bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irreversibility in non-reciprocal chaotic systems
Authors: Pham Tuan Minh , Alonso Albert , Proesmans Karel
Published: January 2025

How is the irreversibility of a high-dimensional chaotic system related to its dynamical behavior? In this paper, we address this question by developing a stochastic-thermodynamics treatment of complex networks that exhibit chaos. Specifically, we establish an exact relation between the averaged entropy production rate—a measure of irreversibility—and the autocorrelation function for an infinite system of neurons coupled via random non-reciprocal interactions. We show how, under given noise strength, the entropy production rate can signal the onset of a transition occurring as the coupling heterogeneity increases beyond a critical value via a change in its functional form upon crossing this point. Furthermore, this transition happens at a fixed, noise-independent entropy production rate, elucidating how robust energetic cost is possibly responsible for optimal information processing at criticality.
Low-power electrodeless 2.45 GHz microwave plasma generation in ambient air with dielectric resonators
Authors: Rossignol Noah , Wang Yaguo
Published: January 2025

Microwave (MW) plasma, as an electrodeless non-thermal plasma technique, holds significant potential for gas processing applications under near-ambient conditions. However, current MW plasma methods suffer from low energy efficiency due to the high power required for molecular breakdown via vibrational excitation. A promising approach to mitigate this challenge involves using a pair of high relative permittivity dielectric resonators (DRs) in close proximity to enhance the electric field within the small gap between them, thus reducing power consumption. In this study, we combined simulations and experiments to investigate the electric field enhancement effect of DRs with varying shapes, geometrical parameters (e.g., radius and height), gap distances, and orientations relative to the electric field polarization and MW propagation directions. Simulations performed using Ansys HFSS demonstrate that edge-to-edge configurations of hexagonal, square, and triangular prism DRs can achieve significant electric field enhancement over a broad range of geometric parameters. DRs fabricated from calcium titanate were tested experimentally using a simple setup with a kitchen microwave (2.45 GHz) at ambient pressure. With input power below 100 W, stable and highly confined plasma was generated using hexagonal and triangular prism DRs. These results suggest a simple, cost-effective, and low-power method for generating MW plasma under ambient conditions, offering particular advantages for chemical processing in rural areas utilizing renewable energy resources.
A hybrid CMOS-memristor based adaptable Bidirectional Associative Memory neural network for pattern recognition applications
Authors: S Shekinah Archita , V Ravi
Published: January 2025

This research presents a circuit-level hybrid CMOS memristor architecture for constructing Bidirectional Associative Memory (BAM). Initially, a synaptic circuit structure was built by employing a voltage threshold memristor in a crossbar architecture. This synaptic structure is adaptable and flexible for generating a wide range of synaptic weights. It is then deployed in the BAM network to perform an associative function. To aid in better name recall, this BAM network has been trained to associate Greek and mathematical symbols with their first letters in English, and vice versa. The designed circuit was validated using MATLAB and the EDA (Electronic Design Automation) Tool: Cadence Virtuoso. The addition of noise further evaluates the performance of the BAM network. When tested with noise levels of 10%, 20%, and 30%, the input patterns were retrieved at 100% in both directions. Furthermore, the proposed synaptic circuit is validated for variations in R

ON
, R

OFF
and it’s performance is compared with other memristor models. It is also found that the average power consumption of the proposed synatic circuit is 1.22 mW. These results, which were experimentally confirmed, demonstrate the precision and noise isolation of the proposed BAM design. With appropriate tuning of memristor, the synaptic weights can be mapped easily with the memristor conductance value. This circuit can be effectively used in the field of image processing, neural network and neuromorphic computation which helps to associate and restore original or damaged binary images, showing strong robustness and accuracy.
BCS: A neural distinguisher method based on differential propagation uncertainty of nonlinear components and network adaptability
Authors: Zhu Siqi , Li Lang , Hu Zhiwen , Hu Yemao
Published: January 2025

The neural distinguisher (ND) is the combined product of differential cryptanalysis and deep learning. Its emergence has greatly promoted the development of differential cryptanalysis. Current approaches to improving the performance of NDs focus on data input formats and training frameworks. However, many researchers independently focused on enhancing the data input format or training framework, neglecting their adaptability to each other. Additionally, little research has focused on improving the data input format based on its correlation with the components of the cipher. This paper proposes an ND called the Block Cipher with S-box (BCS) model to address these issues. The model uses new data input formats, Add S-box Multiple Ciphertext Pairs (ASMCP) and Add S-box Multiple Output Difference (ASMOD), along with an improved U-Net network. These two formats are developed based on the decapsulated encryption process method and incorporate the input and output features of the S-box component to increase the available features. The improved U-Net network incorporates long-range skip-connections, better suited for new data input formats. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the BCS model achieves higher distinguishing accuracy and reduces the model size. Finally, the BCS model is applied to key recovery attacks on 8-round PRESENT with a success rate of 98%.
Write error ballooning due to anisotropy variation within the free layer in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Nisar Arshid , Arya Susheel K , Kaushik Brajesh K , Pramanik Tanmoy
Published: January 2025

