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Sustainable design is no longer an emerging debate. Data-driven urban and architectural design faces several potential threats related to airflow modelling, including extreme wind environments, pollutant emissions, and the potential for new wind energy in design. Designers require advanced design tools to address these airflow modelling challenges. Still, it is difficult for designers to implement and utilise airflow models fully, and not all data-driven approaches are accessible to designers in traditional design workflow systems. This review systematically analyses the frontiers of airflow modelling in urban and architectural building design from the designer's perspective. It briefly summarises the advantages and disadvantages of airflow modelling based on the parametric design's white-box, black-box, and grey-box approaches. This review explores the challenges of wind environments and their analytical responses by screening design research articles at three scales. It summarises the eight main existing research directions. The article discusses the findings of designers at each scale, revealing significant areas of interest and continuing focus, such as the reduction of pollutant emissions and the interaction of new wind energy generation in design. This study concludes with three responses to possible challenges: improved resolution for design research loop, unification of information entropy in design and research, and airflow modelling tool-accessibility in the overall design ethos and education mindset; and provides illustrative vignettes of possible demos for the future development of airflow models' accessibility; and offers a vision of how designers better produce data-accessible design logic and fulfil their role in future sustainable design. • Pollutant emission and wind turbine-interacted design will be the focus, not the design 'gimmicks'. • CFD is not the only choice for airflow modelling. • Resolution is more than a setting in research. It is the enforceable plan between design efficiency and research precision, even between designers and city management. • Designers are required to 'draw a data-driven design logic' rather than 'draw a plan'. • Designers, design education, and enterprises require data accessibility through interactive communication and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the backdrop of the carbon neutrality, lithium-ion batteries are being extensively employed in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage stations (ESSs). Extremely harsh conditions, such as vehicle to grid (V2G), peak-valley regulation and frequency regulation, seriously accelerate the life degradation. Consequently, developing long-life batteries for typical scenarios has emerged as a crucial focus for future endeavors. This paper concentrates on the fundamental scientific inquiries and comprehensively reviews aspects including the urgent requirements, degradation mechanisms, design methods, durability modeling and management approaches for long-life batteries. Firstly, it underscores the significance and urgency of developing long-life batteries under the typical EV and ESS scenarios. Subsequently, we delve into the long-life battery design methods concerning degradation mechanism suppression. Following this, the degradation modeling and advanced management strategies for achieving long-life batteries are elucidated. Lastly, facing the existing challenges and future opportunities, we provide new insights and perspectives to promote the development and practical application of long-life lithium-ion batteries. • A comprehensive review of the key issues towards long-life battery is presented. • The pressing long-life demands of EV and ESS typical application is highlighted. • A critical review of degradation mechanism and modeling is emphasized. • Challenges and solutions of long-life battery design and management are discussed. • Prospects of long-life battery are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pulp samples from 20 pulpitis cases together with 20 normal participants were analyzed with a serum metabolomics approach using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/Orbitrap mass spectrometry. • Determine the key metabolites of pulpitis and the pathways associated with pulpitis incidence, providing certain foundation for analyzing the relation of metabolites with pulpitis incidence. Pulpitis, a pulp disease caused by caries, trauma, and other factors, has a high clinical incidence. This study focused on identifying possible metabolic biomarkers of pulpitis cases and analyzing the related metabolic pathways for providing a theoretical foundation to diagnose and prevent pulpitis. Pulp samples from 20 pulpitis cases together with 20 normal participants were analyzed with a serum metabolomics approach using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Moreover, this work carried out multivariate statistical analysis for screening potential biomarkers of pulpitis. Through biomarker analysis and identification, such as partial least squares discrimination analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model establishment, correlation analysis, and biomarker pathway analysis, 40 biomarkers associated with 20 metabolic pathways were identified, including 20 upregulated and 20 downregulated metabolites. Those major biomarkers included oxoglutaric acid, inosine, citric acid, and PA(14:1(9Z)/PGD1). Among them, oxoglutaric acid and inosine were most significantly downregulated and had the highest correlation with pulpitis. Among these metabolic pathways, GABAergic synapse and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were positively correlated with pulpitis. 4. These biomarkers as well as metabolic pathways may offer the theoretical foundation to understand pulpitis pathogenesis and develop preventive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Contact surface boundary conditions between the two surfaces of the vertical crack were considered to study contact acoustic nonlinearity (CAN) from the breathing contact crack in conjunction with the modal decomposition method, Fourier transform, and variational principle-based algorithm. • The clapping effects when the crack closed due to the different ratios of incident wave amplitude to crack width with the contact boundary conditions between the crack surfaces were studied and analyzed to get the quantitative correlation between analytical calculations and FE simulation. • When the crack state was modulated at a low frequency (much lower than the one of the probing ultrasonic waves), the related mode conversion coefficients were modulated accordingly both in the fundamental frequency and harmonic frequency. To characterize fatigue crack, an analytical calculation and finite element (FE) simulation of Lamb wave propagating through the region of a breathing crack in a two-dimensional(2D) isotropic plate were studied. Contact surface boundary conditions between the two surfaces of the vertical crack were considered to study contact acoustic nonlinearity (CAN) from the breathing contact crack in conjunction with the modal decomposition method, Fourier transform, and variational principle-based algorithm. Reflection and transmission coefficients in the fundamental frequency and second harmonic frequency were calculated and analyzed quantitatively. Different ratios of incident wave amplitude to crack width were studied to calculate CAN results related to micro-crack width. In addition, a low-frequency (LF) vibration(10 Hz) excitation was introduced to perturb the free surface vertical crack to close, and an interrogating Lamb wave(1 MHz) was used to study crack-related CAN in different conditions for interpreting the modulation mechanism. The contact boundary conditions between two surfaces of vertical crack were set which were dynamically changed due to the low frequency modulation. The clapping effects when the crack closed due to the modulation of the contact boundary conditions between the crack surfaces were studied and analyzed to get the quantitative correlation between CAN and LF modulation. The results obtained from the analytical model were compared with those from the FE simulation, showing good consistency. Knowledge of these effects is essential to correctly gauge the severity of surface cracks in the plate, which can be spotlighted in its application to quantitative evaluation of micro fatigue cracks in structural health monitoring(SHM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the purpose to turn wastes into wealth and develop renewable energy, much effort has been focused on converting biowastes into porous carbons and exploring their application for supercapacitors. In this study, inspired by natural porous structure of biomass and small size of Sn nanoparticles, a one-step strategy was developed to convert waste wolfberry fruits into porous carbons by SnCl 2. The as-fabricated carbon exhibited large specific surface area of 1423 m2 g−1 and hierarchical porosity with total pore volume of 1.36 cm3 g−1. Meanwhile, the newly produced SnCl 2 with more than 95% recovery rate was reused as catalyst. Moreover, the porous carbon was applied for supercapacitive electrode. In three-electrode 6 M KOH system, it displayed outstanding capacitance of 365 F/g at 0.2 A g−1, good rate capability of 75% capacitance retention at 20 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability of 96.4% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles. In two-electrode 1 M Li 2 SO 4 system, its energy density reached 23.