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Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received great attention due to their low weight, high power ratio, and potential applications in wearable electronic products. The efficiency and stability of flexible PSCs are directly affected by the carrier extraction and transport capabilities of electron transport layer. Herein, efficient flexible PSCs are prepared through incorporating 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) multifunctional intermediate layer between tin oxide (SnO2) and perovskite, which can effectively eliminate defects at the interfacial to increase the electron mobility of the SnO2 layer, modify the surface of SnO2 to shift the conduction band upward to improve interface charge extraction, passivate the buried interface of perovskite to induce larger perovskite crystal growth, and establish a bridge between SnO2 and perovskite to improve charge collection efficiency. As a result, the rigid PSCs with FDCA display a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.53% with a high open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.204 V. Furthermore, the flexible device with FDCA achieves a high PCE of 22.10%, and preserve 90% of its initial PCE after aging for 500 h at ambient condition without encapsulation, and maintain 81% of its original PCE after 10,000 bending cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by China's long-term energy transition strategies, the construction of large-scale clean energy power stations, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is advancing rapidly. Consequently, as a green, low-carbon, and flexible storage power source, the adoption of pumped storage power stations is also rising significantly. Operations management is a significant factor that influences the performance of pumped storage power stations in various domains, including environmental protection, economic benefits, and social benefits. While existing studies have highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnering in operations management, a systematic exploration of the causal relationships between partnering, operations management, and the performance of pumped storage power stations—especially from a multi-energy complementarity perspective—remains untouched. This paper strives to shed light on the vital role of stakeholder partnering in augmenting the operations management and overall performance of pumped storage power stations, thereby contributing to China's dual carbon goals. A comprehensive conceptual model was developed by reviewing the relevant literature to empirically examine the causal relationships among partnering, operations management, and power station performance, which was validated using data from the Liaoning Qingyuan Pumped Storage Power Station, which is the largest of its kind in Northeast China. The findings suggest: (1) Effective partnering among stakeholders, particularly with grid companies, significantly influences the operations management of pumped storage power stations, with deficiencies in partnering mainly attributed to the lack of effective communication channels and problem-solving mechanisms. (2) The level of operations management in China's pumped storage power stations is relatively high, averaging a central score around 4.00 (out of a full score of 5) on operations management indicators. However, there is a need to concentrate on enhancing multi-energy complementarity coordination, digital management system development, and profitability. (3) Path analysis further unveils that partnering not only improves operations management but also boosts the performance of pumped storage power stations. These findings suggest a wide range of practical strategies for operations managers at pumped storage power stations to forge partnerships with stakeholders and integrate complementary resources, aiming to achieve excellence in performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Irradiance degree hour ratio in heating period to assess solar heating potential. • "Hour by hour, and then cumulative" principle proposed in potential assessment. • Solar heating grade in China obtained with direct-normal irradiance degree hour ratio. • Solar heating recommendations based on based on new indicator in solar energy rich region. The rational utilization of solar resources is essential for promoting the development of passive solar heating. Grading the solar heating potential is a prerequisite for the sensible utilization of solar resources in the winter. However, due to the lack of an accurately assessed solar heating potential grade across China, developing potential indicators that can be applied to cover the entire country is increasingly important. In particular, identifying reasonable index parameters is a critical problem when accurately determining solar heating potential indicators. In this study, meteorological data between 1988 and 2017 from 1019 stations were selected to verify the suitability of the potential indicator comprising the irradiation temperature difference ratio (ITR) in different states for developing solar heating potential indicators. The optimal value form was selected by comparing the ITR results for typical cities. The results showed that the irradiance degree hour ratio (C-IDHR hp) during the heating period was more accurate for assessing solar heating potential at the country–level in China. A C-IDHR hp indicator for irradiation based on the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures greater than zero corresponds to the irradiation at a specific moment based on the principle of "hour by hour and then cumulative" calculation. This direct-normal C-IDHR hp indicator delineates the distribution of the solar heating potential levels in China, and south and horizontal C-IDHR hp indicators provide guidance about solar heating measures in solar energy rich region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variable thresholds (CVTs) are essential for building thermal design zoning (BTZ). However, the CVTs in the current BTZ are no longer suitable for developing the current building design. Therefore, the calculation