Deep Transition Research Articles

Effects of local compositional and structural disorder on vacancy formation in entropy-stabilized oxides from first-principles

Entropic stabilization has evolved into a strategy to create new oxide materials and realize novel functional properties engineered through the alloy composition. Achieving an atomistic understanding of these properties to enable their design, however, has been challenging due to the local compositional and structural disorder that underlies their fundamental structure-property relationships. Here, we combine high-throughput atomistic calculations and linear regression algorithms to investigate the role of local configurational and structural disorder on the thermodynamics of vacancy formation in (MgCoNiCuZn)O-based entropy-stabilized oxides (ESOs) and their influence on the electrical properties. We find that the cation-vacancy formation energies decrease with increasing local tensile strain caused by the deviation of the bond lengths in ESOs from the equilibrium bond length in the binary oxides. The oxygen-vacancy formation strongly depends on structural distortions associated with the local configuration of chemical species. Vacancies in ESOs exhibit deep thermodynamic transition levels that inhibit electrical conduction. By applying the charge-neutrality condition, we determine that the equilibrium concentrations of both oxygen and cation vacancies increase with increasing Cu mole fraction. Our results demonstrate that tuning the local chemistry and associated structural distortions by varying alloy composition acts an engineering principle that enables controlled defect formation in multi-component alloys.

Defect physics of the quasi-two-dimensional photovoltaic semiconductor GeSe

GeSe has recently emerged as a photovoltaic absorber material due to its attractive optical and electrical properties as well as earth abundancy and low toxicity. However, the efficiency of GeSe thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) is still low compared to the Shockley–Queisser limit. Point defects are believed to play important roles in the electrical and optical properties of GeSe thin films. Here, we perform first-principles calculations to study the defect characteristics of GeSe. Our results demonstrate that no matter under the Ge-rich or Se-rich condition, the Fermi level is always located near the valence band edge, leading to the p-type conductivity of undoped samples. Under Se-rich condition, the Ge vacancy (VGe) has the lowest formation energy, with a (0/2–) charge-state transition level at 0.22 eV above the valence band edge. The high density (above 1017 cm−3) and shallow level of VGe imply that it is the p-type origin of GeSe. Under Se-rich growth condition, Sei has a low formation energy in the neutral state, but it does not introduce any defect level in the band gap, suggesting that it neither contributes to electrical conductivity nor induces non-radiative recombination. In addition, Gei introduces a deep charge-state transition level, making it a possible recombination center. Therefore, we propose that the Se-rich condition should be adopted to fabricate high-efficiency GeSe solar cells.

N2, NO, and O2 molecules in LiGaO2 in both Ga and Li sites and their relation to the vacancies

Doping of the ultrawide bandgap semiconductor LiGaO2 (Eg=5.6 eV) with N2, NO, and O2 molecules placed in either Ga or Li vacancies is studied using first-principles calculations. These molecular dopants are considered potential acceptors for p-type doping. Their optimal placement and orientation relative to the lattice is studied as well as their transition levels and energy of formation. Unfortunately, they are found to have deep acceptor level transition states. We discuss the relation of the transition levels to the one-electron levels, their spin state, and defect wave functions. They are found to be closely related to those of the corresponding vacancies.

Structural insights into sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activation

As a critical sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an essential role in immune and vascular systems. There are five S1P receptors, designated as S1PR1 to S1PR5, encoded in the human genome, and their activities are governed by endogenous S1P, lipid-like S1P mimics, or nonlipid-like therapeutic molecules. Among S1PRs, S1PR1 stands out due to its nonredundant functions, such as the egress of T and B cells from the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissues, making it a potential therapeutic target. However, the structural basis of S1PR1 activation and regulation by various agonists remains unclear. Here, we report four atomic resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Gi-coupled human S1PR1 complexes: bound to endogenous agonist d18:1 S1P, benchmark lipid-like S1P mimic phosphorylated Fingolimod [(S)-FTY720-P], or nonlipid-like therapeutic molecule CBP-307 in two binding modes. Our results revealed the similarities and differences of activation of S1PR1 through distinct ligands binding to the amphiphilic orthosteric pocket. We also proposed a two-step “shallow to deep” transition process of CBP-307 for S1PR1 activation. Both binding modes of CBP-307 could activate S1PR1, but from shallow to deep transition may trigger the rotation of the N-terminal helix of Gαi and further stabilize the complex by increasing the Gαi interaction with the cell membrane. We combine with extensive biochemical analysis and molecular dynamic simulations to suggest key steps of S1P binding and receptor activation. The above results decipher the common feature of the S1PR1 agonist recognition and activation mechanism and will firmly promote the development of therapeutics targeting S1PRs.

