Topological edge and corner states of valley photonic crystals with zipper-like boundary conditions

We present a stable valley photonic crystal(VPC)unit cell with C_(3v)symmetric quasi-ring-shaped dielectric columns and realize its topological phase transition by breaking mirror symmetry.Based on this unit cell structure,topological edge states(TESs)and topological corner states(TCSs)are realized.We obtain a new type of wave transmission mode based on photonic crystal zipper-like boundaries and apply it to a beam splitter assembled from rectangular photonic crystals(PCs).The constructed beam splitter structure is compact and possesses frequency separation functions.In addition,we construct a box-shaped triangular PC structures with zipper-like boundaries and discover phenomena of TCSs in the corners,comparing its corner states with those formed by other boundaries.Based on this,we explore the regularities of the electric field patterns of TESs and TCSs,explain the connection between the characteristic frequencies and locality of TCSs,which helps better control photons and ensures low power consumption of the system.

Comparative Study of the Socioeconomic Characteristics and Digital Literacy Level of Agricultural Extension Personnel in Imo and Ebonyi States, South-East, Nigeria

The study comparatively analysed the socioeconomic characteristics and digital literacy level of Agricultural Extension personnel (AEP) in Ebonyi and Imo States, South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of agricultural extension personnel in Ebonyi and Imo States, and to ascertain the digital literacy level of AEP in the studied states. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 312 Agricultural Extension personnel (132 from Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Program and 180 from Imo State Agricultural Development Program) for the study. Data were collected through the use of validated and structured questionnaire, and administered through the help of well-trained enumerators. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as percentages mean score, standard deviation and weighted mean. Findings indicated that they were more male in the both States (55.3% and 57.8%) for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively and that the average age of AEP in Ebonyi and Imo States were 44.7 years and 49.2 years respectively. It was further revealed that the majority (77.3% and 82.8%) had B.Sc./HND as their highest academic qualifications, belonged to professional organisations (62.1% and 75%), and were earning an average monthly income of N58,798 and N62,648 for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively. Also, it was revealed that their mean years of service were 12.4 years and 13.4 years for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively. Almost all of them (87.9% and 95.0%) own a smartphone, had access to the internet (80.3% and 90.0%), but do not own a laptop/ipad (82.6% and 72.8%) for Ebon-yi and Imo State respectively. Results further revealed that Agricultural extension personnel in both Ebonyi and Imo State respectively had low digital literacy level ( = 2.41 and 2.32). The study concluded that AEP in Ebonyi and Imo State respectively had similar socioeconomic characteristics and low level of digital literacy. The study recommended that the management of ADPs in both Ebonyi and Imo State should ensure the training of AEP in digital skills to enhance their digital literacy level to enable them use digital technologies in their work.

Spectroscopy and molecule opacity investigation on excited states of SiS

The SiS molecule,which plays a significant role in space,has attracted a great deal of attention for many years.Due to complex interactions among its low-lying electronic states,precise information regarding the molecular structure of SiS is limited.To obtain accurate information about the structure of its excited states,the high-precision multireference configuration interaction(MRCI)method has been utilized.This method is used to calculate the potential energy curves(PECs)of the 18Λ–S states corresponding to the lowest dissociation limit of SiS.The core–valence correlation effect,Davidson’s correction and the scalar relativistic effect are also included to guarantee the precision of the MRCI calculation.Based on the calculated PECs,the spectroscopic constants of quasi-bound and bound electronic states are calculated and they are in accordance with previous experimental results.The transition dipole moments(TDMs)and dipole moments(DMs)are determined by the MRCI method.In addition,the abrupt variations of the DMs for the 1^(5)Σ^(+)and 2^(5)Σ^(+)states at the avoided crossing point are attributed to the variation of the electronic configuration.The opacity of SiS at a pressure of 100 atms is presented across a series of temperatures.With increasing temperature,the expanding population of excited states blurs the band boundaries.

