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Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is common complication in septic patients with a high mortality and is characterized by an abnormal inflammation response, which was precisely regulated by endogenous specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). However, the metabolic changes of cardiac SPMs during SICM and the roles of SPMs subset in the development of SICM remain unknown. In this work, the SPMs concentration was assessed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) of SICM mice and SICM patients. The cardiac function was measured by echocardiography after the treatment of a SPMs subset, termed Resolvin D2 (RvD2). Caspase-11−/−, GSDMD−/− and double deficient (Caspase-11−/−GSDMD−/−) mice were used to clarify the mechanisms of RvD2 in SICM. We found that endogenous cardiac SPMs were disorders and RvD2 was decreased significantly and correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and β-BNP, cTnT in Lipopolysaccharide/Cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) induced SICM models. Treatment with RvD2 attenuated lethality, cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyocytes death during SICM. Mechanistically, RvD2 alleviated SICM via inhibiting Caspase-11/GSDMD-mediated cardiomyocytes pyroptosis. Finally, the plasma levels of RvD2 were also decreased and significantly correlated with IL-1β, β-BNP, cTnT and LVEF in patients with SICM. Of note, plasma RvD2 level is indicator of SICM patients from healthy controls or sepsis patients. These findings suggest that decreased cardiac RvD2 may involve in the pathogenesis of SICM. In addition, treatment with RvD2 represents a novel therapeutic strategy for SICM by inhibiting cardiomyocytes pyroptosis. [Display omitted] • Endogenous cardiac RvD2 was decreased and correlated with cardiac function in SICM. • Resolvin D2 ameliorates SICM via inhibiting Caspase-11/GSDMD dependent pyroptosis. • Plasma RvD2 level is indicator of SICM from healthy controls or sepsis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is reported that indium-coated SiC buffer layer can be directly transferred into graphene layer during low temperature annealing, forming as indium-intercalated graphene (InG). Atomic structures of InG as well as transformation mechanism are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). InG on top of one-layered intercalated indium (called O-InG) exhibits Moiré patterns with period of 3.2 nm, and the atomic arrangement of indium atoms is detected. While, no Moiré patterns are observed on InG intercalated by two-layer of indium atoms (called T-InG). Both the two InG regions bind perfectly with the already existing epitaxial graphene (EG), exhibiting as an unbroken sheet of quasi-free-standing graphene layer. This finding provides a simple strategy and benefits to industrial fabrication of large-scale InG with regular SiC steps. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solutions of 3D thermal analysis in inhomogeneous media with variable thermal source are divided into homogeneous and particular solutions by a novel boundary-type element-free method, namely virtual boundary element-free Galerkin method (VBEFGM). The homogeneous solution can be obtained by the virtual boundary element-free method (VBEFM). The virtual source function of the homogeneous solution and the unknown coefficient of the particular solution are constructed by the radial basis function interpolation (RBFI). And VBEFGM for 3D thermal analysis in inhomogeneous media with variable thermal source is real meshfree and does not require the background integral element. Its equation is obtained the Galerkin method of the weighted residual methods. The demonstration of ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL) can greatly facilitate the programming for the extraction of the coordinate information and the outer normal cosines on nodes. The calculation scheme and the specific weighted coefficients are deducted in detail for 3D thermal analysis in inhomogeneous media with variable thermal source by VBEFGM. The numerical calculational steps and flow chart are given. Three numerical examples are computed. The results are compared with other numerical methods and the exact solutions. The stability and the accuracy of the proposed method is proved by VBEFGM for 3D thermal analysis in inhomogeneous media with variable thermal source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we have identified a novel matrix protein, named PfX, from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucada , and investigated the effects of recombinant PfX protein on calcium carbonate crystallization. The expression of PfX was spatially concentrated in the mantle tissue and gill, the former of which is responsible for the formation of shell structures. The shell notching assay showed a PfX expression response during injured shell repair and regeneration, suggesting the potential involvement of this matrix protein in shell biomineralization. Further, an in vitro crystallization assay showed that PfX could alter the CaCO 3 morphologies of both calcite and aragonite polymorphs. Correspondingly, a binding assay indicated that PfX has strong binding affinity for CaCO 3 crystals, especially aragonite. Further, the protein's calcite binding capacity increased obviously when particular crystal faces were induced. In addition, PfX conjugated with fluorescent dye cyanine-5 (cy5) was preferentially distributed on rough crystal faces instead of the smooth and common (1 0 4) faces of calcite during the crystallization. These results suggest that matrix protein PfX might regulate CaCO 3 morphology via selective binding and inhibit the growth of certain crystal faces, providing new clues for understanding biomineralization mechanisms in mollusk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on experimental and theoretical results, we find that the high-index (2 2 1) facets and the low-coordinated edge sites of gold nanoparticles are more favorable for the reduction of CO 2 to CO by comparing the performance of Au colloids with Au trisoctahedron of different sizes. Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 into fuels is a promising means to solve greenhouse effect and recycle chemical energy. However, the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is limited by the high overpotential, slow kinetics and the accompanied side reaction of hydrogen evolution reaction. Au nanocatalysts exhibit high activity and selectivity toward the reduction of CO 2 into CO. Here, we explore the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO 2 RR catalyzed by 50 nm gold colloid and trisoctahedron. It is found that the maximum FE for CO formation on Au trisoctahedron reaches 88.80% at −0.6 V, which is 1.5 times as high as that on Au colloids (59.04% at −0.7 V). The particle-size effect of Au trisoctahedron has also been investigated, showing that the FE for CO decreases almost linearly to 62.13% when the particle diameter increases to 100 nm. The X-ray diffraction characterizations together with the computational hydrogen electrode (CHE) analyses reveal that the (2 2 1) facets on Au trisoctahedron are more feasible than the (1 1 1) facets on Au colloids in stabilizing the critical intermediate COOH*, which are responsible for the higher FE and lower overpotential observed on Au trisoctahedron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulates the initiation and progression of osteosarcoma (OS), specifically lncRNA RP11-361F15.2 has been shown to play prominent roles in tumorigenesis. Previously, M2-Like polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has been identified to play a key role in cancer migration/invasion. Hence, it is essential to understand the role of RP11-361F15.2 in tumorigenesis and its association with M2-Like polarization of TAMs. The results indicate that RP11-361F15.2 is significantly increased in OS tissues, and its expression is positively correlated with cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) expression and negatively associated with miR-30c-5p expression. Further, overexpression of RP11-361F15.2 increased OS cell migration/invasion and M2-Like polarization of TAMs in vitro, as well as promoted xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, luciferase reporter assays indicated that RP11-361F15.2 upregulated CPEB4 expression by competitively binding to miR-30c-5p. Further, we have identified that RP11-361F15.2 promotes CPEB4-mediated tumorigenesis and M2-Like polarization of TAMs through miR-30c-5p in OS. We also identified that RP11-361F15.2 acts as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) against miR-30c-5p thereby binding and activating CPEB4. This RP11-361F15.2/miR-30c-5p/CPEB4 loop could be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comprehensive comparative empirical analysis on the container shipping network. • Supported by extensive datasets, incorporates the latest development on river basin. • Combine descriptive and explanatory analysis from interdisciplinary approaches. • A