Joint Measurement Research Articles

Structure design and logical CNOT implementation of multi-logical-qubits surface code

As its parallel processing ability, quantum computing has an exponential acceleration over classical computing. However, quantum systems are fragile and susceptible to noise. Quantum error correction code is an effective means to overcome quantum noise. Quantum surface codes are topologically stable subcodes that have great potential for large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing because of their structural nearest neighbor characteristics and high fault-tolerance thresholds. The existing boundary-based surface codes can encode one logical qubit. This paper mainly studies how to implement multi-logical-qubits encoding based on the boundary, including designing the structure of the surface code, finding out the corresponding stabilizers and logical operations according to the structure, and further designing the coding circuit based on the stabilizers. After research on the single qubit CNOT implementation principle based on measurement and correcting and the logic CNOT implementation based on fusion and segmentation, we further optimized implementation scheme of the logic CNOT implementation based on fusion and segmentation. The scheme is extended to the designed multi-logical-qubits surface code to realize the CNOT operation between the multi-logical-qubits surface codes, and the correctness of the quantum circuit is verified by simulation. The multi-logical-qubits surface code designed in this paper overcomes the disadvantage that the single-logical-qubit surface code can not be densely embedded in the quantum chip, improves the length of some logical operations, and increases the fault tolerance ability. The idea of joint measurement reduces the requirement for ancilla qubits and reduces the demand for quantum resources in the implementation process.

TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERREGIONAL HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES OF BASHKIRIA WITH CHUVASHIA IN THE 1990s

The article is devoted to the analysis of cultural, social, political and economic ties between Bashkiria and Chuvashia in the 1990s.
 
 The purpose of the research is to study the experience of interregional interaction during the period of republics formation within the Russian Federation on the example of relations between Bashkiria and Chuvashia.
 
 Materials and methods. The peculiarity of this topic is the chronological coverage concerning modern Russian history, in this regard, the materials of the study are mainly represented by periodicals (regional newspapers and official journals of state authorities), as well as archives of liquidated authorities. The research methods are the historical-system method, the historical-comparative method, the principle of historicism is used as the basis of the work.
 
 The scientific novelty is manifested in the introduction of new materials from archives into scientific circulation, as well as in consideration of relations between Chuvashia and Bashkiria through a historical prism in the unity of cultural, political and economic spheres, which is expressed in the term “historical and cultural ties”.
 
 Study results. The author analyzes the first agreement between Chuvashia and Bashkiria in the post-Soviet period “On Cooperation in Socio-Economic, Cultural and Spiritual Spheres” dated April 25, 1991. The “Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation” dated 1994, which had not previously appeared in the studies, was studied. The joint measures on preserving cultural, political and economic ties between the state authorities of the republics are considered and the vectors of relations development are outlined.
 
 Conclusions. The analysis of historical and cultural ties revealed an increase in joint cultural and political events, with a decrease in the activity of economic relations in the second half of the 1990s. The main reasons for the reduction of interregional trade and the consequences of these processes are outlined.