A finite-temperature micromagnetic investigation is conducted to analyze magnetization switching and write error rates in perpendicular spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM), including the influence of domain wall (DW) pinning arising from variations within the free layer (FL) magnet and stray field from reference layer assembly in the magnetic tunnel junction. The study reveals that uneven perpendicular magnetic anisotropy within the FL could lead to the formation of pinning sites that give rise to metastable states during switching. Such metastable states could result in a significant increase in the write error rates as compared to the ideal situation. Unlike the case with stray fields arising from reference layer assembly, where the DW propagation is hindered only for one switching direction, inhomogeneity within the FL causes the DW pinning to occur in both switching directions. Combined effects of FL inhomogeneity and stray field from the reference layer result in write error ballooning similar to those reported in recent experiments. The impact of free layer inhomogeneity could be further exacerbated by the stray field for one of the switching directions. Surprisingly, the impact of inhomogeneity is also observed to persist at smaller FL dimensions where quasi-coherent switching is expected. These findings provide deeper insights into the potential factors contributing to anomalous write errors in perpendicular STT-RAM.
The electron tunneling effect on the diffraction pattern of the QD-cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Feng Shuling , Ding Zhilin
Published: January 2025

We theoretically analyze the phenomenon of optomechanically induced grating of a weak probe field in a hybrid optomechanical system, consisting of an optical cavity, a mechanical resonator and quantum dot molecules (QDs). We found that for a standing wave pattern of the driving light, the transmission and phase functions of the probe light can be changed periodically which in some parameter regimes their values can exceed unity. Furthermore, the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of the weak probe light at the resonance frequency have been studied. Therefore, we can control the transfer of the probe energy from zero order to the higher orders of the diffraction by tuning the electron tunneling and driving field attributed to quantum interference. Our simulations may provide a flexible way to control optical response and propagation in such a hybrid optomechanical system.
Depth-sensor-based shared control assistance for mobility and object manipulation: toward long-term home-use of BCI-controlled assistive robotic devices
Authors: Bellicha Angélina , Struber Lucas , Pasteau François , Juillard Violaine , Devigne Louise , Karakas Serpil , Chabardes Stephan , Babel Marie , Charvet Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Objective. Assistive robots can be developed to restore or provide more autonomy for individuals with motor impairments. In particular, power wheelchairs can compensate lower-limb impairments, while robotic manipulators can compensate upper-limbs impairments. Recent studies have shown that Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) can be used to operate this type of devices. However, activities of daily living and long-term use in real-life contexts such as home require robustness and adaptability to complex, changing and cluttered environments which can be problematic given the neural signals that do not always allow a safe and efficient use. This article describes assist-as-needed sensor-based shared control (SC) methods relying on the blending of BCI and depth-sensor-based control. Approach. The proposed assistance targets the BCI-teleoperation of effectors for tasks that answer mobility and manipulation needs in a at-home context. The assistance provided by the proposed methods was evaluated through a wheelchair mobility and reach-and-grasp laboratory-based experiments in a controlled environment, as part of a clinical trial with a quadriplegic patient implanted with a wireless 64-channel ElectroCorticoGram recording implant named WIMAGINE. Main results. Results showed that the proposed methods can assist BCI users in both tasks. Indeed, the time to perform the tasks and the number of changes of mental tasks were reduced. Moreover, unwanted actions, such as wheelchair collisions with the environment, and gripper opening that could result in the fall of the object were avoided. Significance. The proposed methods are steps toward at-home use of BCI-teleoperated assistive robots. Indeed, the proposed SC methods improved the performance of the two assistive devices.

Clinical trial, registration number: NCT02550522.
Inspired by the growth behavior of plants: biomimetic soft robots that just meet the requirements of use
Authors: Yang Liu , Fang Liu , Zhang Zengzhi
Published: January 2025

Soft robots are usually manufactured using the pouring method and can only be configured with a fixed execution area, which often faces the problem of insufficient or wasteful performance in real-world applications, and cannot be reused for other tasks. In order to overcome this limitation, we propose a simple and controllable rather than redesigned method inspired by the bionic growth behavior of plants, and prepare bionic soft robots that can just meet the requirements of use, and transform biological intelligence into mechanical intelligence. Based on finite element method, we establish a theoretical model of soft robot performance. And the experimental platform is designed to conduct experimental research on the prototype of the soft robot. Compared with the results obtained through the theoretical model, it is found out that the experimental bending angle and elongation are slightly smaller than the simulation results. (The maximum error of elongation prediction for soft robots (Fashion 1–4) is 5.7%, 5.9%, 6%, and 6%, and the maximum error of bending angle prediction is 7.1%, 7.5%, 7.6%, and 7.6%, respectively). The high consistence between our theoretical model and the experimental results shows that the theoretical model is applicable to accurately predict the performance of soft robots. It is worth pointing out that this design as proposed in this paper can be extended to the wider field of soft robotics as a generic one.
Anti-aging chitosan/gelatin film crosslinked by α-arbutin for bone regeneration by free radical scavenging to prevent osteoblast senescence
Authors: Xu Guojie , Xi Lian , Huang Xiaohan , Xie Qingtiao , Zhao Jinmin , Jiang Xianfang , Lu Zhenhui , Zheng Li
Published: January 2025

