Efficient Source Research Articles

Large-scale error-tolerant programmable interferometer fabricated by femtosecond laser writing

We introduce a programmable eight-port interferometer with the recently proposed error-tolerant architecture capable of performing a broad class of transformations. The interferometer has been fabricated with femtosecond laser writing, and it is the largest programmable interferometer of this kind to date. We have demonstrated its advantageous error tolerance by showing an operation in a broad wavelength range from 920 to 980 nm, which is particularly relevant for quantum photonics due to efficient photon sources existing in this wavelength range. Our work highlights the importance of developing novel architectures of programmable photonics for information processing.

Binary Coalescences as Sources of Ultrahigh-Energy Cosmic Rays.

Binary coalescences are known sources of gravitational waves (GWs) and they encompass combinations of black holes (BHs) and neutron stars (NSs). Here we show that when BHs are embedded in magnetic fields (B's) larger than approximately 10^{10} G, charged particles colliding around their event horizons can easily have center-of-mass energies in the range of ultrahigh energies (≳10^{18} eV) and become more likely to escape. Such B-embedding and high-energy particles can take place in BH-NS binaries, or even in BH-BH binaries with one of the BHs being charged (with charge-to-mass ratios as small as 10^{-5}, which do not change GW waveforms) and having a residual accretion disk. Ultrahigh center-of-mass energies for particle collisions arise for basically any rotation parameter of the BH when B≳10^{10} G, meaning that it should be a common aspect in binaries, especially in BH-NS ones given the natural presence of a B onto the BH and charged particles due to the magnetosphere of the NS. We estimate that the number of ultrahigh center-of-mass collisions ranges from a few up to millions before the merger of binary compact systems. Thus, binary coalescences may also be efficient sources of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and constraints to NS/BH parameters would be possible if UHECRs are detected along with GWs.

MSX1+PDGFRAlow limb mesenchyme-like cells as an efficient stem cell source for human cartilage regeneration

Degenerative bone disorders have a significant impact on global health, and regeneration of articular cartilage remains a challenge. Existing cell therapies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown limited efficacy, highlighting the necessity for alternative stem cell sources. Here, we have identified and characterized MSX1+ mesenchymal progenitor cells in the developing limb bud with remarkable osteochondral-regenerative and microenvironment-adaptive capabilities. Single-cell sequencing further revealed the presence of two major cell compositions within the MSX1+ cells, where a distinct PDGFRAlow subset retained the strongest osteochondral competency and could efficiently regenerate articular cartilage invivo. Furthermore, a strategy was developed to generate MSX1+PDGFRAlow limb mesenchyme-like (LML) cells from human pluripotent stem cells that closely resembled their mouse counterparts, which were bipotential invitro and could directly regenerate damaged cartilage in a mouse injury model. Together, our results indicated that MSX1+PDGFRAlow LML cells might be a prominent stem cell source for human cartilage regeneration.

Boosting general-purpose stream processing with reconfigurable hardware

Reconfigurable devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) offer flexible solutions to workload acceleration with high energy efficiency. Despite such a potential advantage, they often reveal hard to program by application programmers. High-level synthesis languages have been developed to provide higher-level abstractions, allowing the developers to define the FPGA behavior using an imperative programming approach based on C/C++ languages. However, such approaches still leave the developer with the responsibility to harness the low-level optimizations required to develop efficient FPGA programs. Along this line, this paper introduces FSPX, a framework helping programmers to develop FPGA-accelerated data stream processing (DSP) applications. The approach provides a high-level Python API to develop the data-flow graph of operators, which is automatically translated into an efficient Vitis source code targeting Xilinx devices. The execution of the bitstreams implementing two benchmark applications showcases the efficiency of using FPGAs for DSP workloads. In general, FSPX provides, with a reasonable time-to-solution, higher performance compared with state-of-the-art DSP frameworks.

Speckle-Free, Angle-Free, Cavity-Free White Laser with a High Color Rendering Index.

