Conditional Density Research Articles

Core-shell nanorods film of p-CuZnS/n-TiO2 with boosting interfacial charge separation for sensitive photoelectrochemical photodetector

Copper zinc sulphide (CZS) due to high conductivity, fast photoresponse and good stability has attracted rising attention in optoelectronic field. Constructing heterojunctions with rational energy bands alignment can accelerate carrier separation to improve the performance of CZS-based photoelectric device. Herein, p-CZS/n-TiO2 core-shell nanorods heterojunction film was successfully fabricated for the first time. CZS nanoparticles (NPs) were directly loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanorods (NRs) through a simple chemical bath deposition. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetector based on CZS/TiO2 composite film was designed and interfacial charge kinetics has also been investigated. The CZS/TiO2 PEC device exhibits fast response speed of 95/56 ms, high responsivity of 7.1 mA W-1 and detectivity of 5.6 × 1012 Jones at a bias voltage of 1 V. The light on/off ratio of self-powered CZS/TiO2 PEC device achieves 5.6 × 103, nearly 30.4 times higher than bare CZS PEC device. Furthermore, the photodetection performance of the CZS/TiO2 PEC device can be effectively regulated by light power density and environment conditions, promoting its adaptability in multifarious practical applications. The findings suggest that CZS/TiO2 heterostructure film devices have great potential for high-performance and energy-efficient PEC photodetectors.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt–Organic Framework as an Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting Application

ABSTRACTClimate change is seen as a crucial environmental dilemma that humanity will confront in the upcoming decade. For this purpose, the solvothermal‐assisted technique is used to create metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous materials characterized by strong connections between organic ligands and metal ions. The MOF discussed here contains cobalt as the metal node and a linker derived from 2‐aminobenzoic acid and terephthalaldehyde. The prepared powder underwent analysis using various techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and thermal analysis. BET analysis revealed a surface area of 1587.06 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.86394 cc/g, and an average pore size of 1.088 nm. The RGO@Co‐MOF prepared was utilized to evaluate water splitting efficiency, demonstrating favorable catalytic activity like most reported modified MOF catalysts under low current density conditions of 10 mA/cm2.

Creeping Stem 1 regulates directional auxin transport for lodging resistance in soybean.

Soybean, a staple crop on a global scale, frequently encounters challenges due to lodging under high planting densities, which results in significant yield losses. Despite extensive research, the fundamental genetic mechanisms governing lodging resistance in soybeans remain elusive. In this study, we identify and characterize the Creeping Stem 1 (CS1) gene, which plays a crucial role in conferring lodging resistance in soybeans. The CS1 gene encodes a HEAT-repeat protein that modulates hypocotyl gravitropism by regulating amyloplast sedimentation. Functional analysis reveals that the loss of CS1 activity disrupts polar auxin transport, vascular bundle development and the biosynthesis of cellulose and lignin, ultimately leading to premature lodging and aberrant root development. Conversely, increasing CS1 expression significantly enhances lodging resistance and improves yield under conditions of high planting density. Our findings shed light on the genetic mechanisms that underlie lodging resistance in soybeans and highlight the potential of CS1 as a valuable target for genetic engineering to improve crop lodging resistance and yield.

Ecology and phenology of the bat tick Argas (Carios) dewae (Acari: Argasidae).

Although 12 soft tick species (Argasidae) are native to Australia, the ecology of most is poorly known. Argas dewae parasitizes several insectivorous bat species and has been recorded on humans. Therefore, understanding its ecology is crucial for wildlife health management and public health preparedness. To address this knowledge gap, A. dewae populations were monitored from 2 bat hosts (Chalinolobus gouldii and Austronomus australis) using bat boxes at 3 sites in Victoria, Australia, for 28 months (July 2005–December 2007). A phenological profile undertaken for A. dewae revealed that tick load on bat hosts increased throughout winter and peaked in the first month of spring, before collapsing and remaining low throughout the drier late spring and summer periods. There was also further investigation of the relationship between 2 response variables (tick infestation risk and tick load) and a range of explanatory variables (body condition index, sex, age class, bioseason, site, bat density per nest box). In C. gouldii, site was the only significant predictor of A. dewae infestation risk, while load was correlated with several variables including age class, sex, bioseason, roost density and body condition index. This paper also reports the first records of A. dewae from 6 bat species in 3 bat families (Miniopteridae: Miniopterus australis; Molossidae: A. australis; Vespertilionidae: Chalinolobus morio, Myotis Macropus, Vespadelus darlingtonia, Vespadelus regulus) and a second record of A. dewae from a human. The first distribution records are presented for A. dewae in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

