Search Results (83)

Bell’s theorem rules out developing a locally causal theory to describe quantum phenomena. Many take this to imply that any model of quantum entanglement must employ variables (called beables by Bell) which follow nonlocal rules, even though signaling is local. The alternative is to adopt an all-at-once (block universe) approach, with beables which may depend on both past and future inputs, even though signaling is causal. Within this lenient-causality approach (a.k.a. retrocausal), simple cases of entanglement have been successfully described by locally mediated stochastic toy models, i.e., toy models which are local in a sense which generalizes Bell’s local causality. Developing a widely applicable reformulation of quantum mechanics along these lines is a grand challenge. This work presents a general framework for such models and theories, and identifies the corresponding ontic and epistemic states. The epistemic state is closely analogous to the quantum state, yielding an explanation for the collapse of the wavefunction. In the case of the models of the framework, it is clear what the information is about. The expression for the empirically verifiable predictions of the models in terms of the ontic and epistemic states displays remarkable parallels to the Born rule. A toy-model example is discussed. Full article

As a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for electromagnetic information theory (EIT), we develop a general theory that elucidates the universal stochastic structure of radiated electromagnetic (EM) fields and induced currents in generic EM information transmission systems. The framework encompasses arbitrary random scatterers, input information fields, and EM mutual coupling. The system is modeled as a multiply connected, arbitrary Riemannian manifold within the language of differential geometry. Our approach exploits exact Green’s functions (GFs) on manifolds to construct a novel electromagnetic random field theory (EM-RFT). Interpreted as response functions localized on the surfaces of transceivers and scatterers, the GFs allow us to treat the internal physical details of the EM system as a black box, redirecting analytical attention toward external input–output relations in line with signal processing and communication theory. This integration of random fields (RFs), electromagnetics, and GFs yields a unified framework for deriving and characterizing the stochastic structure of arbitrary EM information transmission systems. We rigorously establish that EM random fields satisfying Maxwell’s equations can always be constructed using system GFs driven by external information fields. The theory further decouples stochastic input RFs from random fluctuations associated with the communication medium (e.g., scatterers), and introduces general correlation propagators valid for arbitrary EM links. Using the Karhunen–Loève expansion, all EM random fields are represented as sums of random variables, providing both a simulation framework for arbitrary EM RFs and a basis for evaluating mutual information between input and output spatial domains at arbitrary locations in the system. Full article

In this work, a formal asymptotic framework based on infinite number expressions is employed to investigate structural relations associated with the Dirichlet representation of the Riemann zeta function. Within this framework, infinite number objects are interpreted through asymptotic representatives and serve as symbolic encodings of asymptotic behavior in the regime x → ∞. A divergent real series is constructed from the sum of entries of an n × n matrix in the asymptotic limit n → ∞ and analyzed in relation to the squared modulus of a Dirichlet-type series. When the common parameter coincides with the imaginary part of a nontrivial zero of the Riemann zeta function on the critical line, the framework yields a structured cancellation mechanism, leading to parameter-dependent decay or convergence toward the constant −γ/2. Additional formal asymptotic relations are derived linking nontrivial zeros, divergent expressions, and the Euler–Mascheroni constant. The theoretical analysis is accompanied by numerical computations in double-precision arithmetic, which serve as consistency checks of the predicted asymptotic behavior. The proposed approach provides a coherent representative asymptotic methodology for organizing and analyzing identities involving divergent expressions arising in analytic number theory. The resulting relations are interpreted within this representative framework and are intended as structural asymptotic identities rather than classical equalities of divergent series. Full article