Osteoblasts play a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis. Senescence causes by free radical-mediated oxidative stress may affect the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of osteoblast during bone formation. To eliminate the impacts of senescent cells by free radical scavenging is an optimal option for bone regeneration in age-related bone disease, such as osteoporosis (OP) and periodontitis. In this study, we fabricated an antioxidant film (CG-ARB) by crosslinking chitosan (C) and gelatin (G) using α-Arbutin (ARB) as a crosslinker. The morphological, physicochemical, and radical scavenging characteristics of the films were investigated. Its antioxidative ability to prevent osteoblast senescence for restoration of osteogenic differentiation was analyzed in vitro. A Sprague–Dawley rat model with critical size calvarial defect was used to evaluate the bone regeneration and biosafety in vivo. The results demonstrated that CG-ARB formed a dense fiber membrane, allowing for the gradual and sustained release of ARB for at least 10 d. ARB exerted antioxidant effect that prevented osteoblast senescence in vitro and promote bone healing in vivo. Furthermore, CG-ARB did not cause hemolysis or organ toxicity, and was therefore, considered biosafe. These results indicated that CG-ARB film could be an ideal drug delivery system for sustained released of ARB in bone defect repair.
Impacts of unilateral U.S. carbon policies on agricultural sector greenhouse gas emissions and commodity markets
Authors: Adenauer Marcel , Adjemian Michael K , Arita Shawn , Brorsen Wade , Cooper Joseph , Goh Gyuhyeong , Karali Berna , Mallory Mindy Lyn , Thompson Wyatt , Yu Jisang
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes the consequences of the United States implementing unilateral policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. The policy representation is based loosely on current and past policy initiatives that have subsidized GHG reductions and considered special treatment for sectors heavily involved in trade. To do so, our first step is to generate new estimates of key parameters, elasticities of demand and supply, that are critical to understanding interactions among agricultural commodities, such as between livestock and crop products, in this area of research and more broadly. We apply these parameters in a widely used economic model that estimates the effects of a unilateral U.S. agricultural GHG policy on both domestic and foreign markets as well as global GHG emissions. Livestock effects dominate, driving most U.S. livestock product consumer prices higher and causing mixed crop and crop product price effects. A unilateral policy increases food costs in the implementing country and, if applied to all supplies, domestic and imported, tends to raise prices elsewhere as well. Alternative implementation strategies, such as not imposing the costs on exports or not imposing the costs on imports, can lead to lower food prices and greater consumption in other countries, as well as have important implications for the overall GHG reductions achieved by the unilateral effort.
A combined wavelet analysis-quantile mapping (WA-QM) method for bias correction: capturing the intra-annual temporal patterns in climate model precipitation simulations and projections
Authors: Wu Xia , Liu Zhu , Duan Qingyun
Published: January 2025

Despite recent improvements, global climate models (GCMs) still have biases that prevent their direct application. Quantile mapping (QM) has been widely used in bias correction (BC) due to its effectiveness in aligning the cumulative density function of climate model data with observations. However, QM has a significant limitation: it fails to consider the temporal correspondence between the model data and observations, which restricts its ability to represent intra-annual temporal patterns. To address this issue, this study integrated wavelet analysis (WA) into QM to develop a combined method termed WA-QM, which aimed to preserve QM’s efficacy in overall BC and preservation of climate change signals, while capturing the intra-annual temporal patterns. The effectiveness of WA-QM was investigated using monthly precipitation data from five Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models in the Pan Third Pole region, which includes Central Asia (CA), Southeast Asia, and the Tibetan Plateau. Quantile delta mapping (QDM) and scaled distribution mapping (SDM) served as the benchmark methods for assessment. The results indicated that integrating WA into QDM or SDM did not compromise the ability of QDM or SDM to correct overall biases and preserve the model’s climate change signal. Furthermore, WA could be an effective tool to overcome QM’s limitation in capturing intra-annual temporal patterns. The WA approach employed discrete wavelet transformation to decompose GCM data into various frequency bands and then adjusted their standard deviations and signs to ensure that their relative relationships were consistent with those in observations. Compared to the standalone QM approach, WA-QM showed greater accuracy in monthly statistical metrics. In the CA region, WA-SDM reduced the monthly root mean square error of the mean by 25.2%, the standard deviation by 17.6%, and the 90th percentile by 26.7% compared to SDM. The effectiveness of WA-QM was demonstrated across different data periods, spatial areas, and GCMs.
An optimal path threshold method for rigorously identifying extreme climate events
Authors: Zhao Bingjie , Horvat Christopher , Gao Huilin
Published: January 2025