The freedom from efficiency droop motivates monochromatic lasers to progress in general lighting applications due to the demand for more efficient and sustainable light sources. Still, a white light based on monochromatic lasers with high lighting quality, such as a high color rendering ability, an angle-independent output, and a speckle-free illumination, has not yet been fabricated nor demonstrated. Random lasers, with the special mechanism caused by multiple scattering, the angle-free emission, and the uncomplicated fabrication processes, inspire us to investigate the feasibility of utilizing them in general lighting. In this work, a white random laser with a high color rendering index (CRI) value, regardless of pumping energy and observing direction, was performed and discussed. We also investigated the stability of white RL as its CIE chromaticity coordinates exhibit negligible differences with increasing pump energy density, retaining its high-CRI measurement. Also, it exhibits angle-independent emission while having a high color rendering ability. After passing through a scattering film, it generated no speckles compared to the conventional laser. We demonstrated the advances in white laser illumination, showing that a white random laser is promising to be applied for high-brightness illumination, biological-friendly lighting, accurate color selections, and medical sensing.

Improving the Sensitivity and Linear Range of Photoionization Ion Mobility Spectrometry via Confining the Ion Recombination and Space Charge Effects Assisted by Theoretical Modeling.

Photoionization (PI) is an efficient ionization source for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry. Its hyphenation with IMS (PI-IMS) has been employed in various on-site analysis scenarios targeting a wide range of compounds. However, the signal intensity and linear dynamic range of PI-IMS at ambient pressure usually do not follow the Beer-Lambert law predictions, and the factors causing that negative deviation remain unclear. In this work, a variable pressure PI-IMS system was developed to examine the ion loss effects from factors like ion recombination and space charge by varying its working pressure from 1 to 0.1 bar. Assisted by theoretical modeling, it was found that ion recombination could contribute up to 90% of signal intensity loss for ambient pressure PI-IMS setups. Lowering the pressure and increasing the electric field in PI-IMS helped suppress the ion recombination process and thus an optimal pressure Poptimal appeared for best signal intensity, despite the decreased net ion number density and the increased space charge effect. A simplified theoretical equation taking ion recombination as the primary ion loss factor was derived to link Poptimal with analyte concentration and electric field in PI-IMS, enabling a swift optimization of the PI-IMS performance. For example, compared to ambient pressure, PI-IMS at a Poptimal of 0.4 bar provided a signal intensity increment of more than 400% for 0.716 ppmv toluene and also expanded the linear dynamic range by more than two times. Revealing factors influencing the PI-IMS response would also benefit the applications of other chemical ionization sources in IMS or mass spectrometry (MS).

The relationship between digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency – based on the perspective of external knowledge sources

PurposeDriven by the development of the global digital economy, knowledge management in industrial enterprises offers more possibilities for green innovation. Based on the perspective of external knowledge sources, this study aims to construct a panel regression model to explore the relationship between digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency.Design/methodology/approachPanel data from 30 regions in China from 2011 to 2020 were selected as research samples. All data are obtained from national and provincial statistical yearbooks. Coupling coordination degree analysis, entropy method, panel regression analysis, robustness test and threshold effect test by Stata 16.0 were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe empirical results demonstrate the hypotheses and reveal the following findings: the digital economy is positively related to industrial green innovation efficiency and external knowledge sources, and external knowledge sources mediate the relationship between them. Moreover, based on the threshold test results, the digital economy has a double-threshold effect on industrial green innovation efficiency.Originality/valueBased on the perspective of external knowledge sources, the proposed mediating mechanism between the digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency has not been established previously, further enriching the research on the antecedents and outcomes of external knowledge sources. Moreover, this study estimated the direct influence mechanism and double-threshold effect of the digital economy on industrial green innovation efficiency from theoretical and empirical analysis, thus responding to the call of scholars and adding to existing research on how the digital economy affects the green transformation of industrial enterprises.