Recent progress on valley polarization and valley-polarized topological states in two-dimensional materials

Valleytronics, using valley degree of freedom to encode, process, and store information, may find practical applications in low-power-consumption devices. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that twodimensional(2D) honeycomb lattice systems with inversion symmetry breaking, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDs), are ideal candidates for realizing valley polarization. In addition to the optical field, lifting the valley degeneracy of TMDs by introducing magnetism is an efficient way to manipulate the valley degree of freedom. In this paper, we first review the recent progress on valley polarization in various TMD-based systems, including magnetically doped TMDs,intrinsic TMDs with both inversion and time-reversal symmetry broken, and magnetic TMD heterostructures. When topologically nontrivial bands are empowered into valley-polarized systems, valley-polarized topological states, namely valleypolarized quantum anomalous Hall effect can be realized. Therefore, we have also reviewed the theoretical proposals for realizing valley-polarized topological states in 2D honeycomb lattices. Our paper can help readers quickly grasp the latest research developments in this field.

Chiral bound states in a staggered array of coupled resonators

We study the chiral bound states in a coupled-resonator array with staggered hopping strengths,which interacts with a two-level small atom through a single coupling point or two adjacent ones.In addition to the two typical bound states found above and below the energy bands,this system presents an extraordinary chiral bound state located within the energy gap.We use the chirality to quantify the breaking of the mirror symmetry.We find that the chirality value undergoes continuous changes by tuning the coupling strengths.The preferred direction of the chirality is controlled not only by the competition between the intracell and the intercell hoppings in the coupled-resonator array,but also by the coherence between the two coupling points.In the case with one coupling point,the chirality values varies monotonously with difference between the intracell hopping and the intercell hoppings.While in the case with two coupling points,due to the coherence between the two coupling points the perfect chiral states can be obtained.

Theoretical investigation of excited dipole bound states of alkali-containing diatomic anions

Information about electronic excited states of molecular anions plays an important role in investigating electron attachment and detachment processes.Here we present a high-level theoretical study of the electronic structures of 12 alkali-metal-containing diatomic anions MX-(MX = LiH,LiF,LiCl,NaF,NaCl,NaBr,RbCl,KCl,KBr,RbI,KI and CsI).The equation-of-motion electron-attachment coupled-cluster singles and doubles(EOM-EA-CCSD) method is used to calculate the electron binding energies(EBEs) of 10 electronic excited states of each of the 12 molecule anions.With addition of different s-/p-/d-type diffusion functions in the basis set,we have identified possible excited dipole bound states(DBSs) of each anion.With the investigation of EBEs on the 12 MXs with dipole moment(DM) up to 12.1 D,we evaluate the dependence of the number of anionic excited DBSs on molecular DM.The results indicate that there are at least two or three DBSs of anions with a molecular DM larger than 7 D and a molecule with DM > 10 D can sustain a π-DBS of the anion.Our study has some implications for the excited DBS electronic states of alkali-metal-containing diatomic molecules.

Revisit of the anisotropic vortex states of 2H-NbSe_(2) towards the zero-field limit

We revisited the vortex states of 2H-Nb Se2towards zero fields by a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope.Fine structures of the anisotropic vortex states were distinguished, one is a spatially non-splitting zero bias peak, and the other is an in-gap conductance anomaly resembling evolved crossing features around the center of the three nearest vortices.Both of them distribute solely along the next nearest neighboring direction of the vortex lattice and become unresolved in much higher magnetic fields, implying an important role played by the vortex–vortex interactions. To clarify these issues,we have studied the intrinsic vortex states of the isolated trapped vortex in zero fields at 0.45 K. It is concluded that the anisotropic zero bias peak is attributed to the superconducting gap anisotropy, and the spatially evolved crossing features are related to the vortex–vortex interaction. The vortex core size under the zero-field limit is determined. These results provide a paradigm for studying the inherent vortex states of type-II superconductors especially based on an isolated vortex.