The frequent occurrence of extreme hydroclimate events has a significant impact on ecosystems and socio-economic systems. However, intercomparisons of extreme events are often hampered by inconsistent definitions and standardizations for different types of events. Here we introduce the Optimal Path Threshold (OPT) method, a dynamic programming-based approach that adaptively determines optimal thresholds for defining extreme events at specific severity levels. Two case studies demonstrate its applicability. The first case study presents a long-term comparison of air heatwaves and lake heatwaves in Lake Mead. The algorithm adaptively selects thresholds to identify a comparable number of events at various severity levels. The second case study examines compound hot, dry, and windy events in California, exploring threshold selection for multivariable extremes and investigating their potential relationship with wildfires. The OPT method proves effective for adaptably and objectively analyzing complex and multifactorial extreme events.
Review of biodegradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) in perspective of microbial involved on different type of bioreactor
Authors: Febrina W , Saryono S , Awaluddin A , Helwani Z , Andiyan A , Lestari L P , Yanqoritha N
Published: January 2025

The palm oil sector is a significant and prominent segment of the worldwide agricultural industry. On a global scale, palm oil output reached around 76.538 million metric tons in 2021. Over that time frame, Indonesia and Malaysia emerged as the primary global exporters of palm oil, with Indonesia exporting 44,500 metric tonnes and Malaysia exporting 19,700 metric tonnes. However, the very high levels of output have resulted in substantial amounts of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Various biological and physicochemical treatment techniques have been used to treat POME on a laboratory bench or pilot scale. However, the significant amount of adsorbent and coagulating chemicals needed makes it impractical to achieve industrial-scale utilization of any approach alone. This paper is a review paper, which examine several treatment methods, the selected bioreactor type, and the commercial-scale conversion of POME into sustainable biogas streams. The result of the study is some suggestion about the strength and weakness each type or bioreactor. The careful choice of an appropriate treatment method and bioreactor type is crucial in the processing of POME and enhancing the yield of results, including biofuel and other organic compounds.
IoT (internet of things) microclimate monitoring system using node-red platform at plant factory
Authors: De Side G N , Putra G M D , Setiawati D A
Published: January 2025

Indonesia faces significant challenges in the agricultural sector, such as limited productive land and climate change, which threaten food security. The plant factory emerges as a relevant solution by integrating hydroponic technology and automation to enable year-round controlled food production. This study aimed to develop an IoT-based microclimate monitoring system using the Node-RED platform within a plant factory. The system allowed for real-time temperature, humidity, and light intensity monitoring. The methodology involves designing a system utilizing an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller, DHT22 and GY-49 sensors, and an ESP01S WiFi module. The collected data was transmitted via the MQTT protocol and displayed on the Node-RED dashboard. The results demonstrated that this system effectively monitored climate parameters and could enhance the efficiency and productivity of the plant factory, represented by all sensors functioning correctly. The DHT22 sensor has been calibrated with a standard Thermohigrometer measuring instrument with a temperature RMSE value of 1.01 and a humidity RMSE of 5.88. Likewise, the GY-49 sensor has been calibrated with a standard lux meter. In calibrating the GY-49, the equation entered in the coding is 0.978 * sensor reading + 0.891, and the resulting RMSE value is 57.91. During the testing phase, the datalogger hardware system can run 100%. Consequently, this system significantly supports sustainable modern agriculture and national food security.
Mangrove ecotourism and social entrepreneurship: an integrated solution for sustainable community development
Authors: Islam D , As F
Published: January 2025