The changing landscape of deep transitions: Sociotechnical imprinting and chemical warfare

This paper addresses a major gap in sustainability transitions research: the role of shocks in shaping transition dynamics. The papers focuses on shocks with traumatic consequences, in particular World War I and II. The paper revisits discussions on the sociotechnical landscape in the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) and Deep Transition framework, offering refined versions of the concepts of systemic and landscape imprinting. It proceeds with a case-study analysis focusing on niche developments during WWI in relation to chemicals and the emergence of chemical warfare, and the lasting impact this shock had on interwar developments, WWII and the post-WWII context. The collective memories of the use of chemical weapons during war and expectations around future use of chemical weapons formed a new backdrop that influenced developments in the food system. Here, food became more tightly intertwined with military imperatives related to preparations regarding the use of chemical and biological weapons. This paper contributes to emerging understandings of how landscape shocks influence sociotechnical change, in particular how these shocks can lead to long lasting tight couplings between socio-technical systems. Two broader research recommendations follow from it. First, more work is needed on the neglected role of war and the military in sociotechnical transitions. Second, in terms of contemporary sustainability challenges, research could consider how landscape events - including the coronavirus pandemic, events related to dramatic biodiversity losses and the climate crisis as well as the traumatic experience of poverty traps and steep rising inequality - may produce trauma and new forms of shared meaning and expectations that impinge on sociotechnical change.

Deep transitions: A mixed methods study of the historical evolution of mass production

• We develop a novel mixed method approach for studying the evolution of rules. • Evolution of mass production confirms the propositions of Deep Transitions theory. • Crisis of a mature meta-regime stimulates its internal transformation. • Text mining shows promise for the study of complex long-term multi-system change. Industrial societies contain a range of socio-technical systems fulfilling functions such as the provision of energy, food, mobility, housing, healthcare, finance and communications. The recent Deep Transitions (DT) framework outlines a series of propositions on how the multi-system co-evolution over 250 years of these systems has contributed to several current social and ecological crises. Drawing on evolutionary institutionalism, the DT framework places a special emphasis on the concepts of ‘rules’ and ‘meta-rules’ as coordination mechanisms within and across socio-technical systems. In this paper, we employ a mixed-method approach to provide an empirical assessment of the propositions of the DT framework. We focus on the historical evolution of mass production from the 18th century to the present. Combining a qualitative narrative based on a synthesis of secondary historical literature with a quantitative text mining-based analysis of the corpus of Scientific American (1845–2019), we map the emergence and alignment of rules underpinning mass production. Our study concludes by reflecting on important methodological lessons for the application of text mining techniques to examine large-scale and long-term socio-technical dynamics.

The Contamination of the Earth. A History of Pollutions in the Industrial Age by François Jarrige and Thomas le Roux

