Efficient Source Research Articles

Advanced in Socioproductive Inclusion: The Protection of Tangible and Intangible Assistances of the Quilombola Community Traditional of Cachoeira Dos Forros - Passa Tempo/MG

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the development of a sustainable and collective business model, by and for the community, aiming, in principle, at its economic emancipation. Theoretical Framework: Today, cooperation is recognized as a source of efficiency and well-being, opposing competition, rational selfishness and neoliberal individualism. However, the simple normative constitution or even the defense of the collective based on moral values ​​is insufficient to develop real cooperation. Therefore, traditional knowledge, understood as communal material and immaterial resources, reveals itself as resources capable of guiding community-based enterprises. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a study in the Traditional Quilombola Community of Cachoeira dos Forros (CTQCF/MG), located in Passa Tempo, in the state of Minas Gerais. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that it is possible to outline perspectives for communal development, based on the appreciation of traditional knowledge, from the perspective of community enterprise. However, for this approach to be viable, it is necessary to recognize the obstacles that may interfere with the path to be taken by this community, towards its autonomy as an Afro-diasporic culture. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of intellectual property. These implications may include contributing to the emancipatory process of the CTQCF/MG, already underway. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the originality of the research, whether through an innovative approach, new discoveries or practical contributions. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by adversities to be overcome, highlighting the discredit and lack of engagement of a portion of its members in achieving the common project, which permeates the compelling need to develop methodologies capable of creating enabling conditions in the process of building trust and cooperation among its actors.

Simulation and optimization of strained GeSn laser with SiN-induced stress

By modifying Germanium (Ge) material, direct bandgap emission can be achieved, improving light emission efficiency. This paper proposes a strain-engineered GeSn laser based on SiN stress. The stress distribution within the device and its optoelectronic characteristics were analyzed through simulation. The laser is predicted to emit light at a wavelength of approximately 2252 nm, with a threshold current density around 220 kA/cm2. By introducing a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure, the threshold current density is reduced to about 90 kA/cm2. The work in this paper provides a feasible technical solution for the design of efficient silicon-based light sources.

Doped-δ-doped transferred electron device for sustained terahertz signal generation

Abstract The performance of a novel transferred electron device structure aimed at sustaining high-frequency signals in the terahertz (THz) range is investigated. The device uses a highly doped δ-layer to split the n-doped device into two distinct regions, forming a doped-δ-doped configuration. The first region generates high-speed electrons toward the δ-layer, while the second region utilizes negative differential resistance to modulate electron speeds and sustain oscillations. An ensemble self-consistent Monte Carlo model is employed to analyze electron dynamics and THz signal generation in this structure under a constant bias. The design demonstrates superior performance, achieving a fundamental operating frequency of 427 GHz in a 600 nm length InP device, nearly a 50% increase over conventional notch-doped design, while maintaining the current harmonic amplitude. This design achieves higher frequencies without reducing device length and increasing doping density, effectively addressing the trade-off of the Kroemer criterion. The study of the effects of varying doping densities and region lengths on device performance, highlighting the importance of optimizing these parameters to sustain current oscillations and efficiently generate THz signals. This design offers a promising solution for a compact and efficient THz source.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Nucleophilic Substitutions of TsSCF3: Synthesis of Chiral SCF3-Containing Compounds.

By employing electrophilic TsSCF3 as an efficient SCF3 source, we reported Cu/SOP (chiral sulfoxide-phosphine ligand)-catalyzed enantioselective nucleophilic substitutions. Under this protocol, α-pyridyl-α-fluoro esters as latent carbon nucleophiles, compounds containing a C-SCF3 stereocenter along with azacycles and fluorine atoms, were obtained in good yields and enantioselectivities under mild conditions (up to 68% yield, 92% ee).

A Review of Energy Harvesting Techniques for Self-Powered IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) manages a vast network of interconnected smart devices that collect, transmit, and analyze data from their environment using embedded components like processors, sensors, and communication equipment. These devices, which require efficient power sources, often rely on batteries that limit their operational lifespan and increase environmental impact. This paper provides a comprehensive review of energy harvesting techniques aimed at enhancing the longevity and sustainability of IoT devices. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of various energy harvesting sources such as solar, thermal, RF, and mechanical energy focusing on their efficiency, applicability, and integration within wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Key contributions include the identification of current limitations in energy harvesting technologies, such as low energy conversion efficiency and intermittency, and the proposal of solutions to optimize energy capture and storage. The results demonstrate that integrating multiple energy sources can significantly improve power availability and reduce dependence on conventional batteries. This review concludes by outlining the ongoing challenges and future research directions needed to develop efficient, reliable, and cost-effective energy harvesting systems for IoT applications.

