The present study deals with depositional environment and microfacies analysis of the Asmari Formation in the Nasr–Abad section of Zagros basin in SW of Iran. The thickness of 240 m with Nasr–Abad stratigraphic section to define microfauna is taken from Asmari Formation. Asmari Formation is located in SE of Shiraz. According to the identified index microfossils, following three Oligocene assemblages are determined: 1: Nummulites fichteli–Nummulites vascus, 2: Archaias asmaricuas–Archiaias hensoni, and 3: Peneroplis evolutus–Austroterillina howchini. According to the field observation, thin section studies and the results of petrographic analyses, four microfacies contain open marine (MF1-3), shoal (MF-4), lagoon (MF5-7) and tidal flat (MF8-9) depositional environments are identified. Based on the paleoenvironmental interpretations, the lack of barrier reefs as well as of gradual facies change, a homoclinal ramp mainly represented by its inner and middle sectors is proposed and reconstructed for depositional environment of the Asmari Formation in the studied section.

The article "Biostratigraphy, facies analysis and sequence stratigraphy of the Sachun Formation (Interior Fars, Zagros, SW of Iran)", written by Kamal Karimi,Massih Afghah, Seyyed Hossein Ghetmiri and Mohammad Bahrami was originally published online on 09 October 2020 with Open Access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This study is scoped on biostratigraphy, and palaeodepositional analysis of the Sarvak Formation, Fars Zone, and Zagros, Iran. The biostratigraphy and microfacies of this Formation form four field sections, are discussed. The Sarvak Formation in the study area is located on Kazhdumi Formation and below the Gurpi Formation and comprise of cream to grey medium bedded to massive limestone. Seven foraminiferal assemblages have been identified from the Sarvak Formation and these assemblages form the basis of the biostratigraphy. The lower and upper parts of Sarvak Formation are lacking diagnostic microfossils and based on their stratigraphic position, Late Albian-Late Cenomanian, ages was assigned respectively. Field and microscopic data led to the identification of five facies groups; Planktonic foraminifera-dominated facies, Benthic foraminifera-dominated facies, Rudist facies, Orbitolina facies and Mudstone facies, these facies were subdivided into twelve subfacies, which were grouped into three depositional environments: inner, middle and outer shelf and overall representing a shelf setting. Facies changes during the Late Albian-Late Cenomanian were generally associated with carbonate shelf models. These containing a number of separate aspect, namely: Orbitolina conica sp.-dominated shelf with minor Orbitolina sp. during the Late Albian, a Trocholina sp. and Conicorbitolina -dominated shelf during the Late Albian, a Rudist- to algae-dominated shelf during the most of the Early Cenomanian and a pelagic and benthic foraminifera-dominated shelf during Late Cenomanian. In general, from the Kuh-e-Gadvan section to the southwest of the Fars zone (Rashtanu section), the depth of the sedimentary basin of Sarvak Formation increased.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the two-dimensional numerical modeling of fluid flow and heat transfer in a fluid channel. Design/methodology/approach The channel is filled with the CuO-water nanofluid. The KKL model is used to estimate the dynamic viscosity and considering Brownian motion. On the other hand, the influence of CuO nanoparticles' shapes on the heat transfer rate is taken account in the simulations. The channel is included with several active pipes with hot and cold temperatures. Furthermore, the external curved and sinusoidal walls have cold and hot temperatures, respectively. Findings Three different tilt angles are considered with similar boundary and operating conditions. The Rayleigh numbers, solid volume fraction of CuO nanoparticles in the pure water and the tilt angles are the governing parameters. Different cases studies, such as streamlines, heat transfer rate, local and total entropy generation and heatlines, are analysed under influences of these governing parameters. Originality/value The originality of this work is investigation of fluid flow, heat transfer and entropy generation within a nanofluid filled channel using FVM.

Collapse models postulate that space is filled with a collapse noise field, inducing quantum Brownian motions, which are dominant during the measurement, thus causing collapse of the wave function. An important manifestation of the collapse noise field, if any, is thermal energy generation, thus disturbing the temperature profile of a system. The experimental investigation of a collapse-driven heating effect has provided, so far, the most promising test of collapse models against standard quantum theory. In this paper, we calculate the collapse-driven heat generation for a three-dimensional multi-atomic Bravais lattice by solving stochastic Heisenberg equations. We perform our calculation for the mass-proportional continuous spontaneous localization collapse model with nonwhite noise. We obtain the temperature distribution of a sphere under stationary-state and insulated surface conditions. However, the exact quantification of the collapse-driven heat-generation effect highly depends on the actual value of cutoff in the collapse noise spectrum.