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 225 W kg−1. The current work provided a facile and low-cost method to recycle renewable biowastes into high-valued carbon material, and further expanded its application for high-performance energy storage devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential sustainability and cost-effectiveness of seawater sea-sand concrete (SWSSC) have sparked widespread research interest and prompted extensive applied studies. However, the understanding of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in SWSSC is still lacking. In this work, the long-term ASR of SWSSC and the characterization of ASR gel was investigated. The result illustrated that the specimens mixed with either seawater or NaCl solution would show long-term ASR expansion, degrading the pore structure and forming ASR cracks. With the increase of sodium ion concentration, higher expansion and larger crack width were observed. Nanoindentation tests further revealed the evolution of ASR damage. The ASR gel produced in SWSCC had a white appearance and consisted of numerous interwoven sheet-like structures forming a honeycomb-like network. Its elastic modulus and hardness were 14.77 GPa and 0.35 GPa, respectively. In addition, the increase of sodium ion concentration would promote the formation of ASR gel but reduce the polymerization degree and the average chain length of the C–S–H, increasing the amount of gel pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salecan mitigates LPS-induced ALI by preserving alveolar structure, reducing edema, and suppressing inflammation. • Salecan modulates oxidative stress pathways, reversing ALI-associated metabolic alterations. • Salecan may inhibit LPS-induced ALI through Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. • Salecan interacts with macrophages, alleviating LPS-triggered apoptosis and inflammation. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe clinical condition with high mortality, characterized by rapid onset and limited treatment options. The pathogenesis of ALI involves inflammation and oxidative stress. The polysaccharide salecan, a water-soluble β-(1,3)-D-glucan, has been found to possess numerous pharmaceutical effects, including anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of oxidative stress, and anti-fatigue effects. This study aims to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of salecan against LPS-induced ALI in mice. Using an in vivo LPS-induced ALI mouse model and an in vitro RAW264.7 cell system, we investigated the role of salecan in ALI with various experimental approaches, including histological staining, quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, and other relevant assays. Pre-treatment with salecan effectively attenuated LPS-induced ALI in vivo, reducing the severity of pulmonary edema, inflammation, and oxidative stress. NMR-based metabolomic profiling analysis revealed that salecan attenuated LPS-induced metabolic imbalances associated with ALI. Furthermore, salecan downregulated Keap1 and upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels, indicating its modulation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway as a potential mechanism underlying its protective effects against ALI. In vitro studies on RAW264.7 cells revealed that salecan exhibited binding affinity towards macrophages, thereby alleviating LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation, which underpin its therapeutic potential against ALI. Our study suggests that salecan can alleviate LPS-induced ALI by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis through the activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These findings provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic use of salecan for the treatment of ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) are associated with significant blood loss, resulting in anemia and hemorrhagic shock. However, there has been limited data for the blood loss of FSFs during the whole perioperative period. Our primary aim is to quantify the blood loss associated with FSFs treated with intramedullary nail or locking compression plate fixation, as well as to identify the relative affecting factors for perioperative hidden blood loss (HBL).Patients and Methods: 131 consecutive patients with FSFs were enrolled in the retrospective study between January 2009 and January 2020, including 90 cases for intramedullary nail (Nail group) and 41 cases for locking compression plate fixation (Plate group). Demographics and perioperative data were collected and analyzed. Total blood loss (TBL), visible blood loss (VBL), HBL, and percentage of HBL (PHBL) were calculated based on hematocrit (Hct) changes.Results: There was a large drop of hemoglobin (Hb) during the perioperative time. Of all 131 patients, the average HBL was 1445.5 ± 443.2 mL, accounting for 78.7% of TBL (1815.1 ± 446.3 mL). TBL and HBL in Nail group were 1886.1 ± 438.6 mL and 1546.0 ± 424.7 mL; while TBL and HBL in Plate group were 1659.5 ± 427.9 mL and 1225.1 ± 405.7 mL. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, respectively). Besides, statistical significance (p< 0.05, p< 0.05, respectively) was also reported in HBL between Type-A and Type-C, and between Type-B and Type-C (1395.8 ± 444.8 mL vs. 1651.6 ± 495.7 mL; and 1411.2 ± 383.4 mL vs. 1651.6 ± 495.7 mL, respectively).Conclusions: Patients of FSFs had significant TBL and HBL, the amount of which was much larger than that observed intra-operatively. Moreover, two readily available preoperative factors for nail fixation and Type-C were associated with a higher likelihood of more HBL. Therefore, it was argued that regular perioperative monitoring and timely blood transfusion were crucially important for patients to avoid possible risks of anemia and facilitate recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed, verified and analyzed a potential reason (matrix composition complexity) for the subpar performance of FT-IR-based meat and bone meal (MBM) species discrimination. In order to address the aforementioned issue, the MBM matrix was modeled as a binary mixture comprising meat fragment (MF) and bone fragment (BF). BF and MF samples derived from four species were prepared, and MBM samples were subsequently formulated. The influence of matrix fragments on FT-IR-based MBM species-specific analysis was verified through the analysis of FT-IR spectral absorption peak intensities and comparison of species discrimination analysis models established using MBM, BF and MF samples. Furthermore, the coupling effect of BF and MF on FT-IR-based MBM species-specific analysis was elucidated by conducting correlation analysis between composition of matrix fragments and the prediction scores of species discrimination analysis. Additionally, FT-IR spectral variables that contributed predominantly within the coupling process were investigated in detail. • MBM matrix fragments were characterized and compared by FT-IR. • PLS-DA model using MBM performed worse than MF and BF based models. • Coupling effect of MF and BF on MBM species-specific analysis was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the identification mechanism of microplastics in agricultural environmental media by molecular spectroscopy, two typical media, soil and fishmeal, were selected for this study. Three common microplastics, PE, PP, and PS, were used as research objects. Near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods were used to explore microplastics' identification and analysis effects in different agricultural media and reveal their identification mechanisms. PCA analysis revealed that different soil types would affect the identification results of microplastics. PLS-DA discriminant analysis showed that the accuracy of NIR spectroscopy technology in identifying microplastics in different types of soil decreased in the order of sand > loam > clay. In contrast, the rule of MIR spectroscopy technology was the opposite. The sensitivity and specificity of the three microplastics in the NIR model of sand and the infrared spectroscopy model of fishmeal reached 1.000. NIR spectroscopy technology is suitable for identifying microplastics in soil, while infrared spectroscopy technology is more suitable for identifying microplastics in fish meal. Furthermore, based on the VIP values of each wavelength point in the spectrum, the characteristic bands that have essential contributions to identifying microplastics in soil were screened out. The NIR spectra of 4500–4300 cm − 1 , 4300–3900 cm − 1 and 7100–5800 cm − 1 are the most essential characteristic bands for identifying microplastics in clay, loam, and sand, respectively. The MIR of 3000–2900 cm − 1 and 700–650 cm − 1 were the most essential characteristic bands for identifying microplastics in soils, and the overlap of the characteristic spectra of the three soils reached 59.45%. The NIR spectra of 6050–5600 cm − 1 , 4700–4000 cm − 1 and the MIR spectra of 2300–1900 cm − 1 and 800–400 cm − 1 are the most essential characteristic bands for the identifying microplastics