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In light of the forebay of a lateral pump station in Shaanxi Province, numerical simulation and engineering tests were employed to analyze the correlation between the formation of multiple vortices and sediment deposition in the lateral forebay. Building upon this foundation, a total of 24 distinct rectification measures were proposed to scrutinize the alteration in flow regime within the lateral forebay, followed by an engineering test to validate the optimal scheme in the absence of rectification measures. The findings from the engineering test of the lateral forebay were consistent with the outcomes of the numerical simulation. This marked the inaugural proposition of a trapezoidal array clapboard within a lateral forebay. By adjusting the position, rotating the clapboard angle, and selecting the optimal scheme 24, the flow velocity uniformity at section C1-2 reached 93.16%, the deflection angle measured 94.32°, and the vortex area reduction rate was 87.73%, significantly mitigating the vortex impact on this section. Within section C1-3, the flow velocity uniformity attained 96.58%, the deflection angle measured 86.43°, and the vortex area reduction rate in this section amounted to 81.26%. Through the analysis of these two sections, the scheme's accuracy was validated. Additionally, the sediment deposition thickness decreased by 2.39 m under scheme 24, thus ensuring favorable operational conditions for the inlet forebay of the lateral pump station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of economic globalization, cultural exchanges are becoming more and more frequent, and more and more international teachers come to China to teach. Using qualitative data collected from a university in Beijing, this study explored the international teachers' roles perceived by school administrators, students, and international teachers in the internationalization of Chinese higher education. Results indicate that international teachers play an important role in promoting higher education internationalization in China by serving as the backbones of the teaching process. They also act as walking billboards of internationalization and bridges facilitating communication with international students. However, the cognitive differences between international teachers and students regarding teaching, coupled with administrators' lack of understanding of international teachers' professional needs, hinder the teachers from fulfilling their roles and seeking continuing development. This study provides a new analytical perspective on the role of international teachers, exploring their role from the perspectives of students, school administrators and international teachers themselves, presenting practical recommendations to enhance international teachers' roles and providing suggestions such as cooperation model between international teachers and domestic teachers for future research, which may help managers of high education institutions to find the reason why they should introduce many international teachers and what kind of kind of teachers they should introduce to develop education internationalization. Plain language summary: Using qualitative data collected from a university in Beijing, this study explored the international teachers' roles perceived by school administrators, students, and international teachers in the internationalization of Chinese higher education. Results indicate that international teachers play an important role in promoting higher education internationalization in China by serving as the backbones of the teaching process. They also act as walking billboards of internationalization and bridges facilitating communication with international students. However, the cognitive differences between international teachers and students regarding teaching, coupled with administrators' lack of understanding of international teachers' professional needs, hinder the teachers from fulfilling their roles and seeking continuing development. This study presents practical recommendations to enhance international teachers' roles and provides suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Charge transport characterization of single‐molecule junctions is essential for the fundamental research of single‐molecule physical chemistry and the development towards single‐molecule electronic devices and circuits. Among the single‐molecule conductance characterization techniques, the single‐molecule break junction technique is widely used in tens of worldwide research laboratories which can generate a large amount of experimental data from thousands of individual measurement cycles. However, data interpretation is a challenging task for researchers with different research backgrounds, and the different data analysis approaches sometimes lead to the misunderstanding of the measurement data and even reproducibility issues of the measurement. It is thus a necessity to develop a user‐friendly all‐in‐one data analysis tool that automatizes the basic data analysis in a standard and widely accepted way. In this work, we present the XMe Code (Xiamen Molecular Electronics Code), an intelligent all‐in‐one data analysis tool for the comprehensive analysis of single‐molecule break junction data. XMe code provides end‐to‐end data analysis that takes in the original experimental data and returns electronic characteristics and even charge transport mechanisms. We believe that XMe Code will promote the transparency of the data analysis in single‐molecule electronics and the collaborations among scientists with different research backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Charge transport characterization of single‐molecule junctions is essential for the fundamental research of single‐molecule physical chemistry and the development towards single‐molecule electronic devices and circuits. Among the single‐molecule conductance characterization techniques, the single‐molecule break junction technique is widely used in tens of worldwide research laboratories which can generate a large amount of experimental data from thousands of individual measurement cycles. However, data interpretation is a challenging task for researchers with different research backgrounds, and the different data analysis approaches sometimes lead to the misunderstanding of the measurement data and even reproducibility issues of the measurement. It is thus a necessity to develop a user‐friendly all‐in‐one data analysis tool that automatizes the basic data analysis in a standard and widely accepted way. In this work, we present the XMe Code (Xiamen Molecular Electronics Code), an intelligent all‐in‐one data analysis tool for the comprehensive analysis of single‐molecule break junction data. XMe code provides end‐to‐end data analysis that takes in the original experimental data and returns electronic characteristics and even charge transport mechanisms. We believe that XMe Code will promote the transparency of the data analysis in single‐molecule electronics and the collaborations among scientists with different research backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the set-membership state and parameter estimation problems are considered for linear time-varying systems. The noises in the system are unknown but bounded and the variation of parameters is considered as a bounded expansion. The entire estimator is an interactive estimation of parameters and states. In parameter estimation, the exact set of parameter estimates may be non-convex because of the uncertain states. A polytopic linear parameter varying (LPV) enclosure of the system regression expression is constructed as a convex relaxation. The result of parameter estimation is a set to include the true parameter of the model. Meanwhile, in the state estimation, a similar LPV enclosure of the state-space model is also used to bound the state matrix uncertainties. This LPV enclosure in the state estimation is narrowed by the parameter estimation, and then the set of state estimates is computed to include the true state. The constrained zonotope (CZ) is used to describe sets of interest and the necessary set operations are expanded to LPV mapping. Because of the highly adjustable accuracy of CZ, the proposed algorithm can make a better trade-off between computational accuracy and efficiency. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the Koopman operator is applied to solve the challenging nonlinear set‐membership (SM) state estimation problem. The basic idea is to lift the nonlinear system into a linear one with a higher dimension, and then linear SM estimation methods can be adopted. The Koopman operator is an infinite‐dimensional linear decomposition of nonlinear dynamics. This linearized system can fully describe the state evolution of the nonlinear dynamics with input, output, and noises. To apply SM state estimation algorithms, a finite‐dimensional approximation is obtained by using the data‐driven method. Meanwhile, the statistical properties of the approximation errors are also utilized to reduce the conservativeness of the filter. The probability distributions of approximation errors are described by sample particles. Coupled with the unknown but bounded noises, the linearized system is associated with two types of uncertainties. To this end, the merging SM and stochastic strategy is adopted to construct a class of confidence state set whose level approaches 1. After that, the optimal filter gain is given to minimize the size of the confidence state set. Finally, three numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial sensory nerves can simulate the functions of visual perception and information processing of the human brain, which is indispensable for the immediate visualization of the environment and awareness requisite to avoid the potential harm. However, it still remains a long‐standing challenge to integrate recognition learning with real‐time processing function in a single device. Herein, an interface defects‐tuning strategy is proposed for developing a novel bi‐functional phototransistor. Benefiting from the tuned polymer‐perovskite layer‐heterointerface defects, the photogenerated charge trapping and de‐trapping capacities are significantly improved, thereby facilitating the photogenerated carrier separation and injection. The prepared organic‐inorganic hybrid phototransistors can perfectly mimic the human visual synaptic behaviors with a quick response speed (<35 ms, far below that of human eyes to incident light (225 ms)). More importantly, the phototransistor exhibited obvious visual adaptation toward wide‐ranging light stimuli, and realized unique desensitization to simulate the self‐protection behavior of the human visual systems. Specifically, the adaptation timescales of the device under dim and high light conditions are superior to bio‐systems (<2 min). Consequently, the reported strategy for the preparation of bi‐functional phototransistors provides a brand‐new perspective for next‐generation artificial nervous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved moving horizon estimation (MHE) is proposed for the constrained linear system with bounded noises. To improve the computational efficiency of the numerical