method of bidirectional optimization zone index division standard is established: Forward optimization to obtain the outdoor threshold value that meets the indoor temperature calculation; Reverse optimization to obtain the distribution trend of the combined form of the envelope structure under the known indoor calculated temperature and outdoor climate conditions. According to the new calculation method, the outdoor heating threshold temperatures (OHTT) are adjusted from the original 5 °C–10 °C. In addition, CVTs are updated for significant subregions, such as: 1) the CVT for the hot summer and cold winter and hot summer and warm winter zone is calculated as 10 °C; 2) the CVT for severe cold (SCZ) and cold zones (CZ) is updated to −8 °C. These results will support the development of a BTZ and provide a scientific basis for reforming the heating method in China. • A method for calculating the climate variable threshold of the scientific system was proposed. • Completed an update of the threshold of the main zone boundaries in building thermal climate zone. • The outdoor heating threshold temperature was updated from 5 °C to 10 °C. • Heating demand areas were proposed in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a promising photovoltaic (PV) technology. Meanwhile, developing an electron transport layer (ETL) has been an effective way to promote the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. Here, a 4-morpholine ethane sulfonic acid sodium salt (MES Na+) doped SnO 2 ETL is utilized in planar heterojunction PSCs. The results show that the MES Na+ doped ETL can improve the crystallinity, and absorbance of perovskite films, and passivate interface defects between the perovskite film and SnO 2 ETL. The doping effect accounts for the enhancement of conductivity and the decreasing work function of SnO 2. When 10 mg mL−1 MES Na+ was added to the SnO 2 precursor solution, the device showed the best performance Jsc, Voc, and FF of the PSCs values, which were 23.88 mA cm−2, 1.12 V and 78.69%, respectively, and the PCE was increased from 17.43% to 21.05%. This doping ETL strategy provides an avenue for defect passivation to further increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N3D-FMC-AC achieved efficient degradation of TCH. • Generation mechanisms of radicals involved in the N3D-FMC-AC process were explored. • FMC-AC was regenerated to make it sustainable. • TCH degradation pathways and the toxicity of intermediates were investigated. In this study, Fe/Mn/Cu trimetal-doped activated carbon particle electrodes (FMC-AC) were filled into a novel three-dimensional electrochemical reactor (N3D-FMC-AC) for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). It was derived from different doping experiments that trimetallic doping was preferred over bimetallic and monometallic doping and that there were synergistic effects between Fe, Mn, and Cu. The optimal ratio of trimetallic doping was determined by orthogonal experiments, which could obtain 97.03% TCH degradation in 80 min. EPR analysis and radical quenching effect experiments revealed the presence of ·OH and ·SO 4 −. Compared with the common 3D electrochemical reactor filled with FMC-AC (C3D-FMC-AC), the novel 3D electrochemical reactor filled with activated carbon (N3D-AC),and the 2D electrochemical reactor (2D), it was found that N3D-FMC-AC can activate the production of more ·OH and ·SO 4 −, while OH was the dominant reactive species for TCH degradation. Besides, various degradation routes of TCH were proposed, and the toxicity of intermediates was evaluated. The characterizations by SEM, XRD, and XPS indicated that the cathodic reduction reaction could facilitate electron transfer to Fe(III), Mn(III), and Cu(II), triggering the sustainable Fe(II)/Fe(III), Mn(I)/Mn(III)/Mn(IV), or Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox cycles. The above results suggested that the N3D-FMC-AC process was an efficient and sustainable technology for TCH wastewater treatment and provided a reference for the treatment of tetracycline-type wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect-induced charge carrier recombination between charge transport layers and perovskite layer limits the further improvement of the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Defect passivation is a promising path for further development improves in the open-circuit voltage (V OC) and the short-circuit current density (J SC) of PSCs. Here, we report a simple method via spin-coating choline halide to passivate buried interface defects of perovskite applied to inverted PSCs. The introduction of choline chloride (CHCl) can remarkably improve the crystalline quality of perovskite films, speed up the transport of carriers and reduce the trap density in perovskite, which universally enhance the performance of PSCs. Finally, the champion CHCl modified device got a high PCE of 22.61% with negligible hysteresis, which is one of the highest efficiencies of inverted PSCs fabricated with a two-step method. This optimization can also improve the stability of PSCs, the CHCl modified device without encapsulation maintained 89% of its initial PCE in air with a relative humidity of 40 ± 5% after near 800 h ageing. This work reveals an effective way of using choline halide for buried interface defects passivation of perovskite film to further improve both the stability and efficiency of solar cells. [Display omitted] • The introduction of choline halide can passivate buried interface defects of perovskite. • Choline halide is demonstrated to improve stability of the inverted perovskite solar cells. • PCE exceeding 22.6% is achieved for inverted perovskite solar cells via a two-step sequential deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of polymer porous xerogel with environment-friendly and simplified procedure is important target for reducing pollution and production cost. In this research, a sustainable method to prepare thermal insulator of polysiloxane-phenolic composite porous xerogel monoliths was studied by replacing hazardous and volatile formaldehyde with terephthalaldehyde in phenolic component and applying facile ambient drying process. The