Nonlocal optical interactions can modify one-nucleon transfer calculations, but observable sensitivity does not by itself imply that the underlying nonlocality ranges are practically identifiable. We examine this distinction for the benchmark reaction using full nonlocal NLAT transfer calculations. The reaction calculation is formulated as an inverse problem for the map from the transferred-neutron bound-state, entrance-neutron, and exit-proton nonlocality ranges to the transfer angular distribution, with the spectroscopic normalization treated as a profiled nuisance parameter. The reference calculation is used as a synthetic reference model, so the analysis tests the information content of the reaction model rather than extracting parameters from a specific experimental data set. Varying a nonlocality range at fixed potential strength changes not only the kernel range but also the associated elastic-channel or bound-state solution. We therefore construct a physically conditioned family in which the transferred-neutron eigenenergy is held fixed and selected entrance- and exit-channel optical strengths are readjusted to remain close to the reference elastic response. At , the complete grid in is recalculated with identical convergence-qualified numerical controls for the fixed-strength and conditioned families. Physical conditioning reduces the fixed-, optimized-, and shape-only discrepancies for all displaced parameter triples. At the resolving scale, the accepted counts change from , , and , respectively, to for all three metrics. The conclusion is not tied to this threshold: at the level, the optimized- and shape-only accepted counts increase from to and from to , respectively, while at all conditioned models are accepted by both measures. The optimized normalization range simultaneously contracts from to . A local logarithmic-sensitivity analysis gives the same interpretation. After projecting out the exact multiplicative normalization direction, the three singular values of the nonlocality-range Jacobian decrease from to , while the corresponding profiled column norms for , , and are reduced by approximately , , and . Thus, physical conditioning contracts the entire local nonlocality-sensitivity subspace rather than producing only one weak parameter combination. Within the tested Perey–Buck-type parameterization and nonlocality domain, strong forward sensitivity to a nonlocality range therefore does not imply independent parameter identifiability. Once the correlated bound-state and elastic-channel responses are controlled, the transfer angular distribution supports an extended family of observable-equivalent, reference-elastic-matched nonlocal reaction models rather than a uniquely resolved set of nonlocality ranges

Single-mode quartic fermionic Hamiltonians are often used as pedagogical examples, but their interaction terms are algebraically reducible through the identity \(n^2=n\) and therefore do not represent genuine many-body interactions. In this work, we identify a minimal genuinely interacting extension in the form of a two-mode fermionic dimer with intermode density coupling. Working in the grand-canonical ensemble, we derive the exact finite-temperature partition function, many-body spectrum, average filling, double occupancy, entropy, thermal response functions, and single-particle Green’s functions. The analysis establishes a distinction between algebraically reducible quartic fermion terms and genuine density-density interactions and provides a compact exact benchmark for analytical, numerical, and pedagogical studies of interacting fermionic systems.

Poly(ethylene oxide)/sodium iodide films containing 0, 2, 5, 8, and 13 wt% NaI were prepared to examine relative electrical and thermal transport scaling. Finite-frequency AC conductivity was measured over 20–1000 kHz at 30 °C and over 30–100 °C at 1000 kHz, while through-thickness thermal conductivity was measured over 30–60 °C. At 303.15 K and 1000 kHz, AC conductivity increased by 179.0% from pure PEO to 8 wt% NaI, whereas thermal conductivity increased by 42.8%. Between 8 and 13 wt% NaI, the central-value increases were 2.95% and 15.52%; overlapping electrical uncertainty intervals indicate that the 2.95% difference is not statistically resolved. Frequency-sensitivity analysis showed that the largest central electrothermal mismatch occurs at 5 wt% at 200–400 kHz and at 8 wt% at 600–1000 kHz. Apparent activation energies were treated as effective global parameters because of Arrhenius curvature. The results demonstrate non-proportional, condition-dependent electrothermal scaling without establishing a universal optimum.