large diversity exists in how inland port systems development. The formation of barge networks on rivers and associated inland port systems is subject to a complex set of influencing factors and mechanisms. This paper aims to present a comprehensive comparative empirical analysis focusing on the container shipping (barge) network in the Yangtze and the Rhine. This analysis is supported by extensive datasets on both river basins, incorporates the latest development on both rivers and is grounded on concepts and methods coming from transport geography and economic geography. We find that a large diversity might exist in how inland port systems and related gateway seaports are dealing with cargo flows and supply chains. In view of explaining this diversity, we make a distinction between geographical/nautical aspects, macro-economic factors and institutional/governance factors. In particular, we discuss the role of institutional and governance factors in barge network development by using the concepts of selection, retention and variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antireflective coating made by TiO 2 nanocone array is designed on an ultrathin multilayer GaAs substrate (the thickness of GaAs is 300 nm). The intrinsic light trapping, carrier recombination and photoconversion are simulated by a complete photoelectric simulation. The results show that the optimized light trapping design can enhance the electromagnetic resonance in active layer and lead to an extraordinary enhancement of both absorption and power conversion capabilities in GaAs solar cell. The short-circuit current density increases by 51.12%, from 12.01 mA/cm2 to 18.15 mA/cm2 and power conversion efficiency increases by 52.83%, from 11.00% to 16.81% compared to the reference benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many regions including China have witnessed fast growth of dry ports. Unlike in the other regions of the world, the amount of cargos handled by most dry ports in China is not in compliance with the significant amount of resources invested, but the reasons behind have not been discussed before. After a brief review on the development pattern of Chinese dry ports, certain dry port functions like customs clearance and rail connection, dry port ownership structure, and inter-competition among dry ports are identified as the unique factors which distinguish Chinese dry ports from others and affect their performance. We investigate the relationship between these factors and the efficiency of Chinese dry ports with a two-stage approach based on a panel data collected from eight dry ports affiliated to the port of Ningbo, China, covering the 2011–2016 period. In the first stage, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to measure these dry ports' technical efficiency. In the second stage, Tobit regression analysis is applied to explore the relationship between efficiency and the above mentioned factors. Several insightful findings are observed, further leading to useful managerial insights. • The unique features in development of Chinese dry ports are discussed. • Impacts of these features on dry ports' efficiency are empirically examined. • Provision of customs service implies low efficiency at dry ports. • Seaport's ownership may not be beneficial to dry ports and local economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InGaN/GaN micro-crystals (μ-crystals) are self-contained and individually-addressable light emitting crystals that have unique potential in the development of ultra-small and ultra-high resolution pixels for next-generation displays. In this study, we explore the electrically-driven light emission behavior of vertically standing InGaN/GaN micro-crystals (μ-crystals) with well-defined crystal facets and tunable size. InGaN/GaN μ-crystals have hollow pedestals weakly bound to the substrate surface, thus enabling individual manipulation and/or collective transfer to other target surfaces. Cyclic bending tests and finite element analysis (FEA) of the strain distribution further highlight the excellent mechanical deformability of a device layout consisting of μ-crystal pixels embedded in a polymeric matrix. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with individual InGaN/GaN μ-crystals exhibit strong electroluminescence (EL) with unique features such as variations in emission spectra with respect to crystal diameter and driving voltage bias. Comparative analyses of photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence, and electric potential simulation indicate a strong correlation between the EL wavelengths and dominant emitting regions of InGaN/GaN polyhedral crystal planes. This is further supported by scanning transmission electron microscopy of quantum well structures, which strongly depend on both size and the crystal facets. • Self-contained InGaN/GaN MQW micro-crystal arrays are employed as light emitting pixels on a deformable substrate. • The μ-crystal LEDs exhibit a variation of emission spectra with respect to the crystal diameter and driving voltage bias. • Optoelectrical and structural analysis of InGaN/GaN μ-crystal LEDs reveals the multicolor emission mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious public health issue in many countries; however, its transmissibility in county-level outbreaks remains unclear. The aim of this study is to estimate the transmissibility of HFMD epidemics on both city level and county level, for a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of HFMD epidemics. Simulation based on data obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The weekly number of reported HFMD cases from April 2009 to December 2017 in nine regions of Changsha City was collected. A susceptible-infectious-recovered model was used to estimate the transmissibility of HFMD. The reproduction number of reported cases during the ascending (denoted as R asc) and descending (denoted as R des) period was used to describe the transmissibility of HFMD. The R asc and R des for HFMD in Changsha was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 1.41–1.48) and 0.71 (95% CI : 0.69–0.73), respectively. There was no statistical significance of R asc values among nine regions (F = 1.056, P = 0.396), nor of R des values among nine regions (F = 1.676, P = 0.106). The average R asc (1.53, 95% CI : 1.46–1.61) from 2009 to 2012 was higher than the one (1.37, 95% CI : 1.34–1.40) from 2013 to 2017 (t = 3.974, P < 0.001), but the average R des (0.67, 95% CI : 0.63–0.70) from 2009 to 2012 was lower than the one (0.74, 95% CI : 0.73–0.76) from 2013 to 2017 (t = −3.751, P < 0.001). The epidemic of HFMD in Changsha City is still grim, and integrated strategies should be taken for controlling and preventing HFMD. • The reproduction number during the ascending period of hand, foot, and mouth disease was 1.44. • The transmissibility of the disease was similar among nine regions of Changsha City. • The transmissibility of the disease from 2013 to 2017 was different from the one from 2009 to 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TEM image of Au-In 2 O 3 -co-decorated WS2 NSs; Selectivity pattern of Au-IN 2 O 3 -co-decorated WS 2 gas sensor to various gases under fixed 6.2 V applied voltage to 50 ppm. [Display omitted] • Co-decoration of Au and In 2 O 3 NPs on WS 2 nanosheets. • CO gas sensing at different applied voltages in self-heating mode. • Co-decorated gas sensor showed a response of 3.24 to 50 ppm CO gas at 6.2 V. • Explanation of the underlying sensing mechanism. Two-dimensional materials such as WS 2 nanosheets (NSs) have unique merits such as high surface area, good conductivity at low temperatures and good chemo-physical stability. In this study, we co-decorated In 2 O 3 and Au NPs on WS 2 NSs for CO gas sensing studies. The fabricated sensors were used in self-heating mode of operation at 25 °C, which can significantly decrease the power consumption. It was found that co-decorated gas sensor not only operates at a lower applied voltage, but also exhibits a higher sensing performance (sensitivity and selectivity), relative to bare WS 2 NSs. On one hand, generation of In 2 O 3 -WS 2 heterojunctions acted as notable sources of the resistance modulation and on the other hand, Au with its catalytic effect, significantly enhanced the dissociation of oxygen molecules and also offers many favorable adsorption sites for CO molecules. Therefore, we believe that co-decoration of WS 2 is a reliable strategy to enhanced the sensing features in self-heating mode, which is highly demanded for devices with reduced power consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mechanical properties of the bolt connection of a newly engineered bamboo – LFB were investigated by experiment study and finite element simulation. • Based on Johansen's yield theory, a theoretical calculation equation for the bolted LFB connection's bearing capacity was proposed. • A theoretical calculation equation for the load-slip relation of the bolted LFB connection was proposed. This paper investigated the mechanical performance of the bolted steel-laminated-flattened-bamboo (LFB)-steel connection under compression parallel to grain using experimental and finite element (FEM) methods, focusing on the bolt diameter and the thickness of the main member. Results showed that increasing the bolt diameter significantly enhanced the connection's bearing capacity and initial stiffness. However, the strength of the connection no longer increased when the main member's thickness exceeded 75 mm. Two ductile failure types were identified for the bolted steel-LFB-steel connection: bearing failure of the main member beneath the bolt and bending yield failure of the bolt. Based on Johansen's yield theory, a theoretical calculation equation for the connection's bearing capacity was proposed considering the transition of connection behaviour and the development of friction force between the main member and steel plate surface. A theoretical calculation equation for the load-slip curve of the bolted connection was proposed, assuming the strain of the LFB material beneath the bolt was linearly distributed, which could predict the behaviour in the elastic and yielding stage of the load-slip curve. Finally, another multilinear model for the load-slip curve was proposed based on the proposed theoretical equation and test results, which could better demonstrate the strengthening stage of the load-slip behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bulrush (BR) was effectively treated at 100 ℃ for 1 h (severity factor LogR o = 1.8). • NaOH-ChCl:Gly could remove lignin (80.1%) and xylan (66.8%) in BR. • The accessibility was greatly increased to 0.6 g/g BR via NaOH-ChCl:Gly treatment. • Treated BR had low hydrophobicity (1.56 L/g) and lignin surface area (417 m2/g). • The enzymatic digestibility of cellulose reached 87.9% after NaOH-ChCl:Gly treatment. Glycerol (Gly) was selected as hydrogen-bond-donor for preparing ChCl-based DES (ChCl:Gly), and the mixture of ChCl:Gly (20 wt%) and NaOH (4 wt%) was utilized for combination pretreatment of bulrush at 100 °C for 60 min (severity factor LogR o = 1.78). The effects of DES pretreatment on the chemical composition, microstructure, crystal structure, and cellulase hydrolysis were explored. NaOH-ChCl:Gly could remove lignin (80.1%) and xylan (66.8%), and the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose reached 87.9%. The accessibility of bulrush was apparently increased to 645.2 mg/g after NaOH-ChCl:Gly pretreatment. The hydrophobicity and lignin surface area were reduced to 1.56 L/g and 417 m2/g, respectively. The crystallinity of cellulose was increased from 20.8% to 55.6%, and great changes in surface morphology were observed, which explained the improvement of enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. Overall, DES combined with alkali treatment could effectively promote the removal of lignin and xylan in bulrush, thus the relative saccharification activity was greatly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An NDI-based compound (2-NDI) with 2-butyric acid attached at imide N atoms was intelligently constructed. 2-NDI exhibits 2-NDI − monomer (low concentration) and 2-NDI − excimer (high concentration) emission state in different solvents after 365 nm illumination, forming multi-color radical fluorescence. It shows dynamic free radical emission in DMF solvent with rare white light emission. Theoretical calculations show that the fluorescence is derived from the D n -D 0 vertical emission of 2-NDI − monomer and 2-NDI − excimer. Finally, 2-NDI is made into PMMA film, which is successfully applied to information anti-counterfeiting and dynamic information encryption systems. [Display omitted] • 2-NDI was synthesized and showed different free radical emission colors in different solvents. • The dynamic fluorescence of 2-NDI in DMF solution changed with the irradiation time. • 2-NDI shows different free radical fluorescence emission types at different concentrations. • DFT shows that the free radical fluorescence is the vertical emission of D n -D 0. • 2-NDI PMMA film can be used for dynamic information encryption and anti-counterfeiting. Developing innovative materials with environmentally stable 1,4,5,8-Naphthalene diimide radicals (NDI −) emissions is significant. In this work, we have successfully constructed an NDI-based material 2-NDI (N, N′-bis(2-butyric acid)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide) that emits strong fluorescence in solvents and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) upon irradiation. The radical 2-NDI − exhibits multi-color emission in different solvent systems, and the fluorescence emission is concentration-dependent. It is worth noting that it exhibits a rare dynamic fluorescence in DMF solvent, with the fluorescence color changing from yellow-green to orange and finally to white. Theoretical calculations show that the fluorescence is derived from the D n -D 0 vertical emission of 2-NDI − monomer and excimer. Owing to the outstanding free radical fluorescence emission properties, various films (PMMA systems) based on 2-NDI in different solvents have been successfully made to be applied in multiple dynamic information anti-counterfeiting and encryption. This work achieved simple and stable fluorescence emission based on NDI −, making it a potential candidate for practical applications and providing a new platform for the future design of NDI-based photochromic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The theoretical relationship between the vehicle load and vehicle-induced cable force sums (VICFS) is derived through mechanical analysis and the specific expression is given for the first time. • An anomaly-sensitive warning index that directly reflects the service performance of stay cables is established based on the derived theoretical relationship and the detailed calculation procedures are given in this paper. • A new anomaly diagnosis method for stay cables is proposed by combining the established warning index with the X-bar control chart to solve the complex analysis problems caused by the transverse position of the vehicle on the bridge deck. • A new cable force decoupling method based on local generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution is presented to eliminate temperature trends from the raw data and obtain VICFS dataset. • The numerical simulations and an engineering application to an in-service cable-stayed bridge are carried out to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Stay cables are one of the most critical load-carrying components for cable-stayed bridges. Cable damage or performance degradation can affect the normal operation of bridges. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the service performance of cables in real time to ensure bridge safety. In this paper, an anomaly diagnosis method for stay cables based on vehicle-induced cable force sums (VICFS) of cable pairs (defined as two symmetric cables upstream and downstream) is proposed. First, the theoretical relationship between the vehicle load and VICFS was derived through mechanical analysis. Second, a new anomaly-sensitive warning index was established based on the above derivation, and the anomaly diagnosis for stay cables was achieved by combining it with the X-bar control chart. Then, according to finite element simulation, the variations in VICFS in different cases were analyzed to verify the rationality of the theoretical derivation and the established warning index. Finally, an engineering application to an in-service cable-stayed bridge was carried out to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the anomaly diagnosis method. The results show that the proposed method can accurately detect and locate damaged cables, which can be successfully applied to monitor the long-term performance of stay cables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder which is common and endangers human physical and mental health. Studies have shown that hesperidin could improve the symptoms of depression with unclear mechanisms. In this study, hesperidin was administered to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depressed mice before behavioral test, network pharmacology analysis, RNA expression microarray analysis, pathway validation and molecular docking experiments. we found that hesperidin intervention could significantly improve the depressive symptoms and downregulate the expression level of pyroptosis pathway including caspase 1 (Casp1), interleukin 18 (IL18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3). In addition, we found that hesperidin could possibly bind to NLRP3. Our study demonstrated that hesperidin had huge potential as anti-depressive neuroprotectant, and may play a role in treating MDD by regulating NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preferential use of a scalpel (SCT) or puncture techniques (PCT) for cricothyrotomy remains a controversial topic. