bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On‐Demand Indistinguishable and Entangled Photons Using Tailored Cavity Designs
Authors: Bauch David , Siebert Dustin , Jöns Klaus D. , Förstner Jens , Schumacher Stefan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe biexciton‐exciton emission cascade commonly used in quantum‐dot systems to generate polarization entanglement yields photons with intrinsically limited indistinguishability. In the present work, it focuses on the generation of pairs of photons with high degrees of polarization entanglement and simultaneously high indistinguishability. It achieves this goal by selectively reducing the biexciton lifetime with an optical resonator. It demonstrates that a suitably tailored circular Bragg reflector fulfills the requirements of sufficient selective Purcell enhancement of biexciton emission paired with spectrally broad photon extraction and twofold degenerate optical modes. The in‐depth theoretical study combines (i) the optimization of realistic photonic structures solving Maxwell's equations from which model parameters are extracted as input for (ii) microscopic simulations of quantum‐dot cavity excitation dynamics with full access to photon properties. It reports non‐trivial dependencies on system parameters and use the predictive power of the combined theoretical approach to determine the optimal range of Purcell enhancement that maximizes indistinguishability and entanglement to near unity values, here specifically for the telecom C‐band at 1550 nm.
Substitutional Cd Dopant as Photohole Transfer Mediator Boosting Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion of 2D Cd‐ZnIn2S4 Photoanode
Authors: Pan Feng , Long Liyuan , Li Zhenyu , Yan Shiming , Wang Lei , Lv Gangyang , Zhang Junjun , Chen Jiahui , Liang, Guijie , Wang, Dunhui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFast recombination dynamics of photocarriers competing with sluggish surface photohole oxidation kinetics severely restricts the photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion efficiency of photoanode. Here, a defect engineering strategy is developed to regulate photohole transfer and interfacial injection dynamics of 2D ZnIn2S4 (ZIS). Via selectively introducing substitutional Cd dopant at Zn sites of the ZIS basal plane, energy band structure and surface electrochemical activity are successfully modulated in the Cd‐doped ZIS (Cd‐ZIS) nanosheet array photoanode. Comprehensive characterizations manifest that a shallow acceptor level induced by Cd doping and superior electrochemical activity make surface Cd dopants simultaneously act as capture centers and active sites to mediate photohole dynamics at the reaction interface. In depth photocarrier dynamics analysis demonstrates that highly efficient photohole capture of Cd dopants brings about effective space separation of photocarriers and acceleration of surface reaction kinetics. Therefore, the optimum 2D Cd‐ZIS achieves excellent PEC solar energy conversion efficiency with a photocurrent density of 5.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE and a record of applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) of 3.0%. This work sheds light on a microstructure design strategy to effectively regulate photohole dynamics for the next‐generation semiconducting PEC photoanodes.
On the initial singularity and extendibility of flat quasi-de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Geshnizjani Ghazal , Ling Eric , Quintin Jerome 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inflationary spacetimes have been argued to be past geodesically incomplete in many situations. However, whether the geodesic incompleteness implies the existence of an initial spacetime curvature singularity or whether the spacetime may be extended (potentially into another phase of the universe) is generally unknown. Both questions have important physical implications. In this paper, we take a closer look at the geometrical structure of inflationary spacetimes and investigate these very questions. We first classify which past inflationary histories have a scalar curvature singularity and which might be extendible and/or non-singular in homogeneous and isotropic cosmology with flat spatial sections. Then, we derive rigorous extendibility criteria of various regularity classes for quasi-de Sitter spacetimes that evolve from infinite proper time in the past. Finally, we show that beyond homogeneity and isotropy, special continuous extensions respecting the Einstein field equations with a perfect fluid must have the equation of state of a de Sitter universe asymptotically. An interpretation of our results is that past-eternal inflationary scenarios are most likely physically singular, except in situations with very special initial conditions.
Diterpenes and triterpenes show potential as biocides against pathogenic fungi and oomycetes: a screening study
Authors: Adamczyk Sylwia , Latvala Satu , Poimala Anna , Adamczyk Bartosz , Hytönen Tuija , Pennanen Taina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The aim was to screen di- and triterpenes as potential biocides against fungal pathogens (Alternaria sp., Fusarium avenaceum, F. sambucinum, Botrytis cinerea, Botryotina fuckeliana, Mycocentrospora acerina, Cylindrocarpon sp.) and oomycetes (Phytophthora cactorum, P. fragariae). Results We measured the antifungal activity of terpenes by estimating the growth area, ergosterol content and level of lipid peroxidation. Fungi and oomycetes were grown on solid media in Petri dishes. As a positive control, we used a common synthetic fungicide, fosetyl-Al. Di- and triterpenes showed promising potential as biocides against most of the studied species. The responses of fungi and oomycetes were dependent on the specific type of terpenes and identity of the fungi. Compared to synthetic fungicide, terpenes were equally effective as antifungal agents and even more effective for some species, especially for oomycetes. The terpene mode of action includes inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and increased lipid peroxidation. Conclusions Di- and triterpenes, natural compounds that are very abundant in northern countries, are excellent candidates for biocides.
Learning to select SAT encodings for pseudo-Boolean and linear integer constraints