homogeneous dispersion of poly(methylphenylsiloxane) and resorcinol-terephthalaldehyde in xerogels was achieved by adjusting catalysis condition, water-ethanol content and prepolymer component. Typical poly(methylphenylsiloxane) and resorcinol-terephthalaldehyde composite xerogel monolith had density of about 0.3 g/cm3, 65.4% mass retention rate at 800 °C under nitrogen atmosphere, and thermal conductivity 0.063 W/(m·K) at room temperature. According to Thermogravity analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (TG-FTIR), pyrolysis mechanism and structure transformation were revealed. The typical pyrolyzed derivatives at 600 °C and 800 °C well preserved the integrated structure, low density, thermal insulation property, and thermal oxidation stability. [Display omitted] • Polysiloxane-phenolic composite xerogels were prepared by sustainable procedure. • The density and pore size of xerogels were reduced at proper reaction parameters. • Pyrolysis reaction of xerogels at 600 °C favored the decrease of density. • Composite xerogels and pyrolyzed derivatives had low thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating issue of global climate change necessitates urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions globally. Within this context, the construction industry emerges as a critical sector to address given its high energy consumption, substantial CO2 emissions, and low utilization rate. Therefore, it is pivotal to foster energy conservation and reduce emissions in this sector. To this end, this paper delineates two primary objectives: (1) identifying optimal research methodologies and index parameters for evaluating carbon emission efficiency in the construction industry, and (2) assessing the variance in carbon emission efficiency at disparate stages and regions. Leveraging the Malmquist index, we scrutinize the carbon emission data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning from 2010 to 2019. Our findings indicate a geographical dichotomy in China's construction industry's carbon emission efficiency—lower in the west and higher in the east. Additionally, this study delves into the distinguishing features of emission efficiency alterations across regions, the main influencing factors, and avenues for enhancement. Subsequently, it proposes policy recommendations tailored to the unique attributes of various regions and the overarching framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery of surfactants in the soil washing effluent (SWE) can significantly reduce the cost of the soil washing (SW) technology. This paper consists of two parts experiments. The first part constructed a selective oxidation system of active chlorine by electrochemical technology to treat SWE. Three factors, current density, NaCl concentration and TW 80 to aniline concentration ratio (T/A), were set up for a total of nine sets of experiments after orthogonal design. The results of ANOVA analysis and visual analysis showed that the NaCl concentration greatly affected the aniline removal efficiency (ARE) and the TW 80 retention efficiency (TW 80 RE), and the effects were in opposite directions. The biotoxicity of the SWE decreased as the experiment progressed, and at the end of the experiment, 30%–45% of TW 80 was still present in each set. And the oxidation group quenching experiments determined that the degradation of aniline was mainly contributed by active chlorine. Because active chlorine slowed the loss rate of TW 80, the electrochemical treatment of SWE + soil in-situ sequential batch recirculation washing method was designed, and 50% of aniline in the soil was washed out after 125h. At the end of the experiment, the less biotoxic SWE was collected where no aniline and TW 80 were present, and only small organic acids were present after the GC-MS test. The method has a great potential to be applied as it shows good results in the treatment of soil pollution incidents. [Display omitted] • Demonstrated that the active chlorine can selectively oxidize aniline and reduce the loss of Tween 80. • Studied the electrochemical oxidation mechanism of Ti/RuO 2 –TiO 2 –SnO 2 anodes for aniline in different electrolytes. • A model for the selective oxidation of aniline by active chlorine was constructed. • Designed electrochemical treatment of soil washing effluent + soil in-situ sequential batch recirculation washing method. • Studied the color and biotoxicity changes during the degradation of aniline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate predictions of the performance of zero heating energy buildings (ZHEBs) are essential for achieving the final goal of zero energy buildings due to the large share. Therefore, developing a fast method for the designer, especially architects to assess ZHEBs is becoming increasingly important using basic building design parameters. The present study established the solar heating fraction (SHF)–solar load rate (SLR)–based model, using 1042 meteorological data measurements and 48 typical buildings. With the model, the correlations between the SLR and shape factor (SF) to meet the requirements for ZHEBs (SHF = 1) were established. The equation was evaluated based on the mean absolute percentage error and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed that the SLR–SF equation could fast evaluate the building meets for ZHEB, and the SLR was negatively correlated with SF under known window-to-wall ratio (WWR), Length-to-width ratio (LWR), and floor height. Optimal schemes of building design parameters were obtained for building floor heights ≥4, LWR1: SF ≤ 0.25, LWR2: SF ≤ 0.23, LWR3: SF ≤ 0.27, LWR4: SF ≤ 0.29, and with building floor heights ≤3, LWR1: SF ≤ 0.50, LWR2: SF ≤ 0.54, LWR3: SF ≤ 0.54, LWR4: SF ≤ 0.57. The result provided basic line to achieve ZHEBs, even zero energy buildings, especially in areas with rich solar energy in winter. • Relationship between solar heating fraction (SHF) and solar load ratio (SLR). • SHF–SLR–based model proposed to assess zero heating energy buildings (ZHEBs). • Relationship obtained between shape factor and SLR to meet requirements for ZHEBs. • Optimal schemes of building design parameters toward ZHEBs