Mechanistic insights into the use of flotation tail coal for enhanced water electrolysis in hydrogen production

Coal-assisted water electrolysis for hydrogen production (CAWE) is a promising method for the efficient utilization of coal resources and the sustainable generation of hydrogen. However, identifying a cost-effective and efficient carbon source remains a critical and ongoing challenge. This study proposes the use of flotation tail coal as a novel and efficient carbon source for water electrolysis. Through a combination of electrochemical experiments, thermodynamic analysis, and comprehensive material characterization techniques, this research explores the effectiveness of tail coal-assisted water electrolysis for hydrogen production (TCAWE) in enhancing hydrogen production efficiency. It is found that the catalytic effect of minerals, particularly iron and manganese ions, is instrumental in significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing the anodic oxidation reactions in the CAWE process. Flotation tail coal, with its high content of these catalytic minerals and favorable hydrophilic surface properties, not only lowers the electrolysis voltage but also increases the hydrogen yield compared to traditional coal sources. This research innovatively demonstrates that utilizing flotation tail coal in water electrolysis offers a dual benefit: it provides a cost-effective, abundant carbon source while promoting a more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production process. Additionally, this approach is expected to facilitate the resource utilization of waste flotation tail coal.

Giant Photoluminescence Enhancement of Ga-Doped ZnO Microwires by X-Ray Irradiation.

Ga-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) microwires hold great promise for developing highly efficient light sources because of the wide bandgap with proper exciton binding energy. However, most microwires grown from one mainstream approach, i.e., chemical vapor deposition (CVD), are morphologically and crystallographically defective, exhibiting limited photoluminescence performances. Herein, a simple and effective X-ray irradiation strategy is demonstrated for enhancing the photoluminescence of Ga-doped ZnO microwire in ambient conditions. Under moderate doses (≤ 150Gy), the photoluminescence monotonically rockets up with X-ray dose increment and achieves nine-fold enhancement at a dose of ≈150Gy, recording high photoluminescence improvement of ZnO microwires to date. The elemental characteristics under different controlled irradiation atmospheres suggest the elimination of surface oxygen vacancy and the cross-section transmission electron microscope reveals prominent lattice relaxations after mild X-ray irradiation. In addition, the X-ray irradiated microwires further exhibit elevated electroluminescence by over three times. The enhanced photoluminescence and electroluminescence as well as long-term stability enable us to imagine the super-rapid applications of ZnO microwires in modern optoelectronic devices.

Decentralized Energy Systems and the Circular Economy: Business Models for Sustainable Energy Transitions

To address current rising northern environmental concerns, and a remarkable increase in energy demand, this research aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing both decentralized energy systems and circular economy approach for successful sustainable energy transformations. As a general goal of this research, the aim is to compare different business models of agent-based decentralized energy production according to circular economy principles of efficiency, waste reduction, and secure sources of supply chains. It adopted both quantitative treatment of energy data pertaining to decentralized systems in European and Asian countries and qualitative findings generated from industry case studies. The study shows that business models include energy as a service and community power which plays an important role in energy saving resulting in operational efficiency after the application of the analyzed models leading to a decrease in energy losses ranging between 1530%. The major contribution of this study is to provide an integrative framework that not only emphasises the possibility of decentralised scenarios but also reveals how they can contribute to circular economy aims such as resource circulation and low carbon. Based on the findings of this study, there are insights drawn that speaker to policymakers, business strategists, and environmental organizations as these details a coherent explanation of models of sustainable energy as well as coming up with practical models that can be adopted in largescale manner. The approach of this research within its quantitative and practical methodologies provides valuable insights to inform the analysis of decentralised energy as it contributes to international agenda towards sustainability.

