bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transboundary waters and their impact on the socio–economic development of the border areas of the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan (using the example of the Kadamzhai district)
Authors: Nurmatova Aigul , Dzholdosheva Tamara , Esenamanova Nuriza , Toktosunova Cholpon , Niyazbekova Shakizada , Rozhkov Vladimir
Published: March 2024

The study examines the border rivers, which is one of the main features and prerequisites for the integration of the efforts of the Central Asian countries as the basis for the ecologically balanced use of water and land resources in the region. For the countries of the region, the problem of water use in the basins of transboundary rivers has much in common, however, there are differences due to the climatic, economic, economic, and political conditions of each country. Environmental security and the economy of the Central Asian countries are closely linked to the nature of the use of water resources and coordinated actions for the joint management of transboundary rivers. A noticeable decrease in their water resource potential as a result of the increasing struggle for water, pollution of water sources are considered as serious obstacles to the sustainable development of the region.
A technology for teaching ESP to those studying ecology and environmental sustainability
Authors: Doniyorova Gulrukh , Djumayeva Guzal , Djabbarova Dilfuza , Toshmamatov Bobir
Published: March 2024

The authors analyzed the factors that have a serious impact on ecological stability and the environment today when resources are limited and needs are unlimited. Therefore, this article explains the importance of the educational process in the formation of ecological culture. The effectiveness of ESP technology is based on the formation of students' attitudes to the environment, and nature, i.e. ecological culture. The study was carried out on the example of the activity of the Department of “Foreign Languages” of the Karshi Engineering Economics Institute.
Studying the principles of sustainable tourism development in Karabakh
Authors: Khusainova Irada , Gasimova Afet Ayat , Mammadova Ilaha Isa , Yekimov Sergey , Tahirzade Jamala Fizuli , Khalilova Ramida Farrukh , Sobirov Bobur
Published: March 2024

This article explores the fundamentals of the sustainable development concept, where the dominant factor is the creation of harmony in the functioning of the nature-society system. This system is designed to maintain the functioning of processes and components within the socio-economic framework without altering the natural subsystem. Such preservation of the organization of the natural subsystem is necessary to ensure a comfortable human habitat and the fulfillment of their material and spiritual needs. In recent times, Azerbaijan has emerged as a country showing intensive growth in the tourism sector. Viewing the situation through the lens of commitment to sustainable development goals, it becomes evident that a paramount objective is to ensure a healthy lifestyle and well-being for people of all ages. On the other hand, the list of goals also includes fostering continuous, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. To achieve sustainable development goals, tourism must undergo change and redirection. The system of sustainable tourism development contributes to vital tasks in the social sphere: raising the living standards of the population, increasing local employment, and preserving natural and cultural heritage.
The nationwide project "Green Space" is a means of stabilizing the ecological situation
Authors: Mamurov Bahodir
Published: March 2024

All sorts of environmental problems are being observed around the world. According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 23, 2023 "On measures to further increase the level of greenness in the Republic, to ensure environmental stability through the consistent implementation of the national project "Green Space"" the state of Bukhara The team of the Pedagogical Institute created a garden in the Moynaq District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan on the basis of the "Green Space" project, and about 2,000 seedlings were planted. This will have a significant positive impact on the environment in a region that has suffered from environmental problems related to the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Trees and green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating environmental problems by stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, providing habitat for animals and improving air quality. Efforts such as the Green Space project contribute not only to environmental protection, but also to increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The roots of the saxovull are strong, one bush can hold up to 10 tons of sand and prevent landslides. The root penetrates deep into the soil and serves to strengthen the sand. According to the data, green coverings prevent sandstorms, and sand migration in the 3-year saxophone field is reduced by 55%, and by 79.5% in the 5-year period.
Developing tourism eco-friendly model in Thai-Chinese cultural community at Bang Luang community, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand
Authors: Chuamuangphan Nipon
Published: March 2024

The research aims are to analyze the tourism potential; find out the tourism pattern and activity; develop alternative tourism route and create travel package for eco-tourism promotion. The research used both qualitative and quantitative methods from key persons in community including tourists. In-depth, focus group and questionnaire were used and be analyzed by contents analysis for qualitative and frequency, percentage, means for quantitative and they all descriptive explanation. The study found that: considered area has high tourism potential, tourism patterns and activity were applied for cultural tourism resources and activities; local community can create alternative routes for tourism and links to the province; travel package has benefited for choices of tourists to find out tourism attractions and also related area.
Ecological camps for children of indigenous peoples of the North: background and prospects
Authors: Sleptsov Yuri , Neustroeva Anna , Fedorova Tuyaara , Kozhurova Alina
Published: March 2024

