State Boundaries Research Articles

Charge stability diagram of serial triple quantum dots

<sec>Serial triple quantum dot (STQD) systems have received extensive attention in the past decade, not only because quantum dot scaling up is an indispensable ingredient for integrations, but also due to the fact that specific charge states of STQD can be employed to achieve fast full-electrical manipulation of spin qubits. For the latter, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between neighboring charge occupancy states of STQD is essential for three-electron exchange-only spin qubit-based quantum computations. Charge stability diagram is usually employed to map out the charge occupation states about the plunger gate voltages of STQDs and to study the degeneracy among charge occupation states. Experimentally, two- rather than three-dimensional charge stability diagram was obtained in a lot of early studies by keeping one of plunger gates unchanged to reduce complexity. The obtained two-dimensional diagram can only provide limited information and is subject to blurred boundary of charge occupation states due to the low tunneling current and the energy level broading effects. It is, therefore, challenge to searching for the working points where quantum manipulation can be performed promptly and accurately.</sec><sec>In principle, three-dimensional charge occupation stability diagram can be efficiently constructed by numerical simulations based on constant interaction (CI) model. In this study, we calculate the electrochemical potential of STQD about three plunger gate voltages by using the CI model-based capacitance network to reproduce any desired two-dimensional charge stability diagram. The simulated diagram not only well accords with the diagrams obtained from the early experimental data of STQD, but also provides high clarity of the charge state boundaries with tunable parameters. The systematical study of two-dimensional charge stability diagram reviews the energy degeneracy triple and quadruple points of STQD charge occupation states and concludes the energy degeneracy points in three types to compare with experimental data. For each of the energy degeneracy points, we discuss both the electron and hole transport by using the electrochemical potential alignment schematics. We reveal the common and unique triple points of STQD in comparison with those of double quantum dot. The quadruple points of STQD are also addressed in the manipulation of quantum cellular automata and quantum logical gate. The comprehensive understanding of these energy degeneracy points can efficiently guide experiments to build an optimal working point of the STQD system for quantum computations and simulations.</sec>

Numerical analysis of the effect of attack angle on the boundary layer flow along an archery bare shaft arrow

The velocity boundary layer, formed on an archery bare-shaft arrow, is computed by using two kinds of finite difference codes; an axisymmetric code and a three-dimensional code. Two types of arrow point, i.e., bullet point and streamlined point, are attached to a cylindrical arrow shaft. The Reynolds number, based on the shaft diameter, is varied in a range 10, 000 ≤ Re ≤ 20, 000, and the attack angle, α, is fixed at α = 0.0°. Critical assessment is performed on the grid dependency of velocity profiles, the difference in velocity profiles between axisymmetric and 3D computations, the effect of interpolation method on the interpolants by comparing the spline and the tri(bi)-cubic interpolations. The results of assessment indicates that the effect of varying the number of grid points, simulation codes and the interpolation method, considered in the present study, is reasonably small for the steady state boundary layers.

Affine Arithmetic-Based Reliable Estimation of Transition State Boundaries for Uncertain Markov Chains

Markov Chain-based models have been extensively used in numerous power system applications, ranging from decision support systems, to reliability and resilience analysis. The state transition probabilities, which determine the overall model dynamics, have been traditionally described by deterministic values. This common assumption might not be suitable for analyzing modern power systems, where large number of complex and correlated uncertainties could significantly affect the correct evaluation and estimation of both model parameters and model outputs. In addressing that problem, this paper advocates the role of affine arithmetic, by proposing a reliable framework for Markov Chain transient analysis in the presence of data uncertainties. The main idea is to represent the uncertainties in state transition probabilities through affine forms, which then allow to apply affine arithmetic-based operators and to identify the corresponding transient state probabilities. Two case studies are presented and discussed, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in practical power system problems and applications.