This research discussed how ecotourism and social entrepreneurship were two approaches that increasingly gained attention as strategies for achieving sustainable community development. Both approaches complemented each other and significantly benefited local communities and the environment. The mangrove forest area in Lembung Village, Galis District, Pamekasan, Madura, was identified as an exciting location for environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism, providing opportunities for local communities to utilize natural resources wisely while preserving them. This research explored how integrating mangrove ecotourism with social entrepreneurship could optimize economic, social, and environmental benefits, contributing to sustainable community development. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, presenting informants from ecotourism managers, Village officials, business people in the ecotourism sector, local communities, and visitors. The main findings revealed that mangrove ecotourism in Lembung Village, Pamekasan, not only functioned as a tourist attraction but also contributed to increasing local community income, improving infrastructure, and preserving the environment. Through collaboration among farmer groups, local communities, and various stakeholders, resource potential could be maximally utilized to achieve the desired social and economic goals.
Green economy is a challenge for sustainable development in west Sumatra
Authors: Yuliarti  , Akmal A D , Fajri H , Pemana I , Sari O P
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the impact of sustainable development in the forestry sector of West Sumatra Province using the Green GRDP approach. The method employed was descriptive quantitative, utilizing secondary data analysis from 2019 to 2023, which included data on land cover, deforestation, and the forestry sector’s contribution to conventional GRDP and Green GRDP. The results showed that the forestry sector’s contribution to conventional GRDP was only 1.19%. However, after including environmental services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, the forestry sector’s contribution increased significantly in the Green GRDP calculation. The adoption of Green GRDP was also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly related to sustainable consumption, production, and climate action. Based on these findings, recommended policies included the adoption of Green GRDP to improve the economic valuation of natural resources and strengthening sustainable forest management policies to address the challenges of climate change.
Advances in biomaterials-based tissue engineering for regeneration of female reproductive tissues
Authors: Kim Yong Ho , Kim Hyung-Sik , Hong In-Sun
Published: January 2025

The anatomical components of the female reproductive system—comprising the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and fallopian tubes—interact intricately to provide the structural and hormonal support essential for reproduction. However, this system is susceptible to various detrimental factors, both congenital and acquired, that can impair fertility and adversely affect quality of life. Recent advances in bioengineering have led to the development of sophisticated three-dimensional models that mimic the complex architecture and functionality of reproductive organs. These models, incorporating diverse cell types and tissue layers, are crucial for understanding physiological processes within the reproductive tract. They offer insights into decidualization, ovulation, folliculogenesis, and the progression of reproductive cancers, thereby enhancing personalized medical treatments and addressing female infertility. This review highlights the pivotal role of tissue engineering in diagnosing and treating female infertility, emphasizing the importance of considering factors like biocompatibility, biomaterial selection, and mechanical properties in the design of bioengineered systems. The challenge of replicating the functionally specialized and structurally complex organs, such as the uterus and ovary, underscores the need for reliable techniques that improve morphological and functional restoration. Despite substantial progress, the goal of creating a fully artificial female reproductive system is still a challenge. Nonetheless, the recent fabrication of artificial ovaries, uteruses, cervixes, and vaginas marks significant advancements toward this aim. Looking forward, the challenges in bioengineering are expected to spur further innovations in both basic and applied sciences, potentially hastening the clinical adoption of these technologies.
Exclusive propagation characteristics of topological optical fibers
Authors: Roy Somashreeta , Biswas Abhijit , Pal Bishnu P , Ghosh Somnath
Published: January 2025

As per bulk-edge correspondence, the junction between two topologically distinct lattices in a topological optical fiber supports topological interface states, which enable highly stable, scattering-free, robust propagation of light. We investigate the propagation characteristics of a multi-channel topological optical fiber having co-existing multiple topological interface states in the presence of potential structural defects and deformation in shape. The tolerance analysis has been carried out by deliberately introducing structural imperfections upto ⩽4% with reference to the annular area at the topological junction of trivial and non-trivial lattices. These studies demonstrate robust properties of multiple topological interface states despite the presence of such structural deformations. Furthermore, a deliberately introduced lateral misalignment upto a maximum of 800 nm of the topological junction exhibits a low splice loss of 0.3 dB and high confinement properties of the multiple topological interface states. These results clearly indicate that the propagation characteristics and properties of the co-existing multiple topological interface states exhibit exceptional tolerance to structural defects, junction deformations, and lateral misalignments, surpassing the performance of state-of-the-art conventional optical fibers. Hence, topological optical fibers could outperform conventional optical fibers in terms of undistorted signal transmission irrespective of fabrication-related potential structural defects.
Surface slope measurement of steep silicon V-grooves using high NA Linnik interferometry
Authors: Künne Marco , Pahl Tobias , Ribotta Luigi , Giura Andrea , Zucco Massimo , Murataj Irdi , Ferrarese Lupi Federico , Lehmann Peter
Published: January 2025

Optical topography measurements are of high interest in a lot of industrial and academic fields. One of the most common associated measurement methods is coherence scanning interferometry, but even though it provides sub-nanometer axial resolution, its lateral resolution is diffraction limited. Not only the feature size is a limiting factor for optical measurements, but also steep surface slopes may lead to problems, since the acceptance angle of the objective lens limits the maximum surface slope angles that can be measured. Here we use a Linnik-type interferometer with objective lenses of numerical apertures of 0.95 in order to maximize the measurable surface slope angle. We demonstrate that silicon V-groove structures with a slope angle of 54.74° can be measured. We compare the directly measured surface slope angle with an angle calculated from light that is reflected two times by the V-grooves. To verify our measurement we compare the measurement results to rigorous FEM simulations.
External delay and dispersion correction of automatically sampled arterial blood with dual flow rates
Authors: Brender Benjamin , Burki Lubna , Jeon Josefina , Ng Alvina , Yussefian Nikta , Uribe Carme , Murrell Emily , Boileau Isabelle , Desmond Kimberly L , Narciso Lucas
Published: January 2025