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing puncture cricothyrotomy with scalpel cricothyrotomy using overall success rate, first-time success rate, and time taken to perform the procedure as the primary outcome together with complications as a secondary outcome. Pubmed databases, EMBASE databases, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from 1980 to October 2022. A total of 32 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. It also showed that PCT was close to SCT in terms of overall success rate (82.2% vs. 82.6%, Odd Ratios OR = 0.91, [95%CI: 0.52–1.58], p = 0.74) as well as first-performance success rate (62.9% vs. 65.3%, OR = 0.52, [0.22–1.25], p = 0.15). PCT does not compare favorably with SCT in terms of required time for the procedure (the mean time required for PCT versus SCT incision in the intervention groups was 0.34 standard deviations higher (Mean Difference MD = 17.12, [3.37–30.87], p = 0.01) as well as complications (21.4% vs. 15.1%, Relative Risk RR = 1.49, [0.80–2.77], p = 0.21). The results show that SCT has an advantage over PCT in terms of time required for the procedure, while there is no difference in overall success rate, first-time success rate after training, and complications. The superiority of SCT may be the result of fewer and more reliable procedural steps. However, the level of evidence is low (GRADE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop a novel data-driven framework for port-skipping identification. • Empirically explore decision preferences of shipping lines for port-skipping. • Reveal various strategic decisions of different shipping lines to heal service disruptions. • The proposed methodology can be cross-applied to identify other disruption recovery behaviors. Service disruption hurts the reliability of liner shipping schedules and the lack of high-quality data impedes research on schedule recovery in liner shipping. With the support of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a satellite-based tracking system acquiring real-time records of vessels' navigation trajectories worldwide, this study develops a novel data-driven framework to uncover the vessel schedule disruption recovery behavior (i.e., port-skipping). The framework consists of a series of independent yet closely related algorithms, which are in turn tasked with screening port calls, estimating closed-loop routes, measuring similarity between different routes, and identifying port-skipping behavior, respectively. Compared with partial proprietary data from the shipping industry and port authorities, the identification results can provide transparent datasets with wide applications and much easier access publicly. The developed data-driven framework is implemented with vessel trajectory information of around 2,000 container vessels worldwide from January 2016 to December 2020, and the results prove its validity and practical value for liner shipping scheduling management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase mixing and equilibrium process plays a crucial role in the energy cycle and fuel process of supercritical fluids. This study focuses on the dynamic phase mixing during equilibrium process. The transient high-precision measurement of the density field during the phase mixing and equilibrium process is realized by the phase-shifting interferometer based on the pixelated-array masked method. The slow density equilibrium between four typical phase transition routes is captured and quantified with the visualization images and local parameters. The interface spreading rate during the equilibrium between liquid and supercritical is at a rather high level as 0.82 mm/s on average. This phenomenon is controlled by mixing and diffusion, which are faster process than evaporation. Nevertheless, equilibrium can be retarded even in a supercritical environment during the phase mixing between liquid-like and gas-like crossing the pseudo-critical line (average value of interface spreading rate as 0.45 mm/s), where there is a significant density gradient that generates a "solid wall" (buffer layer) effect. • Transient high-precision measurement of the density field phase mixing and equilibrium process realized. • Density equilibrium between four typical routes is captured and analyzed quantatively with local parameters. • The interface spreading rate during the equilibrium between liquid and supercritical is at a rather high level. • Equilibrium can be retarded in supercritical environment between liquid-like and gas-like crossing the pseudo-critical line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Mn K - and L -edges, and at O K -edge, combined with the x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements are performed to study the electron structure of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1-x Sc x O 3 (x = 0.0; 0.03, and 0.05) perovskites. Substitution of manganese by scandium decreases Curie temperature, T c, and increases lattice parameters because of the different electron configuration and radii of trivalent manganese and scandium ions. The T c decrease is explained by the change of level of hybridization of O 2 p and Mn 3 d states. This is manifested by the parallel shift of O K -edge, change of intensity of 2 p 3/2 and 2 p 1/2 spectrum lines and T C with x increase. Fourier transform of the EXAFS spectra shows a change of local crystal structure caused by the larger Sc3+ than the Mn3+ ions. • Electron structure of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1-x Sc x O 3 manganites is studied. • Change of electron hybridization of Mn 3 d and O 2 p states is observed. • Change of Mn L -edge spectra intensity and T C is parallel with x. • Shift of O K -edge and T C is parallel with x. • Fourier transform of EXAFS spectra shows a change of local crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human errors are one of the most significant contributory factors in ship accidents. This study aims to explore the quantitative relationship between the occurrence likelihood of human errors and external factors including the environmental characteristics, accident characteristics and ship characteristics. A multinomial logistic regression model has been developed to reflect the relationship between these factors and the occurrence likelihood of human errors using 14 years' ship accident records from Fujian water areas. Model results show that the season of spring, poor visibility and night are more likely to be associated with high occurrence likelihood of negligence and judgment/operation errors. One important finding is that mooring and no strong-wind condition are two circumstances that would highly increase occurrence likelihood of all kinds of human errors. Fishing boats and engineering ships/sand dredgers are the primary ship types which have relatively higher occurrence likelihood of negligence errors than other ship types. • This study explores the quantitative relationship between the occurrence likelihood of human errors and external factors. • A multinomial logistic regression model is developed to reflect the relationship using 14 years' ship accident records. • Negligence and judgment/operation errors are more likely to be associated with season of spring, poor visibility and night. • Mooring and no strong-wind condition will highly increase occurrence likelihood of all kinds of human errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaption to adverse environments plays an important role in bacterial survival and is receiving increasing globe attention now. Here, cultivable chlorine-injured Pseudomonas aeruginosa , produced on the chlorination process, was investigated about their resistance to antibiotics. Then, global transcriptional analyses, quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation and antioxidant enzymes measurement were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that chlorine injury enhanced antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa and cultivable chlorine-injured P. aeruginosa exposed to 4 mg/L sodium hypochlorite (half of the lethal dose) improved antibiotic resistance against ceftazidime, chloramphenicol and ampicillin by 1.4–5.6 fold. This increase in antibiotic resistance was not hereditable and over expression of the MexEF-OprN efflux pump resulting from oxidative stress contributed to it. These results demonstrate temporal physiological persistence to antibiotics in cultivable chlorine-injured pathogens, suggesting their survival from adverse environments with antibiotic exposure and thereby posing lasting hazards to human health. Image 1 • Chlorine-injury increased antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa. • The mechanism of resistance was overexpression of MexEF-OprN. • This process may increase survival of pathogens in the water treatment system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As traditional energy is depleting, it is urgent to search for substitutes of traditional energy. Therefore, policies promoting the development of renewable energy are introduced. Under the condition of non-capital constraints, the green-credit policy and the production subsidy about renewable energy enterprises are compared. The results show that changes of market interest rate provide different implications for regulators to choose