To organize any environmental camp, it is necessary to find its prerequisites, from which the goals and objectives of the camp are established. Since 2000 up to the present time in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) nomadic camps - temporary educational organizations during summer days for children living in remote, hard-to-reach settlements of the Arctic, where indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North live. The article deals with the process of creating the first ecological camps for children of the indigenous peoples of the North - Evens, as well as the development and search for optimal options for new forms of temporary children's groups during the summer vacation days in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for environmental education, rational nature management, teaching the native language and culture, including traditional economic activities of the peoples of the North. Experience has shown that the nomadic ethno-ecological camp is a new form in the field of environmental education. During the camps' activities, various technologies and methods were applied with the direct participation of conservationists and educators in the field of ecology and biology.
Sector policies and their role for the growth of the Bulgarian economy
Authors: Parjanova Aneliya , Pavlov Vasil
Published: March 2024

Changes in the sectoral structure of the economy illustrate many processes and are an indicator of the nature and speed of economic development in the country. The industry structure is also an important part when analyzing the rates and proportions of economic development. The significance of these changes in individual sectors is determined by their place and role in the production process. Therefore, the correct assessment and the possibilities for their accelerated development can actively contribute to the acceleration of economic growth. The object of research in this article is the structure of the Bulgarian economy and the changes that occurred in it in the period 1995-2022. The purpose of this article is to track and analyze changes in the sectoral structure of the economy by means of appropriate statistical and econometric tools. The dynamics of development of the three economic sectors (agriculture, industry and services) in the economy are different. In general, industry and services are growing more. The conclusion we reach is that the changes in the structure of the economy are more due to the differences in the rates of decline, and not so much in the rates of growth of some of the sectors.
English Language Teaching Methods: Exploring the Impact of Various Approaches on Students’ Language Learning Outcomes
Authors: Peng Jie
Published: March 2024

This scholarly paper embarks on an in-depth exploration within the domain of English language teaching methodologies, casting a spotlight on three innovative approaches: immersive teaching, task-based teaching, and reflective teaching. Each of these methods represents a unique strategy in the broader context of language pedagogy, aimed at enhancing the efficacy of language acquisition among learners. By meticulously examining the effectiveness of each approach in fostering language learning outcomes, this study makes a significant contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversation about the most effective methods for teaching languages. Through an exhaustive review and analysis of both existing literature and empirical evidence, the paper illuminates the distinct advantages and potential limitations inherent in each of these teaching strategies. Immersive teaching, with its focus on surrounding learners with the target language in context, aims to simulate the natural language acquisition processes. Task-based teaching, on the other hand, emphasizes the completion of meaningful tasks that require language use, thereby promoting practical language skills in real-world contexts. Reflective teaching introduces a critical component, encouraging both teachers and learners to reflect on their experiences, strategies, and outcomes to continuously adapt and improve the learning process. By offering educators a nuanced understanding of these diverse approaches, the paper provides valuable insights into how language education can be optimized to meet the varied needs of learners. It highlights the importance of selecting and tailoring teaching methodologies to suit specific educational contexts and learner profiles, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of language learning programs. This comprehensive analysis not only aids educators in making informed decisions about their teaching practices but also contributes to the development of more dynamic, responsive, and effective language teaching and learning environments.
A Study on the Construction of the English Education Ecosystem for the Cultivation of Foreign Language Talents
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

From the perspective of ecology, traditional English teaching in colleges and universities is an ecologically balanced system. After a long time of running, each ecological factor in this ecosystem slowly reaches a relatively compatible and stable state. However, with the development of information technology and the leap of people’s thought, English teaching in higher education is constantly reformed. These changes will inevitably lead to the corresponding changes in traditional teaching objectives, models, teaching materials, courses, and other factors, thus breaking the original ecological balance and causing many imbalance phenomena. From the perspective of ecology of education, this paper discusses the deep causes of the imbalance in the ecosystem of college English teaching, and then puts forward the optimization strategy. By advocating the collaborative development of teachers and students, the college English teaching ecosystem of foreign language talent training can be developed soundly.
Evaluating the Effects of Integrating Music and Painting Aesthetics in Children’s Education: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Gao Yan , Li Xiaobing
Published: March 2024