Reviewed by: The Contamination of the Earth. A History of Pollutions in the Industrial Age by François Jarrige and Thomas le Roux Harry Lintsen (bio) The Contamination of the Earth. A History of Pollutions in the Industrial Age by François Jarrige and Thomas le Roux translated by Janice Egan and Michael Egan. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2020. Pp. xi + 459. Never has reading a historical study made me feel so sad. This book depicts the extensive pollution of the earth during the industrial revolution, showing that it was the result of conscious policy by entrepreneurs, politicians, and administrators. They knowingly continued or made polluting activities legal. Legislation to protect the environment, nature, and human health failed, as did opponents' attempts to turn the tide. The pessimistic perspective at the end of this book only confirms the bleakness. The study is structured around three eras: An Ancien Régime of Pollution 1700–1830, Naturalizing Pollutions in the Age of Progress 1830–1914, and The Toxic Age 1914–1973. For each period, the authors detail the nature of the pollution and the shifts. In addition, each period has a specific emphasis: for the first period, this is the role of chemistry, for the second, the role of experts, and for the third, the role of wars, energy, and mass consumption. Each period ends with an analysis of the policy and regulations regarding environment, nature, and health. Starting point for the analyses are the activities of craftsmen and entrepreneurs, and developments in industrial sectors. The book describes many industries, from metallurgical plants, foundries, breweries, refineries, mining, and chemicals, to textile and gunpowder factories. The reader can thus follow the sources of environmental pollution and the associated health risks in history, as well as identify the responsibilities. The authors take us to all the continents, focusing—as expected—on countries like Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. This approach runs the risk of repeating information. The study uses many recently published monographs on environmental history. These are often aimed at specific industries or regions, whereas this book attempts to provide a global synthesis by connecting sub-studies with social and economic history, the history of law and the state, and the history of science and technology. The result is impressive: a high level of information, extensive analyses with a wide scope, original propositions, [End Page 544] and a new, historical picture of global pollution. The book will become a standard work in environmental history. The authors' thesis is that pollution has become a decisive element in the functioning of the capitalist world. The history of pollution since the 1700s has been one of successive changes in scale "from dispersed and small-scale industry, situated on a single site, to the large industrial complexes and massive proliferation of pollution sources that typify the contemporary pollutions regime" (p. 9). At the same time, there has been a "liberalization" of environmental regulation and "naturalization" of industrial nuisances. Strict preindustrial revolution regulation was abandoned. Entrepreneurs, politicians, and administrators saw pollution as an inevitable and acceptable phenomenon despite the many protests. Nuisance was part of progress. The scaling-up of environmental problems means: toxic substances can be found in every corner of the earth, and pollution is still most intense near the sources of emissions. A constant in this history is the plight of the poor. Poor neighborhoods, working-class towns, and countries in the global south have been (and are) most affected by pollution. The dynamics in power relations and inequality, in domination and exclusion, also appear to apply to the history of pollution. This elaborate work certainly deserves all the praise. The question is whether environmental history is ready for a new step in light of current environmental debates. Is a historical synthesis focusing exclusively on environmental problems still sufficient? In any case, the period after 1970 requires a more extensive analysis. According to some historians, the first deep transition phase—industrialization and modernization—has ended, and a new phase began after 1970, the second deep transition. This will occupy at least the twenty-first century and have global sustainability and equality as social ambitions. Moreover, we will have to place the environmental issues...

Diving behavior and energetic strategy of leatherback sea turtles during internesting intervals on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Female leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea; hereafter referred to as leatherbacks) nesting on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the spring lay 5–6 clutches, with an ~10-day internesting interval at sea between clutches. Although leatherbacks feed on gelatinous zooplankton during the winter, foraging and prey preference during the internesting interval has remained speculative. The goal of this study was to use miniature, animal-borne video and data recorders and satellite telemetry to monitor the diving behavior and movements of leatherbacks during the internesting interval on St. Croix. Our hypothesis was that foraging is rare and opportunistic during the internesting interval. Our results show that leatherbacks make two types of dives: Shallow Transit (ST) and Deep Transit (DT). ST dives were short (1.14 min), shallow (3.0 m). and associated with slow (0.6 m sec−1), subsurface swimming to reduce drag with no periods of gliding descent. DT dives were longer (13.42 min), deeper (84.0 m), and covered a 10-fold greater distance (446 m) than ST dives but at the same slow speed. The deepest and longest DT dive was 531 m in depth and 28.9 min in duration, but only 4% of DT dives were deeper than 200 m. Leatherbacks spent 94% of the time at sea making ST and DT dives with short resting periods at the surface. Six species of gelatinous prey were identified from recorded video, but feeding was rare and opportunistic indicating fasting during the nesting season. The estimated energy expended while at sea for five internesting trips over six weeks was equivalent to the catabolism of 28.2 kg of fat. An additional 12 kg of fat was needed for egg production, resulting in a total energy requirement equivalent to 40.2 kg of fat (~12% of body mass). Our results indicate that the purpose of the internesting interval is not foraging and that leatherbacks are capital breeders, which fast during the nesting season after acquiring energy reserves (i.e., fat) during the non-breeding season at higher latitudes where foraging effort may be more efficient.

