Polarization Process Research Articles

Политические эффекты социально-демографических трансформаций в США

The article examines the effects of the socio-demographic transformations of the United States in 2020—2024 in the context of political polarization. Drawing on the approaches of political demography, the authors focus their attention on ethno-racial, age, territorial-demographic and socioeconomic aspects of these transformations. According to their hypothesis, the processes taking place in these spheres contribute to the increasing fragmentation of American society, which is also reflected in political polarization. Based on an extensive body of statistical data, the authors question the thesis of harmonization of the American political landscape under the influence of the growth of “new” (Latin American / Hispanic, Asians, multiracial groups) and “old” (black) minorities in the total population. It is demonstrated that this circumstances, coupled with the main trend of the white population decline, create conditions for the growth of the influence of right-wing populism, one of the exponents of which is D.Trump. The authors conclude that the increasing fragmentation of American society and the growing contradictions even within relatively homogeneous groups are likely to lead, in addition to traditional (white — minority) conflicts, to the emergence of new conflicts, including within ethno-racial groups. This in turn will entail a serious impact on the reformatting of the social base of the Republican and Democratic Parties, which will be accompanied by an increase in polarization processes.

Study on the change of the oil-paper insulation’s AC conductivity characteristics based on dielectric response in frequency domain

Oil-immersed power equipment (transformers and high voltage bushings) are key components of power systems. Oil-paper insulation has endured complex and harsh operating conditions when used as a primary insulation system, so it is essential to determine the insulation state of oil-paper insulation system to ensure a stable operation for the power grid. The oil-paper insulation’s conductivity behavior can effectively characterize the degree of insulation deterioration. However, the relationship between the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conductivity behavior for oil-paper insulation systems is still unclear in current research, resulting in limitations in the traditional evaluation model’s application. Therefore, this paper uses oil-paper insulation materials under different aging to carry out relevant research about the changing features of the complex AC conductivity under different test temperature environments. The influence of oil-paper insulation aging, test temperature, and excitation frequency on the complex AC conductivity is verified. Considering the correlation between low-frequency AC conductivity and DC conductivity, the frequency range of AC conductivity is extended by means of frequency temperature and conductance double translation. The temperature dependence of the AC conductivity behavior is defined over a wide frequency test range. The relaxation polarization process dominated the AC conductivity variation law is obtained. The impact of experimental temperature and insulation aging on the cumulative characteristic parameters of AC ionic mobility is clarified. This study theoretically corrects the traditional calculation model for AC conductivity of oil-paper insulation. The bias in conductivity calculations caused by only considering a single relaxation polarization process is eliminated. The conductivity model that can characterize multiple relaxation polarization processes in the dielectric is established. This model provides theoretical support for the later assessment of oil-paper insulation state depending on conductance behavior.

Bias-induced polarization effect in Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-yMnyTe detectors

The study aims to compare the evolution of the electric field profiles in CdZnTe and CdMnTe detectors from the initial biasing activation until the steady state is reached (referred here as polarization effect). The crystals are grown by the same method, so the comparison emphasizes the difference between Zn- and Mn-based traps. The results demonstrate that the settling times in the CdZnTe and CdMnTe devices differ, but both are on the scale of hours. The effect of these, rather moderate variations on the charge collection efficiency for gamma photons should be limited. In addition, based on experimental results and TCAD calculations, it can be conjectured that a much stronger change in the electric field is induced by the bias polarization process in the front interface layer, which affects the charge collection only when carrier-generation occurring in and around the interface.