between the two policies. Under the condition of capital constraints, it is found that the green-credit policy has positive effect on renewable energy enterprises, and the effect enlarges when the difference between green rates and market interest rate becomes wider. With the increase of carbon tax and the negative externality of traditional energies, the capital flows into renewable energy enterprises. This article provides support for the development of renewable energy and its policies based on the comparison of the two policies. According to the results of this study, it is believed that the implementation of both types of policies will have a more positive effect. Highlights • Market rate is related to policy choice between green credit and output subsidy. • Green-credit contributes to the capital flow to renewable energy industry. • Lower green credit rates lead to more capital for renewable energy industry. • Carbon tax and negative externality positive correlate to renewable energy's capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Adults with ADHD exhibited poorer performance on the Iowa gambling task (IGT) than healthy controls. • They also showed lower orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activation in fMRI while performing the task. • The impairment of the reward process in adults with ADHD could be related to the OFC. Abstract Objective The present study aimed to detect differences in the reward response between adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls (HCs) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods The Iowa gambling task (IGT) was designed to explore participants' reward-related decision-making in relation to selections during risky behaviors. Twenty adults with ADHD and 20 HCs were enrolled. fMRI with a modified IGT was performed. Results The adults with ADHD showed a poorer performance in terms of avoidance during risky behaviors. The fMRI results indicated that the adults with ADHD had significantly lower orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activation. A positive correlation between performance in the IGT and brain activation in the OFC was detected. Conclusions The results suggested that the adults with ADHD exhibited abnormal OFC responses during decision-making. Significance To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use fMRI to collect brain activation data while performing the IGT in adults with ADHD. Our findings suggest that deficits in reward processing in ADHD are still present during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the differences among grades of recanalization on outcomes of endovascular treatment for acute anterior large vessel occlusion with small infarct core beyond the 6-hour time window. Patients beyond the 6-hour time window with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score >7 were retrospectively enrolled from the endovascular treatment for acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke (ACTUAL) registry. They were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of recanalization: modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 0–2a, 2b, and 3. We compared the differences of outcomes among groups on modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 72 hours, and mortality. A total of 101 patients were enrolled. Median time from onset to groin puncture was 415 minutes (interquartile range: 387–497 minutes). Favorable functional outcomes were significantly better in patients with successful recanalization than in patients with failed recanalization (mTICI 0–2a, 22.7% [5/22]; mTICI 2b, 48.0% [12/25]; and mTICI 3, 61.1% [33/54]; trend P = 0.01). Complete recanalization (mTICI 3) (odds ratio, 5.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.71–16.66; P = 0.004) was associated with good functional outcome. Mortality was different among groups at 90 days (mTICI 0–2a, 36.4% [8/22]; mTICI 2b, 0, [0/25]; P = 0.001; mTICI 0–2a, 36.4% [8/22]; mTICI 3, 9.3% [5/54]; P = 0.008; and mTICI 2b, 0, [0/25]; mTICI 3, 9.3% [5/54]; P = 0.173). There were no significant differences of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage among groups (mTICI 0–2a, 22.7% [5/22]; mTICI 2b, 12.0% [3/25]; and mTICI 3, 9.3% [5/54]; P = 0.28). For acute anterior circulation stroke patients, who were beyond the 6-hour time window, yet with small ischemic core, complete recanalization following endovascular treatment may play the most important role on clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An improved ordinary state-based peridynamic (OSBPD) model for cohesive crack growth in quasi-brittle materials. • A new damage model proposed to describe cohesive effect in fracture process zone. • A re-loading approach for obtaining the whole structural response under load-controlled loading procedure. • Capable of quantitative simulation of the whole fracture process of quasi-brittle materials. • Accuracy of the modified OSBPD is validated by several representative fracture tests. Abstract Ordinary state-based peridynamics (OSBPD) is a well-established peridynamic (PD) model, but its applications are restricted in brittle fracture because the failure models proposed in OSBPD are mainly to describe brittle fracture rather than quasi-brittle fracture. This work attempts to propose a damage model to overcome this limitation for the investigation of damage and crack propagation in quasi-brittle materials. To this aim, a PD version of the cohesive zone model (CZM) is established in OSBPD for the fracture analysis of quasi-brittle materials. A degradation curve is proposed in the damage model to represent the cohesive effect in fracture process zone (FPZ), which is similar to the tension softening curve in CZM. The damage model can be uniquely determined once the tensile strength, the elastic modulus, the specific fracture energy, and tension softening constitutive law are given. Moreover, several representative examples of mode-I and mixed mode concrete fractures are simulated using OSBPD to validate the proposed damage model. The predicted load-displacement curves and crack paths in all the cases are in good agreement with the experimental results or other numerical results. In addition, a re-loading approach is proposed to obtain the descending part of load-displacement curve when the load-controlled loading procedure is adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new DNB-type CHF prediction model of flow boiling in rifled tube at low qualities was established. • A new α b correlation was proposed based on a large number of CHF experimental data. • The present model was verified by the CHF look-up values and CHF experimental values. • Three classic CHF prediction models and the present CHF model were evaluated. • With the increase of vapor quality, the influence of pressure and mass flux on CHF weakened. Abstract Based on the near-wall bubble coalescence model and the structural characteristics of the rifled tube, improvements and optimization of the model for rifled tube were conducted. DNB-type CHF phenomenon in the rifled tube under subcritical and near-critical pressures was investigated by numerical calculation. A new CHF prediction model of flow boiling in rifled tube with low qualities was established and compiled by FORTRAN language. The model used the Staub model which considering the influence of the bubble contact angle to calculate the bubble detachment diameter. The surface friction coefficient of the rifled tube was calculated by the classical Kohler and Kastner formula. And a new critical void fraction of the wall bubbly layer α b correlation was proposed based on a large number of CHF experimental data. The present model was verified by the CHF look-up values and CHF experimental values. Based on the CHF experimental data of the rifled tube, three classic CHF prediction models and the present CHF model were evaluated, and it was found that the present modified CHF model has the highest prediction accuracy for the rifled tube, which is the best agreement with the experimental values, indicating that the present model is appropriate for DNB-type CHF prediction of the rifled tube. In this paper, the effects of pressure, mass flux and inlet fluid subcooled enthalpy on CHF were studied. It was found that, the effect of pressure and mass flux on CHF is obvious in the low quality region, with the increase of vapor quality, the influence of pressure and mass flux on CHF weakens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The understanding of heat and mass transfer phenomena and underlying flow and thermal mechanisms in a tunnel fire is critical for smoke control and human evacuation. Critical velocity has been acknowledged as the most critical parameter to guarantee the effectiveness of smoke control using longitudinal ventilation in tunnels. However, in slopping tunnels, even under the conditions where the expected smoke flow route and the corresponding critical velocity can be achieved, another flow pattern which has an opposite smoke flow direction and higher gas temperatures is also likely to be generated. This phenomenon