in fishmeal. This study provides a more suitable technical "solution" for identifying microplastics in environmental media, which is of great significance for improving the accuracy of molecular spectroscopic identification in environmental media and clarifying the interaction between microplastics and environmental media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postponing performance analysis of buildings until the final stage of the design process often leads to unexpected results, introducing errors and disrupting the architect's workflow. The literature review identifies prior research limitations, motivating this study to develop a high-rise design optimisation workflow, automate design preparation, explore alternative airflow simulation methods, and compare Optimisation (Opt) algorithms with Genetic Algorithms (GAs) for broader design considerations. We thus propose an integrated computational workflow for sustainable building design optimisation with four objectives. This study applied it in the early design phase of a practical energy efficiency-oriented redevelopment project involving a cluster of seven high-rise office buildings in Nanjing. The project aimed to decrease annual energy use, increase solar and wind energy potential, and reduce structural displacement. Our methodology primarily utilises the surrogate-model algorithm Radial Basis Function Muti-objective Optimisation (RBFMOpt) algorithm, enabling quick identification of self- and new- energy demands and cost-effective structural solutions for tall buildings while optimising energy performance. Different from traditional genetic algorithm-driven optimisation procedures or with a separated post-optimisation, our workflow follows a pre-design approach. Test results are automatically optimised in a loop without post-processing, aligning with the architect's research objectives and improving the decision-making process. Our study yielded a 12% increase in energy use efficiency and a 23% improvement in structural stability. However, achieving these gains resulted in a 32% decrease in solar energy potential. Furthermore, we provide a comparative study between RBFMOpt and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), offering critical guidance for designers when selecting optimisation algorithms to address efficiency and precision challenges in energy-related design. These findings contribute to an integrated research-for-design workflow, providing data-driven evidence to support early design decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable aluminum cans and plastic bottles are common wastes found in modern societies. This article shows that they can be upcycled into functional materials, such as metal-organic frameworks and hierarchical porous carbon nanomaterials for high-value applications. Through a solvothermal method, used poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles and aluminum cans are converted into MIL-53(Al). Subsequently, the as-prepared MIL-53(Al) can be further carbonized into a nitrogen-doped (4.52 at%) hierarchical porous carbon framework. With an optical amount of urea present during the carbonization process, the carbon nanomaterial of a high specific surface area of 1324 m2 g−1 with well-defined porosity can be achieved. These features allow the nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon to perform impressively as the working electrode of supercapacitors, delivering a high specific capacitance of 355 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in a three-electrode cell and exhibiting a high energy density of 20.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 225 W kg−1, while simultaneously maintaining 88.2% capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles in two-electrode system. This work demonstrates the possibility of upcycling wastes to obtain carbon-based high-performance supercapacitors. [Display omitted] • Upcycle used PET bottles and aluminum cans into the nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbons. • Prepared carbon as supercapacitor electrode delivers a high energy density of 20.1 Wh/kg. • Well-defined porous carbon framework is vital to the excellent supercapacitive performance. • This work paves an effective environmental-friendly way to prepare carbon-based supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dihydro-β-ionone was first identified in Volvariella volvacea. • Odor activity values of main constituents of Volvariella volvacea were determined. • SAFE was enriched in aroma-active components for Volvariella volvacea aroma analysis. The volatile compounds of Volvariella volvacea mushroom were investigated by solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE)/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), odor activity value (OAV), combined with aroma reconstitution and omission. The results showed that a total of 63 compounds were detected after SAFE extraction. A total of 26 compounds were determined after GC-O and 17 compounds whose OAV greater than 1 were subjected to reconstitution and omission experiments. The results showed that dihydro-β-ionone, 1-octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol, γ-undecalactone, 3-octanol, 2-octanone, hexanal, 2-methylbutanal, camphene, carvone, 2-nonanone, and phenylacetaldehyde have been successfully identified as the key aroma compounds. More significantly, dihydro-β-ionone as a key aroma compound was first found in Volvariella volvacea mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neuraxial morphine increases spinal caspase-6 cleavage and PKMζ phosphorylation. • Caspase-6 inhibition reduces morphine-induced itch and PKMζ phosphorylation. • PKMζ inhibition attenuates morphine-induced acute itch. • Caspase-6 inhibition reduces chronic itch after contact dermatitis. Patients receiving neuraxial treatment with morphine for pain relief often experience a distressing pruritus. Neuroinflammation-mediated plasticity of sensory synapses in the spinal cord is critical for the development of pain and itch. Caspase-6, as an intracellular cysteine protease, is capable of inducing central nociceptive sensitization through regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. Given the tight interaction between protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) and excitatory synaptic plasticity, this pre-clinical study investigates whether caspase-6 contributes to morphine-induced itch and chronic itch via PKMζ. Intrathecal morphine and contact dermatitis were used to cause pruritus in mice. Morphine antinociception, itch-induced scratching behaviors, spinal activity of caspase-6, and phosphorylation of PKMζ and ERK were examined. Caspase-6 inhibitor Z-VEID-FMK, exogenous caspase-6 and PKMζ inhibitor ZIP were utilized to reveal the mechanisms and prevention of itch. Herein, we report that morphine induces significant scratching behaviors, which is accompanied by an increase in spinal caspase-6 cleavage and PKMζ phosphorylation (but not expression). Intrathecal injection of Z-VEID-FMK drastically reduces morphine-induced scratch bouts and spinal phosphorylation of PKMζ, without abolishing morphine analgesia. Moreover, intrathecal strategies of ZIP dose-dependently reduce morphine-induced itch-like behaviors. Spinal phosphorylation of ERK following neuraxial morphine is down-regulated by ZIP therapy. Recombinant caspase-6 directly exhibits scratching behaviors and spinal phosphorylation of ERK, which is compensated by PKMζ inhibition. Also, spinal inhibition of caspase-6 and PKMζ reduces the generation and maintenance of dermatitis-induced chronic itch. Together, these findings demonstrate that spinal caspase-6 modulation of PKMζ phosphorylation is important in the development of morphine-induced itch and dermatitis-induced itch in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a theoretical investigation on the electronic properties of double atomic carbon chains bridging graphene electrodes with density functional theory in combination with non-equilibrium Green's function. The influence of strain on the conductance of atomic carbon chains is significant. However, the coupling effect between adjacent chains dominates the intrinsic transport of double atomic carbon chains. For the coupled double atomic chains, the electron conductance of even-numbered atomic chains is significantly enhanced, while the electron conductance of odd-numbered atomic chains decreases to a certain degree, and the dependence of the conductance of double atomic chains on electrode configuration is stronger than the corresponding single atomic chain. More intriguingly, the coupled double atomic chains exhibit excellent spin-filtering properties with antiparallel spins on two electrodes. The current spin polarization stems from the coupling-induced changes of electron density and band offset reaches 100%. The coupled double atomic carbon chains have great potential application in spintronic devices and carbon-based field-effect transistors. • Coupling of carbon atomic chains increase the average conductance of atomic chains. • Coupling of carbon atomic chains induces very strong spin filter effect, even reaches 100%. • MR ratios of double carbon atomic chains increase by up to 5 orders of magnitude of the single carbon atomic chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of separation techniques guided by sensory evaluation were used. • Two peptides with umami taste were identified in Volvariella volvacea. • Taste characteristics and dose-response relationships of peptides were studied. Mushroom peptides produced by high-pressure cooking from Volvariella volvacea were found to retain and enhance the umami taste. Three tasty peptides were identified as Ala-Ser-Asn-Met-Ser-Asp-Leu (ASNMSDL), Tyr-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Asn-Ser-Ala (YYGSNSA) and Leu-Gln-Pro-Leu-Asn-Ala-His (LQPLNAH) by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, after a series of separation methods of ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Each fractionation step is based on the results of sensory evaluation. ASNMSDL and LQPLNAH have umami taste with threshold values of 10.19 and 12.63 mmol/L, respectively. In addition, these two peptides also showed umami-enhancing properties with a threshold estimated at 13.58 and 18.95 mmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, the peptides showed better sensory taste than mixtures of their constituent amino acids. After separation and purification, the content of taste peptides in Volvariella volvacea is about 1.