Coulomb-assisted nonlocal electron transport between two pairs of Majorana bound states in a superconducting island

We investigate the nonlocal transport modulated by Coulomb interactions in devices comprising two interacting Majorana wires,where both nanowires are in proximity to a mesoscopic superconducting(SC)island.Each Majorana bound state(MBS)is coupled to one lead via a quantum dot with resonant levels.In this device,the nonlocal correlations can be induced in the absence of Majorana energy splitting.We find that the negative differential conductance and giant current noise cross correlation could be induced,due to the interplay between nonlocality of MBSs and dynamical Coulomb blockade effect.This feature may provide a signature for the existence of the MBSs.

Assessment of Wet Season Precipitation in the Central United States by the Regional Climate Simulation of the WRFG Member in NARCCAP and Its Relationship with Large-Scale Circulation Biases

Assessment of past-climate simulations of regional climate models(RCMs)is important for understanding the reliability of RCMs when used to project future regional climate.Here,we assess the performance and discuss possible causes of biases in a WRF-based RCM with a grid spacing of 50 km,named WRFG,from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program(NARCCAP)in simulating wet season precipitation over the Central United States for a period when observational data are available.The RCM reproduces key features of the precipitation distribution characteristics during late spring to early summer,although it tends to underestimate the magnitude of precipitation.This dry bias is partially due to the model’s lack of skill in simulating nocturnal precipitation related to the lack of eastward propagating convective systems in the simulation.Inaccuracy in reproducing large-scale circulation and environmental conditions is another contributing factor.The too weak simulated pressure gradient between the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico results in weaker southerly winds in between,leading to a reduction of warm moist air transport from the Gulf to the Central Great Plains.The simulated low-level horizontal convergence fields are less favorable for upward motion than in the NARR and hence,for the development of moist convection as well.Therefore,a careful examination of an RCM’s deficiencies and the identification of the source of errors are important when using the RCM to project precipitation changes in future climate scenarios.

Characteristics of patients with Wilson disease in the United States: An insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND Wilson disease(WD)is a progressive,potentially fatal degenerative disease affecting the liver and central nervous system.Given its low prevalence,collecting data on large cohorts of patients with WD is challenging.Comprehensive insur-ance claims databases provide powerful tools to collect retrospective data on large numbers of patients with rare diseases.AIM To describe patients with WD in the United States,their treatment and clinical outcome,using a large insurance claims database.METHODS This retrospective,longitudinal study was performed in the Clarivate Real-World Data Product database.All patients with≥2 claims associated with an Interna-tional Classification of Diseases 10(ICD-10)diagnostic code for WD(E83.01)between 2016 and 2021 were included and followed until death or study end.Patients were divided into two groups by whether or not they were documented to have received a specific treatment for WD.Clinical manifestations,hospital-isations,liver transplantation and death were documented.RESULTS Overall,5376 patients with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for WD were identified.The mean age at inclusion was 41.2 years and 52.0%were men.A specific WD treatment was documented for 885 patients(15.1%),although the number of patients taking zinc salts may be underestimated due to over the counter purchase.At inclusion,the mean age of patients with a documented treatment was 36.6±17.8 years vs 42.2±19.6 years in those without a documented treatment.During follow-up,273 patients(5.1%)died.Compared with the American general population,the standardised mortality ratio was 2.19.The proportion of patients with a documented WD-specific treatment who died during follow-up was 4.0%and the mean age at death 52.7 years.CONCLUSION Patients treated for WD in the United States had an excess early mortality compared with the American population.These findings indicate that there is a significant unmet need for effective treatment for WD in the United States.

Enhancing the Goos-Hänchen shift based on quasi-bound states in the continuum through material asymmetric dielectric compound gratings

Quasi-bound state in the continuum(QBIC)resonance is gradually attracting attention and being applied in Goos-Hänchen(GH)shift enhancement due to its high quality(Q)factor and superior optical confinement.Currently,symmetry-protected QBIC resonance is often achieved by breaking the geometric symmetry,but few cases are achieved by breaking the material symmetry.This paper proposes a dielectric compound grating to achieve a high Q factor and high-reflection symmetry-protectede QBIC resonance based on material asymmetry.Theoretical calculations show that the symmetry-protected QBIC resonance achieved by material asymmetry can significantly increase the GH shift up to-980 times the resonance wavelength,and the maximum GH shift is located at the reflection peak with unity reflectance.This paper provides a theoretical basis for designing and fabricating high-performance GH shift tunable metasurfaces/dielectric gratings in the future.

