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For the context-dependent Text-to-SQL task, the generation of SQL query is placed in a multi-turn interaction scenario. Each turn of Text-to-SQL must take historical interactive information and database schema into account. Accordingly, how to encode and integrate these different types of texts (the question sentence, the corresponding SQL query, and database schema) is a tough problem. In previous work, these series of texts are usually concatenated into sequences and encoded by various variants of recurrent neural networks (RNN). However, the RNNs cannot model the intrinsic relationship of the text directly. To this end, we propose an interaction-modeling mechanism to represent and aggregate these texts. Firstly, different types of texts are represented as individual graphs. Then, heterogeneous graph aggregation is used to capture the interactions and aggregate graphs into a holistic representation. Finally, the corresponding SQL query is generated based on the current question and the aggregated information. We evaluate our model on the SparC and CoSQL dataset to demonstrate the benefits of interaction-modeling. Experimentally, our model has a competitive performance and space–time cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization and kinetic modeling of methyl ester production from non-edible tung nut oil (Vernicia fordii) and methanol using a solid acidic ionic liquid polymer as a catalyst were performed in this study. A solid acidic ionic liquid polymer was synthesized using vinyl imidazole, 1, 3-propane sulfonate, N, N- dimethyl dodecylamine, allyl bromide and toluene, characterized and used for transesterification of tung nut oil for methyl esters synthesis. The optimum reaction conditions resulted in highest methyl ester yield of 91% were a tung-nut- oil -to-methanol molar ratio of 1:1.5, solid acidic ionic liquid polymer catalyst loading of 160 wt % based on the oil, reaction time of 6 h, agitation speed of 400 rpm and reaction temperature of 65 °C. Further kinetic studies performed at different temperatures revealed that the conversion of tung nut oil to methyl ester follows the first order reaction. Methyl esters were purified using an ion exchange resin and then analyzed by GC-MS. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated as 72.81 kJ mol−1. The properties of methyl esters such as kinematic viscosity at 40 °C, density at 25 °C, cloud point and pour point were also determined. Methyl esters met the quality standard defined under ASTM. Image 1 • The novel solid acidic ionic liquid polymer has been synthesized and characterized. • The solid acidic ionic liquid polymer showed high capacity in methyl esters production. • Maximum yield of methyl esters (91%) at 65 °C for 6 h with 400 rpm. • The process can generate biodiesel of high purity that meets the quality demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral hemodynamic transformation is a relatively common finding in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Knowledge of cerebral hemodynamic disturbance may assist in predicting the management outcome. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) monitoring of patients with TBI can be used to reveal various pathologic hemodynamic changes. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of postoperative routine intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring versus ICP monitoring combined with TCD monitoring in patients with brain trauma after decompressive craniectomy. This was a retrospective study of 30 patients with TBI who underwent ICP combined with TCD monitoring (after 2015) compared with a historical control group of 30 patients who only underwent routine ICP monitoring (in 2013–2014). ICP, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values were monitored and recorded on a daily basis for 7 days after operation. Neuroimaging was also performed at admission. Neurologic outcome was assessed at 2 weeks and 6 months after operation using the Glasgow Outcome Score Extended (GOS-E). Unconditional multivariable logistic regression was conducted to analyze the factors for favorable clinical outcome. Two weeks after operation, there were no differences in mortality rate between the 2 groups (P = 0.643). When considering the GOS-E score at 6 months, there were no differences in clinical prognosis between the 2 groups (P = 0.101), but the ICP combined with TCD monitoring group showed a higher frequency of patients with favorable outcome compared with the routine ICP monitoring group (P = 0.043). Unconditional multivariable logistic regression results showed that no factor was independently associated with GOS-E at 6 months. TCD could be helpful for the serial monitoring of cerebral hemodynamic changes after decompressive craniectomy for TBI, which could be beneficial for neurologic outcome improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pure Ti plate with a smooth surface and a gradient nanostructured layer was achieved using surface mechanical attrition treatment method with 3 mm zirconia balls at room temperature. The twinning and dislocation slips layer, transition layer, ultrafine grains layer and nanograins layer appeared in sequence from the matrix to the topmost surface, representing different stages of microstructural evolutions. The dislocation slips and 10 1 ¯ 2 twins coordinated and competed with each other to adapt to plastic deformation. An additional misorientation and mirror symmetry line separation resulted from the interaction between slips and 10 1 ¯ 2 twin boundaries, causing the twin boundaries to gradually transform into high angle grain boundaries. A stronger dislocation–twin boundary interaction in the transition layer triggered the continuous formation and accumulation of high angle grain boundaries, which subdivided the twins into blocks or submicronic polygonal grains. It is proved that a combination of continuous dynamic recrystallization and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization leads to the generation of nanograins. [Display omitted] • A smooth surface with nanostructured layer was achieved. • The gradient nanostructured layer of Ti after SMAT was discussed. • The interaction of slips and twin boundaries plays a dominant role in the mechanism of microstructure evolution. • cDRX and dDRX combine to generate the nanograins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a multistep Legendre–Gauss spectral collocation method for the nonlinear Volterra functional integro-differential equations (VFIDEs) with vanishing delays. This method is easy to implement and possesses the high-order accuracy. We also provide a rigorous convergence