Topological phases and edge modes of an uneven ladder

We investigate the topological properties of a two-chain quantum ladder with uneven legs,i.e.,the two chains differ in their periods by a factor of 2.Such an uneven ladder presents rich band structures classified by the closure of either direct or indirect bandgaps.It also provides opportunities to explore fundamental concepts concerning band topology and edge modes,including the difference of intracellular and intercellular Zak phases,and the role of the inversion symmetry(IS).We calculate the Zak phases of the two kinds and find excellent agreement with the dipole moment and extra charge accumulation.We also find that configurations with IS feature a pair of degenerate two-side edge modes emerging as the closure of the direct bandgap,while configurations without IS feature one-side edge modes emerging as not only the closure of both direct and indirect bandgaps but also within the band continuum.Furthermore,by projecting to the two sublattices,we find that the effective Bloch Hamiltonian corresponds to that of a generalized Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model or the Rice–Mele model whose hopping amplitudes depend on the quasimomentum.In this way,the topological phases can be efficiently extracted through winding numbers.We propose that uneven ladders can be realized by spin-dependent optical lattices and their rich topological characteristics can be examined by near future experiments.

Intelligent Internet of Things with Reliable Communication and Collaboration Technologies

The Internet of Things(IoT)connects objects to Internet through sensor devices,radio frequency identification devices and other information collection and processing devices to realize information interaction.IoT is widely used in many fields,including intelligent transportation,intelligent healthcare,intelligent home and industry.In these fields,IoT devices connected via high-speed internet for efficient and reliable communications and faster response times.

A new electric field mill array with each of the mill’s rotor controlled precisely by a GPS module:Equipment and initial results

We have newly designed an electrostatic sensor,called an electric field mill(EFM),to simplify the estimation of the charge position and charge amount transferred by lightning discharges.It is necessary for this remote estimation of the transferred charge to measure electric field changes caused by charge loss at the time of a lightning strike at multiple locations.For multiple-station measurement of electric field changes,not only speed but also phase for exposure and shielding of the sensing plates inside each EFM of the array should be synchronized to maintain the sensitivities of the deployed instruments.Currently,there is no such EFM with specified speed and phase control performance of the rotary part.Thus,we developed a new EFM in which the rotary mechanism was controlled consistently to within 3%error by a GPS module.Five EFMs had been distributed in the Hokuriku area of Japan during the winter season of 2022-2023 for a test observation.Here we describe the design and a simple calibration method for our new EFM array.Data analysis method based on the assumption of a simple monopole charge structure is also summarized.For validation,locations of assumed point charges were compared with three-dimensional lightning mapping data estimated by radio observations in the MF-HF bands.Initial results indicated the validity to estimate transferred charge amounts and positions of winter cloud-to-ground lightning discharges with our new EFM array.

Variations of Atmospheric ELF/VLF Radio Noise Due to Seismogenic Modifications in Tropospheric Conductivity

We suggest a possible explanation of the influence of pre-seismic activity on the registration rate of natural ELF(extremely low frequency)/VLF(very low frequency) pulses and the changes of their characteristics. The main idea is as follows. The distribution of the electric field around a thundercloud depends on the conductivity profile of the atmosphere. Quasi-static electric fields of a thundercloud decrease in those tropospheric regions where an increase of air conductivity is generated by pre-seismic activities due to emanation of radioactive gas and water into the lower atmosphere. The electric field becomes reduced in the lower troposphere, and the probability decreases of the cloud-to-ground (CG) strokes in such “contaminated” areas. Simultaneously, the electric field grows inside and above the thunderclouds, and hence, we anticipate a growth in the number of horizontal and tilted inter-cloud (or intra-cloud) (both termed as IC discharges) strokes. Spatial orientation of lightning strokes reduces vertical projection of their individual amplitudes, while the rate (median number strokes per a unit time) of discharges grows. We demonstrate that channel tilt of strokes modifies the spectral content of ELF/VLF radio noise and changes the rate of detected pulses during the earthquake preparation phase.

