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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]

The performance of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) was determined by the morphological characteristics of the abrasive particle. In this study, the shape of the aggregate of fumed silica was confirmed by a method of characterizing the morphology of the particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Each aggregate was classified into four types—linear, branched, ellipsoidal, and spheroidal—and the shape distribution of a fumed-silica slurry was investigated with different specific surface areas. The CMP performance of fumed silica slurries at 90 m2/g with numerous linear-shaped aggregates and 400 m2/g with the highest portion of spheroidal aggregates were compared to that of colloidal silica slurry. A model for the effects of bumpy abrasives on CMP explained the reason for this result by using penetration depth and MRR with various numbers of contact bumps. Furthermore, a mixture of spherical and non-spherical abrasives in a ratio of 4:1 exhibited an improved CMP performance. Unlabelled Image • The material removal principle of differently shaped particles was analyzed. • A method for capturing a single aggregate in fumed silica slurry was introduced. • The shape distribution of particles differs depending on the specific surface area. • The polishing performance was enhanced by mixing abrasives of different shapes. [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]

• Control of wettability through changes of surface structure for self-cleaning. • Change of surface structure via anodization in K 2 HPO 4 /glycerol electrolyte. • Surfaces obtained from K 2 HPO 4 /glycerol electrolyte have higher wettability than those obtained from typical electrolytes. The Al 3104 alloy is widely used in the industrial field for building exteriors, heat blockers, and aluminum cans. These products are often exposed to long-term pollution, resulting in economic loss due to corrosion and the removal of pollutants. To solve these problems, self-cleaning of metal surfaces has been actively studied. Self-cleaning can be achieved by modifying hydrophilic or hydrophobic treatments to control the surface energy and surface structure. In the present study, the surface structure was changed through anodization technique. We fabricated three different structures of the top surface: nanotubes, porous, and nanopetals. The various nanostructures exhibited differences in wettability. Under the optimum conditions, the aluminum oxide layer exhibited hydrophilicity, which is a significant advantage for self-cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study focuses on the impact of race and ethnicity on intergenerational mobility between mothers and children. Background: Most studies have examined intergenerational mobility between fathers and their children. Racial and ethnic disparities might explain the high rates of intergenerational inequality in mobility. Methods: The current study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 for Children and Young Adults. The two data sets were merged based on mother and child's identification number. The final sample consisted of 1,245 non‐Black/non‐Hispanic, 740 Black, and 538 Hispanic dyads. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: There are ethnic and racial disparities in net worth and poverty among mothers. Black and Hispanic mothers were less likely to accumulate net worth compared with non‐Black/non‐Hispanic mothers, and they were also at greater risk of being in poverty compared with non‐Black/non‐Hispanic mothers. For intergenerational economic mobility, net worth and not living in poverty across mothers were associated with higher income among young adult children. Black race moderated the relationship between maternal net worth and young adult children's income. Conclusion: A new perspective is necessary to explore intergenerational economic mobility, considering relations between mothers and children rather than fathers and children. Implications: Eliminating discrimination in the labor market is critical to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in economic resources. Service programs to help Black women with children to save money or increase their job opportunities should be in place to improve their potential for upward economic mobility across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines whether the daughters' educational attainment mediates the intergenerational transmission of economic mobility between mothers and their young adult daughters. To create mother–daughter dyads, two data sets were combined: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY). A total of 2,456 dyads were included for analysis. We used a mediation model to explore the relationship between mothers' income and their young adult daughters' income. Mothers' income was associated with their young adult daughters' educational attainment and income. The mediation model indicated partial mediation of the relationship between mothers' income and their young adult daughters' income via their young adult daughters' educational attainment. Addressing issues of income inequality among mothers may serve as a buffer against the low upward mobility across generations for their young adult daughters raised by low‐income mothers. It is imperative to provide programs and financial assistance for mothers to bolster their income and thereby their daughters' educational attainment and income in young adulthood and therefore improve economic mobility from mothers to daughters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, we examine young adult children's educational attainment as a mediator in the pathway from