were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The anti-solvent synthesis in presence of cyclodextrins (CDs) of the drug Griseofulvin (GF) is presented. This was followed by immobilization into cellulosic polymer films suitable for drug delivery. The results show that 72% of the GF precipitated in presence of CD, while the rest led to the formation of a water soluble GF/CD complex. The cyclodextrins were effective in inhibiting particle growth and stabilizing the drug suspensions. Among the CDs tested here, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) was found to be most effective in reducing the particle size. The release profiles from the cyclodextrin stabilized GF particles showed improvement in release rate, which indicated effective drug/cyclodextrin interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The anti-solvent synthesis of micron-scale particles, their stabilization, and subsequent self-assembly into polymer films suitable for drug delivery is presented. The colloidal particles were stabilized using low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), while drug encapsulation was carried out with high molecular weight HPMC and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Griseofulvin (GF) was used as the model drug compound, and the polymer films were evaluated in terms of their surface morphology, mechanical properties and in vitro drug release. In general, the release rates were best described by first-order and Hixson–Crowell kinetic models, and in a typical film containing 57% HPMC, 100% of GF was released within 50min. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Antisolvent synthesis of micron scale Griseofulvin was carried out with simultaneous suspension stabilization under low power ultrasonic agitation. The organic solvent plays an important role because the supersaturation could be varied by using different solvents and the physicochemical characteristics of the suspension are also altered, which affects stability. In this study we present the effect of solvents on particle formation, polymorphism and stability of micron scale Griseofulvin formation in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anti-solvent synthesis of micro-scale drug particles with simultaneous suspension stabilization using different cellulose ethers and a surfactant (SDS) is reported. The process was very effective under low power ultrasonic agitation. The mean diameter of the small particles grew with time, while the overall particle size distribution showed a decrease in average particle size due to sedimentation. The result showed that a combination of cellulose ether and SDS reduced the average particle size more effectively than either only cellulose ether or SDS. The sedimentation rate was also the lowest when both the cellulose ether and SDS were used. At the end of nine hours, as much as 74.6% of the drug Fenofibrate, and 56.0% of the drug griseofulvin remained in stable suspension in drug/HPMC/SDS systems. Zeta potential measurements showed that the suspensions were close to agglomeration rather than thermodynamically stable. Melting point measurements showed that cellulose ether was not a major component of the particle, while scanning electron microscopy revealed particle shapes and degree of the agglomeration. Raman spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of the drug molecule in these crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) face social isolation due to the far‐reaching effects of their disease and treatment. Based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, we analysed the relationship between perceived stress and social isolation in patients, and the mediating role of internal health‐related locus of control (IHLC) from the perspective of co‐existence of perceived helplessness (HEL) and perceived self‐efficacy (SEL). We used structured questionnaires to investigate 332 cases of young and middle‐aged MHD patients in four tertiary hospitals in Guangdong, China. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were conducted, along with tests of mediating effects on the data. The research was based on STROBE guidelines. The results showed that perceived stress is significantly and positively associated with social isolation. When the HEL and SEL of perceived stress were congruent, the joint effect of the two was in a positive curvilinear relationship to social isolation, when the two were incongruent, the risk of social isolation was lower for "low HEL‐high SEL" patients compared to the "high HEL‐low SEL" combination. The more congruent in HEL ‐SEL, the lower the risk of social isolation for the patients, with the IHLC playing a mediating role in this association. This study reveals that the coexistence of perceived stress's HEL and SEL affects social isolation through congruent and incongruent matching mechanism, providing additional explanations for the mechanism of occurrence of patients' social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) are attracting widespread research and attention for their benefits as the next‐generation wearable electronic products. However, there are still many challenges in the quest to achieve dense, pinhole‐free, high crystal quality, low defect, and stable perovskite films, which limit further improvement in the efficiency and stability of FPSCs. Herein, a novel technique for the incorporation of quaternary ammonium halide (QAH) additives to prepare fluffy porous lead iodide layers by using a two‐step sequential deposition method, is reported. Benefiting from the good diffusion of organic amine salts on porous PbI2 layers, flat and dense perovskite films are produced with large particle sizes, few defects, and high crystal quality. Finally, the champion rigid and flexible p‐i‐n PSCs with the 2‐(acetyloxy)‐N,N,N‐trimethylethanium chloride (AtaCl) additive achieves exciting power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 23.40% and 21.10%, respectively. The device with the AtaCl additive retains over 90% of its original PCE under ambient conditions (40 ± 5% relative humidity (RH)) over 1000 h of aging without encapsulation. In addition, the flexible device with the AtaCl