The scope of aesthetics is often bound by the limits of sensory perception. In appreciating music and painting, information is typically processed through distinct perceptual channels. However, at the cerebral cortex and nervous system level, these modes of perception can interact and integrate, influenced by collected audiovisual information, thereby enriching the aesthetic experience and improving aesthetic efficiency. The domain of audio-visual interactive aesthetics holds significant potential in aesthetic education, yet current research in this area has made limited substantial advancements. This paper explores the functionality and impact of an audio-visual interactive aesthetic model, combining music and painting, within practical aesthetic education through a series of applied experiments. By incorporating Chinese traditional music and painting into children’s regular curriculum, we conduct a quantitative evaluating and analysis of the benefits of audio-visual multi-sensory aesthetics over single-channel perception in enhancing children’s emotional, aesthetic experiences, and cognitive abilities.
Research on the Construction of Micro Course Resources for Linux Operating System Application Courses Guided by Project Driving
Authors: Pang Shuanglong
Published: March 2024

This article focuses on the teaching methods and modes of Linux operating system courses, and proposes a project driven micro course design and production method. Based on the actual work tasks of enterprises, it introduces the integration of specific cases into teaching micro course design practice from various aspects such as resource construction objectives and construction ideas. The aim is to provide reference and guidance for the construction of micro course resources in computer related professional courses, and help students improve learning efficiency.
Research and Practice on the Construction of Benchmark Faculties and Departments for Party Building Work in the Context of “Three-Whole Education”
Authors: Yu Ruiwen , Mo Huiyin , Liao Jiahua , Wang Yuzhen
Published: March 2024

Taking the construction work of the Party branch of the School of Information Engineering of our university as an example, we will benchmark the requirements of “seven powerful” construction of the national model branch for Party construction work, promote the creation of demonstration and quality of Party construction work of the Party branch, further enhance the quality and level of the Party construction work of the branch, promote the Party construction work of the students, realize the goal of cultivation and creation, and combine the requirements of the cultivation of talents for provincial-level professional groups of computer application technology to build a pattern of the construction of the “three-whole education” work and promote the construction of the high-level professional groups to achieve the educational goal of cultivation of morality and nurture of human beings.
Exploring the Sociocultural Influence of Music Traditions Across Different Cultures
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Chen Yan , Huang Shu
Published: March 2024

Music, often heralded as the universal language, wields an unparalleled power to bridge gaps, transcend borders, and knit together the mosaic of global cultures. It manifests in a kaleidoscope of forms, each echoing the unique cultural heartbeat of its origin, painting a rich tapestry of human society with its melodious strokes. This paper sets out to explore the enthralling diversity of musical traditions that span the globe, delving into the complex relationship between music, culture, and the fabric of society. From the ethe-real strains of classical Indian ragas, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition and philosophical depth, to the pulsating beats of African drumming, acting as the vibrant pulse of community life and social gatherings, we uncover the deep-seated influence of music. Music serves not only as a reflection of cultural identity and societal values but also as a pivotal force in shaping them. It mirrors the historical, social, and spiritual narratives of its people, while also acting as a catalyst for social cohesion and identity formation. Through communal singing, dancing, and the shared experience of music-making, it forges strong bonds among individuals, knitting them into a cohesive social fabric. The exploration of music’s varied traditions across the world reveals its role as a cultural lodestar, guiding societies through the currents of time and change. By tracing the intricate interplay of music with cultural and societal dynamics, we gain profound insights into its role as a potent force in shaping the essence of our collective human experience. Music, in its myriad forms, not only entertains but also educates, inspires, and unites, highlighting its indispensable place in the mosaic of human culture. Through this journey across the musical landscapes of the world, we appreciate the universal language of music in all its diversity, understanding its capacity to embody the shared emotions, experiences, and aspirations of humanity.
Construction and Discussion of Auditing Curriculum System under the Background of Digital Intelligence
Authors: Lin Qing , Yu Yanzhong
Published: March 2024

It is an important mission of Chinese universities to train innovative, applied and compound talents who meet the development requirements of the new era. Under the background of the age of digital intelligence, new requirements are put forward for the knowledge structure, innovation ability and comprehensive quality of audit professionals, and the traditional audit curriculum system has been unable to achieve the goal of talent training. It is urgent to restructure the professional curriculum system and improve the quality of auditing personnel training. This paper analyzes the problems existing in the design of the traditional auditing major curriculum system, and based on the digital intelligence technology, deeply discusses and puts forward suggestions to optimize the auditing major curriculum system.
Information fragmentation and quality of the student network Education
Authors: Pan Ziyu
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of information technology, China has entered the era of new media, which has had a significant impact on online education for students. This article discusses the concept of information fragmentation from the perspective of big data. By analyzing the positive and negative effects of information fragmentation on the formation of student networks, we investigate the relationship between information fragmentation and the effectiveness of student network literacy education. We also use existing educational resources to explore new strategies for students’ online literacy and strive to improve the quality of quality online education for students through various educational channels.
The Path and Enlightenment of American Project-Based Learning to Promote the Cultivation of College Students’ Innovative Ability
Authors: Gu Xiaodi
Published: March 2024