Relativistic model for anisotropic compact stars in embedding class-I spacetime

In the present article, we introduce a completely new regular model for static, spherically symmetric celestial fluid spheres in embedding class I spacetime. In this regard, needfully, we propose a new suitable metric potential e λ(r) to generate the present model. The various analyses on energy density, pressure, anisotropic factor, mass, compactness parameter, redshift, and energy condition make sure the model is physically viable on the ground of model stars Vela X-1, Cen X-3, SMC X-4, and LMC X-4. The reported solutions also respect the equilibrium state by satisfying the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation and ensure stability by satisfying the causality condition, condition on the adiabatic index, and Harrison–Zeldovich–Novikov condition. The generated M − R graph matches the ranges of masses and radii for the model compact stars. Additionally, this study provides estimates of the moment of inertia based on the I − M graph.

The influence of spatial context on prey manipulation behaviors in the California moray eel (Gymnothorax mordax)

Predation strategies are shaped by multiple factors, such as prey type, prey density, and/or abiotic conditions. However, limited research has investigated the role of spatial constraints on post-capture behaviors. Our aim was to assess the impact of spatial context on prey manipulation in the California moray eel (Gymnothorax mordax), a crevice forager with a diverse prey handling repertoire. We first compared the duration engaged in specific manipulation behaviors between spatially “enclosed” and “open” foraging environments, followed by a comparison of tightly enclosed spaces that were scaled to individual moray diameter. We observed that the durations spent engaged in specific manipulation behaviors varied based on spatial context. Despite these changes, total feeding time, which consists of both manipulating and swallowing prey, did not vary across treatments. These results highlight the behavioral flexibility of morays, suggesting that they can adjust prey manipulation strategies for specific spatial contexts without compromising overall feeding duration. We additionally documented two previously undescribed behaviors (tail and body anchoring) which seem to be used in the narrowest treatments for leverage when knotting behavior was not possible due to spatial constraints. This research provides valuable insight into the foraging ecology of this locally abundant apex predator and aids in furthering our understanding of predator-prey interactions in the benthic community within the kelp forest ecosystem.

Estimating the effective char depth in structural timber elements exposed to natural fires, considering the heating and cooling phase

This research study investigates the effect of different heating and cooling regimes on the effective cross-section of timber elements exposed to natural fires. An advanced calculation method based on a 1D finite-difference heat transfer model and effective thermo-physical properties is adopted to analyse the heat penetration and the consequent reduction in mechanical properties. In particular, the research focuses on the evolution and penetration speed of the char depth (300 °C isotherm) and zero-strength layer (determined through in-depth temperatures and reduced mechanical properties). Results reveal how the char depth mainly develops during the heating phase, with non-negligible contributions from the cooling phase. In contrast, the zero-strength layer increases throughout the whole fire exposure, particularly during cooling and, possibly, after the end of the cooling phase. In general, the heating phase contributes about 2/3 to the total effective char depth, while the cooling phase about 1/3. The most challenging conditions were found for the fires of the longest durations (heating and overall), corresponding to low ventilation and high fuel load density conditions. The study emphasises the necessity of incorporating the cooling phase in performance-based methodologies for fire-safe timber structures to avoid under-estimating heat penetration effects.

Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of adaptive spatial processing algorithms in searching for low-noise underwater vehicles in surface shipping conditions of different density

The article describes the methodology and provides the results of a model quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of solving the problem of detecting and tracking a low-noise underwater object using three algorithms for spatial signal processing at the output of a multi-element antenna — the non-adaptive Bartlett algorithm, the Capon algorithm, and the Capon algorithm combined with a projection procedure limiting the signal power of strong local sources.

ÆSOPUS 2.1: Low-temperature Opacities Extended to High Pressure

We address the critical need for accurate Rosseland mean gas opacities in high-pressure environments, spanning temperatures from 100 K to 32,000 K. Current opacity tables from Wichita State University and ÆSOPUS 2.0 are limited to log(R)≤1 , where R=ρT6−3 in units of gcm−3(106K)−3 . This is insufficient for modeling very low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and planets with atmospheres exhibiting higher densities and pressures ( log(R)>1 ). Leveraging extensive databases such as ExoMol, ExoMolOP, MoLLIST, and HITEMP, we focus on expanding the ÆSOPUS opacity calculations to cover a broad range of pressure and density conditions ( −8≤log(R)≤+6 ). We incorporate the thermal Doppler mechanism and microturbulence velocity. Pressure-broadening effects on molecular transitions, leading to Lorentzian or Voigt profiles, are explored in the context of atmospheric profiles for exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and low-mass stars. We also delve into the impact of electron degeneracy and nonideal effects, such as ionization potential depression under high-density conditions, emphasizing its notable influence on Rosseland mean opacities at temperatures exceeding 10,000 K. As a result, this study expands the ÆSOPUS public web interface for customized gas chemical mixtures, promoting flexibility in opacity calculations based on specific research needs. Additionally, precomputed opacity tables, inclusive of condensates, are provided. We present a preliminary application to evolutionary models for very low-mass stars.