Decellularization of fish tissues for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications

Abstract Decellularization is the process of obtaining acellular tissues with low immunogenic cellular components from animals or plants while maximizing the retention of the native extracellular matrix structure, mechanical integrity, and bioactivity. The decellularized tissue obtained through the tissue decellularization technique retains the structure and bioactive components of its native tissue; it not only exhibits comparatively strong mechanical properties, low immunogenicity, and good biocompatibility, but also stimulates in situ neovascularization at the implantation site and regulates the polarization process of recruited macrophages, thereby promoting the regeneration of damaged tissue. Consequently, many commercial products have been developed as promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of different tissue defects and lesions, such as wounds, dura, bone and cartilage defects, nerve injuries, myocardial infarction, urethral strictures, corneal blindness, and other orthopaedic applications. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the decellularization of fish tissues because of the abundance of sources, less religious constraints, and risks of zoonosis transmission between mammals. In this review, we provide a complete overview of the state-of-the-art decellularization of fish tissues, including the organs and methods used to prepare acellular tissues. We enumerated common decellularized fish tissues from various fish organs, such as skin, scale, bladder, cartilage, heart, and brain, and elaborated their different processing methods and tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, we presented the perspectives of (1) the future development direction of fish tissue decellularization technology, (2) expanding the sources of decellularized tissue, and (3) innovating decellularized tissue bio-inks for 3D bioprinting to unleash the great potential of decellularized tissue in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Enhanced Piezoelectric Response Attained by Defect Dipoles in BiFeO3-based Lead-Free Ceramics.

The impact of defects on the performance of piezoelectric materials has been a topic of considerable debate, due to the competing actions of the deteriorating effect of the defects themselves on the ceramic resistance and the positive effect on the piezoelectric performance resulting from the defect polarization. In order to probe its combined influence on piezoelectric properties, here, we designed BiFeO3 (BF)-based ceramics with different defect concentrations. It has been demonstrated that the incorporation of an appropriate concentration of defects into ceramics can effectively enhance their piezoelectric properties while maintaining their insulating properties. During the polarization process, both the intrinsic polarization and defect dipoles are oriented along the direction of the electric field. This occurs in the presence of a high temperature environment as well as an applied electric field, which results in a complementary enhancement of the macroscopic ferro- and piezoelectric properties. Consequently, the piezoelectric performance of BF-BT-BKT ceramics is achieved (d33 = 203 ± 5 pC/N, TC = 502 °C, kp = 33.05%). This work provides a framework for understanding the intrinsic structural mechanism of bismuth ferrate.

Partisan winds: Group-level polarization and issue-framing propel attitudes about local wind farms

Political polarization is an obstacle to public support and effective communication for renewable energy projects. Depolarizing messages can be helpful, but it is difficult to determine where to concentrate efforts until social scientists first disentangle the effects of unconscious issue-based and conscious group norm-based polarization processes. This study investigates the extent to which attitudes towards wind energy development are polarized in the United States, focusing on attitudes about local wind farms. We tested different frames in a survey with 1300 U.S. participants, combining implicit and explicit attitude measures to measure unconscious and conscious attitudes towards nearby wind farms, respectively. Our findings suggest that explicit attitudes towards wind farms are more polarized than implicit attitudes, emphasizing the role of conscious processes in shaping attitudes. Furthermore, perceptions of within-party support significantly influence explicit attitudes, indicating the importance of group norm-based polarization in this context. While our framing interventions aimed at addressing issue-based polarization yielded mixed results, the moderating effect of perceived within-party support underscores the potential efficacy of interventions targeting group-level processes. Regarding policy implications, our findings highlight the importance of considering both issue-based and group norm-based polarization when developing and implementing communication strategies for garnering local support for nearby renewable energy developments.

Regeneration of Spent Culture Media for Sustainable and Continuous mAb Production via Ion Concentration Polarization.

In modern bioprocessing, cell culture media is one of the most significant cost drivers, yet the nutrients and other critical factors in the media are often not fully utilized. With the renewed emphasis on reducing the cost of bioprocessing, there is much interest in reducing the overall use of cell culture media. In this work, we introduce a mesoscale microfluidic separation device based on the ion concentration polarization (ICP) process to regenerate the spent media for reuse by removing critical waste products from the cell culture that are known to inhibit the growth of the cells. We demonstrated that up to 75% of spent culture media can be regenerated and reused without affecting the cell viability. A detailed analysis of the materials consumed during antibody production indicated that one could improve the water process mass intensity by up to 33% by regenerating and recycling the media. Given that ICP separation systems have already been scaled up to support large-volume processing, it would be feasible to deploy this technology for manufacturing scale bioreactors (e.g., 50 L perfusion culture of CHO cells), reducing the overall operation cost and water use.

