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This study aims to examine how mothers' poverty differently affects young adult children's self-esteem over time. We consider how young adult children's income moderates the between-subject relationship and the within-subject relationship. This study used two data sets such as the NLSY79 and the NLSY79CY. We used six waves from 2004 to 2014. A total of 3975 mother–adult child dyads were chosen. The hybrid model was employed to explore both the between-subject and the within-subject relationship. There was a significant between-subject relationship regarding the effect of mothers' poverty and adult children's income on adult children's self-esteem. In the between-subjects relationship, an interaction effect was found, such that children's income moderated the between-subject relationship between mothers' poverty and children's self-esteem. Long-term anti-poverty programs should be provided to women with children even after they completely are away from poverty. Minimizing inequality in intergenerational economic mobility may be critical to enhance adult children's self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaskets and seals are essential components in the operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and are required for keeping hydrogen and air/oxygen within their individual compartments. The durability of these gaskets and seals is necessary, as it influences not only the lifespan but also the electrochemical efficiency of the PEM fuel cell. In this study, the cause of silicon leaching from silicone gaskets under simulated fuel cell conditions was investigated. Additionally, to reduce silicon leaching, the silica surface was treated with methyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, and (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)trimethoxysilane. Changes in the silica surface chemistry were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy analysis revealed that surface-treated silica was highly effective in reducing silicon leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The van der Waals interaction between colloids and nanoparticles is one of the key components to understanding particle aggregation, attachment, and assembly. While the ubiquity of anisotropic particle shapes and surface roughness is well-recognized in nanocrystalline materials, the effects of both on van der Waals forces and torques have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we develop a numerical scheme to determine the van der Waals forces and torques between cubic particles with multiple configurations and relative orientations. Our results show that the van der Waals torque due to anisotropic particle shapes is appreciable at nearly all configurations and mutual angles, outcompeting Brownian torque for various materials systems and conditions. Surface roughness enhances this particle shape effect, resulting in stronger van der Waals interactions ascribed to protrusions on the surfaces. Moreover, a scaling analysis indicates that the surface roughness alters the separation dependence of the van der Waals force and, more importantly, significantly influences the dynamics of two approaching particles. Our results clearly demonstrate that surface roughness and anisotropic shape play a crucial role in the energetics and kinetics of various particle-scale and emergent phenomena, such as crystal growth by oriented attachment, nanomaterials synthesis and assembly, mud flow rheology, as well as the deposition of natural nanocrystals within the subsurface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic solar cells have obtained a prodigious amount of attention in photovoltaic research due to their unique features of light weight, low cost, eco-friendliness, and semitransparency. A rising trend in this field is the development of all-small-molecules organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs) due to their merits of excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility, well-defined structures, and simple purification. Among the numerous organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials, benzodithiophene (BDT)-based small molecules have come to the fore in achieving outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) and breaking the 17% efficiency barrier in single-junction OPV devices, indicating the significant potential of this class of materials in commercial photovoltaic applications. This review specially focuses on up-to-date information about improvements in BDT-based ASM-OSCs since 2011 and provides an outlook on the most significant challenges that remain in the field. We believe there will be more exciting BDT-based photovoltaic materials and devices developed in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As women's labor participation has increased, the fertility rate has decreased. However, there is little research addressing economic well-being among females and the effect of females' economic well-being on the fertility rate. Through this study, we examines the effects of females' economic well-being on fertility and differences in the association across ethnicity/race. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 was used. 3734 females were selected for the final sample. The sample consists of 1834 non-Hispanic Whites, 1175 African Americans, and 725 Hispanics. Ordinary Linear Regression Analyses and Logistic Regression Analyses were conducted. There were ethnic/racial disparities in economic well-being amongst females. Poverty was positively associated with both having more children and higher numbers of miscarriages/stillbirths. Interaction effects were found: African Americans and Hispanics moderated the association between poverty and number of children. This research contributes to further understanding ethnic/racial disparities between females' economic well-being and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for accurately analyzing electrocardiograms (ECGs), which are obtained from electrical signals generated by cardiac activity, is essential in heart disease diagnosis. However, rhythms are typically obtained with relatively few data samples and similar characteristics, making them difficult to classify. To solve these issues, we proposed a novel method that distinguishes a given ECG rhythm using a beat score map (BSM) image. Through the proposed method, the associations between beats and previously used features, such as the R–R interval, were considered. Rhythm classification was implemented by training a convolutional neural network model and using transfer learning with the created BSM image. As a result, the proposed method for ECG rhythms with small data samples showed significant results. It also showed good performance in differentiating atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and atrial flutter (AFL) rhythms, which are difficult to distinguish due to their similar characteristics. The performance for rhythms with a small number of samples of the proposed method is 20% better than an existing method. In addition, the performance based on the F-1 score for classifying AFIB and AFL of the proposed method is 30% better than the existing method. This study solved the previous limitations caused by small sample numbers and similar rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the defective anodic titanium dioxide (TiO 2) that harvests solar energy to perform photochemical reactions generating value-added chemicals and/or energy are scarce. In this study, we synthesize TiO 2 with two different morphologies (i.e., nanotube and compact layer) on a Ti substrate in a fluoride- and sulfide-containing electrolyte by using the electrochemical anodization method. The effect of high-temperature annealing on various TiO 2 structures and substrates in comparison with commercial TiO 2 nanoparticles coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate under different gaseous environments (i.e., Ar, air, and O 2) is investigated herein by virtue of crystallinity, optoelectronic-physical properties, and photoelectrochemical performances. Unlike traditional TiO 2 nanoparticles, which are only active in ultraviolet illumination and with severe aggregation, the anodic TiO 2 nanotubes endow the effect of the oxygen vacancy and the self-doping of F− and S− ions upon annealing under the Ar environment, which is crucial to extending the photoresponse to the visible region. The gray anodic TiO 2 obtained through thermal annealing at 450 °C crystallizes in the anatase phase and maintains an intact surface morphology under different gaseous environments. The electron paramagnetic spectra are used to confirm the presence of Ti3+ or oxygen vacancy. The entrapment of the F− and S− ions within TiO 2 is determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy introducing intrinsic defect states, which can resolve the bottlenecks in materials and encourages new paradigms beyond solar light-induced photocatalysis. [Display omitted] • Different morphologies of TiO 2 nanostructures are fabricated. • The TiO 2 nanostructure defect is controlled by annealing in gaseous environments. • Comparison of visible photoresponse according to different TiO 2 structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) harnesses salinity gradient energy through the mixing of freshwater and saltwater, addressing the demand for sustainable energy sources. PRO typically utilizes river water or secondary wastewater as the feed solution, paired with seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine as the draw solution. However, the limited availability of low-saline water presents a significant obstacle to energy generation. Therefore, the feasibility of a high-pressure PRO process utilizing seawater as the feed solution and hypersaline water as the draw solution was assessed to generate sustainable blue energy. Seawater has the potential to achieve the maximum extractable Gibbs-free energy through high-pressure PRO by maximizing the feed/draw ratio. The performance of the high-pressure PRO was theoretically evaluated, resulting in a tenfold increase in specific