Validation of 3D thermal simulations of the Double C Block, a novel composite masonry unit, using in-situ U-value measurements

Energy efficient building envelopes, particularly innovative prefabricated building components, can significantly contribute to lower the building industry energy-related emissions. In this research the composite masonry unit Double C Block (DCB) is quantitatively tested by means of three-dimensional thermal simulation validated by in-situ U-value measurements carried out in both summer and winter conditions.The simulations were enhanced by the experimental measurement of the dry thermo-physical material properties (specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and density) in laboratory conditions for both concrete and polyurethane. The samples were extracted from real-scale DCB prototypes. Furthermore, site-specific boundary conditions of Malta — representative a case study of a Mediterranean climate − were utilised in the simulations. Both laboratory and in-situ assessments of thermal transmittance, or U-value, had their uncertainty specified as part of the calculations.The validation exercise was performed by means of hourly recorded surface temperature and the selected indices were the root mean square error and mean absolute error. Results showed that these indices were within the recommended accuracy thresholds during both winter and summer assessments. For the hourly-based heat flux measurements, the mean bias error and coefficient of variation of the root mean square error were found lower than values reported in literature, thus supporting the robustness of the overall simulation outputs. Hence the 3D CVM simulation was experimentally validated by in-situ assessments.The convergence value of the experimental U-value provided respectively 1.51 ± 0.20 W/(m2K) (winter) and 1.44 ± 0.19 W/(m2K) (summer). Then, the validated 3D CVM model was adapted to calculate the theoretical U-value of DCB, using monthly values of recorded surface temperatures obtained by the test cells (in both seasons). The predicted thermal transmittance was of 1.47 W/(m2K), in both conditions, and this almost matches the above-mentioned experimental assessments and thresholds established in previous works.

Quality control of eddy covariance fluxes of two ecosystem types with local flux-variance similarity functions in West Africa

Ecosystem capacity studies for carbon sequestration and water extraction are largely conditioned by Eddy Covariance (EC) measurement availability and quality. Our study aims at evaluating several procedures of EC data qualification. Indeed, quality control of EC data is generally ensured by stationarity and well-developed turbulence tests. The latter is based on integral turbulence characteristic (ITC) models. In this study, we revisited the quality control procedure using locally established ITC models for wind speed components and atmospheric scalars (temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide molar densities) in unstable and stable conditions. We also considered the interdependence of flux qualities because of the corrections applied to fluxes during their preprocessing. The analyses were carried out using one year of data collected above a woodland forest and mixed crop sites, both situated in Northern Benin, West Africa. From these analyzes we note that the quality flags vary depending on the use of local or existing ITC models. Also, the test of turbulence development on atmospheric scalars, previously neglected, is of great importance in the quality control of data. Thus, taking into account the ITC models associated with the atmospheric scalars established locally in the well-developed turbulence test as well as taking into account the interdependence of the flux quality have considerably improved the standard quality control procedure used in effectively filtering unrealistic flux data while keeping a considerable percentage of good and medium quality data.

Wolf Predation on White‐tailed Deer Before, During, and After a Historically Mild Winter in Northern Minnesota

ABSTRACTIn many southern boreal ecosystems of North America, wolves are the primary predators of white‐tailed deer, and white‐tailed deer are the primary prey of wolves. Furthermore, wolf–deer systems have and will continue to become more common as white‐tailed deer range continues expanding northward in North America. Despite this, there is little information on kill rates of wolves on deer (i.e., the number of deer killed per wolf per unit of time)—a fundamental metric of wolf predation on deer—and how kill rates vary with deer density, wolf density, and environmental conditions. We estimated kill rates of wolves on deer before, during, and after a historically mild winter in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, Minnesota, USA. Kill rates of wolves on deer were low (0.009–0.018 deer/wolf/day) in fall, peaked in February (0.050 deer/wolf/day), and quickly declined to 0 deer/wolf/day by April. The kill rates of wolves on deer we observed in winter were some of the lowest kill rates of wolves on deer that have been documented. Wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem appeared unable to catch and kill a sufficient number of deer to meet their daily energetic requirements during Winter 2023–2024, and thus most wolves likely lost weight during winter, a period when wolves are typically in peak physical condition. The rates of wolf predation we observed appeared to be well below those needed to decrease deer population density in the GVE. Thus, our work, in combination with numerous other studies, indicates winter conditions are the primary driver of deer population change in northern climates.