In this new era of fierce international competition, innovation is the motive force of a country’s development, so cultivation of innovative talents is particularly important in this era. The innovative education in the United States is characterised by project-based learning, which plays a prominent role in cultivating innovative talents and has certain reference value. This paper will summarise the outstanding characteristics of PBL in the United States, that is, PBL in the United States is cooperative, practical and autonomous. Universities cooperate with social enterprises. Interdisciplinary ability is of vital significance and PBL emphasises that teachers should pay attention to guidance rather than control the process. At the same time, multiple assessment standards of comprehensive network should be set. PBL focuses on students’ independent learning ability. Then the paper summarises the lessons and inspirations brought by PBL innovation education, that is, it pays attention to the cooperation with social enterprises while it has a more reasonable practice setting orientation and sets up a more scientific management system, so as to enhance the innovation ability and international competitiveness of college students in various countries.
Study on the evolution and development path of educational technology under the background of new liberal arts construction
Authors: Gao Di
Published: March 2024

Educational technology is the most closely related discipline with information technology, which has made great contributions to the development of our country’s education. In the context of the new liberal arts construction, educational technology majors in our country face an important era topic. The new liberal arts in the modern sense is under the background of the new scientific and technological revolution. It emphasizes the integration of disciplines and the innovation of knowledge theory in the discipline connotation, and emphasizes the cultivation of all mankind in the goal and task, so as to guide and serve the needs of society. In view of this, this paper analyzes the transmutation status of educational technology in colleges and universities in our country under the background of the new liberal arts construction, and analyzes the development path from three aspects: understanding the data change of educational technology, valuing the integration of humanistic spirit teaching and passing on the outstanding traditional culture, so as to provide certain guidance for the society to cultivate professionals in educational technology.
Exploring the Construction Path of Characteristic Volunteer Service Teams in “Double First-Class” Universities under the Volunteer Service Framework
Authors: Li Xianying , Zhang Yunkai , Sun Jiangyan , Li Kexin , Zhao Yunhan , Ding Hao
Published: March 2024

Volunteer service, as an important component of the Communist Youth League’s work with youth in “Double First-Class” universities, plays an indispensable role in carrying out ideological and political education and nurturing socialist core values. Currently, volunteer service, primarily driven by social forces, focuses mainly on public welfare-oriented social service projects. The sustainability of volunteer service forces in universities is generally limited, highlighting the urgent need for universities to establish relevant volunteer service systems to meet educational demands. Starting with the definition of characteristic volunteer service teams in “Double First-Class” universities, this article discusses the importance and necessity of building such teams. Additionally, it analyzes and discusses the current status of the construction of characteristic volunteer service teams in “Double First-Class” universities, addressing the related issues. Finally, taking the “Fun Programming into Campus” volunteer service team at Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai) as an example, the article provides suggestions on how to build characteristic volunteer service teams in “Double First-Class” universities. These suggestions are intended to have a certain reference value for further promoting the comprehensive development of characteristic volunteer service teams in “Double First-Class” universities.
A study on the path of teacher team building for training field engineers based on symbiosis theory
Authors: Zhong Ying , Liu Wenlong , Wu Shengnan , Li Yunwei
Published: March 2024

China proposes to cultivate 200,000 field engineers by 2025, and clearly points out that it is necessary cultivate a team of high-quality technical and skilled talents who are “proficient in operation, have indepth understanding of processes, possess management skills, capable of collaboration, and be able to innovate”. The core of the cultivation lies in deepening the integration of industry and education, school-enterprise cooperation, and deepening and expanding the existing apprenticeship cultivation model. The core of its training mode lies in deepening the integration of industry and education, deepening the school-enterprise cooperation, and expanding the existing apprenticeship training mode. It has been proved that the main constraint to the realisation of the above goal is that a team of qualified teachers has not yet been established. In order to solve this problem, this paper starts from China’s national vocational education field engineer training programme, applies symbiosis theory to vocational education research, further optimizes China’s existing apprenticeship training model, builds a triangular structural model of structured teacher teams for field engineers, and eventually forms a mutually beneficial and win-win collaboration model for all stakeholders to solve the problem of building the required teacher teams for field engineers’ training. The final result is a mutually beneficial collaborative model for all stakeholders.
National culture learning platform based on big data mining
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhu Fuyu , Yao Zepeng
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence technology, national culture learning platforms have become a new field of cultural communication and education. This article focuses on the development and application of the “National Culture Learning Platform Based on Big Data Mining” to explore how this platform can effectively spread national culture and promote the popularization of education. By integrating various data sources, such as documents, pictures, audio, and video, the platform can provide users with a comprehensive and in-depth national cultural learning experience. This article analyzes in detail the role of big data mining in content recommendation, personalized learning path design, and community interaction, proving that this new platform has important value in maintaining and disseminating national culture. Finally, the article also discusses the challenges and future development directions that the platform may face.
Criticality and Reflections of Intercultural Communication Education during Post-pandemic Era in China
Authors: Yang Xin , Huang Zhe , Li You
Published: March 2024