Authors: Ulrich-Oltean Felix , Nightingale Peter , Walker James Alfred 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMany constraint satisfaction and optimisation problems can be solved effectively by encoding them as instances of the Boolean Satisfiability problem (SAT). However, even the simplest types of constraints have many encodings in the literature with widely varying performance, and the problem of selecting suitable encodings for a given problem instance is not trivial. We explore the problem of selecting encodings for pseudo-Boolean and linear constraints using a supervised machine learning approach. We show that it is possible to select encodings effectively using a standard set of features for constraint problems; however we obtain better performance with a new set of features specifically designed for the pseudo-Boolean and linear constraints. In fact, we achieve good results when selecting encodings for unseen problem classes. Our results compare favourably to AutoFolio when using the same feature set. We discuss the relative importance of instance features to the task of selecting the best encodings, and compare several variations of the machine learning method.
Landfill site selection using MCDM methods and GIS in the central part of the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Armanuos Asaad M. , Elgaafary Khaled A. , Gado Tamer A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOne of the most prevalent and serious issues afflicting developing countries is the lack of adequate space for waste disposal. Al-Gharbia Governorate, located in the middle of the Nile Delta in Egypt, suffers from random selection of sites for solid waste disposal, resulting in significant environmental challenges. The aim of this study is to determine optimal landfill locations within Al-Gharbia Governorate and validate the existing landfill sites. Four techniques of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) were applied to generate suitability maps for the Governorate: the analytical hierarchy procedure (AHP), ratio scale weighting (RSW), straight rank sum (SRS), and Boolean method. Eleven effective criteria were considered: groundwater, surface water, elevation, slope, soils, land use, roads, railways, urban areas, villages, and power lines. The suitability maps were categorized into four different classes: suitable, moderately suitable, low suitable, and unsuitable. The latest suitability map was determined by combining the results from the different methods, providing decision-makers with the means to select the optimal landfill site. The suitable zone encompasses a small area (3%), predominantly located in the northeast region (Al-Mahalla), central region (Tanta), and northern region (Kotour). Conversely, the unsuitable area covers a substantial portion (72.7%) due to the agricultural nature of the governorate, high population density, and elevated groundwater levels. Furthermore, all existing landfill sites fall within unsuitable or low suitable areas, inflicting severe impacts on the nearby environment, public health, and groundwater integrity.
Understanding the relationship between poverty, environmental degradation, and power dynamics: a qualitative study in Northern Ghana
Authors: Nachibi Stephen Uwumbordo , Morgan Anthony Kwame 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the connection between poverty, power dynamics and environmental degradation, focusing on the specific context of Northern Ghana. Within the remits of environmental degradation, agriculture has long been acknowledged as a significant contributor to the depletion of environmental resources, although, recent discussions have highlighted the differential impact of poor and rich farmers. Employing a qualitative approach and utilizing multistage sampling techniques, this research delves into how poverty or wealth influences deforestation and water pollution, as well as the persistent narratives surrounding the primary drivers of environmental degradation. Qualitative data were gathered from 35 participants through semi-structured interviews. The interviews lasted between 45 min and 1 h. The data were analyzed thematically to explore the relationships between poverty, environmental degradation, and power dynamics in agricultural practices. The findings reveal that both poor and rich farmers contribute to deforestation, with rich farmers playing a substantial role in the expansion of farming activities. Additionally, the study uncovers that water pollution is predominantly caused by wealthier farmers, through the spillover of agrochemicals. Significantly, the study highlights the exclusion of the poor from poverty-environment studies and their limited power and influence as crucial factors that perpetuate the prevailing poverty-resource-depletion narrative. This study emphasizes the need to contextualize the poverty-environmental degradation nexus, recognizing it as a result of power dynamics and political agendas. The implications of these findings extend to policy formulation, underscoring the necessity of addressing underlying discourses of power for sustainable environmental management.
Flow event size influences carbon, nutrient and zooplankton dynamics in a highly regulated lowland river
Authors: Balzer M. J. , Hitchcock J. N. , Kobayashi T. , Westhorpe D. P. , Boys C. , Mitrovic S. M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRiver regulation and water extraction has significantly altered flow regimes and reduced flood events in many inland river systems. Environmental flows have been adopted in many systems to mitigate the ecological impacts of river regulation, however a lack of knowledge regarding the interrelationship between flow regimes, carbon transport and instream productivity make prioritising water management difficult. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on the Namoi River in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia, monitoring changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nutrient dynamics and planktonic food web structure during a period of variable flows. Nutrient and DOC concentrations were positively correlated with river discharge and zooplankton concentrations were highest post flow events. Planktonic chlorophyll-a, increased DOC concentration and higher discharge were the most influential drivers of change in zooplankton communities. Further, our results indicated that flow events increased production through both heterotrophic and autotrophic pathways, significantly boosting zooplankton concentration compared to base flow conditions across all measured flow events. We suggest even small in-channel flow events can be important for increasing basal and zooplankton production in rivers, and therefore should be protected or promoted by environmental flow management, particularly during drought conditions.
Cu(In,Ga)Se$$_2$$-based solar cells for space applications: proton irradiation and annealing recovery
Authors: Candeias Maria B. , Fernandes Tiago V. , Falcão Bruno P. , Cunha António F. , Cunha José M. V. , Barbosa João , Teixeira Jennifer P. , Fernandes Paulo A. , Peres Marco , Lorenz Katharina , Salomé Pedro M. P. , Leitão Joaquim P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this work, we present an experimental study of a Cu(In,Ga)Se$$_2$$