additive shows excellent stability under mechanical bending conditions, retaining ≈85% of its original PCE after 10 000 cycles (bending radius = 5 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging has been widely studied for applications, such as personnel screening and industrial noninvasive testing; however, real-time MMW imaging with a subcentimeter resolution and a large field of view (FoV) for a fast-moving target has been rarely reported to date. In this article, we present the design of such an imaging system at the $Ka$ -band utilizing the concept of multistatic sparse array. Microwave monolithic integrated circuits based on an InP-heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology are used for the transmitter and receiver chipsets. With the help of an improved backprojection algorithm and a computation platform based on field-programmable gate arrays, real-time imaging for a target moving as fast as about 10 m/s is demonstrated at a frame rate of over 20 frames/s. The imaging resolution is measured to be better than 6 mm and the FoV can reach over $1\times 1\,\,\text{m}^{2}$. Imaging of a moving person with concealed items is carried out to illustrate the system’s capability for personnel screening. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first real-time MMW sparse array imaging system built upon InP-HBT chipsets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be improved by optimizing the perovskite film quality and electron transfer layers (ETLs). In this study, high-efficient PSCs with multi-cation hybrid electron transport layer (SnO 2 @Na:Cs ETL) were fabricated using continuous spin-coating. Compared to the pristine SnO 2 , the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of device based on SnO 2 @Na:Cs ETL have reached 22.06% (with an open circuit voltage of 1.13 V), up approximately 21%. The photovoltaic performance of the device is enhanced due to the increase in the transmission rate, electrical conductivity, electron mobility and surface state owing to the multi-cation hybrid. In addition, because SnO 2 @Na:Cs ETL can significantly improve interface contact with the perovskite film and improve its crystallinity, the transport defect state and carrier transport efficiency are significantly improved at the ETL/Perovskite interface. Therefore, the open circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF) of PSCs was significantly increased. The application of SnO 2 @Na:Cs ETL provides a simple and efficient method to obtain highly-efficient PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the software debugging efficiency, bug localization techniques have been developed to automatically locate buggy files based on bug reports. Traditional information retrieval-based bug localization cannot deal with the lexical mismatch, thus its performance is limited. In recent years, some deep learning models have been proposed to learn the semantics of bug reports and source files to bridge the lexical gap. However, their accuracy is still limited as building accurate semantic representations of bug reports and source files is very challenging. Recently, relevance matching was proposed to identify whether a document is relevant to a given query by considering both local matching and global matching. In this work, we propose a novel framework DreamLoc, which utilizes a relevance matching model to locate buggy files. Specifically, DreamLoc conducts the local matching by employing an attention-based mechanism to calculate the matching scores between bug report terms and code snippets. It also conducts the global matching by employing a gating mechanism to aggregate results of local matching and obtain the final matching score between a bug report and a source file. Since the local matching considers the relevance between each word and the global matching differentiates the importance of words, DreamLoc can effectively model the characteristics of bug reports and source files. Experimental results on five benchmark datasets show that DreamLoc outperforms five state-of-the-art models. For example, compared with DeepLoc, a recently proposed approach, the evaluation measures Accuracy@10, MAP, and MRR are improved by 6.4%, 7.4%, and 7.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is currently of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry to control the size and agglomeration of nano- and micro-particles for the enhancement of drug delivery. Typically, surfactants and polymers are used as additives to interact with and stabilize the growing crystal surface, thus controlling size and agglomeration; however, selection is traditionally done empirically or using heuristics. The objective of this study was to use molecular dynamic simulations to investigate and predict additive interactions, and thus, evaluate the stabilization potential of individual and multiple additives on the surface of the model drug fenofibrate. Non-ionic surfactant Tween 80, anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Pullulan were evaluated individually on three distinct crystal surfaces [(001), (010), (100)], as well as in surfactant-polymer combinations. HPMC was determined to have the strongest interaction with the surfaces of the fenofibrate crystal, and therefore, was predicted to be the most effective individual additive. A mixture of HPMC with SDS was determined to be the most effective mixture of additives, and more effective than HPMC alone, indicating a synergistic effect. The predictions of mixed additives indicated a relative order of effectiveness as follows: HPMC–SDS>HPMC–Tween 80>Pullulan–Tween 80>Pullulan–SDS. The simulations were subsequently validated by an anti-solvent crystallization of fenofibrate where it was found that HPMC individually, and a mixture of HPMC–SDS, produced the smallest and most stable crystals, as measured by laser diffraction; this, in combination with measurements of the crystal growth rate in the presence and absence of additives confirmed the results of the simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The process of the adapter separating from the missile plays an important role in the safety and reliability of