analysis of the hp -version of the multistep spectral collocation method under H 1 -norm. Numerical results confirm the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the current high demand for energy saving and low power consumption, numerous studies have been conducted to meet this requirement. Higher switch efficiency is one of the factors for power saving in power inverters and converters. Among the methods for improved switch efficiency, the modified package structure is one of the solutions. An embedded power module enables shortened transmitting routes and lower parasitic reactions, suggesting better power switching performance. Meanwhile, embedding allows the power devices to integrate active or passive devices above or beneath a component, leading to a three-dimensional packaging structure. This feature is also applicable in the integration of power devices because of its double side contact structure. Four dies that contain two insulated gate bipolar transistors and two diodes in this study were embedded and integrated in a carrier substrate to produce a next-generation power inverter module. The process began by attaching a die on a Cu lead frame by a SAC305 solder paste. This is followed by a lamination process to form a built-up dielectric layer on the Cu lead frame. The conducting vias and circuits were formed on the built-up dielectric layer by a UV laser and were metalized with sputtered seed layer and electroplating. The circuit layout can be revealed with subsequent etching processes by hatching another layer of electroplated Sn using UV laser. Finally, a layer of solder mask was printed to prevent electric shock on the surface layer. Structure and process features are discussed, and electrical testing and reliability tests are conducted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new highly porous polyhedron-based metal-organic framework, namely [Co 3 (5-Bipa) 2 (5-BipaH) 2 (H 2 O) 3 ](DEF) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ( 1 ), built from a linear Co3 cluster and the 5-bromo-Isophthalic acid (5-BipaH 2 ) organic ligand has been synthesized and structurally determined. The resulting 3-D framework 1 features cubo-octahedral and octahedral cages as the Supermolecular Building Block (SBB) with an eight connected reo topology. More importantly, the solvent-free samples of 1 exhibit a high BET surface area of 882 m 2 /g and a large C 2 H 2 uptake capability of 178 cm 3 /g at room temperature and 1 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, receiver function analysis is carried out at 32 broadband stations spread all over the Gujarat region, located in the western part of India to image the sedimentary structure and investigate the crustal composition for the entire region. The powerful Genetic Algorithm technique is applied to the receiver functions to derive S-velocity structure beneath each site. A detail image in terms of basement depths and Moho thickness for the entire Gujarat region is obtained for the first time. Gujarat comprises of three distinct regions: Kachchh, Saurashtra and Mainland. In Kachchh region, depth of the basement varies from around 1.5 km in the eastern part to 6 km in the western part and around 2–3 km in the northern part to 4–5 km in the southern part. In the Saurashtra region, there is not much variation in the depth of the basement and is between 3 km and 4 km. In Gujarat mainland part, the basement depth is 5–8 km in the Cambay basin and western edge of Narmada basin. In other parts of the mainland, it is 3–4 km. The depth of Moho beneath each site is obtained using stacking algorithm approach. The Moho is at shallower depth (26–30 km) in the western part of Kachchh region. In the eastern part and epicentral zone of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, large variation in the Moho depths is noticed (36–46 km). In the Saurashtra region, the crust is more thick in the northern part. It varies from 36–38 km in the southern part to 42–44 km in the northern part. In the mainland region, the crust is more thick (40–44 km) in the northern and southern part and is shallow in Cambay and Narmada basins (32–36 km). The large variations of Poisson’s ratio across Gujarat region may be interpreted as heterogeneity in crustal composition. High values of σ (∼0.30) at many sites in Kachchh and few sites in Saurashtra and Mainland regions may be related to the existence of high-velocity lower crust with a mafic/ultramafic composition and, locally, to the presence of partial melt. The existing tectono-sedimentary models proposed by various researchers were also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, an Ir(III) complex of Ir(PD)(PBT) 2 was synthesized, where PD and PBT stand for pentane-2,4-dione and 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole, respectively. The molecular identity of Ir(PD)(PBT) 2 was confirmed by its single crystal. It was found that Ir(PD)(PBT) 2 belonged to monoclinic system with two molecules in each unit cell. Theoretical calculation on Ir(PD)(PBT) 2 suggested that the onset electronic transitions owned a mixed character of metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer and ligand-to-ligand-charge-transfer. By doping this complex into a polymer matrix of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), the photophysical features of the resulting composite fibers were discussed and compared with those of Ir(PD)(PBT) 2 solution. It was found that the immobilization in PVP host could improve the photoluminescence performance by restraining the excited state geometric relaxation, showing higher emission energy, longer excited state lifetime and better photostability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A finite element model is developed to study the behavior of a flatfish cage system. [•] The pith and mooring line tension of the flatfish cage in waves and currents are calculated. [•] The effect of netting mesh types on behavior of the flatfish cage is investigated. [•] The effect of different bottom frame weight on pitch of the flatfish cage is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 3 decades, a diverse collection of small protein domains have been used as scaffolds to generate general purpose protein-binding reagents using a variety of protein display and enrichment technologies. To expand the repertoire of scaffolds and protein surfaces that might serve this purpose, we have explored the utility of (i) a pair of anti-parallel alpha-helices in a small highly disulfide-bonded 4-helix bundle, the CC4 domain from reversion-inducing Cysteine-rich Protein with Kazal Motifs and (ii) a concave beta-sheet surface and two adjacent loops in the human FN3 domain, the