We introduce a self-consistent mean-field quantum optimization algorithm that approximates the ground state of classical Ising Hamiltonians. The algorithm decomposes the problem into independent subproblems and treats the interactions between them in a mean-field manner. These interactions are captured by a common environment, constructed self-consistently through a variational quantum circuit, and which modifies the subproblems to account for mutual influence while maintaining computational independence. Consequently, subproblems can be solved individually, avoiding the computational cost of the full problem. We explore the properties of the generated environment and assess the algorithm's performance through extensive numerical simulations on Sherrington-Kirkpatrick spin glasses. Furthermore, we apply it experimentally to a weighted maximum clique problem applied to molecular docking. This framework enables the solution of problems that would otherwise exceed the qubit and gate counts of current quantum hardware.

We investigate how disorder affects adiabaticity in an interacting quantum system by assessing its effect on the state of the system after an interaction modulation, or interaction ``pulse" ,whereby the interaction is changed from zero to a maximum value and then back to zero following a given time profile. We find that, independently of the disorder strength and pulse shapes (rectangular, triangular, and Gaussian), the pulse duration is negatively correlated with the change in total energy in the system. That is, the longer duration reduces the change in total energy for each protocol. Most importantly, across different considered pulse shapes, we find a robust negative correlation between the disorder strength and the change in total energy across the interaction pulse. Namely, increasing the disorder strength systematically suppresses the residual energy added to the system after the interaction pulse, indicating a more adiabatic response. These two effects, disorder-induced and duration-induced adiabaticity, are consistently observed across all three pulse shapes. Among the protocols, the triangular pulse yields the smallest change in total energy in the system over comparable conditions, demonstrating the most adiabatic response. In addition to the energy analysis, we also examine how disorder modifies the effective temperature change across the interaction pulse, to further establish a quantitative relation between disorder and the thermal response. Altogether, our results identify disorder as a key factor in both the energy and the temperature variation over the time-modulation of the interaction.

Chromium oxychloride is a van der Waals magnet with intrinsic competing exchange interactions, including a strong antiferromagnetic one, source of a very rich magnetic phase diagram, with ferrimagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and canted states, up to high magnetic fields. We investigate the sequence of these magnetic phases in thin layers of CrOCl using magneto-Raman scattering spectroscopy. We identify phases whose magnetic order is commensurate with the atomic lattice, and find signatures of strong magneto-striction, presumably of exchange origin. The coupling of the spin and atomic degrees of freedom in the crystal is observed down to the single-layer limit -- phonon modes significantly soften or stiffen, in a complex way due to the competition of interactions. The existence domains of the different phases change with the number of layers.

We give an approximation scheme for the TSP in $d$-dimensional hyperbolic space that has optimal dependence on $\varepsilon$ under Gap-ETH. For any fixed dimension $d\geq 2$ and for any $\varepsilon>0$ our randomized algorithm gives a $(1+\varepsilon)$-approximation in time $2^{O(1/\varepsilon^{d-1})}n^{1+o(1)}$. We also provide an algorithm for the hyperbolic Steiner tree problem with the same running time. Our algorithm is an Arora-style dynamic program based on a randomly shifted hierarchical decomposition. However, we introduce a new hierarchical decomposition called the hybrid hyperbolic quadtree to achieve the desired large-scale structure, which deviates significantly from the recently proposed hyperbolic quadtree of Kisfaludi-Bak and Van Wordragen (JoCG'25). Moreover, we have a new non-uniform portal placement, and our structure theorem employs a new weighted crossing analysis. We believe that these techniques could form the basis for further developments in geometric optimization in curved spaces.