2

(CIGS)-based solar cell (SC), irradiated with protons of energy 80 and 180 keV and with fluences of $$10^{12}$$

10
12

, $$10^{13}$$

10
13

, and $$10^{14}$$

10
14

cm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

, as well as a strategy to recover the induced damage. The possible modifications of the structural, electrical, and optical properties, induced by the proton irradiation, were investigated. Although the irradiation did not promote any major modification in the crystalline structure, it did induce the creation of defects responsible for changes in the electronic structure which caused a partial PL quenching and significant changes in the PL spectral shape, as well as a reduction of the power conversion efficiency and open-circuit voltage of up to 30% as revealed by J–V measurements. The photoluminescence results showed a broadening, redshift and decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. The recovery of damage induced by irradiation in several SCs was tested through annealing steps performed at different temperatures and time intervals. It was found that the best recovery strategy for the investigated irradiation parameters was carrying out several isothermal annealing at 200 °C for 30 min. This strategy is compatible with the intermittent variation of the temperature in space and allowed to recover a power conversion efficiency comparable to that of the as grown cell. In particular, it must be highlighted that keeping the SC at room temperature in ambient atmosphere and in the dark, did not promote significant recovery in contradiction with some previous reports. This recovery methodology was applied in parallel for non-irradiated SCs and no increase in power conversion efficiency was found, but rather a slight decrease. The dominant radiative recombination channel was, apparently, unchanged with the irradiation and the subsequent recovery process. Nonetheless, changes in the concentration of defects of different types cannot be excluded, which is in line with a significant influence of fluctuating potentials in both as grown and after recovery stages of the solar cell. This work constitutes a first systematic study that simultaneously encompasses the influence of proton irradiation on the optical and electrical properties of CIGS SCs and a damage recovery methodology with a high potential to be explored in space applications. Additionally, it contributes to reinforcing the high potential of CIGS technology in the context of creating constellations of small satellites that are being developed by different entities, particularly private ones.
They Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel: Implementing Harm Reduction in the Perinatal Setting
Authors: Puccio Joelle 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHarm reduction is a framework built upon respect for people who use drugs. Pregnancy is a priceless window of opportunity for positive change, when parents are driven to improve their health and well-being for their future child, and harm reduction can provide direction for this motivation. Perinatal harm reduction can include goals of abstinence, decreased use, safer use, or a goal unrelated to substance use, such as obtaining housing or employment. We engage in harm reduction, not only by promoting beneficial practices, but by eliminating harmful ones. Despite the science, effective program models, and overwhelming agreement that substance use disorder is a health condition and not deviant behavior, harm reduction programs for pregnant and parenting people are rare, and punitive treatment is the norm. To achieve equitable treatment for people with perinatal substance use disorder and protect the parent-infant dyad, we must stop harmful practices, respect the autonomy of people who use drugs, and address substance use disorders while increasing access to the social determinants of health.
Breast cancer risk is associated with the HULC rs7763881, MTMR3 rs12537 polymorphisms, and serum levels of HULC and MTMR3 in Egyptian patients
Authors: Elhelaly Mona , Shaker Olfat G. , Ayeldeen Ghada , Elsergany Alyaa R. , Mostafa Nora 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) is one of the LncRNAs that was documented to enhance cancer progression, and its downregulation is associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Myotubularin-related protein 3 (MTMR3) is required for autophagy, and many studies consider MTMR3 to be a negative regulator of autophagy processes. However, nothing is understood about how they regulate breast cancer.

