Noble gas detectors that rely on electroluminescence (EL) are widely used in radiation detection and rare-event searches because they provide large signal amplification with low intrinsic fluctuations. The introduction of electronegative additives, such as SF6, modifies charge transport, opening the possibility of exploiting low diffusion through negative ion drift, but may suppress scintillation. In this work, EL production in Xe-SF6 mixtures was studied as a function of reduced electric field and SF6 concentration, using a GEM to induce electron detachment. Two complementary configurations were used to separate the contribution from light produced within the GEM holes and in the region after the GEM. Measurements show that, once the detachment threshold is reached, both charge and light signals increase with the electric field in the GEM region, with EL appearing before charge multiplication. In the scintillation region, after the GEM, a light signal can be observed that increases with the applied scintillation field, but remains much weaker than the one produced in the GEM region. In both regions, the effective EL yield is strongly reduced with respect to pure xenon and decreases as the SF6 fraction increases. For higher SF6 concentrations, the yield is approximately linear within the explored electric field range, whereas for lower concentrations it departs from linearity at higher fields. The onset of EL production was obtained and compared with the previously reported charge multiplication threshold and with a detachment cross-section prediction. Both thresholds shift to higher reduced electric fields as the SF6 concentration increases and remain, within uncertainties, consistent with the prediction. These results demonstrate that EL is still possible in Xe-SF6 mixtures, but is strongly quenched by the electronegative additive, highlighting the complex interplay of the microscopic processes in the detector.
This study establishes Liouville-type theorems for indefinite quasilinear elliptic equations in the upper half-space. Additionally, we demonstrate the existence of solutions for this class of problems using the fibering method. Our approach relies on a novel weighted Sobolev embedding developed for the upper half-space.
We establish a rigidity theorem for annular sector-like domains in the setting of overdetermined elliptic problems on model Riemannian manifolds. Specifically, if such a domain admits a solution to the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation satisfying both constant Dirichlet and constant Neumann boundary conditions, then the domain must be a spherical sector, and the solution must be radially symmetric. This result shows the strong geometric constraints imposed by overdetermined boundary conditions, extending classical rigidity phenomena to this more general framework.
This study analyzes and contrasts different phenomenological methods used to model the nuclear equation of state (EOS) for neutron star matter based on covariant energy density functionals (CEDFs). Using two complementary methodologies, we seek to capture a comprehensive picture of the potential behaviors of ultradense nucleonic matter and identify the most plausible models based on current observational and experimental constraints. Observational data from radio pulsar timing, gravitational-wave detection of GW170817, and X-ray timing provide critical benchmarks for testing the models. We have derived the EOS posteriors for various CEDF models within the CompactObject package, utilizing recent observational data on neutron stars, state-of-the-art theoretical constraints from calculations in chiral effective field theory for pure neutron matter at low densities, and pQCD-derived constraints. Our analysis has demonstrated that while all considered CEDF models broadly reproduce current astrophysical and theoretical constraints, subtle yet important differences persist among them, with each framework exhibiting distinct characteristics at supranuclear density. This is particularly true for the proton fraction inside neutron stars, but is also supported by the models' behavior with respect to the pure neutron matter EOS and the density dependence of the speed of sound. Our study highlights the sensitivity of predictions for dense matter to the underlying EOS parameterizations and the priors considered.
The skin, in its function as the primary barrier against external agents, is vulnerable to the development of pathologies. Consequently, a significant part of the population claims to have experienced a dermal condition, even if it is mild. The use of natural products in cosmetics and the treatment of skin diseases is becoming progressively common. However, challenges related to permeation and release can make it difficult to control the appropriate dosage, potentially reducing efficacy or even causing toxicity. This review aims to provide an overview of recent findings on the use of plant-based nanodelivery systems for the treatment of skin disorders. A review of the existing literature revealed more than 50 studies in both the field of cosmetology, including the prevention of ageing and wrinkles, as well as in the therapeutic field, encompassing skin infections, cancer, inflammatory diseases, dandruff, and wound healing. In the majority of cases, a comparison was made between the nanoformulation and the respective conventional formulation, with the former demonstrating superior efficacy. A variety of plant-based nanoformulations, including nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, nanogels, nanocapsules, nanovesicles, nanocarriers, and nanofibres, have been assessed through a diversity of research methodologies, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. This review disclosed that nanotechnology offers several platforms with significant advantages in the topical application of natural compounds for the management of skin diseases.