Goniometric measurements of the femoral joint in dogs with hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic dieseases presents in most breeds of dogs but more prevalent in large breeds. Clinical examination through tests such as Ortolani, Barlow, and Bardens, alongside with radiological, tomographic, magnetic resonance, and ultrasonographic examinations, are the only methods for screening and diagnosing canine hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia can lead to other musckuloskeletal diseases, with the most common ones being cruciate ligaments tear and spinal conditions such as IVDD or degenerative myelopathy. To assess hip changes, it is recommended that the patient to be heavily sedated, and the standard exposure will be with the hips in forced extension. Among knee conditions related to hip dysplasia, the most commonly reported are patellar luxation, partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and osteoarthritic changes. A study conducted on 65 dogs found concurrent hip dysplasia and patellar luxation in 28% of cases. Clinical goniometry is an objective and non invasive method of measuring joint angles, allowing for the assessment of the normal range of joint movements. This method can indicate the severity of joint pathology. Currently, goniometry is often used in the field of imaging and it can be an important element in assessing the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of goniometric measurements at the knee and hip joint levels in dogs with hip dysplasia and if there is a correlation. A total of 10 dogs from varying breeds of dogs aging from 1 to 3 years old, were deeply sedated in order to measure perform the x-rays in ventro-dorsal hip extended view for measuring the Norberg angle (Na), anatomic Latero-Proximal Femoral Angle (aLPFA), anatomic Latero-Distal Femoral Angle (aLDFA), mechanical Latero-Distal Femoral Angle (mLDFA), mechanical Latero-Proximal Femoral Angle (mLPFA). All patients were part of the clinical cases present in our department and the written consent of the owners was obtained for each dog. Norberg and femoral angles were measured within the local DICOM viewer and the statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics. All images were reviewed by an ECVDI resident, a radiology professor and a radiology intern. All patients within our study had a Na under the reference value of 105º. All the femoral angles were within limits regarding their normal values. We conclude that there is not a signicative relation between the Na and the goniometric values obtained, most likely because of other factors that are influencing these measurements (ex. breed variations, femoral slightly rotation, muscle contracture due to poor anesthesia management, other musculoskeletal genetic disorders etc.). Further research on a more relevant statistical sample is recommended, in order to determine the normal goniometric values and the changes that appear in case of hip dysplasia.

Detection of dilution due to turbulent mixing vs. precipitation scavenging effects on biomass burning aerosol concentrations using stable water isotope ratios during ORACLES

Abstract. The interaction between biomass burning aerosols and clouds remains challenging to accurately determine, in part because of difficulties using direct observations to account for influences on aerosol concentrations from precipitation scavenging and dilution due to air mass mixing and separating those signals from source contributions. The prevalence of mixing versus precipitation processes in air laden with biomass burning aerosol (BBA) in the southeast Atlantic lower free troposphere (FT) and marine boundary layer (MBL) is assessed during three observation periods (September 2016, August 2017, and October 2018) during the NASA ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) campaign. Significant sources of BBAs over the African continent combined with regional circulation patterns result in BBA-laden air flowing from the continent over the southeast Atlantic in the lower FT, then subsiding onto the semi-permanent stratocumulus cloud deck, and entraining into the MBL. This study is broken into two parts, first analyzing hydrologic histories of the BBA air in the lower FT and then carrying out a similar assessment in the underlying MBL. Both analyses leverage joint measurements of water concentration and its heavy isotope ratio, interpreted in the previously established (q, δD) phase space framework. For the lower-FT analysis, in situ observations (water concentration, water isotope ratios) in the lower FT are combined with satellite and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2), global reanalysis data into simple analytical models to constrain hydrologic histories. We find that even simple models are capable of detecting and constraining the primary processes at play, e.g., distinguishing air masses that experienced moist convection and precipitation (likely over the continent) from those that underwent dry convection and turbulent mixing. Regression of the aircraft data onto a simple model of convective detrainment is used to develop a metric of total precipitation for the in situ measurements and then compared to an aerosol metric of black carbon scavenging also derived from the in situ measurements (the ratio of black carbon to carbon monoxide, BC/CO). There is a strong correlation between the two, suggesting black carbon scavenging has been detected and partially quantified, if only in a relative manner. In comparison, weak correlation is found between BC/CO and the total water concentration itself. The above method is expanded to test for entrainment and precipitation influences on BBA concentrations in the MBL. This is more difficult than the FT analysis since signals are subtle and limited by imperfect knowledge of the water and isotope ratios of the entrained air mass at cloud top. For some of the MBLs observed during 2016 and 2018, lower cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations occur in the sub-cloud layer coincident with isotopic evidence of precipitation, indicating aerosol scavenging, but more complex models are needed to produce definitive conclusions. For the 2017 observation period, with the highest sub-cloud CCN concentrations, there is no connection between precipitation signals and CCN concentrations, likely indicating the importance of different geographic sampling and air mass history in that year. Nonetheless, these findings along with the FT analysis suggest that utilizing isotope ratio signals may be an aid in addressing cloud–aerosol challenges. Especially for the FT case, these findings support the pursuit of more complex models combined with targeted in situ data to constrain BC scavenging coefficients in a manner which can guide model parameterizations, leading to improvements in the accuracy of simulated BC concentrations and lifetimes in climate models.