Evaluation of the effect of methanol as an in-situ hydrogen source on the reduction of methyl acetate to ethanol

A process was proposed to hydrogenate methyl acetate to ethanol using methanol as an in-situ hydrogen donor over a Cu/SiO2 catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, XPS, and FT-IR, and the structure information of the catalyst was obtained. The effects of CH3OH, H2 and mixed hydrogen source on the hydrogenation of methyl acetate on the same catalyst surface were compared, and it was concluded that methanol was an efficient hydrogen source. Furthermore, the influences of process conditions such as temperature and alcohol/ester ratio on methanol conversion, methyl ester conversion, and ethanol selectivity were investigated. The coupling mechanism was analyzed, that methanol decomposition to obtain in-situ hydrogen for methyl ester hydrogenation on a copper-based catalyst. The results showed that methanol as an in-situ hydrogen source could promote not only the efficient hydrogenation of methyl acetate but also inhibit the transesterification side reaction. At a lower alcohol/ester ratio, 90.9% ethanol selectivity and 82.8% methyl acetate conversion could be obtained using only the unmodified catalyst.

Model for Hydrogen Production Scheduling Optimisation

This scientific article presents a developed model for optimising the scheduling of hydrogen production processes, addressing the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy sources. The study focuses on the integration of advanced scheduling techniques to improve the overall performance of the hydrogen electrolyser. The proposed model leverages constraint programming and satisfiability (CP-SAT) techniques to systematically analyse complex production schedules, considering factors such as production unit capacities, resource availability and energy costs. By incorporating real-world constraints, such as fluctuating energy prices and the availability of renewable energy, the optimisation model aims to improve overall operational efficiency and reduce production costs. The CP-SAT was applied to achieve more efficient control of the electrolysis process. The optimisation of the scheduling task was set for a 24 h time period with time resolutions of 1 h and 15 min. The performance of the proposed CP-SAT model in this study was then compared with the Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS)-based model (developed in our previous work). The CP-SAT was proven to perform better but has several limitations. The model response to the input parameter change has been analysed.

Plant Growth Promoting Activity of Colletotrichum sp., an Endophyte of Helicteres isora L. and its Growth Optimization using Response Surface Methodology

Endophytes are the beneficial group of plant symbionts and are potent sources for producing novel metabolites with biotechnological applications. They are efficient sources for the synthesis of plant growth-promoting substances- Indole acetic acid, ammonia, solubilizing phosphates and thus open up sustainable agricultural opportunities. In the present investigation, twenty-two fungal endophytes were isolated from an ethnomedicinal plant-Helicteres isora L., collected from forests of Singbhum, Jhargram, India, and the isolate-Colletotrichum sp. HelS1, exhibited the most potent in vitro plant growth-promoting activities among all. HelS1 synthesized auxin (111.13 µg ml-1), ammonia, and solubilized phosphate (47.22 µg ml-1) in specific culture conditions. A treatment with fungal extract effectively increases the growth of the experimental plant (tomato seedlings) in terms of improvement in relative water contents, dry weight, nodal length, and pigment profiles compared to the untreated ones. There was an increase in root length by 27% compared to the control group. The isolate produced the maximum IAA after 7 days of incubation on Czepak Dox Broth supplemented with tryptophan (5 mg mL-1), sucrose (30 g L-1), and NaNO3 (2.2 g L-1) at pH 6.2. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis of the crude fungal extract further confirmed the production of indole-like compounds. This investigation suggested that secondary metabolites of endophytes act as a potent plant growth inducer and can be utilized in bio-based crop management techniques.

