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P -type Bi 2-x Sb x Te 3 is one of the most mature and widely used thermoelectric (TE) materials. Enhancing its performance is important and has generated significant research attention, with studies ranging from chemical doping to various fabrication processes. In this work, we applied a method combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering to synthesize Cu-doped Bi 0.3 Sb 1.7 Te 3. By adjusting the doping amount of Cu, the electrical conductivity and power factor were improved with a reduced lattice thermal conductivity, leading to a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) up to 1.32 at 400 K. This high performance could be maintained even after the sintered sample was subjected to a 100 A electric current pulse (ECP) at 523 K for 30 min, despite some slight changes in the electrical transport properties. Interestingly, it was found that the ECP treatment induced grain refinement and nanoscale inhomogeneity that reduced the lattice thermal conductivity, which canceled the negative effect on the ZT that had been caused by the slight decline in power factor. This work validated the effectiveness of Cu-doping for Bi 2-x Sb x Te 3 , and it also demonstrated a facile method for the stability study of thermoelectric materials. The ECP treatment was adopted as a facile method to investigate the migration of Cu ions in Cu-doped p -type (Bi,Sb) 2 Te 3 , which can additionally induce grain refinement and nanoscale inhomogeneities. Image 1 (1) 0.05 at.% Cu doping leads to >20% ZT increase in powder-processed Bi 0.3 Sb 1.7 Te 3. (2) The Cu-doped (Bi,Sb) 2 Te 3 can maintain its enhanced performance even after being subjected to a high electric current pulse. (3) ECP treatment induced grain refinement and nanoscale inhomogeneities that reduced the lattice thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A monthly-scale pixel-based CCD model is developed. • The CCD between SAI and REE in Beijing is investigated. • Spatiotemporal distribution and changing trend of CCD are discussed in detail. • A schematic model on urban spatial dynamic CCD interactions is further built. Urbanization demands finer coordinated development of the urban human-earth relationship with high quality. Although a large number of studies have explored the long-term and large-scale coupling effect of urbanization and eco-environment, there is a lack of finer spatiotemporal method and assessment. Therefore, this paper proposes a monthly-scale pixel-based coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, aiming to explore the relationship between urban socioeconomic activity intensity (SAI) and regional eco-environment (REE) in Beijing during the period of January 2018 to May 2020 based on nighttime light data and MODIS images. The results show that the SAI in Beijing has shown a trend of increasing, and the overall REE was relatively stable during the investigated period. The CCD between SAI and REE in Beijing has been improving both spatially and quantitatively. Until May 2020, more than 50% of the human activity areas were in a state of high-level coordinated, and the mean CCD reached a basic-coordinated level. A schematic model is further built to explain the characteristics and process of coupling coordinated interactions between socioeconomic activity and eco-environment. The inner-annual micro-scale analysis and assessment provide theoretical support for fine-scale monitoring and high-quality urban development planning and policies from decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) are uncommon intrasellar lesions. Although their clinical manifestations, radiological features and treatment are frequently reported, controversy remains as a result of their rarity. We reviewed the preoperative clinical manifestations, neurological examination findings, visual acuity and fields, endocrinological function, radiographic study findings, surgical and pathological records, and prognosis of 45 patients with RCC (21 males, 24 females, average age: 47years) admitted to our department between January 2002 and January 2011. The most common clinical manifestations included headaches, and visual and hormonal disturbances. Most RCC were intrasellar with a suprasellar extension. The most common MRI patterns were hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images, isointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images, and hyperintense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Aspiration and biopsy of the cyst wall were performed in most patients. Most patients experienced improved headaches and visual disturbance, but the hormonal disturbance rarely returned to normal, especially in those patients with a serious preoperative hormonal disturbance. The recurrence rate was 14%, which was associated with the extent of cyst removal, inflammation and rim enhancement, as well as the surgical approach. Aspiration and biopsy of the cyst wall still seems to be an effective treatment for most RCC for its low morbidity and good prognosis. Conservative treatment and close follow-up may be suitable for small cysts with subtle clinical manifestations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bi 2 Te 3 -based materials have been widely used in thermoelectric conversion technologies. Thermoelectric modules are fabricated from Bi 2 Te 3 -based ingots, but utilization of recycled scraps