Layer ordering can alter mixed-field shielding because each layer receives a neutron–photon field modified by upstream materials and leaves a different attenuation inventory downstream. This effect was isolated in a vacuum-bounded finite-slab shield containing 5 cm polyethylene, 5 cm borated polyethylene, 5 cm iron, and 10 cm concrete. All 24 permutations of this fixed inventory were evaluated with coupled neutron–photon OpenMC transport for monodirectional point-source neutrons at 2.45 and 14.1 MeV. At 2.45 MeV, neutron and photon detector responses varied by factors of 2.52 and 15.61, respectively; at 14.1 MeV, the factors were 1.94 and 1.79. The nominal neutron minimum changed from C17 (Fe–CONC–PE–BPE) to C23 (CONC–Fe–PE–BPE), while the photon minimum changed from C01 (PE–BPE–Fe–CONC) to C19 (CONC–PE–BPE–Fe). Conservative covariance-free leading tiers overlapped only partially. The Pareto sets shared only C13, C17, and C19 (𝐽𝒫=0.273). C13 remained the equal-weight minimizer under maximum and min–max normalization at both energies, whereas ratio-to-best normalization selected C01 at 2.45 MeV and C13 at 14.1 MeV. For the 2.45 MeV ICRP-116 analysis, C15 minimized the maximum-normalized equal-weight response in all six irradiation geometries. These results show that layer ordering is a distinct, response-dependent variable within the prescribed benchmarks, not a universal shielding rule.

Lead-free multicomponent oxide glasses are attractive candidates for gamma-ray shielding because their attenuation behavior can be tuned through composition while avoiding the toxicity of conventional lead-containing materials. In this work, we develop a physics-informed, uncertainty-aware surrogate framework for the pre-experimental screening of gamma-ray shielding performance in the B2O3–TeO2–GeO2–Bi2O3–BaO–ZnO glass system. A composition–energy dataset was constructed over 0.015–15 MeV using XCOM-based elemental mass attenuation coefficients, mixture-rule calculations, and physically motivated compositional descriptors. The primary learning target was the mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), while density-dependent quantities were treated as derived screening metrics through a composition-based density estimate. To avoid composition leakage, model development and evaluation were performed using grouped splits defined at the glass-composition level. Among the tested regressors, the random forest model provided the most accurate surrogate for (μ/ρ), achieving R² = 0.9996 and a mean absolute percentage error of 0.742% on previously unseen compositions. An ensemble-based calibration strategy yielded 95% prediction intervals with empirical coverage of 0.950 on the unseen test set. The framework was subsequently used to screen 5000 synthetically generated candidate glasses at 0.1 MeV and prioritize promising compositions for follow-up evaluation.

We investigated the influence of transition metal coordination on the optical dispersion and thermo-optic behavior of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]). Refractive index measurements in the visible–near-infrared range (400–1000 nm), combined with temperature-dependent characterization (298–323 K), demonstrate that coordination with Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ consistently increases the refractive index relative to the neat ionic liquid. All systems exhibit normal dispersion, following the hierarchy \(n(\mathrm{Al}) > n(\mathrm{Cd}) \& n(\mathrm{Zn}) > n(\mathrm{Mn}) > n([\mathrm{BMIM}][\mathrm{SCN}])\). Negative thermo-optic coefficients are measured for all samples, with [BMIM]₃[Al(SCN)₆] displaying the highest temperature sensitivity. The findings establish a structure–property framework for tuning refractive index, chromatic dispersion, and thermo-optic response through coordination chemistry.

This study explores how gamma radiation affects DNA concentration and the stability of autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers in buccal swab samples. A total of 160 swabs from 20 volunteers were exposed to therapeutic radiation doses ranging from 1 to 80 Gy. The results revealed a clear dose-dependent decrease in DNA concentration, indicating significant DNA damage as radiation increased. Despite this, the autosomal STR markers remained stable across all doses, demonstrating their robustness against radiation-induced damage. These findings support the reliability of STR profiling in clinical and forensic applications involving irradiated DNA.

This cross-national study examined perceptions and use of AI-based chatbots, particularly ChatGPT, among physics students at four universities in Ghana, Jordan, and the United States. Using an instrument adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model, responses were collected from 804 students. The study examined perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, attitudes toward technology, behavioral intention, user behavior, ethical use, and student learning outcomes through structural equation modeling. The results indicated that perceived ease of use and subjective norms were important predictors of behavioral intention and user behavior, while perceived usefulness had an indirect influence. Ethical concerns negatively moderated the relationship between behavioral intention and actual use. Cross-cultural differences were also observed according to institutional policies, academic level, and demographic factors. The findings provide guidance for the responsible and effective integration of AI chatbots into collegiate physics education.