scaffold for the widely used monobody platform. Using M13 phage display and next generation sequencing, we observe that, in both systems, libraries of ∼30 million variants contain binding proteins with affinities in the low μM range for baits corresponding to the extracellular domains of multiple mammalian proteins. CC4- and FN3-based binding proteins were fused to the N- and/or C-termini of Fc domains and used for immunostaining of transfected cells. Additionally, FN3-based binding proteins were inserted into VP1 of AAV to direct AAV infection to cells expressing a defined surface receptor. Finally, FN3-based binding proteins were inserted into the Pvc13 tail fiber protein of an extracellular contractile injection system particle to direct protein cargo delivery to cells expressing a defined surface receptor. These experiments support the utility of CC4 helices B and C and of FN3 beta-strands C, D, and F together with adjacent loops CD and FG as surfaces for engineering general purpose protein-binding reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While focusing on document clustering, this work presents a fuzzy semi-supervised clustering algorithm called fuzzy semi-Kmeans. The fuzzy semi-Kmeans is an extension of K-means clustering model, and it is inspired by an EM algorithm and a Gaussian mixture model. Additionally, the fuzzy semi-Kmeans provides the flexibility to employ different fuzzy membership functions to measure the distance between data. This work employs Gaussian weighting function to conduct experiments, but cosine similarity function can be used as well. This work conducts experiments on three data sets and compares fuzzy semi-Kmeans with several methods. The experimental results indicate that fuzzy semi-Kmeans can generally outperform the other methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The morphology and phase transformation of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the Sn–9Zn–3.5Ag/Cu interface in a solid-state reaction have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The monoclinic η′-Cu6Sn5 transforms to the hexagonal η-Cu6Sn5 and the orthorhombic Cu5Zn8 transforms to the body-centered cubic (bcc) γ-Cu5Zn8 as aged at 180°C. The scallop-shaped Cu6Sn5 layer is retained after aging at 180°C for 1000h. In the solid-state reaction, Ag is repelled from η′-Cu6Sn5 and reacts with Sn to form Ag3Sn, and the Cu5Zn8 layer decomposes. Kirkendall voids are not observed at the Sn–9Zn–3.5Ag/Cu interface even after aging at 180°C for 1000h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The coupling reaction of CO2 and epoxides can be carried out in the absence of solvent under mild conditions by using novel and recycled catalysts of SalenRu(II)(PPh3)2/PTAT or SalenRu(III)X(PPh3)/PTAT (X=Cl−, OAc−, , ). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel and efficient organic catalysts of quaternary onium tribromide and the related metal-containing catalysts of SalenCoX/PTAT were developed to catalyze the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epoxides generating relevant cyclic carbonates including chiral propylene carbonate under extremely mild condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermal properties, microstructure corrosion and oxidation resistance of the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–1In lead-free solder have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, potentiostat and thermogravimetry. The Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–1In solder alloy has a near-eutectic composition, it melts at 187.6°C and the heat of fusion is determined as 71.3J/g. The Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–1In solder alloy with a corrosion potential of −1.09VSCE and a current density of 9.90×10−2 A/cm2, shows a better corrosion resistance than that of the Sn–9Zn solder alloy. From the thermogravimetry analysis, the weight gain ratio of the Sn–9Zn solder alloy appears a parabolic relationship at 150°C. The initial oxidation behavior of the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag and Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–1In solder alloys also shows a parabolic relationship but the weight gain ratio of them appears a negative linear one after aging at 150°C for 2.5 and 5h, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructure and adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–xAg lead-free solders wetted on Cu substrates have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and pull-off testing. The liquidus temperatures of the Sn–9Zn–xAg solder alloys are 222.1, 226.7, 231.4 and 232.9°C for x =2.5, 3.5, 5.0 and 7.5wt%, respectively. A flat interface can be obtained as wetted at 350°C at a rate of 11.8mm/s. The adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu interfaces decreases from 23.09±0.31 to 12.32±1.40MPa with increasing Ag content from 2.5 to 7.5wt% at 400°C. After heat treatment at 150°C, the adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu interface decreases with increasing aging time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The growth and morphology of the intermetallic compounds formed at the solder joint between the Sn–9Zn–2.5Ag lead-free solder and the Cu substrate have been investigated in this study. The planar Cu6Sn5 formed after soldering transforms to a scalloped Cu5Zn8 after aging at 180°C for 250h. However, the Cu5Zn8 decomposes and the scalloped Cu6Sn5 reforms at the interface close to the solder alloy after aging for 400h. The η′-Cu6Sn5 transforms to the η-Cu6Sn5 as aged at 180°C. The interdiffusion coefficient of Cu and Sn in the Cu6Sn5 is determined as 2.58×10−13 cm2 s−1, and that of Cu and Zn in the Cu5Zn8 layers is determined as 3.36×10−14 cm2 s−1 at 180°C, from the estimated thickness of the intermetallic compound (IMC). On the other hand, they are determined as 3.43×10−13 and 2.36×10−14 cm2 s−1, respectively, from the microbeam EDS analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microvoids formation and morphology of intermetallic compounds formed at the Sn–9Zn/Cu interface with and without Ag addition have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry and pull-off test. The microvoids are formed at the Sn–9Zn/Cu interface after aging at 180°C for 100 h and at the Sn–9Zn–3.5 Ag/Cu interface after aging at the same temperature for 1000 h. The formation of the microvoids is inhibited by Ag addition. After aging at 180°C for 1000 h, the planar Cu6Sn5 and scallop-shaped Cu6Sn5 are observed at the Sn–9Zn/Cu and Sn–9Zn–3.5 Ag/Cu interfaces, respectively. The decomposition rate of the Cu5Zn8 and the growth rate of the Cu6Sn5 at 180°C at the Sn–9Zn/Cu interface are determined as 2.22 × 10−9 and 6.80 × 10−10 m s−1/2, respectively, and those at the Sn–9Zn–3.5Ag/Cu interface are determined as 8.61 × 10−10 and 5.40 × 10−9 m s−1/2, respectively. The adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–3.5 Ag/Cu interface increases from 5.76 ± 0.77 to 14.19 ± 0.75 MPa when aging time increases from 0 to 1000 h and shows a better solder joint reliability than the Sn–9Zn solder alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of Si content on the growth of σ phase in SUS 309L was investigated. It was proven that δ-ferrite decomposes rapidly at 800 °C and more σ phases are formed with an increase in the Si content. All δ-ferrite in SUS 309L containing 0.76 wt% Si decomposes after 50 h aging at 800 °C. The Si content acts as a catalyst to accelerate σ phase formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of Si content on the intergranular corrosion resistance of SUS 309L stainless steels was investigated by 10 wt.