Objective. Arterial sampling for PET imaging often involves continuously measuring the radiotracer activity concentration in blood using an automatic blood sampling system (ABSS). We proposed and validated an external delay and dispersion correction procedure needed when a change in flow rate occurs during data acquisition. We also measured the external dispersion constant of [11C]CURB, [18F]FDG, [18F]FEPPA, and [18F]SynVesT-1. Approach. External delay and dispersion constants were measured for the flow rates of 350, 300, 180, and 150 ml h−1, using 1-minute-long rectangular inputs (n = 10; 18F-fluoride in saline). Resulting constants were used to validate the external delay and dispersion corrections (n = 6; 18F-fluoride in saline; flow rate change: 350 to 150 ml h−1 and 300 to 180 ml h−1); constants were modelled to transition linearly between flow rates. Corrected curves were assessed using the percent area-under-the-curve (AUC) ratio and a modified model selection criterion (MSC). External delay and dispersion constants were measured for various radiotracers using a blood analog (i.e., similar viscoelastic properties). Main results. ABSS outputs were successfully corrected for external delay and dispersion using our proposed method accounting for a change in flow rate. AUC ratio reduced from ∼10% for the uncorrected 350–150 ml h−1 output (∼6% for the 300–180 ml h−1) to < 1% after correction when compared to true input (511 keV energy window); approx. 5-fold increase in MSC. Assuming an internal dispersion constant of 5 s, the dispersion constant (internal + external) for [11C]CURB, [18F]FDG, [18F]FEPPA, and [18F]SynVesT-1 was 13, 9, 16, and 10 s, respectively. Significance. This study presented an external delay and dispersion correction procedure needed when a change in flow rate occurs during ABSS data acquisition. Additionally, this is the first study to measure the external delay and dispersion constants using a blood analog solution, a suitable alternative to blood when estimating external dispersion.
Preliminary considerations and challenges of proton-boron fusion energy extraction on the EHL-2 spherical torus
Authors: XIE 谢 Huasheng 华生 , GU 顾 Xiang 翔 , WANG 王 Yumin 嵎民 , WANG 王 Quanyun 泉云 , WANG 王 Feng 丰 , KONG 孔 Haozhe 浩喆 , DONG 董 Jiaqi 家齐 , LIANG 梁 Yunfeng 云峰 , PENG 彭 Yueng-Kay Martin 元凯 , LIU 刘 Minsheng 敏胜 , Team the EHL-2
Published: January 2025

EHL-2 spherical torus (ST) is one of the key steps of p-11B (proton-boron or hydrogen-boron) fusion energy research in ENN. The fusion produced energy is carried mainly by alpha particles of average energy 3 MeV, which ideally can be converted to electricity with high efficiency (> 80%). However, there exist serious difficulties to realize such conversion in a fusion device, due to the high energy density and high voltage required. To comprehensively describe the progress of the EHL-2 physics design, this work presents preliminary considerations of approaches for achieving energy conversion, highlighting critical issues for further investigation. Specifically, we provide an initial simulation of alpha particle extraction in the EHL-2 ST configuration as a starting point for p-11B fusion energy conversion.
Experimental simulation of daemonic work extraction in open quantum batteries on a digital quantum computer
Authors: Navid Elyasi Seyed , Rossi Matteo A C , Genoni Marco G
Published: January 2025

The possibility of extracting more work from a physical system thanks to the information obtained from measurements has been a topic of fundamental interest in the context of thermodynamics since the formulation of the Maxwell’s demon thought experiment. We here consider this problem from the perspective of an open quantum battery interacting with an environment that can be continuously measured. By modeling it via a continuously monitored collisional model, we show how to implement the corresponding dynamics as a quantum circuit, including the final conditional feedback unitary evolution that allows to enhance the amount of work extracted. By exploiting the flexibility of IBM quantum computers and by properly modelling the corresponding quantum circuit, we experimentally simulate the work extraction protocol showing how the obtained experimental values of the daemonic extracted work are close to their theoretical upper bound quantified by the so-called daemonic ergotropy. We also demonstrate how by properly modelling the noise affecting the quantum circuit, one can improve the work extraction protocol by optimizing the corresponding extraction unitary feedback operation.
The truth about co-benefits: a multidimensional feasibility assessment for thailand and beyond
Authors: Zusman Eric , Akahoshi Kaoru , Hanaoka Tatsuya , Malley Christopher S , Wangwongwatana Supat , Onmek Nutthajit , Paw-armart Ittipol , Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh , Nguyen Huy Lai , Kuylenstierna Johan C I , Hirayama Tomoki , Goto Yurie , Kazumasa Kawashima , Amann Markus , Klimont Zbigniew , Slater Jessica
Published: January 2025