Route Search Method for Railway Replacement Buses Adopting Ant Colony Optimization

In recent years, Japan, and especially rural areas have faced the growing problems of debt-ridden local railway lines along with the population decline and aging population. Therefore, it is best to consider the discontinuation of local railway lines and introduce replacement buses to secure the transportation methods of the local people especially in rural areas. Based on the above background, targeting local railway lines that may be discontinued in the near future, appropriate bus stops when provided with potential bus stops were selected, the present study proposed a method that introduces routes for railway replacement buses adopting ant colony optimization (ACO). The improved ACO was designed and developed based on the requirements set concerning the route length, number of turns, road width, accessibility of railway lines and zones without bus stops as well as the constraint conditions concerning the route length, number of turns and zones without bus stops. Original road network data were generated and processed adopting a geographic information systems (GIS), and these are used to search for the optimal route for railway replacement buses adopting the improved ACO concerning the 8 zones on the target railway line (JR Kakogawa line). By comparing the improved ACO with Dijkstra’s algorithm, its relevance was verified and areas needing further improvements were revealed.

Look into my eyes:What can eye-based measures tell us about the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance?

Background:There is a growing interest to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that drive the positive associations of physical activity and fitness with measures of cognitive performance.To better understand those mechanisms,several studies have employed eye-based measures(e.g., eye movement measures such as saccades,pupillary measures such as pupil dilation,and vascular measures such as retinal vessel diameter)deemed to be proxies for specific neurobiological mechanisms.However,there is currently no systematic review providing a comprehensive overview of these studies in the field of exercise-cognition science.Thus,this review aimed to address that gap in the literature.Methods:To identify eligible studies,we searched 5 electronic databases on October 23,2022.Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise(TESTEX scale,for interventional studies) and the critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute(for cross-sectional studies).Results:Our systematic review(n=35 studies) offers the following main findings:(a) there is insufficient evidence available to draw solid conclusions concerning gaze-fixation-based measures;(b) the evidence that pupillometric measures,which are a proxy for the noradrenergic system,can explain the positive effect of acute exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive performance is mixed;(c) physical training-or fitness-related changes of the cerebrovascular system(operationalized via changes in retinal vasculature) are,in general,positively associated with cognitive performance improvements;(d) acute and chronic physical exercises show a positive effect based on an oculomotor-based measure function(operationalized via antisaccade tasks);and(e) the positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance is partly mediated by the dopaminergic system(operationalized via spontaneous eye-blink rate).Conclusion:This systematic review offers confirmation that eye-based measures can provide valuable insigt into the neurobiological mechanisms that may drive positive associations between physical activity and fitness and measures of cognitive performance.However,due to the limited number of studies utilizing specific methods for obtaining eye-based measures(e.g.,pupillometry,retinal vessel analysis,spontaneous eye blink rate) or investigating a possible dose-response relationship,further research is necessary before more nuanced conclusions can be drawn.Given that eye-based measures are economical and non-invasive,we hope this review will foster the future application of eye-based measures in the field of exercise-cognition science.

Seismogenic ULF/ELF Wave Phenomena: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