their mother's income to their fast food consumption. Methods: 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 select mother and children dyads. A total of 5140 dyads were selected as the final sample. We used a mediation model to test mediators in the relationship between mother's income and young adult children's fast food consumption. Results: Mother's income was significantly related to their young adult children's educational attainment. Mother's income was negatively related to fast food consumption. This study revealed partial mediation of the relationship between mother's income and their young adult children's fast food consumption via their young adult children's educational attainment. Conclusions: A new perspective considering mother's economic resources is needed to understand children's education. Mother's income is important to cultivate their young adult children's health behaviors. The intergenerational transmission of mother's economic resources to their young adult children's educational attainment should be considered to understand young adults' fast food consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous studies have primarily focused on depression among older adults. Given that middle age links young adulthood to older adulthood and encompasses a variety of changes in roles and status, which influence depression, it is important to understand the changes of depression during this period. Methods: This study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The final sample consisted of 834 individuals, and four points in time were used: 34, 36, 40, and 50 years of age. The Latent Growth Model (LGM) was used to estimate the trajectories of depression. Results: The trajectories of depression present a non-linear change, referring to V-shaped curve. The conditional model shows that there are significant individual differences on initial status. Males were negatively associated with the latent initial level of depression. Individuals who showed higher self-esteem and cognitive ability were negatively associated with the latent initial level of depression. In addition, health insurance was negatively associated with the latent initial levels of depression. Both employment and net worth predicted lower intercepts of depression. Discussion: As the 40s is a bridge between the lowest levels of depression and a gradual increase of depression, service providers should be aware of changes of depression among middle-aged adults and spend more time and resources to encourage those individuals to prepare for changes in depression. Prevention programs for depression and providing more opportunities for employment and education to save money should be more focused on young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of a new amphiphilic block copolymer, PPEGMA-PPC-PPEGMA, in dilute aqueous solution and at the air–water interface. In PPEGMA-PPC-PPEGMA, the hydrophilic PEG moieties exist as side chains attached to the PMA backbone. Because of this unique non-linear architecture, the morphological and conformational properties of self-assembled PPEGMA-PPC-PPEGMA polymers are expected to be different from those of conventional linear PEG-based polymer surfactants. For this study, three PPE G MA-PP C -PPE G MA samples having an identical PPC molecular weight (5.6 kDa) and different PPEGMA molecular weights (7.2 , 2.8 and 2.1 kDa on either side) (named " G7C6G7 ", " G3C5G3 ", and " G2C6G2 ", respectively) were synthesized. The micellar self-assembly behaviors of these materials were investigated by cryo-TEM, rheology, DLS, and visual observation. Langmuir monolayers of these materials were characterized by surface mechanical testing. PPEGMA-PPC-PPEGMA micelles were found to have a spherical geometry, irrespective of copolymer composition. Interestingly, G2C6G2 and G3C6G3 micelles formed weakly-bound clusters, whereas G7C6G7 micelles predominantly existed as isolated micelles. Detailed analysis suggests that this unexpected trend in micelle morphology originates from the fact that the PPEGMA blocks are only partially hydrated at aqueous interfaces. Detailed features of the surface pressure-area isotherms obtained from Langmuir PPEG-PPC-PPEGMA monolayers further supported this notion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between mothers' educational attainment and their daughters' fast food intake and the moderating effect of race/ethnicity on the relationship was examined. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) were used. Young women with mothers who received higher education were less likely to eat fast food. Race/ethnicity moderated the relationship between mothers' educational attainment and their young adult daughters' fast food intake. Through this study, we seek to understand the intergenerational relationship between mother and daughter and the effect of mothers' education on their young adult children's fast food consumption. Providing more opportunities for mothers to increase their educational attainment should be considered to reduce their children's fast food intake. Mothers' educational attainment should be focused on more closely for non-Hispanic Whites as a factor to reduce young women's fast food intake, and other economic factors should be considered to understand the role of mothers' educational attainment among African Americans and Hispanic/Latinas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the trajectories of mental health across baby boomers to understand their mental health during middle age. This study used secondary data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and used four points in time to estimate trajectories of mental health during adulthood. This study included 834 participants who were born in 