Research has yielded increasingly robust estimates of the co-benefits from mitigating climate change while reducing air pollution, improving health, and meeting other development needs. Though quantifying these often hidden benefits could ease cost concerns and lower technological constraints for development-friendly climate solutions, achieving co-benefits frequently requires overcoming difficult-to-measure social and institutional barriers. This study extends insights from research focusing on quantitatively assessing the feasibility of a 1.5 °C future to build a multidimensional framework for measuring different barriers to achieving co-benefits. The framework offers a novel yet generalizable approach for bringing context-appropriate assessments of different dimensions of feasibility into the integrated assessment modelling that underpins work on co-benefits. It then outlines five steps for applying that framework to evaluate the size of different barriers for transport, agricultural and residential energy co-benefit solutions in Thailand. The results demonstrate that the sum of the delays from social/institutional barriers exceed economic/technological barriers for four out of six studied solutions. These delays also lead to increases of 24% to 31% in PM2.5 emissions relative to a no-barriers effective implementation scenario between 2015 and 2030 and 2040. The feasibility framework can be integrated into not only national policy scenarios but also project assessments, following trends in carbon finance. An international barriers database as well as strengthening links to work on barriers and technological diffusion, transaction costs, and multi-level transitions can also help spread multi-dimensional feasibility assessments across countries and scales.
Effectiveness of Henan flood communication among opinion leaders on Douyin
Authors: Liu Gan , Mohamad Saleh Mohamad Saifudin , Huang Miao
Published: January 2025

Periodic floods in China have been observed in recent years. While social media plays an essential role in disseminating flood information, limited research on the effectiveness of flood communication among opinion leaders in China. The specific characteristics, communication strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of the videos shared by opinion leaders remain ambiguous. The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of Douyin as a platform for opinion leaders in communicating flood crisis information by applying media richness and opinion leader theories. The main objective of this study is to examine the characteristic of flood information on Douyin, the communication strategies of flood information used by opinion leader, and the strengths and weaknesses of Douyin platform during flood communication. The results demonstrated that social media influencers were the most active opinion leaders in disseminating flood information, with short videos between zero and 15 seconds as the most popular communication format. In addition, hashtags and emoticons were essential communication strategies. While viral short videos were significant advantages of Douyin flood communication, rumours and fake news impeded the further development and spread of flood information. Summarily, this study significantly enriched the fields of crisis and environmental communication that received limited investigations in China previously.
Extreme high temperatures and heatwave events across Europe in 2023
Authors: Sun Yuqing , Jia Gensuo , Xu Xiyan
Published: January 2025

With global mean temperatures reaching record highs in 2023, many regions experienced successive heatwaves, causing negative impacts on human health, social economy, and ecosystems. Europe is among the continents that experienced a series of extreme heatwaves over large areas in the year. However, there is a lack of quantitative analysis of spatial and temporal features of such record high heatwaves. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns and seasonal evolution of heatwaves over Europe in 2023. Overall, Europe was unusually warm with prolonged seasons and expanded spatial extent of heatwaves in 2023 compared to the baseline period (1991–2020). The earliest heatwave occurred in the Iberian Peninsula in late April, with the heatwave intensity up to 30 °C. Then, heatwaves were observed in the British Isles and Scandinavia in mid-June successively, with duration above 10 days and the highest intensity in some areas since 1991. Extreme heatwaves extended through the autumn primarily in the Mediterranean areas and western Europe, with some areas experiencing maximum temperature up to 32 °C and duration exceeding 12 days. The heatwave number, duration, frequency, and intensity in areas affected by extreme heatwaves in all seasons were much higher than the average in the baseline period. Especially in the autumn, the frequency and seasonal cumulative heat anomalies were up to 25 days and 65 °C in some areas, respectively. These findings unveil the characteristics of heatwaves in Europe across seasons in 2023 and sound the alarm for developing adaptation measures to extreme heat events.
Detection of moisture content profile of concrete using ground penetrating radar
Authors: Xia Zihan , Xie Liyu , Xue Songtao , Zhu Peng
Published: January 2025

Moisture content in concrete is essential, as it influences durability, strength, and cracking susceptibility, critical for structural longevity and safety. This paper aims to explore the potential of GPR in detecting the distribution of moisture content in concrete. By utilizing the approximate linear relationship between the dielectric constant and the moisture content of concrete, this study realizes the detection of concrete moisture content profile by GPR. The concrete moisture content profile is derived from radar echo data using full waveform inversion (FWI). The simulations show that different initial values converge to the true values with a maximum error of 0.33%, demonstrating the feasibility of the method. Experimental results demonstrate a strong correlation between GPR measurements and the gravimetric method, with an average error of 2.5%, affirming the accuracy of GPR in detecting moisture content profiles for engineering applications.
Numerical investigation of the effect of harrow tine’s geometry on fatigue life
Authors: Rahman Arafater , Rehman Syed Fasih Ur , Kabir Golam , Khondoker Mohammad Abu Hasan
Published: January 2025