Since Shannon's foundational work, rate-distortion theory has defined the fundamental limits of lossy compression. Classical results, derived for memoryless and stationary ergodic sources in the asymptotic regime, have shaped both transform and predictive coding architectures, as well as practical standards such as JPEG. Finite-blocklength refinements, initiated by the non-asymptotic achievability and converse bounds of Kostina and Verdu, provide precise characterizations under excess-distortion probability constraints, but primarily for memoryless or statistically homogeneous models. In contrast, error-bounded practical lossy compressors for scientific computing, such as SZ, ZFP, MGARD, and SPERR, are designed for finite, high-dimensional, spatially correlated, and statistically heterogeneous random fields. These compressors partition data into fixed-size tiles that are processed independently, making tile size a central architectural constraint. Structural heterogeneity, finite lattice effects, and tiling constraints are not addressed by existing finite-blocklength analyses. This paper introduces a finite-blocklength rate-distortion framework for heterogeneous random fields on finite lattices, explicitly accounting for the tile-based architectures used in high-performance scientific compressors. The field is modeled as piecewise homogeneous with regionwise stationary second-order statistics, and tiling constraints are incorporated directly into the source model. Under an excess-distortion probability criterion, we establish non-asymptotic achievability, converse bounds and derive a second-order expansion that quantifies the impact of spatial correlation, region geometry, heterogeneity, and tile size on the rate and dispersion.

Generative models are increasingly integrated into creative workflows. While text-to-image generation excels in visual quality and diversity, color accessibility for users with Color Vision Deficiencies (CVD) remains largely unexplored. Our work systematically evaluates color accessibility in images generated by a common pretrained diffusion model, prompted to improve accessibility across diverse categories. We quantify performance using established, off-the-shelf CVD simulation methods and introduce "CVDLoss", a new metric measuring differences in image gradients indicative of structural detail. We validate CVDLoss against a commonly used daltonization method, demonstrating its sensitivity to color accessibility modifications. Applying CVDLoss to model outputs reveals that existing diffusion models struggle to reliably respond to accessibility-focused prompts. Consequently, our study establishes CVDLoss as a valuable evaluation tool for accessibility-aware image generation and post-processing, offering insights into current generative models' limitations in addressing color accessibility.

We present a once-subtracted dispersion relation (DR) formalism for the virtual Compton scattering (VCS) process from threshold up to the $Δ(1232)$ energy region. The formalism aims at extracting the nucleon's electric and magnetic generalized polarizabilities from the $e^- p \to e^- γp$ process, in view of the precision goals of the present and near future experiments at Jefferson Lab. The present work improves upon the existing unsubtracted DR formalism in several ways. The required $s$- and $t$-channel discontinuities in the subtracted dispersion integrals are obtained in a largely data-driven manner in this energy region. The $s$-channel dispersive integrals are reconstructed from $γ^\ast p \to πN \to γp$ using pion photo- and electro-production data, while the $t$-channel dispersion integrals are evaluated from $γ^\ast γ\to ππ\to N \bar N$ using recent dispersive analyses of both the $γ^\ast γ\to ππ$ and $ππ\to N \bar N$ processes. We compare our results to VCS data and show the sensitivity of the observables to the nucleon's scalar generalized polarizabilities, which enter the present formalism as subtraction constants.

We systematically investigate the dibaryons $Ξ^{(*)}_{cc}Ξ^{(*)}_{cc}$ (di-$Ξ_{cc}$) and $Ξ^{(*)}_{bb}Ξ^{(*)}_{bb}$ (di-$Ξ_{bb}$), with various isospin-spin configurations $I(J^P)$ in a nonrelativistic quark model. For the di-$Ξ_{cc}$ system, only the single channels $Ξ_{cc}Ξ^*_{cc}$ and $Ξ^*_{cc}Ξ^*_{cc}$ with $0(1^+)$ are capable of forming deuteronlike bound states, with the $σ$ meson exchange playing a decisive role. Those states have binding energies of approximately $-1.5$ MeV and $-3.3$ MeV and sizes of 2.37 fm and 1.87 fm, respectively. The coupled channel effect in the di-$Ξ_{cc}$ system with $0(1^+)$ enhances the attraction. As a result, this di-$Ξ_{cc}$ system can establish a deuteronlike configuration, with the binding energy of $-7.5$ MeV relative to the threshold $Ξ_{cc}Ξ_{cc}$ and the size of approximately 1.40 fm. For the di-$Ξ_{bb}$ system, the single channels with $0(1^+)$, $0(2^+)$, and $0(3^+)$ can give rise to deuteronlike bound states with binding energies ranging from $-6.1$ MeV to $-14.3$ MeV. Additionally, the di-$Ξ_{bb}$ system with $1(0^+)$ and $1(2^+)$ can also establish deuteronlike bound states with binding energies of around $-0.5$ MeV. When considering the coupled channel effect in the di-$Ξ_{bb}$ system with $0(1^+)$, a compact hexaquark state is formed, exhibiting a binding energy of $-21.2$ MeV relative to the threshold $Ξ_{bb}Ξ_{bb}$ and a size of 0.53 fm. In this state, the $π$ meson exchange provides a very powerful attractive force. The meson exchange interactions in the quark model is dispensable in the di-$Ξ_{bb}$ bound states, except for $Ξ_{bb}^*Ξ_{bb}^*$ with $1(0^+)$.