TESS Hunt for Young and Maturing Exoplanets (THYME). VI. An 11 Myr Giant Planet Transiting a Very-low-mass Star in Lower Centaurus Crux

Abstract Mature super-Earths and sub-Neptunes are predicted to be ≃ Jovian radius when younger than 10 Myr. Thus, we expect to find 5–15 R ⊕ planets around young stars even if their older counterparts harbor none. We report the discovery and validation of TOI 1227b, a 0.85 ± 0.05 R J (9.5 R ⊕) planet transiting a very-low-mass star (0.170 ± 0.015 M ⊙) every 27.4 days. TOI 1227's kinematics and strong lithium absorption confirm that it is a member of a previously discovered subgroup in the Lower Centaurus Crux OB association, which we designate the Musca group. We derive an age of 11 ± 2 Myr for Musca, based on lithium, rotation, and the color–magnitude diagram of Musca members. The TESS data and ground-based follow-up show a deep (2.5%) transit. We use multiwavelength transit observations and radial velocities from the IGRINS spectrograph to validate the signal as planetary in nature, and we obtain an upper limit on the planet mass of ≃0.5 M J. Because such large planets are exceptionally rare around mature low-mass stars, we suggest that TOI 1227b is still contracting and will eventually turn into one of the more common <5 R ⊕ planets.

Chemical Bath Deposited Orthorhombic SnS Films for Solar Cell Applications

Tin sulfide (SnS) thin films were deposited by the chemical bath deposition technique. The used procedure allows us to obtain orthorhombic SnS in 3.5 h and achieve thicknesses of 390 nm. We study the influence of deposition times, percentage of Sn precursor, and post-annealing on the structural and optical properties. The X-ray diffraction measurements of SnS films prepared at a deposition time of 3 h showed orthorhombic structure with characteristic peaks of SnS2. However, increasing the deposition time and the Sn precursor, the orthorhombic SnS phase in these samples becomes predominant. Thin-film morphologies and thicknesses were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An increase in bandgap from 1.41 eV to 1.56 eV was observed by increasing Sn precursor. The optical properties remain constant after air annealing of 285 °C. Low-temperature photoluminescence spectra show emission bands at 2.5 eV attributed to the presence of SO2. Other deep level transitions were observed at about 0.9 eV, probably due to oxygen.

Deep adversarial transition learning using cross-grafted generative stacks

As a common approach of deep domain adaptation in computer vision, current works have mainly focused on learning domain-invariant features from different domains, achieving limited success in transfer learning. In this paper, we present a novel “deep adversarial transition learning” (DATL) framework that bridges the domain gap by generating some intermediate, transitional spaces between the source and target domains through the employment of adjustable, cross-grafted generative network stacks and effective adversarial learning between transitions. Specifically, variational auto-encoders (VAEs) are constructed for the domains, and bidirectional transitions are formed by cross-grafting the VAEs’ decoder stacks. Generative adversarial networks are then employed to map the target domain data to the label space of the source domain, which is achieved by aligning the transitions initiated by different domains. This results in a new, effective learning paradigm, where training and testing are carried out in the associated transitional spaces instead of the original domains. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art on a number of unsupervised domain adaptation benchmarks.

