Abstract: This study examined atmospheric mechanisms affecting the East Bay Hills Fire (1991) in Oakland, California, using the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting numerical model (WRF) and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) dataset. High-resolution WRF simulations at 16km were downscaled to 4km and 1km to analyze primary and secondary circulations at synoptic and meso-α/meso-β scales before the fire. Findings indicate that a ridge over the Great Basin and a trough off the Pacific coast created a strong pressure gradient over northern California, resulting in favorable meso-α conditions for the hot, dry northeasterly winds, known as "Diablo winds," that initiated the wildfire. Additionally, mountain waves from the jet stream enhanced the sinking air on the Sierra Nevada's western side. The main conclusion is that jet circulations did not directly transport warm, dry air to the fire but established a vertical atmospheric structure conducive to wave amplification and breaking, and downward dry air fluxes, leading to the necessary warm and dry low-level air for the fire. The Hot-Dry-Windy (HDW) fire weather index also indicated how favorable the environment was for this tragic event.

Abstract: Langevin Dynamics numerical simulations have been used to compute the force profiles that dipolar polymer brushes exert onto a penetrating colloidal particle. It has been observed that force profiles are strongly influenced by external applied fields: a force barrier at large distances from the grafting surface appears, and at shorter distances a region with lower repulsive forces develops. Furthermore, for a right combination of polymer grafting density, polymer chain length and strength of the external field, it is possible to observe in such intermediate region the existence of net attractive forces onto the penetrating particle, and the emergence of a stationary point. The existence of these regions of low repulsive or net attractive forces inside the dipolar brushes, as well as their dependence on the different parameters of the system can be qualitatively reasoned in terms of a competition between steric repulsion forces and Kelvin forces arising from the dipolar mismatch between different regions of the system. The possibility to tune force profile features such as force barriers and stationary points via an external field paves the way for many potential surface-particle related applications.

Abstract: Atomic clusters exhibit properties that fall between those found for individual atoms and bulk solids. Small boron clusters exhibit planar and quasi-planar structures, which are novel materials envisioned to serve as a platform for designing nanodevices and materials with unique physical and chemical properties. Through past research advancements, experimentalists demonstrated the successful incorporation of transition metals in the middle of planar boron rings. In our study, we used first-principles calculations to examine the structure and properties of neutral boron clusters doped with transition metals, denoted as TMBn and TMB2n, where TM = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Nb, or Mo and n=8−10. Our calculations show that the TMB2n structures, which involve sandwiching metal atoms between two rings (called the drum configuration), as well as clusters with the single ring configuration, TMBn, are stable. These clusters typically have relatively large HOMO-LUMO gaps, suggesting high kinetic stability and low chemical reactivity. Moreover, the clusters display interesting magnetic properties, determined not only by the metal atoms but also by the induced magnetism of the boron rings. These structures have potential applications in spintronics and sensing. This work also provides a basis for studying magnetism in the one-dimensional limit.

Abstract:

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)-based biodetection systems have emerged as powerful tools for real-time, label-free biomolecular interaction analysis, revolutionizing fields such as diagnostics, drug discovery, and environmental monitoring. This review highlights the foundational principles of SPR, focusing on the interplay of evanescent waves and surface plasmons that underpin its high sensitivity and specificity. Recent advancements in SPR technology, including enhancements in sensor chip materials, integration with nanostructures, and coupling with complementary detection techniques, are discussed to showcase their role in improving analytical performance. The paper also explores diverse applications of SPR biodetection systems, ranging from pathogen detection and cancer biomarker identification to food safety monitoring and environmental toxin analysis. By providing a comprehensive overview of technological progress and emerging trends, this review underscores the transformative potential of SPR-based biodetection systems in addressing critical scientific and societal challenges. Future directions and challenges, including miniaturization, cost reduction, and expanding multiplexing capabilities, are also presented to guide ongoing research and development in this rapidly evolving field.