We study cascade coupled systems, for which our prototypical example is a 1-d heat equation coupled with a 1-d wave equation. The heat component is controlled through one boundary and the information is transmitted through another one to the wave component, while the wave component does not influence the heat component. Our aim is to understand the well-posedness, controllability and stabilizability properties for such a system. Establishing well-posedness is tedious using the classical energy method, which motivates us to take advantage of the cascade structure. Taking again advantage of this structure, we prove a simultaneous exact and approximate controllability result. Finally, we obtain polynomial stabilization by means of a closed-loop control defined through the solution to a Sylvester equation. These results are all discussed in an abstract LTI framework and most of our findings apply to more general situations.

We present a trade study of possible ultra-deep surveys with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, optimizing the depth-area-filter parameter space for high-redshift galaxy science. Using a mock galaxy catalog derived from a 2 sq. degree lightcone created using the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model and populated with over 7.6 million galaxies at 0<z<10 with M_UV < -15, with realistic clustering and synthetic photometry, we evaluate sixteen 500-hour survey configurations spanning 0.28-2 sq. degrees and four filter combinations. We demonstrate that even a single Roman pointing dramatically reduces cosmic variance compared to HST-like observations, more faithfully recovering the true UV luminosity function. For each survey configuration, we explore photometric redshift recovery, sample contamination, and measurements of the rest-UV luminosity function and non-ionizing UV luminosity density across four redshift bins at z~6-9. We find that inclusion of the R062 filter is essential for studies at z~5-6, reducing sample contamination from nearly 100% to negligible levels and recovering the bright end of the luminosity function. The F184 filter improves galaxy recovery at z>9 and is critical for stellar contamination removal at all redshifts. Based on these results, we recommend that a Roman ultra-deep survey cover at least two Roman pointings (0.56 sq. degrees) with all six filters (R062, Z087, Y106, J129, H158, F184), reducing uncertainties on the rest-UV luminosity density by factors of 2-4 relative to the deepest existing JWST programs. Building off of the Deep Tier of the High Latitude Time Domain Survey to add depth and filter coverage to existing (or planned) observations is an excellent option.

This paper focuses on the spectroscopic properties of Cr4+:YAG transparent ceramic. Absorption, excitation, and emission spectra were measured over a temperature range from 5K to 300K. Low-temperature absorption spectra reveal sharp and narrow lines corresponding to partially allowed transitions from the ground state to the crystal field splitting components of the 4T2 energy level. The shape of the excitation spectra was found to be independent of the monitored emission wavelength, indicating that Cr4+ emission originates from the lowest excited state. Low temperature emission spectra exhibit a sharp and narrow ZPL, accompanied by the vibronic sidebands extending up to ~2000 cm-1. Both absorption and emission spectra of the lowest excited state at low temperature consist of a doublet, with a splitting of 28 cm-1. The temperature dependence of the spectroscopic parameters of this doublet is reported. Based on the obtained results, possible explanations of its origin are proposed.

Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and terahertz (THz) radiation offer unique opportunities for non-invasive diagnostics and imaging due to their sensitivity to water content and molecular dynamics in biological tissues. In this work, a comprehensive dielectric model of human skin and its cellular constituents is developed across these frequency ranges. The model combines multi-Debye relaxation theory with effective medium formulations to account for intracellular water dynamics and macromolecular relaxation processes. Key cellular parameters, including water content, protein and lipid fractions, and ionic conductivity, are integrated from experimentally validated sources. The proposed framework enables realistic predictions of frequency-dependent permittivity for different skin layers and cell types, providing a physically interpretable description of sub-THz and THz tissue interactions. This approach establishes a foundation for the design and optimization of next-generation diagnostic and imaging techniques operating in these frequency bands.