The Need for Solar Power Energy Utilization in the Northern Part of Nigeria for Sustainability and Economic Growth (A case study of Nigeria)

Northern Nigeria is one of the most recognizable areas, having vast amounts of solar radiation and rapidly growing populations. Thus, there is an opportunistic aspect of the use of solar power in this region. Since this region enjoys all-year sunshine, it is one of the best places for the integration of solar energy. With huge problems of energy she presently faces such as irregular supply of electricity, people's growth and thus demand, solar power presents an immediate usable, reliable, and sustainable solution. The energy demand in northern Nigeria is expected to sharply increase from about 48 billion kWh in 2024 to 64.5 billion kWh by 2034. This escalated energy requirement directly puts a demand for an efficient and sustainable source of energy, and as such, the promise of steady and renewable energy supply through solar power makes it very appealing. The average regional solar radiation exceeds 6 kWh/m2 per day, which points towards a very vast potential for solar energy generation. But to meet the energy requirements that will arise in the future from solar, it would call for a tremendous investment in infrastructure. This is because it is estimated that approximately 246,000 km2 of solar panels might be needed by 2034 in order to be able to cover the energy needs of the country. However, this massive area is required, but the benefits of solar energy do not stop there at solving shortages of energy. Solar power would increase economic activities due to job creation, stimulation of local industries, and the end reliance on fossil fuels. It has implications on environmental sustainability as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes cleaner practices of energy consumption. Northern Nigeria will unlock a stable and reliable source of power through investment in this infrastructure. This is important for economic development, thereby eventually improving the quality of life. Indeed, the integration of solar power addresses the immediate needs of satisfying energy challenges but builds a foundation for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship over the long term. Solar power in northern Nigeria is important for ensuring future demands for energy and significant economic development while emphasizing sustainability within the environment. A lot still has to be tapped into by tapping into the solar resources that are available. Key words: Solar Energy,Sustainability,Economic Growth,Energy Demand,Renewable Resources

Nanoring Tamm cavity in the telecommunications O band

Quantum and classical telecommunications require efficient sources of light. Semiconductor sources, owing to the high refractive index of the medium, often exploit photonic cavities to enhance the external emission of photons into a well-defined optical mode. Optical Tamm States (OTSs) in which light is confined between a distributed Bragg reflector and a thin metal layer have attracted interest as confined Tamm structures are readily manufactureable broadband cavities. Their efficiency is limited however by the absorption inherent in the metal layer. We propose a nanoring Tamm structure in which a nanoscale patterned annular metasurface is exploited to reduce this absorption and thereby enhance emission efficiency. To this end, we present designs for a nanoring Tamm structure optimized for the telecommunications O band and demonstrate a near doubling of output efficiency (35%) over an analogous solid disk confined Tamm structure (18%). Simulations of designs optimized for different wavelengths are suggestive of annular coupling between the Tamm state and surface plasmons. These designs are applicable to the design of single photon sources, nano-LEDs, and nanolasers for communications.

Magnetic hexagram micro soft robot

Abstract. This research focuses on the development of a hexagram-shaped multimodal magnetic soft robot for biomedical applications. This micro-robot utilizes principles of soft robotics and magnetic control mechanisms to achieve precise manipulation and maneuverability within biological environments at the micrometer to millimeter scale. Its advantages include precise navigation through physiological fluids via magnetic fields, enabling targeted drug delivery, diagnostic imaging enhancement, and minimally invasive surgical interventions. The hexagram shape ensures stable and controlled movements, overcoming instability seen in alternative robotic systems. However, these magnetic robots also face challenges such as size constraints, navigating turbulent flows and anatomical obstacles, sustaining operations with an efficient energy source, and biocompatibility concerns.

Using Biotechnology to Make Biofuels from Algae as Renewable Energy

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Phycology, algae have the ability to produce biofuels with five times higher energy efficiency compared to soybean plants, making it a highly efficient and sustainable option for renewable fuels. The goal of this research is to use biotechnology to create biofuels from algae as a renewable energy. This study used a laboratory experimental design with a quantitative approach. Population: Microalgae or green algae that have high potential in lipid production, such as Chlorella vulgaris or Spirulina platensis, which are commonly used in biofuel research. Sample: Several species of algae were selected to test their effectiveness as biofuels, including genetically engineered species and natural species as a comparison. The results of the ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in lipid levels between treatment groups. The results of the T/Post-hoc test confirmed that the genetically engineered species had higher lipid levels, supporting the efficiency of biofuels. The regression results showed a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.68), which supports other studies that found that microalgae can produce biomass in a relatively short time with a controlled environment, making it efficient for large-scale biofuel production. The conversion efficiency of lipids to biofuels reached 85.5%, indicating that the transesterification method used in this study is very effective in converting algae lipids to biodiesel. The use of biotechnology in the production of biofuels from algae has great potential as an efficient and sustainable renewable energy source.

An Evaluation of Moderate-Refractive-Index Nanoantennas for Enhancing the Photoluminescence Signal of Quantum Dots.