energy production compared to conventional SWRO-PRO due to the higher feed/draw ratio. However, high hydraulic pressure increased the membrane structural parameter and further reduced water flux and power density due to significant internal concentration polarization. Nevertheless, the high-pressure PRO process can achieve a power density exceeding 84 W/m2 when the structural parameter remains below 100 μm. The implications of the high-pressure PRO were further discussed to advance the concept of a blue circular economy, enhance environmental resilience, and promote sustainability. [Display omitted] • Feasibility of high-pressure PRO was investigated using seawater/hypersaline water. • Higher feed/draw ratio boosted energy production in the PRO process. • Seawater was assessed as a feed for high-pressure PRO for blue energy generation. • High-pressure operation raised the structural parameter reducing power density. • High-pressure PRO achieved >80 W/m2 at structural parameter <100 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane processes have attracted considerable attention in the field of water treatment because of their excellent compactness, convenient operation and management, and relatively low energy consumption. However, fouling is a significant technical challenge. Electrically conductive membrane (ECM) technology has recently emerged as a promising alternative owing to its novel and effective mechanisms and outstanding fouling control efficiency. However, because ECM technology is still in the early stages of research, its maturity is low, and fundamental research on the mechanism is insufficient. In this critical review, the mechanisms of the ECM for fouling control were systematically elucidated and categorized as electrochemical oxidation and reduction, electrostatic interactions, and electrolysis. Subsequently, an extensive and comprehensive literature survey of ECM applications was conducted. The current state of the application and performance of ECM technology was evaluated. The operation and modification strategies of ECM research are discussed based on an accurate understanding and evaluation of the fundamental mechanisms and level of actual application of ECM technology for fouling control. Consequently, topics for future academic research and practical applications of the ECM are proposed. [Display omitted] • Fundamental mechanisms of ECM for fouling control are described and categorized. • Performances of ECM application to membrane processes are analyzed. • Recent operation and modification strategies of ECM are discussed. • Future directions for ECM research and applications are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Few studies have addressed the mental health of adults who were raised in single mother households during infancy and toddlerhood. • Accessible job training programs for single mothers and free provision of accessible and high-quality childcare services by the government should be focused on single mothers, particularly those who are pregnant or have children under the age of 5 years. • The intergenerational transmission of inequality between single mothers and their adult children can be addressed by providing more opportunities for well-paying stable jobs with flexible schedules to single mothers. Based on a longitudinal approach, this study explores the effect of single mothers' employment from pregnancy to their children's preschool years on their adult children's self-esteem and depression. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) were employed to pair mothers and their adult children. We used six NLSY79 CY waves from 2004 to 2014. A total of 2,596 single mother-headed household dyads were selected. Variables repeatedly measured at six points in time were tested using the Random Effects Model. Results show that single mothers' higher frequency of employment from pregnancy to when their children were four years old was significantly related to their children's self-esteem and depression at above the age of 18 years. Discussion. Providing more opportunities for single mothers to get a job is necessary to enhance their children's mental health over time. Accessible job training programs for single mothers and free provision of accessible and high-quality childcare services by the government should be focused on single mothers, particularly those who are pregnant or have children under the age of 5 years, for their children to positively develop self-esteem and reduce depression over time. The intergenerational transmission of inequality between single mothers and their adult children can be addressed by providing more opportunities for well-paying stable jobs with flexible schedules to single mothers, so they are better able to provide their children with time, support and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hollow glass microsphere (HGM) containing polymer materials, which are named as syntactic foams, have been applied as lightweight materials in various fields. In this study, carboxyl group-containing hyperbranched polymer (HBP) was added to a glass fiber (GF)-reinforced syntactic foam (RSF) composite for the simultaneous enhancement of mechanical and rheological properties. HBP was mixed in various concentrations (0.5–2.0 phr) with RSF, which contains 23 wt% of HGM and 5 wt% of GF, and the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties were characterized systematically. As a result of the lubricating effect of the HBP molecule, which comes from its dendritic architecture, the viscosity, storage modulus, loss modulus, and the shear stress of the composite decreased as the HBP content increased. At the same time, because of the hydrogen bonding among the polymer, filler, and HBP, the compatibility between filler and the polymer matrix was enhanced. As a result, by adding a small amount (0.5–2.0 phr) of HBP to the RSF composite, the tensile strength and flexural modulus were increased by 24.3 and 9.7%, respectively, and the specific gravity of the composite was decreased from 0.948 to 0.917. With these simultaneous effects on the polymer composite, HBP could be potentially utilized further in the field of lightweight materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined financial maltreatment from the perspectives of Chinese American elders via a mixed method approach. Three focus groups of Chinese American elders and one group of service professionals recruited from Phoenix metropolitan areas shared their insights of financial maltreatment and contributed to the refinement of questions in the followed survey that included 325 elders (Mage = 75.6, SD = 7.00). Two types of financial maltreatment: Financial exploitation and financial neglect were identified from focus group discussions. About 9.2% experienced financial exploitation and 1.5% experienced financial neglect. Both financial exploitation and neglect were related to higher vulnerability scores for abuse assessed using the H-S/EAST elder abuse screening scale. Financial maltreatment needs to be understood in legal, cultural, and family contexts, incorporating the perspectives of older adults. Prevention of financial maltreatment hinges on increased awareness and knowledge of this issue among elders, families and service professionals, and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders from ethnic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of the structure, composition, and morphology through a simple refinement of the synthetic parameters is central to obtaining signature catalytic properties, enabling an understanding of the underlying growth and reaction mechanisms. In this study, a bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) model photocatalyst with several nanostructures (including pillar-like, dendrites, and microgranules) was fabricated by simple hydrothermal, solvothermal, and solid-state reaction (SSR) methods. As the solvothermal reaction temperature was increased, the tetragonal phase transformed into a monoclinic phase, and the inorganic nuclei interacted, self-assembled, and grew continuously to yield a well-defined architecture indicating the critical role of temperature in stabilizing the crystal structure and surface atomic features principally in an ethanol/water mixture. In contrast, conventional hydrothermal synthesis (only water as a solvent) resulted in single-phase BiVO4 pillars enriched with rough surfaces, sharp edges, and porous structures. The growth mechanism of the BiVO4 dendrites was investigated by the morphological evolutions from different reaction products obtained under different reaction conditions. BiVO4 has a bandgap energy in the visible spectral range (2.50–2.27 eV). Hence, BiVO4 architectures with exclusively controlled surfaces and crystal structures can be used as efficient photocatalysts to remove organic pollutants (methylene blue dye) in water. The solvothermally prepared BVO-SLR'24 with a mixed-phase (monoclinic and tetragonal zircon) structure exhibited superior photocatalytic activities for the decomposition of organic contaminants, which may be due to the unique connectivity between crystals, accelerated electron transfer, and heterojunction formation, compared to BiVO4 prepared with pure phase pillars and microgranules. This work highlights the significance of synthesis methodology and microstructural modification with the photophysical properties to reinvigorate the conventional design of visible-light-driven (VLD) photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explores the relationship between young women's consumption of healthy and unhealthy food and depression and examines the moderating effect of their employment status on the relationship.Methods: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) was used for this study. The final sample included a total of 1524 young women aged from 18 to 35 years. Multiple Linear Regression was conducted to answer the research questions.Results: Fast food consumption was related to higher levels of depression among young women while fruit intake was associated with lower levels of depression. Employment status moderated the relationship between young women's fruit consumption and depression.Conclusions: Young women are encouraged to consume more fruit and less fast food in order to ameliorate depression. Programs that target young women's mental health should consider addressing their nutritional needs, through, for example, vouchers for fresh, nutritious foods; nutrition or cooking education; or having a certified nutrition specialist on staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adipose tissue thermogenesis is a potential therapeutic target to increase energy expenditure and thereby combat obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the thermogenic and anti-obesity effects of heat-transformed green tea extract (HTGT) and enzymatically modified isoquercetin (EMIQ). Methods: Immortalized brown pre-adipocytes and C3H10T1/2 cells were used for in vitro analyses. