Fractional quantum dynamics provides a natural framework to describe nonlocal temporal behavior and memory effects in quantum systems. Building on this idea, we develop a fractional Green’s function formulation for the time-dependent Schrödinger equation based on the Caputo fractional derivative, which enables a systematic treatment of fractional-order quantum evolution. When applied to an extended two-level Rabi model, a paradigmatic setting for coherent quantum control, we find that even the static Hamiltonian term leads to non-trivial spin dynamics with damping features directly linked to fractional temporal nonlocality. Upon introduction of a periodic driving field, the fractional regime produces controllable damping and dephasing governed by the order of the fractionality, which could be observed through the Loschmidt echo and autocorrelation function, offering potential routes to probe fractional quantum dynamics experimentally. Our findings open pathways to explore memory-induced dynamical phenomena in other systems effectively described by two-level approximations, such as graphene-like materials and topological SSH chains, where non-integer-order evolution may reveal novel topological or relaxation regimes.
Narrowband near-infrared (NIR) emissive materials are indispensable for advancing optical communications, biological imaging, and precision sensing technologies. Despite their potential, achieving precise control over the emission profile while ensuring the long-term stability of the material remains a significant challenge. In this study, we utilized a diaminomaleonitrile derivative to demonstrate an approach that combines geometric (cis-trans) isomerism and crystal size to control the ultra-narrowband NIR emission of an organic crystalline material. By systematically optimizing key parameters, including light exposure, temperature, and solvent diffusion dynamics, we established a robust platform for controlled and preferential growth of its two isomers with specific optical properties. Remarkably, the crystals of the cis-isomer exhibited size-dependent narrowing of the NIR emission band, with an impressive narrow full-width-at-half-maximum of 40 nm (0.096 eV), while the trans-isomer exhibited ultranarrowband NIR emission with outstanding photostability attributed to its rigid, planar molecular structure. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental analyses revealed the critical role of intermolecular interactions and vibrational relaxation in modulating their emission characteristics. This study establishes a robust methodology for the preparation of narrowband organic NIR-emissive materials.
The energy transition has evolved beyond the search for individual low-carbon technologies, moving instead toward the integration of these solutions into complex infrastructures in urban and industrial settings. This Special Issue synthesizes key research from the 2024 SDEWES conferences - 4th Latin American, 2nd Asia Pacific and 19th SDEWES, highlighting a fundamental shift from technology-centric assessments toward integrated system thinking. Central to this collection is the recognition that flexibility and resilience are now just as vital as cost-efficiency, particularly as energy systems face increasing pressure from climate-driven volatility and infrastructural constraints. The research presented covers several critical pillars of deep decarbonization. It explores urban transformation through integrated planning and energy communities, while advancing power-to-X pathways to address "hard-to-abate" sectors such as heavy industry and maritime transport. Technologically, the contributions evaluate the practical application of direct and indirect electrification, waste heat utilization, carbon-managed waste conversion, wind, wave and hydrogeneration. Methodologically, a clear trend emerges: a move toward high-resolution, dynamic modeling that treats climate-driven variability, spatial and temporal uncertainty as central variables rather than outliers. By addressing the physical, economic, and institutional bottlenecks of the transition, these papers provide an evidence-based framework for real-world implementation.
Waste management is one of the key topics for environmental protection, and creating effective waste management strategies relies on positive experiences and public opinions. In this study, sentiment analysis done by comparing BERT and GPT models is used to categorize a large amount of waste management related X posts in Macedonia and Spain. An additional classification of the posts is performed according to Paul Ekman's general emotions with added neutral emotion. Results from the conducted analysis show that 71.9 percent of the emotions expressed in Macedonian posts are classified as negative, while only 8.9 percent of Spanish posts are classified the same. Furthermore, emotions expressed in Macedonian posts are mostly related to anger and disgust, and Spanish posts express happiness and mostly a neutral emotion. This study also presents the various topics achieved from topic modeling done by utilizing GPT-4o-mini and BERTopic. In general, the research presented in this paper shows a huge difference between how residents perceive waste management and which topics were of great importance in 2025 in Spain and Macedonia. Results outlined in this article together with additional analysis of public opinion on waste management can be used to evaluate public awareness and the importance of good environmental practices.
Carbon dots offer excellent physico-chemical properties and biocompatibility for cancer theranostics systems, either as therapeutic agents themselves, or as potential drug carriers. It is, however, postulated that the drug carrier affects the mechanism of action and intracellular target molecules of a drug. Therefore, in the present study, we systematically evaluated protein alterations in HeLa cervical cancer cells after treatment with sulfur-doped carbon dots (S-CDs). Synchrotron Radiation μFTIR spectroscopy and label-free LC-MS/MS proteomics integrated with bioinformatics were used to assess molecular changes. μFTIR revealed a shift and increased intensity of α-helices, indicating structural changes in proteins as a result of the interaction between S-CDs and cells. Proteomic analysis identified 122 statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) proteins with increased abundance and 61 with decreased abundance following S-CD exposure, many of which possess high α-helix content, consistent with μFTIR findings. Functional analyses showed that up-regulated proteins were enriched in molecular adaptor, transporter, and transcription regulator activities, particularly those involved in RNA metabolism and translation. Down-regulated proteins were dominated by protein-modifying enzymes and cytoskeletal components. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated alterations in mRNA processing, ribosomal pathways, translation factors, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and proteasome degradation. Key hub proteins included ribosomal proteins and translation initiation factors. S-CD treatment led to opposite regulation of many proteins compared to their regulation in untreated HeLa cells including down-regulation of ribosomal proteins (RPS27L, RPS19, and RPS5), aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis proteins (IARS1, LARS1, and MARS1), and proteasome degradation proteins (PSMD2, PSMD3, and PSMD11), which aligns with the observed cytotoxic effect of S-CDs on cervical cancer cells. Overall, these results highlight significant proteomic and structural protein changes induced by S-CDs and support their potential for cervical cancer treatment, warranting further investigation of this nanomaterial's biological applications.