There has been enormous progress in the field of electromagnetic phenomena associated with earthquakes (EQs) and EQ prediction during the last three decades, and it is recently agreed that electromagnetic effects do appear prior to an EQ. A few phenomena are well recognized as being statistically correlated with EQs as promising candidates for short-term EQ predictors: the first is ionospheric perturbation not only in the lower ionosphere as seen by subionospheric VLF (very low frequency, 3 kHz f 30 kHz)/LF (low frequency, 30 kHz f 300 kHz) propagation but also in the upper F region as detected by ionosondes, TEC (total electron content) observations, satellite observations, etc, and the second is DC earth current known as SES (Seismic electric signal). In addition to the above two physical phenomena, this review highlights the following four physical wave phenomena in ULF (ultra low frequency, frequency Hz)/ELF (extremely low frequency, 3 Hz frequency 3 kHz) ranges, including 1) ULF lithospheric radiation (i.e., direct radiation from the lithosphere), 2) ULF magnetic field depression effect (as an indicator of lower ionospheric perturbation), 3) ULF/ELF electromagnetic radiation (radiation in the atmosphere), and 4) Schumann resonance (SR) anomalies (as an indicator of the perturbations in the lower ionosphere and stratosphere). For each physical item, we will repeat the essential points and also discuss recent advances and future perspectives. For the purpose of future real EQ prediction practice, we pay attention to the statistical correlation of each phenomenon with EQs, and its predictability in terms of probability gain. Of course, all of those effects are recommended as plausible candidates for short-term EQ prediction, and they can be physically explained in terms of the unified concept of the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling (LAIC) process, so a brief description of this coupling has been carried out by using these four physical parameters though the mechanism of each phenomenon is still poorly understood. In conclusion, we have to emphasize the importance of more statistical studies for more abundant datasets sometimes with the use of AI (artificial intelligence) techniques, more case studies for huge (M greater than 7) EQ events, recommendation of critical analyses, and finally multi-parameters observation (even though it is tough work).

近红外漫射光层析成像实验研究

实验验证了所建立的时间分辨光学层析成像测量系统的光学参量预测能力、多个测量通道的一致性,表明了本测量系统具有层析成像的潜力.研究了采用特征数据量(平均飞行时间、广义脉冲谱技术为基础的用数据类型R)及全时间分辨数据的图像重建算法在光学参量重建准确度、重建出的对象尺寸、空间分辨率等方面的各自优势.

Enhanced ductility and reduced asymmetry of Mg-2Al-1Zn alloy plate processed by torsion and annealing

The ductility and plastic asymmetry of an as-annealed magnesium alloy plate were studied in compression through combined process of torsion and subsequent annealing by optical microscope and EBSD. The yield strength（YS） and ultimate compression strength（UCS） as well as the compression ductility（CD） were simultaneously raised by prior torsion at room temperature. The CD was further enhanced by subsequent annealing. Also, the torqued sample followed by annealing experienced a rising CD with the increase in prior strain, leading to the maximum true strain of 0.279, which is twice that of the as-annealed original one. The sample showed a largely reduced tension-compression yield asymmetry by subjecting to pre-torsion alone or combined with a subsequent annealing. The enhanced ductility and reduced asymmetry are attributed to the development of a gradient microstructure with refined grains, and also randomization of the weakened texture due to torsion and subsequent annealing.

基于时间分辨测量的近红外光三维层析成像研究

针对近红外漫射光层析成像中的三维成像问题展开了理论和实验研究.利用开发的以强度和平均飞行时间作为数据类型的三维重建算法对数值仿真模型进行了重建,同时采用多通道时间相关单光子计数层析成像系统对固体样品进行了三维成像.结果表明:所发展的算法较忠实地重建出了样品内部的异质体结构;采用的差分重建方法有利于提高重建的抗噪性能;提出的单层测头配置模式对于三维成像具有实际意义.

基于等厚干涉的轴向空间相干度分析及其在表面形状测量中的可行性探讨(英文)

从等厚干涉的解释出发,推导出了二维空间的相干方程.基于空间相干方程,利用SLM产生了一个新的空间非相干光源.同时提出了新的相移方案,并结合这个新的相移方案,实现了轴向空间距离的探测和干涉条纹的相移.分析了空间方向角对相干方程的影响,并给出了实验验证.通过对非相干光源的参数和特定的空间距离以及空间方向角的匹配,重建了一个具有标准段差的实际物体的表面形状.为光学表面形状测量提供了新的思路.

