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Prussian blue (PB) is one of the main cathode materials with industrial prospects for the sodium ion battery. The structural stability of PB materials is directly associated with the presence of crystal water within the open 3D framework. However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding whether all forms of crystal water have detrimental effects on the structural stability of the PB materials. Currently, it is widely accepted that interstitial water is the stability troublemaker, whereas the role of coordination water remains elusive. In this work, the dynamic evolution of PB structures is investigated during the crystal water (in all forms) removal process through a variety of online monitoring techniques. It can be inferred that the PB-130 °C retains trace coordination water (1.3%) and original structural integrity, whereas PB-180 °C eliminates almost all of crystal water (∼12.1%, including both interstitial and coordinated water), but inevitably suffers from structural collapse. This is mainly because the coordinated water within the PB material plays a crucial role in maintaining structural stability via forming the −N≡C–FeLS–C≡N– conjugate bridge. Consequently, PB-130 °C with trace coordination water delivers superior reversible capacity (113.6 mAh g–1), high rate capability (charge to >80% capacity in 3 min), and long cycling stability (only 0.012% fading per cycle), demonstrating its promising prospect in practical applications.

In this brief, utilizing generalized $t$ distribution and maximum correntropy (MC) criterion, a new kernel adaptive filtering algorithm in reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) is designed for robust learning. As compared to existing methods, our algorithm is better suited to non-Gaussian impulse noise environments due to its ability to depict heavy tail characteristics more accurately. To restrain the scale growth of the neural network and reduce computing cost in the proposed algorithm, we also implement a simple vector quantization algorithm, called Gt-QKRGMC. Finally, superiority of the proposed algorithm is verified by tracking the Mackey-Glass (MG) time series prediction in the context of non-Gaussian noise interference.

We investigate a mobile edge computing (MEC) system that supports collaborative task offloading, allowing busy users to offload their tasks to the server and idle users, or perform them locally. However, executing computing tasks consumes device energy, making idle users unwilling to perform other users' tasks due to limited battery capacity. Additionally, the components of the total energy expenditure of the MEC system supporting collaborative task offloading are complex, necessitating appropriate resource allocation and offloading strategies to minimize the system's total energy consumption. To address these challenges, we propose a computing resource sharing auction (CRSA) algorithm to motivate idle users to participate in task offloading. Then, we establish a non-convex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem to minimize the total energy consumed by the system. By utilizing the McCormick and continuous relaxation (CR) approaches, we develop a low-complexity resource allocation algorithm. Finally, the numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism and resource allocation algorithm.

A Se-O-PCS hybrid is readily fabricated, in which Se species are firmly anchored into carbon skeleton by strong C−O−Se bonding. Consequently, this hybrid achieves an obviously enhanced K-ions storage property.

A high-voltage (2.5 V) aqueous and flexible solid-state supercapacitor delivers a record energy output of 41.3 Wh kg−1with S, N co-doped porous carbons (CAC-CN) electrodes by a novel microzone-combustion method.

Potassium-ion energy-storage devices are highly attractive in the large-scale energy storage field, but the intercalation of large K ions greatly worsens the stability of electrode structures and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films, causing slow reaction dynamics and poor durability. In this Article, inspired by bubble wraps in our life, a bubble-wrap-like carbon sheet (BPCS) with a rigid-flexible coupling porous architecture is fabricated on the microscale, exhibiting strong structural stability and good accommodation for volume expansion. In the meantime, a K2CO3·1.5H2O-dominated SEI is created by an interfacial transfer behavior of carbonate groups. These K2CO3·1.5H2O nanograins not only enhance the stability of the SEI by constructing a stable scaffold but also create more diffusion routes for K ions. On the basis of the above, using the BPCS as the anode of potassium-ion batteries delivers reversible capacities of 463 mAh g–1at 50 mA g–1and 195 mAh g–1at 10 A g–1with a long cycling life. The assembled BPCS//NPC potassium-ion hybrid capacitor exhibits a high energy density of 167 Wh kg–1and a superior cycling capability with 80.8% capacity retention over 10 000 cycles with nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. Even at the higher current density of 10 A g–1, the device could deliver an energy density of 92.9 Wh kg–1over 5000 cycles at a power density of 9200 W kg–1with only 0.002% fading per cycle, which can rival lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of cross-border charitable activities on host- and home-country consumers based on the social identity theory. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature review and two experimental designs, this study establishes the research framework and hypothesises the relationships between the constructs. Findings: National power moderates the impact of cross-border charitable activities on host- and home-country consumers. In particular, compared to countries with high national power, countries with low national power undertaking cross-border charitable activities will receive more positive reactions from the host-country consumers, and, conversely, more negative reactions from the home-country consumers. Research limitations/implications: From the consumer perspective, this study finds that brand cross-border charitable activities have different influences on consumers in different countries because of an identity transformation mechanism that exists between the “insiders” and the “outsiders”, which is different from the assumptions of western theories. Practical implications: The findings provide insights for undertaking brand cross-border charitable activities. Originality/value: Previous studies, which are based on social identity categorisation, assume that cross-border charitable activities have a more positive impact on home-country consumers than host-country consumers. However, this study adopts the research paradigm of social identity relationisation and draws an opposite conclusion, which not only expands the theory of local intergroup interaction, but also clarifies how brand cross-border charitable activities influence Chinese consumers.