missile launching, which involves complex dynamics calculations. In order to guarantee the safety of separating the adapter from the missile and successfully launching the missile, this article was concerned with the whole process of the adapter separating from the missile launching system and presented a novel calculation method and visual simulation software to analyze the dynamics process of adapter separation. The dynamics models including the coordinate system, dynamics and kinematic equations, and the forces acting on the adapter are established. The random factors and their distribution law that greatly influence the separation process are analyzed, the confidence intervals of the separation reliability are estimated by using the Monte Carlo method, and an algorithm for calculating the distance between the adapter, missile wing, and tail rudder is proposed. Visual simulation software for analyzing the separation process is designed, which gathers modeling, solving, and analytical processing. Finally, a numerical simulation result is given to verify the validity and correctness of the proposed method and software and analyze the factors affecting the separation reliability of the separating process of adapters for missile launching. The method and software presented in this paper can provide support for the safety design of missile adapter separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The bond behavior between RAC and deformed steel bars after FTCs was investigated. • The bond stress distribution for RAC after FTCs was discussed. • A bond stress-slip model for RAC after FTCs was proposed and verified. In cold regions, freeze-thaw damage can deteriorate the structural performance of reinforced concrete structures. This paper investigated the bond behavior between recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and deformed steel bars after freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). Sixty-three specimens for pull-out tests were prepared with three different recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios (0%, 30% and 50%) and seven different FTCs (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300). Additionally, nine made-to-measure pull-out specimens with built-in strain gauges were tested to tentatively study the bond stress distribution along the interface between the steel bars and the RAC after the FTCs. The results show that as the FTCs increased, the bond strength decreased and became increasingly significant as the RCA replacement ratios increased, while the bond slip was relatively stable as the FTCs increased and exhibited a similar increasing trend for all the mixtures at the higher number of FTCs. The bond stress focused on local areas and formed local stress concentrations when the pull-out force was close to the peak value. Finally, a two-segment bond stress-slip model to describe the bond behavior between RAC with RCA replacement ratios less than 50% and deformed steel bars after FTCs was proposed, showing a good correlation with the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrinogen (FIB) plays a key role in blood coagulation and thrombosis and its concentration in blood can directly reflect health conditions, thus efficient detection of FIB would benefit the treatments of certain diseases such as liver and heart diseases. However, there is a lack of sensitive, simple, rapid and cheap FIB detection device currently, in lieu of expensive and sophisticated approaches in laboratories. Here, we propose a novel plasma separation and FIB detection platform based on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD). It is the first time that dielectrophoretic (DEP) force is combined with capillary force on paper for plasma separation, and the separation efficiency of plasma reaches about 95%, ensuring reliable downstream FIB detection, for which we also propose a new method called the resistance-fibrinogen detection (RFD) method. It not only avoids the use of large-scale instruments for detection, but also possesses high precision and simplicity. The method is found to be reliable in FIB detection for various concentrations ranging from 127.0 to 508.0 mg dL−1. Moreover, the results obtained from the proposed μPAD show an excellent agreement (R2 = 0.9985) with those obtained from an automatic coagulation analyzer with natural human blood samples. Overall, the proposed platform provides a low-cost and reliable approach for FIB detection, especially for clinical use in resource-limited areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi‐functional peptide molecule was rational designed to use as gelator, dyes separation agent and metal ions adsorbent. The peptide molecule consists of phenylalanine‐phenylalanine‐alanine‐cysteine‐aspartic acid with a protective group of acetyl, simplified as Ac‐FFACD‐OH. FF is the critical composition of gelator and contributes to the formation of gels in a range of pH values from 1.0 to 6.0. The application as drug delivery system (DDS) of gels was tested by encapsulating DOX without destroying the gel structure. The in vitro release behaviors were investigated at different pH, showing a rapid release at pH 5.5 while a slow release at pH 7.4. Among all the amino acids, D is one of the only two acidic amino acids, which can bring acidity and electronegativity to peptide molecules. The electrostatic attraction makes the peptide to be a good adsorption agent for cationic dyes and repulsive towards anionic dyes. Adsorption experiments show that the adsorption efficiency is higher than 90% for cationic dyes and lower than 25% for anionic dyes. In a separation experiment, about 60% of the anionic dyes can be separated from the mixed dyes. Metal ions are also adsorbed with high adsorption efficiency of > 99% for Fe3+ and > 95% for Cu2+. The multi‐functions of the peptide molecule will provide theoretical basis and practical application for the goal‐directed design of peptide molecule structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The 5PFP-Br is used as a double-interface passivator for PSCs. • The ETL with 5PFP-Br passivation has higher conductivity and electron mobility. • The perovskite with 