HVAC CFD Analysis of Air Flow and Temperature Distribution Inside Passenger Compartment

The thermal environment and air quality in a passenger car can affect driver's and passengers' health, performance and comfort. Due to spatial and temporal variation of state variables and boundary conditions in the vehicle cabin, the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) does not have to be designed to provide a uniform environment. This are due to individual differences regarding to physiological and psychological response, clothing insulation, activity, air temperature and air movement preference. Experimental study in vehicle HVAC system can be very costly to be conducted. In order to analyze the air flow and temperature distribution in passengers compartment, a numerical simulation was used in this study to analyze the air flow and temperature distribution of HVAC unit inside Proton Exora passengers compartment, with the air blower speed and air temperature used as parameter, to evaluate the airflow behavior and temperature distribution in the compartment. The simulation data obtained is then compared to the experimental data, showing good agreement between these two methods.

Negotiating hegemonies in language policy: ideological synergies in media recontextualizations of audit culture

ABSTRACT One of the products of globalization in sociolinguistics is the emergence of transnational regimes in language policy, in which power is exercised across boundaries of traditional nation states. This paper engages with audit culture, a transnational policy mechanism which involves the continuous evaluation of nation states’ performance through the use of purportedly neutral, typically quantitative instruments. As achieving broader visibility in public discourse is a key part of how such evaluations enforce language policy regimes, the paper presents an analysis of how an audit instrument, the Education First English Proficiency Index, was recontextualized in media discourse in Thailand over a 6-year period. The findings highlight an apparent discontinuity, as much of the neoliberal rhetoric in the audit instrument was not taken up in Thai media. Rather, the recontextualization was selective, with elements of the audit texts being integrated into an already established language policy regime in Thailand, built on nationalism and developmentalism. These findings point to the need to consider how language policy mechanisms like audit culture can facilitate synergies between hegemonic ideologies, particularly when they are recontextualized across different scales.

Poplar box woodlands of Eastern Australia: an assessment of a threatened ecological community within the IVC framework

Aims: Ecosystems nationally at risk in Australia are listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC Act), and many cross State jurisdictional boundaries. The determination of these ecosystems across the State boundaries are based on expert knowledge. The International Vegetation Classification has the potential to be useful as a cross-jurisdictional hierarchy which also gives global perspective to ecosystems. Study Area: All bioregions that include Eucalyptus populnea as a dominant or major component of woodlands across the species known distribution. Methods: We use plot-based data (455 plots) from two states (Queensland and New South Wales) in eastern Australia and quantitative classification methods to assess the definition and description for the Poplar Box Woodland ecosystem type (hereafter “ecological community” or “community”) that is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act. Analyses were conducted using kR-CLUSTER methods to generate alliances. Within these alliances, analyses were undertaken to define associations using agglomerative hierarchical clustering and similarity profile testing (SIMPROF). We then explore how assigning this community into the IVC hierarchy may provide a mechanism for linking Australian communities, defined at the association and alliance levels, to international communities at risk. Results: We define three alliances and 23 associations based on the results of floristic analysis. Using the standard rule-set of the IVC system, we found that the IVC hierarchy was a useful instrument in correlating ecological communities across jurisdictional boundaries where different classification systems are used. It is potentially important in giving a broader understanding of communities that may be at risk continentally and globally. Conclusions: We conclude that the IVC hierarchy can incorporate Australian communities at the association level into useful units at higher levels, and provides a useful classification tool for Australian ecosystems. Taxonomic reference: PlantNET (http://plantnet/10rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/) [accessed June 2019]. Abbreviations: EPBC Act = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; NSW = New South Wales; PCT = Plant Community Type; QLD = Queensland; RE = Regional Vegetation Community; SIMPER = similarity percentage analysis; SIMPROF = Similarity profile analysis.

