Abstract: This study seeks to establish a consistent theoretical foundation to address enduring open questions in physics—such as the origins of life, free will, the subjective experience of time, consciousness, and biological intelligence—by exploring the connection between the stochastic quantum hydrodynamic model (SQHM) and the order generation in systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium, all converging in the manifestation of physical reality. It offers novel insights into the emergence of order, biological systems, and associated functions such as biological intelligence, free will, consciousness, and the behavior of social structures. These insights are grounded in the assumption of a discrete spacetime structure, enabling an analogy of the universe as a running discrete computation, where emergent physical laws arise from the computation’s intrinsic problem-solving goals. This perspective carries profound implications for physical evolution, suggesting that everyday reality, the origin of life, social interactions, and consciousness itself are intrinsic features of the universal physics. It introduces the idea that free will may emerge as a functional mechanism guiding the universe’s progression toward increasingly efficient and organized states, states in which order is preserved to the greatest extent possible. This view embodies a form of bounded probabilism, standing in sharp contrast to the concept of total, unconstrained randomness, which reduces the universe to a mere cosmic game of dice. It also offers a novel perspective through which artificial intelligence can be framed and its limitations, as well as its differences from biological intelligence, can be better understood. This view highlights how the quantum foundations of the universe contribute to the expression of consciousness, outlining potential avenues for advancing AI toward a more faithful emulation of conscious experience.

Abstract: The BCS theory of superconductivity, which relies on the formation of Cooper pairs mediated by lattice phonons, has stood for decades as the cornerstone of our understanding of superconductivity in conventional metals. However, critical inspection reveals that several theoretical and experimental inconsistencies persist in this framework, especially when extended to high-temperature and unconventional superconductors. This paper rigorously analyzes these inconsistencies, with emphasis on the inadequacy of phonon-mediated interactions to overcome Coulomb repulsion, the questionable nature of the long-range coherence implied by the size of Cooper pairs, and the breakdown of BCS predictions in strongly correlated systems. We present a calculation-intensive critique, highlighting the need for a deeper, possibly non-phononic mechanism for electron pairing or collective quantum behavior in superconductors. The BCS theory of superconductivity, premised on the formation of Cooper pairs via weak electron-phonon coupling, has long served as the canonical framework for understanding low-temperature superconductors. However, we argue that this framework is conceptually and physically insufficient—even for conventional materials. This paper presents a detailed theoretical critique grounded in explicit calculations, exposing contradictions in the length and energy scales involved, the lack of real-space localization of paired electrons, and the incompatibility between the BCS ground state and a physically bound pair in position space. We emphasize that the superconducting energy gap may better reflect a many-body correlation scale rather than a two-body binding energy. Further, we discuss topological and quantum field theoretic obstructions to pairing and reframe superconductivity as a macroscopic quantum coherent state independent of pair formation. Our approach challenges the narrative that Cooper pairing is a necessary cause of superconductivity and instead highlights the role of collective phase coherence, entanglement, and broken gauge symmetry as possible fundamental mechanisms.

Abstract: This paper explores an interdisciplinary framework linking the exceptional Lie group E8 with the architecture and dynamics of the human neocortex. We propose that the structural and algebraic richness of E8 may serve as a candidate symmetry model underlying aspects of cortical computation, connectivity, and information processing. Drawing from algebraic topology, theoretical neuroscience, and information theory, the study maps mathematical properties of E8 onto the functional topology of cortical manifolds and examines corresponding feedback loops through differential and geometric analogues. The work outlines a potential computational model constrained by E8 symmetry, evaluates neuroscientific validation pathways including imaging and timeseries data analysis, and considers applications to artificial intelligence. Philosophical implications are addressed, including discussions on symmetry, mathematical realism, epistemology, and the limits of reductionism. While acknowledging the speculative nature of the hypothesis, the paper aims to stimulate cross-disciplinary dialogue and outlines strategies for future empirical and computational exploration.