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a four-stage method for synthesizing reconfigurable ASNoC topology is proposed for partially dynamically reconfigurable systems, where the topology is reconfigured dynamically at run-time along with the application's execution. Firstly, a simulated annealing based topology-aware integrated optimization framework is proposed to generate the proper schedule and floorplan of task modules. Secondly, based on the schedule and floorplan of task modules, an Integer Linear Programming (ILP)-based method and a heuristic method, are proposed to partition the communication requirements of the application into T time intervals. Thirdly, we explore the proper positions of switches in the floorplan for global communications. Finally, considering the reconfiguration costs between adjacent time intervals, the routing path allocation problem is solved for time intervals in an iterative procedure to generate fine-grained dynamically reconfigurable ASNoC topologies. Experimental results show that, compared to the random partition of communication requirements, the proposed heuristic method and ILP-based method can achieve 5.4% and 10.0% power consumption improvement, respectively. And, the reconfigurable ASNoC can achieve 31.6% power consumption improvement when compared with static ASNoC. • Propose a four-stage reconfigurable ASNoC topology synthesis method for partially dynamically reconfigurable systems. • Propose a topology-aware integrated optimization framework for generating proper schedule and floorplan of tasks. • Propose an ILP-based method and a binary search based heuristic for temporally partitioning of the communication requirements. • Experimental results show that ASNoCs with reconfigurable topologies can save 31.6% power consumptions on communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Interdisciplinary approaches are proposed to predict multi-building energy use. • Social network analysis is applied to identify reference buildings in a building group. • Artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm is integrated in energy use prediction with reference buildings. • Office, education, laboratory, and residence building groups on campus are tested. • Proposed SNA-ANN can accurately predict multi-building energy use with reference buildings. Abstract Predicting multi-building energy use at campus or city district scale has recently gained more attention; and more researchers have started to define reference buildings and study inter-impact between building groups. However, how to integrate the relationship to define reference buildings and predict multi-building energy use, using significantly less amount of building data and reducing complexity of prediction models, remains an open research question. To resolve this, this study proposed a novel method to predict multi-building energy use by integrating a social network analysis (SNA) with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. The SNA method was used to establish a building network (BN) by identifying reference buildings and determine correlations between reference buildings and non-reference buildings. The ANN technique was applied to learn correlations and historical building energy use, and then used to predict multi-building energy use. To validate the SNA-ANN method, 17 buildings in the Southeast University campus, located in Nanjing, China, were studied. These buildings have three years of actual monthly electricity use data and were grouped into four types: office, educational, laboratory, and residential. The results showed the integrated SNA-ANN method achieved average prediction accuracies of 90.67% for the office group, 90.79% for the educational group, 92.34% for the laboratory group, and 83.32% for the residential group. The results demonstrated the proposed SNA-ANN method achieved an accuracy of 90.28% for the predicted energy use for all building groups. Finally, this study provides insights into advancing the interdisciplinary research on multi-building energy use prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The thickness dependency of trans-laminar fracture toughness was studied in centre-notched quasi-isotropic IM7/8552 carbon/epoxy laminates with central double 0° plies with thicknesses between 1 and 8 mm. A reduction in trans-laminar fracture toughness with thickness was measured experimentally in the specimens with a 25.4 mm notch. For specimens with a shorter 12.7 mm notch, no significant dependency on specimen thickness was found. The thickness dependency was captured in detailed Finite Element (FE) models with cohesive interface elements for sub-critical damage and a Weibull criterion for fibre breakage. The reason for the thickness dependency is explained through the damage states of the individual plies which determine whether or not premature fracture occurs before the damage process zone is fully developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mode II fracture energy, G IIC , is a critical parameter for determining the propagation of delamination in composite laminates. Its value can be affected by Through-Thickness Compression (TTC) stress acting on the crack tip and here this effect has been studied using IM7/8552 carbon/epoxy laminates with cut central plies. External TTC loads were applied through bi-axial testing. Unidirectional (UD) cut-ply specimens were used to determine the TTC enhancement factor, η G , for G IIC . A similar enhancement effect was also found in Quasi-isotropic (QI) specimens with 2 extra cut central 0° plies inserted into the layup. The TTC enhancement factor was implemented in a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) framework using cohesive interface elements, showing that the determined η G can be successfully used to model the effect of TTC on delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thrombus formation and oxidation of blood components caused by blood-contacting biomaterials were main reasons for poor hemocompatibility of biomaterials. To construct the anti-thrombotic and anti-oxidative surface, we electrospun styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene elastomer (SEBS)/acylated Pluronic F127 (A-F127)/L-ascorbic acid (AA) microfibers based on the SEBS substrate in one step. Our strategy was based on that the phase-separation between SEBS and A-F127 during electrospinning resulted in hydrophilic surface of microfibers, the crosslinking of electrospun meshes rendered the surface stable, and the AA release from the microfibers interacted with blood cells actively to prevent blood cells from oxidative damage. We demonstrated that the self-assembly of SEBS/A-F127 blends resulted in the similar structure as core-shell microfibers with the A-F127 richness in the sheath; the presence of A-F127 on the out layer made the microfibers hydrophilic and rendered the microfibers anti-thrombotic; the release of AA from the microfibers in the PBS solution was temperature-dependent; AA acted as the antioxidant to decrease the oxidative damage of blood cells after long-term contact between biomaterials and blood. Our work paves a new way to develop long-term hemocompatible biomaterials, which may be helpful to prevent blood cells from oxidative damage to maintain the normal function of blood cells in vivo . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grievances are vulnerable to state development and harmony; however, some factors provoke the masses and groups to vulnerability and state fragility (SF) by disturbing social cohesion. Under the grievance assumptions on the political process, this study has been designed to gauge the nexus of group grievances (GG), an essential parameter of social cohesion, institutional governance (IG), government legitimacy (GL), economic growth (EcG), and population growth (POPG) from the global perspective from 2008 to 2022 in a global panel of 158 countries considering the critical aspect of SF. The statistics reveal that PS is essential in controlling and managing the GG in the state. PS is the most significant factor in harmonizing the state's ethnic minorities, focus, and religious groups with stable policies and their grievances issues. It also states that apart from PS, another aspect of IG, Control of Corruption (CoC), helps mitigate malpractices and provides a transparent environment supporting grievances. It further demonstrates that EcG provokes grievances instead of lessening them among the key groups in the state, especially in the processing of industrialization. Because of the government's partiality to provide benefits to specific groups or sectors, that partiality and injustice hype the grievances among the public. Moreover, POPG is also a significant factor in increasing GG, along with government illegitimacy and untrust. The study concludes that to make the country agile and prosperous, the government should balance developing industrialization without compromising agricultural and domestic industries. It helps states gain public trust in the IG framework and GL. The government should harmonize its policies by tackling all minorities, ethnic, and religious groups coherently to maintain social cohesion in the country. Finally, One of the significant factors in natural resources and the scarcity of global resources is population. It stated that prudent population control measures better assist in resource scarcity and conflict management, such as in EU countries compared to Asia and Africa. Recent grievance movements in Brazil, China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the US, are the practical application of this study because these countries fall in the list of the top 10 most populous countries. So, population control policies should be effectively implemented to support economic and social parity and mitigate GG. • This study examined Group Grievances, a vital factor of Social Cohesion globally. • Political stability is paramount in maintaining the GG globally. • Economic Growth is proking the GG instead of lessening it. • Population growth also adversely affects social cohesion policies. • Legitimate government institutes help in mitigating the GG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A physical informed neural network is built for aging mechanism identification. • A hybrid prediction method combining the aging mechanism and data-driven method. • Entire charging curve prediction using developed deep hybrid neural network. • Fast capacity prediction only using 50 mV charging voltage window. Accurate and robust capacity prediction is significant for battery management system to identify the state of health and life condition for lithium-ion batteries. This paper proposes a fast capacity prediction method by developing a novel deep aging mechanism-informed bidirectional long-short term memory (AM-Bi-LSTM) neural network. Firstly, a physical informed aging mechanism (AM) layer is established with the random charging curve sequences as input to identify the degradation features. Then the deep learning framework with two bidirectional long-short term memory (Bi-LSTM) layers is built to reflect the entire constant current charging curves and predict the battery capacity. In which, the battery aging mechanism is integrated into the artificial intelligence algorithm of capacity prediction for the first time. Several case studies are implemented to verify the effectiveness of developed method, and the influence of voltage window length on capacity prediction is further discussed. The results demonstrate that the charging curves can be accurately and fast captured with a capacity prediction root mean square error of less than 0.49% for 0.74 Ah batteries with 50 mV voltage window charging points collected in only less than 2.09 minutes mean cost time in the whole life cycle. It shows the proposed aging mechanism-informed data-driven prediction method has stronger robustness, faster prediction speed and higher accuracy compared with other data-driven methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how pragmatic inference making is modulated by information structure in preceding text. We created three types of two-clause structures in which the interpretation of a critical word in the second clause was dependent on the engagement of pragmatic inference as well as a successful establishment of a referential relation between the target word and an intended antecedent in the preceding text. An enhanced P600 response was elicited by target words when the intended referent was in non-topic position compared to topic position or sub-topic position. Moreover, a reduced N400 was elicited by the target word when the intended referent in the preceding clause was in non-topic position, compared to topic position. These findings suggest that building inferential relations can benefit from information structural prominence of topicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dy 3+ -doped Y 2 O 3 ceramics were fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering method. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and the optical transmittance of the ceramics was studied. The maximum in-line transmittance of Dy:Y 2 O 3 ceramics with thickness of 1 mm was 74.5% at 574 nm when sintering temperature was 1550 ℃. The spectroscopic parameters were determined by Judd-Ofelt theory based on the room temperature absorption spectra. The peak emission cross section for the 4 F 9/2  →  6 H 13/2 transition was calculated to be 0.569 × 10 −20  cm 2 . The fluorescence decay curve and quantum efficiency of the 4 F 9/2 multiplet were measured to be 269.2 μs and 37.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial fracture propagation within a full-scale stiffened quasi-isotropic composite panel and coupons with stringer feet under tensile loads was investigated. The specimens were made from Non-Crimp Fabric through Vacuum assisted Resin Transfer Moulding. The failure loads of all configurations were successfully related using the same value of trans-laminar fracture energy. The method involved independent tests of scaled-down Over-height Compact Tension specimens and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique. It was found to be crucial to include the fully developed damage process zone in the crack length and to interpret the results carefully in order to identify the failure loads consistently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript addresses the output regulation problem for a class of scalar boundary controlled first-order hyperbolic partial integro-differential equation (PIDE) systems with Fredholm integrals. In particular, with the advantage of the backstepping approach, simple structure systems can be obtained such that regulator equations for the state feedback regulator design are analyzed and solved in backstepping coordinates. Moreover, the finite time output regulation is achieved. In the observer-based output feedback regulator design, it is not necessary that the outputs to be controlled belong to the available output measurements and these outputs can be distributed, point-wise and/or boundary in nature, while the boundary placed measurements are used for regulator design. For the observer gains design, a transformation of the ODE–PDE system into an ODE–PDE cascade is considered. It is also shown that the separation principle holds for the output feedback regulator design and the exponential output regulation is realized for the resulting stable closed-loop system. Finally, the output regulation results are illustrated with two numerical simulations: a Korteweg–de Vries-like equation and a PDE–ODE interconnected system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent Sm:Y 2 O 3 ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effects of LiF additive and sintering temperature on the microstructure and optical transmittance of the Sm:Y 2 O 3 ceramics were investigated. The optimal content of LiF additive and sintering temperature was found to be 0.3 wt% and 1500 ℃. The transmittance of Sm:Y 2 O 3 ceramics with a thickness of 1.7 mm reached 75.3% at 609 nm, which is about 94% of the theoretical value. The average grain size of the sample was about 50 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript addresses the output regulation problem for linear distributed parameter systems (DPSs) with bounded input and unbounded output operators. We introduce novel methods for the design of the output feedback and error feedback regulators. In the output feedback regulator design, the measurements available for the regulator do not belong to the set of controlled outputs. The proposed output feedback regulator with the injection of the measurement y m ( t ) and reference y r ( t ) can realize both the plant and the exosystem states estimation, disturbance rejection and reference signal tracking, simultaneously. Moreover, new design approach provides an alternative choice for seeking the output injection gain in a traditional error feedback regulator design. The regulator parameters are easily configured to solve the output regulation problems, and to ensure the stability of the closed-loop systems. The results are demonstrated via computer simulation in two types of representative systems: the parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) system and the first order hyperbolic PDE system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An energy-efficient oriented multi-objective urban block form design workflow