In Kaluza-Klein (KK) compactification of gravitational theories, moduli fields, which are scalar fields associated to the deformations of the compact manifold, are typically lighter than the KK gravitons. However, a universal limit on their mass does not seem to exist. We provide numerical evidence that a light scalar particle, with mass ratio to the first KK graviton $(m_{\rm sc}/m_{1KK})^2 \leq {4/3}$, is necessary for the consistency of the $4d$ effective theory of KK gravitons. This can be interpreted as a limit on how rigidly the compact manifold can be stabilized.

In this paper, we study the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a charged black hole in the presence of both quintessence and a cloud of strings using the Pade-averaged higher-order WKB approximation method. We investigate the effect of the quintessence parameter $α$ and the cloud of strings parameter $λ$ on the stability as well as the oscillation frequency of perturbations. The validity of Hod's conjecture, which relates quasinormal frequencies to the black hole temperature, is tested throughout the physically allowed parameter space. Our results show that both the effective potential and the decay rate of perturbations depend on the values of $α$ and $λ$, leading to either enhancement or suppression of the conditions required to satisfy Hod's bound. Furthermore, we discuss how these parameters modify the black hole shadow and the corresponding energy emission rate, revealing correlations with observable signatures. Finally, we establish a connection with the Swampland Distance Conjecture by expressing the Hawking temperature in terms of the scalar field excursion. Our analysis leads to a modified Hod bound and identifies a region of parameter space in which both the modified Hod bound and the Swampland constraints are simultaneously satisfied, ensuring consistency between black hole thermodynamics, observational properties, and quantum gravity constraints.

Frequency stability is fundamental to the secure operation of power systems. With growing uncertainty and volatility introduced by renewable generation, secondary frequency regulation must now deliver enhanced performance not only in the steady state but also during transients. This paper presents a systematic framework to embed learning in the design of a primal-dual controller that provides provable (potentially exponential) stability and steady-state optimality, while simultaneously improving key transient metrics, including frequency nadir and control effort, in a data-driven manner. In particular, we employ the primal-dual dynamics of an optimization problem that encodes steady-state objectives to realize secondary frequency control with asymptotic stability guarantee. To augment transient performance of the controller via learning, a change of variables on control inputs, which will be deployed by neural networks, is proposed such that under mild conditions, stability and steady-state optimality are preserved. It further allows us to define a learning goal that accounts for the exponential convergence rate, frequency nadir and accumulated control effort, and use sample trajectories to enhance these metrics. Simulation results validate the theories and demonstrate superior transient performance of the learning-augmented primal-dual controller.

In this work, we uncover a layered organization of the state space in the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation with periodic boundary conditions, in which multiple invariant sets coexist at fixed system parameters and are selected by the initial condition. Within this framework, both chaotic attractors and periodic orbits (traveling waves) can be systematically generated by amplifying a single initial condition and parameterized by the initial energy. As the energy increases, the period of the periodic orbits decreases according to an inverse scaling law. In transitional parameter regions, periodic dynamics at low initial energy is found to coexist with strange attractors at higher energy levels, revealing a unique layered landscape governed by the viscosity and the initial condition. We conjecture that this behavior is linked to continuous spatial translational symmetry, which is reflected in the degeneracy of the neutral part of the Lyapunov spectrum.

We present the first systematic study of neutrino emissions from massive stars, continuously tracking the late evolutionary stages through the early core-collapse supernova phase. Using progenitor and supernova models, we analyze the neutrino luminosities and spectra for progenitors with initial masses of 10--40~$M_\odot$. Our systematic analysis reveals that the compactness parameter ($ξ_{2.5}$) and carbon-oxygen core mass ($M_{\text{CO}}$) exhibit strong correlations with neutrino emission. In the pre-supernova phase, the time-integrated number of neutrinos correlates with $ξ_{2.5}$ when integrated over the final day and with $M_{\text{CO}}$ for longer durations. For the early supernova phase ($<200$ ms post-bounce), the neutrino properties are relatively insensitive to the specific stellar evolution code used, allowing for a reliable extraction of physical correlations. We confirm that the neutrino emission features, including the electron neutrino burst properties and accretion-powered luminosity of other species, reflect the progenitor's compactness. An evaluation of the observational feasibility for a nearby progenitor using a False Alarm Rate approach suggests that these correlations can persist even under practical detection conditions. Such a joint analysis of both phases provides complementary constraints on the internal structure. All calculated time-series data will be made publicly available.