Fractional calculus and distribution theory share a common conceptual origin in the symbolic interpretation of differentiation and integration. Despite this connection, most developments in fractional calculus have traditionally been formulated within the framework of ordinary functions, while the systematic use of distributions remains limited. In this work, a novel distributional framework is developed by constructing a fractional Taylor representation of the product of Euler gamma and Riemann zeta functions in terms of fractional derivatives of the Dirac delta distribution. The proposed formulation enables the derivation of new fractional identities via Laplace transformation and facilitates the analytical solution of fractional differential equations containing such functions. Closed-form solutions are obtained in both classical and generalized distributional senses, allowing the extension of solutions from the positive real axis to the entire real line. Furthermore, the framework is applied to fractional operators of Erdélyi–Kober type, yielding new integral and derivative transforms. Fractional differential and integral equations with singular terms arise naturally in several engineering models involving memory effects, impulsive responses, and anomalous transport phenomena. However, the presence of nonremovable singularities—such as those associated with Euler gamma and Riemann zeta functions—significantly restricts the applicability of classical analytical methods. Overall, the proposed distributional framework bridges the gap between abstract fractional calculus and practical engineering models by enabling analytical solutions of fractional systems with singular memory kernels that were previously inaccessible using classical methods. Full article

Vertical shafts are key channels for underground energy storage, mineral exploitation, and related engineering fields. Yet in deeply buried complex strata and high ground stress environments, traditional passive supports are prone to lining failure, while linear yield criteria cannot accurately characterize rock masses’ nonlinear mechanical behavior, limiting their use in shaft analysis. The core mechanical process of shaft construction aligns with the cavity contraction–expansion mechanism: excavation induces cavity unloading and contraction, causing shaft deformation and plastic zone expansion in surrounding rock; support enables cavity reverse expansion via preset shaft wall counter loads to actively control surrounding rock deformation. Based on this, this study integrates the Hoek–Brown nonlinear yield criterion, large-strain theory, and non-associated flow rules; couples cavity contraction–expansion semi-analytical solutions with the composite shaft wall mechanical model; and establishes a composite shaft wall–surrounding rock interaction analysis method. This research clarifies excavation-induced surrounding rock mechanical responses, reveals shaft wall counter loads’ regulatory effect on surrounding rock, and develops a systematic excavation support calculation workflow. Parameter analysis shows that increasing lining thickness is the most direct way to reduce inner wall tensile stress and improve safety; composite linings optimize stress distribution and enhance structural collaborative performance; and safety assessment confirms the lining inner wall as a structural weak zone. The proposed method and findings fill the gap in applying cavity contraction–expansion theory to shaft construction, providing reliable theoretical and practical guidance for deep shaft design, construction, and safety evaluation. Full article

In an era increasingly defined by the imperative for sustainable development, the construction sector faces significant challenges, including resource limitations, environmental pressures, and high uncertainty. Within this context, the organizational capabilities of construction projects are widely recognized as a critical endogenous driver, closely linked to sustainable performance outcomes. Yet, empirical research to date has produced inconsistent conclusions, and a systematic understanding of how distinct dimensions of capability influence sustainability remains surprisingly fragmented. To address this gap, we employ a meta-analysis to synthesize 11,881 independent samples from 64 quantitative empirical studies. We systematically examined the overall relationship between organizational capability in construction projects and sustainable performance. It further compares the differential effects of project capabilities and dynamic capabilities across economic, social, and environmental performance. Additionally, the study investigated the moderating effects of key contextual and methodological factors. Our analysis yielded several important findings: (1) A significant, moderately positive correlation exists between organizational capability in construction projects and sustainable performance. (2) Project capability exerts a stronger association with economic and social performance, whereas dynamic capability demonstrates a more pronounced effect on environmental performance. This underscored distinct pathways through which different capability dimensions operate. (3) Moderation analysis revealed that the relationship between organizational capability and sustainable performance is stronger in emerging economies and collectivist cultural contexts. Methodologically, structural equation modeling tended to produce larger effect sizes compared to regression analysis. Although no significant moderation effect emerges across research time points, post-2015 studies generally showed slightly stronger effects. The findings enrich the application of the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory within construction project contexts, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of organizational capabilities and their differentiated roles across triple-bottom-line performance. Consequently, this research offers valuable pathways for capability development and a strategic foundation for enhancing managerial practice in construction project management. Full article