REE Tetrad Effects in Rare-metal Granites

Described in this paper are the characteristics of tetrad effects of REE in rare-metal granites.Based on the analytical data and experimental geochemical data available,it is pointed out that the tetrad effects of REE in the granites are produced in the metal-fluid system.Intense fractional crystallization of granitic melt(containing REE accessary minerals)and its interaction with volatile-rich(F,Cl)fluid are the major factors leading to the tetrad effects of REE.From this,this paper presents a composite genetic model for high-degree fractional crystallization-volatile-rich fluid metasomatism of rare-metal granites.With the model,quantitative calculations have been made.Meanwhile,it is pointed out that the tetrad effects of REE can be used as an important indicator to distinguish mineralized granites from barren ones.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ61 Mg alloy prepared by multi directional forging

AZ61Mg alloy was multi directionally forged(MDFed) during decreasing temperature condition from 643 K to 483 K at a true strain rate of 3×10-3 s-1 up to cumulative strain of∑△ε=4.0 at maximum.A pass strain of△ε=0.8 was employed.While average grain size decreased gradually with increasing cumulative strain,the evolution of fine-grained structure strongly depended on the MDF temperature.Under the condition where the temperature was higher than the most adequate one,grain coarsening partially took place during MDF.In contrast,at lower temperature,inhomogeneous microstructure composed of the initial coarse and newly appeared fine grains was evolved.After straining over∑△ε=3.2(i.e.,over 4 passes of MDF) ,equiaxed ultrafine grains(UFGs) having average size of about and lower than 1μm were uniformly evolved.While the MDFed alloy to∑△ε=4.0 possessed relatively high hardness of HV 99,and it accepted further about 20%cold rolling almost without cracking.Because of the superior formability of the UFGed AZ61Mg alloy,the hardness was further easily raised to HV 120 by following cold rolling.

Secondary-Atom-Doping Enables Robust Fe-N-C Single-Atom Catalysts with Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Single-atom catalysts(SACs) with nitrogen-coordinated nonprecious metal sites have exhibited inimitable advantages in electrocatalysis.However,a large room for improving their activity and durability remains.Herein,we construct atomically dispersed Fe sites in N-doped carbon supports by secondary-atom-doped strategy.Upon the secondary doping,the density and coordination environment of active sites can be efficiently tuned,enabling the simultaneous improvement in the number and reactivity of the active site.Besides,structure optimizations in terms of the enlarged surface area and improved hydrophilicity can be achieved simultaneously.Due to the beneficial microstructure and abundant highly active FeN_5 moieties resulting from the secondary doping,the resultant catalyst exhibits an admirable half-wave potential of 0.81 V versus 0.83 V for Pt/C and much better stability than Pt/C in acidic media.This work would offer a general strategy for the design and preparation of highly active SACs for electrochemical energy devices.

The ultra-low-frequency magnetic disturbances associated with earthquakes

The ultra-low-frequency （ULF） electromagnetic emission is recently recognized as one of the most promising candidates for short-term earthquake （EQ） prediction. This paper reviews previous convincing evidence on the presence of ULF emissions before three major EQs. Then, we present further statistical study on the ULF occurrence, our networks of ULF monitoring in different spatial scales in Japan and finally we present several signal processings to identify the seismogenic emissions by showing latest results for recent large EQs.

Probing the lower ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes by means of subionospheric VLF/LF propagation

There have been reports for many years that the ionosphere is very sensitive to seismic effects, and the detection of ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes （EQs） attracts a lot of attention as a very promising candidate for short-term EQ prediction. In this review we present a possible use of VLF/LF （very low frequency （3-30 kHz）/low frequency （30-300 kHz）） radio sounding of seismo-ionospheric perturbations. In order to avoid the overlapping with my own previous reviews, we first show some pioneering results for the Kobe EQ and we try to present the latest results including the statistical evidence on the correlation between the VLF/LF propagation anomalies （ionospheric perturbations） and EQs （especially with large magnitude and with shallow depth）, medium-distance （6-8 Mm） propagation anomalies, the fluctuation spectra of subionospheric VLF/LF data （the effect of atmospheric gravity waves, the effect of Earth＇s tides, etc.）, and the mechanism of lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling. Finally, we indicate the present situation of this kind of VLF/LF activities going on in different parts of the globe and we suggest the importance of international collaboration in this seismo-electromagnetic study.