Accurate path loss prediction is crucial for wireless network planning and optimization in suburban environments with complex terrain variation and diverse land cover. This paper proposes a model assisted hybrid path loss prediction method that introduces an environment adaptive compensation on top of the classic close-in free-space reference distance (CI) path loss model. By jointly predicting the path loss exponent and a compensation term, the proposed approach dynamically adjusts the empirical trend. To improve the effectiveness of environmental representation, three environmental image organization schemes are constructed and evaluated. Experiments on measurement data collected in Pingtan Island show that the proposed method outperforms the CI model and a conventional model assisted baseline, achieving a test root mean square error of 4.04 dB.

Terahertz (THz) radiation provides a non-ionizing, highly sensitive probe of the dielectric properties of biological tissues. In this study, we present a comprehensive experimental characterization of dielectric properties using pork skin tissue, a widely used surrogate for human tissue, as a biological sample. Measurements are conducted employing THz time-domain spectroscopy in the 0.1-11 THz frequency range with photoconductive antennas for both signal generation and detection. Frequency-dependent refractive indices, absorption, and complex permittivity are extracted from transmitted time-domain signals. Our results confirm strong absorption and low transmittance at low THz frequencies due to water content, while highlighting frequency-dependent dispersion and narrowband transmission features at higher frequencies. This work provides one of the first extended-frequency datasets of biological tissue dielectric properties, supporting realistic channel modeling for the design and development of intra-body nanosensor networks in the THz band.

We present the first principled and systematic study of the expressive power of property graph constraint languages, focused on the recent PG-Keys language, set to inform the upcoming revision of the GQL standard. To this end, we position PG-Keys within the broader landscape of existing formalisms. In particular, we compare PG-Keys with two core property graph constraint languages: Graph Functional Dependencies (GFD) and Graph Generating Dependencies (GGD). One hurdle is that these formalisms allow different kinds of graph pattern languages and data predicates. To make a fair comparison, based on their structural differences only, we first present a unifying framework. Within this framework, we consider conjunctive regular path queries (CRPQ) as graph patterns with equality and inequality predicates. We then identify well-behaved fragments, establish expressiveness inclusion, and prove separation results, yielding a complete and strict hierarchy of expressive power. The results identify precisely when PG-Keys provide strictly greater expressive power, clarifying their place among state-of-the-art property graph constraint formalisms.

In the present work we provide an analysis of the accuracy of the calculation of Cr4+ concentration in Cr4+:YAG using absorption spectroscopy. We propose a new approach based on the convenient optical spectroscopy to estimate the Cr4+ concentration in Cr:YAG using survey absorption spectra. The Smakula Dexter formula is usually used for this purpose. However, the uncertainties in the values of oscillator strengths for Cr4+ absorption bands and, moreover, in the deconvolution of Cr4+ absorption spectra make it difficult to calculate the Cr4+ concentrations with high accuracy.

An almost bipartite graph is a graph with a unique odd cycle. Levit and Mandrescu showed that in every non-König--Egerváry almost bipartite graph the equalities $\textnormal{ker}(G)=\textnormal{core}(G)$, $\textnormal{corona}(G)\cup N(\textnormal{core}(G)) = V(G)$ and $\left|\textnormal{corona}(G)\right|+\left|\textnormal{core}(G)\right|=2α(G)+1$ hold. In this work, we present a generalization of this theory by introducing the family of $R$-disjoint graphs, which contains all non-König--Egerváry almost bipartite graphs, allowing the presence of multiple odd cycles under connectivity constraints based on the reach sets $R(C)$. We prove that $R$-disjoint graphs preserve the fundamental properties of almost bipartite graphs: $\textnormal{ker}(G)=\textnormal{core}(G)$ and $\textnormal{corona}(G)\cup N(\textnormal{core}(G))=V(G)$. Moreover, we establish the formula $\left|\textnormal{corona}(G)\right|+\left|\textnormal{core}(G)\right|=2α(G)+k$, where $k$ is the number of disjoint odd cycles in $G$, which refines the previously known particular case when $k=1$. $R$-disjoint graphs naturally induce a canonical decomposition; we obtain structural properties of this decomposition and, as a consequence, verify a recent conjecture of Levit and Mandrescu.