Preparation and characterization of ball milled titanium oxide/multi walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite for supercapacitor applications

In this work, titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and TiO2-Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared using the ball milling technique. The characterization of synthesized nanocomposite was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dielectric constant ε1 (ω) and dielectric loss ε2 (ω) were discussed in terms of the dielectric polarization process. The Ac conductivity was increased with increasing MWCNTs amount. The charge carrier transport mechanism was interpreted using the correlated barrier hopping model (CBH). The Impedance spectroscopy showed a non-Debye relaxation in the material. The specific capacitance was increased with increasing MWCNTs concentration. Based on these detailed results, the TiO2-MWCNTs nanocomposites displayed higher specific capacitance than TiO2. In addition, the control of the current density applied onto CV measurements and MWCNTs composition of the electrodes to enhance the capacitance will open up a new strategy for the high-performance supercapacitors.

Revisiting Erdoğan’s century of Turkey: unmasking populism’s political strategies through the Lens of the Canal Istanbul

ABSTRACT This study delves into the nuanced dynamics of populism in Turkish politics, focusing on the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Over the past two decades, we contend that the AKP’s policy proposals and projects have transcended mere political promises, instead evolving into meticulously planned physical embodiments of the party’s political dominance. Through an in-depth analysis of one of the AKP’s recent mega undertakings, the Canal Istanbul project, we unveil a strategic shift in the party’s populist tactics aimed at fortifying its political hegemony. Moreover, this paper sheds light on a covert process of polarization within the AKP’s apparent transition from a divisive approach to one centred on persuasion, particularly targeting the opponent political party, the CHP Republican People’s Party, Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi. We posit that the AKP strategically positions itself as a victim of its adversaries, strategically laying the foundation for its persuasive agenda. This research offers critical insights into the multifaceted strategies employed by the AKP and CHP in navigating the complex terrain of populist politics in Turkey and furthers the empirical studies in the populism debate in general.

The polarisation of Italian metropolitan areas, 2000–2018: structural change, technology and growth

Abstract Large cities are a key driver of technological innovation and economic growth. This paper investigates the developments of Italian metropolitan areas, building on insights from economic geography and innovation studies. The key questions to be investigated are the following: (i) Which trajectories of population and economic change can be identified for Italian metropolitan areas? Are we facing a process of economic and technological polarisation that may worsen the country’s imbalances? (ii) What is the role played in such developments by technological and structural change, and in particular by digital technologies and the rise of finance? The empirical analysis investigates the patterns of technological and economic indicators for the period 2000–2018 for 14 Italian metropolitan areas, proxied by their provinces, providing evidence of growing polarisation between Milan, where most positive developments are concentrated, and the other metropolitan zones. Rome has been losing ground in most fields; Venice and Genoa are characterised by industrial decline. Few mid-sized cities show some economic dynamism—including Bologna and Cagliari—while most southern and insular Italian cities increase their gap relative to the performances of leading metropolitan areas.

News Consumption, Partisanship, and Energy Preferences in Brazil and the United States

ABSTRACT The transition to a more sustainable energy system must consider public perceptions of energy sources and the influences that shape them. This study compares support for renewable and non-renewable sources that make up the energy grid in Brazil and the United States (US), two nations with different energy mixes, political histories, and media systems. Through national surveys, we assess how different national energy configurations impact attitudes about renewables and non-renewable sources. Then, we analyze what attitudes are influenced by each nation’s partisan identities and media consumption habits. Results indicate that attitudes reflect the fact that some energy sources are more politicized than others. In the US, polarization regarding coal and renewables manifests strong partisan differences, which are amplified by media consumption choices. In Brazil, since hydropower was adopted by both left- and right-leaning governments, the impact of partisanship on support for energy sources is more limited. Results suggest attitudes about energy are subjected to processes of partisan polarization, with media messages amplifying those effects. Findings underscore the need to invest in policies promoting media literacy and fact-based science communication, empowering the public to recognize when energy debates are manipulated to fit partisan narratives, often at the expense of evidence.