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) - Bayesian Probability Framework (BPF) based method of dynamic force reconstruction under multi-source uncertainties

In view of the universal existence of multi-source uncertainty factors in engineering structures, a novel method of dynamic force reconstruction is investigated based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Bayesian probability framework (BPF). The deterministic force reconstruction is first solved by the back propagation (BP) ANN, in which the mapping relationship of external forces and displacement responses can be readily obtained through reiterative supervised learning rather than fussy formula deduction. The interval-set model is adopted to characterize uncertain variables and the most potential points in the interval domain (determine the boundaries of dynamic forces) are selected adaptively utilizing the BPF approach. Different from traditional uncertainty propagation methods, the present BPF strategy will construct a surrogate model of uncertain forces using the Bayesian theorem combined with two acquisition functions. The usage of the ANN-BPF based method is demonstrated with three numerical examples: a cantilever beam, a stiffened plate and a missile structure, in which some negative issues related to stiffness degradation, noise jamming and complicated boundary constraints, are discussed as well. In addition, some auxiliary indices are defined to evaluate the effects of reconstructed nominal forces and force boundaries of transient states and overall processes, like peak relative error (PRE), normalized mean squared error (NMSE), mean uncertain level (MUL), etc. The results indicate that the identified curves are all consistent with the real dynamic forces both in magnitude and regularity aspects, and the quantized data obtained by deterministic cases and uncertain cases is measured in reasonable ranges for engineering applications.

ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIALS OF TWO FRESHWATER HETEROCYSTOUS CYANOBACTERIA WESTIELLOPSIS PROLIFICA AND NOSTOCHOPSIS LOBATUS COLLECTED FROM SIMILIPAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ODISHA, INDIA

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve, an unique ecosystem in the eastern part of India, occupy the northern boundary of Odisha state, lies between 21°28´ to 22°08´ North latitude and 86°04´ to 86°37´ East longitude, covering a vast area of 5578 sq. km in the district of Mayurbhanj. Westiellopsis prolifica and Nostochopsis lobatus, are a group of heterocystous, true branched, filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to the order Stigonematales, rarely found in the aquatic bodies of this region in the state of Odisha. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to evaluate the antimicrobial potentials of Westiellopsis prolifica and Nostochopsis lobatus collected from flowing streams of Similipal Biosphere Reserve. The organisms were cultured in nitrogen free BG-11 medium and raised to axenic state. Crude metabolites were extracted from cultured test organisms in late log phase using organic solvents of different polarity viz. methanol and chloroform. The metabolites were tested against some clinically significant microorganisms including bacteria and fungi using agar cup diffusion method and the results of antimicrobial activity of cyanobacteria are summarized. The findings revealed that pattern of inhibition varied with respect to the cyanobacterial strains used, nature of solvent extracts and the pathogenic microorganisms tested. Westiellopsis prolifica was found to be more potent that inhibit all the pathogenic bacteria and fungi both in methanol and chloroform extract. This study illustrates that heterocystous cyanobacteria from freshwater bodies could be a potent source of antimicrobial agents and further characterization of active metabolites and evaluation of their pharmacological potentials are also needed.

The Utility of a Novel Definition of Health Care Regions in the United States in the Era of COVID-19: A Validation of the Pittsburgh Atlas Using Pneumonia Admissions

Study objectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has underscored the need to understand health care in a regional context. However, there are multiple definitions of health care regions available for conducting geospatial analyses. In this study, we compare the novel Pittsburgh Atlas, which defined regions for emergency care, with the existing definitions of regions, counties, and the Dartmouth Atlas, with respect to nonemergent acute medical conditions using pneumonia admissions.MethodsWe identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia or a primary admitting diagnosis of sepsis with a secondary diagnosis of pneumonia in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s State Inpatient Databases. We calculated the percentage of region concordant care, the localization index, and market share for 3 definitions of health care regions (the Pittsburgh Atlas, Dartmouth Atlas, and counties). We used logistic regression identified predictors of region concordant care.ResultsWe identified 1,582,287 patients who met the inclusion criteria. We found that the Pittsburgh Atlas and Dartmouth Atlas definitions of regions performed similarly with respect to both localization index (92.0 [interquartile range 87.9 to 95.7] versus 90.3 [interquartile range 81.4 to 94.5]) and market share (8.5 [interquartile range 5.1 to 13.6] versus 9.4 [interquartile range 6.7 to 14.1]). Both atlases outperformed the localization index (67.5 [interquartile range 49.9 to 83.9]) and market share (20.0% [interquartile range 11.4 to 31.4]) of the counties. Within a given referral region, the demographic factors, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and the level of severity, affected concordance rates between residential and hospital regions.ConclusionBecause the Pittsburgh Atlas also has the benefit of respecting state and county boundaries, the use of this definition may have improved policy applicability without sacrificing accuracy in defining health care regions for acute medical conditions.