A graph is said to be a Sterboul--Deming graph if $KE(G)=\emptyset$, that is, if every vertex of $G$ belongs to a posy or a flower (structures introduced by Sterboul, Deming, and Edmonds). These graphs can be regarded as the structural counterparts of König--Egerváry graphs. In this paper, we present several characterizations of Sterboul--Deming graphs. We first study the case of graphs with a perfect matching and with a unique perfect matching, providing a constructive algorithm to obtain the decomposition $(SD(G), KE(G))$. Then, we extend the analysis to the general case through the Gallai--Edmonds decomposition. In addition, we show that the class of Sterboul--Deming graphs is remarkably broad: it contains all graphs having a $\{C_n : n \textnormal{ odd}\}$-factor, providing a simple structural criterion for identifying such graphs. These results establish new connections between classical decomposition theorems and the internal structure of non--König--Egerváry graphs.

We introduce two new types of graph configurations, the Jflower and the Jposy, which generalize the classical flower and posy configurations of Edmonds, Sterboul, and Deming in the context of maximum matchings. These generalized configurations allow greater flexibility in characterizing non-Konig-Egerváry graphs and provide new tools for studying matching-theoretic properties. Our main result shows that the sets of vertices covered by classical configurations (flowers and posies), restricted configurations (Tposies), and generalized configurations (Jflowers and Jposies) coincide. This equivalence yields a unified characterization of what we call Sterboul-Deming graphs, graphs in which every vertex belongs to some configuration relative to an appropriate maximum matching.

If a gravitational wave event is lensed by a cluster or galaxy in our line-of-sight, it is expected that its host galaxy would also be lensed. Therefore, connecting lensed gravitational wave events even without direct optical counterpart could be feasible by identifying matching lenses in electromagnetic data and surveys. Seminal work has demonstrated the potential of this approach in LVK, Euclid, HST, JWST, and CSST mock data, motivating the need for a dedicated software package to perform such analyses in practice. Here, we present the alpha-version of silmarel, the first software package designed to bridge these cosmic signals and enable us analysis of real LVK gravitational-wave binaries together with telescope observations from instruments like \textit{Euclid} or \textit{Hubble} Space Telescope, and the future of multimessenger binary black hole lensing.

This study presents a comprehensive experimental assessment of a low-cost frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar for non-contact vital sign monitoring, focusing on respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) estimation. The influence of sensing distance and number of transmitted chirps on measurement accuracy is systematically quantified. Results exhibit a U-shaped error profile with optimal performance near $70~cm$, achieving mean absolute errors of $0.8~bpm$ for RR and $3.2~bpm$ for HR. Accuracy deteriorates at short ($<60~cm$) and long ($>100~cm$) distances due to multipath, near-field, and signal-to-noise effects. Increasing chirp count enhances performance: RR errors converge asymptotically for $\geq96$ chirps, while HR requires at least 96 chirps for stable detection. Variability metrics, including heart and respiratory rate variability, remain less accurate ($>15$--$30\%$ error), indicating limited capability in capturing instantaneous fluctuations. These findings define a fundamental trade-off: the radar ensures robust estimation of average RR and HR but exhibits restricted precision in high-resolution beat-to-beat and breath-to-breath monitoring.

Topology of polymer profoundly influences on its behavior. However, its effect on imbibition dynamics remains poorly understood. In the present work, capillary filling (during imbibition and following full imbibition) of star polymer melts was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained model. The reversal of imbibition dynamics observed for linear-chain systems was also present for star polymers. Star polymers with short arms penetrate slower than the prediction of the Lucas-Washburn equation, while systems with long arms penetrate faster. The radius of gyration increases during confined flow, indicating the orientation and disentanglement of arms. In addition, the higher the functionality of the star polymer, the more entanglement points are retained. Besides, a stiff region near the core segments of the stars is observed, which increases in size with functionality. The proportion of different configurations of the arms (e.g. loops, trains, tails) changes dramatically with the arm length and degree of confinement, but is only influenced by the functionality when the arms are short. Following full imbibition, the different decay rates of the self-correlation function of the core-to-end vector illustrate that arms take a longer time to reach the equilibrium state as the functionality, arm length, and degree of confinement increases, in agreement with recent experimental findings. Furthermore, the star topology induces a stronger effect of adsorption and friction, which becomes more pronounced with increasing functionality.