Harrow tines experience large deflections due to varying soil conditions, leading to fatigue failure through cyclic loads. Selecting the appropriate coil diameter, pitch, and number of coils is crucial for designing harrow tines that can withstand these deflections. The aim of this research is to develop new harrow tine designs that offer improved sustainability compared to conventional harrow tines used in the Canadian prairies. Nine double helical torsion spring harrow tine designs were developed, differing in coil diameters, pitch, and number of turns, while keeping the wire diameter constant. A comparative analysis was conducted, considering fatigue life, failure criteria, and stress distribution patterns assessed through Finite Element Modeling (FEM). Additively manufactured 38% scaled harrow tine prototypes underwent load-bearing tests using identical load sets of 20, 50, 100, and 200 grams. The 2T3D2P, 1T4D2.5P, and 2T4D2.5P models emerged as reliable harrow tine designs with higher fatigue life of 14,115, 14,438, and 27,618 cycles compared to the frequently used conventional harrow tine’s 7533.87 cycles. Coil diameter has a preferential influence on achieving higher fatigue life, overshadowing the effects of pitch and the number of coils. Furthermore, models with larger coil diameters displayed greater flexibility against the defined weight loads, as observed in the load-bearing tests.
Approaches for the measurement of lateral dimensions of graphene oxide flakes using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Chemello Giovanni , Despotelis Konstantinos , Paton Keith R , Clifford Charles A , Pollard Andrew J , Radnik Jörg , Hodoroaba Vasile-Dan
Published: January 2025

There is a practical need, especially from the industrial community, to accurately measure the size and shape of graphene oxide (GO) flakes of commercial origin, in a reliable, simple, and unambiguous way. The sample preparation is a decisive step to obtain a homogeneous distribution of flakes on a substrate, which is suitable for image analysis. A certain level of inhomogeneity was still found but could be accepted for the purpose of this lateral size measurement study. A measurement procedure for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) including sample preparation, measurement, image analysis and reporting was developed and validated to be applied for the lateral size analysis of ‘real-world’ 2D flakes. Samples were produced for analysis by drop casting GO dispersions onto Si/SiO2 substrates. After SEM imaging, the images were analysed using two approaches to derive size and shape parameters. The influence of different operators has been evaluated. A maximum difference of 10% for the size descriptor and 2% for shape descriptor was found for both image analysis approaches when different samples of the same source material are measured and analysed by the same operator, hence indicating variability caused by sample preparation and analysing different sample areas. When different laboratories/operators perform the image analysis on exactly the same images and same flakes, the deviation found for the size descriptor is 2% and 4.6% corresponding to the two approaches applied, while no difference in the shape descriptor is observed.
Primes in Arithmetic Progressions to Large Moduli I: Fixed Residue Classes
Authors: Maynard James
Published: January 2025

We prove new mean value theorems for primes in arithmetic progressions to moduli larger than

x

1

/

2

x^{1/2}

. Our main result shows that the primes are equidistributed for a fixed residue class over all moduli of size

x

1

/

2
+
δ

x^{1/2+\delta }

with a ‘convenient sized’ factor. As a consequence, the expected asymptotic holds for all but

O
(
δ
Q
)

O(\delta Q)

moduli

q
∼
Q
=

x

1

/

2
+
δ

q\sim Q=x^{1/2+\delta }

and we get results for moduli as large as

x

11

/

21

x^{11/21}

.

Our proof extends previous techniques of Bombieri, Fouvry, Friedlander and Iwaniec by incorporating new ideas inspired by amplification methods. We combine these with techniques of Zhang and Polymath tailored to our application. In particular, we ultimately rely on exponential sum bounds coming from the spectral theory of automorphic forms (the Kuznetsov trace formula) or from algebraic geometry (Weil and Deligne style estimates).
Ross and the Ethics of Virtue
Authors: Szutta Natasza , Szutta Artur
Published: January 2025

The chapter examines the compatibility of W. D. Ross’s ethical theory with virtue ethics. While Ross is traditionally viewed as a deontologist, we argue that some aspects of his theory align with virtue ethics. We define key characteristics of virtue ethics, including the centrality of virtue, focus on moral agents, and an anti-theoretical approach, and then assess Ross’s ethics against these criteria. We elaborate on the importance of the category of virtue in Ross’s ethics, his views on moral reasoning, and the role of the moral agent, ultimately arguing for Ross’s significant vicinity to virtue ethics. We also suggest that Ross’s concept of prima facie duties and his moderate deontological approach could be valuable for developing virtue ethics, positing Ross as a bridge between deontological and virtue ethics.