Collapse models predict a tiny violation of energy conservation, as a consequence of the spontaneous collapse of the wave function. This property allows us to set experimental bounds on their parameters. We consider an ultrasoft magnetically tipped nanocantilever cooled to millikelvin temperature. The thermal noise of the cantilever fundamental mode has been accurately estimated in the range 0.03-1 K, and any other excess noise is found to be negligible within the experimental uncertainty. From the measured data and the cantilever geometry, we estimate the upper bound on the continuous spontaneous localization collapse rate in a wide range of the correlation length r_{C}. Our upper bound improves significantly previous constraints for r_{C}>10^{-6}  m, and partially excludes the enhanced collapse rate suggested by Adler. We discuss future improvements.

An open problem in modern physics is why microscopic quantum objects can be at two places at once (i.e. a superposed quantum state) while macroscpoic classical object never show such a behaviour. Collapse models provides a quantitative answer for this problem and explain how macroscopic classical world emerges out of microscopic quantum world. A universal noise field is postulated in collapse models, inducing appropriate Brownian- motion corrections to standard quantum dynamics. The strength of collapse-driven Brownian fluctuations depend on: (i) the parameters characterizing the system (e.g., mass, size, density), and (ii) two phenomenological parameters defining the statistical properties of the collapse noise. The collapse-driven Brownian motion works such that microscopic systems behave quantum mechanically, while macroscopic objects are classical. At the intermediate mesocopic scale, collapse models predict deviations from standard quantum predictions. This issue has been subject of experimental tests. All experiments to date have been at the scales where collapse effects are negligible for all practical purposes. However, recent experimental progress in revealing quantum features of larger objects, increases the hope for testing at unprecedented scales where collapse models can be falsified. Current experiments are mainly focused on the preparation of macroscopic systems in a spatial quantum superposition state. The collapse effects would then manifest as loss of visibility in the observed inference pattern. However, one needs a quantum interference with single particles of mass ∼ 1010amu for a decisive test of collapse models. Creating such massive superpositionsis quite challenging, and beyond currectstate-of-the-art. Quite recently, an alternative approach has been proposed where the collapse manifests in the fluctuating properties of light interacting with the quantum system. The great advantage of this new approach is that here there is no need for the preparation of a quantum superposed state. It has been discussed that promising results can be revealed in the spectrum of light interacting with a radiation pressure-driven mechanical oscillator in a cavity optomechanics setting. Here, we review the theoretical modelling of the above optomechenical proposal. We discuss how collapse-driven Brownian motion modifies the spectrum. We quantify the collapse effect and explain how it depends on the parameters of the mechanical oscillator (e.g., mass, density, geometry).

What gravitational field is generated by a massive quantum system in a spatial superposition? This is one of the most important questions in modern physics, and after decades of intensive theoretical and experimental research, we still do not know the answer. On the experimental side, the difficulty lies in the fact that gravity is weak and requires large masses to be detectable. But for large masses, it becomes increasingly difficult to generate spatial quantum superpositions, which live sufficiently long to be detected. A delicate balance between opposite quantum and gravitational demands is needed. Here we show that this can be achieved in an optomechanics scenario. We propose an experimental setup, which allows to decide whether the gravitational field generated by a quantum system in a spatial superposition is the superposition of the two alternatives, or not. We estimate the magnitude of the effect and show that it offers good perspectives for observability. Performing the experiment will mark a breakthrough in our understanding of the relationship between gravity and quantum theory.

Irreversible phenomena are of fundamental importance because they characterize a direction of time. Irreversibility has been observed in three different physical situations, namely, in thermodynamics (monotonic increase of entropy), quantum theory (measurement process), and cosmology (black holes and their entropy). There is no consensus on how these three kinds of irreversibility are connected, and whether there is any common ground that can explain them consistently, or if one of them is more fundamental than the others. A solution to the above questions is to work with a physical theory that picks a preferred direction of time. Collapse models, as quantum non-linear and stochastic theories, may provide us with such a solution. After discussing the features of collapse models in detail, we review the phenomenological implications of these models, with particular attention to the aforementioned issues.

The necessity of quantising the gravitational field is still subject to an open debate. In this paper we compare the approach of quantum gravity, with that of a fundamentally semi-classical theory of gravity, in the weak-field non-relativistic limit. We show that, while in the former case the Schrödinger equation stays linear, in the latter case one ends up with the so-called Schrödinger-Newton equation, which involves a nonlinear, non-local gravitational contribution. We further discuss that the Schrödinger-Newton equation does not describe the collapse of the wave-function, although it was initially proposed for exactly this purpose. Together with the standard collapse postulate, fundamentally semi-classical gravity gives rise to superluminal signalling. A consistent fundamentally semi-classical theory of gravity can therefore only be achieved together with a suitable prescription of the wave-function collapse. We further discuss, how collapse models avoid such superluminal signalling and compare the nonlinearities appearing in these models with those in the Schrödinger-Newton equation.