is proposed. • The relationship between urban form factors and building energy consumption, as well as solar energy potential, is explored. • Reducing energy demand, increasing energy generation, and improving environmental performance should be considered together in the design of energy-efficient blocks. • BD, OSR, SC, and PAR have significant correlations with the total EUI of the block. • FAR, BD, AF, OSR, SC, and PAR are highly correlated with rooftop PV energy generation. Urban form can significantly affect building energy consumption and solar energy potential, which is essential to sustainable urban development. However, few studies have proposed a comprehensive framework to discuss this. In addition, how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and how to combine quantitative research results with urban form design is also a matter of concern. Based on this background, this study proposes a multi-objective urban form design optimization framework based on the Grasshopper platform. Three optimization objectives were identified: minimum building energy consumption, maximum solar potential and maximum sunlight hours. Then, taking Jianhu in China as an example, the building types are extracted from the actual urban context to create blocks. The Ladybug Tools plugin is used for performance simulation, and multi-objective optimization is run in Wallacei X. Furthermore, based on the optimization process data, a correlation analysis of urban form factors with building energy consumption and solar energy potential is conducted. Finally, the research findings are integrated, and energy-efficient urban form design strategies are proposed. The research results show that a block form with excellent energy performance in Jianhu has the following characteristics: (i) The open space is often located in the center of the block. High-rise buildings are located on the west side. (ii) The block presents a layout consisting of a low south side and high north side. (iii) The orientation of the block is 15° south by westor due south. (iv) Avoid building types with large shape coefficient such as P-4, C-1, S-3 and C-2. In addition, building density (BD), open space ratio (OSR), shape coefficient (SC) and average perimeter-area ratio (PAR) have significant correlations with the total building energy use intensity of the block. For solar potential, floor area ratio (FAR), BD, the average number of floors (AF), OSR, SC, and PAR are highly correlated with rooftop PV energy generation, and sky view factor (SVF) is significantly correlated with rooftop PV energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tartary buckwheat is one of the most health food for prevention of hypertension. • FtIST1 belongs to the SBP transcription factor gene family, which is predicted to be a soluble hydrophilic protein. • The over-expression of FtIST1 gene can obviously improve the salt tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. • The loss of FtIST1 gene expression in Tartary buckwheat led to the decrease of salt tolerance. • FtIST1 is a salt tolerance gene, which is closely associated with salt tolerance of Tartary buckwheat. FtIST1 is a novel SBP gene isolated from salt-responsive Tartary buckwheat, and its molecular characteristics and function in salt tolerance are unclear. With the use of DNAMAN and MEGA7.0 software and online analysis program SOPMA, we performed the bioinformatics analysis of the novel FtIST1 gene. We also identified the function of FtIST1 gene via over-expression and VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing). FtIST1 gene was cloned from Tartary buckwheat, and its GenBank accession number is MK799640. FtIST1 belongs to the SBP transcription factor gene family, it is 374 bp long and encodes 99 amino acids. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of FtIST1 protein are 11.7 kDa and 8.78, which is predicted to be a soluble hydrophilic protein. Through analyzing the physiological characteristics of transgenic Arabidopsis , it was found that the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT), chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm, Fv/F 0 , net photosynthetic rate, fresh weight and dry weight, K+ and Mg2+ content increased significantly in Arabidopsis with over-expression of FtIST1 gene, while the plasmalemma permeability, chlorophyll a fluorescence F 0 and Na+ content of leaves decreased significantly, indicating that the over-expression of FtIST1 gene can obviously improve the physiological characteristics of Arabidopsis under salt stress and the salt tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. After successfully inhibiting the expression of FtIST1 gene in Tartary buckwheat by VIGS technology, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, POD and CAT in Tartary buckwheat decreased significantly, while the plasmalemma permeability and Na+ content of leaves increased significantly, indicating that the loss of FtIST1 gene expression in Tartary buckwheat led to the decrease of antioxidant capacity, the increase of cell membrane damage, the increase of Na+ content in shoot and the obvious decrease of salt tolerance. Our data indicate that FtIST1 is a salt tolerance gene, which is closely associated with salt tolerance of Tartary buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal growth, polarized spectral properties, Judd-Ofelt (JO) analysis and lifetime of Sm:CaGdAlO 4 (Sm:CGA) crystal were reported for the first time. Sm:CGA crystal with size of Φ4 × 33 mm 3 was grown by the floating zone (FZ) method. The peak absorption cross-sections at 407 nm were calculated to be 3.41 × 10 −20 cm 2 and 3.20 × 10 −20 cm 2 for the σ and π polarization, and the largest stimulated emission cross-sections at 601 nm were 5.10 × 10 −21 cm 2 and 4.66 × 10 −21 cm 2 , respectively. The absorption and emission cross-sections were several times larger than that of Sm:LiYF 4 . The JO intensity parameters of Ω 2 , Ω 4 and Ω 6 were calculated to be 3.0 × 10 −20 cm 2 , 6.1 × 10 −20 cm 2 and 6.5 × 10 −20 cm 2 , respectively. The lifetime of the 4 G 5/2 level was obtained to be 0.69 ms. All the results indicate that Sm:CGA crystal is a potential laser host for the reddish-orange laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal growth, optical spectra and lifetime of Dy:CaGdAlO 4 crystal were investigated for the first time to our best knowledge. Single Dy:CaGdAlO 4 crystal with size of Φ4 × 40 mm 3 was grown by floating zone method. The peak absorption cross-sections were calculated to be 2.43 × 10 −21 cm 2 and 1.28 × 10 −21 cm 2 at 453 nm for σ and π polarizations. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) parameters of Ω 2 , Ω 4 and Ω 6 were calculated to be 1.8 × 10 −20 cm 2 , 1.0 × 10 −20 cm 2 and 0.5 × 10 −20 cm 2 , respectively. The emission cross-sections were calculated to be 0.51 × 10 −20 cm 2 and 0.55 × 10 −20 cm 2 for σ and π polarizations. The fluorescence decay time is 222 μs. The results indicate that the Dy:CaGdAlO 4 crystal is a potential candidate for yellow laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new carbon-based morphology, graphene spirals (GSs), possesses interesting electronic features with inter-layer interaction and intra-layer interaction, ascribed to its unique intra-system electronic coupling states. The spin-polarization and the tunneling patterns of GSs manipulated by the periphery structural modification were investigated in detail with first principle calculations. The spin-polarized edge-states and transport properties can be enhanced and modulated by the constructed trigonal corners efficiently. Governed by the position and the number of the introduced carbon-hexagons, diverse spin-polarized tunneling states and various edge-state couplings between central spiral structure and electrodes can be achieved. More significantly, the contribution of inter-layer tunneling and intra-layer tunneling can be dominated by the topological signatures of GSs. For all spiral conformations, inter-layer tunneling always contributes to the net spin-dependent current. Remarkably, when carbon-hexagons are introduced at some typical positions, the complete spiral current along spiral construction is induced by intra-layer tunneling. Those features provide a good tunability of spin-polarized couplings and tunneling patterns in GSs for spintronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) discriminant of animal fats and oils species and its mechanism. Based on samples of lard oil, chicken oil, beef tallow, and mutton tallow, the classification errors of two-class (non-ruminant, ruminant) and three-class (lard oil, beef tallow, mutton tallow) at different temperatures were compared by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The results showed that ruminant and non-ruminant animal fats were completely distinguished at 55 °C with a 0.000 classification error. Good classification results were achieved at 80 °C for lard oil, beef tallow, and mutton tallow, with a reduction of 0.142, 0.181, and 0.121 classification errors, respectively, compared to 30 °C. The coupling chemometrics method of near-infrared spectroscopy effectively explores the wavelength points and bands that contribute to identifying species at different temperatures and the corresponding structural changes. The temperature mechanism is analyzed to provide an efficient and