bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophet modeling for oil production forecasting in an enhanced oil recovery field
Authors: Chavan H. K. , Sinharay R. K.
Published: September 2024

Accurate daily oil production forecasting is essential for efficient reservoir management and investment strategy. Forecasting oil production in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and conformance-dominated fields is a complex process due to the nonlinear, voluminous, and often uncertain nature of reservoir parameters and hidden factors. As a result, conventional tools such as decline curve analysis frequently fail to accurately predict daily oil production in conformance-controlled areas. In contrast, machine learning works efficiently for large datasets, even if the parameter values are unknown. The current study employs a Prophet time series forecasting method for five oil production wells in an EOR applied field, but it fails to achieve the desired sweep efficiency. This study compares the results of conventional decline curve analysis (DCA) and popular autoregressive integrated moving average time series forecasting methods with the Prophet model. This is the first attempt to use Prophet for oil well production forecasting, where polymer flooding is used. In all, 60% of the data are used for training, and the remaining 40% are used for testing. The Prophet shows the best performance for all the wells. This study is also the first to handle shut-in data using the Prophet model for oil production. Well-2 achieves the highest accuracy after incorporating shut-in results, with an R2 score of 92%. The result shows that though the DCA performs reasonably well with higher linearity and trend stationary data, Prophet modeling shows superior results than conventional DCA for all EOR applied producing wells.
Design and application of a high-precision counterweighted self-calibrating surface thermometer
Authors: Chen Daidong , Huang Sijun , Liu Xianjie , Feng Li , Zhang Qiuquan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: September 2024

In this study, a high-precision counterweight self-calibrating surface thermometer is designed to reduce human and environmental influences on a thermocouple surface thermometer during measuring. A self-weighted spring structure based on a copper substrate is designed to ensure perfect contact between the surface thermometer and the temperature source. In conjunction, a wind guard is coupled with insulating materials to optimize the thermal exchange of the surface thermometer. Subsequently, the maximum error is reduced to ±1.5 °C by system hardware optimization. However, hardware calibration alone is insufficient. Furthermore, a back propagation neural network is employed to calibrate the surface thermometer. Temperature sensor data are collected under various surface source temperatures and airflow velocities to train the neural network. Hence, the effectiveness of the proposed Gaussian function in enhancing the measurement accuracy of the surface temperature sensor is demonstrated. The results show higher stability and repeatability in temperature measurement than thermocouple-based surface thermometers. The proposed thermometer exhibits robustness against environmental and operational variability with a maximum indication error of −0.2 °C. In contrast, the maximum error of the surface thermometer is between −2.8 and −6.8 °C. Regarding repeatability, the standard deviation with the proposed device is 0.2%, highlighting its accuracy and consistency of performance. These results can mostly be attributed to the synergistic effect of clever mechanical design and software optimization, resulting in a surface thermometer with outstanding accuracy and repeatability.
Molecular picture of electric double layers with weakly adsorbed water
Authors: Jia Mei , Wang Junyi , Liu Qixiang , Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Chao
Published: September 2024

Water adsorption energy, Eads, is a key physical quantity in sustainable chemical technologies such as (photo)electrocatalytic water splitting, water desalination, and water harvesting. In many of these applications, the electrode surface is operated outside the point (potential) of zero charge, which attracts counter-ions to form the electric double layer and controls the surface properties. Here, by applying density functional theory-based finite-field molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied the effect of water adsorption energy Eads on surface acidity and the Helmholtz capacitance of BiVO4 as an example of metal oxide electrodes with weakly chemisorbed water. This allows us to establish the effect of Eads on the coordination number, the H-bond network, and the orientation of chemisorbed water by comparing an oxide series composed of BiVO4, TiO2, and SnO2. In particular, it is found that a positive correlation exists between the degree of asymmetry ΔCH in the Helmholtz capacitance and the strength of Eads. This correlation is verified and extended further to graphene-like systems with physisorbed water, where the electric double layers (EDLs) are controlled by electronic charge rather than proton charge as in the oxide series. Therefore, this work reveals a general relationship between water adsorption energy Eads and EDLs, which is relevant to both electrochemical reactivity and the electrowetting of aqueous interfaces.
Cost-effective production of density-controllable monodisperse spheres for experiments in fluids
Authors: Ohie Kohei , Nishizuka Daigo , Yoshida Taiki , Tasaka Yuji
Published: September 2024

Cost-effective production method for making density-controllable monodisperse spheres is demonstrated. A sodium alginate aqueous solution containing gelatin is emulsified with canola oil. The droplet surface is covered with a calcium alginate membrane by dropping the emulsion into a calcium lactate aqueous solution. The content of the canola oil can control the sphere's density. To demonstrate the applicability of the spheres to experimental research, rheological measurements of the suspensions of the spheres were performed. The effective viscosity agrees with the theoretical formula at volume fractions of 0.7%–11.7%. The demonstration highlights that the spheres can function as neutrally buoyant solid particles in studies for the physics of fluids.
Dynamically adjusted cell fate decisions and resilience to mutant invasion during steady-state hematopoiesis revealed by an experimentally parameterized mathematical model
Authors: Komarova Natalia L. , Rignot Chiara , Fleischman Angela G. , Wodarz Dominik
Published: September 2024