algorithms used in the MHE, a set-membership approach is employed to find a suitable search area. A tight set on decision variables is constructed based on the constrained zonotope technique. An optimization method for computing a tight zonotope enclosure of the constrained zonotope is proposed. Then the search area is further simplified into an optimal zonotope. Meanwhile, the cost function is constructed under the scenario of the worst-case noises statistical properties to improve the robustness of the MHE. For the incompletely specified probability distributions, the upper covariance matrix bounds are formulated as matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the algorithm. • An improved moving horizon estimation based on the setmembership approach. • The cost function of MHE is constructed under the scenario of the worst-case noises statistical properties. • A new re-scaling algorithm for the constrained zonotope is proposed. • The optimal zonotope enclosure of the constrained zonotope is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the switching among multiple conductance pathways achieved by sliding the scanning tunneling microscope tip among different binding sites under different electric fields. With an increase in the electric field, high molecular conductance states appear, suggesting the formation of different configurations in single-molecule junctions. The switch can be operated in situ and reversibly, which is also confirmed by the apparent conductance conversion in I – V measurements. Theoretical simulations also agree well with the experimental results, which implies that the electric field enables the possibility to trigger switching in single-molecule junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the goal of creating single‐molecule devices and integrating them into circuits, the emergence of single‐molecule electronics provides various techniques for the fabrication of single‐molecule junctions and the investigation of charge transport through such junctions. Among the techniques for characterization of charge transport through molecular junctions, electronic noise characterization is an effective strategy with which issues from molecule–electrode interfaces, mechanisms of charge transport, and changes in junction configurations are studied. Electronic noise analysis in single‐molecule junctions can be used to identify molecular conformations and even monitor reaction kinetics. This review summarizes the various types of electronic noise that have been characterized during single‐molecule electrical detection, including the functions of random telegraph signal (RTS) noise, flicker noise, shot noise, and their corresponding applications, which provide some guidelines for the future application of these techniques to problems of charge transport through single‐molecule junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are responsible for the colour of many fruits, vegetables, flowers, and coloured-leaved trees. Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) is widely cultivated for its colourful inner leaves. To investigate the relationship between the degree of colouration and anthocyanin distribution, content, and composition in ornamental kale, the authors studied the pigment characteristics of five cultivars with different coloured leaves (white, pink, red, purple, and purple-black). Microscopy observation, spectrophotometer, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis of fresh inner leaves revealed that pink, red, and purple colourations were associated with high levels of anthocyanin, while purple-black was the result of the combination of anthocyanins and chlorophyll. In the coloured cultivars, anthocyanins were abundant mainly in the first and second cell layers below the epidermis in both the hypocotyls and inner leaves. No anthocyanin was found in the white-leaved phenotype cultivar. Anthocyanin content increased as leaf colour deepened from pink, red, to purple cultivars, which had little chlorophyll and carotenoid. The authors identified eight anthocyanins in the four coloured cultivars, including one non-acylated, four monoacylated, and three diacylated cyanidin glycosides. Cyanidin-3-(sinapoyl)(feruloyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside was the most abundant anthocyanin in the four coloured cultivars followed by cyanidin-3-(sinapoyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside. The analysis of anthocyanin accumulation characterisation provides important information on evaluating colouration patterns in coloured plants, and will be helpful for breeding desired leaf colours in ornamental kale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by progressive destruction of lung tissues and airway obstruction. COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide and there is no curative treatment available so far. Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor for COPD. Yet, only a relatively small percentage of smokers develop the disease, showing that disease susceptibility varies significantly among smokers. As smoking cessation can prevent the disease in some smokers, quitting smoking cannot halt the progression of COPD in others. Despite extensive research efforts, cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD remain elusive. In particular, the disease susceptibility and smoking cessation effects are poorly understood. To address these issues in this work, we develop a multiscale network model that consists of nodes, which represent molecular mediators, immune cells and lung tissues, and edges describing the interactions between the nodes. Our model study identifies several positive feedback loops and network elements playing a determinant role in the CS-induced immune response and COPD progression. The results are in agreement with clinic and laboratory measurements, offering novel insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD. The study in this work also provides a rationale for targeted therapy and personalized medicine for the disease in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The suppression of aluminum powder explosion by inert powder is compared for the first time. • The comparative study shows the advantages of synergistic inhibition of MPP powder. • The modal free function method is used to calculate and verify the dynamic model for the first time. • The inhibition mechanism of MPP explosion inhibitor on aluminum powder explosion is revealed. In order to study the suppression performance and action mechanism of inert powder on aluminum powder explosion flame, using the dust explosion flame propagation test system, five kinds of common inert powder and two kinds of aluminum dust with different particle sizes were selected for explosion flame suppression and overpressure suppression experiments. Combined with the thermal characteristic curve of inert powder, the inhibition performance and action mechanism of inert powder on aluminum powder explosion were systematically studied. The results show that the inhibition effect of MPP dry powder on aluminum dust is better than that of NaHCO 3 , CaCO 3 , Al(OH) 3 and NH 4 H 2 PO 4 ; The inhibition mechanism model of inert powder on aluminum powder explosion flame is established, and the action mechanism is analyzed. The oxidation process of aluminum dust with and without MPP dry powder was analyzed by Coats Redfern (C-R) method, and the activation energy and kinetic models of different stages were obtained. The results were verified by Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS) methods. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and basis for the explosion suppression design of aluminum dust and the development of explosion suppression powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The properties of a green waste molecular sieve-based powder suppressor in inhibiting the flame propagation of coal dust were studied. Waste molecular sieve (S) was pretreated and selected as the carrier, potassium oxalate (K) and ferric citrate (T) as the active components. The reverse dissolution crystallization method was adopted and S@K/T, S@T/K, S@ T -K suppressors with different core–shell structure were prepared by different loading sequences. Their particle size, morphology and thermal pyrolysis behavior were compared. The results showed that the particle distribution of three powders is uniform and the dispersity of them is good. The active components of explosion suppression are evenly loaded on the waste molecular sieve carrier and they have different coating structure. The thermal desorption heat of them is 44.64 J/ g, 66.95 J/g and 92.9 J/g, respectively. Furthermore, the flame propagation characteristics of coal dust were tested by the Hartmann flame propagation device. The results showed that all powders had the effect of inhibiting the flame propagation of coal dust and the inhibition effect is S@ T -K, S@T/K and S@K/T from strong to weak. Combined with characterization results, the influence mechanism of the difference in the flame propagation inhibition effect of three suppressants was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binocular depth perception (BDP) is one of the most demanding visual function that involves both dorsal and ventral visual information streams. Substantial research has been conducted on the disruption of BDP in patients with schizophrenia. However, research on first-episode and drug-naive patients with schizophrenia (FEDN) is limited. To assess the BDP of schizophrenia patients while controlling for the effects of antipsychotics and the duration of illness. We investigated BDP in patients with schizophrenia via the Titmus Stereopsis Test in this study, by matching the patients into three groups: FEDN ( n = 17), long duration of illness and medicine treatment (LDMT) ( n = 31) and the healthy control group ( n = 40). Results showed that both the FEDN (mean = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.57, 1.84]) and LDMT (1.73, 95% CI: [1.66, 1.81]) patients displayed a significant decline ( p = 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.67, p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.92, respectively) in depth perception compared to the healthy control (1.55, 95% CI: [1.48, 1.61]) group. Additionally, there were no significant differences ( p = 0.68, Cohen's d = 0.11) between the FEDN and LDMT groups, and no correlation (Pearson r = -0.16, p = 0.38, R 2 = 0.03) was observed between the duration of illness and impaired BDP in the LDMT group. The proportion of individuals with stereopsis detection in either FEDN (12/17) or LDMT (26/31) groups under stereo threshold 63 arc seconds (″), were significantly lower (Pearson χ 2 = 6.29, p = 0.043, φ c = 0.27) compared to the healthy control group (38/40). Significant difference in stereopsis detection also occurred at 50″ (Pearson χ 2 = 12.31, p = 0.001, φ c = 0.37), 40″ (Pearson χ 2 = 12.38, p = 0.002, φ c = 0.38), 32″ (Pearson χ 2 = 6.69, p = 0.035, φ c = 0.28), 25″ (Pearson χ 2 = 14.82, p = 0.001, φ c = 0.41) and 20″ (Pearson χ 2 = 6.73, p = 0.034, φ c = 0.28) between the three groups. These findings showed a moderately strong association between schizophrenia and defective stereopsis.