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model and CIDEA-reporter mice were used for in vivo experiments. The effects of HTGT and EMIQ on mitochondrial metabolism were evaluated by immunoblot, mitochondrial staining, and oxygen consumption rate analyses. In vivo anti-obesity effects of HTGT and EMIQ were measured using indirect calorimetry, body composition analyses, glucose tolerance tests, and histochemical analyses. Results: Co-treatment with HTGT and EMIQ (50 μg/mL each) for 48 h increased brown adipocyte marker and mitochondrial protein levels (UCP1 and COXIV) in brown adipocytes by 2.9-fold, while the maximal and basal oxygen consumption rates increased by 1.57- and 1.39-fold, respectively. Consistently, HTGT and EMIQ treatment increased the fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial staining in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes by 1.68-fold. The combination of HTGT and EMIQ (100 mg/kg each) increased the expression levels of brown adipocyte markers and mitochondrial proteins in adipose tissue. Two weeks of HTGT and EMIQ treatment (100 mg/kg each) led to a loss of 3% body weight and 7.09% of body fat. Furthermore, the treatment increased energy expenditure by 8.95% and improved glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that HTGT and EMIQ have in vivo anti-obesity effects partly by increasing mitochondrial metabolism in adipocytes. Our findings suggest that a combination of HTGT and EMIQ is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture- and salt water-induced degradation of asphalt concrete molecular systems was investigated via molecular dynamics simulations. To establish the microstructure-to-property relationship of asphalt concrete mixture under hygroscopic aging, water molecules and sodium chloride (NaCl) ionic solutes were uniformly distributed in the binder or concentrated at the interface. The mechanical properties of the binder were slightly degraded by moisture and NaCl solutes. The viscosity of the binder decreased with distributed water, whereas it increased as the content of NaCl solute in the salt water increased. Moreover, the NaCl solutes promoted the hygroscopic eigenstrain of the asphalt binder. The interfacial properties between the binder and aggregate were not noticeably affected when moisture and NaCl solutes were uniformly distributed in the binder. While the moisture penetration into the interface was thermodynamically spontaneous when the amount of water was sufficient, the NaCl solutes in the water hindered the diffusion of moisture into the interface. Nonetheless, salt water penetrated into the interface seriously reduced the interfacial adhesion and the cohesive law in mode I and mode II decohesion than pure water. The condensation of penetrated salt water and the associated peeling mechanism of the interface were discussed to clarify the hygroelastic damage mechanism of the asphalt concrete mixture. • Degradation of hygroscopically aged asphalt concrete mixture was studied. • Moisture and Salt water resulted in hygroscopic swelling and remarkable change in viscosity of AAA-1 binder. • Penetration of water molecules in asphalt mixture was thermodynamically spontaneous and degraded the interface. • Dissolved NaCl mitigated the penetration of salt water while seriously deteriorated the interface in asphalt mixture. • Hygroelastic properties of binder and interface essential to constitutive modelling of asphalt mixture were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between single mother's poverty and their young adult children's depression, and it examined the mediating effect of young adults' income on the relationship. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) were used. A total of 4,224 dyads were selected and the mediation model was conducted. Single mother's poverty was related to low income and depression among their young adult children. The relationship between mother's poverty and their young adult children's depression was partially mediated by their young adult children's income. Poverty prevention or reduction programs for female-headed households should be provided to single mothers to reduce future levels of depression among their young adults. Improving inequality in intergenerational economic mobility is one way to address depressive symptoms among the young adult children of single mothers in poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods and depression among young adults and the moderating effect of gender on these relationships. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) was used. A total of 2983 young adults were selected for the final sample. Logistic Regression Analysis and Ordinary Linear Regression were conducted to examine the research questions. Young men were overall more likely than young women to engage in negative eating habits. The consumption of healthy foods, which included fruits and vegetables, had a significant inverse relationship with depression. An interaction effect was found, indicating that gender moderated the relationship between fruit consumption and depression among young adults. Young males need to be taught more about the importance of good eating habits. Eating more fruits and vegetables (healthy foods) is more important than avoiding fast food or soft drinks (unhealthy foods) for young adults' mental health. The gender differences in the effect of fruit consumption implies that increased fruit consumption may be critical to reduce young females' depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is widely used in the hydrogen production industry; however, a significant amount of CO 2 is released during this process. Several efforts have been made to produce low-CO 2 hydrogen (blue hydrogen) via SMR; however, the proposed solutions are not applicable to small-scale plants. Therefore, this study proposes an on-site SMR process combined with a hollow fiber membrane module (HFMM) for CO 2 capture in small-scale plants. First, mathematical models for the on-site SMR process and HFMMs were developed, and their accuracy was validated with real-world data. Second, we designed and implemented the SMR–HFMM model based on different operating conditions and gas compositions at three potential CO 2 capture locations (dry syngas, PSA tail gas, and flue gas). The CO 2 capture performances at these three locations were compared using five performance indicators: stage cut, separation factor, CO 2 recovery rate, permeate composition, and retentate composition. Finally, to evaluate the integrated processes for each CO 2 capture location, feasible ranges of the number of HFMMs and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) were calculated. In the case of CO 2 captured in dry syngas, the number of HFMMs required to achieve a CO 2 purity of over 90% was calculated to be 10–25. Furthermore, despite additional HFMM installation, the LCOH was 0.8%–1.5% lower than that of the conventional on-site SMR process that is 7.07–7.13 USD/kgH 2. The proposed integrated SMR–HFMM process is a potential solution to the problem of CO 2 emissions in on-site SMR processes with a lower LCOH. Therefore, the findings of this study could be of significant importance in improving the environmental sustainability of hydrogen production in small-scale plants. [Display omitted] • Steam methane reforming (SMR) emits CO 2. • Conventional blue hydrogen production methods are not appropriate for on-site SMR plant. • Integration of on-site SMR with a hollow fiber membrane module (HFMM) for hydrogen production was proposed. • HFMM could capture CO 2 with high efficiency in a real on-site SMR plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is widely used in the hydrogen production industry; however, a significant amount of CO 2 is released during this process. Several efforts have been made to produce low-CO 2 hydrogen (blue hydrogen) via SMR; however, the proposed solutions are not applicable to small-scale plants. Therefore, this study proposes an on-site SMR process combined with a hollow fiber membrane module (HFMM) for CO 2 capture in small-scale plants. First, mathematical models for the on-site SMR process and HFMMs were developed, and their accuracy was validated with real-world data. Second, we designed and implemented the SMR–HFMM model based on different operating conditions and gas compositions at three potential CO 2 capture locations (dry syngas, PSA tail gas, and flue gas). The CO 2 capture performances at these three locations were compared using five performance indicators: stage cut, separation factor, CO 2 recovery rate, permeate composition, and retentate composition. Finally, to evaluate the integrated processes for each CO 2 capture location, feasible ranges of the number of HFMMs and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) were calculated. In the case of CO 2 captured in dry syngas, the number of HFMMs required to achieve a CO 2 purity of over 90% was calculated to be 10–25. Furthermore, despite additional HFMM installation, the LCOH was 0.8%–1.5% lower than that of the conventional on-site SMR process that is 7.07–7.13 USD/kgH 2. The proposed integrated SMR–HFMM process is a potential solution to the problem of CO 2 emissions in on-site SMR processes with a lower LCOH. Therefore, the findings of this study