A major next step in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology is to enhance our quantitative understanding of cellular and evolutionary dynamics involved in undisturbed hematopoiesis. Mathematical models have been and continue to be key in this respect, and are most powerful when parameterized experimentally and containing sufficient biological complexity. In this paper, we use data from label propagation experiments in mice to parameterize a mathematical model of hematopoiesis that includes homeostatic control mechanisms as well as clonal evolution. We find that nonlinear feedback control can drastically change the interpretation of kinetic estimates at homeostasis. This suggests that short-term HSC and multipotent progenitors can dynamically adjust to sustain themselves temporarily in the absence of long-term HSCs, even if they differentiate more often than they self-renew in undisturbed homeostasis. Additionally, the presence of feedback control in the model renders the system resilient against mutant invasion. Invasion barriers, however, can be overcome by a combination of age-related changes in stem cell differentiation and evolutionary niche construction dynamics based on a mutant-associated inflammatory environment. This helps us understand the evolution of e.g.,
TET2
or
DNMT3A
mutants, and how to potentially reduce mutant burden.
Fermi Rubik’s Cube in High-Pressure Induced Chlorine-Rich Compounds
Authors: Kong 孔 Jun 君 , Su 苏 Lei 磊 , Cui 崔 Haixu 海旭 , Ding 丁 Hairui 海芮 , Hou 侯 Jingyu 晶钰 , Chi 迟 Chunxia 春霞 , Liu 刘 Shiyang 诗洋 , Zhou 周 Xiang-Feng 向锋 , Wang 王 Hui-Tian 慧田 , Dong 董 Xiao 校
Published: September 2024

In the quasi-free electron model, the Fermi surface spreads into a sphere in the Brillouin zone, i.e., the Fermi sphere. The Fermi sphere exists widely in metal systems, no matter whether the crystal is in a body-center cubic, face-center cubic, or hexagonal close-packed lattice. Here, we report a class of compounds stabilized at high pressure with Rubik’s cubic Fermi surface, in which the representative example is

P
m

3
¯

n

-CaCl3. Our quantum-mechanical variable-composition evolutionary simulations predict the thermal stabilities of CaCl3, and the tight-binding model reveals that its unique Fermi surface originates from the quasi-one-dimensional interaction, structural symmetric protection, and particle-hole symmetry breaking. Furthermore, by its flat and steep band structure, CaCl3 has a huge span of effective mass from 9.08 × 103
m
e (super-heavy) to 5.13 × 10−4
m
e on the Fermi level, which supplies an interesting platform for quasiparticle research.
Mechanical-electric-magnetic-thermal coupled enriched finite element method for magneto-electro-elastic structures
Authors: Zhou Liming , Chen Pengxu , Gao Yan , Wang Jiye
Published: September 2024

Magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) materials possess the ability to convert mechanical, electrical, and magnetic energies, playing a critical role in smart devices. To improve the accuracy and efficiency of solving the mechanical properties of MEE structures in mechanical-electrical-magnetic-thermal (MEMT) environments, an MEMT coupled multiphysics enriched finite element method (MP-EFEM) is proposed. Based on the fundamental equations and boundary conditions of MEE materials, the interpolation coverage function is introduced into the MEMT coupled finite element method (FEM) to construct higher-order approximate interpolation displacement shape functions, electric potential shape functions, and magnetic potential shape functions. Combined with the variational principle, MP-EFEM is proposed, and the governing equations of MP-EFEM are derived. Numerical examples validate the accuracy and high efficiency of MP-EFEM in solving the mechanical properties of MEE structures in MEMT environments. When compared to the MEMT coupled FEM (MEMT-FEM), the results show that this method offers higher accuracy and efficiency. Therefore, MP-EFEM can effectively analyze the mechanical properties of MEE structures under multiphysics coupling, providing a new method for the design and development of smart devices.
Comparison of non-invasive magnetomyography to Brink score for assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength
Authors: Mercado Luis , Oliphant Sallie , Escalona-Vargas Diana , Siegel Eric R , Moody Heather , Eswaran Hari
Published: September 2024

Objective. Levator ani muscles undergo significant stretching and micro-trauma at childbirth. The goal was to assess the neuromuscular integrity of this muscle group by means of magnetomyography (MMG) and correlate with Brink score—a commonly used digital assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength. Approach. Non-invasive MMG data was collected on 22 pregnant women during rest and voluntary contraction of the pelvic-floor muscles (Kegels). The mean amplitude and power spectral density (PSD) of the Kegels were correlated to Brink pressure score. Main Results. The modified Brink pressure score demonstrated medium correlations (⩾0.3) with MMG amplitude and PSD with the average Kegel of medium intensity and rest. Data showed that the ‘resting state’ of the pelvic floor is, in actuality, quite dynamic and may have implications for pelvic floor disorder propensity postpartum. Significance. These results confirm the ability of non-invasive MMG to reliably capture pelvic floor contraction as these signals correlate with clinical measure.
A novel image encryption method based on the cycle replacement
Authors: Wang Pu , Liu Xiaojun , Xu Jing , Lu Chenhao
Published: September 2024

