Layered kagome compound Na_(2)Ni_(3)S_(4)with topological flat band

We report structural and electronic properties of Na_(2)Ni_(3)S_(4),a quasi-two-dimensional compound composed of alternating layers of[Ni_(3)S_(4)]^(2-)and Na^(+).The compound features a remarkable Ni-based kagome lattice with a square planar configuration of four surrounding S atoms for each Ni atom.Magnetization and electrical measurements reveal a weak paramagnetic insulator with a gap of about 0.5 eV.Our band structure calculation highlights a set of topological flat bands of the kagome lattice derived from the rotated dxz-orbital with C_(3)+T symmetry in the presence of crystal-field splitting.

Observation of flat-band localized state in a one-dimensional diamond momentum lattice of ultracold atoms

We investigated the one-dimensional diamond ladder in the momentum lattice platform. By inducing multiple twoand four-photon Bragg scatterings among specific momentum states, we achieved a flat band system based on the diamond model, precisely controlling the coupling strength and phase between individual lattice sites. Utilizing two lattice sites couplings, we generated a compact localized state associated with the flat band, which remained localized throughout the entire time evolution. We successfully realized the continuous shift of flat bands by adjusting the corresponding nearest neighbor hopping strength, enabling us to observe the complete localization process. This opens avenues for further exploration of more complex properties within flat-band systems, including investigating the robustness of flat-band localized states in disordered flat-band systems and exploring many-body localization in interacting flat-band systems.

Changes of coastline and tidal flat and its implication for ecological protection under human activities: Take China’s Bohai Bay as an example

The change processes and trends of shoreline and tidal flat forced by human activities are essential issues for the sustainability of coastal area,which is also of great significance for understanding coastal ecological environment changes and even global changes.Based on field measurements,combined with Linear Regression(LR)model and Inverse Distance Weighing(IDW)method,this paper presents detailed analysis on the change history and trend of the shoreline and tidal flat in Bohai Bay.The shoreline faces a high erosion chance under the action of natural factors,while the tidal flat faces a different erosion and deposition patterns in Bohai Bay due to the impact of human activities.The implication of change rule for ecological protection and recovery is also discussed.Measures should be taken to protect the coastal ecological environment.The models used in this paper show a high correlation coefficient between observed and modeling data,which means that this method can be used to predict the changing trend of shoreline and tidal flat.The research results of present study can provide scientific supports for future coastal protection and management.

A More Accurate Determination of the Magnitude of Cosmic Inflation in the Big Bang Model

According to our hypothesis, at the very beginning of the Big Bang, a hyperenergetic spherical wave was created. We described its characteristics in our previous work, and the present work is based on them. Logically, we saw that in cosmic inflation the frequency of such a wave would decrease sharply. Based on the temperature that prevailed immediately after inflation according to the hot Big Bang model, we determined a measure of the size of the inflation in this model, in accordance with our hypothesis.

Product Development of High Strength and Toughness Spring Flat Steel

With the continuous development of mechanical industry,higher requirements are put forward for the comprehensive properties of spring steel.The chemical composition and production process of spring flat steel are designed to meet the requirements of high strength and high toughness of spring flat steel,through the test,the product surface quality and internal quality all meet the national standards,the performance indicators to meet user requirements.

How the Flat Space Cosmology Model Correlates the Recombination CMB Temperature of 3000 K with a Redshift of 1100

This paper shows how the Flat Space Cosmology model correlates the recom-bination epoch CMB temperature of 3000 K with a cosmological redshift of 1100. This proof is given in support of the recent publication that the Tatum and Seshavatharam Hubble temperature formulae can be derived using the Stephan-Boltzmann dispersion law. Thus, as explained herein, the era of high precision Planck scale quantum cosmology has arrived.