1959. The Latent Growth Curve Model (LGCM) was used for modeling and estimating the trajectories of mental health. The trajectories of mental health show non-linear change even after considering longitudinal changes of variables. The trajectories indicate a V-shaped curve: higher depression at 34 and 50 years of age and the lowest depression at 40 years. Males predicted lower intercepts of depression and those with higher self-esteem showed lower depression initially. This study provides further evidence for understanding baby boomers' mental health during their adulthood within a longitudinal setting by using a nationwide sample. More specialized interventions and services should be considered for females' mental health problems over time. It is also important to help individuals develop and cultivate their self-esteem before entering into middle age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies on the kinetic spraying of cermet (e.g., WC-Co and Cr 3 C 2 –NiCr) the fragmentation of kinetic sprayed cermet particles was a prerequisite for successful deposition. Therefore, the properties of the feedstock powder related to fragmentation are significantly critical factors. In this study, a commercial Cr 3 C 2 –25NiCr powder was mechanically milled to accumulate damage in the feedstock powder and reduce the fragmentation resistance of the cermet particles, then heat-treated to relieve the strain hardening effects on the metal part (NiCr). The effects of the mechanical milling and heat-treatment were evaluated using a nanoindentation test, a powder compression test and transmission electron microscope observation after which the deposition characteristics of three kinds of powders (as-received, milled, and milled + heat-treated) were compared. The Cr 3 C 2 –25NiCr powder was considerably weakened by mechanical milling. There was no recovery of the fracture toughness and phase transformation of the milled Cr 3 C 2 –25NiCr powder even after the heat-treatment. Consequently, the deposition state of the milled and heat-treated Cr 3 C 2 –25NiCr powder was considerably enhanced compared with the as-received powder. Thus, mechanical milling and post heat-treatment of the commercial Cr 3 C 2 –25NiCr powder seems to be effective at enhancing its deposition capability for the kinetic spray process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inlet unstart and buzz in scramjet engines must be prevented for the stable operation of the engines. In the present study, the characteristics of the inlet start, unstart and buzz phenomena in a scramjet engine inlet model are investigated using numerical analysis with the RANS-based OpenFOAM solver. The results for the inlet start case with a small computational domain that includes only the inlet-isolator part are in good agreement with existing numerical and experimental results. However, for the inlet unstart case, the computational domain must be wide enough to consider the interactions between the upstream of the inlet and the internal flow of the inlet to predict the inlet unstart and buzz phenomena in the inlet test model. The present results show fairly good agreement with existing experimental results with the buzz phenomenon. The effects of boundary layer profiles on the buzz oscillation frequency and amplitude are also addressed. [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]

Purpose: Gambling disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling. In the present study, we evaluated the characteristics of resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in patients with gambling disorder. In addition, we explored the association between the EEG characteristics of the patients and the stages of change in a transtheoretical model. Methods: All participants were men who visited a gambling disorder clinic in Seoul, Korea. At the assessment, questionnaires, including the Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ), were administered and resting-state EEGs were carried out. Participants were grouped based on Ward's method for cluster analysis. Independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate group differences. To assess the relationship between the clinical data and the EEG recordings, we used Pearson's partial correlation analysis. Results: Overall, 63 male participants were enrolled. Cluster analysis of the alpha activity revealed two clusters. No significant differences were observed in the demographic or clinical data between the two groups except for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We found that the precontemplation score of the RCQ was positively correlated with the z-score of the relative alpha power in almost all cortical regions. Conclusion: This study suggests that EEG parameters, particularly alpha activity, could inform us about the subtypes or stages of change in gambling disorder. Alpha power is the predominant EEG rhythm in a relaxed, alert person; thus, alpha power serves as an index of relaxation. We expect that the level of alpha activity could be utilized as an additional parameter to help clinicians assess and treat patients with gambling disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A numerical simulator entitled TOUGH-UDEC is introduced for the analysis of coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes in fractured porous media. Two existing well-established codes, TOUGH2 and UDEC, are coupled to model multiphase fluid flows, heat transfers, and discontinuous deformations in fractured porous media by means of discrete fracture representation. TOUGH2 is widely used for the modeling of heat transfers and multiphase multicomponent fluid flows, and UDEC is a well-known distinct element code for rock mechanics. The two codes are solved sequentially, with