For the bit-level image encryption algorithms, pixel values and positions can be changed simultaneously. The operation can enhance the security of image encryption but will require the complicated calculations. Therefore, high security and suitable computation for a new algorithm are needed to be considered. In this paper, a novel image encryption algorithm, which combines the bit-level encryption and the pixel-level encryption methods, is proposed based on the cycle replacement. Firstly, a new 2-dimensional (2D) map with a hyperbolic cosine function (2D-Cosh map) is introduced, which has rich and complex dynamics. Based on the chaotic characteristic of the map, an image encryption algorithm is introduced via the substitution of bit of pixels which can scramble the pixels, and change the image pixel positions effectively. Numerical simulation and security analysis are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the algorithm. From which we can see that the correlation coefficients are almost 0, average entropy = 7.9973, average NPCR = 99.6104%, and average UACI = 33.4664%. It is clear that the algorithm is resistant to differential attacks, interference attacks, and can reduce the correlation of adjacent pixels of the encrypted image greatly. Meanwhile, the algorithm has no limit for the size of a color image in the process of the encryption.
Double modulation of the electric field in InGaAs/Si APD by groove rings for the achievement of THz gain-bandwidth product
Authors: Shi Ziwei , Ke Shaoying , Meng Wenhao , Wang Zhanren , Guo Menghui , Jiang Xiaolong , Liu Kun , Lin Zhiwei , Chen Xiaoping
Published: September 2024

Avalanche photodiode (APD) is commonly used as a receiver in optical communication and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), offering highly sensitive photodetection capabilities. A key strategy for improving the gain-bandwidth product (GBP) of the APD involves the optimization of the electric field distribution using the charge layer. However, traditional modulation methods to adjust the carrier transport and avalanche process using the charge layer often face challenges (inefficiency and non-uniformity). An InGaAs/Si APD based on the wafer bonding method with a GBP up to 1.03 terahertz (THz) is reported theoretically in this work. The charge layer and groove rings are inserted at the InGaAs/Si bonded interface to modulate the electric field in the APD effectively, demonstrating low dark current and reduced avalanche bias of the device. This approach induces a dramatic and rapid variation of the electric field at the interface while reducing the gradient of the electric field in the multiplication layer. Additionally, the indirect impact of the groove ring on mitigating the adverse effects of the lattice mismatch is pointed out, and the optimal doping concentration range of the charge layer is identified to enhance the modulation effect of the electric field for stronger impact ionization. These findings provide valuable insights for the next-generation InGaAs/Si APDs with high GBP for high-speed data transmission.
Resonances crossing and electric field quantum sensors*
Authors: Sacchetti Andrea
Published: September 2024

We propose a theoretical model for a quantum sensor that can determine in a very simple way whether the intensity of an electric field has an assigned value or not. It is based on the fact that when an exact crossing of the imaginary parts of the resonances occurs in a double-well quantum system subject to an external DC electric field, a damped beating phenomenon occurs, which is absent if there is no such a crossing. This result is then tested numerically on an explicit one-dimensional model.
Polarization-dependent near-field coupling and far-field harmonic modulation in a graphene-based plasmonic nanostructure
Authors: Qing Ye Ming , Yang Zhaoyan , Wang Yunxia , Ren Yongze , Wu Jun
Published: September 2024

The interplay between light and matter has fostered innovative research in surface plasmons, specifically in graphene, due to its tunable Fermi energy and reduced losses in the infrared and terahertz spectra. This study explores the anisotropic coupling of nonlocalized surface plasmons in graphene with localized magnetic polaritons (MP) in a silicon carbide (SiC) array. By adjusting graphene’s Fermi energy and polarization angle, we successfully achieved hybrid coupling, giving rise to three clearly distinguishable hybridized states. Using the coupled oscillator model as a framework, we conducted an analysis of the intricate multimode coupling and accurately ascertained the weighting efficiencies of the individual modes comprising the hybrids. By integrating the design principles of space-time coding metasurfaces, we successfully broadened the scope of the application, extending its reach from the near-field to the far-field. These novel discoveries pave new paths for advancements in thermal emitters, photonic systems, energy conversion technologies, and the creation of cutting-edge plasmonic devices.
Neutrino quantum kinetics in a core-collapse supernova
Authors: Shalgar Shashank , Tamborra Irene
Published: September 2024