5PFP-Br passivation has lower interfacial carrier defect state. • The PCE of the treated device increased from 18.09% to 21.15%. • The device based 5PFP-Br double-interface passivator have good stability. In order to obtain high power conversion efficiency and high stability perovskite solar cells, many innovative optimization schemes have been proposed. Thereinto, the interface modification become an effective way to improve the performance of device. Here, A dual-interface passivation by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentafluorophenylammonium bromide-based (5PFP-Br) is used to optimize the performance of device with the structure of ITO/SnO 2 /perovskite/PTAA/Ag. We design the 5PFP-Br layer at SnO 2 /perovskite and perovskite/PTAA interface respectively. The results show that the interface contact between perovskite and charge transport layer is improved obviously. At the same time, the density of carrier transport defect states in the device is reduced, thus reducing the non-radiative recombination of carriers. Meanwhile, the 5PFP-Br layer at perovskite/PTAA interface can effectively passivate Pb defects and reduce the number of grain boundaries in perovskite film, and increase the carrier transfer and collection efficiency. Finally, 5PFP-Br double-interface passivation can further optimize and improve the performance of device. The device based 5PFP-Br double-interface passivation presents an increased efficiency from 18.09% to 21.15%, where FF is raised from 73.30% to 80.04%. At the same time, unpackaged device can still be maintained to more than 90% efficiency after about 1200 h at 25 °C and 25%RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model-circulation-based statistical downscaling (MCSD) method and its multi-predictor ensemble (MPE) schemes are proposed in this study to improve summer (June–July-August) rainfall prediction over the Bohai Sea Rim (BSR) area in the northern China where quite low prediction skills were found in Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model version 1.1 m (BCC_CSM1.1 m). This MCSD method, using both the empirical orthogonal function and singular value decomposition, can largely eliminate noise within variables and extract leading coupled patterns between the observed BSR summer rainfall and simultaneously predicted large-scale atmospheric circulation to significantly add prediction skill and spatial resolution. Three circulation anomaly predictors, the 500-hPa geopotential height (H500), 200-hPa zonal wind (U200) and 850-hPa meridional wind, are selected to implement statistical downscaling, and their MPE means are compared for verifications. Cross validations show considerable improvements of the MCSD with the MPE schemes, especially H500 and its ensemble mean with U200 (H5U2), where almost all temporal correlation coefficients between the predictions and observation are significantly positive over most BSR area, and particularly, spatial correlation coefficients reach 0.24 and 0.19 from −0.05 of the original model and the anomaly sign consistency rates reach 58.2% and 58.4% from 48.4%. In MCSD, to deal with the deficiency of underestimated rainfall anomaly, an intensity inflation for the downscaled rainfall prediction is carried out, which makes temporal correlation coefficients for the area-averaged H500 and H5U2 predictions improved from about 0.54 to 0.7. Overall, not only the tendency and spatial distribution but also magnitude accuracy of summer rainfall prediction over BSR can be significantly improved by the MCSD and its MPEs, providing a potentially effective tool for the mid-latitude seasonal prediction of summer rainfall usually showing low skills in dynamical models. • A model-circulation-based downscaling and its multi-predictor ensemble are proposed to improve summer rainfall prediction. • Intensity inflation correction for the underestimated downscaled rainfall prediction. • Tendency, spatial distribution, and magnitude accuracy can be significantly improved by the new method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] With the development of the bionics and artificial intelligence, materials that can detect and respond to complex environments will be required. Gels are considered a potential material due to its similarity to biological tissue and its special three-dimensional network structure. In recent years, gels synthesized from stimuli-responsive polymers have excellent detection and response capabilities, expanding the application scope of gels in the fields of biomedicine and mechanical engineering. Gels synthesized from different stimuli-responsive polymers can exhibit various macroscopic feedback phenomena based on different physical/chemical interactions, which exhibit a range of properties far beyond traditional gels. In this review, we first analyze the response mechanism of various responsive gels, and focus on summarizing the response components in various responsive gels. At the same time, we introduce the application status of various response gels, and analyze the advantages of dual and multiple response gels compared with single-response gels in the field of drug delivery, 3D printing and actuators. We hope this review can help readers understand the response mechanism, response components, and application status of gels synthesized from stimuli-responsive polymers, and bring some inspiration for the design of required materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface modification of indium tin oxide (ITO) is a hot research topic to obtain highly efficient and stable organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and the key point is to improve the hole injection efficiency between the electrode and organic layer. In this study, we demonstrate an optimization strategy based on the use of 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid (3ABBA) for modifying ITO at the anode interface. The protonation reaction of boronic acid groups with oxides and hydroxyl groups forms a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Since the ionization potential (I P) of 3ABBA-SAM is 5.44 eV, the hole injection barrier at the interface is minimized. Compared with a control