could be of significant importance in improving the environmental sustainability of hydrogen production in small-scale plants. [Display omitted] • Steam methane reforming (SMR) emits CO 2. • Conventional blue hydrogen production methods are not appropriate for on-site SMR plant. • Integration of on-site SMR with a hollow fiber membrane module (HFMM) for hydrogen production was proposed. • HFMM could capture CO 2 with high efficiency in a real on-site SMR plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An energy source transition is necessary to realize carbon neutrality, emphasizing the importance of a hydrogen economy. The transportation sector accounted for 27% of annual carbon emissions in 2019, highlighting the increasing importance of transitioning to hydrogen vehicles and establishing hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs). In particular, HRSs need to be prioritized for deploying hydrogen vehicles and developing hydrogen supply chains. Thus, research on HRS is important for achieving carbon neutrality in the transportation sector. In this study, we improved the efficiency and scaled up the capacity of an on-site HRS (based on steam methane reforming with a hydrogen production rate of 30 Nm3/h) in Seoul, Korea. This HRS was a prototype with low efficiency and capacity. Its efficiency was increased through thermodynamic analysis and heat exchanger network synthesis. Furthermore, the process was scaled up from 30 Nm3/h to 150 Nm3/h to meet future hydrogen demand. The results of exergy analysis indicated that the exergy destruction in the reforming reactor and heat exchanger accounted for 58.1% and 19.8%, respectively, of the total exergy destruction. Thus, the process was improved by modifying the heat exchanger network to reduce the exergy losses in these units. Consequently, the thermal and exergy efficiencies were increased from 75.7% to 78.6% and from 68.1% to 70.4%, respectively. The improved process was constructed and operated to demonstrate its performance. The operational and simulation data were similar, within the acceptable error ranges. This study provides guidelines for the design and installation of low-carbon on-site HRSs. [Display omitted] • The capacity of hydrogen refueling station (HRS) was expanded from 30 to 150 Nm3/h. • Efficiency of on-site HRS was improved through exergy analysis. • Simulation data was validated with real operation data of the implemented process. • The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission were reduced. • This study provides design and efficiency improvement guidelines for on-site HRSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cryogenic CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) reduces power generation efficiency penalty. • Power consumption during natural gas liquefaction decreases by up to 67.17%. • Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain with cryogenic CCS reduces energy waste. • Natural gas liquefaction and regasification are integrated based on cryogenic CCS. • The exergy efficiency in the LNG supply chain is increased from 18.18 to 46.39%. Natural gas combined cycle power plants generate substantial amounts of CO 2. Also, since natural gas is produced in limited sites, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain consumes considerable energy in transporting natural gas overwide. Herein, advanced natural gas liquefaction and regasification processes using an LNG supply chain with cryogenic CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) are proposed using Aspen Plus® V11. This solves three significant problems associated with conventional LNG supply chains. First, through the utilization of LNG cold energy, the cryogenic CCS process reduces the efficiency penalty of power generation from 14.34 to 4.45%. Second, solid CO 2 from cryogenic CCS is used as an additional cold source in the natural gas liquefaction process by conveying it to the liquefaction site via the returning LNG ship. As a result, the power consumption in the refrigerant cycle is reduced by up to 67.17% than single mixed refrigerant (SMR) process. Finally, the LNG supply chain with cryogenic CCS minimizes the sustained energy waste between the natural gas liquefaction and regasification stages owing to the geographical separation. LNG cold energy from the regasification stage is utilized in the form of solid CO 2 in the CCS and liquefaction stages. Consequently, the exergy efficiency in the overall LNG supply chain increases from 18.18 to 46.39%. The findings of this study can potentially provide environmentally friendly design guidelines for various LNG processes that use LNG cold energy in CCS and natural gas liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Oxy-fuel combustion-based blue hydrogen production process. • Integrates fossil fuel-based hydrogen production and electrolysis processes. • Proposed processes are SMR + SOEC and SMR + PEMEC. • SMR + SOEC shows highest thermal efficiency (85.2%) and exergy efficiency (80.5%) • SMR + SOEC shows lowest levelized cost of hydrogen and life cycle GHG emissions. Blue hydrogen is gaining attention as an intermediate step toward achieving eco-friendly green hydrogen production. However, the general blue hydrogen production requires an energy-intensive process for carbon capture and storage, resulting in low process efficiency. Additionally, the hydrogen production processes, steam methane reforming (SMR) and electrolysis, emits waste heat and byproduct oxygen, respectively. To solve these problems, this study proposes an oxy-fuel combustion-based blue hydrogen production process that integrates fossil fuel-based hydrogen production and electrolysis processes. The proposed processes are SMR + SOEC and SMR + PEMEC, whereas SMR, solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), and proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC) are also examined for comparison. In the proposed processes, the oxygen produced by the electrolyzer is utilized for oxy-fuel combustion in the SMR process, and the resulting flue gas containing CO 2 and H 2 O is condensed to easily separate CO 2. Additionally, the waste heat from the SMR process is recovered to heat the feed water for the electrolyzer, thereby maximizing the process efficiency. Techno-economic, sensitivity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) analyses were conducted to evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed processes. The results show that SMR + SOEC demonstrated the highest thermal efficiency (85.2%) and exergy efficiency (80.5%), exceeding the efficiency of the SMR process (78.4% and 70.4% for thermal and exergy efficiencies, respectively). Furthermore, the SMR + SOEC process showed the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen of 6.21 USD/kgH 2. Lastly, the SMR + SOEC demonstrated the lowest life cycle GHG emissions. In conclusion, the proposed SMR + SOEC process is expected to be a suitable technology for the transition from gray to green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BPA, BPS and BPAF were effectively degraded under UV-LED/chlorine reaction. • RCS contributed the most to the removal of BPs, followed by chlorination at pH 6–8. • Radical contribution was dependent on the functional groups and pK a values of BPs. • Chlorinated BPs were major byproducts and these were removed with further reaction. • Ecotoxicity during the removal of BPs under UV-LED/chlorine reaction decreased. We investigated the UV-LED/chlorine reaction for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) in water. Three bisphenols (BPs) were removed by the pseudo-first-order kinetics. BPA showed the highest removal compared to BPS and BPAF at pH 7 due to the electron-donating isopropyl group in BPA compared to electron-withdrawing sulfonyl and hexafluoro-isopropyl groups in BPS and BPAF, respectively. While the degradation of BPs during the UV-LED/chlorine reaction was contributed mainly by reactive chlorine species (RCS) at pH 6 to 8, and mainly by chlorination reaction at pH 9 due to the different functional groups and pK a values of BPs, and the status of chlorine depending on pHs. While humic acid suppressed the degradation of BPs, HCO 3 − ions generally increased the removal of BPs. Chlorinated BPs (Cl x BPs) were identified as major transformation products (TPs) in the UV-LED/chlorine reaction using LC-QTOF/MS analysis, and these Cl x BPs were effectively removed by further reaction. In addition, >15 minor TPs and three mineralization products (acetate, formate, and chloroform) were identified for each BP degradation. Defluorination (37% in 4 hr) was observed an as the mineralization pathway for BPAF, indicating that UV-LED/chlorine reaction can break the strong C-F bond on BPAF. We proposed the degradation pathways of three BPs based on the identified TPs and theoretical reactive sites calculated using the condensed Fukui function. The major pathways were sequential chlorine substitution, coupling reaction, and hydroxylation reaction. The ECOSAR assessment showed that the UV-LED/chlorine process is effective in lowering the ecotoxicities of BPs and their TPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceria-based abrasive is widely used in the oxide chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process due to its high polishing performance. Ce3+ ions on the surface of ceria form a Ce–O–Si chemical bond with surface of the SiO 2 wafer, significantly affecting the material removal rate (MRR). In this study, the ceria surface was reduced by contact with hydrogen gas in a high temperature isothermal environment. Hydrogen gas forms surface hydroxyls on the ceria. Then, the generated hydroxyls form H 2 O and oxygen vacancies occur through the desorption of the H 2 O. The color of ceria changed to blue due to a change of the crystal structure by the reduction reaction. The reducing ability of hydrogen gas increased as the reduction temperature increased and the Ce3+ ion concentration increased by 12.7% under isothermal conditions at 1000 °C. The MRR of reduced ceria was improved by up to 37.7% compared to the original ceria. [Display omitted] • The ceria