Abstract: We report a novel compact nuclear fusion concept based on a 20 MeV tabletop electron storage ring (ESR), which electrostatically confines and accelerates deuterium and tritium ions to fusion-relevant energies. The ESR generates a relativistic potential well exceeding 500 kV, capable of trapping high-density ion populations. The 500keV potential also enables ion heating above 50 keV to initiate (d-t) fusion. Analytical calculations and simulations suggest that a confined ion population of 10^17 within a volume of 1.25 × 10^-5 m^3, corresponding to a density near 10^20/m^3 is shown to produce fusion power exceeding 2 MW. This ESR-based approach offers a potential pathway toward compact, efficient, and modular fusion power systems.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of incorporating a thin gold (Au) nanofilm as an interfacial buffer layer between the anode and the active layer in poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl):[6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) organic solar cells. A nominal 6 nm Au layer was thermally evaporated onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and subsequently annealed at 550 °C for 30 and 60 minutes before completing the device fabrication. The optical, morphological, and electrical consequences of introducing these annealed Au films were systematically evaluated. Optical measurements revealed a marked enhancement in light absorption: the unannealed Au/P3HT:PCBM film showed a 54% increase at 560 nm, rising to 79% after 60 minutes of annealing, attributed to localized surface plasmon resonance. In contrast, electrical characterization indicated a decline in overall photovoltaic performance, with all parameters decreasing except for a modest 2% increase in fill factor. Atomic force microscopy further revealed that the actual Au nanofilm thickness was approximately 16 nm—significantly higher than the nominal 6 nm—leading to increased roughness and aggregation. The excessive thickness and roughened morphology of the annealed Au film likely hindered charge transport and reduced exciton generation by scattering and reflecting incident light away from the active layer. These findings highlight the competing effects of Au nanofilms: while they enhance optical absorption, they simultaneously degrade electrical performance. This underscores the importance of carefully optimizing nanofilm thickness and morphology to achieve a balanced interplay between plasmonic enhancement and electronic transport in organic solar cells.

Abstract:

Control of reactive species generation lies at the core of atmospheric-pressure plasma processing. In this work, we investigate the capability of a cold RF argon plasma jet source to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) following the injection of a molecular gas (N₂ or O₂), either premixed with the main gas (Ar) or introduced separately into an already generated Ar discharge. We show that when reactive gases are injected directly into the Ar discharge, the range of operating parameters—particularly the ratio of reactive gas to main gas—is considerably widened compared to the conventional injection through the main argon flow. The plasma characteristics at the source exit were analyzed using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), including the determination of electron density, rotational temperature, and the emission intensities of plasma species such as Ar I, NO(A), OH(A), and N₂(C), for both injection types. Overall, the results show that plasmas generated using in-discharge injection are more stable and capable of sustaining enhanced production of reactive radicals such as NO(A) and OH(A), whereas injection through the main gas can be tuned to selectively enhance NO generation. These findings highlight the potential of plasma sources employing premixed or in-discharge reactive gas injection for surface treatment and for the processing of gas and liquid phases.

Abstract: The concept of Geometric Phase in Quantum Mechanics is generally formulated en- tirely in terms of geometric structure of complex Hilbert Space. This tutorial article gives a general mathematical overview of the Geometric phase introduced by Berry with the conditions over the system’s evolution embedded through adiabaticity and cyclicity, which were subsequently relaxed sequentially by Aharonov-Anandan, Samuel-Bhandari, and later by Mukunda and Simon by using the idea of Bargmann Invariants. The arti- cle presents a thorough and illustrative overview regarding the mathematical derivation behind the upliftment of the conditions, which results in the generalized definition of the Geometric phase for quantum systems. In addition to that, the article also gives an overall idea about the general analytical aspects of finding the Geometric phase for three level open quantum systems undergoing decoherence and dephasing due to interaction with the surroundings in the weak system reservoir coupling limit described by quantum master equations.

Abstract: NanoArduSiPM is a compact, all-in-one particle detector designed to integrate scintillation-based detection with online and local signal processing. Building on previous generations of the ArduSiPM (Architected Detection Unit for Silicon Photomultipliers) technology, this third upgrade introduces a significant miniaturization of the system while enhancing performance. The detector combines a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) with a System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture, allowing signal acquisition and processing and data transmission without the need for external units. The analog front-end includes a low-noise amplifier, a fast discriminator and a peak-hold circuit, enabling precise digitization of fast optical pulses. Signal reconstruction linearity and timing performance have been preserved despite the reduced form factor. The internal analog-to-digital (ADC) converter is calibrated for accurate amplitude measurement and the costumed analog electronics, that precede the SoC, are sufficiently fast to resolve single photoelectrons in typical SiPM signals, ensuring compatibility with the SoC’s performance capabilities. Furthermore, by combining threshold scans and ADC spectrum measurements, the system reliably extracts photoelectron amplitudes and confirms the consistency of the analog and digital signal paths. In conclusion the compact design, firmware flexibility and embedded data handling make NanoArduSiPM suitable for deployment in space platforms, remote sensing applications and distributed radiation monitoring networks.

