preference for Śaivism dominated Southern Asia up until the early second millennium. It collapsed as the Persianate Cosmopolis took hold in South Asia, which had various ripple effects in the broader region. One of these was the rise of a Pali Cosmopolis in Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia. The chapter ends by arguing that continuities between the Sanskrit and Pali Cosmopoleis have allowed for the continuing agency of “Hindu” discourses in Thai Buddhism to this day.
Legislated Treaty Rights and the Legitimacy of Judicial Review
Authors: van den Brink Martijn
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the legitimacy of judicial review of legislation by zooming in on three grounds of judicial review: legislative process review, ultra vires review, and fundamental rights review. It is shown that while legislative process review should not raise any concerns, ultra vires review and fundamental rights review are vulnerable to objections from institutional legitimacy and capacity. Currently, the Court of Justice of the European Union conducts ultra vires review according to appropriately deferential standards, but the level of scrutiny applied in fundamental rights review is too strict. The chapter also highlights the legislature’s unique position in the European Union institutional framework. It can more autonomously steer the course of the Treaties than is often thought, in part by negotiating and pushing back against unwanted judicial articulations of Treaty rights. Treaty rights can be, should be allowed to be, and often are, legislated rights.
Introduction
Authors: Ameriks Karl
Published: June 2024

The heart of this brief introduction is an overview of the eight chapters that follow. The overview is preceded by preliminary considerations that clarify the book’s general focus, motivation, and scope. Although Kant’s conception of dignity has been highly influential and remains important among liberals throughout the world, it is often criticized by leading left-wing and right-wing writers. Nonetheless, it can be defended in a commonsense manner that has considerable relevance for contemporary issues, and that does not involve the overly subjectivist or individualist meaning that many of his terms may suggest. In its final pages, the Introduction explains the relevance of the trajectory of Thomas Mann’s life and his relation to America. Mann’s work reflects much of what was worst and what was best in German reactions to Kant’s notion of dignity.
Dignity as Universal: Herder, Diversity, and Development
Authors: Ameriks Karl
Published: June 2024

This chapter compares and contrasts the careers of Kant and his student, J. G. Herder, and their positions on issues such as dignity, diversity, history, and cosmopolitanism. Kant and Herder have a lot in common, although Kant was especially interested in necessity and universal duties, whereas Herder deserves respect for having introduced a stress on respect for contingency, diversity, and historical developments that are not a matter of linear and completely rational progress. The basic cosmopolitanism of their philosophies is defended against non-progressive interpretations of their work. A special emphasis is placed on Herder’s early time in Riga and Kant’s late Postscript in a German–Lithuanian dictionary. The Postscript exhibits an underlying philosophical friendship between them, based on a common respect for local cultures that are vulnerable to the harmful actions of powerful nations.