一种改进的Flat-top窗电力系统谐波分析算法

快速傅里叶变换(Fast Fourier Transform,FFT)是电力系统的谐波分析最常用、最容易实现的方法。但由于实际电网频率波动,FFT算法很难实现同步采样,谐波分析精度受到频谱泄漏与栅栏效应的制约。分析了Flat-top窗的旁瓣特性,建立了一种改进的加Flat-top窗FFT算法。通过分段校正方法,当频率偏移量小时,使用计算量小的加Flat-top窗FFT算法;当频率偏移量大时,利用相位差校正法对幅值进行插值修正。仿真结果表明:改进的Flat-top窗相位差校正法有效地抑制频谱泄漏和栅栏效应,提高了电力系统谐波参数的计算精度。

All-fibre flat-top comb filter based on high-birefringence photonic crystal fibre loop mirror

A novel all-fibre flat-top comb filter based on a high birefringence photonic crystal fibre loop mirror is proposed and demonstrated. We simulate theoretically its output spectra and experimentally realize a flat-top output with a high extinction ratio. Compared to filters consisting of the conventional Panda polarization maintaining fibre, filters based on a high birefringence photonic crystal fibre loop mirror have better temperature stability. This kind of filter can be expected to be used widely in Wavelength-division-multiplexing(WDM) systems in the future.

Differential flatness-based distributed control of underactuated robot swarms

This paper proposes a distributed control method based on the differential flatness(DF) property of robot swarms. The swarm DF mapping is established for underactuated differentially flat dynamics, according to the control objective. The DF mapping refers to the fact that the system state and input of each robot can be derived algebraically from the flat outputs of the leaders and the cooperative errors and their finite order derivatives. Based on the proposed swarm DF mapping, a distributed controller is designed. The distributed implementation of swarm DF mapping is achieved through observer design. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a numerical simulation of quadrotor swarm synchronization.

Morphodynamic signatures derived from daily surface elevation dynamics can explain the morphodynamic development of tidal flats

Understanding the sensitivity of tidal flats to environmental changes is challenging.Currently,most studies rely on process-based models to systematically explain the morphodynamic evolution of tidal flats.In this study,we proposed an alternative empirical approach to explore tidal flat dynamics using statistical indices based on long-term time series of daily surface elevation development.Surface elevation dynamic(SED)indices focus on the magnitude and period of surface elevation changes,while morphodynamic signature(MDS)indices relate sediment dynamics to environmental drivers.The statistical analyses were applied to an intervention site in the Netherlands to determine the effect of recently constructed groynes on the tidal flat.Using these analyses,we were able to(1)detect a reduction in the daily SED and(2)determine that the changes in the daily SED were predominantly caused by the reduction in wave impact between the groynes rather than the reduction in tidal currents.Overall,the presented results showed that the combination of novel statistical indices provides new insights into the trajectories of tidal flats,ecosystem functioning,and sensitivity to physical drivers(wind and tides).Finally,we suggested how the SED and MDS indices may help to explore the future trajectories and climate resilience of intertidal habitats.

Special Apodized Fiber Bragg Grating for Flat-top Band-pass Reflectivity Filter

The characteristics of special apodized fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in flat-top pass-band as reflectivity filter are presented. This special apodized FBG was designed by the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Compared with conventional apodized FBG, the special apodized FBG presented was more robust in the flat-top pass-band characteristic even if the strength of grating is very week. This technology is very interesting in designing the filter for wavelength division multiplexing system.

Flat soliton microcomb source

Mode-locked microcombs with flat spectral profiles provide the high signal-to-noise ratio and are in high demand for wavelength division multiplexing(WDM)-based applications,particularly in future high-capacity communication and parallel optical computing.Here,we present two solutions to generate local relatively flat spectral profiles.One microcavity with ultra-flat integrated dispersion is pumped to generate one relatively flat single soliton source spanning over 150 nm.Besides,one extraordinary soliton crystal with single vacancy demonstrates the local relatively flat microcomb lines when the inner soliton spacings are slightly irregular.Our work paves a new way for soliton-based applications owing to the relatively flat spectral characteristics.

Itinerant Topological Magnons in SU (2) Symmetric Topological Hubbard Models with Nearly Flat Electronic Bands

We show that a suitable combination of flat-band ferromagnetism,geometry and nontrivial electronic band topology can give rise to itinerant topological magnons.An SU(2) symmetric topological Hubbard model with nearly flat electronic bands,on a Kagome lattice,is considered as the prototype.This model exhibits ferromagnetic order when the lowest electronic band is half-filled.Using the numerical exact diagonalization method with a projection onto this nearly flat band,we can obtain the magnonic spectra.In the flat-band limit,the spectra exhibit distinct dispersions with Dirac points,similar to those of free electrons with isotropic hoppings,or a local spin magnet with pure ferromagnetic Heisenberg exchanges on the same geometry.Significantly,the non-flatness of the electronic band may induce a topological gap at the Dirac points,leading to a magnonic band with a nonzero Chern number.More intriguingly,this magnonic Chern number changes its sign when the topological index of the electronic band is reversed,suggesting that the nontrivial topology of the magnonic band is related to its underlying electronic band.Our work suggests interesting directions for the further exploration of,and searches for,itinerant topological magnons.