A Developed Shear Wave Source for Shallow Seismic Survey

Shear wave velocity is a fundamental parameter in determining geological structures and soil characteristics for geotechnical and earthquake engineering studies. In shallow seismic data acquisition, shear wave is generated by various seismic sources. Although the data quality is affected by the choices of the seismic source, applying highly efficient sources is sometimes limited for some users and by the budget available for a project. Therefore, this work aims to design and develop an effective shear wave seismic source as an alternative for shallow seismic surveys. The developed source consists of 4 main parts, including base plate, activated mass, lifting and shooting system, body and transportation system. It is simply operated by lifting an activated mass with a sling and puller to the armed position. Under this condition, an attached spring is under compression and the maximum potential energy is stored. When the mass is released and horizontally hit the base plate, shear wave is generated by the momentum and energy transferred from the base plate into the ground. To evaluate the source capability, a comparison of the conventional and the developed source was performed at a test site. The recorded data were compared both in qualitative and quantitative manners based on the signal-to-noise ratio, energy and frequency content, signal penetration, and repeatability. It was found that signal energy generated by one blow of the developed source is equivalent to approximately three-fold of the conventional source. There is a remarkably higher repeatability from the developed source than that from the conventional source. Moreover, it is easy to operate, portable, and minimizes required man power. Overall, the new shear source is suitable and has potential application for shallow seismic surveys. HIGHLIGHTS The new shear wave seismic source has been developed and tested as an alternative source for shallow seismic surveys The key advantages of the developed source are that it is simple to operate, reduces required manpower, fairly cost-effective, transportable, safe, and has a minimal environmental impact There is a noticeably higher input signal energy transfer offered by the source leading to the deeper target depth of investigation The better repeatable waveform led to greater accuracy of the 1st break picking in the data processing GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Catastrophic Streptococcus pyogenes Disease: A Personalized Approach Based on Phenotypes and Treatable Traits.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STTS) is a critical medical emergency marked by high morbidity and mortality, necessitating swift awareness, targeted treatment, and early source control due to its rapid symptom manifestation. This report focuses on a cohort of 13 patients admitted to Vall d'Hebron University Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Barcelona, from November 2022 to March 2023, exhibiting invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections and meeting institutional sepsis code activation criteria. The primary infections were community-acquired pneumonia (61.5%) and skin/soft tissue infection (30.8%). All patients received prompt antibiotic treatment, with clinical source control through thoracic drainage (30.8%) or surgical means (23.1%). Organ support involved invasive mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and continuous renal replacement therapy as per guidelines. Of note, 76.9% of patients experienced septic cardiomyopathy, and 53.8% required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The study identified three distinct phenotypic profiles-hyperinflammatory, low perfusion, and hypogammaglobulinemic-which could guide personalized therapeutic approaches. STTS, with a mean SOFA score of 17 (5.7) and a 53.8% requiring ECMO, underscores the need for precision medicine-based rescue therapies and sepsis phenotype identification. Integrating these strategies with prompt antibiotics and efficient source control offers a potential avenue to mitigate organ failure, enhancing patient survival and recovery in the face of this severe clinical condition.

Efficient Third Harmonic Generation from Magnetic Resonance in Low-Index Dielectric Nanopillars

Boosting the harmonic generation of light in nanostructures through efficiently enhancing the light–matter interaction has received enormous attention and applications. Low-index dielectric nanoparticles, as one of the crucial members of nanophotonics, have not been successful in nonlinear enhancement due to weak Mie resonance and poor light confinement. Here, we designed efficient third harmonic generation (THG) in low-index dielectric nanopillars sandwiched by double layers of metal dressing (Au/polymer/Au), where the polymer offers essential nonlinear susceptibility. The resonance of the low-index nanopillars significantly enhanced the scattering and had a strong magnetic response that could boost the THG effect. We predict that the THG efficiency reaches up to 3 × 10−6 (six orders of enhancement) at a third harmonic wavelength of 300 nm. The efficient THG in low-index dielectric nanopillars may open the possibility for the development of a new type of efficient nonlinear coherent source.

Petrophysical and Geochemical Investigation-Based Methodology for Analysis of the Multilithology of the Permian Longtan Formation in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China

Against the backdrop of the national strategic goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the imperative for China’s low-carbon new energy transformation is evident. Emerging as an efficient and clean new energy source, the coal-based “three gases” (coalbed methane, tight sandstone gas, and shale gas) have gained prominence. Nevertheless, the current exploration of the coal-based “three gases” is limited to individual reservoirs, posing challenges to achieving overall extraction efficiency. The primary obstacle lies in the conspicuous disparities in gas content among different reservoirs, with the causes of such disparities remaining elusive. To address this issue, this study focused on the Permian Longtan Formation (coal, shale, and tight sandstone) in the southeastern Sichuan Basin. Through a comparative analysis of the mineral composition, organic geochemical features, and pore structure characteristics, this study aimed to delineate reservoir variations and establish a foundation for the simultaneous exploration and exploitation of the coal-based “three gases”. The research findings revealed that the differences in reservoir characteristics account for the variations in gas content among coal, shale, and tight sandstone. The mineral composition of the rock formations in the study area primarily consists of quartz, feldspar, clay minerals, pyrite, calcite, and dolomite. By comparison, the coal samples from the four major coal seams in the study area exhibited relatively large pore sizes, which are favorable for gas accumulation.