Effects of land dispossession and forced migration on Indigenous peoples in North America.

What are the full extent and long-term effects of land dispossession and forced migration for Indigenous peoples in North America? We leveraged a new dataset of Indigenous land dispossession and forced migration to statistically compare features of historical tribal lands to present-day tribal lands at the aggregate and individual tribe level. Results show a near-total aggregate reduction of Indigenous land density and spread. Indigenous peoples were forced to lands that are more exposed to climate change risks and hazards and are less likely to lie over valuable subsurface oil and gas resources. Agricultural suitability and federal land proximity results—which affect Indigenous movements, management, and traditional uses—are mixed. These findings have substantial policy implications related to heightened climate vulnerability, extensive land reduction, and diminished land value.

Effect of Surface Ionic Screening on Polarization Reversal and Phase Diagrams in Thin Antiferroelectric Films for Information and Energy Storage

Emergent behaviors in antiferroelectric thin films due to a coupling between surface electrochemistry and intrinsic polar instabilities are explored within the framework of the modified 2-4-6 Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) thermodynamic approach. By using phenomenological parameters of the LGD potential for a bulk antiferroelectric and a Stephenson-Highland (SH) approach, we study the role of surface ions with a charge density proportional to the relative partial oxygen pressure on the dipole states and their reversal mechanisms in antiferroelectric thin films. The combined LGDSH approach allows the boundaries of antiferroelectric, ferroelectriclike antiferroionic, and electretlike paraelectric states as a function of temperature, oxygen pressure, surface-ion formation energy and concentration, and film thickness to be delineated. This approach also allows the characterization of the polar and antipolar orderings dependence on the voltage applied to the antiferroelectric film, as well as the analysis of their static and dynamic hysteresis loops. The applications of the antiferroelectric films covered with a surface-ion layer for energy and information storage are explored and discussed.

INTEGRATED ALGORITHM FOR COMPILINGAND ASSESSMENT OF DIRECT ROUTES RESTRICTIONS IN FREE ROUTE AIRSPACE OF UKRAINE

The article describes the principles of acceptability assignment for direct routes restrictions in free route airspace of Ukraine for publication in Route Availability Document and further use by the Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System of Eurocontrol. The algorithms of correct generation of direct routes restrictions for the selected issues in a horizontal and vertical plane were proposed. As a main decision criteriafor these algorithms were chosen the shortest distance to the state boundary (in a horizontal plane) and space attitude (location) of aircraft (in avertical plane).

Sensitivity to external optical feedback of circular-side hexagonal resonator microcavity laser* *Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2019YFB1803500), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61705160, 61961136002, 61822509, and 61875147), the “1331 Project” Key Innovative Research Team of Shanxi Province, China, and the National Defense Basic Scientific Research Project (Grant

The sensitivity to fault reflection is very important for larger dynamic range in fiber fault detection technique. Using time delay signature (TDS) of chaotic laser formed by optical feedback can solve the sensitivity limitation of photodetector in fiber fault detection. The TDS corresponds to the feedback position and the fault reflection can be detected by the laser diode. The sensitivity to feedback level of circular-side hexagonal resonator (CSHR) microcavity laser is numerically simulated and the feedback level boundaries of each output dynamic state are demonstrated. The peak level of TDS is utilized to analyze the sensitivity. The demonstration is presented in two aspects: the minimum feedback level when the TDS emerges and the variation degree of TDS level on feedback level changing. The results show that the CSHR microcavity laser can respond to the feedback level of 0.07%, corresponding to -63-dB feedback strength. Compared to conventional distributed feedback laser, the sensitivity improves almost 20 dB due to the shorter internal cavity length of CSHR microcavity laser. Moreover, 1% feedback level changing will induce 1.001 variation on TDS level, and this variation degree can be influenced by other critical internal parameters (active region side length, damping rate, and linewidth enhancement factor).