This study explores the influence of gamma radiation on the optical properties of PMMA composites doped with aluminum (Al) at varying concentrations. The composites were irradiated with gamma doses of 50, 100, and 200 Gy, and their optical responses were systematically analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results reveal a pronounced dependence of both the absorption coefficient and optical band gap on the Al doping level and radiation dose. Increased Al content and higher radiation exposure enhance the material’s absorption capacity while reducing the optical band gap, indicating significant alterations in the electronic structure. The findings demonstrate the potential of these materials for optoelectronic applications and for use in radiation-rich environments.

This study investigated concentrations of PM2.5 aerosols and the radionuclides \(^{226}\)Ra, \(^{232}\)Th, and \(^{40}\)K in road dust collected from busy roads and populated areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 551.0 to 2025.7 μg m⁻³, while measured radionuclide concentrations ranged from 32.4 to 54.7 mBq m⁻³ for \(^{226}\)Ra, 15.8 to 26.8 mBq m⁻³ for \(^{232}\)Th, and 239.0 to 316.4 mBq m⁻³ for \(^{40}\)K. The study reported that PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the referenced WHO limit, and total inhalation effective dose exceeded the cited ICRP limit in most age groups. \(^{232}\)Th was identified as the main contributor to the total inhalation effective dose.

This research investigates the effects of gamma rays on DNA quality and genetic traits in eight participants from Saudi Arabia. It examines changes in genetic fingerprint sites associated with different levels of radiation exposure and considers DNA quantity, completeness of genetic fingerprint sites, and the reliability of genetic-trait results in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Exposure to gamma-radiation doses similar to therapeutic levels was found to cause DNA fragmentation and reduced concentrations of detectable genetic loci, with higher radiation doses producing a more pronounced effect on DNA content in blood cells.

This study assessed natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace samples from northwestern Jordan using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometry. Activity concentrations of \(^{226}\)Ra, \(^{232}\)Th, \(^{40}\)K, and \(^{137}\)Cs were measured, together with radon emanation and mass exhalation parameters. Radiological hazard indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk were also evaluated. All assessed radiological hazard values were below the worldwide recommended safety limits. Gross alpha and beta activities were additionally measured in soil and olive mill pomace, providing baseline environmental radioactivity data for the region.

The transfer factor of naturally occurring radioactivity between soil and olive mill pomace was evaluated using samples collected from three locations in northern Jordan. Activity concentrations of \(^{226}\)Ra, \(^{232}\)Th, \(^{40}\)K, and \(^{137}\)Cs were measured in soil and olive mill pomace using high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometry. The measured activity concentrations of \(^{226}\)Ra, \(^{232}\)Th, and \(^{40}\)K were within worldwide average ranges, while \(^{137}\)Cs was not detected in the olive mill pomace samples. The geometric-mean transfer factors for \(^{226}\)Ra, \(^{232}\)Th, and \(^{40}\)K were 0.35, 0.11, and 0.59, respectively. The results provide information on radionuclide migration and accumulation in the environment.

In the context of Dark Energy (DE) research, we examine the quasinormal modes (QNMs) and greybody factors (GFs) of Dirac field perturbation in the background of a Hayward black hole surrounded by quintessence (HBHQ). We analyzed the QNM using the sixth order WKB method for several modes: the Hayward parameter, the normalization factor and the state parameter of HBHQ. In parallel, we compute the QNM frequencies at the Eikonal limit for HBHQ by applying the unstable null geodesics of BHs. Based on the results, the Dirac perturbation around the BH exhibits a gradual decrease in damping and a steady increase in oscillation due to quintessence. Furthermore, we analyzed the Hawking temperature and showed that for a fixed value of the state parameter of the quintessence, increasing the quintessence normalization factor causes a decrease in the Hawking temperature of a regular HBHQ. As a result, the quintessence enhances the cooling of a regular HBHQ. Finally, we investigate the GF due to particle emission rates by considering the potential that governs these perturbations.

The study investigates fermionic greybody factors and quasinormal modes of black holes in non-minimally coupled Kalb–Ramond gravity, where the vacuum expectation value of the Kalb–Ramond field leads to spontaneous local Lorentz-symmetry violation. The wave dynamics of fermions are analyzed using the Dirac and Rarita–Schwinger equations, and effective potentials are derived for fermions with different spins. Greybody factors are calculated using rigorous bounds and semi-analytic methods, while spin-\(1/2\) quasinormal modes are evaluated using the sixth-order WKB method. The results show that increasing the Lorentz-violating parameter raises the effective potential, increases the greybody-factor bound and oscillation frequency, and decreases the decay rate.