has not attracted enough attention. In this paper, multiple patterns of heat and mass flow in a slopping tunnel induced by the competition of buoyancy and forced ventilation were examined using laboratory experiments, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations and theoretical analysis. Both dynamic and steady state analyses were performed to explain the transient evolution behaviors and final steady solutions for these flow patterns. The constraints and the prerequisite conditions for the existence of multiple flow patterns or only a certain pattern were expressed in terms of three main influencing parameters including fire heat release rate, pressure rise induced by mechanical ventilation system and the fire source location. For the regime where both fan-dominated and buoyancy-dominated patterns can occur, the initial flow state and the flow evolution process determines the steady state solutions, indicating the activation time of the mechanical ventilation plays an important role in the final flow pattern. This study has particular relevance to understanding the complex heat and mass flow behaviors in a sloping tunnel fire and it provides new implications for smoke control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For next generation Li-ion batteries, advanced electrode materials with high energy densities are mightily important issue. Since the partial oxidation of Sn with Li 2 O to form SnO x was demonstrated upon delithiation in SnO 2 anode, the additional conversion reaction has contributed that the theoretical capacity of SnO 2 can be extended from 783 to 1494 mAh g−1. Herein, with the design of additional conversion reaction, we discuss key factors for high electrochemical performances of the SnO 2 anodes through comparative analysis between nano-structured mesoporous SnO 2 and conventional bulk SnO 2 , based on synchrotron radiation-based techniques, quantitative analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra, and bond strength calculation. In this way, we demonstrate that the mesoporous SnO 2 has a nano-engineered structure with the weakened Sn-O bond strength for inducing the enhanced reversible conversion reaction as well as the facilitated electrochemical reaction, and a void structure for relieving the severe volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. Consequently, excellent electrochemical performance through the additional reversible conversion reaction is obtained in the mesoporous SnO 2. Insight from this research enables important advance in the development of metal oxide-based anode materials by making irreversible reaction reversible, providing a realizable strategy for the design and creation of high-energy storage devices. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Comparison of electrochemical reactions between mesoporous and bulk SnO 2. • Validating the key factors for high electrochemical performances of the SnO 2 anode. • Nano-engineering and weaker Sn-O bond strength can enable the additional reaction. • A stable void structure for alleviating the large volume variations is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • New inverse approach for integrating earth-to-air heat exchangers into buildings described. • Engineering parameters inversely calculated for indoor environment year-round thermal comfort. • Developed approach avoids overly conservative employment of earth-to-air heat exchangers. • Application of earth-to-air heat exchangers is a route to nearly-zero-energy buildings. Abstract Earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) is a promising energy-efficient technology for indoor thermal environment regulation; however, it should adapt to both building and climatic conditions. This paper proposes a new inverse approach to determine the parameters of EAHE integrating into buildings and to achieve a prescribed indoor thermal comfort objective. First, the criterion for achieving year-round thermally comfortable indoor air temperatures is formulated. According to the objective, the required combined parameters characterizing the dynamic behavior of the earth-to-air heat exchanger outlet-air temperature are inversely calculated. Then, the earth-to-air heat exchanger parameters, such as length, radius, burial depth and flow rate, satisfying the proposed objective are determined. The results demonstrate that decreasing the phase shift of the anticipated indoor air temperature profile helps to reduce the requirements on earth-to-air heat exchanger parameters. A Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation incorporated with real meteorological date is implemented according to the EAHE parameters obtained from the proposed approach. It is demonstrated the proposed inverse approach is effective and the year-round indoor thermal comfort is achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Environmental issues and cleaner production are getting increasing attentions currently, making the clean production and sustainable consumption with low emissions significant. Traditional energy vehicles are increasingly unsuitable for the development of current society. It's a trend in the current vehicle market to accelerate the substitution of new energy vehicles for traditional energy vehicles. This paper makes a theoretical study on the development of new energy vehicle market supported by the government. First, this paper establishes a Cournot duopoly model which includes domestic and imported new energy vehicle manufacturers. Through the analysis of this model, this paper argues that government support policies such as subsidies and tariffs can effectively expand the market share of domestic new energy vehicles with less technology. Yet this approach is unsustainable, because domestic new energy vehicles with less technology can only survive in the market by shortening the gap with imported brands. Secondly, this paper establishes a Stackelberg model with product price as the decision variable and find that when there is a technical gap, the first mover advantage in the market will no longer exist. Finally, this paper compares two kinds of subsidies for domestic new energy vehicles and shows that the two subsidies are not different from subsidizing consumers or enterprises in expanding market share, and the consumer can obtain higher social welfare level as the subsidy object. Highlights • New energy vehicles boom with obvious substitution effect on traditional ones. • Both subsidies and tariffs can expand the production of domestic new-energy cars. • First move of domestic brands into the market can narrow the price difference. • First mover advantage no longer exists in the Stackelberg game. • Consumer subsidy is superior to enterprise subsidy in new energy auto industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Consider a standby system with working vacations and retrial of failed components. • We compute the steady-state availability using the matrix-analytic method. • We develop the reliability function and mean-time-to-failure. • Numerical examples are used to conduct sensitivity analysis. Abstract In this paper, we consider a repairable system consisting of M primary components, S spare components, and a repairman. In cases where none of the components in the system is failed, the repairman leaves the system for multiple vacations. During a vacation period, the repairman lowers the repair rate rather than halting repairs together. The system does not include a waiting space. If a failed component finds the repairman free upon arrival, then it immediately occupies the repairman and is being repaired. If a failed component does not find a free repairman upon arrival, then it leaves the service area to join the retrial group (orbit) to try again for a repair. For this system, the matrix-analytic method is used to compute the steady-state availability. We develop the reliability function and mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) based on the Laplace transform technique. Numerical examples are given to assess the effects of system parameters on the system reliability, MTTF, and steady-state availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Searching conductive host materials to suppress the shuttle effect is a long-term goal in the development of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. In this work, first principles calculations were carried out to systematically investigate O-functionalized Ti 2 N (Ti 2 NO 2) and F-functionalized Ti 2 N (Ti 2 NF 2) monolayers as host materials to anchor the soluble Li 2 S x species. Our results demonstrate that both Ti 2 NO 2 and Ti 2 NF 2 not only possess moderate adsorption energies towards Li 2 S x species, but also achieve a good balance between adsorption energies and intactness of Li 2 S x species, which could avoid the dissolution of Li 2 S x species into electrolyte solvents and improve the utilization of active materials. In addition, after adsorption of S 8 and Li 2 S x species, the metallic character of Ti 2 NO 2 and Ti 2 NF 2 is still preserved, which benefits the redox reaction of Li 2 S x