Voice and Heart of Darkness:Centrality and Discourse in Colonialism

My essay on Heart of Darkness explores Conrad’s dramatization of the voice and heart dynamic in the novella as a penetration of the deep-lying rationale of colonial operation and more generally the human condition at the turn of the 20th century.Three different forms of assumed centrality in the novella-capital,Eurocentrism,and the African interior as detrimental void symbolized by the heart of darkness form concentric circles that interconnect and work in concert as the core colonial ideology and produce a sense of incongruity and absurdity.The voice of this colonial ideological apparatus disguised as the universal subject of humanity and rationality finds its best expression in the eloquence of Kurtz,the specimen of culture seduced by its very opposite-the wilderness-right in the heart of darkness.“The horror”,as his final verdict of life as a European with real intent of living on his own terms at the turn of the 20th century,sums up the predicament of a civilization with too much culture and self-absorption for its own good.

Dark Galaxies, Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction, Tunguska Event—Explained by WUM

Great experimental results and observations achieved by Astronomy in the last decades revealed new unexplainable phenomena. Astronomers have conclusive new evidence that a recently discovered “dark galaxy” is, in fact, an object the size of a galaxy, made entirely of dark matter. They found that the speed of the Earth’s rotation varies randomly each day. 115 years ago, the Tunguska Event was observed, and astronomers still do not have an explanation of It. Main results of the present article are: 1) Dark galaxies explained by the spinning of their Dark Matter Cores with the surface speed at equator less than the escape velocity. Their Rotational Fission is not happening. Extrasolar systems do not emerge;2) 21-cm Emission explained by the self-annihilation of Dark Matter particles XIONs (5.3 μeV);3) Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction explained by the influence of the Sun’s and the Moon’s magnetic field on the electrical currents of the charged Geomagma (the 660-km layer), and, as a result, the Earth’s daylength varies;4) Tunguska Event explained by a huge atmospheric explosion of the Superbolide, which was a stable Dark Matter Bubble before entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

A Dark Energy Hypothesis I

The cosmological constant, Λ, represents dark energy. The dark energy hypothesis (DEH) replaces Λ with a variable quantity, the cosmological parameter: Λ=1a2η2In this formula, “a” is the scale factor and η the conformal time: adη = cdt. A companion paper (DEH II) develops and explores a cosmological model with this variable parameter. This paper portrays the origin of the cosmological parameter in the uncoupling of time and space in the early universe from a prior state in which the comoving coordinates x0 = η and x1 = χ, the cosmic latitude, are coupled. In this hypothesis dark matter is a co-product of the decoupling, but its nature remains mysterious.

A Dark Energy Hypothesis II

The article develops a cosmological model based on a hypothesis that dark energy is a cosmological variable rather than a constant. A companion paper (DEH I) derives a formula for this variable cosmological parameter as well as an argument that the early universe produces it and dark matter. The developed model leads to a series of self-consistent results including a prediction that provides a test for it. The results include comparisons of the DEH and the ΛCDM theory.

A Many Worlds Interpretation of the Dark Universe

In this paper, we discuss a Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. The universe is viewed cosmologically as a fermionic fluid with a hydrostatic pressure from “Zitterbewegung”, the quantum “zig-zagging” of Dirac particles. At each point in space-time, the pressure from all possible velocity states existing in the Many Worlds sums to provide a dark energy. This provides a ratio of matter energy to pressure energy close to that observed experimentally. Visible matter is the matter observed or measured in a particular velocity state and dark matter is then considered as the unobserved fermion contributions from different orthogonal spatial directions.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy from Lattice Model of Universe

The article considers a conceptual universe model as a periodic lattice (network) with nodes defined by the wave function in a background-independent Hamiltonian based on their relations and interactions. This model gives rise to energy bands, similar to those in semiconductor solid-state models. In this context, valence band holes are described as dark matter particles with a heavy effective mass. The conducting band, with a spontaneously symmetry-breaking energy profile, contains particles with several times lighter effective mass, which can represent luminous matter. Some possible analogies with solid-state physics, such as the comparison between dark and luminous matter, are discussed. Additionally, tiny dark energy, as intrinsic lattice Casimir energy, is calculated for a lattice with a large number of lattice nodes.