Wood is a primary bioproduct widely utilized as timber in construction and carpentry. Characterization of its properties, particularly moisture response, is essential for industrial performance. The Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) influences the dimensional stability and efficiency of industrial processes such as drying. This study determines the maximum dimensional variation and the FSP of Eucalyptus nitens solid wood from plantations in Northwestern Spain, studying 354 specimens of 20 × 20 × 50 mm. Mean and median values were calculated considering and omitting outliers. Additionally, a graphical FSP value was obtained by applying the statistical theory of the center of gravity, defined as the intersection of lines derived from the two-dimensional data distribution. For maximum dimensional variation, the analysis yielded mean values of 5.2% [±1.53] and 11.2% [±2.84] and medians of 4.8% and 10.4%, in radial and tangential directions, respectively. The mean FSP was 29.9% [±7.95], the median 28.9%, and the graphical estimate 30.8%. Establishing the FSP defines the critical moisture threshold at which significant changes in physical and mechanical properties, as well as dimensional alterations, occur in this bioresource, particularly for its use as a bioproduct in carpentry and construction or for industrial wood drying. Full article

This paper investigates whether carbon emission intensity influences capital formation in rent-dependent economies, using the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a case study. In contrast to conventional growth models, the study tests carbon lock-in as a driver, rather than an outcome, of investment in rentier states and links it empirically to resource curse mechanisms. Using panel data for six GCC countries over 2000–2022, we estimate a fixed effects investment model and use System GMM as a robustness check. Results show that a one standard deviation increase in CO₂ intensity is associated with a 2.27 percentage point increase in gross capital formation (GCF) (p < 0.01), consistent with carbon lock-in theory, while oil rents have a significant negative relationship with investment (coefficient = −0.271, p < 0.01), in line with resource curse dynamics. The study contributes by embedding carbon lock-in theory in a standard macro panel investment function, treating emissions intensity as a structural regressor alongside oil rents in the specific context of rentier states. A behavioural interpretation is also offered: high-carbon strategies persist because they continue to yield relatively high short-term returns under existing incentives, so investment systems tend to reinforce carbon-intensive pathways. These insights have implications for both theory and practice, suggesting that screening public projects by emissions intensity, greening sovereign wealth portfolios, and phasing out fossil subsidies may help break carbon-intensive investment inertia. Full article

In sensor-based monitoring systems, the rapid and accurate recognition of alarm semantic levels is essential for maintaining operational reliability. Traditional static visualizations often fail to communicate these distinctions effectively under time pressure, whereas dynamic stacked bar charts (DSBCs) integrate multiple semantic layers into a compact, dynamic display. This study systematically investigated how color cues applied to auxiliary visual elements (background, foreground, labels, and scale lines) and chart orientation (horizontal vs. vertical) affect users’ alarm recognition performance. Thirty-two participants completed a semantic alarm recognition task involving DSBCs with various combinations of color-coded elements and orientations. Reaction time (RT) and accuracy (ACC) were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. The results revealed that color cues in foreground and labels significantly enhanced both RT and ACC, whereas background and scale line color cues produced negligible effects. Orientation exerted a significant main effect on RT but not on ACC. Participants responded faster to horizontally oriented charts, indicating improved scanning efficiency. Moreover, increasing the number of color cues yielded higher ACC and shorter RTs, supporting a redundancy gain effect. However, no interaction was found between color cues and orientation, suggesting that these factors influence performance through distinct cognitive pathways. The findings align with theories of attentional guidance, redundancy gain, and spatial compatibility, and offer practical recommendations for alarm visualization design. Consequently, designers are advised to prioritize color coding of perceptually dominant elements, employ horizontal layouts in time-critical contexts, and implement redundant but non-overwhelming cues to enhance alarm recognition in complex sensor-based monitoring environments. Full article