The occurrence of Covid-19 as both a Black Swan and Grey Rhino has taken a toll on international education and intercultural communication. Notwithstanding that the post-pandemic period has officially arrived, the phenomenon of ethnocentrism and right-ring populism has grown exponentially during pandemic, exacerbating the detrimental effects on intercultural communication, which are consistent during post-pandemic period. Hence, it is necessary to rethink intercultural communication education, research and training with criticality and reflections. This article examines the practice of intercultural communication education, research and training in China and explore possible countermeasures to cope with those issues.
Assessing Structural Transformation and the Potential Impacts of Belt and Road Initiative Projects in Africa
Authors: Li Weiping , Lu Saite
Published: March 2024

Infrastructure development, central to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is crucial for facilitating structural transformation. However, numerous critics contend that the Initiative serves as a tool for China to engage in debt-trap diplomacy, which fails to deliver actual development in Africa. Therefore, assessing whether BRI projects will facilitate the necessary structural transformation in these countries requires meticulous analysis. Given the extended project cycle typical of infrastructure development, evaluating the overall socioeconomic impacts of the BRI is challenging. Nonetheless, these projects are likely to be implemented as part of the expansion of China's existing model for overseas infrastructure projects. This model is characterized by a reliance on concessional loans and credit facilities for financing, and state-owned enterprises as contractors. Contrary to the debt-trap diplomacy narrative, our findings, based on panel data and staggered difference-in-differences analysis, indicate that Chinese projects have positively impacted multiple aspects of Africa's structural transformation process.
Employing machine learning for more efficient robotic fish
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: March 2024

Deep reinforcement learning techniques lead to improved swimming model for biomimetic fish.
The thermodynamics of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Meisl Georg
Published: March 2024

The formation of protein aggregates in the brain is a central aspect of the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases. This self-assembly of specific proteins into filamentous aggregates, or fibrils, is a fundamental biophysical process that can easily be reproduced in the test tube. However, it has been difficult to obtain a clear picture of how the biophysical insights thus obtained can be applied to the complex, multi-factorial diseases and what this means for therapeutic strategies. While new, disease-modifying therapies are now emerging, for the most devastating disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, they still fall well short of offering a cure, and few drug design approaches fully exploit the wealth of mechanistic insights that has been obtained in biophysical studies. Here, I attempt to provide a new perspective on the role of protein aggregation in disease, by phrasing the problem in terms of a system that, under constant energy consumption, attempts to maintain a healthy, aggregate-free state against the thermodynamic driving forces that inexorably push it toward pathological aggregation.
Second inflection point of supercooled water surface tension induced by hydrogen bonds: A molecular-dynamics study
Authors: Hrahsheh Fawaz , Jum’h Inshad , Wilemski Gerald
Published: March 2024