coupling parameters passed to each equation at specific intervals. After solving thermal-hydraulic equations within the TOUGH2 code, pressure and temperature information is imported into the UDEC model. After solving the mechanical equation within the UDEC code the calculated fracture apertures are converted to the equivalent permeability and porosity values for a TOUGH2 flow analysis. The solution is calculated by iteratively following an explicit sequence for numerical efficiency. Verifications are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the coupled TOUGH-UDEC simulator. Three application examples of (1) shear dilation due to increased pore pressure, (2) thermal stress and (3) CO 2 injection, show that the new simulator can be an effective tool for geoengineering applications involving shear activation of fractures and faults. Highlights • TOUGH2 and UDEC are linked to model coupled THM processes in fractured porous rock. • TOUGH-UDEC is verified by hydromechanical and thermomechanical verification cases. • TOUGH-UDEC is applied to two basic hydroshearing and thermoshearing models. • TOUGH-UDEC is applied to a large-scale CO 2 injection and leakage analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a lethal skin cancer in Western countries. Although the incidence is low in Asians compared to that in Caucasians, it is increasing. However, literature regarding risk factors for prognosis of MM patients who have undergone surgical excision in Asian is limited. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors for local recurrence and metastasis in MM patients who underwent surgical treatment at a single tertiary-level hospital in Korea. Patients who underwent surgery for MM at our institution between January 1998 and December 2014 were analyzed. We retrospectively investigated risk factors for local recurrence and metastasis after surgery. In cases with distant metastasis, tumor thickness (adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR), 6.139; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.152 to 17.509; P = 0.001) and increased mitotic number [(0-1/mm2 vs 2-6/mm2: adjusted HR, 4.483; 95% CI, 1.233 to 16.303; P = 0.023); (0-1/mm2 vs > 6/mm2: adjusted HR, 10.316; 95% CI, 2.871 to 37.063; P < 0.001)] were associated with risk in multivariate analysis. Regarding local recurrence, tumor thickness (T4 [≥4mm] vs T1) was found to be a significant risk factor (adjusted HR, 8.461; 95% CI, 2.514 to 28.474; P = 0.001). Our data revealed tumor thickness and increased mitotic count were significant risk factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis in Korean patients with MM after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high technology electrical devices increased the importance of higher power density or higher capacity at high current density. Especially, rapid charge/discharge issues remain problematic for electric vehicle commercialization. After extensive investigation, researchers introduced hetero-nanostructured materials to the field of lithium ion batteries (LIBs), aiming to enhance the power density or improve the capacity at high current density and life cycle capability. Hetero-nanostructured materials consist of current collectors and directly attached active nanomaterials. Carbon, carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Aluminum (Al) were used for current collector, aiming to improve the electron transfer and the cyclability, due to high electrical conductivity and superior buffering effects. Also, Hetero-nanostructure can produce a favorable lithium diffusion condition by creating a lithium diffusion pathway. This article presents an explanation of important factors for high power density or high capacity at high current density. It summarizes the capacity of electrode materials at high current density, including structural descriptions and material types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of narrow bandgap electron acceptors is designed and synthesized for efficient near‐infrared (NIR) organic solar cells. Extending π‐conjugation of donor frameworks leads to an intense intramolecular charge transfer, resulting in broad absorption profiles with band edge reaching 950 nm. When blended with an electron donor polymer PTB7‐Th, IOTIC‐2F exhibits efficient charge transfer even with a small energetic offset, so as to achieve a large photogenerated current over 22 mA cm−2 with small energy losses (≈0.49 eV) in solar cell devices. With an intense NIR absorbance, PTB7‐Th:IOTIC‐2F‐based cells achieve a power conversion efficiency of 12.1% with good visible transparency (52% transmittance from 370 to 740 nm). Analysis of film morphology reveals that processing with solvent additives enhances crystalline features of acceptor components, while keeping an appropriate level of donor:acceptor intermixing in the binary blends. The incorporation of the third component, ITIC‐2F, into the PTB7‐Th:IOTIC‐2F blends increases the device efficiency up to 12.9%. The improvement is assigned to the cascaded energy‐level structure and desirable nanoscale phase separation of the ternary blends, which is beneficial to the photocurrent generation. This work provides an efficient molecular design strategy to optimize nonfullerene acceptor properties for efficient NIR organic photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two narrow bandgap non‐fullerene acceptors (NBG‐NFAs), namely, COTIC‐4F and SiOTIC‐4F, are designed and synthesized for the fabrication of efficient near‐infrared organic solar cells (OSCs). The chemical structures of the NBG‐NFAs contain a D′‐D‐D′ electron‐rich internal core based on a cyclopentadithiophene (or dithienosilole) (D) and alkoxythienyl (D′) core, end‐capped with the highly electron‐deficient