The effects of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube to the performance of a refrigeration system

By incorporating nanofluid technology and nanolubricants into compressors, the performance can be enhanced while also lowering worldwide fuel consumption and aiming at developing cleaner, more efficient energy sources and uses. The globe is being confronted with energy security issues and heating, cooling and HVAC systems highly contribute to it. Hence, it is critical to save energy and improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. This study presents experimental and theoretical findings in order to investigate the effect of Polyester (POE)-oil based multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanolubricant on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a refrigeration system. The objectives of this study is to analyze the stability of MWCNT nanofluids, to obtain the COP of a refrigeration cycle run with pure POE oil and MWCNT nanofluids with different concentrations respectively. The experiment was conducted by preparing 0.55, 0.65 and 0.70 g/l MWCNT nanofluid by using the two step method. The most effective concentration used in the refrigeration system was referred to the one that resulted in the highest COP. It was determined from the experiment that 0.55 g/l MWCNT nanofluid resulted in a higher COP of 5.766 as compared to the other two concentrations. Besides, it showed an improvement of 34.6% in COP as compared to the COP of using pure POE oil in the refrigeration system, which was found to be 4.285. The 0.65 g/l and 0.70 g/l concentration of MWCNT resulted in a COP of 5.618 and 5.617, respectively. The compressor work was also analyzed and was found to be reduced noticeably after adding MWCNT nanoparticles. Hence it can be concluded that the increment of MWCNT concentration in nanofluids increases the COP of the refrigeration system but only up to a certain limit of concentration.

KEBIJAKAN NEGARA PADA PENATAAN JARINGAN FIBER OPTIC DALAM MENDUKUNG KESUKSESAN PENYELENGGARAAN PERTEMUAN G20 DI BALI

Organizing the G20 meeting in Bali requires adequate infrastructure, including in terms of communication networks. Setting up a fiber optic network is one of the right solutions to meet these needs. This study aims to analyze state policies in structuring fiber optic networks as supporting infrastructure for the G20 meeting in Bali. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data content analysis techniques. Data were obtained through interviews with informants regarding the policies for structuring fiber optic networks and also studying policy documents. The results of the study show that state policies in structuring fiber optic networks have been going well, but further efforts are still needed in the implementation process. Some of the obstacles faced in structuring fiber optic networks are inadequate regulations, insufficient suPPort from the private sector, and funding difficulties. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the government increase the number of regulations that support the arrangement of fiber optic networks, strengthen cooperation with the private sector, and seek more effective and efficient funding sources. With good state policies in structuring fiber optic networks, it is expected to suPPort the success of holding the G20 meeting in Bali.

Dielectric Resonator Antennas for RF Energy-Harvesting/Wireless Power Transmission Applications: A state-of-the-art review

This article presents an overview of dielectric resonator (DR)-based sensing elements and their applications in RF energy-harvesting (RFEH) and wireless power transmission (WPT) systems. With increased wireless applications, the demand for electrical energy goes up, thereby enabling the development of various energy sources. RF energy is widely available and the most efficient energy source. Although DR antennas (DRAs) have been studied extensively in the last few decades, they have not been employed in RFEH and WPT applications. The intention of the proposed article is 1) to provide an overview of the DRA for RFEH and WPT applications; 2) to accommodate various performance enhancement approaches for the DRA; and 3) to highlight the research gap for developing a complete rectenna system that helps future researchers. We believe that this survey may help the DRA.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL MARKETING OF BANKING INSTITUTIONS