The Jahrum Formation act as reservoir rocks in the Zagros Mountains west of Iran. For the study of this formation, a stratigraphic section of Lapoee which is situated north of Shiraz has been examined. Petrographic and stratigraphic results along with field observations show that the Jahrum Formation consists of cream-grey thin-to-medium-bedded limestone so that at the top of the formation, they are locally changed to dolomite. The Jahrum Formation overlies the Sachun Formation. We also found Nubecularids as paleoecology indicators in middle parts of the Jahrum Formation. The presence of Nubecularids in the Lapoee stratigraphic section (i.e. the Jahrum Formation) indicates a lagoon depositional environment.

The test of modifications to quantum mechanics aimed at identifying the fundamental reasons behind the unobservability of quantum mechanical superpositions at the macroscale is a crucial goal of modern quantum mechanics. Within the context of collapse models, current proposals based on interferometric techniques for their falsification are far from the experimental state of the art. Here we discuss an alternative approach to the testing of quantum collapse models that, by bypassing the need for the preparation of quantum superposition states might help us addressing nonlinear stochastic mechanisms such as the one at the basis of the continuous spontaneous localization model.

DP model needs a free parameter, acting as a cutoff to regularize the dynamics, and the predictions of the model highly depend on the value of this cutoff. The Compton wavelength of a nucleon seems to be the most reasonable cutoff value since it justifies the nonrelativistic approach. However, with this value, the DP model predicts an unrealistically high rate of energy increase. Thus, either one is forced to choose a much larger cutoff, which is not physically justified and totally arbitrary, or one needs to include dissipative effects in order to tame the energy increase. Taking the analogy with dissipative collisional decoherence seriously, we develop a dissipative generalization of the DP model. We show that even with dissipative effects, the DP model contradicts known physical facts, unless either the cutoff is kept artificially large or one limits the applicability of the model to massive systems. We also provide an estimation for the mass range of this applicability.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The article duplicates significant parts of three other articles without proper citations (Allahkarampour Dill, M., Seyrafian, A., Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., 2010. The Asmari Formation, north of the Gascharan (Dill anticline), southwest Iran: facies analysis, depositional environments and sequence stratigraphy, Carbonates Evaporites, 25, 145-160, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13146-010-0021-6; Jamalian, M., Adabi, M.H., Moussavi, M.R., Sadeghi, A., Baghbani, D., Ariyafar, B., 2011. Facies characteristic and plaoenvironmental reconstruction of the Faliyan Formation, Lower Cretaceous, in the Kuh-e Siah area, Zagros basin, southern Iran. Facies 57, 101-122, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10347-010-0231-3; Bahrami, M., Sahraeyan, M., Taherkhani, K., 2012, Microfacies and Sedimentary envrionments of Dalan Formation at Surmeh Mountain, Folded Zagros Zone, Southwestern Iran. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 4, 380-389, http://dx.doi.org/10.14419/ijbas.v1i4.251). The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

We study how photon emission of a two-level system is modified if the superposition principle is violated. We solve the relevant equations of motion. We quantify the magnitude of the new spectral effects for relevant collapse models to illustrate our theoretical results. We show how these effects can be distinguished from those of standard environmental decoherence. We apply our result to physically interesting systems and suggest that accurate-enough spectroscopic experiments are within reach with current technology.

This paper presents thermodynamic investigation and environmental consideration of combined Stirling-organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power cycle. Combined cycle can be assisted by solar energy and an ORC used as an annular cold-side heat rejector for a free piston Stirling cycle. ORC can increase the power output efficiency by 4% to 8% compared to that of a Stirling standard cycle. Operating temperatures of ORC are between 80°C and 140°C. The main objective of this work is to model the combined cycle for performance optimization in respect to the use of several different working fluids with relevant temperature ranges. Total power efficiency in the range of 34% to 42% was observed for different cases. Several working fluids in the ORC were investigated from a thermal, operational, and environmental point of view. Working fluids considered were FC72, FC87, HFE7100, HFE7000, Novec649, n -pentane, n -decane, R245fa, and toluene. Practical issues like thermodynamic cycle efficiency, latent heat, density, toxicity, flammability, ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, and atmospheric lifetime are considered. Considering the cycle efficiency, n -decane shows the best performance at both levels of temperature supposed. However, this fluid has the highest saturated vapor specific volume (resulting in a larger condenser) and the lowest condenser saturation pressure (higher infiltration of non-condensable gases). The best candidates for the cycle regarding all the considered aspects were found to be toluene, HFE7100, and n -pentane. Comparing these three fluids, toluene presents the highest efficiency, the highest impact on the environment, the biggest vapor specific volume, and the minimum mass flow rate in Rankine cycle, therefore decreasing the pump power consumption. N -pentane exhibits the lowest cycle efficiency and vapor specific volume, but this fluid has super-atmospheric saturation pressure advantage. HFE7100 is a good working fluid from environmental and safety point of view.