Dark Matter Search in Dwarf Irregular Galaxies with Ten Years of Data from the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory

Dwarf irregular galaxies(dIrrs),as rotationally supported systems,have more reliable J-factor measurements than dwarf spheroidal galaxies and have received attention as targets for dark matter detection in recent years.In this paper,we use 10 yr of IceCube muon-track data and an unbinned maximum-likelihood-ratio method to search for neutrino signals beyond the background from the directions of seven dIrrs,aiming to detect neutrinos produced by heavy annihilation dark matter.We do not detect any significant signal.Based on such null results,we calculate the upper limits on the velocity-averaged annihilation cross section for 1 TeV–10 PeV dark matter.Our limits,although weaker than the strictest constraints in the literature in this mass range,are also a good complement to the existing results considering the more reliable J-factor measurements of dIrrs.

A large language model-powered literature review for high-angle annular dark field imaging

High-angle annular dark field(HAADF)imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM)has become an indispensable tool in materials science due to its ability to offer sub-°A resolution and provide chemical information through Z-contrast.This study leverages large language models(LLMs)to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of a large amount of HAADF-related literature(more than 41000 papers).By using LLMs,specifically ChatGPT,we were able to extract detailed information on applications,sample preparation methods,instruments used,and study conclusions.The findings highlight the capability of LLMs to provide a new perspective into HAADF imaging,underscoring its increasingly important role in materials science.Moreover,the rich information extracted from these publications can be harnessed to develop AI models that enhance the automation and intelligence of electron microscopes.

The Origin, Properties and Detection of Dark Matter and Dark Energy

The pictures from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest that massive galaxies were already at the beginning of the expansion of the Universe because there was too short time to create them. It is consistent with the new cosmology presented within the Scale-Symmetric Theory (SST). The phase transitions of the initial inflation field described in SST lead to the Protoworld—its core was built of dark matter (DM). We show that the DAMA/LIBRA annual-modulation amplitude forced by the change of the Earth’s velocity (i.e. baryonic-matter (BM) velocity) in relation to the spinning DM field in our Galaxy’s halo should be very low. We calculated that in the DM-BM weak interactions are created single and entangled spacetime condensates with a lowest mass/energy of 0.807 keV—as the Higgs boson they can decay to two photons, so we can indirectly detect DM. Our results are consistent with the averaged DAMA/LIBRA/COSINE-100 curve describing the dependence of the event rate on the photon energy in single-hit events. We calculated the mean dark-matter-halo (DMH) mass around quasars, we also described the origin of the plateaux in the rotation curves for the massive spiral galaxies, the role of DM-loops in magnetars, the origin of CMB, the AGN-jet and galactic-halo production, and properties of dark energy (DE).

Dynamical Dark Energy in Light of Cosmic Distance Measurements.Ⅱ.A Study Using Current Observations

We extract key information on dark energy from current observations of BAO,OHD and H_(0),and find hints of dynamical behavior of dark energy.In particular,a dynamical dark energy model whose equation of state crosses-1 is favored by observations.We also find that the Universe has started accelerating at a lower redshift than expected.

Design of hadronic calorimeter for DarkSHINE experiment

The sensitivity of the dark photon search through invisible decay final states in low-background experiments relies sig-nificantly on the neutron and muon veto efficiencies,which depend on the amount of material used and the design of the detector geometry.This paper presents the optimized design of the hadronic calorimeter(HCAL)used in the DarkSHINE experiment,which is studied using a GEANT4-based simulation framework.The geometry is optimized by comparing a traditional design with uniform absorbers to one that uses different thicknesses at different locations on the detector,which enhances the efficiency of vetoing low-energy neutrons at the sub-GeV level.The overall size and total amount of material used in the HCAL are optimized to be lower,owing to the load and budget requirements,whereas the overall performance is studied to satisfy the physical objectives.

Constraints on Asymmetric Dark Matter in Quintessence Model

The modified cosmology like quintessence model with kination phase predicted the Hubble expansion rate of the universe before Big Bang Nucleosynthesis is different from the standard cosmological scenario. The modified expansion rate leaves its imprint on the relic density of asymmetric dark matter. In this work, we review the calculation of relic density of asymmetric WIMP dark matter in the standard cosmological scenario and quintessence model with kination phase. Then we use the Planck data to find constraints on the annihilation cross section and the mass of the asymmetric dark matter in those models.