Material and methods
This case–control study included 245 patients (Group A: 85 early BC Group B: 40 metastatic BC cases, Group C: 40 fibroadenoma cases; and Group D: 80 age matched healthy control subjects. TaqMan Real-time PCR was used to analyse rs7158663 and rs12537. MTMR3 and HULC gene expression levels were measured using RT-PCR.

Result
Breast cancer patients exhibited elevated serum MTMR3 and HULC compared to fibroadenomas and control cases. The MTMR3 rs12537 “T/T” genotype was highly expressed in cases of breast cancer (early and metastatic) compared to controls (risk genotype). On the other hand, the HULC rs7158663 genotypes were not statistically associated with breast cancer. However, when compared to the control, the C/C genotype of the HULC gene is higher in the case.MTMR3 gene expression was higher in the T/T genotype compared to both the C/C and C/T genotypes, while HULC gene expression was lower in the A/C genotype compared to both the A/A and C/C genotypes. Positive correlation between MTMR3 and HULC. MTMR3 and ALT, as well as HULC and alkaline phosphatase, both showed a statistically significant positive correlation.

Conclusion
Our findings reveal that MTMR3 and HULC serum expression and their SNPs (HULC rs7763881, MTMR3 rs12537) are associated with a higher risk for the development of breast cancer in the Egyptian population.
Ionisation nanoparticle detector based on modified smoke detector to measure neutralised and non-neutralised aerosol concentrations
Authors: Okołowicz Adrian , Jankowski Tomasz 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInnovation in nanotechnology should be accompanied by advances in the monitoring of nanomaterials, especially the concentration of nanoparticles in the air, because of the risk to human health that their use may pose. Current solutions for determining nanoparticle concentrations are mainly used in research laboratories. Firstly, purchase and secondly conservation, maintenance and servicing of these devices are high costs that companies cannot afford on a larger scale. There is therefore a growing demand for monitoring devices suitable for larger-scale use. The aim of the research was to verify the proposed detector’s suitability as a stand-alone measuring device for the determination of the nanoparticles’ number concentration. An electronic circuit has been developed that is responsible for reading the measured voltage, the necessary conversions and controlling the operation of the detector. A simple menu was developed for the user to configure basic measurement options. Detector tests were done in two stages: with and without aerosol neutralisation. They indicate that the ionisation nanoparticle detector measurements strongly correlate with those obtained with the reference device (r > 0.90 and r > 0.85, respectively). Statistical analysis confirmed the capability of the investigated ionisation nanoparticle detector to estimate the number concentration of nanoparticles (strong correlations) by following concentration changes (non-normal distribution of measured voltage, Shapiro-Wilk test, p < 0.05 for both stages). However, the aerosol neutralisation affected the measurement data obtained from this device (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 4.519 × 10−7), while the reference device did not (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 7.182 × 10−2).
Mass estimation of a simple hydraulic crane using discrete extended Kalman filter and inverse dynamics for online identification
Authors: Pyrhönen Lauri , Jaiswal Suraj , Mikkola Aki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAutomatization of hydraulic machinery requires accurate information of the current dynamic state of the machinery but also information of the underlying dynamic model characterized by a set of parameters. Some of the parameters can be considered static and well defined, such as machinery dimensions, whereas a part of the parameter set is time varying and needs to be identified based on observations. Particularly, difficult parameters to estimate are the ones, from which no prior knowledge is available. Consequently, the parameter corrections cannot be assumed to be small, which is commonly required for the existing parameter estimation algorithms. This study creates an online capable identification algorithm for estimation of a load mass operated by a hydraulic crane. In the case of load mass estimation, the unknown parameter can be practically any positive value, which implies the parameter corrections to be large. In this study, the estimation problem is divided in two parts: First, the dynamical states of the system are estimated based on the system kinematic relationships and dynamics of the hydraulic circuit. Secondly, the unknown load mass is estimated based on the known hydraulic forces and kinematics using the inverse dynamics of the mechanical structure. The proposed algorithm is tested with both artificially created measurements and with an experimental setup. The results show that both the kinematics of the structure and hydraulic pressures can be accurately estimated using the proposed method. Moreover, the method can be used to further estimate the payload mass. A drawback related to inverse dynamics is that it produces biased estimates in static equilibrium because of the discontinuous nature of static friction force. However, this drawback can be avoided, in part, by not updating the payload estimate in the low-velocity region. The proposed estimation methodology is capable for online identification, and as such, it can be used to adapt the control laws of automated machinery. Moreover, the methodology can be useful to record and document the amount of payload being handled during a work cycle.