Our understanding of neutrino flavor conversion in the supernova core is still
preliminary, despite its likely relevance to the neutrino-driven supernova mechanism. We present
multi-angle and multi-energy numerical simulations of neutrino quantum kinetics within a
spherically symmetric shell in the proximity of the region of neutrino decoupling. We rely on
inputs from a one-dimensional core-collapse supernova model with a mass of 18.6 M
⊙ and
find that, at early post-bounce times (t
pb ≲ 0.5 s), no crossing is present in
the angular distribution of the electron neutrino lepton number and flavor conversion is triggered
by slow collective instabilities. Angular crossings appear for t
pb ≳ 0.5 s
and fast flavor conversion leads to flavor equipartition, with the spectral energy distribution of
ν
e (ν̅e) and ν

x
(ν̅
x
) becoming comparable. Notably, flavor
equipartition is not a generic outcome of fast flavor conversion, rather it is a consequence of
the relatively similar properties of neutrinos of different flavors characterizing the late
accretion phase. Artificially tweaking the collision term to introduce an electron lepton number
angular crossing for t
pb ≲ 0.5 s, we observe that flavor equipartition is
not achieved. While our findings are restricted to a specific supernova model, and they only take
into account the feedback of the neutrino background on the flavor conversion, they suggest a rich
phenomenology in the supernova core as a function of the post-bounce time which needs to be
further explored to assess its impact on the explosion mechanism.
Relativistic model for anisotropic compact stars in embedding class-I spacetime
Authors: Sarkar Susmita , Sarkar Moumita , Sarkar Nayan , Rahaman Farook
Published: September 2024

In the present article, we introduce a completely new regular model for static, spherically symmetric celestial fluid spheres in embedding class I spacetime. In this regard, needfully, we propose a new suitable metric potential e
λ(r) to generate the present model. The various analyses on energy density, pressure, anisotropic factor, mass, compactness parameter, redshift, and energy condition make sure the model is physically viable on the ground of model stars Vela X-1, Cen X-3, SMC X-4, and LMC X-4. The reported solutions also respect the equilibrium state by satisfying the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation and ensure stability by satisfying the causality condition, condition on the adiabatic index, and Harrison–Zeldovich–Novikov condition. The generated M − R graph matches the ranges of masses and radii for the model compact stars. Additionally, this study provides estimates of the moment of inertia based on the I − M graph.
Active Adaptive Composite Fault Tolerant Controller Design For Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ning Xiuli , Lu Xiaowei , Xu Yingcheng , Fu Zhenduo
Published: September 2024

It can be seen from the public opinion monitoring that there are many cases of death and injury caused by quality problems of mechanical products, which poses a serious threat to people’s lives. Therefore, it is particularly important to analyze the reliability of mechanical products. This study focuses on active adaptive composite fault tolerant controller (ACFTC) design for nonlinear system with actuator fault. Firstly, a novel iterative learning observer (ILO) is proposed to estimate the early potential fault. And then, the ACFTC approach is proposed in order to obtain desired performance in the faulty case based on the fault estimation information from ILO. Finally, simulation of the flexible joint robot system verifies the validity and applicability of the algorithm.
Detecting atmospheric oxidation in the PM2.5 and ozone multilayer complex network
Authors: Ying Na , Tang Yi , Wang Di , Fan Jingfang , Zhao Zhidan , Xue Zhigang , Liu Yu
Published: September 2024

Reducing the levels of Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) is essential for further improving air quality in China. The intricate and non-linear interactions between PM2.5 and O3 on a national scale over long-term records are not well understood. Here, we proposed a novel multi-layer network approach to bridge the gap. Our findings reveal that the variability of O3 precedes that of PM2.5 by one day. The degree, weighted degree, and edge distance follow a power-law decay distribution, suggesting that their relationship is not a random process. O3 concentration in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region and eastern Shandong Province significantly impacts the PM2.5 levels in surrounding areas. Conversely, PM2.5 concentrations in Shandong Province, Henan Province, YRD and Pearl River Delta (PRD) have a strong influence on O3 levels. Moreover, we quantified the seasonality of the interactions and elucidated the underlying reasons. The results revealed the interactions between PM2.5 and O3 are intricately tied to atmospheric oxidation processes. More specifically, in summer, the atmospheric oxidation has a strong impact on the interactions in key regions, such as the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei,YRD region and Fenwei Plain. However, the PRD region experiences a more pronounced effect from atmospheric oxidation on this relationship in winter. These findings demonstrate that it is crucial to effectively regulate atmospheric oxidation to mitigate PM2.5 and O3. Our results also serve as a valuable methodological framework for understanding the characteristics of pollutants.
Disparities in nitrogen and phosphorus management across time and space: a case study of the Chesapeake Bay using the CAFE framework
Authors: Zou Tan , Davidson Eric A , Sabo Robert D , MacDonald Graham K , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2024