Surface tension of supercooled water is a fundamental property in various scientific processes. In this study, we perform molecular dynamics simulations with the TIP4P-2005 model to investigate the surface tension of supercooled water down to 220 K. Our results show a second inflection point (SIP) in the surface tension at temperature TSIP ≈ 267.5 ± 2.3 K. Using an extended IAPWS-E functional fit for the water surface tension, we calculate the surface excess internal-energy and entropy terms of the excess Helmholtz free energy. Similar to prior studies [Wang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 21, 3360 (2019); Gorfer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 158, 054503 (2023)], our results show that the surface tension is governed by two driving forces: a surface excess entropy change above the SIP and a surface excess internal-energy change below it. We study hydrogen-bonding near the SIP because it is the main cause of water’s anomalous properties. With decreasing temperature, our results show that the entropy contribution to the surface tension reaches a maximum slightly below the SIP and then decreases. This is because the number of hydrogen bonds increases more slowly below the SIP. Moreover, the strengths and lifetimes of the hydrogen bonds also rise dramatically below the SIP, causing the internal-energy term to dominate the excess surface free energy. Thus, the SIP in the surface tension of supercooled TIP4P-2005 water is associated with an increase in the strengths and lifetimes of hydrogen bonds, along with a decrease in the formation rate (#/K) of new hydrogen bonds.
Enhanced surface passivation of GaAs nanostructures via an optimized SiO2 sol-gel shell growth
Authors: Shen Jingjing , Chen Haitao , He Jun , Li Yejun , Yang Xinhui , Zhu Mengjian , Yuan Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is an important compound semiconductor for optoelectronic devices. However, the fast nonradiative recombination velocity of GaAs requires surface passivation for the nano-optoelectronic and nanophotonic applications. Despite strides have been made in GaAs surface passivation, chemical treatments like sulfidation and nitridation suffer from reproducibility and stability issues, thus requiring protective layer encapsulation. Traditional vacuum based film passivation exposes samples to high temperature plasma, causing surface damage, and is expensive. Here, we demonstrate an effective passivation method via sol-gel growth of SiO2 shell on both dry etched GaAs nanopillar and bottom-up grown GaAs nanowires at room temperature with uniform coating and controlled thickness from sub-10 nm to around 100 nm, showing advantages in low cost as well as suitability for different types of nano morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirms that the SiO2 sol-gel method with the addition of (NH4)2S can significantly remove the native oxides on the surface. Under the optimized SiO2 coating procedure, the emission intensity of dry etched GaAs nanopillar with a diameter of 0.5 μm is enhanced about 29.6 times and the decay lifetime of the minority carriers with a diameter of 1.8 μm increased from 43.6 to 477.5 ps. Thus, the easy fabrication, broad suitability, as well as effective passivation effect turn sol-gel growth of SiO2 into a cost-effective surface passivation approach for III–V nanostructures.
Numerical study of minority ion heating scenarios in a spherical tokamak plasma
Authors: Chen You , Yin Lan , Peng Yaoyi , Ma Wankun , Zhou Fangbei , Wang Shuangshuang , Gong Xueyu
Published: March 2024

In this study, D(H) minority ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) scenarios in Nan Chang spherical tokamak (NCST) were simulated using the full-wave code TORIC. NCST is a low-aspect-ratio (R/a = 1.67) spherical tokamak, with its core plasma parameters characterized by a magnetic field intensity of 0.36 T and a density of 1018 m−3. Our simulation results demonstrate that the ion cyclotron wave can penetrate the core plasma of the NCST more effectively with a lower toroidal mode number, indicating that resonant ions can absorb the wave energy efficiently. Furthermore, it is found that as the minority ion H concentration is increased, a noticeable decline in the left-handed electric field adjacent to the ion cyclotron resonance layer is observed. Optimal heating efficiency is attained when maintaining a minority ion H concentration within the range 5%–10%. The minority ion velocity distribution was simulated to estimate the tail temperature of minority-ICRH, which is expected to exceed 10 keV. The difference in the power efficiency with different plasma compositions [Ar(H) and D(H)] was also simulated. When the H-ion cyclotron resonance layer is located at the core plasma, the power-absorption fraction of H in Ar(H) plasma surpasses that of D and H combined in D(H) plasma under identical conditions. These simulations provide a crucial foundation and theoretical reference not only for NCST but also for other spherical tokamaks conducting ICRH experiments.
Up, down, and round again: The circulating flow dynamics of flux-driven fractures
Authors: Chalk C. M. , Kavanagh J. L.
Published: March 2024

Fluid-filled fracture propagation is a complex problem that is ubiquitous in geosciences, from controlling magma propagation beneath volcanoes to water transport in glaciers. Using scaled analog experiments, we characterized the internal flow inside a propagating flux-driven fracture and determined the relationship between flow and fracture evolution. Different flow conditions were created by varying the viscosity and flux (Q) of a Newtonian fluid injected into an elastic solid. Using particle image velocimetry, we measured the fluid velocity inside the propagating fracture and mapped the flow across the crack plane. We characterized the internal flow behavior with the Reynolds number (Re) and explored Re values spanning five orders of magnitude, representing very different internal force balances. The overall fracture tip propagation velocity is a simple linear function of Q, whereas the internal velocity, and Re, may be vastly different for a given Q. We identified four flow regimes—viscous, inertial, transitional, and turbulent—and produced viscous and inertial regimes experimentally. Both flow regimes exhibit a characteristic flow pattern of a high-velocity central jet that develops into two circulating vortices on either side. However, they exhibit the opposite behavior in response to changing Q: the jet length increases with Q in the inertial regime, yet decreases in the viscous regime. Spatially variable, circulating flow is vastly different from the common assumption of unidirectional fracture flow and has strong implications for the mixing efficiency and heat transfer processes in volcanic and glacial applications.
High-efficiency InGaN red light-emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency of 10.5% using extended quantum well structure with AlGaN interlayers
Authors: Lee Dong-gun , Choi Youngjin , Jung Soojin , Kim Yongmin , Park SooYoung , Choi PunJae , Yoon Sukho
Published: March 2024