The susceptibility of soil organic carbon (SOC) in tundra to microbial decomposition under warmer climate scenarios potentially threatens a massive positive feedback to climate change, but the underlying mechanisms of stable SOC decomposition remain elusive. Herein, Alaskan tundra soils from three depths (a fibric O horizon with litter and course roots, an O horizon with decomposing litter and roots, and a mineral-organic mix, laying just above the permafrost) were incubated. Resulting respiration data were assimilated into a 3-pool model to derive decomposition kinetic parameters for fast, slow, and passive SOC pools. Bacterial, archaeal, and fungal taxa and microbial functional genes were profiled throughout the 3-year incubation. Correlation analyses and a Random Forest approach revealed associations between model parameters and microbial community profiles, taxa, and traits. There were more associations between the microbial community data and the SOC decomposition parameters of slow and passive SOC pools than those of the fast SOC pool. Also, microbial community profiles were better predictors of model parameters in deeper soils, which had higher mineral contents and relatively greater quantities of old SOC than in surface soils. Overall, our analyses revealed the functional potential of microbial communities to decompose tundra SOC through a suite of specialized genes and taxa. These results portray divergent strategies by which microbial communities access SOC pools across varying depths, lending mechanistic insights into the vulnerability of what is considered stable SOC in tundra regions.

The susceptibility of soil organic carbon (SOC) in tundra to microbial decomposition under warmer climate scenarios potentially threatens a massive positive feedback to climate change, but the underlying mechanisms of stable SOC decomposition remain elusive. Herein, Alaskan tundra soils from three depths (a fibric O horizon with litter and course roots, an O horizon with decomposing litter and roots, and a mineral-organic mix, laying just above the permafrost) were incubated. Resulting respiration data were assimilated into a 3-pool model to derive decomposition kinetic parameters for fast, slow, and passive SOC pools. Bacterial, archaeal, and fungal taxa and microbial functional genes were profiled throughout the 3-year incubation. Correlation analyses and a Random Forest approach revealed associations between model parameters and microbial community profiles, taxa, and traits. There were more associations between the microbial community data and the SOC decomposition parameters of slow and passive SOC pools than those of the fast SOC pool. Also, microbial community profiles were better predictors of model parameters in deeper soils, which had higher mineral contents and relatively greater quantities of old SOC than in surface soils. Overall, our analyses revealed the functional potential of microbial communities to decompose tundra SOC through a suite of specialized genes and taxa. These results portray divergent strategies by which microbial communities access SOC pools across varying depths, lending mechanistic insights into the vulnerability of what is considered stable SOC in tundra regions.

Bioinspired mineralization is a powerful method for designing and preparing nanomaterials. In this work, we developed a bioinspired mineralization approach under freezing conditions and fabricated methyl cellulose (MC)/NaHCO3flake precursors with a sophisticated hierarchical structure. Based on this, amazing wing-like porous carbon sheets (WPCSs) assembled by numerous interconnected hollow carbon bubbles were obtained after carbonization and removal of inorganic crystals, which are seldom obtained by other artificial methods. Benefiting from their open framework, large surface area, and enlarged interlayer spacing of graphitized nanocrystallites, the obtained WPCSs exhibited an obvious boost in potassium storage performance. As an anode of potassium-ion batteries, they showed high reversible capacities of 347 mAh g–1at 50 mA g–1and 122 mAh g–1at 20 A g–1and relatively stable cyclability for 3000 cycles. The assembled WPCS//WPCS potassium-ion hybrid supercapacitor delivered a high energy density of 108 Wh kg–1at a power density of 280 W kg–1. Given the cost effectiveness and green process, the modified bioinspired mineralization under freezing conditions would provide a facile and green way for exploring porous carbons with controlled structures and rich multifunction.