Organic X-Ray Image Sensors Using a Medium Bandgap Polymer Donor with Low Dark Current

The development of portable X-ray detectors is necessary for diagnosing fractures in unconscious patients in emergency situations.However,this is quite challenging because of the heavy weight of the scintillator and silicon photodetectors.The weight and thickness of X-ray detectors can be reduced by replacing the silicon layer with an organic photodetectors.This study presents a novel bithienopyrroledione-based polymer donor that exhibits excellent photodetection properties even in a thick photoactive layer(~700 nm),owing to the symmetric backbone and highly soluble molecular structure of bithienopyrroledione.The ability of bithienopyrroledione-based polymer donor to strongly suppress the dark current density(Jd~10−10 A cm^(−2))at a negative bias(−2.0 V)while maintaining high responsivity(R=0.29 A W−1)even at a thickness of 700 nm results in a maximum shot-noise-limited specific detectivity of D_(sh)^(*)=2.18×10^(13)Jones in the organic photodetectors.Printed organic photodetectors are developed by slot-die coating for use in X-ray detectors,which exhibit D_(sh)^(*)=2.73×10^(12)Jones with clear rising(0.26 s)and falling(0.29 s)response times upon X-ray irradiation.Detection reliability is also proven by linear response of the X-ray detector,and the X-ray detection limit is 3 mA.

New Approach to Synchronize General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics with Constant “K”-Resulting Dark Matter as a New Fundamental Force Particle

Planck scale plays a vital role in describing fundamental forces. Space time describes strength of fundamental force. In this paper, Einstein’s general relativity equation has been described in terms of contraction and expansion forces of space time. According to this, the space time with Planck diameter is a flat space time. This is the only diameter of space time that can be used as signal transformation in special relativity. This space time diameter defines the fundamental force which belongs to that space time. In quantum mechanics, this space time diameter is only the quantum of space which belongs to that particular fundamental force. Einstein’s general relativity equation and Planck parameters of quantum mechanics have been written in terms of equations containing a constant “K”, thus found a new equation for transformation of general relativity space time in to quantum space time. In this process of synchronization, there is a possibility of a new fundamental force between electromagnetic and gravitational forces with Planck length as its space time diameter. It is proposed that dark matter is that fundamental force carrying particle. By grand unification equation with space-time diameter, we found a coupling constant as per standard model “αs” for that fundamental force is 1.08 × 10-23. Its energy calculated as 113 MeV. A group of experimental scientists reported the energy of dark matter particle as 17 MeV. Thorough review may advance science further.

Inelastic Scattering of Dark Matter with Heavy Cosmic Rays

We investigate the impact of inelastic collisions between dark matter(DM)and heavy cosmic ray(CR)nuclei on CR propagation.We approximate the fragmentation cross-sections for DM-CR collisions using collider-measured proton-nuclei scattering cross-sections,allowing us to assess how these collisions affect the spectra of CR boron and carbon.We derive new CR spectra from DM-CR collisions by incorporating their cross-sections into the source terms and solving the diffusion equation for the complete network of reactions involved in generating secondary species.In a specific example with a coupling strength of b_(χ)=0.1 and a DM mass of m_(χ)=0.1 GeV,considering a simplified scenario where DM interacts exclusively with oxygen,a notable modification in the boron-to-carbon spectrum due to the DM-CR interaction is observed.Particularly,the peak within the spectrum,spanning from 0.1 to 10 GeV,experiences an enhancement of approximately 1.5 times.However,in a more realistic scenario where DM particles interact with all CRs,this peak can be amplified to twice its original value.Utilizing the latest data from AMS-02 and DAMPE on the boron-to-carbon ratio,we estimate a 95%upper limit for the effective inelastic cross-section of DM-proton as a function of DM mass.Our findings reveal that at m_(χ)?2 MeV,the effective inelastic cross-section between DM and protons must be less than O(10^(-32))cm^(2).

Dynamic Spacetime: Key to the Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Physics is a branch of science to study matter and its motion in space and time. Development of physics usually upgrades human perspective and understanding of the space and time. Einstein successfully developed special and general theories of relativity and creatively promoted our perspective of spacetime from Newton’s absolute space and time to his relative spacetime. Based on redshift and distance measurements of galaxies and distant type Ia supernovae, cosmologists have suggested that our universe is expanding at an ever-increasing rate driven by a mysterious dark energy. Recently, the author has proposed that spacetime is dynamic. Spacetime is said to be absolute if it is independent of matter and motion, relative if it is affected by matter and motion, and dynamic if it mutually interacts with matter and motion. In dynamic spacetime, not only do matter and motion distort spacetime, but they are also affected by the distorted spacetime. Spacetime to be dynamic is a consequence of a deep insight to Mach’s principle, which tells us that the inertia of an object results from the gravitational interaction by the rest of the universe. Reaction of dynamic spacetime on a traveling light causes light redshift. Reaction of dynamic spacetime on a fast moving neutrino slows down the neutrino. The derived redshift-distance relation perfectly explained the measurements of distant type Ia supernovae and gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and also naturally obtained Hubble’s law as an approximate relation at small redshift. This explanation of cosmological redshift as the opposition of dynamic spacetime does not mandate the universe to be expanding and accelerating, so that it does not need the universe to be initiated from a Big Bang and driven out mainly by a mysterious dark energy. Extremely slowed down neutrinos in dynamic spacetime, when they are gravitationally trapped around clusters, galaxies, and any celestial objects, would play the role of dark matter in explaining the velocity-radius relations of galaxy’s or cluster’s rotations.