Variable thickness topology optimization (VTTO) is a potent methodology for designing high-performance, high-stiffness sheet structures. However, this method frequently encounters two primary challenges: 1) the formation of undesirable low-thickness regions, which present manufacturing difficulties, and 2) the blurring of structural edges. This blurring is an artifact inherent to the regularization filters required for well-posedness. This paper proposes solutions to address both challenges. First, to mitigate low-thickness regions, we introduce a robust, combined approach. This strategy utilizes a SIMP-based penalization and an updated projection method, which effectively suppresses nearly all low-thickness domains. Second, the main contribution of this work is a novel method to deblur structural edges, termed the density-gradient-informed (DGI) projection. This projection utilizes local density gradient information. It selectively applies a strong projection in high-gradient regions (i.e., structural edges) to restore sharpness, while minimally affecting low-gradient regions within the structure's interior. Numerical examples demonstrate that the DGI projection successfully deblurs the structural edges, restoring a distinct solid-void transition, while preserving the internal form. Most importantly, this significant improvement in edge definition is achieved with a negligible impact on the final structural compliance. This establishes the DGI projection as a non-invasive and effective regularization tool for enhancing VTTO designs.

This contribution presents an overview of recent measurements of photon-induced processes in ultra-peripheral collisions (UPCs) performed with the ALICE experiment at the LHC. Results from Run~2 include detailed studies of exclusive vector meson photoproduction in Pb-Pb collisions. Measurements of incoherent J/$ψ$ photoproduction as a function of energy and the Mandelstam-$|t|$ variable, combined with electromagnetic dissociation (EMD) classification, show a suppression of the energy evolution at large $|t|$, favouring saturation-based descriptions of the gluon structure. Complementary measurements of proton emission in Pb-Pb UPCs constrain nuclear breakup mechanisms and provide a handle on collision geometry through EMD tagging. Coherent $ρ^{0}$ photoproduction exhibits impact-parameter-dependent azimuthal anisotropy consistent with quantum interference effects, while the first polarisation measurement of coherently photoproduced J/$ψ$ confirms $s$-channel helicity conservation. Additional measurements of exclusive multi-hadron photoproduction, including four-pion and charged kaon pair final states, probe resonance contributions and light vector meson couplings to photons and nuclear targets. Run~3 data enable the study of inclusive photonuclear interactions. Measurements of inclusive open charm photoproduction constrain the gluon content of nuclei in the perturbative QCD regime. Studies of identified hadron production and baryon-to-meson ratios in photonuclear collisions provide new information on particle production mechanisms and possible collective effects in photon-induced systems. Photon-photon interactions are also studied through performance and sensitivity analyses for the measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of the tau lepton, together with projections for future measurements with ALICE~3.

Binaries and higher order systems can experience mass transfer events between their components. The angular momentum carried by the gained mass can change the observable parameters of the accretor and spin it up to critical rotation. In this work, we aim to explore the spin-up effect of direct accretion through a stream as a possible mechanism for an accretor to gain more than a tenth of its initial mass without acquiring enough momentum to reach critical rotation. We present a novel analytical model to characterize the effects of direct mass transfer on the accretor's measurable parameters as a function of the binary's semi-major axis and eccentricity and the donor's rotation velocity. This model takes a two-body approach to the problem, where a stream is decomposed as many discrete particles that do not interact with each other and are influenced by the accretor's gravitational potential only. Each parcel has an instant orbital solution derived from its initial conditions. The contribution each accreted parcel has to the total spin-up of the accretor is given by its tangential velocity at impact, through conservation of angular momentum. Direct mass transfer proves to be inefficient at spinning up the accretor and thus enables the star to gain a great fraction of its initial mass without reaching critical rotation. We also quantify the fraction of mass that directly impacts the accretor in contrast to the mass that is either lost from the system or creates a disk around a star. Our results show that systems are the most mass-conservative when the orbit is tighter or when the donor's spin is greater. In terms of eccentricity, the conservation of mass shows mixed results depending on the system's other initial properties. However, systems with higher eccentricity are consistently a hundred percent conservative within our parameter space.