Edge Computing-Based Joint Client Selection and Networking Scheme for Federated Learning in Vehicular IoT

In order to support advanced vehicular Internet-of-Things(IoT)applications,information exchanges among different vehicles are required to find efficient solutions for catering to different application requirements in complex and dynamic vehicular environments.Federated learning(FL),which is a type of distributed learning technology,has been attracting great interest in recent years as it performs knowledge exchange among different network entities without a violation of user privacy.However,client selection and networking scheme for enabling FL in dynamic vehicular environments,which determines the communication delay between FL clients and the central server that aggregates the models received from the clients,is still under-explored.In this paper,we propose an edge computing-based joint client selection and networking scheme for vehicular IoT.The proposed scheme assigns some vehicles as edge vehicles by employing a distributed approach,and uses the edge vehicles as FL clients to conduct the training of local models,which learns optimal behaviors based on the interaction with environments.The clients also work as forwarder nodes in information sharing among network entities.The client selection takes into account the vehicle velocity,vehicle distribution,and the wireless link connectivity between vehicles using a fuzzy logic algorithm,resulting in an efficient learning and networking architecture.We use computer simulations to evaluate the proposed scheme in terms of the communication overhead and the information covered in learning.

Explosive Electric Actuator and Control for Legged Robots

Unmanned systems such as legged robots require fast-motion responses for operation in complex envi-ronments.These systems therefore require explosive actuators that can provide high peak speed or high peak torque at specific moments during dynamic motion.Although hydraulic actuators can provide a large force,they are relatively inefficient,large,and heavy.Industrial electric actuators are incapable of providing instant high power.In addition,the constant reduction ratio of the reducer makes it difficult to eliminate the tradeoff between high speed and high torque in a given system.This study proposes an explosive electric actuator and an associated control method for legged robots.First,a high-power-density variable transmission is designed to enable continuous adjustment of the output speed to torque ratio.A heat-dissipating structure based on a composite phase-change material(PCM)is used.An integral torque control method is used to achieve periodic and controllable explosive power output.Jumping experiments are conducted with typical legged robots to verify the effectiveness of the proposed actuator and control method.Single-legged,quadruped,and humanoid robots jumped to heights of 1.5,0.8,and 0.5 m,respectively.These are the highest values reported to date for legged robots powered by electric actuators.

Microstructure evolution mechanism in adiabatic shear band in TA2

The micro structure evolution mechanism in adiabatic shear band in commercial pure titanium (TA2) at high strain rates(γ≈105 - 106/s) were studied. The nanosized recrystallized grains (about 50 nm in diameter) within the center of adiabatic shear band (ASB) were observed by means of transmission electronic microscope (TEM). A Rotational Dynamic Recrystallization (RDR) mechanism can explain the microstructure evolution (i. e. nanosized grains were formed within 5 - 10μs) in ASB. Kinetics calculations indicate that the recrystallized small grains are formed during the deformation and don't undergo significant growth by grain boundary migration after deformation.

Time-Critical Tasks Implementation in MEC Based Multi-Robot Cooperation Systems

Mobile edge computing(MEC) deployment in a multi-robot cooperation(MRC) system is an effective way to accomplish the tasks in terms of energy consumption and implementation latency. However, the computation and communication resources need to be considered jointly to fully exploit the advantages brought by the MEC technology. In this paper, the scenario where multi robots cooperate to accomplish the time-critical tasks is studied, where an intelligent master robot(MR) acts as an edge server to provide services to multiple slave robots(SRs) and the SRs are responsible for the environment sensing and data collection. To save energy and prolong the function time of the system, two schemes are proposed to optimize the computation and communication resources, respectively. In the first scheme, the energy consumption of SRs is minimized and balanced while guaranteeing that the tasks are accomplished under a time constraint. In the second scheme, not only the energy consumption, but also the remaining energies of the SRs are considered to enhance the robustness of the system. Through the analysis and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that even though the first policy may guarantee the minimization on the total SRs’ energy consumption, the function time of MRC system by the second scheme is longer than that by the first one.