A Computational Analysis of Heat Transfer in an Air-Cooled Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell for Unsteady Flow Conditions Using a Reynolds Stress Turbulence Model

Within telecom applications, the air-cooled fuel cell, as a backup power system, has recently been gaining popularity. These fuel cells are cost effective, simple, and additionally they do not require a secondary coolant loop. However, since airflow is used as coolant, the heat generated by the fuel cell limits the current density and thus the power density. A turbulence inducing grid is placed in front of the cathode channel to make the airflow turbulent and hence increase the convective cooling effect from the air. The turbulence inducing grid is placed 2.5mm from the cathode channel since previous studies have shown this distance to be most effective.In this study, a three dimensional CFD analysis on the effect of a transient boundary conditions on the cooling effect of the turbulence grid has been conducted. Special emphasis has been on using the comprehensive Reynolds Stress Model as turbulence model. Additional analysis has been made on the cooling effect of pulsating flow with a period of 10 seconds excluding the turbulence inducing grid. At an electrode heat flux of 2600 W/m2, the results indicate that the convective cooling effect increases when using transient boundary conditions compared to steady state boundary conditions. Furthermore, results show that the start-up time is seven minutes, and the time-averaged peak temperature in the transient case is two degrees Celsius below the peak temperature of the steady state case. The CFD analysis show an additional cooling effect due to accelerated-decelerated flow conditions. Figure 1

Structure-property relationships and state behavior of alkali-activated aluminosilicate gels

Structure-property relationships of alkali-activated aluminosilicate gels are studied using rheology, neutron scattering, solid-state NMR, and TEM to develop a pseudo-ternary state diagram. Empirical gel states are classified by the rheological behavior (sol-gel transition and scaling of storage modulus with aluminum concentration). The state boundaries are compared to alkali-activated materials from the literature including denser binders. This work focuses on two compositions of dilute gels, formulated to specifically quantify the effects of pH and aluminum concentration on gel microstructure and rheology. Gels formulated at constant pH of 12.5 show a change in morphology and silicon coordination, but consistent mass fractal dimension as aluminum concentration is increased. This microstructural behavior contrasts the characterization of gels previously formulated with a variable pH (range 3–11) which is dependent on aluminum concentration. These results inform the complicated interactions in the polycondensation reaction of alkali-activated binders and lead to a state diagram which unifies many structure-property observations reported for these materials.

Divergence of Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Slovenians on the Edge of the Mediterranean as a Result of Historical, Geographical and Cultural Drivers.

State boundaries limit human contacts in a homogenous context of a landscape and its natural features, including plants. After nine centuries of separation, finally the two territories in Slovenia share the same political history. In this paper we tried to answer the question to which extent the past political borders, geographical and cultural drivers affect today’s traditional knowledge on wild plants use of Slovenians, living unified in the same political entity. Data were collected using 60 in-depth semi-structured interviews, from March to August 2019, in two municipalities: Komen at Karst and Izola in Istria concerning food, medicinal, economic use, and local customs. The results indicate a quite large divergence in ethnobotanical and ecological knowledge between the two studied areas. In the Komen area, many people still use wild plants daily for various purposes (Taraxacum officinale, Melissa officinalis, Urtica dioica, Cornus mas, and Sambucus nigra). In contrast, this is limited to fewer people in the Izola area and mainly to seasonal use of specific plants (Asparagus acutifolius, Rosa canina, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Rubus caesius). Unusual for the Mediterranean is the use of young shoots of Clematis vitalba, in the Izola area prepared as omelettes. We can assume that these differences are partly due to minor differences in climatic conditions and partly due to the influence of different cultures and cuisines. In the first place, the impact of Austro-Hungarian eating habits and cuisine can be seen on the area around Komen. Moreover, temporal “layers of knowledge” across the time scale are additionally mixed by the immigration of people from other parts of Slovenia or abroad, or with the influence of local herbal specialists. At last, we conclude Komen area knowledge is alive and homogeneous, and more connected to their local identity.