In this study, we have demonstrated a high-efficiency InGaN red (625 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.5% at a current density of 10 A/cm2. To achieve this, we introduced GaN cap layers on InGaN quantum wells and AlGaN interlayers. The introduction of these layers resulted in a red shift of the wavelength. The AlGaN interlayer caused band bending, while the GaN cap layer modulated the electron wavefunction, thus helping to achieve the wavelength red shift of the InGaN red LED with high EQE. This technology is crucial for the realization of discrete or monolithic full-color micro-LED displays.
Observation of Renner–Teller and predissociation coupled vibronic intensity borrowing in dissociative electron attachment to OCS
Authors: Kundu Narayan , Nandi Dhananjay
Published: March 2024

We use a time-of-flight-based velocity map imaging method to look into the dissociative electron attachment to a linear OCS molecule at electron beam energies ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 eV. The conical time-gated wedge slice imaging method is utilized to extract fragments’ slice images, kinetic energy (KE), and angular distributions, which provide a complete kinematic understanding of this experiment on the dissociative electron attachment process. We observe that the formation of S− is relatively higher than the O− product. Three distinct dissociative KE bands of S−/OCS have been observed for the 5.0 and 6.5 eV resonance positions. We notice a prominent rovibrationally coupled bimodality for each KE band in the variation of the most probable KE values. When the electron energy is changed from 5.5 to 6.0 eV, we observed vibronic intensity borrowing in the highest momentum band of S− via the Σ → Π symmetric dipole-forbidden transitions within the 1.5 eV energy gap. Multiple peaks in the angular distributions of S− and their modeling indicate the presence of Renner–Teller vibronic splitting. Using Q-Chem’s implemented complex absorbing potential-equation of motion-electron affinity coupled cluster singles and doubles aug-cc-pVDZ+4s3p level of multireference-based electronic structure theory, we confirm the presence of OCS temporary negative ion bending vibrations and Renner–Teller vibronic splittings for the Π symmetric states. Additionally, we notice the presence of a non-radiative predissociation continuum (bringing down the rotational spectrum) and speed-dependent angular anisotropy in the S− fragmentation. Our findings at the resonance of OCS at 6.5 eV closely align with the prediction of vibronic intensity borrowing by Orlandi and Siebrand [J. Chem. Phys. 58, 4513 (1973)].
Dynamics of polylactic acid under ultrafine nanoconfinement: The collective interface effect and the spatial gradient
Authors: Cheng Shiwang , Kogut David , Zheng Juncheng , Patil Shalin , Yang Fuming , Lu Weiyi
Published: March 2024

Polymers under nanoconfinement can exhibit large alterations in dynamics from their bulk values due to an interface effect. However, understanding the interface effect remains a challenge, especially in the ultrafine nanoconfinement region. In this work, we prepare new geometries with ultrafine nanoconfinement ∼10nm through controlled distributions of the crystalline phases and the amorphous phases of a model semi-crystalline polymer, i.e., the polylactic acid. The broadband dielectric spectroscopy measurements show that ultrafine nanoconfinement leads to a large elevation in the glass transition temperature and a strong increment in the polymer fragility index. Moreover, new relaxation time profile analyses demonstrate a spatial gradient that can be well described by either a single-exponential decay or a double-exponential decay functional form near the middle of the film with a collective interface effect. However, the dynamics at the 1–2 nm vicinity of the interface exhibit a power-law decay that is different from the single-exponential decay or double-exponential decay functional forms as predicted by theories. Thus, these results call for further investigations of the interface effect on polymer dynamics, especially for interfaces with perturbed chain packing.
Dihydropyrazine-reductant effects on band bending at PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interfaces in tin halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Motohashi Mayu , Yamaguchi Seira , Kimata Haru , Asai Haruka , Xue Dong , Ozaki Masashi , Nakamura Tomoya , Wakamiya Atsushi , Marumoto Kazuhiro
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the effects of reducing treatment by 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-dihydropyrazine (TM-DHP) additives on band bending in the perovskite surface near poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole-selective contacts in tin-based-perovskite solar cells. We took electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy measurements of PEDOT:PSS/tin perovskite stacks in the dark and under one-sun illumination. The findings indicate that downward band bending is formed in the tin perovskite layer near the PEDOT:PSS layer. This downward bending is not favorable in terms of surface passivation and hole selectivity. On the other hand, upward band bending occurs in stacks including tin perovskite layers with TM-DHP additives, indicating that TM-DHP prevents oxidation of tin perovskite, thus unfavorable downward band bending. ESR measurements of PEDOT:PSS/tin perovskite stacks without TM-DHP under illumination suggest reduction in the number of polarons caused by electron transport from perovskite layers toward PEDOT:PSS, which is driven by the unfavorable downward band bending. However, such electron transport toward PEDOT:PSS is prevented in PEDOT:PSS/tin perovskite stacks with TM-DHP. These findings, which demonstrate TM-DHP effects on interface band bending, are important for realizing highly efficient and stable tin perovskite solar cells.
Enhancing efficiency and propulsion in bio-mimetic robotic fish through end-to-end deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Cui Xinyu , Sun Boai , Zhu Yi , Yang Ning , Zhang Haifeng , Cui Weicheng , Fan Dixia , Wang Jun
Published: March 2024