Constraining deep mantle anisotropy with shear wave splitting measurements: challenges and new measurement strategies

SUMMARY Determinations of seismic anisotropy, or the dependence of seismic wave velocities on the polarization or propagation direction of the wave, can allow for inferences on the style of deformation and the patterns of flow in the Earth’s interior. While it is relatively straightforward to resolve seismic anisotropy in the uppermost mantle directly beneath a seismic station, measurements of deep mantle anisotropy are more challenging. This is due in large part to the fact that measurements of anisotropy in the deep mantle are typically blurred by the potential influence of upper mantle and/or crustal anisotropy beneath a seismic station. Several shear wave splitting techniques are commonly used that attempt resolve seismic anisotropy in deep mantle by considering the presence of multiple anisotropic layers along a raypath. Examples include source-side S-wave splitting, which is used to characterize anisotropy in the deep upper mantle and mantle transition zone beneath subduction zones, and differential S-ScS and differential SKS-SKKS splitting, which are used to study anisotropy in the D″ layer at the base of the mantle. Each of these methods has a series of assumptions built into them that allow for the consideration of multiple regions of anisotropy. In this work, we systematically assess the accuracy of these assumptions. To do this, we conduct global wavefield modelling using the spectral element solver AxiSEM3D. We compute synthetic seismograms for earth models that include seismic anisotropy at the periods relevant for shear wave splitting measurements (down to 5 s). We apply shear wave splitting algorithms to our synthetic seismograms and analyse whether the assumptions that underpin common measurement techniques are adequate, and whether these techniques can correctly resolve the anisotropy incorporated in our models. Our simulations reveal some inaccuracies and limitations of reliability in various methods. Specifically, explicit corrections for upper mantle anisotropy, which are often used in source-side direct S splitting and S-ScS differential splitting, are typically reliable for the fast polarization direction ϕ but not always for the time lag δt, and their accuracy depends on the details of the upper mantle elastic tensor. We find that several of the assumptions that underpin the S-ScS differential splitting technique are inaccurate under certain conditions, and we suggest modifications to traditional S-ScS differential splitting approaches that lead to improved reliability. We investigate the reliability of differential SKS-SKKS splitting intensity measurements as an indicator for lowermost mantle anisotropy and find that the assumptions built into the splitting intensity formula can break down for strong splitting cases. We suggest some guidelines to ensure the accuracy of SKS-SKKS splitting intensity comparisons that are often used to infer lowermost mantle anisotropy. Finally, we suggest a new strategy to detect lowermost mantle anisotropy which does not rely on explicit upper mantle corrections and use this method to analyse the lowermost mantle beneath east Asia.

Formation of Bi−Bi Dimers in Heavily Bi -Doped Lead Halide Perovskites: Origin of Carrier Density Saturation

Heterovalent $\mathrm{Bi}$ doping in lead halide perovskites (LHPs) is of particular interest in recent research to improve the electronic and optoelectronic properties. In experiments, the incorporation of $\mathrm{Bi}$ not only converts the conductivity type of crystals from p type to n type, leading to the significant enhancement of charge-carrier concentration, but also results in the appearance of near-infrared photoluminescence (NIR PL) along with the decrease of band-edge PL intensity. However, with a high concentration of $\mathrm{Bi}$ doping, the carrier concentration exhibits a saturated tendency and the intensity of NIR PL decreases abnormally. The origins behind these interesting phenomena are not yet well understood. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that $\mathrm{Bi}$ dimers form n type and intrinsic LHPs with a high concentration of $\mathrm{Bi}$ doping. They act as effective n-type limiting defects, and hence, cause carrier saturation in experiments. Moreover, the NIR PL arising from the ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{\mathrm{Pb}}$ defect is suppressed due to the density conversion of isolated ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{\mathrm{Pb}}$ defects to $\mathrm{Bi}$ dimers when $\mathrm{Bi}$ is heavily doped. Meanwhile, nonradiative recombination is also promoted due to the deep charge-state transition level introduced by the $\mathrm{Bi}$ dimer. Our work not only reveals the mechanism of highly concentrated $\mathrm{Bi}$ limiting the electronic and optical properties of LHPs, but also suggests the precise control of $\mathrm{Bi}$ doping in electronic and photovoltaic applications.