% oxalic acid test, 65 wt.% boiling nitric acid test, double loop electrochemical potential reactivation (DLEPR) method, optical microscope (OM) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). A maximum corrosion rate, weight loss of 2.80 g m−1 h, was obtained when SUS 309L stainless steel containing 0.73 wt.% Si was subjected to heat treatment at 800 °C for 1 h. It shows that the Cr depletion zone formed due to σ phase precipitation. The same result is obtained in DLEPR test and the ditch microstructure after oxalic test was found in samples that showed the minimum corrosion rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The enhancement of the wettability and solder joint reliability at the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag solder alloy–Cu interface by Ag precoating has been investigated. The wettability of the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag solder alloy–Cu interface has been improved by Ag precoating. The adhesion strength of the solder alloy–Ag precoated Cu interface increases from 4.11±0.56 to 6.92±0.85 MPa as dipped at 250 °C for 10 s. When the dipping time is prolonged from 10 to 30 s, the interfacial adhesion strength increases from 6.92±0.85 to 13.62±0.73 MPa. The interfacial adhesion strength is enhanced by the rod-like Cu–Zn intermetallic compound (IMC) formed close to the interface. The diffusion coefficients of Sn and Zn in the IMC layer are determined as 5.76×10−10 and 9.50×10−11 cm2/s at the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–Cu and Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag–Ag precoated Cu interfaces, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crystal growth, morphology and structure of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu interface have been investigated. During isothermal aging, the local strain and crystallite size of the IMCs vary with aging time due to the growth and decomposition of the IMCs. The Kirkendall voids form at the Sn–9Zn/Cu interface after aging at 180°C for 250 h but are not observed at the Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu interface at the same aging parameters. Ag is repelled from the monoclinic η′-Cu6Sn5 which transforms to the hexagonal η-Cu6Sn5 and reacts with Sn to promote the growth of the Ag3Sn. The diffusion coefficients of Sn in Cu6Sn5 are determined 5.76×10−10 and 2.82×10−10 cm2/s at 250°C when the Ag contents in the solders are 0.5 and 1.5 wt%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of Ag addition on the structures of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and the adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–xAg solder alloy/Cu interface has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The XRD patterns show that the η-Cu6Sn5, η′-Cu6Sn5 and Cu5Zn8 are found at the Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu interface. The Ag3Sn formed at the interface when Ag addition is above 2.5 wt%. Monoclinic and hexagonal Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are formed at the interface close to the solder alloy. A high-resolution lattice image also shows the same result and the bi-structural Cu6Sn5 grows as a twin-like crystallite along the boundaries. The adhesion strength has an opposite relationship to the crystallite size of the Cu6Sn5 layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interface between Cu substrate and an Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag lead-free solder alloy have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED). The XRD patterns show that the main IMCs formed at the interface of Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag/Cu are γ-Cu5Zn8 and η′-Cu6Sn5. The Ag3Sn IMC with orthorhombic structure was also observed at the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag/Cu interface by TEM and ED analyses. The interfacial adhesion strength between the Cu substrate and Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag lead-free solder alloy is higher than that of the Sn–9Zn alloy due to the formation of Ag3Sn IMC at the interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intermetallic compounds formation and interfacial adhesion strength of the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag lead-free solder alloy hot-dipped on Cu substrate have been investigated by pull-off test, X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The intermetallic compounds of Ag3Sn, Cu6Sn5 and Cu5Zn8 were identified for Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag solder alloy–Cu, in which the thickness of Cu6Sn5 increased from 0.69±0.18 to 1.59±0.46 μm when the dipping time increased from 10 to 30 s. The interfacial adhesion strength increased from 3.21±0.73 to 4.11±0.56 MPa when the Ag content increased from 0 to 0.5 wt.