Coping with the Impact of Climate Change: A Dive into Precision Agriculture in the United States

With the continued increase in the number of people that are food insecure globally, which could be increasing because of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, leading to reduction in international agribusinesses, coupled with drastic climate change exacerbating the problem of food insecurity, there is a constant need to come up with innovative approaches to solve this global issue. In this article, we articulated how precision agriculture can be a tool for ensuring food security in the United States. This study aims to reiterate the significance of precision agriculture in solving global food insecurity.

Discrete vortex bound states with a van Hove singularity in the vicinity of the Fermi level

A theoretical study on discrete vortex bound states is carried out near a vortex core in the presence of a van Hove singularity(VHS) near the Fermi level by solving Bogoliubov–de Gennes(Bd G) equations. When the VHS lies exactly at the Fermi level and also at the middle of the band, a zero-energy state and other higher-energy states whose energy ratios follow integer numbers emerge. These discrete vortex bound state peaks undergo a splitting behavior when the VHS or Fermi level moves away from the middle of the band. Such splitting behavior will eventually lead to a new arrangement of quantized vortex core states whose energy ratios follow half-odd-integer numbers.

Vortex bound states influenced by the Fermi surface anisotropy

The spatial distribution of vortex bound states is often anisotropic,which is correlated with the underlying property of materials.In this work,we examine the effects of Fermi surface anisotropy on vortex bound states.The large-scale calculation of vortex bound states is introduced in the presence of fourfold or twofold Fermi surface by solving the Bogoliubov–de Gennes(BdG)equations.Two kinds of quasiparticles’behaviors can be extracted from the local density of states(LDOS)around a vortex.The angle-dependent quasiparticles will move from high energy to low energy when the angle varies from curvature maxima to minima of the Fermi surface,while the angle-independent quasiparticles tend to stay at a relatively higher energy.In addition,the weight of angle-dependent quasiparticles can be enhanced by the increasing anisotropy degree of Fermi surface.

Dual-Ion Co-Regulation System Enabling High-Performance Electrochemical Artificial Yarn Muscles with Energy-Free Catch States

Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions and inefficient “rocking-chair” ion migration. To address these limitations, we present an electrochemical artificial yarn muscle design driven by a dual-ion co-regulation system. By utilizing two reaction channels, this system shortens ion migration pathways, leading to faster and more efficient actuation. During the charging/discharging process, PF_6~- ions react with carbon nanotube yarn, while Li~+ ions react with an Al foil. The intercalation reaction between PF_6~- and collapsed carbon nanotubes allows the yarn muscle to achieve an energy-free high-tension catch state. The dual-ion coordinated yarn muscles exhibit superior contractile stroke, maximum contractile rate, and maximum power densities, exceeding those of “rocking-chair” type ion migration yarn muscles. The dual-ion co-regulation system enhances the ion migration rate during actuation, resulting in improved performance. Moreover, the yarn muscles can withstand high levels of isometric stress, displaying a stress of 61 times that of skeletal muscles and 8 times that of “rocking-chair” type yarn muscles at higher frequencies. This technology holds significant potential for various applications, including prosthetics and robotics.