A photocatalytic C(sp)ꟷB bond formation employing SOMOphilic alkynyl sulfones and nucleophilic boryl radicals

Alkynylboron compounds are important scaffolds with broad applicability in Organic Synthesis. In contrast to polar or metal-catalyzed processes, here we employ a radical approach for the addition of nucleophilic boryl radicals to electrophilic SOMOphiles for the construction of the C(sp)ꟷB bond. The reaction renders the corresponding alkynylated amine boranes with broad functional group compatibility. In addition, we carried out theoretical studies by means of DFT to understand the reactivity and selectivity of the addition process.

Medium-entropy Zr–Nb–Ti alloys with low magnetic susceptibility, high yield strength, and low elastic modulus through spinodal decomposition for bone-implant applications

Medium-entropy Zr–Nb–Ti (ZNT) alloys are being extensively investigated as load-bearing implant materials because of their exceptional biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, and low magnetic susceptibility. Nevertheless, enhancing their yield strength while simultaneously decreasing their elastic modulus presents a formidable obstacle, significantly constraining their broader utilization as metallic biomaterials. In this study, three medium-entropy ZNT alloys, i.e., Zr45Nb45Ti10, Zr42.5Nb42.5Ti15, and Zr40Nb40Ti20 (denoted ZNT10, ZNT15, and ZNT20, respectively), were designed based on the miscibility gap in the ZNT phase diagram and prepared by annealing of cold-rolled ingots. Their microstructures, mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, magnetic susceptibility, and biocompatibility were systematically studied. Spinodal decomposition occurred in the cold-rolled ZNT10 and ZNTi15 after annealing at 650°C for 2 h and resulted in nanoscale Zr-rich β1 and (Nb, Ti)-rich β2 phases, which significantly improved their yield strength and reduced their elastic modulus. The wear resistance of the alloys decreased with an increase in Ti content. Dense ZrO2, Nb2O5, and TiO2 oxide layers were formed during the polarization process in Hanks’ solution, which enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloys. These ZNT alloys exhibited significantly lower magnetic susceptibility than medical Ti alloys. The ZNT alloys showed a cell viability of more than 94 % toward MG-63 cells after culturing for 3 d. Overall, the spinodal ZNT15 showed the best combination of mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, low magnetic susceptibility, and sufficient biocompatibility among the three alloys. Statement of SignificanceThis work reports on medium-entropy Zr–Nb–Ti (ZNT) alloys with heterostructure. Spinodal decomposition significantly improved their mechanical strength and reduced the elastic modulus of the alloys. The wear resistance of the ZNT alloys decreased with an increase in Ti content. Dense ZrO2, Nb2O5, and TiO2 oxide layers were formed during the polarization process in Hanks’ solution, which enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloys. The ZNT alloys exhibited significantly lower magnetic susceptibility than medical Ti alloys. The ZNT alloys showed a cell viability of more than 94% toward MG-63 cells after culturing for 3 d. The results demonstrate that spinodal ZNT alloys have enormous potential as bone-implant materials due to their outstanding overall mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance, wear resistance, low magnetic susceptibility, and sufficient biocompatibility.

High-performance and scalable polarization splitter-rotator based on photonic crystal nanobeam reflection.

The polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) is a key device for polarization processing in polarization diversity systems, which has wide applications in achieving polarization independence and mixed multiplexing. However, it remains a significant challenge to simultaneously achieve a better balance in bandwidth, crosstalk (CT), polarization extinction ratio (PER), and compact footprint of the PSR. In this article, a photonic crystal nanobeam (PCN) structure is introduced to PSR for large bandwidth and compact size, with a device length of only 104 µm. Additionally, to achieve lower CT, a bridge waveguide is introduced for primary filtering. Simulation results show that the insertion loss (IL) is less than 0.55 dB, CT less than -35 dB, and PER greater than 35 dB within a bandwidth exceeding 110 nm, while maintaining a large process tolerance. Furthermore, the proposed PSR design breaks through the limitations of traditional schemes by extending its functionality effectively. To further improve integration, a novel approach to PSR using mode hybridization followed by spatial beam splitting is proposed. By controlling the phase-matching condition of various modes in different waveguides, the designed spatial beam splitting achieves lower CT and better compactness. Simulation results verify that the IL of the improved scheme is less than 1 dB, CT less than -24 dB, and PER greater than 22 dB within an 85 nm bandwidth, while reducing the overall length to less than 20 µm.

Improvement of Thermal Stability of Charges in Polylactic Acid Electret Films for Biodegradable Electromechanical Sensors.

Eco-friendly sensors fabricated from biocompatible and biodegradable materials are promising candidates for wearable and implantable electronics due to their environmental sustainability and biosafety. This article reports a fully biodegradable electromechanical sensor (FBES) utilizing a sandwich structure with macro ripple structured polylactic acid (PLA) electret films acting as sensitive layers and molybdenum (Mo) sheets serving as electrodes for a wearable device application. The stability of the space charge stored within the PLA film has been enhanced by introducing an internal cellular structure and improving the polarization process. A macro ripple structure of the PLA layer with higher deformation is a great guarantee for boosting the pressure sensitivity. The results indicate that inserting cell microstructures and optimizing the polarization process significantly improve the charge storage stability of PLA films by nearly 55%. This enhancement is attributed to several factors, including the extended charge drift path of the charges in cellular films, a synergy effect of surface charges, and "macroscopic" dipole charges distributed in the cells. The fabricated sensor achieves a high sensitivity of 1000 pC/kPa, a wide pressure detection range of 0.03-62.4 kPa, and satisfactory stability. Such sensors are not only sensitive to body movements but also to subtle physiological signals, satisfying the diverse needs of wearable healthcare. Importantly, all the composition materials of the sensor can be completely degraded after their service, aligning with the environmentally friendly principles of green development.

The involvement of endogenous melatonin in LPS-induced M1-like macrophages and its underlying synthesis mechanism regulated by IRF3

Melatonin (MLT) has been shown to induce polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibit polarization of macrophages towards M1-like phenotype through exogenous administration, which affects the development of many macrophage polarization-related diseases, such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and tumors. However, whether endogenous melatonin has similar influences on macrophage polarization as exogenous melatonin is still under investigation. This study revealed that the process of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inducing macrophages to polarize towards M1-like phenotype was accompanied by an increase in endogenous MLT secretion. To explore the role of increased endogenous MLT in the polarization process of macrophages, whether similar to the function of exogenous MLT in inhibiting polarization of macrophages towards M1-like phenotype, we established LPS-induced MLT deficiency models in vitro to investigate the effects of endogenous MLT on the secretion of cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules, ROS, and phagocytic function in LPS-induced M1-like macrophages. Additionally, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which LPS affects the secretion of endogenous MLT by macrophages. Our results confirm that LPS induces transcription of Aanat through the TLR4/TRIF pathway, consequently facilitating the secretion of MLT by macrophages. In this way, IRF3 is the main transcription factor that regulates Aanat transcription. Endogenous MLT plays a role in inhibiting the polarization of macrophages towards M1 phenotype and delaying cell apoptosis during LPS-induced polarization towards M1 phenotype. This phenomenon may be a form of self-protection that occurs when macrophages engulf pathogens while avoiding oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by LPS. This conclusion clarifies the role of endogenous MLT in the clearance of pathogens by macrophages, providing a theoretical basis for understanding its role in innate immunity.