Abstract: This work presents a micromagnetic investigation of monolayer L1₀ FePt and FePt/Fe bilayer thin films to clarify the role of thickness, composition, and exchange coupling in their magnetic behavior. Simulations were performed using the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert formalism implemented in OOMMF, with realistic material parameters and geometries. For FePt monolayers, film thicknesses of 1–20 nm were examined, revealing a non-monotonic coercivity trend: the coercive field increased from 35 mT at 1 nm to 136 mT at 10 nm and decreased to 69 mT at 20 nm. This evolution indicates a transition from localized reversal to domain-wall–mediated switching once the film exceeds the exchange length (10–20 nm). Additional simulations varying Fe concentration (48–68%) through the exchange stiffness constant showed that higher Fe content strengthens magnetic coupling and increases coercivity. Bilayer systems combining a 2 nm FePt layer with Fe layers of 10 and 12 nm exhibited rectangular, saturated loops, confirming strong exchange coupling and exchange-spring behavior. The results identify 2 nm FePt as the optimal thickness for achieving full saturation, balanced coercivity, and thermal stability in FePt/Fe thin-film architectures.

Abstract: Extratropical cyclones are the main drivers of high-energy wave events along the southern coast of Brazil, frequently generating coastal storms and hazardous conditions. This study analyzes the occurrence and characteristics of extreme wave events between 2001 and 2020 along the coastal zone from Arroio Chuí to Cabo de Santa Marta, based on warnings of sea state hazards issued by the Brazilian Navy Hydrographic Center. Events were selected using the 95th percentile of significant wave height, considering only episodes with waves exceeding 4.0 m reaching the coast. To avoid double-counting, consecutive warnings within two days were grouped as a single event. Reanalysis data from ERA5 were used to describe the associated atmospheric and oceanographic patterns. A total of 51 high-impact coastal storm events were identified, with seasonal distribution showing higher frequency during winter (19 cases) and autumn (15 cases). Out of these events, 25 were associated with adverse navigation conditions at the coastal bar, accounting for 355 hours of impracticability. Results highlight the dominant role of strong winds and frontal systems in generating extreme sea states and their socio-economic impacts. The study provides a climatological baseline for the region and contributes to improving forecasts and risk management strategies under changing climate conditions.

Abstract: The amount of millimeter-wave radiation which is absorbed or transmitted through pig skin is investigated. Millimeter waves are currently used in a range of technologies, including communication systems, fog-penetrating radar, and the detection of hidden weapons or drugs. They have also been proposed for use in non-lethal weaponry and, more recently, in targeted cancer therapies. Since pigs are often used as biological models for humans, determining how deeply millimeter waves penetrate a pig’s skin and influence the underlying tissues is essential for understanding their potential effects on humans. This experimental study aims to quantify that penetration and associated energy loss.

Abstract: Correlation and causation are often treated as interchangeable yet describe different relationships. Correlation quantifies how variables co-vary, while causation denotes a directional influence by which one variable determines another’s state. Classical causal inference assumes that where causation occurs, correlation must follow, an assumption formalized as Faithfulness. However, Faithfulness fails in many biological and physical control systems like hormonal regulation, neural homeostasis and ecological feedback loops, which function by counteracting disturbances rather than amplifying them. Causation may therefore operate without producing observable co-variation, causing correlation to vanish and revealing the limits of conventional statistical approaches that rely exclusively on correlated change. We introduce an information-based definition of causation, conceived as preservation of informational structure against disturbance. A variable is considered causal when its influence decreases uncertainty in another variable exposed to unpredictable inputs, thereby maintaining order under noise. Using numerical simulations of feedback and feedforward systems, we showed that strong causal interactions can be reliably detected even when correlations between variables are negligible or negative. Our simulations revealed also reductions in conditional entropy and delayed oppositions between control and outcome, providing quantitative evidence of stabilizing causation hidden to traditional correlation-based measures. Unlike regression, structural equation modeling or transfer entropy, our approach revealed compensatory and self-maintaining dynamics operating through feedback, nonlinearity and temporal delay. By unifying causal inference and control theory, our agenda reframes stability as an active expression of causal power and enables the detection of hidden causal architectures in physiological homeostasis, neural stability, ecosystem resilience and engineered feedback systems.