Implications of the Stellar Mass Density of High-z Massive Galaxies from JWST on Warm Dark Matter

A significant excess of the stellar mass density at high redshift has been discovered from the early data release of James Webb Space Telescope(JWST),and it may require a high star formation efficiency.However,this will lead to large number density of ionizing photons in the epoch of reionization(EoR),so that the reionization history will be changed,which can arise tension with the current EoR observations.Warm dark matter(WDM),via the free streaming effect,can suppress the formation of small-scale structure as well as low-mass galaxies.This provides an effective way to decrease the ionizing photons when considering a large star formation efficiency in high-z massive galaxies without altering the cosmic reionization history.On the other hand,the constraints on the properties of WDM can be derived from the JWST observations.In this work,we study WDM as a possible solution to reconcile the JWST stellar mass density of high-z massive galaxies and reionization history.We find that,the JWST high-z comoving cumulative stellar mass density alone has no significant preference for either CDM or WDM model.But using the observational data of other stellar mass density measurements and reionization history,we obtain that the WDM particle mass with mw=0.51_(-0.12)^(+0.22) keV and star formation efficiency parameter f_(*)^(0)> 0.39 in 2σ confidence level can match both the JWST high-z comoving cumulative stellar mass density and the reionization history.

Highly Defective Dark TiO_(2) Modified with Pt: Effects of Precursor Nature and Preparation Method on Photocatalytic Properties

The study focused on the modification with platinum of dark defective titania obtained via pulsed laser ablation. Both the method of Pt introduction and the nature of the Pt precursor were varied. All samples exhibited similar phase compositions, specific surface areas, and Pt contents. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with pulsed CO adsorption revealed increased dispersity when photoreduction and the hydroxonitrate complex (Me _(4) N) _(2) [Pt _(2) (OH) _(2) (NO _(3) ) _(8) ] were used. The sample featured a high content of single-atom species and subnano-sized Pt clusters. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the photoreduction method facilitated the appearance of a larger number of Pt ^(2+) states, which appeared owing to the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) eff ect of the transfer of electron density from the electron-saturated defects on the TiO _(2) surface to Pt ^(4+) . In the hydrogen evolution reaction, samples with a significant fraction of the Pt ^(2+) ionic component, capable of generating short-lived Pt^(0) single-atom sites under irradiation due to the SMSI eff ect, exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. The 0.5Pt(C)/TiO_(2) -Ph sample exhibited the highest hydrogen yield with a quantum efficiency of 0.53, retaining its activity even after 8 h of operation.

Dark Matter Particles May Never Be Directly Detected by Instruments—A Dark Matter Mechanism That Does Not Exceed the Standard Model Framework

A dark matter mechanism within the framework of the standard model (SM) of particle physics is proposed in this article that the essence of dark matter may be the excited virtual particle field by the gravitational field of ordinary matter, which contains virtual photons, virtual positive and negative electron pairs, virtual gluons, virtual positive and negative quark pairs, virtual neutrinos etc. In this mechanism, there are two basic assumptions: 1) the stronger the gravitational field of ordinary matter, the greater the excited energy (mass) density of virtual particle field;2) The excited virtual particle field is generally very weak in self-interaction. The virtual particle field excited by gravity can exhibit the properties of dark matter and may become a dark matter candidate. Based on this new dark matter mechanism, the hydrodynamic equations and cosmic perturbation equations describing cosmic matter are improved, and this may be meaningful for solving the challenges faced by the standard cosmological model (Lambda-CDM or LCDM) and developing and perfecting LCDM model.

毁灭抑或重生?——评维勒贝克小说《毁灭》

《毁灭》是米歇尔·维勒贝克2022年发表的最新力作。本文首先从“毁灭”这一题眼切入,分析小说及其折射出的法国社会、家庭层面乃至当代西方个体身心世界的瓦解与衰败,并在此基础上反向探索作家找寻“重生”之路的隐性叙事进程,揭示其在宗教、阅读、爱欲向度的拯救尝试。“毁灭”与“重生”的交织,贯穿成小说首尾衔接的循环叙事,隐匿着现代性危机与困境,展现的是维勒贝克的“赌注”及其“信仰的姿态性”。