Case study of performance assessment of overlapping shield tunnels with a small curve radius

AbstractDue to the network planning of subways and their surrounding structures, increasingly more overlapping shields with a small curve radius have been constructed. A newly constructed upper tunnel partly overlaps a lower one, leading to the extremely complex uplift of the lower tunnel caused by the construction of a new tunnel. Based on the shield‐driven project that runs from the Qinghe Xiaoyingqiao Station to the Qinghe Station in Beijing, which adopts the reinforcement measures of interlayer soil grouting and steel supports on site, in this study, the uplift pattern of the lower tunnel and the stress characteristics of steel supports were investigated through numerical simulations and on‐site monitoring. The study results show that among all tunnel segments, the first segment of the shield witnesses a maximum uplift displacement that increases with the horizontal space between tunnels. On using either interlayer soil grouting or steel‐ring bracing reinforcement, the uplift of the tunnel lining exceeds the control value; by contrast, when these two measures are jointly applied, the uplift of the tunnel lining does not exceed a maximum value of 4.87 mm, which can satisfy the requirements of deformation control. Under these two joint measures, the soil strength between two stacked shield tunnels can be enhanced and the uplift deformation can be restricted with the interlayer soil grouting. Also, the segmental deformation and overall stability of the existing tunnel can be controlled with the temporary steel supports. The deformation of circumferential supports and segments is closely related to each other, and the segmental uplift is controlled by H‐shaped steel supports. With the increase in the horizontal space between twin shields, the effect of the construction would gradually weaken, accompanied by a gradual reduction of the stresses of steel supports. These findings provide a valuable reference for the engineering design and safe construction of overlapping shield tunnels with a small curve radius.

Novel Multi-View RGB Sensor for Continuous Motion Analysis in Kinetic Chain Exercises: A Pilot Study for Simultaneous Validity and Intra-Test Reliability.

As the number of musculoskeletal disorders caused by smartphone usage, sedentary lifestyles, and active sports activities increases, there is a growing demand for precise and accurate measurement and evaluation of issues such as incorrect compensation patterns, asymmetrical posture, and limited joint operation range. Urgent development of new inspection equipment is necessary to address issues such as convenience, economic feasibility, and post-processing difficulties. Using 4DEYE®, a new multi-view red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor-based motion analysis equipment, and the VICON® ratio, which are infrared-based markers, we conducted a comparative analysis of the simultaneous validity of the joint angle (trajectory) and reliability. In this study, five healthy participants who could perform movements were selected for the pilot study and two movements (Y-balance and side dip) were analyzed. In addition, the ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) V.18 while the number of data frames of each equipment was equalized using the MATLAB program. The results revealed that side dips, which are open kinetic chain exercises (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2.1), 0.895-0.996), showed very high concordance with the Y-balance test, a closed kinetic chain exercise (ICC(2.1), 0.678-0.990). The joint measurement results were similar regardless of the movement in the open or closed kinetic chain exercise, confirming the high reliability of the newly developed multiview RGB sensor. This is of great significance because we obtained important and fundamental results that can be used in various patterns of exercise movements in the future.