unit 2‐(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile (A), ultimately providing a A‐D′‐D‐D′‐A molecular configuration that enhances the intramolecular charge transfer characteristics of the excited states. One can thereby reduce the optical bandgap (Egopt) to as low as ≈1.10 eV, one of the smallest values for NFAs reported to date. In bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) OSCs, NBG‐NFA blends with the polymer donor PTB7‐Th yield power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 9.0%, which is particularly high when compared against a range of NBG BHJ blends. Most significantly, it is found that, despite the small energy loss (Egopt − eVOC) of 0.52 eV, the PTB7‐Th/NBG‐NFA bulk heterojunction blends can yield short‐circuit current densities of up to 22.8 mA cm−2, suggesting that the design and application of NBG‐NFA materials have substantial potential to further improve the PCE of OSCs. [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]

As a multiple-start ignition method for liquid-fuel rocket engines, the gas-dynamic igniter has many advantages, such as a simple configuration, low weight and high structural strength. However, because of the complexity of the flow of the working fluid, the details of the thermal processes involved are not clearly understood. In this study, the thermal and flow characteristics of a gas-dynamic igniter are investigated through numerical simulations using the software OpenFOAM. The simulation results show that the pressure within the igniter undergoes oscillations. The axial flow velocity decreases across the pressure wave front so that the kinetic energy of the flow is converted to thermal energy. The temperature increase within the oscillation tube of the igniter is strongly correlated with the entry mass flow. Therefore, the tube inlet area should be designed according to the igniter nozzle flow to achieve the best performance from a gasdynamic igniter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DNA origami can provide programmed information to guide the self‐assembly of gold nanospheres (Au NSs) into higher‐order supracolloids. Molecularly precise and truly 2D/3D integration of Au NSs is possible using DNA origami‐enabled assembly, and the resulting assemblies have potential applications in plasmonics and metamaterials. However, the relatively small size (<60 nm) and randomly faceted Au NSs that have been used thus far in DNA origami‐enabled assembly have limited their nanophotonic applications. Here, the robust self‐assembly of the 60–100 nm roundest Au NSs into metamolecular assemblies using 3D DNA origami is described. These Au NSs are successfully conjugated with DNA oligonucleotides and are therefore stable at high salt concentrations even without backfilling using organic ligands. The roundest Au NSs are successfully assembled into supracolloidal metamolecules and chains via 3D DNA origami. These plasmonic metamolecules and chains display strong electric and unnatural magnetic resonances that can be deterministically controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resonant motion of a compressible bubble in an acoustic field is numerically investigated by using a level-set method, which is extended to examine compressible two-phase flows of air and weakly compressible liquid water. Computations are performed for bubble motion on a solid surface that is exposed to a periodic pressure wave. Numerical results show that the resonant bubble motion is significantly magnified by the surrounding compressible liquid when a specific height is reached. The effects of liquid height, contact angle, and bubble size on the oscillation amplitudes of bubble radius and pressure are quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sharp-interface level-set method is presented for simulating the growth and collapse of a compressible vapor bubble. The interface tracking method is extended to include the effects of bubble compressibility and liquid-vapor phase change by incorporating the ghost fluid method to efficiently implement the matching conditions of velocity, stress and temperature at the interface. The numerical results for one-dimensional compressible flows and spherical bubble growth show good agreement with the exact solutions. The level-set method is applied to investigate the effects of phase change, ambient temperature and wall on the compressible bubble growth and collapse. [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]

Quantum dot nanocrystals have particular optical properties due to the quantum confinement effect and the surface effect. This study focuses on the effects of organic materials capping quantum dot on the emission properties of quantum dots. The quantum dots prepared by using 1-hexadecylamine in the synthesis show strong emission, while the quantum dots prepared by using tri-octylphosphine oxide exhibit a suppressed emission and an extra emission related with the surface energy traps. These organic materials cap the quantum dots and make the surface conditions of quantum dots different. TEM images and X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that 1-hexadecylamine constructs a layer on the surface of quantum dot during the synthesis and this surface passivation by a layer of 1-hexadecylamine reduces the surface energy traps. Differently from 1-hexadecylamine, tri-octylphosphine oxide dangles from the surface, which causes a poorly passivated surface. This generates the surface deep trap levels giving rise to a significant and broad emission in the lower energy regime. The optical mechanism is studied by measuring the emission spectra and the time-resolved spectra at various temperatures from 4 K to 300 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]