species. Given these exceptional properties, it is expected that Ti 2 NO 2 and Ti 2 NF 2 could be promising host materials for Li-S batteries with good cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We optimize shipping schedule for steel plants cluster alongside inland river. • The model considers timely demands of steel plants over multiple periods. • A MIP formulation and dynamic programming algorithm are developed. • We explore the iron ore trade volume under various scenarios. Abstract This paper aims to provide an optimal shipping schedule for steel-manufacturing plants cluster alongside the Yangtze River by developing a mixed integer programming formulation. The model takes into account the multi-layer shipping network on the Yangtze River, the dynamic iron ore price and transportation costs, and the timely demands of steel plants over multiple periods. By applying the proposed model to a real-world case, several interesting findings are observed, leading to further useful managerial insights. We also propose an exact solution approach based on a dynamic programming algorithm to a special case of this problem motivated by real-world practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is crucial to develop a high-efficiency visible-light responsive photocatalyst for settling the increasing contamination stemmed from toxic heavy metal ions in wastewater. In this study, Cr-doped SrTiO 3 (CrSTO) nanoplates were synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal method with ethylene glycol as both the solvent and morphology controller. The resultant CrSTO nanoplates are about 100 nm in size and 20 nm in thickness, which are composed of SrTiO 3 nanocrystals about 19 nm in diameter. Furthermore, they possess the mesopore 3.0 nm in size, endowing their much higher specific surface area than the commercial SrTiO 3 particles. The Cr element is doped into the crystal lattice of SrTiO 3 by the substitution of Cr3+ for Sr2+, which enables the absorption edge redshift to the visible light region, thus elevating the visible-light absorption capability. In addition, the CrSTO-0.9 nanoplate with 0.9% Cr element content exhibits the highest photocatalytic performance for the Cr(VI) reduction under visible light irradiation, which can reduce nearly all Cr(VI) within 3.5 h and preserve the excellent stability after six recycles. This kind of CrSTO nanoplates may serve as a potential and promising photocatalyst for efficient Cr(VI) removal in wastewater. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Cr-doped SrTiO 3 nanoplates were fabricated by a facile one-pot solvothermal method. • Doped Cr3+ ions substitutes the Sr2+ sites in the SrTiO 3 crystal structure. • Cr doping narrows SrTiO 3 bandgap, thus facilitating the visible-light absorption. • Nanoplate structure increases specific surface area and inhibits electron-hole recombination. • Cr-doped SrTiO 3 nanoplates exhibit high reduction performance of Cr(VI) in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The development of anion coordination chemistry: from recognition to self-assembly. • Typical anion ligands based on hydrogen bonding. • Anion-coordination-based supramolecular assemblies. • Anion–π interaction and halogen bonding in designing anion ligands and assemblies. Abstract The field of anion coordination chemistry has received more and more attention in recent years. A large number of articles, from the initial anion recognition to various applications, have been published in the past few decades. This review will focus on the recent progress in this fast-growing field, emphasizing the anion-ligand coordination properties from structural and geometrical aspects. Firstly, typical anion ligands based on hydrogen bonding are briefly summarized. This is followed by a collection of representative and the most recent examples of anion coordination compounds, whose structures are analyzed in terms of hydrogen bonding parameters and coordination number and geometry. In the third part, recent achievements in anion coordination-based supramolecular assemblies are discussed, and finally developments of two non-classical interactions (anion–π interactions and halogen bonding) in anion coordination and self-assembly processes are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Specific heat ratio, buoyancy and acceleration show weak independence on HTC. • The integral of specific heat in the boundary layer is the important factor of HTE. • The buoyancy effect in the boundary layer is the important factor of HTD. • The wall temperature deviation is minimum near the pseudo critical temperature. • The non-uniform heating can effectively delay the occurrence of HTD. Abstract Heat transfer of ultra-supercritical water in vertical upward tube under uniform heating was investigated experimentally and numerically. For comparison, similar studies under non-uniform heating were also simulated. The effects of specific heat ratio, buoyancy and acceleration on the heat transfer of ultra-supercritical water were discussed according to the experimental data. Results show that these dimensionless parameters have no single relationship of independence with the heat transfer coefficient which indicates that using them directly to predict heat transfer is inaccurate. The shear stress transport k-ω model was used in the numerical simulation. Results concur with the experimental data to a high degree, which proves that the model has strong applicability in predicting heat transfer. The mechanisms of heat transfer enhancement and deterioration were analyzed through simulation results, and the integral of specific heat in the boundary layer and the buoyancy effect were confirmed to be their main factors, respectively. Furthermore, the differences between the uniform and non-uniform heating were also revealed. The wall temperature of smooth tube under non-uniform heating shows a parabola distribution, and the peak value occurs at the midpoint of the heated side. Moreover, the peak value of the wall temperature is higher under non-uniform heating than that under uniform heating; however, the heat flux is higher when heat transfer deterioration occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Under the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative, two new emerging trade corridors connecting the Far East to Europe have been built. One is the China-Europe Sea-Land Express Line (CESEL) and the other is the New Eurasian Land Bridge (NELB). This paper aims to understand the attitude of relevant stakeholders towards the performance of the Traditional Sea-Land Line (TSLL) alongside the two emerging container routes under the B&R initiative. To achieve this objective, we first of all built a performance evaluation system to understand the relative performance of these trade routes. A questionnaire survey was carried out to reveal the differing views on route performance, and Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was then used to examine and interpret the survey data. Secondly, by dividing the interviewees into two groups, we examined whether the government’s development priorities are at variance with the preferences of industry practitioners. Thirdly, we explored the reasons for the variance by conducting an intensive interview with ten key stakeholders and then explain the findings from the perspective of institutional theories. Finally, we addressed the uncertainty and dynamics of route development under three different scenarios. Several managerial implications are proposed on the basis of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although the PbCl 2 has been exploited to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells, the mechanism of enhancement by the introducing PbCl 2 is not fully understudied. In present work, we used the PbCl 2 as a dopant to improve the perovskite film quality, we found the crystalline and grain size of perovskite film both increased with 10% molar ratio of PbCl 2. The in situ time-resolved grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements revealed that more pre-nucleated suspended in the solution when employed the PbCl 2 dopant, leading to high crystalline for perovskite film. An incorporation of the space charge limit current, photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, we uncover the function of PbCl 2 in reduced trap density, decreased charge recombination and enhanced carrier lifetime. As a result, the efficiency of planar-structure perovskite solar cells based on PbCl 2 enhanced to as high as 19.79% with reduced hysteresis, increased by ∼23% compared to the device without PbCl 2 (16.05%). We believe that this work would provide a fundamental prospective for mixed perovskite and promote its application in perovskite photovoltaics. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The efficiency of planar perovskite solar cell reaches to 19.79% using PbCl 2 doping, and the mechanism of PbCl 2 function are systemically investigated. • The perovskite film with PbCl 2 doping exhibits good crystalline, large grains, full surface coverage and pin-hole free. • The effect of PbCl 2 doped significantly suppresses charge recombination and promotes the carriers transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aims to develop a maximum likelihood regression tree-based (MLRT) ZINB (zero-inflated negative binomial) model to predict shipping accident mortality, and also to examine the factors which affect the loss of human life in shipping accidents. Based upon 23,029 sets of shipping accidents observations collected from 2001 and 2011 in global water areas, a tree comprising 7 terminal nodes is built, each of which is assigned by a separate ZINB model. Model results indicate that the large number of shipping accident casualties are closely related to collision, fire/explosion, sinking, contact, grounding, operating time, capsizing, docking condition, hull/machinery damage, and miscellaneous causes. In addition, it is found that there is a larger casualty count for the accidents occurring under adverse weather conditions or far away from coastal/port areas. In addition, sinking is recognized as the accident type which causes the largest number of casualties. This study can help the decision makers to propose effective strategies to reduce shipping accident casualties. Highlights • Develop a maximum likelihood regression tree-based ZINB model. • The large number of casualties relates to collision operating time, capsizing and docking condition. • Sinking is the accident type causing the largest number of casualties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let A be a graded algebra. It is shown that the derived category of dg modules over A (viewed as a dg algebra with trivial differential) is a triangulated hull of a certain orbit category of the derived category of graded A -modules. This is applied to study derived categories of graded gentle one-cycle algebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIAs) has found widespread applications in point-of-care testing (POCT). However, conventional LFIAs based on gold nanoparticles can only provide limited information (qualitative or semi-quantitative information) and suffer from low sensitivity. To address this issue, we developed a Fe 3 O 4 nanocrystal cluster-based highly sensitive LFIAs for the simultaneously qualitative and quantitative detection of trace-level biomarkers. The synthesis of poly (acrylic acid)-stabilized superparamagnetic nanocrystal clusters (PAA-MNCs) is a one-pot, simple and convenient technique, and the polyelectrolyte coating provides enough stability, good dispersity and downstream conjugation sites. Using these PAA-MNCs as a label nanomaterial in LFIAs, a model biomarker (amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) antibody) was detected qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that tests have a qualitative detection limit of 100 pg/mL and a quantitative linear relationship between the magnetic signal and antibody concentration (20–8000 pg/mL) under the optimized experimental conditions. The developed LFIA based on PAA-MNCs for NT-proBNP could be used for the clinical assessment of heart failure, offering tremendous potential for personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networks have involved more and more users who search for and share information extensively and frequently. Tremendous evidence in Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Google+ alike shows that such social networks are the major information sources as well as the most effective platforms for information transmission and exchange. The dynamic propagation of various information may gradually disseminate, drastically increase, strongly compete with each other, or slowly decrease. These observations had led to the present study of the spreading process of true and fake information over social networks, particularly the Facebook. Specifically, in this paper the topological structure of two huge-scale Facebook network datasets are investigated regarding their statistical properties. Based on that, an information model for simulating the true and fake information spreading over the Facebook is established. Through controlling the spreading parameters in extensive large-scale simulations, it is found that the final density of stiflers increases with the growth of the spreading rate, while it would decline with the increase of the removal rate. Moreover, it is found that the spreading process of the true–fake information is closely related to the node degrees on the network. Hub-individuals with high degrees have large probabilities to learn hidden information and then spread it. Interestingly, it is found that the spreading rate of the true information but not of the fake information has a great effect on the information spreading process, reflecting the human nature in believing and spreading truths in social activities. The new findings validate the proposed model to be capable of characterizing the dynamic evolution of true and fake information over the Facebook, useful and informative for future social science studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical ventilation velocity plays an important role in smoke control in longitudinally ventilated tunnel fires. The magnitude of the critical velocity has been widely studied. In the present study, we carried out theoretical analyses and numerical simulations to investigate the driving force necessary for achieving the critical velocity in downhill tunnels. Theoretical models suggest that buoyant source location has a considerable effect on the condition for achieving the critical velocity. For a constant convective heat release rate of the fire, the driving force necessary for achieving the critical velocity increases with the height difference between the fire source and the outlet of the smoke. According to FDS simulation results, with the increase of the height difference between the fire source and the smoke outlet, the pressure loss induced by the stack effect increases significantly; however, the variation in the ventilation critical velocity is insignificant. Therefore, the variation in the driving force is mainly because of the stack effect rather than the variation in the critical velocity. In addition, the effects of the fire occurrence on the longitudinal ventilation velocity and pressure distribution in the tunnel are also numerically studied. If the pressure rise of the jet-fan keeps constant, the longitudinal velocity declines remarkably after the fire occurrence as a result of the pressure loss induced by the fire and the pressure loss induced by the stack effect. The phenomenon presented in the paper has implications for both tunnel ventilation and smoke control in inclined tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube flexible hybrid film with outstanding flexibility and electrochemical performance is prepared via a vacuum filtration method. The three-dimensional interconnect structure is constructed by reduced graphene oxide and single-walled carbon nanotube, and Mn 3 O 4 nanoplates with pesudocapacitance are embedded into the interconnect structure. The regular interconnect structure and a synergetic effect between graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube and Mn 3 O 4 make the Mn 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube flexible film electrode exhibit a large areal capacitance of 796 mF cm −2 . All-solid-state Mn 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube flexible supercapacitor is prepared by using the hybrid film as electrodes and sandwiching the PVA–KOH gel electrolyte, it exhibits a large area specific capacitance of 360 mF cm −2 and the capacitance maintains 95% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The assembled supercapacitor exhibits both outstanding mechanical performance and a high areal energy density of 32 μW h cm −2 at an areal power density of 0.392 mW cm −2 . The Mn 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube flexible supercapacitors exhibit significant potentiality in flexible and wearable electronics owing to their excellent flexibility, high energy density and long cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new, significant, and timely topic and consider inland New Eurasia Land Bridge. • New bi-level programming model and exact reformulation and solution approach. • Utilize real data in the study and thus provide more practical managerial insights. Abstract This paper aims to reconstruct the shipping service network between Asia and Europe by considering the improvement of New Eurasian Land Bridge rail services and Budapest-Piraeus railway. In particular, to reflect the decision making process in reality, a bi-level programming model is established to maximize the total profit of the liner shipping company in the upper level and meanwhile to minimize the total cost of the shippers in the lower level. Computational experiments considering different scenarios are conducted to obtain the new optimal networks under different cases. Several insightful findings are observed, further leading to useful managerial insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]