Efficient management of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is imperative for sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and reducing environmental pollution. Despite progress in on-farm practices and urban wastewater treatment in the Chesapeake Bay (CB) watershed, limited attention has been given to nutrient transport, use, and handling between farms and urban environments. This study uses the hierarchical CAFE (Cropping system, Animal-crop system, Food system, and Ecosystem) framework to evaluate nutrient management performances within the watershed. We first develop a three-decade, county-level nutrient budget database (1985–2019), then analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of N and P budgets, as well as N and P use efficiencies, within the four CAFE hierarchies. Our results indicate a sizable increase in potential N and P losses beyond crop fields (i.e. in the Animal-crop system, Food system, and Ecosystem), surpassing losses from cropland in over 90% of counties. To address these system-wide trade-offs, we estimate the nutrient resources in waste streams beyond croplands, which, if recovered and recycled, could theoretically offset mineral fertilizer inputs in over 60% of counties. Additionally, the growing imbalance in excess N versus P across systems, which increases the N:P ratio of potential losses, could pose an emerging risk to downstream aquatic ecosystems. By utilizing a systematic approach, our novel application of the CAFE framework reveals trade-offs and synergies in nutrient management outcomes that transcend agro-environmental and political boundaries, underscores disparities in N and P management, and helps to identify unique opportunities for enhancing holistic nutrient management across systems within the CB watershed.
Research progress of rare earth light conversion agent materials for agricultural film
Authors: Zhang Nana
Published: September 2024

Rare earth light conversion agent material is a fluorescent material that can convert solar energy into light of different wavelengths for various applications. In this paper, the research progress of organic rare earth complexes and inorganic rare earth light conversion agent materials is first reviewed. Then, the luminescence principles, classification, synthesis methods, characterization and performance methods of organic rare-earth complexes and inorganic rare-earth light conversion agent materials are reviewed, as well as their recent progress in agricultural film applications. Finally, the challenges and development prospects faced by organic rare earth complexes and inorganic rare earth light conversion agent materials are summarized.
Growth, magnetic, and electronic properties of Ni-Zn ferrites thin films
Authors: Guzman L G , Sánchez L C , Gil Monsalve J , Ostos C , Arnache O
Published: September 2024

Thin films of Ni-Zn ferrite grown on MgO(111) single crystal substrate were prepared using radiofrequency magnetron sputtering, with a target of nominal composition Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4. Subsequently, x-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed, which revealed characteristic reflections of a Ni-Zn ferrite structure, confirming the unique formation of the ferrite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of metal ions in their appropriate valence states within the crystalline structure of the Ni-Zn ferrite. The variation in binding energy observed in the thin film is attributed to changes in the environment of Fe3+ and Zn2+ or Ni2+ ions, resulting from the non-equilibrium distribution of cations in tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The saturation magnetization and the coercivity field were

7.05

μ

B

/
cell

and 513 ± 32 Oe, respectively. In addition, ferromagnetic resonance studies were made using broad-band FMR spectroscopy based on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) spectrometer.
Effect of scanning speeds on microstructure evolution and properties of 70Cr8Ni2Y coatings by direct laser deposition
Authors: Chen Xueting , Zhao Chang , Zhu Xiaoou , Yin Guili , Xu Yun
Published: September 2024

The 70Cr8Ni2Y coatings were prepared by direct laser deposition (DLD) with different scanning speeds. The microstructure evolution and the relationship between microstructure and properties of the coatings were studied. The results demonstrated that the microstructure of DLD 70Cr8Ni2Y coatings was martensite, and the phases were α′ (Fe-Cr) and γ-Fe (Fe-Ni). With the increased of scanning speed, the martensite size decreased from 5.42 ± 0.04 μm to 4.42 ± 0.01 μm and 3.20 ± 0.02 μm. When the scanning speed was 20 mm s−1, the fabricated coating displayed the highest average microhardness (883 ± 37 HV) and the lowest mass wear rate (0.061 mg mm−1) without pores. The combined strengthening effect of fine grain strengthening and solid solution strengthening, as well as good formability, were the fundamental reasons for the high hardness and wear resistance of the coating. The results of this study can provide an experimental basis for the DLD alloy coatings with high hardness and wear resistance.
Effect of Y content on microstructure evolution and tensile properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY alloys
Authors: Zhang Yang , Sun Shunping , Chen Xiaoyang
Published: September 2024

The design of new ultra-light Mg-Li alloys have great significance in aerospace and other fields. In this paper, Sn and Y elements were simultaneously added into Mg-8Li-3Al (wt%) alloy and the effect of Y content on microstructure evolution and tensile properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY (wt%) alloys was studied. The as-cast Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn alloy is composed of α-Mg + β-Li duplex-phase matrix, fine MgLiAl2 phase and coarse fishbone-like Li2MgSn phase. As Y element is added, granular Al2Y phase is formed, and grain size of α-Mg phase decreases significantly with shape changing from well-developed coarse dendritic to equiaxed dendritic. After hot extrusion, α-Mg phase is elongated along the extrusion direction, and β-Li phase undergoes complete dynamic recrystallization and transforms into fine equiaxed grains. The addition of 0.5% Y improves the tensile properties of as-cast Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-0.5Y alloy. However, the tensile properties show a downward trend with further increase of Y content. Hot extrusion significantly enhances the tensile properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY alloys. Similarly, strength reaches the highest when the Y content is 0.5% for extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY alloys.
Tribological performance of ZrO2 nanoparticles as friction and wear reduction additives in aviation lubricant
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Zhu Zhibo , Zhao Deming , Gao Xingwen , Wang Bingxu
Published: September 2024