How the European recovery program (ERP) drove France's petroleum dependency, 1948–1975

The article investigates the roles of the European Recovery Program (ERP) and the Organization for European Economic Co-Operation (OEEC) in pushing France towards a pathway of petroleum dependency. The study is based on the energy transition and the Deep Transition frameworks, notably the analysis of specific collective actors. The analysis elaborates on the impact the OEEC Refinery Expansion Program had on (a) quality and quantity of petroleum product supply in France; (b) the French position within global crude oil and petroleum product trade; (c) the technological interrelatedness of the petroleum sector with agriculture, transport, and mobility. We show how different measures were designed to integrate sociotechnical systems, accelerate the transformation of energy systems and put the objective of Western Europe's “hidden integration” to work. The article concludes that complementing transition studies with historical and socio-metabolic perspectives can shed light on the origins of unsustainable pathways during the 20th century.

A carbon flow tracing and carbon accounting method for exploring CO2 emissions of the iron and steel industry: An integrated material–energy–carbon hub

In the context of carbon neutrality, accurate carbon accounting is urgently needed for energy-intensive industries, such as the iron and steel industry. However, methods based on black-box models are rather rough and the impact of changes in a certain material and energy flow on the carbon flows of the complex production process is unclear, making it impossible to find carbon emission reduction potential in iron and steel production sites. To tackle this problem, the concept of a ‘hub’ is innovatively used for carbon flow tracing and carbon accounting. The conventional energy hub is extended to a material flow-based energy hub in this work, and an integrated material-energy-carbon hub is proposed. Based on the integrated carbon hub, the interconnection among carbon, material and energy flows and the impacts of various material and energy flows on the variation in CO2 emissions of iron and steel production processes are explored in a case study. Results show that the ironmaking plant contributes the most to the CO2 emissions of the whole site, and the impacts of material and energy flows on the whole-site carbon flow are significant. The effects of the scrap ratio, pig iron, ore mix, ore grade, imported coke, and pulverized coal injection are investigated. The results indicated that the proposed carbon hub is an effective tool for accurate carbon accounting and carbon flow tracing and contributes to the deep low-carbon transition pathways for the iron and steel industry.

Dynamo activity of the K dwarf KOI-883 from transit photometry mapping

ABSTRACT The Kepler mission target star KOI-883 is notable in being a low-mass K2V dwarf with moderately fast 8.99-d rotation and hosting a single transiting hot Jupiter in a 2.69-d orbit. This combination thus presents a particular opportunity to study star-spot activity by using the many deep planetary transits apparent in the light curve to map the stellar surface. The data have been analysed using spot modelling and temporal mapping methods we have used for other Kepler host stars, and a search for flares was conducted. Our results indicate a low-latitude region of the photosphere marked by distinct areas of individual or grouped star-spots with moderately high solar-type differential rotation of 0.102 ± 0.011 rad d−1, but with just two major flares observed across 400 d. These results imply a rotational shear significantly greater than that of our slower rotating Sun. The observed flares are more energetic than typical solar flares, but similar to those of other magnetically active cool dwarfs.

Dual Control by Reinforcement Learning Using Deep Hyperstate Transition Models

In dual control, the manipulated variables are used to both regulate the system and identify unknown parameters. The joint probability distribution of the system state and the parameters is known as the hyperstate. The paper proposes a method to perform dual control using a deep reinforcement learning algorithm in combination with a neural network model trained to represent hyperstate transitions. The hyperstate is compactly represented as the parameters of a mixture model that is fitted to Monte Carlo samples of the hyperstate. The representation is used to train a hyperstate transition model, which is used by a standard reinforcement learning algorithm to find a dual control policy. The method is evaluated on a simple nonlinear system, which illustrates a situation where probing is needed, but it can also scale to high-dimensional systems. The method is demonstrated to be able to learn a probing technique that reduces the uncertainty of the hyperstate, resulting in improved control performance.