particles were reduced by hydrogen gas in a high temperature environment. • Oxygen vacancy was formed through hydrogen adsorption and H 2 O desorption processes. • Ce3+ ion concentration increased as the reduction temperature increases. • The oxide removal rate was significantly affected by Ce3+ ion concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained great interest as a promising renewable nanomaterial toward value-added applications. This work investigated solution chemistry and particle–particle interaction force in the LNP formation aiming at a facile technique to balance amphiphilic properties of lignin for size-controlled synthesis. By facilely tuning solution chemistry, lignin with different amphiphilic properties can form the nanoparticles with 57–262 nm and dispersity index (Đ) less than 0.2 at an initial lignin concentration of 10–80 g L−1. A numerical estimation of particle size was established with Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek's (DLVO) theory and population balance equation (PBE) to evaluate the interaction energy of particles as the function of solution chemistry and lignin properties. In the developed DLVO–PBE model, lignin properties such as molecular weights and content of functional groups are closely related to the repulsive energy calculation in the particle collision and further determine the assembly patterns. The model can be applied to lignin with varied properties with high prediction accuracy, especially in the DLVO forces-driven aggregation. It also suggests that solvated lignin chains can involve the uneven electrostatic force field and non-DLVO forces leading to a broad/multi-modal size distribution. Overall, the combination of experimental and theoretical investigations provides new insights into assembly mechanisms of lignin molecules involved in the formation of nano-/submicron particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An induction heating-based reactor for ammonia decomposition is developed. • The reactor produced an ammonia conversion of >90.0 % at 600 °C and 7 bar. • Proposed process achieves a 150 Nm3/h carbon-free green hydrogen production. • Exergy analysis indicated an exergy efficiency of 54.21% for the overall process. • The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) was calculated to be 6.98 USD/kgH 2. This study presents an induction heating-based reactor for ammonia decomposition and to achieve a 150 Nm3/h carbon-free green hydrogen production process. The developed metallic monolith reactor acts by increasing the reactor temperature through an electromagnetic induction method using renewable-based electricity. As a result, hydrogen is produced without the generation of air pollutants such as CO 2 , which are formed via the conventional production pathway. Furthermore, techno-economic analysis was conducted based on exergy and economic analysis to evaluate the feasibility of the developed process. Experimentally, the proposed reactor showed an ammonia conversion of 90.0 % at 600 ℃ and 7 barg. Exergy analysis indicated that the total unused exergy accounted for 45.79 % of the total exergy input, giving an exergy efficiency of 54.21 % for the overall process. Furthermore, the CAPEX and OPEX values are calculated as 1,599,567 USD and 644,719 USD/y, respectively; therefore, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) was calculated to be 6.98 USD/kgH 2. This study also demonstrated that the LCOH varies with the ammonia feed price and the process capacity, and so it would be expected to decrease from 6.98 to 5.33 USD/kgH 2 as the hydrogen production capacity is increased from 150 to 500 Nm3/h. Overall, our results confirm the feasibility of carbon-free green hydrogen production on on-site hydrogen refueling stations, and they will be expected to advance the development of an environmental hydrogen economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Amine CCS process is an energy-intensive system, increasing efficiency penalty. • Cryogenic CCS process is proposed to reduce efficiency penalty of NGCC power plant. • LNG cold energy is utilized to capture and store CO 2 in the solid phase. • The efficiency penalty is reduced from 14.34% to 3.51%. This study proposes a novel cryogenic CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) process using liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy in a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant. This study makes two major contributions to the literature. First, the cryogenic solid-phase CCS process using LNG cold energy can effectively reduce the efficiency penalty in NGCC power plants by solving the fundamental problems associated with the conventional CCS process: energy-intensive thermal treatment of the monoethanolamine-based absorption process and significant power consumption for compressing CO 2 to 150 bar. Second, the cryogenic CCS process requires minimal equipment installation in the NGCC power plant by integrating LNG cold energy utilization and CO 2 capture processes. The proposed cryogenic CCS process reduces the efficiency penalty from 14.34 % to 3.51 %, with a 99.93 % CO 2 capture rate. We believe this study will provide a novel guideline for reducing the efficiency penalty by overcoming the challenges of the conventional CCS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various industrial activities generate highly acidic wastewaters, posing a particular concern due to their large volume, environmental impact, and limited disposal options. Nanofiltration (NF) has the potential to provide energy-, cost-, and space-effective solutions for wastewater treatment at industrial sites. However, conventional thin-film composite NF membranes degrade under acid exposures, largely limiting their applications in industrial wastewater treatment. Development of chemically robust NF membranes that are stable during operation with highly acidic feed streams has been a subject of active research and industrial interest. In this critical review, we first provide a comprehensive survey for the broad spectrum of industrial processes that yield acidic wastewaters. We then conduct in-depth analyses for short- and long-term rejection performances and stabilities of commercial NF membranes, especially under low solution pH conditions. Several key mechanisms responsible for the degradation of semi-aromatic polyamide networks by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis are discussed to highlight the limitation of commercially available NF membranes. Finally, we describe a wide variety of technical strategies to fabricate acid-resistant NF membranes, focusing on the key mechanism to enhance acid stability. We conclude by providing useful insights to guide the future directions for academic studies as well as industrial applications of acid-resistant NF membranes. [Display omitted] • Performances of NF/RO membranes under acidic conditions were analyzed. • Fundamental mechanisms of acid-catalyzed degradation were described. • Recent fabrication strategies for acid-resistance NF membranes were discussed. • Future directions for acid-resistance NF membrane applications were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel hollow fiber nanofiltration (HFNF) was investigated for treating real Cijengkol river water in Indonesia. Ultrafiltration (UF) pretreatment was performed to evaluate the effect of UF on the HFNF performance. The water quality of the raw water and permeate of the UF, HFNF, and UF-HFNF hybrid was first characterized. UF could remove only solids, while both nanofiltration (NF) and the UF-NF hybrid achieved a high removal efficiency for impurities in river water, meeting the standards for drinking water quality. However, severe organic fouling occurred in the HFNF membranes. To effectively control organic fouling, various cleaning methods were investigated, and then the analyses of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and fluorescence excitation emission matrix (FEEM) were conducted on backwashing wastewater to identify the cleaning mechanism. First, hydraulic flushing and backwashing were evaluated, and both methods achieved higher than 90% efficiency particularly for high-molecular-weight organic foulants (>1000 Da). However, the cleaning efficiency decreased during long-term operation because of the low removal efficiency of low-molecular-weight (LMW) organics. Hence, chemically enhanced backwashing (CEBW) (i.e., 5 ppm and 10 ppm NaOCl) was employed to enhance the cleaning efficiency. The results showed that membrane fouling was easily controlled by CEBW with 95% removal efficiency. To reduce the usage of chemicals, CO 2 scouring, and CO 2 nucleation backwashing were also examined. CO 2 nucleation backwashing exhibited a better efficiency than CO 2 scouring because of the additional effect of CO 2 nucleation on the HFNF membrane surface. Interestingly, a relatively high removal efficiency for fulvic acid-like organic fouling was observed in both CEBW and CO 2 nucleation backwashing, whereas tryptophan and tyrosine-like proteins, soluble microbial products (SMPs), and humic-like organics were hardly removed by acidic condition (pH < 6.5) or high shear force, leading to a low cleaning efficiency of CO 2 nucleation backwashing. [Display omitted] • Indonesia river water was treated by novel hollow fiber nanofiltration membrane. • The dominant membrane fouling was due to low molecular weight organic fouling. • Periodical hydraulic backwashing and CO 2 scouring can replace pretreatment. • Hydraulic backwashing removes only high molecular weight organic foulants. • Chemical and CO 2 backwashing can remove low molecular weight organic fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) often needs to be conducted under extreme conditions in the chemical and food industries. In this work, we fabricated polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based OSN membranes that possess excellent stability under strongly basic conditions at pH 13. Two crosslinked PBI membranes were prepared by treating pristine PBI membranes with two epoxy-containing crosslinkers. Various permeation and characterization tests were