accurate analysis method and theoretical support for the quality control of animal oils and fats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Δ s = R ( K 3 , K s ) − R ( K 3 , K s − 1 ) , where R ( G , H ) is the Ramsey number of graphs G and H defined as the smallest n such that any edge coloring of K n with two colors contains G in the first color or H in the second color. In 1980, Erdős and Sós posed some questions about the growth of Δ s . The best known concrete bounds on Δ s are 3 ≤ Δ s ≤ s , and they have not been improved since the stating of the problem. In this paper we present some constructions, which imply in particular that R ( K 3 , K s ) ≥ R ( K 3 , K s − 1 − e ) + 4 , and R ( 3 , K s + t − 1 ) ≥ R ( 3 , K s + 1 − e ) + R ( 3 , K t + 1 − e ) − 5 for s , t ≥ 3 . This does not improve the lower bound of 3 on Δ s , but we still consider it a step towards to understanding its growth. We discuss some related questions and state two conjectures involving Δ s , including the following: for some constant d and all s it holds that Δ s − Δ s + 1 ≤ d . We also prove that if the latter is true, then lim s → ∞ Δ s / s = 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent Y 2 O 3 ceramics were fabricated by the solid-state reaction and vacuum sintering method using La 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 as sintering aids. The microstructure of the Y 2 O 3 ceramics sintered from 1550 °C to 1800 °C for 8 h were analyzed by SEM. The sintering process of the Y 2 O 3 transparent ceramics was optimized. The results showed that when the samples were sintered at 1800 °C for 8 h under vacuum, the average grain sizes of the ceramics were about 3.5 µm. Furthermore, the transmittance of Y 2 O 3 ceramic sintered at 1800 °C for 8 h was 82.1% at the wavelength around the 1100 nm (1 mm thickness), which was close to its theoretical value. Moreover, the refractive index of the Y 2 O 3 transparent ceramic in the temperature range from 30 °C to 400 °C were measured by the spectroscopic ellipsometry method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GF-1 and GF-6 remote sensing data have potential for wetland change detection. • Spatial-temporal attention method can identify information changes in cultivated land to wetland areas. • Sanjiang National Nature Reserve has large wetland restoration areas located near water sources. • The results of the study have important implications for the restoration and sustainable development of wetlands. Wetlands are important ecosystems, and detecting changes in wetlands plays a very important role in the management of wetland resources. Therefore, we selected Sanjiang National Nature Reserve as the study area and proposed a method in which bi-temporal GaoFen (GF) remote sensing data was combined with a spatial–temporal attention neural network (STANet) model, coupled with the selection of spectral variables. We used the bi-temporal images from GF-1 and GF-6 and compared three band selection methods, Relief F, principal component analysis, and RGB combination, and two STANet-based change detection methods (BAM: basic spatial–temporal attention module and PAM: pyramid spatial–temporal attention module) to improve the change detection of the wetland restoration. The results show that the accuracy of wetland change detection is related to different combinations of spectral variable selection and STANet models. The combination of Relief F feature selection and the BAM model led to the highest accuracy of the wetland change detection, 71.72 % for F1-Score and 76.92 % for MIou. The vector results of the change detection statistics show that the area of the Sanjiang National Nature Reserve cultivated lands converted to wetlands is 46.05 km2. This study implies that the STANet method has the capacity of detecting complex wetland restoration. Red, Bule, NIR and Red Edge1 bands of GaoFen data can provide effective information in the detection of changes in wetlands. The results of the study can be used as a reference for rational planning of wetland restoration, seeking a balance between cultivated lands and wetlands, which is important for the sustainable development of wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The reliability of DLTS simulation is confirmed by the nonlocal hybrid functional. • The electron–phonon coupling is included to describe the hot carrier nonradiative capture in the DLTS simulation. • The DLTS simulation is verified by the radiation experiments. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) is a crucial technique to characterize the defects in semiconductor devices. Within the framework of the state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT), the simulation for experimental DLTS spectra is realized successfully with high accuracy and intrinsic physics in this work, of which the reliability is confirmed by nonlocal hybrid functional. The electron–phonon coupling is included to describe the thermal-activated behavior of the hot carrier nonradiative capture reflected by DLTS signal. In the case study, the divacancy in silicon is employed for the flow of DLTS calculation as a benchmark, of which the results are verified by our 40 MeV Si irradiation experiments on the NPN and PNP bipolar junction transistors and previous reports. The problem we can address is the identification of defect characterized in DLTS experiments. The realization of DLTS simulation would have a profound significance for understanding the underlying physics in experimental observations and be a powerful leverage to define defect nature in semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic properties and structural construction of active materials are crucial to improving the performance of electrodes. Herein, flexible and hydrophilic polyetherimide/polyaniline (PEI/PANI) conductive microfiber membranes with unique core-shell architecture were prepared via electrospinning followed by in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline doped with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, and used to boost the properties through the combined action of the pseudocapacitive PANI and abundant porous PEI membranes. For achieving excellent PEI/PANI microfiber membranes as free-standing electrodes, the polymerization time was controlled to refrain from exceed PANI particles agglomeration and maintain the unique three-dimensional porous network structure. Optimized PEI/PANI microfiber membranes with the polymerization time of 7 h presented the best electrochemical properties with high specific capacitance of 249.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and low charge-transfer resistance of 8.316 Ω. Ascribing to the combined effect between the unique pore structure of PEI microfiber membranes and pseudocapacitance of PANI, the flexible supercapacitor based on PEI/PANI-7 demonstrated exceptional capacitance (175.1 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), high energy density (43.4 Wh kg−1) and power density (34.0 kW kg−1), and outstanding flexibility while preserving the cyclic stability. Therefore, this free-standing PEI/PANI microfiber membranes could be deemed as a prospective electrode contender for flexible supercapacitor applications. [Display omitted] • Flexible PANI/PEI electrode was prepared by polymerization of aniline doped with AMPS. • Microstructure of PANI/PEI electrode could be tunable by polymerization time. • The combined action of PANI and PEI membranes boosted its electrochemical properties. • The highest specific capacitance of PANI/PEI observed 249.5 F g−1 at a 1 A g−1. • Supercapacitor based on PANI/PEI revealed excellent energy density and power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) image analysis method to characterize the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) in scaled centre-notched quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy laminates. A total of 61 CT images of a small specimen were used to fine-tune a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) (i.e., VGG16) to classify fibre orientations. The proposed CNN model achieves a 100% accuracy when tested on the CT images of the same scale as the training set. However, the accuracy drops to a maximum of 84% when tested on unlabelled images of the specimens having larger scales potentially due to their lower resolutions. Another code was developed to automatically measure the size of the FPZ based on the CNN identified 0 °plies in the largest specimen which agrees well with the manual measurement (on average within 3.3%). The whole classification and measurement process can be automated without human intervention. [Display omitted] • A novel method was proposed to characterise Fracture Process Zone (FPZ). • A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was developed to identify fibre orientations. • The CNN model showed a test accuracy of 100% for classification. • The CNN was applied to unlabelled CT images achieving an accuracy of up to 84%. • The estimated FPZ size of the largest scale was within 3.3% from actual measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of Healthcare and accessibility is one of the vital Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For achieving this goal, the United Nations focuses on state capacity development and associated determinants in emerging and developing