device using PEDOT:PSS, the synergistic effects of the optimized 3ABBA-SAM significantly improves the maximum power efficiency (PE max of 8.52 lm W−1) and maximum current efficiency (CE max of 10.45 cd A−1) of the device, and the turn-on voltage is reduced by 0.2 V. In addition, effective interface modification reduces the hydrophilicity of the device and provides support for the stability of the OLED in the ambient environment. Therefore, we believe that a simple 3ABBA-SAM interface modification project can promote the development of high-performance and low-cost OLEDs. • The ITO interface modified by 3-Aminobenzeneboronic acid is reported for the first time. • The self-assembled monolayer reduces the hole injection barrier and promotes. • Compared with PEDOT:PSS as hole injection layer, the device shows better performance and lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DTBDQ, a bipolar host material with an acceptor unit dibenzo[F,H]quinoxaline and a donor unit dibenzothiophene connected by two interstitial benzenes, was employed. DTBDQ exhibits deep LUMO and HOMO energy levels, along with a triplet energy of 2.75 eV, owing to rational molecular design. Red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) devices with DTBDQ here as the host and Ir(piq) 2 acac as the guest layer have an external quantum efficiency(EQE) of 19.79% with a limited roll-off and an EQE of 18.08% at 1000 cd/m2, with CIE coordinates of (0.68,0.32), which is quite comparable to the National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) CIE coordinates of (0.67,0.33). The device performance is significantly better than that of devices using hole-type host CBP, electron-type host TPBI, and electron and hole-type hosts together, indicating that the performance of bipolar host materials transferring both electrons and holes is superior to that of simply two hosts as a double light-emitting layer separately, which is beneficial to carrier transport balancing and avoiding carrier buildup. DTBDQ demonstrates that it is an excellent bipolar host candidate. [Display omitted] • First synthesis of bipolar host material using dibenzo[F,H]quinoxaline and dibenzothiophene. • The deeper LUMO and HOMO energy levels are −2.94 eV and −6.20 eV respectively. • High triplet state energy level of 2.75 eV ensures good energy transfer. • Devices with DTBDQ achieved a high EQE of 19.79% and had a low efficiency roll-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time video-rate passive terahertz imaging systems are highly demanded for practical applications, especially in security checking. Here, we demonstrate a passive video-rate terahertz human body imaging system, which was mainly consisted of a scanning module, a quasi-optical lens, a calibration module and a one-dimensional terahertz detector array. The terahertz waves radiated from human bodies in front of the imager can transmit through a terahertz window into the imager, and were reflected by the scanning module, and then focused on the detector array by the quasi-optical lens. A calibration module was also designed to calibrate the terahertz detectors in real-time without disturbing the imaging process. In combination of the scanning module with the detector array, the imager can obtain a full image of a human body standing at a distance of 1.5 m in front of the imager with a resolution of 1.5 cm and a frame rate of 10 fps. The imaging system can discover suspected dangerous items carried on the human body such as metals, ceramics, powders and liquids. Furthermore, an intelligent terahertz imaging algorithm employing convolutional neural network was also successfully realized based on the terahertz images produced by this system to improve the image quality and mark the detected items automatically. We believe our real-time video-rate terahertz imaging techniques and systems not only have great values for further inspiring developing terahertz imaging systems but also can accelerate the terahertz technology towards more practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequently complain of insomnia. Poor sleep quality impairs their quality of life and adversely affects long-term outcome. Previously we applied auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) for MHD patients with insomnia and yielded favorable results. AAT probably improves sleep quality by stimulating the vagus nerve and inhibiting sympathetic overactivity. However, the efficacy of AAT for insomnia in this population is still lacking. The proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of AAT for improvement of sleep quality in MHD patients with insomnia.Methods/design: The proposed study is a multi-center, double-blind (participants and assessors), parallel-group RCT. A total of 112 participants with insomnia will be recruited from six hemodialysis centers in Guangzhou, China, and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive auricular acupressure on either active points (AA group) or control points (points irrelevant to insomnia management, SAA group). The treatment will last for 8 weeks prior to a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Evaluation by blinded assessors at baseline, at 8 weeks (end of treatment) as well as at 4-week, 8-week and 12-week follow-ups (after intervention) will include Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores and average weekly dose of hypnotics. The primary endpoint is clinical response rate (percentage of participants who reach a reduction of PSQI global score ≥ 3 in each group) at 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints include the changes in PSQI scores over time from baseline, as well as the changes in weekly dose of hypnotics.Discussion: This paper describes the rationale and design of a double-blind RCT that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of AAT for insomnia of hemodialysis patients. If successful, this project will provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of AAT for insomnia of hemodialysis patients.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , Identifier: NCT03015766 . Registered on 22 December 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]