Aquatic organisms are known for their ability to generate efficient propulsion with low energy expenditure. While existing research has sought to leverage bio-inspired structures to reduce energy costs in underwater robotics, the crucial role of control policies in enhancing efficiency has often been overlooked. In this study, we optimize the motion of a bio-mimetic robotic fish using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to maximize propulsion efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Our novel DRL approach incorporates extended pressure perception, a transformer model processing sequences of observations, and a policy transfer scheme. Notably, significantly improved training stability and speed within our approach allow for end-to-end training of the robotic fish. This enables agiler responses to hydrodynamic environments and possesses greater optimization potential compared to pre-defined motion pattern controls. Our experiments are conducted on a serially connected rigid robotic fish in a free stream with a Reynolds number of 6000 using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The DRL-trained policies yield impressive results, demonstrating both high efficiency and propulsion. The policies also showcase the agent's embodiment, skillfully utilizing its body structure and engaging with surrounding fluid dynamics, as revealed through flow analysis. This study provides valuable insights into the bio-mimetic underwater robots optimization through DRL training, capitalizing on their structural advantages, and ultimately contributing to more efficient underwater propulsion systems.
Magnetothermal properties including magnetocaloric performance of the ternary rhombohedral Laves phase of Pr2Rh3Ge
Authors: Falkowski M.
Published: March 2024

The article presents the study of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for the rhombohedral Laves phase of Pr2Rh3Ge, which shows a magnetic order below TC=8.5 K. We have established that the compound exhibits a continuous second-order type of transition which was demonstrated and confirmed by several different techniques, mainly by analyzing universal curves of normalized entropy change as a function of scaled temperature. The observed MCE, in our opinion, is a consequence of an indirect exchange coupling between the magnetic sublattices of the rare earth ions, which, however, does not exclude the potential contribution of sublattice-containing transition metals. In this paper, the procedure to evaluate the MCE from magnetization and specific heat data is described. As a result, important parameters such as the isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSM), adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad), relative cooling power (RCP), and the temperature averaged entropy change (TEC) were determined. The highest values of −ΔSM, ΔTad, and RCP for a field change (Δμ0H) of 5 T at TC are 5.96 J/kgK, 3.87 K, and 72.62 J/kg, respectively. These results obtained for Pr2Rh3Ge seem to be, however, low compared to the values obtained for the rhombohedral Laves phases, belonging to the group of ternary germanides RE2Rh3Ge containing heavy rare earth metals (RE = Gd, Tb, Ho, and Er). Nevertheless, we believe that the results presented in this work extend and complement the current knowledge on the magnetocaloric properties of this family of materials.
Effective multiband synthetic four-wave mixing by cascading quadratic processes
Authors: Chen Li , Ge Zheng , Niu Su-Jian , Li Yin-Hai , Han Zhao-Qi-Zhi , Song Yue-Wei , Li Wu-Zhen , Chen Ren-Hui , Gao Ming-Yuan , Xie Meng-Yu , Zhou Zhi-Yuan , Shi Bao-Sen
Published: March 2024

Four-wave mixing (FWM) is an important technique for supercontinuum and frequency comb generation in the mid-infrared band. Here, we report simultaneous synthetic FWM in both the visible and mid-infrared bands by cascading quadratic nonlinear processes in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal, which has a conversion efficiency that is 110 dB (at 3000 nm) higher than the FWM generated directly using third-order susceptibilities in bulk PPLN crystals. A general model of the proposed process is developed that shows full agreement with the experimental verification results. The frequency difference between the emerging frequency components can be tuned freely by varying the frequency difference between the dual pump lasers. Furthermore, by increasing the conversion bandwidth and the efficiency of the cascaded processes, it becomes feasible to generate frequency combs simultaneously in three bands, comprising the visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared bands, via high-order cascaded processes. This work represents a route toward free-tuning multiband frequency comb generation with multi-octave frequency spanning that will have significant applications in fields, including mid-infrared gas sensing, lidar, and high-precision spectroscopy.