produced during the machining of thermoelectric elements has attracted attention because of limited material resources. In this work, we proposed a strategy for reusing ingot scraps to produce practical high-performance thermoelectric materials via a spark plasma sintering process by adjusting the composition of the scraps. It was found that the SPS process with a transient liquid phase resulting from excess added Te enhanced the thermoelectric performance, and a appropriately long soaking time was needed for SPS to maximize this enhancement. A longer sintering time helped improve the electrical transport properties, while simultaneously reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. Eventually, the highest ZT value of 1.33 and maximum conversion efficiency of 4.2% were obtained in the sample sintered for 15 min. This work provides an effective strategy for recycling industrial scraps of Bi 2 Te 3 -based thermoelectric materials and demonstrates the importance of soaking time optimization when spark plasma sintering is used for re-processing. Liquid Te-assisted sintering effectively enhances the thermoelectric performance of Bi-Sb-Te materials based on the recycled commercial ingot scraps. The enhancement can be further maximized by appropriately prolonging the sintering time which leads to large grains and abundant dislocations. [Display omitted] • High TE performance Bi-Sb-Te materials can be obtained by reusing the ingot scraps via liquid-assisted sintering. • The enhancement of TE performance can be maximized by appropriately prolonging the sintering time. • The present long time sintering can boost the ZT value and conversion efficiency up to 1.33 and 4.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sellar aspergillus abscess is a rare fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS). A retrospective analysis of three patients with sellar aspergillus abscess was conducted from 2006 to 2008. Data were retrieved from patient records at our hospital. Clinical findings, pathological data and final outcomes were reviewed and analysed. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery with the operating microscope and histopathologic examination revealed aspergillosis in all cases. Postoperatively, all patients received medical treatment with voriconazole and caspofungin. During the 3-6-month follow-up period, the patients were symptom free with no recurrences. Therefore, sellar aspergillus abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of a sellar mass. Early and correct diagnosis via surgery can improve the prognosis. A combination of surgical resection and antifungal therapy has a good outcome. The importance of early treatment for sellar aspergillus abscesses is emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P -type polycrystalline Sn 1-v S compounds and Sn 0.985 S 1-x Se x solid solutions are prepared by combining mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Dislocations in the grains are successfully introduced through vacancy engineering in Sn 1-v S compounds. Point defects provide high–frequency phonons scattering from the Se substitution in Sn 0.985 S 1-x Se x , in addition to the strong scattering of mid–frequency phonons by dislocations. This leads to a low lattice thermal conductivity and an enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of ≈1.1 for the Sn 0.985 S 0.25 Se 0.75 at 823 K. The Ag dopant is selected to further enhance the electrical transport properties of the optimized composition. The power factor improved from 4.5 (Sn 0.985 S 0.25 Se 0.75) to ≈5.3 μW m−1 K−2 for Sn 0.978 Ag 0.007 S 0.25 Se 0.75 sample. Surprisingly, the Ag doping induced a nanostructured matrix with dispersed spherical coherent precipitates of AgSnSe 2 inside the grains, which further strengthens the scattering of phonons. The presence of AgSnSe 2 nanoscale precipitates inside the grains and dislocations–induced by Ag at the grain boundaries contributes to an impressively low lattice thermal conductivity (κ L). Consequently, the maximum ZT ≈1.75 at 823 K is achieved for the Sn 0.978 Ag 0.007 S 0.25 Se 0.75 sample. Sn vacancies and further Ag doping at the sites of Sn are introduced into the SnSe–Sn 1-v S matrix by a facile technique, leading to significant power factor (PF) improvement (5.3 μW cm−1 K−2) and the simultaneous reduction in thermal conductivity (≈0.250 W m−1 K−1). As a result, high ZT ≈1.75 at 823 K was achieved in Sn 0.978 Ag 0.007 S 0.25 Se 0.75 sample. Image 1 • Sn vacancy leads to a ZT of ≈1.1 at 823 K in Sn 0.985 S 0.25 Se 0.75 sample via improved S2σ and reduced κ T. • Upon Ag doping in the corresponding sample, ZT was further enhanced to a maximum value ≈1.75. • Nanoscale precipitates and dislocations were observed in the high- ZT Ag-doped samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study calculated deceleration and acceleration on combined alignments. • Deceleration and acceleration values were measured and were classified as deceleration , near-cruising and acceleration. • A random parameter multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the impact of combined alignments and their adjacent segments on deceleration and acceleration. • The design characteristics of adjacent following segments have significant effects on deceleration and acceleration. Excessive longitudinal deceleration and acceleration reduce driving comfort and increase safety risk. There is a dearth