Combinatorial single-cell profiling of major chromatin types with MAbID

Gene expression programs result from the collective activity of numerous regulatory factors. Studying their cooperative mode of action is imperative to understand gene regulation, but simultaneously measuring these factors within one sample has been challenging. Here we introduce Multiplexing Antibodies by barcode Identification (MAbID), a method for combinatorial genomic profiling of histone modifications and chromatin-binding proteins. MAbID employs antibody–DNA conjugates to integrate barcodes at the genomic location of the epitope, enabling combined incubation of multiple antibodies to reveal the distributions of many epigenetic markers simultaneously. We used MAbID to profile major chromatin types and multiplexed measurements without loss of individual data quality. Moreover, we obtained joint measurements of six epitopes in single cells of mouse bone marrow and during mouse in vitro differentiation, capturing associated changes in multifactorial chromatin states. Thus, MAbID holds the potential to gain unique insights into the interplay between gene regulatory mechanisms, especially for low-input samples and in single cells.

Role of tool shoulder profile and tool rotational speed on the mechanical performance of friction stir welded Al5083 joints

AbstractIn the current work, Al5083 weld joints have been produced by friction stir welding using three different tool shoulder profiles (flat, concave and convex) at three different tool rotational speeds (900 min−1, 1120 min−1 and 1400 min−1) with an objective to investigate the role of tool shoulder profile and welding parameters on the joint quality. The cross sectional microstructural observations revealed the development of perfect weld joint at 900 min−1 and 1120 min−1 with flat and concave shoulder profiles due to the better material flow in the stir zone. Other weld joints revealed the presence of tunneling defect at the bottom of the nugget zone. Hardness measurements of the weld joints showed increased values at 1120 min−1 with concave shoulder. From the impact test data, all the weld joints exhibited similar impact energy compared with the base material except the weld joint produced with concave shoulder at 1120 min−1. Tensile tests of the weld joints demonstrated better joint strength for the weld joints obtained with both the flat and concave shoulder profiles at 1120 min−1 without losing the ductility similar to that of the base alloy.

Polytope compatibility—From quantum measurements to magic squares

Several central problems in quantum information theory (such as measurement compatibility and quantum steering) can be rephrased as membership in the minimal matrix convex set corresponding to special polytopes (such as the hypercube or its dual). In this article, we generalize this idea and introduce the notion of polytope compatibility, by considering arbitrary polytopes. We find that semiclassical magic squares correspond to Birkhoff polytope compatibility. In general, we prove that polytope compatibility is in one-to-one correspondence with measurement compatibility, when the measurements have some elements in common and the post-processing of the joint measurement is restricted. Finally, we consider how much tuples of operators with appropriate joint numerical range have to be scaled in the worst case in order to become polytope compatible and give both analytical sufficient conditions and numerical ones based on linear programming.

Pengaruh Aktivitas Fisik Dengan Peningkatan Kadar Asam Urat Dalam Darah Pada Lansia Di RSUD Labuang Baji Sul-Sel

One factor that can influence uric acid levels is physical activity. The activities a person does are related to the level of uric acid in the blood. Physical activity such as exercise or physical movement such as housework will reduce uric acid excretion and increase lactic acid production in the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical activity on increasing uric acid levels in the blood in elderly patients at Labuang Baji Hospital, Sul-sel. The method used is quantitative with a descriptive research design using a cross sectional approach. To determine the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable using joint measurements, the population was 34 people. The sample taken for this study used a total sampling technique so that the results were 34 respondents. The data measurement tool used a questionnaire. The results of research carried out in August 2023 at Labuang Baji Regional Hospital, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between physical activity and uric acid levels in the blood in elderly patients at Labuang Baji Regional Hospital with a p value = (0.036 <0.05). Conclusion From this research, there is a relationship between physical activity and increased uric acid levels in the blood in the elderly at Labuang Baji Regional Hospital, South Sulawesi.