% at the dipping temperature of 250 °C for 10 s. The interfacial adhesion strength of Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag alloy–Cu substrate also increased to 4.46±0.48 and 5.49±0.67 MPa when the dipping time increased to 20 and 30 s, respectively. The fracture path was observed at the Sn–9Zn–Cu5Zn8 interface, and within the Sn–9Zn–0.5Ag solder alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crystal growth of intermetallic compounds at the interface of Sn–9Zn–xAg/Cu (x=0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 wt%) lead-free solders has been investigated by optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer. The results show that the more Ag is added to the Sn–9Zn alloy, the more Ag–Zn compounds form in the solder matrix in which Zn reacts with Ag and hinders the diffusion of Ag. Ag dissolves in Cu6Sn5 and changes the lattice constant of Cu6Sn5 as formed in the liquid–solid reaction. After long-term aging, the dissolved Ag is repelled from Cu6Sn5 and forms Ag3Sn with Sn at the interface, but the crystallite size of Cu6Sn5 decreases from 301.2 to 189.5 nm when the Ag content increases from 0 to 3.5 wt%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accident anticipation (or the prediction of abnormal events in general) aims to forecast accidents before they occur by assessing risks based on the preceding frames in videos. The risk assessment heavily relies on understanding the semantics of the scene context and predicting the interactions among the involved subjects. Indeed, the comprehensive utilization of spatial relationships among the subjects of immediate interest in a single frame and temporal dependencies across consecutive frames is crucial for video accident anticipation. To address this challenge, we propose a novel approach called Dynamic Attention Augmented Graph Network (DAA-GNN), which leverages underlying spatial cues and models' relationships among detected subjects of immediate interest. Specifically, our approach employs a graph neural network that is enhanced by global context clues, allowing effective message propagation and the discovery of interactions among the subjects of interest in the scene. The DAA-GNN includes a temporal attention module designed to identify long-term dependencies along the temporal axis, contributing to an end-to-end deep network solution for accurate accident anticipation. We extensively evaluate our method on the publicly available Dashcam Accident Dataset (DAD) and Epic Fail (EF) datasets, by conducting comprehensive experiments to assess its performance. The results unequivocally demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art accident anticipation methods. Our source code and datasets are available at https://github.com/ZxyLinkstart/DAA-GNN. • Dynamic attention for long-term temporal dependence in abnormal trace prediction. • Novel contextual relation graph models spatial cues and full-frame interactions. • Attention mechanism captures spatial and temporal clues for robust accident anticipation. • Comprehensive discovery of interactions among subjects of relevant interest in the scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The PEI 10000 C 12 polymer ionic liquid was selected as the most efficient catalyst. • The mechanism of polymer ionic liquid catalyzed esterification/transesterification was clarified. • An emerging, efficient and green technology for ethyl ester production was developed. • Kinetics of ethyl esters has been investigated using Pistacia chinensis with polymer ionic liquid. • We examined the catalytic activity of structure and reusability of polymer ionic liquid. A novel solid acidic polymeric ionic liquid catalyst was synthesized for ethyl esters production via the esterification of oleic acid with ethanol, normally transesterification of Pistacia chinensis oil with diethyl carbonate. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis was used to characterize the products and optimize the reaction conditions to provide P. chinensis oil derived ethyl esters in 93% yield. Kinetic studies performed at different temperatures revealed that the conversion of P. chinensis oil to an ethyl ester follows first order reaction kinetics. The properties of ethyl esters were determined, found to meet the ASTM D6751-02. Results revealed that the catalyst had perfect utility after several runs without much loss in activity. The mild conditions (1:5) P. chinensis oil:diethyl carbonate molar ratio, 300 wt% PIL loading, 120 °C, 400 rpm, 6 h, recyclability of the catalyst make the proposed synthesis a sustainable method for the development of ecofriendly, cost-effective biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the exponential growth of the human population and the rising food demand, identifying sustainable antimicrobials for higher agricultural productivity becomes essential. In this study, hydrothermal precipitation for synthesizing versatile nanostructured zinc oxide particles (nZnOs), including nanorods (1D), nanoplatelets (2D), and multibranched flower-like particles (3D), was achieved by controlling pH values of source precursors and growth time. Hydrothermal synthesis is an eco-friendly process without the requirement of hazardous organic solvents. The antimicrobial properties of these nZnO particles were evaluated on different soil-borne plant pathogens. These pathogens are serious limiting factors in agriculture. Results indicate that multibranched flower-like ZnO (3D nZnO) showed more remarkable, reliable, and stable antifungal activity compared with other nZnOs. The scanning electron microscopy results also demonstrated significant mechanical damage to pathogens that caused by the branches of flower-like particles from 3D nZnO. Moreover, results of photodegradation and environmental resistance of the synthesized nZnOs revealed their potentials to reduce hazardous chemical pesticides and the eco-friendliness. This work is the first to compare the antimicrobial (i.e., antifungal) properties of various nZnOs and their applications in agriculture. Our results suggest that multibranched flower-like ZnO can be served as promising candidates of green antimicrobials with multiple modes of action in sustainable agriculture. Image 1 • Versatile nanostructured nZnO were synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis by controlling pH values. • The improvement of hydrothermal synthesis is an eco-friendly process. • Multibranched flower-like ZnO showed significant inhibition to soil-borne fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum. • Versatile nZnOs also showed a notable feature for reducing hazardous chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The novel solid acidic ionic liquid polymer has been synthesized and characterized. • Methyl esters from Jatropha curcas seed oil in a solid ionic liquid polymer one step process. • The process can generate methyl esters of high purity that meets the quality demands. • Kinetic of methyl esters has been investigated using Jatropha curcas with PILs. The objective of this study was to use n -hexane containing an ionic liquid for the extraction of oil and transesterification for the production of methyl esters from Jatropha curcas oil. A solid acidic ionic liquid polymer was synthesized using vinyl imidazole, 1,3-propane sultone, N , N -dimethylhexadecyl amine, allyl bromide, toluene, and the product was characterized by NMR and used for the transesterification. The optimum reaction conditions that resulted in the highest methyl ester yield of 94% were a J. curcas oil-to-dimethyl carbonate molar ratio of 1:5, a solid acidic ionic liquid polymer catalyst loading of 260 wt%, for 6 h with 500 rpm at 80 °C. Methyl esters were purified using celite powder and then analyzed by GC–MS. The activation energy and reaction rate constant were calculated from 4.862 to15.382 kJ/mol, and 0.389 to 4.602, respectively. The methyl esters met the quality standards defined under ASTM D6751-02. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The deposit-refund system enables the bottle-to-bottle high value recycling of PET. • High value recycling reduces GHG emissions and comprehensive environmental impact. • Reducing energy consumption and increasing yield are important cut-in points. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used packaging material and has high value in recycling. However, under China's dominant informal recycling system, most PET bottles are downcycled into fibers. The deposit-refund system (DRS) is considered a feasible mechanism to facilitate the high-value recycling of PET bottles. To comparatively evaluate the environmental performance [reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) and pollutant emissions] under different scenarios using life cycle assessments, including the current system based on informal recycling, an improved system with a larger contribution from the source separation of municipal solid waste, and evolving systems with DRS application, five scenarios were set up. The DRS can reduce GHG emissions and the comprehensive environmental impact by 0.538 kg CO 2 /kg PET bottles and 1.73 × 10−3 PE/kg PET bottles, respectively, compared to informal recycling. It can be concluded that the DRS-based recycling approach and the bottle-to-bottle recycling provide the substantial emission reduction potential of GHGs and pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of pressure-driven membranes, the nanofiltration (NF) membrane and process can separate molecules and ions with different molecular weights and valences, which are well applicable in purification, concentration, recovery of resources across various industries. However, in some complex applications, an individual NF membrane often faces the problems of deficient separation efficiency and membrane instability. Researchers have developed NF based hybrid processes, which not only solve the above problems faced by single NF, but also enhance the overall efficiency of hybrid systems involving other separation processes. Currently, there is a notable surge in publications regarding the NF-based hybrid processes, but a systematic review is still lacking. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key integration approaches and application areas in which NF-based hybrid process have been utilized in recent years. The challenges awaiting the researcher in the field of NF-based hybrid process are also provided. • NF-based hybrid process is effective in eliminating NF application bottlenecks. • Systematic analysis of research related to NF-based hybrid processes are performed. • The integration forms and application of NF-based hybrid processes are introduced. • The aims, challenges, and advantages of NF-based hybrid processes are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances in intracellular iron homeostasis are associated with brain damage under various neuropathological conditions. However, exposure of neuronal cells to classical iron chelators could interfere with physiological iron functions in the brain. Thus, iron pro-chelators represent a more advanced approach to exert strong free-iron binding capacity only under oxidative stress conditions. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of an iron pro-chelator BHAPI [(E)- N’ -(1-(2-((4- (4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,2,3-dioxoborolan-2-yl)benzyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene) isonicotino hydrazide] against glutamate-induced toxicity in neuronal HT22 cells. The results showed that BHAPI significantly increased cell viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, inhibited apoptotic cell death and reduced the activation of caspase-3 after glutamate treatment. This protection was accompanied by the preservation of mitochondrial function, as evidenced by reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress, attenuated lipid peroxidation and enhanced ATP generation. In addition, BHAPI promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which was related to destabilization of β-catenin destruction complex. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor JW74, but not IWP2, partially prevented the protective effects of BHAPI. In conclusion, our data suggested that BHAPI acted as a neuroprotective agent against glutamate-induced toxicity, and this protection might be mediated by preservation of mitochondrial function and regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The SP-COPs exhibited high catalytic efficiency of CO 2 conversion and excellent I 2 adsorption capacity. • The synergistic mechanism of CO 2 conversion was proved by experimental and kinetics. • The iodine adsorption kinetic process was described. The fixing reactions of carbon dioxide with epoxides will not only help to ameliorate the problem of global warming, but also facilitate the synthesis of cyclic carbonates that have a multitude of applications. Herein, a new sequence of Salen cobalt complexes adjusted with different counterions and interconnected with pyrene group were synthesized through Friedel–Crafts alkylation, which were served as conjugated organic polymers (SP-COPs) for taking advantage of catalytic CO 2 fixation reactions and iodine adsorption. Further characterizations were carried out through FT-IR, UV, TGA, and SEM to comprehend the intact structure, thermal stability, morphology and other physical and chemical properties. All materials exhibited effective catalytic performance, and in particular, SP-COP-1 with co-catalyst of TBAI achieved 96.2% conversion under ultra-mild conditions. The E a was obtained to be 46.4 kJ·mol−1 by performing kinetic experiments at different temperatures by fitting the experimental data. The performance of iodine vapor adsorbed by these materials at ambient pressure of 75°C reached 2.8 g·g−1, 2.2 g·g−1 and 2.6 g·g−1 respectively, and the adsorption process is describable in terms of pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method is proposed to detect chloroform concentrations based on the kinetic parameters using ion mobility spectrometer with a negative corona discharge ion source operating at atmospheric pressure. Unlike conventional sample introduction mode, in this technique, CHCl 3 enters into the drift tube from the end of drift region carried by the drift gas. There are two tails before Cl − and (CHCl 3 )·Cl − ion peaks, which fit to the ions formed in the drift region. Utilizing the kinetic parameters, concentration for CHCl 3 can be calculated. This method not only offers a new way to get concentrations of CHCl 3 under atmospheric pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on teaching of reading strategies have found that summarizing is of tremendous help to reading comprehension. However grading students’ summary writings is laborious, but given the importance of summarizing, an effective summarizing learning module is important. This study developed an automatic summary assessment and feedback system based on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) to provide score, concept and semantic feedback, and then investigated the effects of concept and semantic feedback on the writing of summaries by students in the sixth grade. The design involved two between-subject factors: semantic feedback (with, without) and concept feedback (with, without). 