of research, however, on how geometric design characteristics, especially complex alignments and their adjacent segments, affect deceleration and acceleration. The Tongji University driving simulator was used to collect vehicle operation data. Deceleration and acceleration values were measured and classified as deceleration , near-cruising and acceleration. A random parameter multinomial logistic regression model was used to reflect the relationships between drivers' deceleration and acceleration and the geometric alignments of a mountainous freeway. Vehicle speed was treated as a random slope parameter to account for the heterogeneity among subjects. Model results showed deceleration and acceleration were significantly influenced by the fixed effects of maximum curvature in the following 50 m, difference between maximum and minimum slope in the preceding 100 m, maximum slope change in the following 400 m, and maximum curvature in the preceding 50 m. These findings can assist in developing safer design and evaluation standards for mountainous freeways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wi-Fi-based gesture recognition represents an emerging paradigm of human–computer interaction. While deep learning-based and model-based solutions are crucial for improving accuracy and generalization performance, they often depend heavily on extensive datasets and the widespread deployment of sensing devices. In this paper, we address the challenge involving limited sensing data and devices. We propose a signal-based gesture recognition method that leverages gesture coding based on stroke trajectory and feature representation based on dynamic phase changes. Specifically, we develop an endpoint detection algorithm to ensure precise gesture recognition. Additionally, a subcarrier selection algorithm is designed to select optimal subcarriers, capturing comprehensive gesture information. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance. Results demonstrate an average accuracy of 93.67% for six gestures. This approach effectively mitigates the impact of location and environment factors on gesture characteristics, and reduces dependence on large quantity of samples and transceiver devices, obviating the need for model training. • An endpoint detection method is proposed to accurately extract the gesture information. • A subcarrier selection algorithm is proposed to select the subcarriers carrying a higher proportion of gesture-related information while being less susceptible to noise interference. • A gesture coding-based recognition method that leverages the stroke trajectory and unique feature representation is presented. This approach eliminates the need for model training and mitigates the dependence on quantity of samples and sensing devices. • Improve generalization performance of Wi-Fi-based gesture recognition system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Shanxi Province, China, groundwater is a major problem and exploration of groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) is a great necessity. This paper contributed to integrate RS-GIS to delineate GWPZ and applied Fuzzy-AHP method in a single platform. The main objective includes delineation GWPZs with RS and geo-environmental factors using Fuzzy-AHP method. Fuzzy-AHP method was employed to calculate weight of factors. RS-GIS was used to create maps and discover groundwater availability. GWPZs were classified in five separate classes. Results indicated that 13.26%, 27.02%, 26.35%, 23.64%, and 9.71% area classified as very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor GWPZs. The validated analytical results revealed 82.5%, 12.3%, 3.5%, and 1.7% existing water wells exhibited in very good, good, moderate, and poor/very poor GWPZs. This indicates Fuzzy-AHP model generated findings were in very good agreement with ground-truth data. This RS-GIS based Fuzzy-AHP method is proficient and efficient in identification and delineation of GWPZs. Image 1 • Groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in semi-arid area delineated with RS-GIS. • Seven geo-environmental factors are used for GWPZ. • RS-GIS for GWPZ and Fuzzy-AHP model are used in a single platform. • Fuzzy-AHP method was employed to calculate the weight of the factors. • GWPZs are classified as very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor GWPZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for electricity, more and more fossil fuels are used to generate electricity which leads to energy shortage and environmental pollution. Therefore, using Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and developing sustainable smart grid have become a common global priority: Since RESs, like solar and wind energy, are inherently unstable, hydrogen energy, as a completely clean new energy, has received widespread attention: I-Energy, which combines information and energy, is a new research direction in smart grid. Furthermore, the household electricity usage accounts for 41% of the total power consumption. Therefore, Household Intelligent Electricity System (HIES), combining hydrogen energy and i-Energy, becomes smart solutions. In this paper, we review the scientific literature for hydrogen energy and i-Energy on HIES, including recognition of electricity appliances, establishment of power consumption model, human activity analysis, smart interactive terminal, home energy management system, distributed