Effect of High-Temperature Tempering on Microstructure and Mechanical Strength of Laser-Welded Joints between Medium-Mn Stainless Steel and High-Strength Carbon Steel

The strengthening effect due to high-temperature tempering (HTT) at 700 °C on the microstructure and mechanical properties of welded joints between medium-Mn stainless steel (MMnSS) and high-strength carbon steel (CS) was studied. The microstructure of the weldments was investigated using Laser and scanning electron microscopes. An Electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was used to assess quantitatively the elemental distribution profiles of alloying elements within the weld zone. The strengthening precipitates induced during welding and HTT were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Uniaxial tensile tests and microindentation hardness (HIT) measurements of the weld joints were conducted to evaluate the strengthening effect. Fully fresh-martensite and fine-tempered martensitic structures were promoted in the as-weld and HTT processes, respectively. The HTT structure exhibited a remarkable improvement in mechanical properties (a better combination of yield and tensile strength together with moderate ductility) compared to its weld counterpart. TEM investigation revealed that various types of precipitates have been promoted in the structures of the weld and HTT, e.g., nanosized vanadium and chromium carbides. It is apparent that the proposed HTT of the joints is an effective treatment for improving the mechanical properties due to inducing the formation of fine interphase precipitates, resulting in enhanced mechanical strength of the joints.

A simple joint detection platform for high-throughput single-cell heterogeneity screening

Single cell heterogeneity plays an important role in many biological phenomena and distinguishing cells that exhibit certain mutation in sample could benefit clinical diagnose and drug screening. Typical single cell detection methods such as flow cytometry, in-situ hybridization, real-time amplification or sequencing test either protein or nucleic acid as target and usually require specialized instruments. Joint measurement of the both types of targets could be done by combining the above strategies precisely but also unwieldly. Methods for rapidly and parallelly screening single cells with target genotype and antigen is needed. In this study, we describe a gel plate platform to distinguish cell types based on their phenotypes on target gene and antigen with low equipment requirement. Integrated cell lysis and immobilization were done in the gel solidification step, after which antibody hybridization and real-time amplification were sequentially carried out without losing the original loci information of individual single cells so the three types of information of individual single cells could be combined to distinguished cells with expected genotype and phenotype. The easy-to-use gel platform has potential in point-of-care circumstances and single-cell stimulation response that have high requirements on efficiency and simplicity.

Nature of Nonlocality in Triangle Network based on Elegant Joint Measurement

AbstractDefining nonlocality in a no‐input closed quantum network scenario is a new area of interest nowadays. Gisin, in [Entropy 21, 325 (2019)], proposed a possible condition for non‐tri‐locality of the trivial no‐input closed network scenario, triangle network, by introducing a new kind of joint measurement bases and a probability bound. In [npj Quantum Information (2020) 6:70] they found a shred of numerical evidence in support of Gisin's probability bound. Now based on that probability bound, it finds the nature of the correlation in a triangle network scenario. This study observes how far the probability lies from that Gisin's bound with every possible combination of entangled and local pure states distributed from three independent quantum sources. Here, it uses the generalized Elegant Joint Measurements bases for each party and find that there is a dependency of non‐locality on the entanglement of these joint measurement bases. It also checks the probability bound for the polygon structure.

Determinants of photochemical characteristics of the photosynthetic electron transport chain of maize.

The photosynthetic electron transport chain (ETC) is the bridge that links energy harvesting during the photophysical reactions at one end and energy consumption during the biochemical reactions at the other. Its functioning is thus fundamental for the proper balance between energy supply and demand in photosynthesis. Currently, there is a lack of understanding regarding how the structural properties of the ETC are affected by nutrient availability and plant developmental stages, which is a major roadblock to comprehensive modeling of photosynthesis. Redox parameters reflect the structural controls of ETC on the photochemical reactions and electron transport. We conducted joint measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and gas exchange under systematically varying environmental conditions and growth stages of maize and sampled foliar nutrient contents. We utilized the recently developed steady-state photochemical model to infer redox parameters of electron transport from these measurements. We found that the inferred values of these photochemical redox parameters varied with leaf macronutrient content. These variations may be caused either directly by these nutrients being components of protein complexes on the ETC or indirectly by their impacts on the structural integrity of the thylakoid and feedback from the biochemical reactions. Also, the redox parameters varied with plant morphology and developmental stage, reflecting seasonal changes in the structural properties of the ETC. Our findings will facilitate the parameterization and simulation of complete models of photosynthesis.