Laboratory Study of Interface Friction between Sand and Steel Surfaces

Abstract In this study, results have been reported from a series of laboratory tests to determine the interface friction angle of steel surfaces with sand through modified direct shear testing. For completion, steel surfaces with different surface geometry to replicate the roughness have been slid against various sands compacted at different relative densities under both dry and wet conditions. The standard square shape direct shear box has been modified into circular and rectangular boxes to sufficiently enhance the contact area and to subsequently quantify its effect on interface friction angle. A mild steel interface of smooth and rough texture with a groove depth of 0.2 mm and tipping at an angle of 90° has been used in this study. The analysis of results revealed that the interface friction angles obtained from the standard direct shear box agree closely with those obtained from both modified rectangular and circular shear boxes. However, the ratio of the interface friction angle from the modified apparatus and soil’s angle of internal friction significantly depends upon the roughness of the surface in contact with the sand, its median particle size, and is independent of the effects of box size, soil’s relative density, and dry or wet condition. A comparison between existing well-accepted guidelines and current observations has been presented for use by the practicing engineers dealing with soil-structure interaction.

A novel red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ phosphor with anti-thermal-quenching performance for high-power WLED applications

A series of red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ (ISWO:Eu3+) phosphors with anti-thermal-quenching performance were successfully synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The phase structure and luminescent properties of ISWO:Eu3+ were systematically studied. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum showed that ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor can be effectively matched with commercial ultraviolet (UV), violet and blue light chips. The main emission peak of the phosphor was located at 613 nm, which was attributed to the electric dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2. Under the optimal excitation, the prepared ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor showed excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance, its photoluminescence (PL) intensity at 180 °C reached 157.4 % of initial intensity at room temperature. At 465 nm excitation, it also exhibited the anti-thermal-quenching property and the PL intensity remained 115.1 % at 150 °C of that at room temperature. In situ XRD analysis revealed that the lattice contraction resulting in an increase in structural rigidity as the temperature rising, which caused the change of Eu3+ local environment and improved the PL intensity. Finally, a series of warm white LED devices under varying power density conditions with stable output were prepared using the red ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor, indicating that the ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor with excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance has potential application prospects in high-power white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs).

Production of Anthocyanin-Enriched Juices by Electrodialysis with Filtration Membrane Process: The Influence of Duration on Juice Composition, Process Efficiency, and Membrane Fouling.

The Electrodialysis with Filtration Membrane (EDFM) system has shown promise in juice enrichment, but further optimization is needed. This study evaluated the effect of processing duration (3 and 6 h) on juice composition, process efficiency, and membrane fouling. Results demonstrated a significant impact of processing time on juice composition, especially anthocyanin and mineral content. Two anthocyanin-depleted juices (-18.94% and -30.70%) and two anthocyanin-enriched juices (26.21% and 44.21%) were produced. Similar energy (1512.13 Wh/g of anthocyanins) was required to migrate equivalent amounts of anthocyanins over both time periods, with no impediment due to fouling observed, although the system's resistance increased (2.5-fold after 3 h, 3.2-fold after 6 h). Membrane fouling was characterized through conductivity, thickness, ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDX, and foulant identification. Minimal anthocyanin accumulation occurred on cation-exchange membranes (CEM), while anthocyanins and PACs concentrated within the filtering layer of filtration membranes (FM). However, fouling did not increase with longer processing. Structural alterations were noted in anion-exchange membranes (AEMs), suggesting instability under high electric fields. Overall, EDFM effectively enriched cranberry juice with anthocyanins, but further research is necessary to address AEM degradation under limiting current density conditions.