Hybrid bound states in the continuum in terahertz metasurfaces

Bound states in the continuum(BICs)have exhibited extraordinary properties in photonics for enhanced light-matter interactions that enable appealing applications in nonlinear optics,biosensors,and ultrafast optical switches.The most common strategy to apply BICs in a metasurface is by breaking symmetry of resonators in the uniform array that leaks the otherwise uncoupled mode to free space and exhibits an inverse quadratic relationship between quality factor(Q)and asymmetry.Here,we propose a scheme to further reduce scattering losses and improve the robustness of symmetry-protected BICs by decreasing the radiation density with a hybrid BIC lattice.We observe a significant increase of radiative Q in the hybrid lattice compared to the uniform lattice with a factor larger than 14.6.In the hybrid BIC lattice,modes are transferred toГpoint inherited from high symmetric X,Y,and M points in the Brillouin zone that reveal as multiple Fano resonances in the far field and would find applications in hyperspectral sensing.This work initiates a novel and generalized path toward reducing scattering losses and improving the robustness of BICs in terms of lattice engineering that would release the rigid requirements of fabrication accuracy and benefit applications of photonics and optoelectronic devices.

Evolution and impacts of the United States’Arctic strategy and China’s responses

On 7 October,2022,the Biden administration released an updated version of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region based on new developments in the Arctic region and global affairs.This strategy emphasizes traditional security issues in the Arctic,attaches great importance to climate governance in the region,and advocates for restoring American leadership through international cooperation.In view of the strong influence of the United States(U.S.)in the Arctic region,the changes of the U.S.Arctic strategy will inevitably have an impact on China’s scientific researchrights,economic interests,and governance rights in the Arctic region.To respond to the new situation brought about by the changes in the U.S.Arctic strategy,China should take the initiative to maintain positive relationships with all Arctic countries,and continue its active participation in Arctic affairs.

Deterministic remote preparation of multi-qubit equatorial states through dissipative channels

We investigate the influence of a noisy environment on the remote preparation of the multi-qubit equatorial state, and specifically deduce the final states and fidelities of the remote preparation of the three-qubit and four-qubit equatorial states under diverse types of noisy environments, namely, amplitude damping, bit flip, phase damping, phase flip, bit-phase flip,depolarization, and non-Markov environments. The results show that when the decoherence factors of the front six noises are equal, the influence degrees of phase damped noise, bit flip noise, phase flip noise, and bit-phase flip noise are similar,while the information loss caused by the amplitude damped noise and depolarizing noise is less. In particular, the bit flip noise and depolarizing noise may have more complex effects on the remote state preparation(RSP) schemes depending on the phase information of the target states, even for the ideal cases where the fidelity values are always 1 for specific phase relations. In the non-Markov environment, owing to the back and forth of information between the environment and systems, fidelities exhibit oscillating behavior and the minimum value may stay greater than zero for a long evolutionary time. These results are expected to have potential applications for understanding and avoiding the influence of noise on remote quantum communication and quantum networks.

Nonstandard Unitary Transformations of Quantum States

In quantum optics, unitary transformations of arbitrary states are evaluated by using the Taylor series expansion. However, this traditional approach can become cumbersome for the transformations involving non-commuting operators. Addressing this issue, a nonstandard unitary transformation technique is highlighted here with new perspective. In a spirit of “quantum” series expansions, the transition probabilities between initial and final states, such as displaced, squeezed and other nonlinearly transformed coherent states are obtained both numerically and analytically. This paper concludes that, although this technique is novel, its implementations for more extended systems are needed.

Passivation of PEA^(+)to CsPbI_(3)(110)Surface States:From the First Principles Calculations

This work investigates the effect of passivation on the electronic properties of inorganic perovskite CsPbI_(3)materials by using first-principles calculations with density functional theory(DFT).The passivation effect after the addition of Phenylethylamine(PEA+)molecule to CsPbI_(3)(110)surface is studied.The results of density of states(DOS)calculations show that the CsPbI_(3)(110)surface model with I atom terminated reveals new electronic DOS peaks(surface states)near the Fermi level.These surface states are mainly due to the contribution of I-5p orbital and are harmful to the CsPbI_(3)-based solar cells because they reduce the photoelectric conversion efficiency.The surface states near the Fermi level are significantly reduced,and the decline rate reaches 38.8%with the addition with PEA+molecule to the CsPbI3(110)surface.