High-performance aircraft engines require superior aviation oils to enhance their lubricating performance and prolong service life. Addition of nano-sized ceramic particles has been considered as a useful way to improve the tribological performance of base fluids. Up to now, few previous studies focused on the tribological properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles in aviation oil. The current study dispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles into PAO20 aviation base oil as lubricant additives. A dual-step method comprised of physical blending and ultrasonic dispersing was applied in the preparation of ZrO2 nanofluids. Oleic acid was utilized as surfactant to enhance the stability of ZrO2 nanofluids. Ball-on-plate reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted to obtain the coefficient of friction and wear volumes. It was found that the PAO20 base oil produced the highest coefficient of friction of 0.278 and wear volumes of 2.305 × 10−2 mm3. 5 wt% ZrO2 nanofluids with 5 wt% oleic acid showed the best lubricating performance. The coefficient of friction was reduced by 31.29%, and wear volume was reduced by 42.95%. In the examination of wear tracks, a physically embedded tribo-layer of ZrO2 nanoparticles and an oleic acid tribo-film with low shearing resistance were formed, which lowered the friction, and protected the mating surfaces against abrasive and adhesive wear. The results obtained in this study have applicable values in the development of high-performance aviation lubricants.
Multi-layered silicone-based breast tissue phantom for multi-modal optical spectroscopy
Authors: Jayasankar Subitcha , Narayanan Unni Sujatha
Published: September 2024

The heterogeneity, non-uniform nature, and ethical concerns in sourcing biological tissues pose several challenges to designing, calibrating, standardizing, and evaluating the performance of spectroscopy-based diagnostic methods. A synthetic phantom module that can resemble a multi-layered tissue structure while including multiple tissue biomarkers with long-shelf life and stability is vital to overcome these challenges. This work uses a multi-layered silicone phantom to incorporate multiple biomarkers suitable for multi-modal spectroscopy testing and calibration. The phantom mimics the microcalcification distribution in the breast tissues using hydroxyapatite and the endogenous fluorescence seen in the tissues using Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH). The utility of this phantom for tumor margin analysis is analyzed using Diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy. The observed relative differences in intensity with changes in the silicone tumor layer depth and thickness are suitable for instrument calibration and fiber-optic probe design for tumor margin analysis.
Security of partially corrupted quantum repeater networks
Authors: Harkness Adrian , Krawec Walter O , Wang Bing
Published: September 2024

Quantum Key Distribution allows two parties to establish a secret key that is secure against computationally unbounded adversaries. To extend the distance between parties, quantum networks are vital. Typically, security in such scenarios assumes the absolute worst case: namely, an adversary has complete control over all repeaters and fiber links in a network and is able to replace them with perfect devices, thus allowing her to hide her attack within the expected natural noise. In a large-scale network, however, such a powerful attack may be infeasible. In this paper, we analyze the case where the adversary can only corrupt a subset of the repeater network connecting Alice and Bob, while some portion of the network near Alice and Bob may be considered safe from attack (though still noisy). We derive a rigorous finite key proof of security assuming this attack model, and show that improved performance and noise tolerances are possible. Our proof methods may be useful to other researchers investigating partially corrupted quantum networks, and our main result may be beneficial to future network operators.
Investigation of the mechanical and Thermal properties of functionally graded iron aluminide
Authors: Shubber Fatima L , Hameed Al-Shafaie Saad , Radhi Nabaa Sattar
Published: September 2024

Iron aluminide is used in many industrial applications such as valve of piston; In this work, the mechanical and thermal properties of samples made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) were studied. These specimens were manufactured by powder metallurgy, consisting of different chemical composition layers of (40–50) at% aluminum. The specimens consist of: single layers (B1, B2, B3) consisting of (40, 45, and 50) at% of aluminum and the rest of iron; FGMs (double-layer) (B4, B5, B6); and FGMs (three-layer) (B7). All results of FGM were compared with its constituent layers in all tests, including the x-ray diffraction examination, and they all showed the same phases with differences in intensity (Fe3Al, FeAl, Al13Fe4, FeAl2, Fe2Al5). From the mechanical compression test, the yield point, ultimate stress, and Young’s modulus results indicated that the FGMs have an average value compared with the layer that contained them. Thermal test: FGMs have the lowest values of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity compared with single-layer specimens. The specific heat of FGMs has the highest value. Thermal conductivity was recorded to range from 8.08 to 6.376 W mK−1 for single and FGM specimens, respectively; thermal diffusivity from 4.6 to 0.72 mm2 S−1; and specific heat from 1.77 to 8.84 MJ/m3K.
Model-agnostic neural mean field with a data-driven transfer function
Authors: Spaeth Alex , Haussler David , Teodorescu Mircea
Published: September 2024