The article draws attention to the issues of development of the system of digital banking services in Ukraine, in particular in terms of marketing and direct promotion of digital services of banking institutions. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to improve the methodological and applied principles and provisions for the promotion of digital banking services of banking institutions. It is shown that new economic conditions and realities have increased competition in the banking sector, which, in turn, prompts banking institutions to search for new sources of efficiency and intensify their own development through better promotion of banking services through new sales channels. One of these directions is, firstly, the marketing itself, and, secondly, the provision of digital banking services. It has been established that the development of digital marketing of banking institutions is due in equal measure to two trends: the digital transformation of the economy and society, and, therefore, the increase in the level of demand of consumers of banking products for their service online and/or with the use of the Internet; the development of digital networks and communications, and, therefore, a significant expansion of technical, technological and even economic opportunities for the implementation of digital technologies in the activities of banking institutions. The stages of the development process of digital technologies in the activities of banking institutions were identified, which went through 5 evolutionary stages - from the appearance of digital channels to the creation of "digital DNA" - a new system of coordinates for making strategic decisions throughout the entire life cycle of the operation and development of a banking institution. The leading directions and advantages of implementing the tasks of the digital marketing strategy of banking institutions have been determined, which are: modernization of the communication system with clients, significant growth of opportunities in the volume of communications and in the subjects of "communication"; a significant increase in the capabilities of the information and analytical subsystem of marketing, which is the way to make more reasonable and reliable management decisions in the field of marketing management; increasing the economic efficiency of the provision of banking services, increasing their scale and efficiency both vertically and horizontally in the business technological process; expansion of opportunities for the implementation of image programs, increasing the level of customer loyalty and their trust in the bank and its banking services. The leading directions of the development of digital marketing of banking institutions are indicated, which define the corporatization of digital systems of business communications and the provision of banking services, the use of digital marketing opportunities to increase the volume of provision of basic and additional services on the Internet, the spread of digital marketing to the intrabank management system, its automation.

Spectral control of beyond extreme ultraviolet emission from a dual-laser-produced plasma

We demonstrated spectral control of beyond extreme ultraviolet (B-EUV) emission at a central wavelength of 6.76 nm from a gadolinium (Gd) laser-produced plasma. The highest spectral purity (SP) was 5.1% under dual 1-μm laser pulse irradiation. It doubled compared to a value of 2.4% attained under single laser pulse irradiation of solid density Gd because of the reduction in optical depth. The highest maximum SP was higher than that obtained using a mid-infrared laser at 10.6 μm. The SP for the 150-ps main laser was also higher than that for 6-ns main laser irradiation. Our approach can be extended to mid-infrared solid-state laser-produced plasmas (LPPs) using driving laser wavelengths ranging from 2 to 9 μm for efficient B-EUV source development.

Exploring the Role of Insects as Sustainable Feed in Aquaculture Nutrition and Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity, Growth and Immune Response

As the global demand for aquaculture products continues to rise, sustainable and efficient feed sources are crucial for the industry's growth. Insects have emerged as a promising alternative due to their high nutritional content, low environmental impact, and potential to alleviate overreliance on conventional feed ingredients. This abstract delves into the role of insects as sustainable feed in aquaculture, elucidating their benefits and challenges. Insects offer a rich source of fats, minerals, proteins, and vitamins that meet the dietary requirements of various aquatic species. Their rapid growth rates and ability to thrive on organic waste contribute to their eco-friendly nature, reducing the environmental burden associated with aqua-feed production. Notably, insects can be reared on various organic substrates, minimizing competition for arable land and reducing the demands on wild fish hoards utilized for fishmeal construction. However, integrating insects into aqua-feed presents certain hurdles. Standardized production methods, quality control, and regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure consistent and safe insect-derived feed. Additionally, understanding the potential impacts of insect-based diets on fish health, growth, and product quality is vital. It is conclusion that the insects hold immense potential as a sustainable feed source for aquaculture, addressing nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impacts and addressing the challenges through collaborative researcher research, and eco-friendly aquaculture sector.