Abstract: Time is a component quantity of various measurements and is also used on its own to sequence events, to compare the duration of events or the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change in quantities in material reality or in the conscious experience.The equipment for measuring time might well be a clock. By making a presupposition that a clock is time, it is perceived experimentally that “time exhibits wave-like properties”.

Abstract: In an attempt to identify solutions to advance net-zero energy actions and accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, hybrid approaches of synthesizing and engineering materials towards solar energy harvesting and management have been developed. In this work, two different forms of TiO2 were synthesized and applied as electron transfer layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In addition, double-doped NiO was combined with these two forms of TiO2 and the fabricated NiO/TiO2 heterostructures were examined for their photocatalytic activities against decolorization of methylene blue (MB) probe-molecule pollutant. The two forms of TiO2 were the 1-D TiO2 nanorods (TiO2-NRs), synthesized by an aqueous hydrothermal technique, and the 3-D mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2), synthesized by spin-coating. The NiO was fabricated by sputtering and after doping-engineering the optimum double-doped NiO:(Nb,N) was used to form the NiO/TiO2 heterostructures. The PSC formed by the 1-D TiO2-NRs as ETL exhibited under AM1.5 illumination the same open-circuit voltage but twice the short-circuit current when compared to the PSC having the conventional m-TiO2 as ETL. The photocatalytic activity of the 1-D NiO/TiO2 heterostructure with the NRs was 23% faster than the respective 3-D NiO/TiO2 heterostructure, inducing at the same time around 83% more (MB) degradation. The effect of the increased effective surface area of the 1-D heterostructures employing the NRs, along with the enhanced NiO-TiO2 diode properties favouring and enhancing the absorption and the rates of photocatalytic reactions are discussed. These results provide a direct comparison between heterostructures synthesized via hybrid routes for optoelectronic applications in the fields of energy harvesting and photocatalysis.

Abstract: Atmospheric electricity measurements are very sensitive to weather conditions. Fair weather for atmospheric electricity in Kamchatka (Russia) was determined by the method of expert assessment at an observatory. After the transition to automated digital methods for measuring meteorological parameters, the necessity to determine the criteria of fair weather appeared. In this paper we developed the criteria for fair weather based on digital measurements in summer and winter observation periods in view of a limited set of meteorological instruments. Data base of fair weather since 2009 up to the present time was created. We suggest the algorithm to determine fog during a day on the basis of air humidity measurements. Morning convective generator effect occurs sometimes in the diurnal variation of atmospheric electricity. The morning convection maximum is determined by the sunrise time. This entails the problems of averaging the electric field diurnal variation over a long time period. It is suggested to take into account the days with morning convective generator effect and the days without this effect separately when processing data long series.

Abstract: Extruded polypropylene (PP) films were exposed to cold air plasma treatment. Plasma treatment of PP films resulted in essential changes in their bulk properties. Maximal elongation, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and toughness of the films were increased. The toughness of the films was increased from U_T0=(3323±400) MPa to U_(T_PT)=(4434±400) MPa. This increase is due to the growth of both the maximal elongation and the UTS of the plasma-treated samples. We relate improvement of mechanical properties of PP to the morphological transformations revealed in the plasma-treated PP films. Plasma treatment of PP samples was also followed by the modification of their surface properties. Plasma treatment resulted in hydrophilization of PP films followed by hydrophobic recovery. Bulk and surface properties of the plasma-treated PP films evolve with time. The following hierarchy of the temporal scales related to the studied relaxation processes is established: τ_HR>τ_ε=τ_T=τ_UTS>τ_E, where τ_HR,τ_ε,τ_T,τ_UTS and τ_E are the time scales of the change in: apparent contact angle (hydrophobic recovery), elongation, toughness, ultimate tensile strength, and Young modulus, respectively. The longest of the relaxation times is related to the surface processes, i.e., hydrophobic recovery. The stress-strain curves of the virgin and plasma-treated PP are well described with the twin-slope linear dependencies. The post-plasma-treatment recovery of the tangent modulus is reported.