The use of nanostructures to enhance the emission of single-photon sources has attracted some attention in the last decade due to the development of quantum technologies. In particular, the use of metallic and high-refractive-index dielectric materials has been proposed. However, the utility of moderate-refractive-index dielectric nanostructures to achieve more efficient single-photon sources remains unexplored. Here, a systematic comparison of various metallic, high-refractive-index and moderate-refractive-index dielectric nanostructures was performed to optimize the excitation and emission of a CdSe/ZnS single quantum dot in the visible spectral region. Several geometries were evaluated in terms of electric field enhancement and Purcell factor, considering the combination of metallic, high-refractive-index and moderate-refractive-index dielectric materials conforming to homogeneous and hybrid nanoparticle dimers. Our results demonstrate that moderate-refractive-index dielectric nanoparticles can enhance the photoluminescence signal of quantum emitters due to their broader electric and magnetic dipolar resonances compared to high-refractive-index dielectric nanoparticles. However, hybrid combinations of metallic and high-refractive-index dielectric nanostructures offer the largest intensity enhancement and Purcell factors at the excitation and emission wavelengths of the quantum emitter, respectively. The results of this work may find applications in the development of single-photon sources.

Quantum interferences and gates with emitter-based coherent photon sources

Quantum emitters such as quantum dots, defects in diamond or in silicon have emerged as efficient single-photon sources that are progressively exploited in quantum technologies. In 2019, it was shown that the emitted single-photon states often include coherence with the vacuum component. Here we investigate how such photon-number coherence alters quantum interference experiments that are routinely implemented both for characterizing or exploiting the generated photons. We show that it strongly modifies intensity correlation measurements in a Hong–Ou–Mandel experiment and leads to errors in indistinguishability estimations. It also results in additional entanglement when performing partial measurements. We illustrate the impact on quantum protocols by evidencing modifications in heralding efficiency and fidelity of two-qubit gates.

Biocontrol potential of Botrytis fabiopsis against the weeds of agricultural fields in the Qing-Tibetan Plateau.

In screening biocontrol strains with broad-spectrum and high-efficiency herbicidal activities, a strain with strong pathogenicity, HY-021, was isolated from the leaves of Rumex acetosa, which was identified as Botrytis fabiopsis based on morphology and molecular biology. The herbicidal activities of the fermentation filtrate of strain HY-021 against nine weeds, including Chenopodium album L., Elsholtzia densa Benth., Malva verticillata L. var. Crispa, Polygonum lapathifolium L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Avena fatua L., Thlaspi arvense L., Polygonum aviculare L., and Galium spurium L., were determined in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the pathogenicity of strain HY-021 to the different weeds in vitro was as follows: E. densa > A. retroflexus > P. aviculare > P. lapathifolium > M. verticillata > T. arvense > G. spurium > A. fatua > C. album. Seven days after inoculation with the HY-021 strain, the incidences in nine weeds were in the range of 32.9-87.23%, and the disease index values of the nine weeds were 41.73-94.57%. The pathogenic effects from high to low were A. retroflexus > E. densa > A. fatua > G. spurium > C. album > M. verticillata > T. arvense > P. aviculare > P. lapathifolium. The crop safety test showed that the biocontrol strain HY-021 was safe to V. faba, P. sativum, H. vulgare, and T. aestivum, but had a slight effect on B. napus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the mycelium of strain HY-021 invaded the tissue through the stomata of C. album leaves, parasitized and reproduced in the tissue, and gradually destroyed the tissue. The results of this study provide a basis for the development and utilization of new and efficient microbial source herbicides.

Genome-wide identification and biochemical characterization of glycoside hydrolase gene family members in Tilletia Horrida.

Rice kernel smut, caused by Tilletia horrida, is becoming an increasingly serious disease in hybrid rice planting, leading to production losses and quality decline of male-sterile rice varieties. Successful infection requires an efficient energy source that the pathogen obtains from rice plants, such as carbohydrates. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs), one of the largest sub-families in the cell wall-degrading enzyme family, play a key role in the infection progress of pathogens. To investigate their roles in facilitating infection, in this study, we identified and characterized genes encoding GH family proteins of T. horrida and further explored the functions and structures of these genes. Through genome-wide sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, 52 GH genes were identified from T. horrida, named ThGhd_1 to ThGhd_52. The subcellular location, conserved motifs, and structures of ThGhds were identified by bioinformatics analyses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ThGhds with similar domains clustered together, although some proteins clustered in different branches, which might reflect functional diversity. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that ThGhds interact with partner proteins involved in reactive oxygen species signaling, protein kinase activity, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the expression of ThGhd genes responded differently at different infection time points, with dynamic changes detected during the T. horrida infection process, indicating that these genes are involved in interactions with rice and have potential roles in pathogenic mechanisms. The results of this study provide valuable resources for the structure elucidation of GH family proteins of T. horrida and can help to further elucidate their roles in pathogenesis.