Exploring anti-ferroelectric thin films with high energy storage performance by moderating phase transition

Anti-ferroelectric thin films are renowned for their signature double hysteresis loops and sheds light on the distinguished energy storage capabilities of dielectric capacitors in modern electronic devices. However, anti-ferroelectric capacitors are still facing the dual challenges of low energy density and efficiency to achieve state-of-the-art performance. Their large hysteresis and sharp first-order phase transition usually results in a low energy storage efficiency and easy breakdown, severely obscuring its future application. In this study, we demonstrate that anti-ferroelectric (Pb0.97La0.02)(Zr1−xSnx)O3 epitaxial thin films exhibit enhanced energy storage performance through local structural heterogeneity to moderate the first-order phase transition by calculating the corresponding polarization as a function of switching time for the first time. The films exhibit remarkable enhanced breakdown strength (∼3.47 MV/cm, ∼5 times the value for PbZrO3) and energy storage performance. Our endeavors have culminated in the ingenious formulation of a novel strategy, namely, the postponement of polarization processes, thereby elevating the breakdown strength and total energy storage performance. This landmark achievement has unveiled a fresh vista of investigative opportunities for advancing the energy storage prowess of electric dielectrics.

Contemporary problems of settlement in the ethnic plain villages of the northwestern regions of Azerbaijan (on the example of the Balakan administrative district)

The geographical position of the region, ethnic composition, acceleration of the process of polarization among rural settlements, and other factors increase the relevance of the research. The subject of the research is the study of rural settlement problems, and the object of the research is the villages and ethnic minorities of the Balakan district. The study aims to reveal the modern problems of the settlement of ethnic minorities and the formation of rural agglomerations, to study the causes of the emptying of some villages, and to prepare a rural development model to prevent the problems. To conduct research, the literature and statistical materials were analyzed, as well as cartographic, comparative analysis, SWOT, and modelling methods were used. Moreover, a field investigation was conducted in the research area. It was revealed that although a majority of the rural population settles in villages with a high demographic potential, villages with a weak demographic potential, due to their higher number, play a major role in the settlement system. Moreover, some villages form rural agglomerations, while some of them lose their population due to socioeconomic challenges. Due to the intense migration processes, some villages have turned into endangered villages (Mazimustu, Goyrujuluk), and even some villages are on the brink of extinction (Bayrambina, Mazimchay, Abjit). Studying the regulation of rural settlement in the region is of practical importance in terms of ensuring the equal development of the region, ensuring the security of the borders, and protecting ethnic minorities. However, there is still a need for serious research in this field.

Effect of transition metal ions on the dielectric properties of chromium potassium phosphates

Potassium ions are important for developing electrode materials because they have similar properties to lithium and sodium ions. Mixed chromium phosphates (KMIICr(PO4)2) with substituted MII sites using divalent elements (M = Ni, Co, Cu) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. The samples were analyzed using various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The proposed phosphates had a monoclinic phase structure with a P21/n space group, and they contained large tunnels occupied by K+ cations. The dielectric properties showed that the Ni-based phosphates had slower dielectric relaxation, while the Co and Cu-based phosphates had quicker polarization and depolarization processes. Additionally, the resistance of the grains decreased from Ni to Co to Cu-based phosphates, indicating easier charge movement in each material, consistent with the increase in conductive losses and a.c. conductivity when changing the MII ions.

Detection of unmanned aerial vehicles using thermal imaging technology

The detection of UAVs can be carried out using their information features in various ranges: acoustic, radio, optical. Acoustic (ultrasonic) sensors, radar, radio frequency sensors, laser locators, electron-optical / IR sensors (direction finders) are used for their registration. This article will consider the possibilities of detecting UAVs using thermal imagers, pay attention to the characteristics of the resolution of thermal imaging systems, the signal-to-noise ratio, the possibilities of polarization processing of recorded thermal radiation, and the results of some foreign studies on the detection (recognition) of UAVs using thermal imaging cameras.