Abstract:

We present the Space-Time Membrane (STM) model, which treats our four-dimensional spacetime as thesurface of an elastic membrane, with a mirror universe on the opposite side. Gravitational curvature correspondsto membrane deformation induced by energy external to the membrane, while homogeneous internal energydoes not produce curvature. Particles emerge as oscillatory excitations on the membrane’s surface, with theirmirror antiparticles on the far side. These oscillations modulate the membrane’s local elastic properties, yieldinggravitational and quantum-like phenomena. A modified elastic wave equation, incorporating tension, bendingstiffness, and space-time-dependent elastic variations, reproduces key features of General Relativity (GR) andaspects of Quantum Field Theory (QFT). Identifying strain fields with metric perturbations recovers equationsstructurally identical to the Einstein Field Equations. Time dilation, gravitational effects, and non-singular blackhole interiors arise naturally from these mechanics. Moreover, stable standing waves and controlled stiffnessvariations produce interference patterns and entanglement analogues, resembling quantum experiments withina deterministic, continuum framework. Interpreting photons as composite particle–antiparticle oscillationspreserves their masslessness, correct polarisations, U(1) gauge symmetry, and Lorentz invariance, consistentwith QFT. High-energy processes converting photons into particle pairs support this view. By adjusting anintrinsic coupling constant, time-averaged stiffness variations match observed vacuum energy, reproducing thecosmological constant. Furthermore, spatial variations in persistent wave energy may explain dark matter-likedistributions and address the Hubble tension. The STM model thus offers a geometric, deterministic approach tolinking particle-scale dynamics with cosmological phenomena, potentially resolving long-standing conceptualissues such as the black hole information loss paradox.

Abstract: A simple model of a measurement in a laboratory isolated from the environment is analyzed in detail, demonstrating the features of the collapse effect. Such an experiment can readily be implemented today under the idealization of an observer's memory as a simple quantum system. The central role of loss of information is emphasized.

Abstract: In this paper we investigate time-dependent Kantowski-Sachs spherically symmetric teleparallel $F(T)$ gravity with a scalar field source. We begin by setting the exact field equations to be solved and solve conservation laws for possible scalar field potential $V\left(\phi\right)$ solutions. Then we proceed to find new non-trivial teleparallel $F(T)$ solutions by using power-law and exponential ansatz for each potential cases arising from conservation laws such as linear, quadratic, logarithmic to name a few. We find a general formula allowing to compute all possible new teleparallel $F(T)$ solutions applicable for any scalar field potential and ansatz. Then we apply this formula and find a large number of exact and approximate new teleparallel $F(T)$ solutions for several types of cases. Some new $F(T)$ solution classes may be relevant for future cosmological applications, especially concerning the dark matter, the dark energy quintessence, phantom energy leading to the Big Rip event and quintom models of physical processes.

Abstract:

We suggest a version of renormalizable Quantum Field Theory which does not contain non-perturbative effects. This is otained by the proper use of the boundary conditions in the functional integral of the generating functional of Green functions. It is well known which boundary conditions are applied to the fields of the functional integral to get correct perturbation theory. We propose that these conditions should be used for all fields integrated in the generating functional integral. It is shown that in this case non-perturbative effects are absent. That is we assume that perturbation theory defines the complete generating functional integral. It allows, in particular, to formulate the generating functional integral in a unique way as an exact compact mathematical formula.

Abstract:

Today’s physics describes nature in “empirical concepts” (concepts that are based on observation), such as coordinate space/time, wave/particle, force/field. There are coordinate-free formulations of special and general relativity (SR/GR), but there is no absolute time in SR/GR and thus no “holistic view” (view that is universal for all objects at the same instant in time). Here I show: A holistic view is required to solve the Hubble tension and 14 other mysteries. Euclidean relativity (ER) provides a holistic view by describing nature in “natural concepts” (concepts that are immanent in all objects). Proper space/time replaces coordinate space/time. “Pure energy” replaces wave/particle. I give one example where a process replaces force/field. An object’s proper space d₁, d₂, d₃ and proper time τ span natural, Euclidean spacetime (ES) d₁, d₂, d₃, d₄ with d₄ = cτ. The invariant is absolute, cosmic time θ. All energy moves through ES at the speed c. An observer’s reality is created by orthogonally projecting ES to his proper space and proper time. Information is lost in projections. This implies that ER goes beyond SR/GR and that we face mysteries if we ignore ES. I conclude: (1) ER describes the “master reality” ES. (2) SR/GR describe each observer’s reality. (3) Because of the different realities, ER does not compete with SR/GR. (4) ER provides new information that is hidden in absolute time and thus not available in SR/GR. (5) In ER, cosmic inflation, expanding space, dark energy, and non-locality are obsolete concepts. (6) ER solves 15 mysteries purely geometrically.

Abstract: Among the theoretical problems with the prevailing theory of cosmology, Lambda Cold Dark Matter (λCDM), the most serious appears to be the twofold problem with the cosmological constant lambda: Dark Energy and Hubble Tension. Despite a two-decade search for systematic errors in astrometry the problems have not been resolved. This paper posits a potential source of error that may have affected astrometry related to the current and past measurements of lambda.