Development and diagnostic study of the RF nitrogen atom source

With the development of thin film technology, particularly the increasing demand for research on group III nitride materials, the need for N ions has significantly increased. A wider and more efficient RF nitrogen atom source specifically designed for nitride film growth has been developed. To evaluate the nitrogen atom density from the RF nitrogen source, a global model of RF nitrogen gas discharge plasma was created. This model was calibrated by measuring the emission spectrum of RF nitrogen gas discharge, and the relationships between nitrogen atom density and actual working pressure, power, and discharge chamber size were determined. It was found that the nitrogen atom density increases with increasing power and initially increases with pressure before decreasing. Finally, the nitrogen atom density was determined, achieving an 18 % nitrogen atom dissociation rate and a nitrogen atom density of 5 × 1012/cm³ at an RF power of 400 W. This density is significantly higher than that of nitrogen ions, indicating that this is a nitrogen atom source with high purity.

Simple but efficient polarization-entangled photon sources

We report on the design and characterization of polarization-entangled photon sources at NIR and telecom wavelengths, based on spontaneous parametric downconversion in a linear interferometric arrangement with beam displacers. The sources demonstrate state-of-the-art performance with respect to detected brightness, heralding efficiency, and entanglement visibility. Featuring a stable and compact profile with simple alignment, they hold great promise for future development of field- and space-ready prototypes, alongside serving as a practical guide for researchers interested in designing efficient entangled photon sources.

Multi-objective optimal configuration of CCHP system containing hybrid electric-hydrogen energy storage system

In order to cope with the increasing energy demand and achieve the “double carbon “goal of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan,” combined with hydrogen energy storage technology, it has the characteristics of zero pollution, high efficiency and rich source. In the context of reducing energy consumption and the vigorous development of hydrogen energy storage technology, a multi-objective optimization configuration model with economy, energy consumption index and carbon emission index is proposed, which takes into account the working characteristics of the hydrogen energy storage system, and the exothermic heat release from the electrolysis tanks and fuel cells when they are working to provide the loads with an additional heat source of the Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) system, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission. Finally, taking a region as an example, a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on decomposition is used to solve the model, so as to obtain a series of alternatives with better optimization effect. At the same time, the two-way projection method based on interval intuitionistic fuzzy information is used to make decisions, and the scheme that optimizes the economy, energy consumption index and carbon emission index is obtained, which verifies the feasibility of the system proposed in this paper.

Spectral Flux Enhancement of X Rays for Addressing Ultranarrow Nuclear Transitions.

Recently, the 1.4 feV ultranarrow nuclear transition at 12.4keV energy in ^{45}Sc was resonantly excited for the first time using radiation from the self-seeded EuXFEL laser [Y. Shvyd'ko et al., Resonant x-ray excitation of the nuclear clock isomer ^{45}Sc, Nature (London) 622, 471 (2023)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/s41586-023-06491-w], establishing ^{45}Sc as a promising candidate for a future Mössbauer nuclear clock. While this experiment demonstrated a high potential of x-ray free-electron laser sources for resonantly exciting nuclear isomers in the hard x-ray range, it also highlighted a severe limitation in the achievable excitation level caused by their extremely large spectral bandwidth ∼1 eV. In this Letter, we propose a method to enhance the spectral flux of x-ray free-electron laser radiation using a resonant absorber with a longitudinal gradient in the nuclear transition frequency. A portion of the incident pulse can be absorbed into a nuclear collective excitation, and converted back into x-ray radiation by reversing the sign of the frequency gradient. Spectral narrowing and flux enhancement of this re-emitted x-ray field is achieved by using a reversed frequency gradient with a smaller magnitude than the initial one. About a hundredfold of such spectral flux enhancement is feasible in ^{45}Sc_{2}O_{3} single crystal, rendering a more efficient source for nuclear excitation and facilitating the experimental observation of resonant fluorescence and coherent forward scattering at the 12.4keV transition, both of which are essential for realizing a nuclear clock.