performed to investigate the resistance of the membranes to solvents and basic environments. Both crosslinked membranes displayed reasonable permeance in pure solvents at room temperature under 10 bar operating pressure, along with a sharp molecular discrimination performance in ethanol environments. The crosslinked PBI membranes were found to be stable and did not completely lose their separation properties at high pH, although the effective pore size of the membranes increased presumably due to swelling. The separation performance of the membranes was found to be reversible between filtrations of neutral and basic aqueous solutions. Therefore, our crosslinked PBI membranes, which display exceptional stability, hold great potential for applications in OSN under basic conditions. [Display omitted] • Polybenzimidazole (PBI) OSN membranes were fabricated using crosslinkers containing epoxy groups at both ends. • The OSN performance of PBI membrane was found to be controlled by the structures of the crosslinkers. • The crosslinked PBI membranes exhibited a sharp molecular separation performance in organic solvents. • The crosslinked PBI membranes showed an outstanding chemical resistance under strongly basic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power-to-methane (PtM) coupled with renewables requires an energy buffer to ensure a steady and flexible operation. Liquid CO 2 energy storage (LCES) is an emerging energy storage concept with considerable round-trip efficiency (53.5%) and energy density (47.6 kWh/m3) and can be used as both an energy and material (i.e., CO 2) buffer in the PtM process. Integration of LCES with the PtM process realizes co-production of methane and electricity, supports peak shaving of the power grid, and enhances profitability via the sale of electricity at peak hours. This study aims to design, optimize, and comprehensively evaluate the techno-economic performance of the PtM-LCES process using a renewable power mix of solar and wind. A process scheduling model is formulated to understand the impacts of storage sizing and power allocation on the process performance. Then, artificial neural network-based surrogate optimization was performed to establish a cost-optimal design. Investigation at Kramer Junction, California, found that the production cost of methane was 161.6 €/MWh with an efficiency of 76.2% and a renewables penetration of 78.7%. This cost could be reduced by improving LCES's performance and considering electricity price arbitrage in areas with high electricity prices. The electricity price arbitrage and improvement of LCES's performance could lower the cost to 83.8 and ∼60 €/MWh, respectively. Moreover, zero or negative carbon emissions can be achieved if the renewables penetration can be increased to 91.5%. Results indicate that the PtM-LCES process is both energy efficient and economically viable, through which renewable methane can be cost-competitive with fossil natural gas. • Power-to-Methane coupled with renewables via liquid CO 2 energy storage. • Process flexible operation achieved by a bidirectional connection with the grid. • Energy- and cost-efficient production of methane in a continuous manner. • Costs of methane in different scenarios range from 60 to 161.6 €/MWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • On-site hydrogen refueling stations require efficient catalysts/reactors. • Intrinsic kinetics of Ru catalysts were estimated using a parametric estimation. • New multistage (two- and three-stage) reactor designs were proposed. • Multistage reactors showed less temperature drop (better reactor stability). • Three-stage reactor can improve hydrogen production and conversion. In recent years, interest in the development of a hydrogen economy has increased, and the steam methane reforming (SMR) reaction, which yields so-called "gray" hydrogen, is expected to play a key role in hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) in the interim before "green" hydrogen process is developed. For this purpose, compact and economical designs for small- to medium-scale SMR processes for HRSs are required. Herein, we investigated the intrinsic kinetics of a Ru-based catalyst using catalyst experiments and parametric estimation. In addition, reactor modelling was performed using a kinetic model with a special focus on multistage reactor configurations. The proposed reactor design showed an increase in the reactor energy supplied rate from 6.98 to 7.55 kW compared to the base case (single-stage reactor), and the conversion increased from 86.2% to 91.2%. Further, the drastic temperature drop owing to the strongly endothermic nature of the SMR reaction was reduced, and, thus, reactor stability was improved. The proposed novel design of a multistage reactor using a Ru-based catalyst will advance the development of the hydrogen economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propiconazole (PRO) is a triazole fungicide that is frequently detected in the water. In this study, we investigated the kinetics and degradation mechanism of PRO during the UV photolysis and UV/H 2 O 2 processes. PRO was removed by the pseudo-first-order kinetics in both processes. The removal of PRO was enhanced by increasing H 2 O 2 concentration in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. The highest removal under neutral conditions, and lower removal of PRO were observed in acidic and alkaline pHs in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. The presence of natural water ingredients such as Cl−, NO 3 −, humic acid acted as radical scavengers, but HCO 3 − ion acted as both radical promoter and scavenger in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. The transformation products (TPs) of PRO during both processes were identified using LC-QTOF/MS. Four TPs ([M+H]+ = 238, 256, 306, and 324) were identified during UV photolysis, and six TPs ([M+H]+ = 238, 256, 306, 324, 356, and 358) were identified in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. Among the identified TPs, TP with [M+H]+ values of 356 and 358 were newly identified in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. In addition, ionic byproducts, such as Cl−, NO 3 −, formate (HCOO−), and acetate (CH 3 COO−), were newly identified, indicating that significant mineralization was achieved in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. Based on the identified TPs and ionic byproducts, the degradation mechanisms of PRO during two processes were proposed. The major reactions in both processes were ring cleavage and cyclization, and hydroxylation by OH radicals. The Microtox test with Vibrio fischeri showed that, while the toxicity of the reaction solution increased first, then gradually decreased during UV photolysis, the UV/H 2 O 2 process initially increased toxicity at 10 min due to the production of TPs, but toxicity was completely removed as the reaction progressed. The results obtained in this study imply that the UV/H 2 O 2 process is an effective treatment for eliminating PRO, its TPs, and the resulting toxicity in water. [Display omitted] • Degradation of propiconazole (PRO) in UV photolysis and UV/H 2 O 2 were examined. • The water components mostly acted as radical scavengers in the UV/H 2 O 2 reaction. • Six transformation products (TPs) of PRO during both processes were identified. • Ionic byproducts as mineralization were identified in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. • The degradation mechanisms of PRO during two processes were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ∙ Researchers should pay more attention to single mother-headed households who may be at higher risk of the intergenerational transmission of inequity. • ∙ A new framework is necessary to understand intergenerational economic mobility between single mothers and their young adult children. • ∙ It is imperative to consider the role of educational attainment when examining intergenerational economic mobility between single mothers and their young adult children. This study examines the underlying pathway of intergenerational economic mobility within single mother-headed families by considering the mediating role of young adult children's educational attainment. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) were used to pair data from single mothers and their young adult children. A total of 3,139 single mother and young adult children pairs were chosen for analysis. Ordinary least squares and logistic regression analysis were employed to examine the mediation model. Single mothers' poverty status was negatively associated with both their young adult children's educational attainment and income. The young adult children's educational attainment was positively related to their income. Results showed a full mediation of the relationship between single mothers' poverty status and their young adult children's income via their young adult children's educational attainment. Researchers should pay more attention to single mother-headed households who may be at higher risk of the intergenerational transmission of inequity. A new framework is necessary to understand intergenerational economic mobility between single mothers and their young adult children. It is imperative to consider the role of educational attainment when examining intergenerational economic mobility between single mothers and their young adult children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroanalytical and optical techniques are widely used in the development of nanomaterials-based sensor platforms. These techniques have a quick response, high sensitivity, and selectivity. Electroanalytical and optical techniques are widely used in the development of nanomaterial-based sensor platforms. These sensors must be able to detect biomarkers, pathogens, toxins, and pharmaceuticals in biological matrices associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering these pathophysiologies, numerous investigations have been undertaken to develop sensors for early diagnosis and treatment, utilizing nanomaterials such as quantum dots. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which are ideally nanometer-sized graphene fragments, have recently received increased attention due to their excellent physicochemical properties such as fast electron mobility, photostability, water solubility, biocompatibility, high specific surface area, and nontoxicity. Apart from the properties mentioned above, GQDs provide π–π interactions, electrostatic, and covalent interactions with an analyte, and ease of synthesis as well as the ability to combine with other nanomaterials, which have enabled their use in various sensing platforms. This review summarizes recent advances in GQDs-based nanocomposites for sensor applications, with a focus on electroanalytical and optical techniques, as well as current challenges and future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern chemical engineering, various derivative-free optimization (DFO) studies have been conducted to identify operating conditions that maximize energy efficiency for efficient operation of processes. Although DFO algorithm selection is an essential task that leads to successful designs, it is a nonintuitive task because of the uncertain performance of the algorithms. In particular, when the system evaluation cost or computational load is high (e.g., density functional theory and computational fluid dynamics), selecting an algorithm that quickly converges to the near-global optimum at the early stage of optimization is more important. In this study, we compare the optimization performance in the early stage of 12 algorithms. The performance of deterministic global search algorithms, global model-based search algorithms, metaheuristic algorithms, and Bayesian optimization is compared by applying benchmark problems and analyzed based on the problem types and number of variables. Furthermore, we apply all algorithms to the energy process optimization that maximizes the thermal efficiency of the steam methane reforming (SMR) process for hydrogen production. In this application, we have identified a hidden constraint based on real-world operations, and we are addressing it by using a penalty function. Bayesian optimizations explore the design space most efficiently by training infeasible regions. As a result, we have observed a substantial improvement in thermal efficiency of 12.9% compared to the base case and 7% improvement when compared to the lowest performing algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, hydrogen is produced primarily through steam methane reforming, a gray hydrogen production process that generates CO 2 as a by-product. Thus, it is crucial to optimize the process thermal efficiency with minimizing CO 2 generation in a hydrogen production process. This study focuses on the multi-objective optimization of low-carbon hydrogen production process, considering both process thermal efficiency maximization and CO 2 emission minimization. To this end, a hybrid deep neural network model is developed to increase the robustness of the multi-objective optimization. The developed hybrid deep neural network model is incorporated into a proposed multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm that performs Pareto dominance-based multi-objective optimization. In experiments conducted, Pareto-optimal solutions with thermal efficiency distribution between 77.5 and 87.0% and CO 2 emissions between 577.9 and 597.6 t/y were obtained. Furthermore, the Pareto-optimal front was analyzed to provide various representative solutions to assist decision-makers. The findings of this study can enable efficient and flexible process operations according to various requirements. [Display omitted] • Low-carbon hydrogen production from an on-site steam methane reforming process. • Multi-objective optimization of thermal efficiency and CO 2 emission simultaneously. • Multi-objective particle swarm optimization for Pareto dominance-based optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceria slurries are used in the oxide chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process due to their high polishing performance and selectivity characteristics. However, it takes great effort to remove small ceria particles that remain on the wafer surface during the post-CMP cleaning process. Therefore, we applied tangential flow filtration (TFF) systems, which can be used to separate small ceria particles before CMP process. In a previous study, we improved the post-CMP cleaning efficiency of the ceria slurry with a circulation-type TFF system. Herein, the correlations between the separation rate of ceria particles and parameters affecting the TFF system, such as membrane pore size, flow rate, and transmembrane pressure (TMP), were evaluated to improve buff cleaning efficiency. Finally, we also fabricated a single-pass TFF system to reduce the process time and loss of active ceria particles. With the single-pass TFF system, the basic properties and polishing performance of the ceria slurry did not change. In addition, the buff cleaning efficiency improved by up to 18.1%. [Display omitted] • The TFF system was applied to improve buff cleaning by separating the small ceria particles (<50 nm) in the slurry. • The correlation between the separation rate and TFF system parameters was investigated. • The single-pass type TFF system was fabricated to shorten the process time and minimize the loss of active ceria particles. • With the single-pass type TFF system, the buff cleaning efficiency was improved and showed similar performance to SC-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precious metal-free electrocatalysts are essential for green hydrogen using low-cost electrolysis technology for future power supply systems. In this regard, anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis is the technology of best choice due to its compactness and high efficiency. Here, we proposed a low cost electrocatalyst composed of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles decorated in a Cobalt-based metal-organic framework (CdS/ZIF-67), synthesized using a simple coprecipitation method. Compared with pristine Cobalt-based metal-organic framework (ZIF-67), 5 wt%CdS/ZIF-67 has excellent electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction activity, low overpotential (294 mV), low Tafel-slope (100 mV dec−1), higher mass activity (25.8 mA mg−1), and better stability. The AEM electrolyzer with the 5 wt%CdS/ZIF-67 anode can attain a potential of 1.85 V at a current-density of 1 A cm−2, which is lower than that of bare Cobalt-based metal-organic framework electrolyzers. Thus, these catalysts are not only very active but also scalable, making them a promising electrolyzer for application in commercial power market. [Display omitted] • CdS nanoparticle embedded in Cobalt-based metal-organic framework nanostructures. • The electrocatalytic OER activity of ZIF-67 was enhanced by CdS (5 wt%) nanoparticles. • 5 wt%CdS/ZIF-67 electrocatalysts showed a superior activity in AEM electrolyzer. • This noble metal-free nanocomposite has more efficiency and stability towards OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for a dielectric layer, Ce3+, which is the active site on the surface of ceria, has a significant effect on the material removal rate (MRR). Ceria nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with different dopant concentrations of lanthanide elements (La and Nd) to increase the concentration of Ce3+. An oxygen vacancy was formed in the ceria doped with the trivalent lanthanide ions, which reduced the surrounding Ce4+ to Ce3+. The concentration of Ce3+ increased up to 32.57% when the amounts of dopants were increased and Nd was doped. The improved reactivities of the particles by doping were verified by measuring the reduction of the work function of the doped ceria nanoparticles and the increase in the adhesion force with SiO 2. The polishing performance of Nd-doped ceria at high concentrations achieved an MRR up to 3.62 times higher than those of the comparison groups. [Display omitted] • Via facile hydrothermal method, lanthanide-doped ceria was massively synthesized. • The number of Ce3+ was increased by the formation of oxygen vacancies through doping. • The electrical potential of ceria was enhanced with an increase in the concentration of Ce3+. • The effect of Ce3+ on oxide polishing was discovered from their adhesive interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the major leading causes of death in humans globally. Recently, increased levels of recruited macrophages and AGE-albumin were observed in the hearts of humans and animals with acute myocardial infarction. Thus, the purposes of this study were to investigate whether the elevated levels of AGE-albumin from activated macrophage cells are implicated in ischemia-induced cardiomyocyte death and to develop therapeutic strategies for AMI based on its underlying molecular mechanisms with respect to AGEs. The present study demonstrated that activated macrophages and AGE-albumin were observed in heart tissues obtained from humans and rats with AMI incidences. In the cellular model of AMI, it was found that increased expression of AGE-albumin was shown to be co-localized with macrophages, and the presence of AGE-albumin led to increased expression of RAGE through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. After revealing cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by toxicity of the AGE-RAGE system, sRAGE-secreting MSCs were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 platform to investigate the therapeutic effects of sRAGE-MSCs in an AMI rat model. Gene-edited sRAGE-MSCs showed greater therapeutic effects against AMI pathogenesis in rat models compared to mock MSCs, and promising results of the functional improvement of stem cells could result in significant improvements in the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DNN data-driven model for steam methane reforming is developed. • Data preprocessing techniques were applied to improve the quality of datasets. • Four hyperparameters were optimized to obtain an accurate prediction model. • Process optimization was conducted with 387,320,489 cases under five constraints. • The operating conditions were