Abstract: We introduce the Transition Theory’s Electromagnetic Storm (TTEMS), a novel family of electromagnetic field solutions to Maxwell’s equations characterized by Fibonacci-based self-similarity, fractal geometry, and intrinsic golden-ratio (φ) scaling. TTEMS fields arise from a central electromagnetic void (a zero-field “eye-of-the-storm” core) and expand radially in a spiral geometry governed by the golden ratio, producing recursive growth patterns of field intensity in discrete, self-similar annular zones. This fractal-like field structure is realized as an exact, Maxwell-compliant solution, not imposed by external boundary conditions; the Fibonacci modulation serves as a perturbative extension of classical solutions, preserving all Maxwell divergence and curl relations. TTEMS thus fundamentally differs from Gaussian, Bessel, and Laguerre–Gaussian beams, offering a finite-energy field with alternating high-intensity rings and a stable null center built into its topology. The TTEMS framework bridges electromagnetism with ubiquitous natural spiral patterns. It unites phenomena such as structured light in optics, spiral instabilities in plasmas, and galactic spiral arms in astrophysics under one self-similar scaling law. By embedding fractal geometry and φ-based (non-integer) scaling into electrodynamics, TTEMS exemplifies the intrinsic self-similarity and cross-scale organization central to fractal science, establishing a new interdisciplinary paradigm for self-organizing electromagnetic fields across scales.

Abstract: The NELIPS acronym stands for Nano-Enhanced Laser Induced Plasma Spectroscopy. Within this framework, the temporal variation of the enhanced plasma emission from pure nanomaterials with respect to corresponding bulk materials was monitored as a function of delay time in the range from 1 to 5-11 ms. Six different materials were employed including silver, zinc, aluminum, titanium, iron and silicon . Radiation from pulsed Nd: YAG laser at wavelength 1064 nm was used to induce the bulk and pure nanomaterial plasmas under similar experimental conditions. Plasma emission from both targets was monitored via optical emission spectroscopy technique (OES). The spectral line intensities (signal-to-noise ratio S/N) from the pure nanomaterial plasma turn out to decline in a constant logarithmic manner but at a slower rate than that from the corresponding bulk material plasma. Consequently, the measured average enhanced emission from different nanomaterials features an increase in an exponential manner with delay time. This trend was accounted for by a mathematical elaboration of enhanced emission based on the measured signal-to-noise data. Both plasma parameters (electron density and temperature) evolution during plasma expansion has been illustrated as well.

Abstract: Among existing radiobiological models, the MKM and its extensions (SMK and OSMK) have demonstrated strong predictive capabilities but remain computationally demanding. To address this, we present pyMKM, an open-source Python package for the generation of microdosimetric tables and radiobiological quantities based on these models. The package includes modules for track structure integration, saturation and stochastic corrections, oxygen modulation, and survival fraction computation. Validation was conducted against multiple published datasets across various ion species, LET values, and cell lines under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Quantitative comparisons showed high agreement with reference data, with average log errors typically below 0.06 and symmetric mean absolute percentage errors under 2%. The software achieved full unit test coverage and successful execution across multiple Python versions through continuous integration workflows. These results confirm the numerical accuracy, structural robustness, and reproducibility of pyMKM. The package provides a transparent, modular, and extensible tool for microdosimetric modeling in support of radiobiological studies, Monte Carlo-based dose calculation, and biologically guided treatment planning.

Abstract: This study presents the development and implementation of an IoT-enabled smart green-house system designed not only for rice cultivation but specifically as a controlled exper-imental platform for evaluating fertilizer application methods. Traditional greenhouse rice farming faces persistent challenges such as unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and inefficient resource use. To address these limitations, a smart farming greenhouse system was developed to optimize environmental conditions and enable precise moni-toring and control. The system successfully tracked temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity via the Thingsboard IoT platform, providing real-time data and analytical capa-bilities. The cultivation process included preparation of Inceptisol soil, slurrying, fertiliza-tion, seeding, transplantation, and continuous monitoring. A key novelty of this system lies in its design as a comparative testing platform: with automated temperature control and humidity regulation, the greenhouse enables parallel experimentation under identical environmental conditions. This allows for rigorous evaluation of nano-silica fertilizer ap-plied via root (soil) and foliar (leaf) methods. The system moves beyond simulation, offer-ing a valid and replicable framework for experimental agronomy. The potential to connect this platform with machine learning models opens new avenues for forecasting plant re-sponses based on historical data. Overall, this study demonstrates how advanced tech-nology can be leveraged to enhance agricultural precision, sustainability, and experi-mental reliability