Relative importance of tidal flats and artificial habitats for two spoonbill species and related interspecific differences

Artificial/seminatural environments,such as aquacultural ponds,saltpans,and croplands,have recently been acknowledged as important habitats for coastal waterbirds.Although coastal waterbirds tend to use artificial habitats around tidal flats as roosting sites during high-tide,it remains unclear whether the importance of surrounding habitats relative to tidal flats varies among landscape types,seasons,species,or tidal conditions.The Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor)and Eurasian Spoonbill(P.leucorodia)are two closely related sympatric species in East Asia with narrow and wide distribution ranges and habitat requirements,respectively.We therefore expect that both species will use surrounding artificial habitats across seasons at high tides,but Blackfaced Spoonbills will use them less frequently than Eurasian Spoonbills.Here,we address these hypotheses in the Imazu tidal flat and its surrounding environments in southern Japan.We investigated the habitat use and behavioral patterns of both species through route and behavioral surveys during the fall migration and wintering seasons in 2021.We found that both species used surrounding habitats including artificial ones more frequently than the tidal flat regardless of the tidal condition or season,but spoonbills used these habitats more frequently in winter than in autumn.We also found that Eurasian Spoonbills foraged in surrounding artificial habitats more frequently than Black-faced Spoonbills.These results not only demonstrate how coastal waterbirds exploit surrounding habitats relative to tidal flats but also suggest that the importance of surrounding habitats varies among species and seasons.Our study thus emphasizes that valuing and managing surrounding habitats in addition to tidal flats are key to conserving globally declining waterbirds.

Distribution of benthic macrofaunal communities in intertidal flat under hydrodynamic influence:a case study of Jiangsu coast,East China

To identify the distribution pattern of macrofaunal assemblages of the Dafeng intertidal flats in response to hydrodynamic and sediment dynamic processes in the northern Jiangsu coast,East China,macrofauna sampling and hydrodynamic observations were carried out simultaneously across the mud flat,mixed mud-sand flat,and silt-sand flat of the intertidal zone in June 2018.Results show that there was a clear zonal distribution pattern of the macrofaunal communities,as is controlled by local hydrological and sedimentary environments.Principal component analysis(PCA)revealed three types of intertidal area in terms of hydrological and surficial sediment parameters.Similarly,three distinct groups of the macrofaunal communities,i.e.,mud flat,mix mud-sand,and silt-sand groups,were recognized at similarity level of 24%based on the CLUSTER analysis in similarity profile(SIMPROF)test.Correlation analysis upon best variables stepwise search(BVSTEP)indicated the importance of the hydrodynamics(e.g.,water temperature and salinity,tidal duration,flow speed,suspended sediment concentration,and wave height)in the differentiation of macrofaunal communities with different taxonomic classes over the intertidal zone.Therefore,macrofaunal assemblages,similar to hydrology and surficial sediment,have a unique zonation pattern.Small-sized deposit feeders adapt better to low energy environments,thus dominated the upper part of the intertidal flat,whilst the heavy and large-sized filter feeders and deposit feeders were dominant over the middle and lower parts.The hydrodynamic and sediment processes cause biota-niche separation,which affected the biological processes across the intertidal flat.

CONFORMALLY FLAT AFFINE HYPERSURFACES WITH SEMI-PARALLEL CUBIC FORM

In this paper,we study locally strongly convex affine hypersurfaces with the vanishing Weyl curvature tensor and semi-parallel cubic form relative to the Levi-Civita connection of the affine metric.As a main result,we classify these hypersurfaces as not being of a flat affine metric.In particular,2 and 3-dimensional locally strongly convex affine hypersurfaces with semi-parallel cubic forms are completely determined.