The ongoing decarbonisation of power systems is displacing synchronous generators (SGs) with converter-based plants, requiring a consistent assessment of grid-following inverters (GFLIs) and grid-forming inverters (GFMIs). Using an openly available four-bus root-mean-square (RMS) benchmark modelled in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, this work compares three generation configurations: (i) a single local SG connected at the point of common coupling; (ii) the same generator combined with a GFLI; and (iii) the generator combined with a GFMI. These configurations are evaluated under three disturbance scenarios: (1) a balanced load step, (2) an unbalanced double line-to-ground fault at low short-circuit ratio (SCR) with temporary islanding and single-shot auto-reclose, and (3) full islanding with under-frequency load shedding (UFLS), partial resynchronisation, and staged restoration. For the tested tuning ranges and within this RMS benchmark, the grid-forming configuration behaves as a low-impedance source at the point of common coupling in the phasor sense, yielding higher frequency nadirs during active-power disturbances and faster positive-sequence voltage recovery under weak and unbalanced conditions than the SG-only and SG+GFLI cases. During islanding, it supports selective UFLS, secure resynchronisation, and orderly load restoration. Rather than introducing new control theory, this work contributes a reproducible RMS benchmarking framework that integrates low-SCR operation, unbalance, and restoration sequences with a documented cross-technology tuning procedure. The findings indicate system-level improvements in frequency resilience and voltage recovery for the tested benchmark relative to the alternative configurations, while recognising that instantaneous device-level effects and broader generality will require electromagnetic-transient (EMT) or hybrid EMT/RMS validation in future work. Full article

Cancer poses a global challenge, affecting millions of people and placing a significant burden on families and healthcare systems. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy are commonly used for cancer treatment; their side effects can be severe. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its minimal invasiveness and high efficiency. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized and functionalized to obtain nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) and boron-doped graphene oxide (BGO) via a hydrothermal process, aiming to use them as photoactive agents (PAs) in PTT. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed that GO, BGO, and NGO exhibit monolayer atomic structures. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the presence of oxygen and carbon in all samples, along with successful boron and nitrogen doping in BGO and NGO, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays yielded half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 1025.26 μg/mL for GO, 2695.03 μg/mL for BGO, and 1319.81 μg/mL for NGO. Photothermal experiments were conducted using a 635 nm light source with an intensity of 65.5 mW/cm², resulting in temperature thresholds of 44.87 °C for GO, 48.36 °C for NGO, and 55.91 °C for BGO. Anticancer assays were performed using the T-47D breast cancer cell line, demonstrating tumor cell elimination rates of 97.93% for GO, 98.54% for BGO, and 97.98% for NGO, underscoring their efficacy as PAs. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were carried out to determine the absorbance coefficient as a function of doping percentage. The results revealed that increased doping enhances light absorbance and, consequently, the photothermal response, as higher absorbance at the irradiation wavelength leads to greater energy absorption and temperature elevation. Full article

In the rapidly changing Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM), urbanization and oasis ecosystem degradation have intensified the need for ecological security planning. However, traditional ecosystem service assessments often struggle to capture the spatial heterogeneity of these fragile landscapes. This study integrates revised ecosystem service value (RESV), ecological sensitivity, and circuit-theory-based connectivity analysis to identify ecological sources and construct an ecological security pattern (ESP). Results indicate: From 2000 to 2020, land conversion among exposed areas, irrigated farmland, and grassland dominated regional change, with 5902 km² of exposed land converting to grassland and 4554 km² to irrigated farmland. RESV declined initially but rose overall from 1104 to 1255 billion yuan, yielding a net increase of about 14%. Ecologically sensitive areas were concentrated in the northeast, covering roughly 19,300 km² and dominated by irrigated farmland. In total, 23 ecological sources, 47 ecological corridors, 28 ecological barrier points, and 61 ecological bottleneck points were identified, forming the basis for a targeted point–line–area protection strategy to guide ecological zoning and restoration. This study provides scientific basis for ecological conservation and territorial spatial planning in arid urban clusters. Nonetheless, limitations related to data resolution and indicator selection remain. Future research should incorporate higher-resolution ecological data and scenario-based simulations to further refine ESP construction. Full article