optimized to achieve a thermal efficiency of 85.6%. The production and application of hydrogen, an environmentally friendly energy source, have been attracting increasing interest of late. Although steam methane reforming (SMR) method is used to produce hydrogen, it is difficult to build a high-fidelity model because the existing equation-oriented theoretical model cannot be used to clearly understand the heat-transfer phenomenon of a complicated reforming reactor. Herein, we developed an artificial neural network (ANN)-based data-driven model using 485,710 actual operation datasets for optimizing the SMR process. Data preprocessing, including outlier removal and noise filtering, was performed to improve the data quality. A model with high accuracy (average R 2 = 0.9987) was developed, which can predict six variables, through hyperparameter tuning of a neural network model, as follows: syngas flow rate; CO, CO 2 , CH 4 , and H 2 compositions; and steam temperature. During optimization, the search spaces for nine operating variables, namely the natural gas flow rate for the feed and fuel, hydrogen flow rate for desulfurization, water flow rate and temperature, air flow rate, SMR inlet temperature and pressure, and low-temperature shift (LTS) inlet temperature, were defined and applied to the developed model for predicting the thermal efficiencies for 387,420,489 cases. Subsequently, five constraints were established to consider the feasibility of the process, and the decision variables with the highest process thermal efficiency were determined. The process operating conditions showed a thermal efficiency of 85.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thin films from fluorinated paracyclophane dimers were prepared via vapor phase. • The growth yield for polymer films per dimer is 0.9∼2.1 nm/mg. • These polymeric films show good uniformity with under 3 nm of roughness. • Polymeric thin films with different surface hydrophilicity can be delivered. Poly(para-xylylene) thin films from Gorham method via chemical vapor polymerization (CVP) process (so called Parylene) have been extensively utilized in various application fields. Specific functional groups can be also introduced into thin polymeric films via CVP process using functionalized paracyclophane dimer. There have been numerous efforts to fabricate parylene thin films using synthesized and functionalized paracyclophane dimers so far. Herein we report on synthesis of fluorine containing paracyclophane dimers and their polymeric thin films via Gorham method. Three different types of fluorine containing paracyclophane derivatives are synthesized and the CVP thin films are prepared in all cases by adjusting processing condition. Even though the functional groups on parylene thin films are similar, dramatic differences in surface energy can be observed. This work can provide extended material choices for whom want to precisely control surface properties with robust, pin-hole free, and conformal coatable polymeric thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental depression is a significant problem that negatively affects parents' welfare and influences family dynamics, children's academic and health behaviors, and mental health. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of the parental depression into the children's' psychological and physical wellbeing on Asian cultures. This study examined the psychological burdens and health behaviors of adolescent children with parents with depression in the Republic of Korea. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) spanning 2013 to 2021 to compare health behaviors and mental health outcomes between 203 adolescent children with parents diagnosed with depression and 3,856 control adolescents aged 12–19 years. Results: Following multivariate adjustments, the risk of depressive mood for more than two weeks was significantly increased in boys with parental depression (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.91–3.52) and adolescents with parents with moderate-to-severe depression (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.17–5.77). Adolescents with parental depression reported significantly worse subjective health status (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.05–3.36) and higher stress levels (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.33–2.76). Additionally, when parental depression was present and the time since depression diagnosis was more than five years, adolescents with parental depression exhibited even poorer subjective health status and higher stress levels. Conclusions: The study found that adolescents whose parents experienced depression had poorer mental health than those whose parents did not have mental health issues. These findings emphasize the importance of providing support for the mental health of adolescents in families affected by parental depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Previously, we reported that long-term vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability using female senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis, which is similar to that observed in humans. In this study, we investigated whether these findings also hold true in male SMP30-deficient mice and found that long-term VC deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability in male SMP30-deficient mice as well. Interestingly, muscle atrophy and declined physical ability were completely restored with VC supplementation. Thus, VC is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle function in both male and female mice. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) is a water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen polymerization. Previously, we reported that long-term VC deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability using female senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis, which is similar to that observed in humans. To determine whether these findings also hold true for male SMP30-deficient mice, two-month-old male SMP30-deficient mice were divided into two groups: the VC-treated group (VC(+)) was administered 1.5 g/L VC, and the VC-untreated group (VC(−)) was supplied water without VC. The VC level at four weeks in the gastrocnemius muscles from the VC(+) and VC(−) groups was 205.7 ± 8.5 nmol/g tissue and 13.1 ± 0.6 nmol/g tissue, respectively. Thus, four weeks was enough to reduce the VC level in the skeletal muscle in the VC-untreated group. On the other hand, muscle weights of the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus in the VC(−) group were significantly reduced by VC deficiency after twelve weeks. The physical endurance of the VC(−) group at eight weeks was markedly lower than that of the VC(+) group. The grasping strength and activity in the cage in the nocturnal phases of the VC(−) group were markedly lower at twelve and sixteen weeks than those of the VC(+) group. Interestingly, muscle atrophy and declined physical ability were completely restored with VC supplementation for twelve weeks after VC deficiency. Thus, VC is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle function in both male and female SMP30-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Research activities devoted to the development of noble metal‐free electrocatalysts have expanded and still require large energy input to drive the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A key challenge to improve the efficiency of water electrolysis systems is to develop efficient and robust electrocatalysts for water splitting. We propose a simple strategy to construct a nanostructure composed of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐67 grafted onto vanadium‐doped nickel hydroxide (Ni‐V) microflowers (MFs). In this integrated structure, the ZIF‐67 polyhedrons were well assembled on the surface of the Ni‐V MFs (ie, Z‐67/Ni‐V), thus enhancing the OER kinetics as a result of the interaction between Ni‐V and Co and increasing the electrocatalytic activity. In addition, the Z‐67/Ni‐V nanostructure is an efficient catalyst that exhibits improved surface area and pore volume. The Z‐67/Ni‐V nanostructures demonstrated greater OER electrocatalytic activity for alkaline water electrolysis and improved structural stability. Compared to their bare Ni‐V‐hydroxide counterparts, the Z‐67/Ni‐V nanostructure reveals an exceptionally low overpotential of 320 mV with a low Tafel slope of 71 mV dec−1 and remarkable long‐standing stability at current density of 10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) process is one of the most promising techniques for converting solar energy directly into clean fuels and for environmental remediation applications. One-dimensional (1D) TiO 2 nanostructure arrays are extensively studied morphologies for a wide range of catalytic processes, including photocatalysis (PC) and PEC reactions for water splitting. In this study, a well-aligned spaced TiO 2 nanorod (TNR) arrays were uniformly grown on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, and thermal exfoliation of the TNRs, which appeared as small islands, was investigated. The calcination time, which ranged from 1 to 5 h at 400 °C, had a significant impact on the agglomerated TNRs islands, which tended to be uniformly exfoliated as spaced nanorods and eventually improved the PEC performance. The regularly arranged spaced nanorods allow for the efficient transfer of internal charge carriers within the TNRs. Furthermore, the heterojunction formation with NiCo 2 S 4 via the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, substantially improve PEC performance, owing to reduced charge carrier recombination at the interface of the heterojunction. The Mott–Schottky analysis strongly supports the improved charge carrier density at the heterojunction interface. The improved life time of the charge carriers was investigated by comparing the time-resolved photoluminescence spectra for the TiO 2 /NiCo 2 S 4 heterojunction with pristine TNRs, which was eventually confirmed by incident photon-to-current efficiency analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]