How does the economy affect a religious phenomenon? A panel approach to international pilgrimages to the Shrine of Fátima

Abstract This paper investigates the economic determinants of Catholic pilgrimages to the Shrine of Fatima using a panel data set with annual observations from 2008 to 2017 from 29 origin countries. The Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag, using the estimator of Driscoll and Kraay (1998), was employed to examine short- and long-run impacts. The results reveal that, in the short run, GDP per capita, the exchange rate and overall international departures positively impact the number of pilgrims. In the long run, international departures and GDP per capita cause positive impacts, while unemployment shows a negative impact. All effects are statistically significant. Besides shedding light on the relationship between economic determinants and religious phenomena, this paper is valuable to national and local policymakers, shrine managers and regional entrepreneurs. It is a tool for everyone who must be aware of the main determinants of the number of pilgrims, to plan joint measures that may generate more significant opportunities to attract pilgrims, crucial to supporting the local economy and in addition to being an important contribution to the economics of religion literature, indicating contemporary impacts on a religious phenomenon.

BIOMECHANICS OF FACET JOINTS: SYNCHRONIZED SPATIO-TEMPORAL AND MECHANICAL ANALYSIS

AbstractObjectivesWhile spinal fusion is known to be associated with adjacent disc degeneration, little is known on the role of the facet joints in the process, and whether their altered biomechanics following fusion plays a role in further spinal degeneration. This work aimed to develop a model and method to sequentially measure the effects of spinal fusion on lumbar facet joints through synchronisation of both motion analysis, pressure mapping and mechanical analysis.MethodsParallel measurements of mature ovine lumbar facet joints (∼8yr old, n=3) were carried out using synchronised load and displacement measurements, motion capture during loading and pressure mapping of the joint spaces during loading. Functional units were prepared and cemented in PMMA endcaps. Displacement-controlled compression measurements were carried out using a materials testing machine (3365, Instron, USA) at 1 mm/min up to 950 N with the samples in a neutral position, while motion capture of the facet joints during compression was carried out using orthogonal HD webcams (Logitech, Switzerland) to measure the displacement of key facet joint features. The pressure mapping of load transfer during displacement was carried out using a flexible pressure sensor (6900 series, Tekscan, USA). Each sample was imaged at an isotropic resolution of 82 microns using a μCT scanner (XtremeCT, Scanco, Switzerland) to quantify the curvature within the facet joints.ResultsRelative facet joint displacement under load, in a neutral position, showed more displacement (2.36 ±1.68 mm) compared to the cross-head when under compression (2.06 ±1.19 mm). Motion capture indicated the relative displacement of the facet joints was more posterior with some lateral motion. For five of the six facet joints, pressure measurement was possible only on 24±7 % of the surface due to the large change in curvature. Partially measured loads through the facets was 10.5 ±1.1 N.ConclusionsThe relative displacement of the lumbar facet joints compared to the crosshead displacement was consistent with previous studies of cervical facet joints, despite the differences in anatomical geometry between cervical and lumbar joints. The difficulties in accurately measuring the load transfer through the facet joints was due to the age of the tissue and the degree of curvature of the facet joints. Synchronisation of the biomechanical data will provide a setup to assess the effect of interventions such as spinal fusion, with curvature-related issues unlikely to occur in human spines.Declaration of Interest(a) fully declare any financial or other potential conflict of interest

Joint measurement of electron density, temperature, and emission spectrum of Nd:YAG laser-produced tin plasma