LiF-enriched interphase promotes Li+ desolvation and transportation enabling high-performance carbon anode under wide-range temperature

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have made inroads into the electric vehicle area with high energy densities, but they still suffer from slow kinetics of Li+ limited by the graphite anode especially at high current density and low-temperature conditions. Sluggish de-solvation of Li+ at the electrode surface and slow Li+ transfer in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are main determining factors that restrict the fast-charging and low-temperature performance of graphite-based LIBs. Here, we construct the sodium lignosulfonate layer with abundant polar functional groups on the lithium-montmorillonite surface, which can make it simple for electrons transfer to promote in-situ formation of LiF-based SEI with high ionic conductivity. The thin and robust LiF-based SEI promotes the de-solvation of Li salts and Li+ transfer as proved by the comprehensive electrochemical studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Consequently, a combination of excellent stability and fast-charging ability for LIBs at room and low temperatures is achieved. The designed anode shows the remarkable capacity of 1500 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, which was 3–4 times better than the commercial graphite. At the high current density of 5 A/g, it can still keep stable with the capacity retention of 70 % after 7000 cycles. Besides, an impressive 70 % of their room-temperature capacity is attained at −10 °C and 150 mAh/g is achieved under the extremely low temperature of −40 °C. This study establishes the effective strategy to construct the LiF-rich interface on the surface of anode to improve the Li+ kinetics and stability of the battery.

Generalized bivariate Kummer-beta distribution with marginals defined on the unit interval.

In this paper, a generalized bivariate Kummer-beta distribution is proposed. The name derives from the fact that its particular cases include univariate Kummer-beta distributions. This distribution generalizes a number of existing bivariate beta distributions, including Nadarajah's bivariate distributions, Libby and Novick's bivariate beta distribution and a central bivariate Kummer-beta distribution. Various properties associated with this newly introduced distribution are derived. The derived properties include product moments, marginal densities, marginal moments, conditional densities, conditional moments, Rényi entropy and Shannon entropy. Motivated by possible applications in economics, genetics, hydrology, meteorology, nuclear physics, and reliability, we also derive distributions of the product and the ratio of the components following the proposed distribution. Parameter estimation by maximum likelihood method is discussed by deriving expressions for score functions. Inference based on maximum likelihood estimation supposes that the maximum likelihood estimators have zero bias and zero mean squared errors. A simulation study is performed to check this for finite samples.

Efficiency of coronavirus testing from a spatial perspective: the Israeli case

ABSTRACT A prominent characteristic of. COVID-19 is the long incubation period, the lack of symptoms during that period, and significant geographic variation in prevalence and testing. This article investigates the relationship between testing and infection based on an Israeli sample of 193 municipalities and a report from 11 May 2020. Results support an exponential rise in the fraction of positive. COVID-19 outcomes with the fraction of tests. Finally, under conditions of equal socioeconomic ranking, population density and income inequality, the projected efficiency of tests rises with population density and the Gini index and drops with socioeconomic ranking.

Simulation of silicon conical field effect GAA nanotransistors with stack SiO2/HfO2 dielectric of gate

The issues of modeling the electrophysical characteristics of a silicon conical field effect GAA nanotransistor are discussed. An analytical model of the drain current of a transistor with a fully enclosing conical gate with a stack sub-gate oxide SiO2/HfO2 has been developed, taking into account the effect of the charge of the interphase trap at the Si/SiO2 interface. To simulate the potential distribution in a conical working area under the condition of constant trap density, an analytical solution of the Poisson equation was obtained using the method of parabolic approximation in a cylindrical coordinate system with appropriate boundary conditions. The potential model was used to develop an expression for the GAA drain current of a nanotransistor with a stack gate oxide. The key electrophysical characteristics are numerically investigated depending on the density of traps and the thicknesses of SiO2 and HfO2 layers.

Fenomena Keterkaitan Kecepatan Faktual Kendaraan dengan Tingkat Pelayanan Jalan (Studi Kasus: Jalan Asrikaton, Kabupaten Malang)

Asrikaton street, Pakis, Malang Regency is one of the roads with moderate population density and moderate traffic flow conditions. This road is classified as a secondary arterial road and is a border road with Malang City. This road has a length of 1,200 m and a pavement width of 9 meters, with a road type of two undivided lanes (2/2 UD). This study aims to observe and assess the phenomenon of the relevance between the degree of saturation and various types of light vehicle speeds of a road. The traffic volume is 6436 vehicles/hour with a low side obstacle classification, and the degree of saturation shows that the road conditions are still relatively smooth. The maximum traffic flow volume of 2039.95 smp/h occurred at 06:45-07:45 WIB. with a low side obstacle class (equivalent value 198.7), resulting in a degree of saturation of 0.66. The most significant relevance between degree of saturation and vehicle movement speed is journey speed with the equation y = -1196.9x3 + 2008.6x2 - 1095.1x + 234.37, the coefficient of determination of 0.8867.