Aluminum scandium nitride (Al_1−xSc_xN) is a promising ferroelectric material for non-volatile random-access memory devices and electromechanical sensors. However, adverse effects on polarization from electrical leakage are a significant concern for this material. We observed that the electrical conductivity of Al_1−xSc_xN thin films grown on epitaxial TiN(111) buffered Si(111) follows an Arrhenius-type behavior versus the growth temperature, suggesting that point defect incorporation during growth influences the electronic properties of the film. Photoluminescence intensity shows an inverse correlation with growth temperature, which is consistent with increased non-radiative recombination from point defects. Further characterization using secondary ion mass spectrometry in a focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope shows a correlation between trace Ti concentrations in Al_1−xSc_xN films and the growth temperature, further suggesting that extrinsic dopants or alloying components potentially contribute to the point defect chemistry to influence electrical transport. Investigation of the enthalpy of formation of nitrogen vacancies in Al_1−xSc_xN using density functional theory yields values that are in line with electrical conductivity measurements. Additionally, the dependence of nitrogen-vacancy formation energy on proximity to Sc atoms suggests that variations in the local structure may contribute to the occurrence of point defects, which, in turn, can impact electrical leakage. Furthermore, we have demonstrated ferroelectric behavior through electrical measurements and piezoresponse force microscopy after dc bias poling of films in spite of electrical conductivity spanning several orders of magnitude. Although electrical leakage remains a challenge in Al_1−xSc_xN, the material holds potential due to tunable electrical conductivity as a semiconducting ferroelectric material. Full article

This article reassesses Ezra Pound’s Cathay as translation from Chinese Tang poetry rather than autonomous modernist verse. Building on Pound’s own poetics and compact coordinates from Chinese lyric theory, we argue that Cathay maintains translational fidelity by preserving and sharpening images while accepting losses in prosodic form and thinning some culture-specific encyclopaedias. Methodologically, we conduct a qualitative, contrastive microanalysis of two Li Bai poems “送友人” (Taking Leave of a Friend) and “长干行” (The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter), aligning the Chinese text, a neutral interlinear gloss, and Pound’s English version. A coding scheme tracks image handling, cultural markers, prosody, and the balance of phanopoeia, melopoeia, and logopoeia alongside domestication/foreignization choices. Findings show a stable hierarchy—image (phanopoeia)–stance (logopoeia)–sound/form (melopoeia)—that aligns with Chinese esthetic dynamics of yi/xiang (idea/form) and qing/jing (emotion/scene). Pound’s practice preserves correlative imagery (mountains/river/sunset; moss/leaves/butterflies) and voice, while paratextual titling, address terms, folklore allusions, toponyms, and a fifth-month calendar line reveal domestications, distortions, or omissions traceable to mediation via Fenollosa’s notes. We propose mechanism-sensitive criteria for evaluating distant-pair lyric translation: not formal replication, but reconstruction of the poem’s image–scene–emotion economy. On that basis, Cathay functions as translation—at justified costs. Rather than resolving the long-standing debate on Cathay, we offer a mechanism-sensitive account of how, in two central Li Bai poems, Pound’s image-centred poetics yields a limited but defensible form of translational fidelity within a relay-translation setting. Full article

The incorporation of agricultural waste into construction materials represents a promising pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector. This study investigates the flexural performance of a novel prefabricated external wall panel composed of corn straw concrete (CSC), an eco-friendly composite material that utilizes waste corn straws. While prior studies have explored rice straw and hemp fiber concrete, they primarily focused on the mechanical properties of these materials rather than the design of prefabricated panels. This study fills the gap by optimizing reinforcement ratio and window opening layout for CSC panels, and validating their structural viability for prefabricated enclosures. An optimal mix proportion was identified, which meets the mechanical requirements for non-load-bearing applications. Four prototype panel specimens were subjected to out-of-plane monotonic loading, considering variables including reinforcement ratio (0.18% vs. 0.24%) and the presence of a window opening (25% area ratio). Results indicated that increasing the reinforcement ratio significantly enhanced the ultimate load capacity by up to 33.3% (from 45 kN to 60 kN)—an enhancement effect that was 12–15% higher than that of reported rice straw concrete. In contrast, the introduction of an opening reduced the ultimate load capacity by 11.1–16.7%. A detailed nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was developed and validated against experimental results. The validation results indicated deflection error of 7.7–12.8% (mean: 9.33%; SD: 2.05), ultimate load error of 7.7–11.1% (mean: 9.48%; SD: 1.32), and a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.96 between simulated and experimental values. Furthermore, analytical methods for predicting the cracking moment (with an average error of 5.97%) and ultimate flexural capacity, based on yield line theory (with an average error of 8.43%), were proposed and verified. This study demonstrates the structural viability of CSC panels and provides a sustainable solution for waste reduction in prefabricated building enclosures, contributing to greener construction practices. Full article