power supply and district coordinated power utilization. Finally, we summarize the challenges and give the solutions concerning HIES, and this work can give a useful reference to new energy used model and environment protection. • A new application of Hydrogen Energy on Household Intelligent Electricity System (HIES). • A comprehensive overview of Hydrogen Energy and I-energy on HIES. • Combining internet with traditional electricity to analyses I-energy on HIES. • Summarizing the challenges and corresponding solutions concerning HIES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distribution of soil salinization was obtained from RS images and soil sample. • Dynamics of soil salinization and landscape patterns were studied during 2005–2014. • Land conversion has a direct impact on the changes of soil salinization. • The increase in soil salinization is mainly attributed to the expanding cultivated land. Soil salinization has been a topic due to the widespread recognition of the food crisis and the shortage of cultivated land resources in arid regions. Unfortunately, the evolution of soil salinization under the background of landscape dynamics is rarely addressed due to the lack of spatial coupling techniques. Recent developments in soil science and remote sensing technology provide the possibility for accurate management of land resources. This study aims to explore the spatiotemporal variations of soil salinization by coupling the spatial distribution of soil salinization and landscape patterns in the irrigated northern slopes of Tianshan Mountains. We graded soil salinization levels based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The results indicated that the proportion of salinized cultivated land in 2014 (32.11%) was higher than that in 2005 (28.11%). We argue that simply quantifying the changes of soil salinization can neither accurately reflect the effectiveness of salinized cultivated land management nor meet the need for land resource planning. In response to these shortcomings, the evolution of soil salinization was explored in three categories, i.e., "stable cultivated land", "increased cultivated land", and "decreased cultivated land". We found that the proportion of soil salinization in stable cultivated land has dropped considerably from 38.11% in 2005 to 29.22% in 2014. This number in the increased cultivated land (59.11%) is much higher than that of the whole study area. These results are expected to benefit local authorities and assist in alleviating the food crisis in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection caused by Fasciola hepatica. Human beings can be infected accidentally by an ingestion of the metacercariae; and the parasite exists almost persistently in the bile ducts, but rarely in other organs. We report an interesting case of ectopic fascioliasis in both the brain and the right eye of a school-aged boy, which was associated with 2 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. To our knowledge, no case report such as this has been found in the medical literature. Case Description: After an ingestion of Potamon denticulata (a fresh crab) for 4 months, a 10-year-old boy presented with neurologic manifestations caused by 5 episodes of intracranial hemorrhages and hematomas. The boy simultaneously suffered repeated affliction in the right eye accompanied by headache, vomiting, ophthalmalgia, exophthalmos, and abducens nerve palsy. Digital subtraction angiography revealed 2 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The definitive diagnosis of this case had been confirmed by an observation of the parasite moving out of the patient''s swelling conjunctiva and by the results of the laboratory tests. The patient was treated with praziquantel and completely recovered. The 2 aneurysms were not surgically treated but underwent a long-term follow-up. The follow-up DSA revealed that one aneurysm disappeared but the other remained unchanged. Conclusions: Multiple brain hemorrhages and hematomas can be associated with ectopic fascioliasis in brain and eyes. An intracranial infection occasionally caused by F hepatica or other parasites can be indicated by a fever of unknown origin, eosinophilia, and iterative intracranial hemorrhages. Ingestion of P denticulata may be an uncommon transmission route of fascioliasis. Fascioliasis can be successfully treated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Intramedullary spinal tuberculoma is a rare form of central nervous system tuberculosis. This article describes the successful management of intramedullary spinal tuberculoma in 3 patients who received treatment between 2000 and 2003. Case Description: The character of 3 cases was analyzed retrospectively, including clinical manifestation and magnetic resonance imaging findings. All masses were excised totally under microscope. Histopathologic examination revealed tuberculoma. Postoperatively, all patients received a 6 to 9 month course of ATT. The outcome was favorable. Conclusions: The intramedullary spinal tuberculoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the spinal cord compression in patients with a history of tuberculosis. When confronted with a progressing neurologic deficit and poor response to ATT, surgical intervention should be considered. The optimal treatment is a combination of microsurgical resection and ATT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]