We present the results of joint measurements of electron density (ne), temperature (Te), and emission spectra of an Nd:YAG-driven tin plasma. Collective Thomson scattering provides space- and time-resolved ne and Te data during drive laser irradiation, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission spectra, which is space-resolved in the target normal, are measured using a flat-field grazing incidence spectrometer (GIS). As the distance from the target increased, the emission intensity quickly decreases, and the peaks of the spectra gradually shift to longer wavelengths. This can be explained by the rapid decrease in ne, and thus, self-absorption, with an increase in distance. We obtain the EUV spectra by calculating the transfer of photons along the line-of-sight of the GIS, using theoretical emissivity and opacity, and applying the measured spatial distribution of ne and Te. The results quantitatively demonstrate that the self-absorption effect is significant; the emission from the core regions is mostly reabsorbed by the surrounding plasma. The calculated spectra are compared with the measured spectra. While good agreement is achieved in the spectral region of 13.3 and 15.3 nm, considerable differences are found in the 12.5–13 and 15.5–17.5 nm region. The results demonstrate the significance of this joint measurement for further validation of the atomic process model considering self-absorption effect, which is critical for the future high-density, solid laser-driven EUV source.

International legal principles of cooperation in the field of social security

The research deals with the issues of cooperation between states in the field of legal regulation of social security. In the context of globalization, the emergence of new social challenges, such as the coronavirus pandemic, international migration, the activities of transnational corporations, joint measures are needed to ensure that all states ensure minimum standards of social security. Issues of international legal regulation of social security are considered in relation to the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals, as well as in relation to the standards and norms established at the UN and ILO levels. International social security standards are researched and reviewed within the framework of our proposed classification. It is proposed to base the classification on social relations governed by the corresponding numbers of law. Legal measures are proposed to improve the efficiency of legal regulation of social security at the national level.

Effect of nickel interlayer on laser welding of copper/titanium dissimilar metal joint

Cu/Ti dissimilar metal welding components have significant potential applications in aerospace, nuclear industries, and other fields. To achieve a robust connection between titanium (TA2) and copper (T2), this study conducted laser-welding experiments using nickel as an intermediate layer. The influence of a nickel intermediate layer on the joint formation, microstructure, mechanical properties, melting, and element diffusion behavior were investigated. The results revealed that without the addition of a nickel intermediate layer, when the laser beam was biased toward the titanium side during welding, a 17 μm thick layer of intermetallic compounds formed in the copper-side weld region. In this area, a notable concentration of fragile Ti–Cu intermetallic compounds forms, rendering it the weakest point in the joint. As a consequence, the ultimate tensile strength of the joint measures at 131 MPa, which is roughly 55 % of the tensile strength of the copper base material. The introduction of a nickel intermediate layer led to a change in the microstructure of the fusion zone, with Cu–Ti intermetallic compounds dispersed within, preventing the formation of brittle Ti–Cu phases at the copper interface. The addition of the nickel interlayer increased the tensile strength of the TA2-T2 joint to 224 MPa, which is approximately 94 % that of the copper parent material, and the joint exhibited ductile fracture behavior in the copper parent material's heat-affected zone.

Supply and demand conflicts of critical heavy rare earth element: Lessons from gadolinium

Our understanding of supply and demand conflicts of critical minerals is quite limited, which may inhibit strategies in their criticality mitigation. This is particularly severe for gadolinium (Gd), as a heavy rare earth element, given its small amounts in supply and wide applications ranging from glass to NdFeB magnets. This study (1) developed a sophisticated accounting framework to measure the supply and demand trends of Gd within China from 1990 to 2018 and (2) provided a qualitative review and discussions on Gd supply-demand balance in a holistic perspective. Our findings suggest that the balance of Gd supply and demand shows a cyclical trend, termed as periodic "scarcity-abundance" pattern, influenced by changes in environmental regulations, trade structures, and technological applications. This highlights the importance of the joint measurement of both supply and demand of critical minerals for their criticality mitigation.