As one of the most complex systems known to science, modeling brain behavior and function is both fascinating and extremely difficult. Empirical data is increasingly available from ex vivo human brain organoids and surgical samples, as well as in vivo animal models, so the problem of modeling the behavior of large-scale neuronal systems is more relevant than ever. The statistical physics concept of a mean-field model offers a tractable way to bridge the gap between single-neuron and population-level descriptions of neuronal activity, by modeling the behavior of a single representative neuron and extending this to the population. However, existing neural mean-field methods typically either take the limit of small interaction sizes, or are applicable only to the specific neuron models for which they were derived. This paper derives a mean-field model by fitting a transfer function called Refractory SoftPlus, which is simple yet applicable to a broad variety of neuron types. The transfer function is fitted numerically to simulated spike time data, and is entirely agnostic to the underlying neuronal dynamics. The resulting mean-field model predicts the response of a network of randomly connected neurons to a time-varying external stimulus with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, it enables an accurate approximate bifurcation analysis as a function of the level of recurrent input. This model does not assume large presynaptic rates or small postsynaptic potential size, allowing mean-field models to be developed even for populations with large interaction terms.
Community energy and socio-technical infrastructure resilience: analysis of mini/micro hydro power projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Rihab , Basit Abdul , Sohail Maria , Ahmad Tanvir , Muhammad Noor
Published: September 2024

In 2014–15, Pakistan’s provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) launched a decentralised power generation initiative, installing over 356 small hydro power units to provide electricity to over 2.5 million people in its mountainous regions. This initiative built on the foundation of prior community-based mini/micro hydro-power projects (MHPPs) deployed in the region since the 1980s that have experienced mixed success; by 2020, over 150 units were non-operational. This paper investigates the socio-technical factors influencing the success and failure of these projects, focusing on outcomes and processes integral to community MHPPs. The study analyses the critical implications of MHPPs for socio-economic welfare, gender equity and democratic governance through extensive primary research including field observations at 40 sites, questionnaire surveys with community residents in three in-depth case-studies, and expert interviews with local policymakers and project developers. Analysis shows that electricity provision from MHPPs has had positive outcomes for the communities in terms of improved education, poverty alleviation and economic growth, alongside enhanced access to information and gains in women’s entrepreneurship and health. Nonetheless, the study also identifies significant shortcomings in the processes involved in community MHPPs related to inadequate technical assessments, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as challenges arising from undemocratic governance mechanisms and inequitable participation. By teasing out the multiple socio-technical dimensions that shape infrastructure resilience of MHPPs in KPK, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable community energy projects and informs policy for decentralised energy transitions that ensure democratic alignment and inclusive design.
Technological achievements in the fabrication of tubular-designed protonic ceramic electrochemical cells
Authors: Gordeeva Maria A , Tarutin Artem P , Danilov Nikolai A , Medvedev Dmitry A
Published: September 2024

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells provide an excellent basis for the advancement of high-temperature solid oxide devices, offering potential solutions to a range of challenges in the hydrogen energy and carbon capture fields. The facilitated ionic transport in proton-conducting electrolytes enables these cells to operate at temperatures 100 °C–500 °C lower than those of conventional solid oxide cells with known zirconia electrolytes. As a result, promising performances have been reported for various types of proton ceramic electrochemical cells. Nevertheless, these advancements have been demonstrated only at the laboratory scale, whereas their ZrO2-based counterparts have already been commercialized. This review presents an overview of the fundamental and applied aspects related to the fabrication of tubular protonic ceramic electrochemical cells and their subsequent characterization as hydrogen permeation membranes, hydrogen pumps, hydrogen sensors, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and electrochemical reactors. A specific focus is placed on the technological aspects of the tube preparations derived from the original powder sources as well as the dimensional characteristics of the tubes, which serve as an indicator of scaling. Therefore, this review serves as a starting point for the development and scaling of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells, with the potential for large-scale production.
Functions
Authors: Shoemaker David
Published: September 2024

In order to lay out a design of blame and praise, it is necessary first to understand their nature. This chapter surveys all of the contemporary philosophical (constitutivist) theories of blame. They each capture some forms of blame but have a hard time accounting for others. This general problem points the way to developing a functionalist theory instead, one explaining what blame is for. But there is another crucial gap in constitutivist theories, namely, they don’t really discuss or account for praise. Indeed, blame and praise are all, it is argued, part of a system of agential responses, so the question guiding the investigation is what is this system for? The answer: it is for norm maintenance, and its contributing parts characteristically deliver stings (bad feelings) and buzzes (good feelings) and are costly signals of the respondent’s commitment to norm patrol. The chapter ends by defending this view against three functionalist rivals.
Discourses and Counter-Discourses on Race and Coloniality Toward a Journalism-Other in Latin America
Authors: Retis Jessica , Barranquero Alejandro
Published: September 2024