• Bacterial richness declined but fungal richness increased under salinization.

ObjectivesAccumulated evidence implies that night shift work may trigger liver dysfunction. Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is suggested to be a necessary mediator in this process. This study aimed to examine the relationship between night shift work and elevated level of alanine transaminase (e-ALT) of workers and investigate the potential mediation effect of NAFL.MethodsThis study included all male workers from the baseline survey of a cohort of night shift workers. Information on demographics, lifestyle and lifetime working schedule was collected by face-to-face interview. Liver sonography was used to identify NAFL cases. Serum ALT level was detected by an automatic biochemical analyser. e-ALT was defined as ALT >40 U/L. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate ORs, and mediation analysis was employed to examine the mediation effect.ResultsAmong 4740 male workers, 39.5% were night shift workers. Night shift workers had an increased risk of e-ALT (OR, 1.19, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.42). With the increase in night shift years, the OR of e-ALT increased from 1.03 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.36) to 1.60 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.39) among workers without NAFL. A similar trend was not found among workers with NAFL. In addition, no significant mediation effect of NAFL in the association between night shift work and e-ALT was found.ConclusionsNight shift work is positively associated with abnormal liver function, in particular among workers without NAFL. Shift work involving circadian disruption is likely to exert a direct effect on liver dysfunction rather than rely on the mediation effect of NAFL.

ObjectivesExperimental studies suggested that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) through the mechanism of insulin resistance. All previous epidemiological studies of BPA and MetS were cross-sectional studies, and their findings were mixed. This study aims to provide further evidence on the association between urinary BPA and risk of MetS using a prospective cohort study in China.MethodsThe study population was from the Shenzhen Night shift workers’ cohort. A total of 1227 male workers were recruited from the baseline survey in 2013 and then followed until 2017. Modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to identify the cases of MetS. Urinary BPA concentration was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and it was categorised into three subgroups by tertiles to obtain the adjusted HR (aHR) and 95% CI using Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsDuring 4 years of follow-up, 200 subjects developed MetS. Compared with the lowest urinary BPA subgroup, a weakly increased risk of MetS was suggested among those with the middle (aHR=1.19, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.63) and high level of urinary BPA (aHR=1.16, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.59); however, the significant association with MetS was restricted primarily to the smokers, showing a positive gradient with urinary BPA (middle level: aHR=2.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.08; high level: aHR=2.87, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.98; p trend=0.010).ConclusionThis prospective cohort study provided further evidence that exposure to BPA may increase the risk of MetS, and this association was further positively modified by cigarette smoking.

Purpose: Companies work hard to reduce queue lengths due to the common belief that queues in general are undesirable. Extant literature mainly has focused on the negative consequences of queues and overlooked the potential positive effects. The purpose of this paper is to address the benefits of queues by examining how consumers of different segments may read into the lines (queues) as well as why and when positive effects occur. Design/methodology/approach: Applying and integrating psychology and marketing theories, the study develops a model with several propositions to identify and explain the mechanism and conditions under which queues have positive effects. Findings: Contrary to conventional belief, queues may serve as positive signs. In certain segments, consumers can perceive a queue as a reflection of superior service/product quality, an opportunity to fulfill the need(s) for self-uniqueness or social inclusion or an avenue to avoid social exclusion. In addition, the benefits of long queues may come from consumers’ joining a line to seek desirable outcomes/gains based on their attribution of the queue, and consumers’ prefactual thinking that regards “not joining” the queue as potential losses. Furthermore, the magnitude of such effects depends on queue distinctiveness, choice heterogeneity, consumption hedonism and performance uncertainty. Originality/value: This paper explains how, why and when a long queue can be read as positive cues and benefits both the firms and target/potential consumers. The authors demonstrate the psychological mechanisms of joining a queue based on attribution and prefactual thinking, and identify conditions under which positive queue effects are most likely to occur.