120 sixth-grade students from an elementary school were recruited for the study, and then were randomly assigned to each group. The overall results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed system in improving the summary writing skills of students. The effects of semantic feedback and concept feedback were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ni3Sn4 interfacial reactions under the influence of a thermal gradient at 145°C. [•] The growth of Ni3Sn4 at higher temperature region was inhibited. [•] The growth of Ni3Sn4 at lower temperature region was accelerated. [•] The mechanism of abnormal Ni3Sn4 growth was proposed and discussed. [•] Molar heat of transport (Q *) of Ni in Sn was calculated to be +0.58kJ/mole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the high energy demand and environmental concerns, biodiesel as a substitute for fossil fuels is recognized as promising renewable and clean energy. Biodiesel has gained interest around the world over the last few years because it could be used to reduce most regulated exhaust emissions. Herein, we discuss the application of catalytic transesterification by using ionic liquids (ILs) catalyst with alcohol and waste oil for the clean synthesis of biodiesel in order to reduce the emission of NO x and CO. However, the running cost of this process is still higher than that of the conventional chemical transesterification. Non-edible sources such as waste oil, non-edible vegetable oil, and waste animal oil are commonly used to produce biodiesel due to their low cost and no dependency on the food chain. This review provides an overview of the recent progresses in improving the biodiesel production process by using ILs and determining the activation energy and the properties of the finished product. In addition, the future direction in biodiesel production via ILs catalysis in the transesterification has been discussed. • We review the catalytic activity of the various catalysts. • A biodiesel yield was achieved by using the ionic liquids with diethyl carbonate. • The ionic liquid with diethyl carbonate was shown to be the most efficient procedure. • The process can generate high purity green fuel that meets the quality demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber laser welding of R60702 pure Zr was performed in this study. The joint was composed of base metal (BM), fine grain heat affected zone (FGHAZ), coarsened grain heat affected zone (CGHAZ) and weld zone (WZ), which was fractured at BM during tensile testing. WZ presented the highest hardness 240 HV 1 , while the lowest hardness 160 HV 1 detected at BM. The microstructure in the WZ was composed of basket-weave Widmanstatten structures, and parallel-plate α ' structure. The microstructure in the HAZ was composed of parallel-plate α ' structure, a small amount of basket-weave Widmanstatten structure and irregular shape α ' recrystallized grains. The proportion of grain sizes (≤12 μm) in BM, FGHAZ, CGHAZ and WZ were 67.9%, 86.4%, 83.1% and 90.6%, respectively. Texture evolution was characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and XRD. XRD results indicate that the joint was composed of α -Zr, and demonstrated a different crystal texture in WZ and HAZ compared with BM. The typical bimodal texture appeared in BM. The possible existence of textures 10 1 ¯ 0 < 1 2 ¯ 10 > and 01 1 ¯ 3 < 2 ¯ 110 > in BM. There are 10 1 ¯ 0 < 1 2 ¯ 10 > , 01 1 ¯ 2 < 2 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 0 > , 2 ¯ 110 < 0001 > texture appeared in FGHAZ, and 10 1 ¯ 0 < 1 2 ¯ 10 > , 01 1 ¯ 3 < 2 ¯ 110 > , 1 ¯ 2 1 ¯ 0 < 20 2 ¯ 3 > texture appeared in CGHAZ. In addition, 1 ¯ 2 1 ¯ 0 < 20 2 ¯ 3 > and 01 1 ¯ 3 < 2 ¯ 110 > texture appeared in WZ. [Display omitted] • A high performance R60702 pure Zr joint by laser welding was obtained, and analysis of the weld microstructure evolution law was conducted. • The grain orientation of the base metal, fine grain heat affected zone, coarsened grain heat affected zone and weld zone were analyzed. • The texture evolution in four zones provides a memory function for observing the R60702 pure Zr joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This microstructural evolution of the δ/σ/γ phase transformations in SUS 309LSi stainless steel has been investigated as aged under different nitrogen atmospheric ratios from 0% up to 80%. The results showed that the increment of the nitrogen/air ratio accelerated the δ→γ phase transformation and that of δ→σ was inhibited. There are four precipitation sites of σ-phase at 800°C, which were δ/γ interface boundary, triple junction, corner, and cellular. On the other hand, the δ/σ phase transformation was the dominant factor that caused the precipitation of σ-phase. The mapping analysis indicated that the δ-ferrite and σ-phase in the SUS 309 stainless steel were Si-rich and Cr-rich phases, respectively. It leaded to the decrease of enrichment of Cr when the nitrogen/air ratio increased. The microstructural observation also exhibited the phase transformations among δ-ferrite, σ-phase and γ-phase were very different under various conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A practical method was developed to synthesize a series of new β-amino carbonyl compounds via a three-component Mannich reaction of aromatic amines with aromatic aldehydes and active methylene compounds catalyzed by SalenZn complex under mild reaction condition. The catalyst and solvent effects were investigated. The substituted group effects of aromatic amines and aldehydes were also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel and high efficient catalysts of metal porphyrin (M(TPP)X, M=Co, Fe, Ru, Mn; X=Cl−, Br−, OAc−, OTs−, Cl3CCO2 −)/phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide (PTAT) were developed to catalyze the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epoxides at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Formation and morphology of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the 91Sn–8.55Zn–0.45Al lead-free solder alloy/Cu interface has been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED). The XRD analysis indicates that the γ-Cu5Zn8 IMC is found at the solder/Cu interface in the as-wetted sample. When heat treated at 423K for 100 or 400h, the IMC phases still remain as γ-Cu5Zn8 and Cu6Sn5. As the aging time increases from 400 to 1000h, besides γ-Cu5Zn8 and Cu6Sn5, γ′-Cu9Al4 also appears. Planar-shaped γ-Cu5Zn8 and Cu6Sn5 are found near the solder and the Cu substrate, respectively. However, scallop-shaped γ-Cu5Zn8 is found at the eutectic 91Sn–8.55Zn–0.45Al solder alloy/Cu interface when aged at 423K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The kinetics of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation at the 91Sn–8.55Zn–0.45Al lead-free solder alloy/Cu substrate interface during soldering and subsequent aging have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED). From the XRD results, γ-Cu5Zn8 and Cu6Sn5 are found in the eutectic 91Sn–8.55Zn–0.45Al solder alloy/copper interface, but no γ′-Cu9Al4 is formed in the wetted samples aged at 423 K for 250 h. However, by TEM observation and ED analysis, γ′-Cu9Al4 is found at the interface of the solder alloy and the Cu substrate, and the IMC growth can be expressed as X = (Dt)1/2. The activation energy of the γ-Cu5Zn8 layer growth in 91Sn–8.55Zn–0.45Al solder alloy/Cu interface is determined as 53.77 kJ/mol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The role of static stress changes in triggering an earthquake has long been debated in the fields of geophysics and fault mechanics. Valuable data sets for the study of static triggering were provided within the 1-year period following the devastating 1999 Chi–Chi (Taiwan) earthquake (MW=7.6), during which more than 20,000 aftershocks occurred. In this study, stress waves generated by the Chi–Chi earthquake were calculated using a source rupture model in conjunction with a layered elastic model. Static (permanent) stress changes were extracted from the long-period offsets in the stressgrams. Correlations between the calculated stress changes and seismicity were analyzed at different depths and over varying time intervals to ascertain the impact effects of stress changes on triggering aftershocks. Correlations between prior seismicity rates and static stress changes imposed by the Chi–Chi event were low, while correlations between late seismicity rates and static stress changes were much higher. This indicates that static stress changes did affect the occurrence of the Chi–Chi aftershock sequence. The percentage of early aftershocks at shallow depths (0–10 km) in static stress-enhanced areas within 2 weeks of the main shock was high but decreased considerably at greater depths (>10 km) and over longer time periods. It is concluded that static stress changes at depths of 0–10 km played a major role in triggering crustal aftershocks, especially those that occurred within 2 weeks of the main shock. In the deeper crust, static stress changes may have been modified by viscous flow, and at later times, perturbed by earlier, larger aftershocks. Although the correlations between seismicity rate changes and static stress changes are imperfect, a region that was anti-triggered is detected when these two results are compared. Static stress changes are presumably not the only aftershock triggering mechanism, but they definitively play a major role in triggering shallow aftershocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ag‒Ag direct bonding at 180–200 ℃ by thermo-compression under air atmosphere. • High bonding strength over 58 MPa and excellent reliability after TCT are achieved. • Bonding under air atmosphere are due to the dissociation of the Ag 2 O at ~175 ℃. • Fast surface diffusivity and oxide-less surface facilitates stress migration of Ag. ga1 In this study, sputtered Ag thin films were proposed as bonding materials and Ag‒Ag direct bonding processes were achieved by thermo-compression process at 180–200 ℃ under air atmosphere in short periods. Both results of Ag‒Ag bonding interface and shear strength exhibited excellent bonding quality, which was attributed to the dissociation behavior of Ag 2 O at elevated temperature under air atmosphere. The dissociation behavior of Ag 2 O was further investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results demonstrated that the dissociation temperature is ~175 ℃. The fast surface diffusivity of Ag and the oxide-less surface facilitated the stress-induced migration of Ag atoms during thermo-compression bonding process. The corresponding bonding mechanism of the Ag‒Ag direct bonding processes under air atmosphere was also discussed in details. In addition, the resistance of kelvin structure in test vehicles of Ag‒Ag bonded bumps remained unchanged after temperature cycle test for 1000 cycles, demonstrating good reliability of Ag‒Ag direct bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the quality and readability of online information about breast cancer written in Chinese.Methods: An Internet search was conducted for "breast cancer" in Chinese using the Baidu search engine. Website quality was evaluated using the DISCERN instrument, and readability was evaluated using the Chinese Readability Index Explorer (CRIE). Higher DISCERN score indicated higher quality of websites, while higher CRIE score indicated lower readability of the content of the websites. We also investigated the effects of website producer category, and the associations of search engine ranking with DISCERN and CRIE scores.Results: A total of 49 websites were included. The mean overall DISCERN score was 50.27 ± 4.14, and the mean CRIE score was 6.78 ± 0.16. Websites produced by non-profit organizations had the highest overall DISCERN scores, while those produced by private individuals had the lowest CRIE scores. Search engine ranking had no significant correlation with website quality or readability.Conclusions: The quality and readability of breast cancer websites in Chinese were not satisfactory, and they varied among different website producer categories.Practice Implications: Website producers should seek to provide more accurate, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand information to better meet the needs of breast cancer patients. In addition, search engines should revise algorithms to promote websites with higher quality and accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]