In Latin America, the 21st century has become a period of opportunities to promote a journalism defined around the recognition of diversity, hybridity, and cultural autonomy in Latin America. After a 19th century characterized by wars of independence, and a 20th century defined by emancipatory struggles against military and oligarchic regimes, the theories and practices of alternative, intercultural, and indigenous communication of recent decades have laid solid foundations for articulating a number of “journalism others” made from and for Latin America and capable of challenging the dominant journalistic cultures and their positivist, objectivist, and liberal imprints. In addition to decolonizing imported and Eurocentric thinking, moving toward the articulation of Latin American alternative and intercultural journalisms involves incorporating critical and indigenous knowledge and its particular conception of communication as a process or system of life. Despite that Latin American journalistic cultures are still dominated by a White colonial stamp, there exists theoretical and practical bases from which to think about intercultural journalisms from Latin America understood as a locus of autonomous thought characterized by its complexity, hybridization and miscegenation.
Climate Change and Offshore Wind Energy in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Larsén Xiaoli Guo , Rutgersson Anna , Karimi Farid , Lange Bernhard , Nilsson Erik , Sīle Tija , Hahmann Andrea N. , Koivisto Matti J. , Cutululis Nicolaos A. , Das Kaushik , Fischereit Jana , Wenau Stefan , Suo Cathy , Badger Jake
Published: September 2024

Wind energy is becoming an essential part of the energy system in the Baltic Sea region (BSR). There has been a tremendous development of offshore wind energy in the early 21st century in this region, and the plan for further growth in the coming years is ambitious. The development and implementation of offshore wind energy is a complex process involving many physical and sociopolitical aspects. These aspects have their own characteristics in the BSR. Therefore, they have their unique impact and constraints on the regional development and implementation of the strategic energy technology (SET) plans. This includes implementing next-generation wind turbine technology, offshore wind farms and system integration, floating offshore wind and wind energy industrialization, wind energy operation, maintenance and installation, ecosystems, social impact and human capital agendas, and basic wind energy sciences.

Climate change is an important issue to address in relation to future development. Among the questions that may arise are: How would climate change affect the wind resource, extreme wind, and several meteorological and oceanic variables relevant to the offshore wind energy sector? What does this effect imply for the development of offshore wind energy in the BSR?

It is encouraging to acknowledge that there have been numerous relevant, good quality, pertinent studies on the subject of the BSR, and many more are ongoing. It is also inspiring to see that in the wind energy sector, there are already many technologies, methods, and tools that are sufficiently mature, and many of them, together with lessons learned through studies in other offshore regions, can be applied to support the urgent and extensive scale development of offshore wind in the BSR.
Latino Health
Authors: Abraído-Lanza Ana , Ruiz Lillian Amanda , Mendoza-Grey Sonia
Published: September 2024

Latinos are the fastest-growing population in the United States and comprise nearly 20% of the population with approximately 63 million residing in the United States in 2021. The Latino population in the United States is a diverse community with approximately one-third of Latinos living in the United States being foreign born and representing every country in Latin America. Given the high proportion of recent immigrants to the United States within the group, the Latino community has unique social and policy needs that impact health and access to medical care. Latino immigrant country of origin, political trajectories, and nativity status are particularly relevant in regard to disease prevalence, treatment, and prevention. Although being foreign-born is a protective factor for some forms of cancers and cardiovascular disease among Latinos, for example, recent immigrant Latinos are susceptible to acute mental health distress and lack of access to medical care. Despite the observation that Latinos as a whole persistently exhibit longer life expectancies relative to non-Latino whites at the face of high comorbidity rates, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this health advantage for several age groups within the community. As one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, Latino youth health is important to address, especially with prevention measures for metabolic disease, and the impact of poverty on family access to healthcare. Understanding the nuanced and varying social and political determinants of health for Latinos, as well as differences within subgroups, sheds light on the effects of environment, behavior, and the impact of access to health on morbidity and mortality.
Raciolinguistics
Authors: Phuong Jennifer , Cioè-Peña María , Chinchilla Arianna
Published: September 2024

Raciolinguistics, or the study of language in relation to race, is an emergent field primarily stemming from U.S. academia and centering critical theories, including educational and applied linguistics. There currently exists a debate as to whether the theories that undergird raciolinguistics should be the grounding for a field (i.e., raciolinguistics) or a theoretical underpinning (i.e., raciolinguistic perspectives/ideologies) of applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, particularly works that are rooted in the embodied experiences of racialized people. H. Samy Alim, John R. Rickford, and Arnetha F. Ball edited a volume that brought together scholars whose works address the intersection of race and language to consider raciolinguistics as a field. Still, others believe it is necessary to understand phenomena that go beyond named languages while still rooted in hierarchical conceptualizations of race. As such, Nelson Flores and Jonathan Rosa have introduced and continue to build on a raciolinguistic perspective by rooting contemporary phenomena in colonial histories. Using this lens, they position language evaluations and assessments of racialized people as extensions of colonial racial projects rooted in dehumanization and commodification. Since then, scholars from multiple fields have engaged with raciolinguistics and raciolinguistic ideologies to explore language and race using a variety of methods (e.g., discourse analysis, mixed methods), contexts (e.g., diverse places and participants), scales (e.g., policy, interpersonal interactions), and institutions (e.g., healthcare, education). Regardless of the specific framing of raciolinguistics, the field and perspective both foreground racial and linguistic justice.