Tunable cooperativity in coupled spin-cavity systems

We experimentally study the tunability of the cooperativity in coupled spin--cavity systems by changing the magnetic state of the spin system via an external control parameter. As model system, we use the skyrmion host material Cu$_2$OSeO$_3$ coupled to a microwave cavity resonator. In the different magnetic phases we measure a dispersive coupling between the resonator and the magnon modes and model our results by using the input--output formalism. Our results show a strong tunability of the normalized coupling rate by magnetic field, allowing us to change the magnon--photon cooperativity from 1 to 60 at the phase boundaries of the skyrmion lattice state.

IS OTT IN INDIA ‘OVER-THE-TOP’? RE-PRESENTATION, REGULATION AND RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS IN INDIAN OTT

The recent OTT regulation measures in India brings Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video, among other subscription based video platforms under the ambit of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Analyzing how negotiations of culture interact with the discourse of ‘protecting sensibilities’ in 21st century India, I argue that the discourse of regulation fabricates “representation” and a ‘global’ Indian identity. Manipulating “the terms of appearance”, these images accused of hurting religious sentiments are ‘framed’ to unwittingly reveal themselves , causing a dent in the post-colonial perception of India being a “country where diverse faiths, languages, and cultures co-exist peacefully within the boundaries of a single peacefully within the boundaries of a single state.” Relaying pre-existing panoptic cultural policing that brings India dangerously close to right-wing nationalist propaganda, I examine the role of “religious sentiments” and the dependence on cultural policing in this precarious political climate. I explore what it would mean to submit or to resist this new reality in the seemingly (in)dependent internet age.

Poultry manureshed management: Opportunities and challenges for a vertically integrated industry.

Manureshed management seeks to address systemic imbalances in nutrient distributions at scales beyond the farmgate and potentially across county and state boundaries. The U.S. poultry industry, which includes broilers, layers, pullets, and turkeys, has many characteristics that are compatible with achieving a vision of manureshed management, including a history of engaging in local and regional programs to better distribute manure resources. Despite widespread vertical integration that supports large-scale strategic decision making and dry manures that favor off-farm transport, there are still many challenges to poultry manureshed management that require engaging stakeholders other than just the poultry industry. Analysis of county-level nutrient budgets highlights the industry's "mega-manureshed," extending from the Mid-Atlantic, across the southeast, and into northwest Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The analysis also identifies areas with legacy nutrient build-up that are still present today. Implementing manureshed management in the U.S. poultry industry requires comprehensive consideration of manure treatment technologies, alternative uses such as bioenergy production, market development for treated manure products, transport of manure nutrients from source to sink areas, and manure brokering programs that promote manure nutrient distribution. Fortunately, past and present evolution and innovation within the industry places it as a likely leader of the manureshed vision.

The mechanical behaviour of compacted Lambeth-group clays with and without fibre reinforcement

This study investigated the effect of fibre reinforcement on the large strain behaviour of compacted clay samples tested using large triaxial test equipment. A novel specimen preparation method was proposed where peds of clay are compacted to closely simulate the in-situ compaction. A large number of 100 × 200 mm triaxial tests and one-dimensional compression tests were performed using reinforced and unreinforced samples. The behaviour of unreinforced samples was observed to be similar to highly fissured clays; ped compaction generated a random fissure pattern due to the contact between peds. The addition of fibres to the compacted samples created fissures with higher mobility at lower friction than those in the unreinforced samples; hence, the state boundary surface of reinforced clay was below that of the unreinforced clay. With the addition of fibres, the failure mechanism changed from the formation of a shear plane to barrelling, demonstrating that the fibres transferred stresses further away from the shear plane, producing a more homogeneous stress distribution. The preparation method proposed here produced a fissure pattern in the clay that introduced transitional behaviour, which was drastically reduced with addition of the fibres, allowing better normalisation and the definition of a unique boundary surface.