countries. By focusing on this objective, this study evaluates and examines the liaison of state capacity, socio-economic conditions, private health expenditures, and demographic pressure to the quality of health and its accessibility in Pakistan from 1990 to 2019. This study investigates the policy implications and their consequences on Pakistan's health conditions during the last three decades. Moreover, during COVID-19, pandemic health governs policies in the year 2020 have also been considered by using the Health Containment Index and analyzed policy implication on combating COVID-19. By applied Ordinary Least Square and Fixed Effect estimations, results show that Pakistan's health conditions have been showing sluggish improvement in the last three decades. Prudent policy-making and adequate health spending have a strong significant impact on health quality and accessibility, while institutional corruption and demographic pressure have adversely affected Pakistan's health outcomes. This proposed study analyzed that policy enforcement has been fragile in Pakistan from 1990 to 2010. Furthermore, this study concludes that from the year 2010 to date with the 18th constitutional amendment to administration and public policies have fractionally improved Pakistan's health conditions. However, Pakistan still lacks the International standards and minimum criteria of health measures a far behind Sustainable Development. The present study concludes that a sound and effective policy enforcement by enhancing resource capacity, quality of institutional practices, and controlling socio-economic conditions will promote SDG of health quality in Pakistan. • HQAI has been fractionally improved in Pakistan in the last three decades. • Policy decision-making inconsistent with achieving Sustainable Health development. • Socio-economic risk factors have been significantly affected the HQAI. • 2010, 18th Constitutional Amendment has positively impacted the HQAI in Pakistan. • Out-of Pocket expenditure & health budget have a significant impact on HAQI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient dual-wavelength continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched laser operation of Nd:(Gd 0.3 Y 0.7 ) 2 SiO 5 crystal were investigated for the first time to our knowledge. Maximum CW output power of 2.3 W was obtained under the absorbed pump power of 4.6 W, corresponding to the slope efficiency of 55%. Dual-wavelength CW laser with respective wavelengths around 1074 nm and 1078 nm were achieved. With Cr 4+ :YAG as the saturable absorber, passive Q-switched performance was obtained. The slope efficiency of passively Q-switched operation was 45%. The shortest pulse width, the corresponding pulse energy and peak power were calculated to be 13.1 ns, 50.2 μJ and 3.8 kW, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated an efficient and controllable dual-wavelength continuous-wave (CW) laser of Nd:Lu 2 SiO 5 (Nd:LSO) crystal. The maximum output power was 3.02 W at wavelength of 1075 nm and 1079 nm, and with increasing of absorbed pump power, the ratio of 1079 nm laser rose. The slope efficiency of 65.6% and optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 63.3% were obtained. The passively Q-switched laser properties of Nd:LSO were investigated for the first time. The shortest pulse, maximum pulse energy and peak power were 11.58 ns, 29.05 μJ and 2.34 kW, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses optimal constrained state estimation problem for finite and infinite-dimensional chemical process systems. We consider cases when the prior information, in addition to the model parameters and the measurements, is available in the form of an inequality constraint with respect to the system's state. In the latest developments of the optimal state estimation theory, considerations of the state constraints have been often neglected since constraints do not fit easily in the structure of the optimal state estimator. Therefore, the issue of the state constraints being present needs to be addressed adequately, in particular, nonnegativity of concentration. Motivated by this, we developed a sequential, algorithmic optimal constrained state estimator for both finite and infinite-dimensional process systems commonly found in chemical process engineering (CSTR, tubular reactor). In this paper, we also designed an optimal constrained state estimator for a large class of dissipative infinite-dimensional systems which involve boundary actuation and point observation. Finally, illustrative examples of chemical process systems and proposed optimal state constrained estimation are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical modelling of scaled centre-notched [45/90/−45/0] 4s carbon/epoxy laminates was carried out. The in-plane dimensions of the models were scaled up by a factor of up to 16. A Finite Element (FE) method using the explicit code LS-Dyna was applied to study the progressive damage development at the notch tips. Cohesive interface elements were used to simulate splits within plies and delaminations between plies. A failure criterion based on Weibull statistics was used to account for fibre failure. There is a good correlation between the numerical and experimental results, and the scaling trend can be explained in terms of the growth of the notch tip damage zone. The modelling gives new insights into the damage development in the quasi-isotropic laminates with sharp cracks, specifically, the growth of splits, delaminations and local fibre breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report a simple method to form conductive copper lines by scanning a single-beam femtosecond pulse laser on a plastic substrate covered with copper nitride (Cu 3 N) film. The Cu 3 N films were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering in the presence of an Ar + N 2 atmosphere at 100 °C. The influence of the laser power and scanning speed on the formed copper line width, surface features, and morphology was analyzed by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, non-contact 3D profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that low laser power and low scanning speed favor the formation of uniform and flat Cu lines. After process optimization, copper lines with a width less than 5 μm were obtained, which provides an attractive application prospect in the field of flexible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth, XRD patterns, spectral properties, and fluorescence decays of Yb:Ca 0.28 Ba 0.72 Nb 2 O 6 (Yb:CBN) with doping concentration of 1 at.% and 5 at.% were studied. The peak absorption cross-section and the emission cross-section were calculated. Larger Stark splitting of Yb:CBN offers the prospect of the quasi-four level laser operation. The fluorescence lifetimes are 0.64 and 0.73 ms for 1 at.% and 5 at.%, respectively. The FWHM of absorption and fluorescence spectra of 5 at.% Yb:CBN are 62 and 68 nm, which are broader than other ultrashort laser media. The results prove that Yb:CBN crystal is a good candidate as an ultrashort laser medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melting temperature range is one of the most important parameters for phase change material (PCM), it affects the PCM application areas and the performance of the system integrated with PCM. The melting temperature range of PCM is usually measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) with the dynamic measurement method. Unfortunately, the measurement results with this method are dependent of the heating rate. Determination of the melting temperature range of PCM means to find the starting melting temperature at which PCM starts melting and the ending melting temperature at which the melting process is finished. In this paper, a new DSC measurement method, which is the partially-melted DSC measurement method, was proposed to determine the ending melting temperature of PCM. With this method, the actual ending melting temperature of the sample PCM was found out and it was independent of the heating rate. Because there was no clear boundary between the non-melted state and the partially-melted state, the actual starting melting temperature of PCM was not able to be determined accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation into size effects in notched [45/90/−45/0]4s carbon/epoxy laminates is carried out. The in-plane dimensions of the quasi-isotropic laminates are scaled up by a factor of up to 8. Larger Scale 16 specimens with only their width and notch length being doubled were also tested as a further comparison. Interrupted tests and X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning are carried out to study the damage at the crack tips. Sharp centre-notched tensile tests are compared to open-hole tests of the same notch length (hole diameter), material and stacking sequence. A similar strength reduction scaling trend is found for both configurations at the small sizes, except with higher tensile strength for the centre-notched specimens than the open-hole specimens. However, there is a cross-over point when the sizes increase, with the sharp notched results approaching an asymptote based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), and the open hole results approaching an asymptote based on Weibull theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]