Detection capability of ground-based meter-sized telescopes for shallow exoplanet transits

Meter-sized ground-based telescopes are frequently used today for the follow-up of extrasolar planet candidates. While the transit signal of a Jupiter-sized object can typically be detected to a high level of confidence with small telescope apertures as well, the shallow transit dips of planets with the size of Neptune and smaller are more challenging to reveal. We employ new observational data to illustrate the photometric follow-up capabilities of meter-sized telescopes for shallow exoplanet transits. We describe in detail the capability of distinguishing the photometric signal of an exoplanet transit from an underlying trend in the light curve. The transit depths of the six targets we observed, Kepler-94b, Kepler-63b, K2-100b, K2-138b, K2-138c, and K2-138e, range from 3.9 ppt down to 0.3 ppt. For five targets of this sample, we provide the first ground-based photometric follow-up. The timing of three targets is precisely known from previous observations, and the timing of the other three targets is uncertain and we aim to constrain it. We detect or rule out the transit features significantly in single observations for the targets that show transits of 1.3 ppt or deeper. The shallower transit depths of two targets of 0.6 and 0.8 ppt were detected tentatively in single light curves, and were detected significantly by repeated observations. Only for the target of the shallowest transit depth of 0.3 ppt were we unable to draw a significant conclusion despite combining five individual light curves. An injection-recovery test on our real data shows that we detect transits of 1.3 ppt depth significantly in single light curves if the transit is fully covered, including out-of-transit data toward both sides, in some cases down to 0.7 ppt depth. For Kepler-94b, Kepler-63b, and K2-100b, we were able to verify the ephemeris. In the case of K2-138c with a 0.6 ppt deep transit, we were able to refine it, and in the case of K2-138e, we ruled out the transit in the time interval of more than ±1.5 σ of its current literature ephemeris.

Deep Transitions: Towards a comprehensive framework for mapping major continuities and ruptures in industrial modernity

The world is confronted by a socio-ecological emergency, requiring rapid and deep decarbonization of a broad range of socio-technical systems. A recent Deep Transitions framework argues that this fundamentally unsustainable trajectory has been generated by the co-evolutionary dynamics of multiple systems during the last 250 years. Altering this direction requires transformation in industrial modernity – a set of most fundamental ideas, institutions, and practices characterizing every industrial society to date. Although the proponents of the framework suggest that this shift has been unfolding since the 1960s, no attempts have been made to operationalize the concept of industrial modernity and to assess this claim. This paper develops a comprehensive multi-dimensional and multi-domain approach for the measurement of industrial modernity. As such it seeks to provide empirical evidence of long-term continuities and emerging ruptures in the dominant ideas, institutions, and practices of industrial societies along the domains of environment and technology. Using a methodologically novel approach where the text mining of newspapers is combined with data from various databases the paper provides results from three countries – Australia, Germany, Soviet Union/Russia – between 1900 and 2020. Despite considerable country-level differences the results show shifts in public environmental discourse from the 1960s, followed by institutional changes from the 1980s but with only a modest change in practices. We also observe some change in the direction of innovative activities and their regulation coupled with a resurgent optimism in technology-environment discourse. The findings tentatively suggest that industrial modernity might be in the process of hollowing out along ideational and institutional dimensions in the environmental domain but less so in the domain of technology and innovation.

Creepex-analysis of processes in focal zones of large earthquakes by means of GIS-ENDDB

The creepex (creep & explosion) parameter provides information on the relation between low- and high-frequency radiation components in the earthquake source and has become a physically meaningful tool for analyzing various aspects of seismogenesis, in particular, the diagnostics of the preparation processes and the its aftershocks activity of a strong event. This paper investigates the spatial-temporal dynamics of creepex in the focal zones of a number of the major earthquakes from the plate convergence regions, including continental Kashmir earthquake (08.10.2005, MS=7.6) and continental-oceanic Tohoku (11.03.2011, Mw=8.7). One of the goals of this work is to demonstrate the capabilities of the method in studying physically grounded patterns of focal zones development at the first hours after the main shock. Because of this study, the following regularities of the source relaxation process were revealed: the partiality of the aftershock process, positive values of the creepex at its first hours (explained by the influence of the dilatancy process), and abrupt changes in the creepex during deep transitions (explained by the thermodynamic effect and by the increase in pressure with depth).