Machine learning of theΓ-point gap and flat bands of twisted bilayer graphene at arbitrary angles

The novel electronic properties of bilayer graphene can be fine-tuned via twisting,which may induce flat bands around the Fermi level with nontrivial topology.In general,the band structure of such twisted bilayer graphene(TBG)can be theoretically obtained by using first-principles calculations,tight-binding method,or continuum model,which are either computationally demanding or parameters dependent.In this work,by using the sure independence screening sparsifying operator method,we propose a physically interpretable three-dimensional(3D)descriptor which can be utilized to readily obtain theΓ-point gap of TBG at arbitrary twist angles and different interlayer spacings.The strong predictive power of the descriptor is demonstrated by a high Pearson coefficient of 99%for both the training and testing data.To go further,we adopt the neural network algorithm to accurately probe the flat bands of TBG at various twist angles,which can accelerate the study of strong correlation physics associated with such a fundamental characteristic,especially for those systems with a larger number of atoms in the unit cell.

Dramatical hydro-sedimentary changes induced by bamboo fences over mangrove tidal flat of the largest delta in Beibu Gulf, southwestern China

Mangrove forest is one of the most important ecological and environmental resources by effectively promoting tidal flat deposition and preventing the coastal region from typhoon.However,there have been mass loss of mangrove forests due to anthropogenic activities.It is an urgent need to explore an effective way for mangrove restoration.Here,three rows of bamboo fences with hydro-sedimentary observation set over Aegiceras corniculatum mangrove tidal flat of the Nanliu Delta,the largest delta of Beibu Gulf,China,were conducted to analyze the hydro-sedimentary variations induced by bamboo fences.Results identified that the mean horizontal velocity Um per burst(20 min)decreased by as much as 71%and 40%in comparison with those without bamboo fences in March and November,respectively,when the tidal current entering the bamboo area during flood.The maximum of mean horizontal flow velocity Um-max at bamboo area was 50%–75%of that without bamboo fences during ebb tide.The suspended sediment concentration of bamboo area suggested a maximum reduction of 57%relative to bare flat during flood,and was 80%lower than bare flat at ebb peak.Moreover,the turbulent kinetic dissipationεat flood tide was significantly higher than that at ebb tide,while the bamboo fences greatly increased the turbulent kinetic dissipationεby 2 to 5 times relative to bare flat,resulting in an increase of the bed elevation by inhibiting the sediment incipient motion and intercepting suspended sediment.The siltation rate at the bamboo area was 140%and 29.3%higher than that at the bare flat and the region covered with A.corniculatum,respectively.These results highlight that bamboo fences can effectively attenuate tidal current and thus promote siltation over mangrove flat,which contribute great benefit to mangrove survival.

Aseismic ridge subduction and flat subduction:Insights from three-dimensional numerical models

Flat subduction can significantly influence the distribution of volcanism,stress state,and surface topography of the overriding plate.However,the mechanisms for inducing flat subduction remain controversial.Previous two-dimensional(2-D)numerical models and laboratory analogue models suggested that a buoyant impactor(aseismic ridge,oceanic plateau,or the like)may induce flat subduction.However,three-dimensional(3-D)systematic studies on the relationship between flat subduction and buoyant blocks are still lacking.Here,we use a 3-D numerical model to investigate the influence of the aseismic ridge,especially its width(which is difficult to consider in 2-D numerical models),on the formation of flat subduction.Our model results suggest that the aseismic ridge needs to be wide and thick enough to induce flat subduction,a condition that is difficult to satisfy on the Earth.We also find that the subduction of an aseismic ridge parallel to the trench or a double aseismic ridge normal to the trench has a similar effect on super-wide aseismic ridge subduction in terms of causing flat subduction,which can explain the flat subduction observed beneath regions such as Chile and Peru.

Flat Rooftops as Productive Landscapes in Birmingham

Due to the changing global environment,sustainable development has become a goal that many cities strive towards.Producing nutritious food is a component of sustainable development.The primary purpose of this paper is to assess Birmingham’s suitability for flat rooftop farming.This study explores two examples of rooftop farms:Brooklyn Grange in New York and Thammasat University,the largest rooftop farm in Asia,and they transformed the roof into a productive rooftop farm.This paper proses the tops of the buildings at Birmingham City University to be converted into a flat roof farm with an additional survey into the dietary habits of Birmingham inhabitants.With a productive landscape,one can achieve societal ideals such as urban or communal food self-sufficiency,reduce food imports,transit expenses,and consumer prices,encourage human interaction and connection,and at the same time provide diversified and healthy food.