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The selection and evaluation of the hyperelastic model of tread rubber material were of great value and significance to the clarification and application of the mechanical properties of tread rubber material. In this article, a non-contact tread rubber material rolling test bench was established. The improved digital image correlation method was used to calculate the strain rate distribution of the marked point under different test conditions. Combined with the stress distribution of the marked point, the rolling dynamic stress-strain characteristics of tread rubber material were obtained. Based on rubber material models under different tensile test modes, the parameter inversion identification of the hyperelastic model was completed, and the influence of the tensile test mode on the parameter inversion of the tread rubber hyperelastic model was revealed. A new method for selecting and evaluating the hyperelastic model of tread rubber material under rolling contact conditions was proposed. The selection criterion for the hyperelastic model of tread rubber material was developed under different rolling conditions. The experimental and analytical results show that the nonlinear degree of the constitutive relation of the hyperelastic model decreased with the increase in rolling speed. Compared with hyperelastic models under different tensile modes, the fitting error of the Yeoh model was less than 3%, and the overall fitting error of the Yeoh model was less than 2%. Therefore, the Yeoh model had better stability and accuracy and was more suitable for describing the rolling mechanical properties of tread rubber under rolling contact conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and construction of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COF) remains a major challenge, and it is necessary to explore new strategies to synthesize 3D COF with ideal structure. Here, we utilize two-dimensional covalent organic framework (2D COF) with allyl side chain to achieve interlayer crosslinking through olefin metathesis reaction, thereby constructing a 3D COF with cage-like structures. This new material named CAGE-COF has larger specific surface area and more open pore structure than the original 2D COF. The cathode material with CAGE-COF retained 78.7% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles, and the fading rate is 0.04% each cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The load wheel is the main power transmission and bearing component of a tracked vehicle. In this paper, a simplified structural dynamic model of load wheel is proposed. By developing a non-contact rubber tread rolling dynamics test rig, the rolling deformation characteristics of load wheel are captured. Digital image correlation method is used to calculate the transient and continuous variation of strain rate of rubber tread under the influence of load, speed and different carbon black components. The feasibility of simplified structural dynamic model is evaluated by analyzing the fitting accuracy of strain rate of marker obtained from the non-contact measurement and the structural model simulation. The accuracy and validity of simplified structural dynamic model of load wheel are demonstrated based on the comparison results of tread mechanical model and full-field strain distribution. The developed simplified structural dynamic model of load wheel could describe and predict full-field strain and full-field stress distribution within the contact patch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rolling and sliding state of the tread rubber material within contact patch was very important to the handling stability and safety of the vehicle. In this paper, first, the absolute coordinate system was introduced into the digital image correlation method, which improved the ability of the traditional digital image correlation method to solve the large deformation of polymer material surface. Second, a new calculation method of rolling friction coefficient based on the brush model was proposed. Third, a non‐contact full‐field rolling dynamics experimental device was developed to study the effects of carbon black components, rotational speed and vertical load on the rolling mechanical characteristics of tread rubber material. On this basis, the rolling mechanical characteristics of tread rubber material with different formulations were obtained by analyzing the distribution properties of global strain rate, full‐field longitudinal speed and full‐field longitudinal acceleration and the variation laws of transverse/longitudinal strain rate, trajectory of marked points, stress‐strain hysteresis curve and rolling friction coefficient. Finally, the influence mechanism of carbon black composition on rolling mechanical properties of tread rubber material was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacancy engineering is deemed as one of the powerful protocols to tune the catalytic activity of electrocatalysts. Herein, Se‐vacancy with charge polarization is created in the NiSe2 structure (NiSe2‐VSe) via a sequential phase conversion strategy. By a combined analysis of the Rietveld method, transient photovoltage spectra (TPV), in situ Raman and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, it is unequivocally discovered that the presence of charge‐polarized Se‐vacancy is beneficial for stabilizing the structure, decreasing the electron transfer kinetics, as well as optimizing the free adsorption energy of reaction intermediate during two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR). Benefiting from these merits, the as‐prepared NiSe2‐VSe delivered the highest selectivity of 96% toward H2O2 in alkaline media, together with a selectivity higher than 90% over the wide potential range from 0.25 to 0.55 V, ranking it in the top level among the previously reported transition metal‐based electrocatalysts. Most notably, it also displayed admirable stability with only a slight selectivity decay after 5000 cycles of accelerated degradation test (ADT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum nitride ceramics has excellent thermal conductivity and insulation property, making it a kind of excellent electronic packaging material. But enhancing the bonding strength between the metal layer and aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic is a challenging problem. Especially regarding the lack of accurate data analysis on the stress between interfaces, enhancing adhesive strength still relies on blind attempts. By using the finite element method, this study reveals that the shear stress generated between the metal/ceramic interface is concentrated at the interface edge. Based on this finding, a method of inserting micro-pore arrays at the edge is proposed to enhance the interfacial bonding strength. The simulation results show that by inserting micro-pores with an appropriate density, the interface shear stress between metal and ceramic can be reduced obviously by 36 %. Finally, vertical peel-off verification experiments were designed. After inserting micro-pores to the interface, the bonding strength of the interface increased from 8.75 MPa to 11.69 MPa, and the performance was improved by 33.6 %. The experimental results were consist with the simulation results and indicated that the micro-pores had a significant effect on improving the bonding strength. • A method is proposed to insert micropores at the edge of the AlN interface to enhance the interface bonding strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interval numbers are used to express preferences, social network relationships. • Experts are clustered using the fast, accurate interval Louvain algorithm. • Propose an efficient feedback mechanism via bounded confidence & social networks. Large-scale group decision making (LSGDM) is considered when the number of experts involved in the decision exceeds 20. Due to the large number of people involved in LSGDM, its decision-making process is uncertain, complex, and time-consuming. Therefore, how to effectively help large groups reach consensus in a complex environment is a challenge for current research. Consensus reaching process (CRP) is an effective tool to eliminate group conflicts. Based on this, we propose a consensus reaching process based on the Louvain algorithm, social network, and bounded confidence (SNBC) model with interval numbers. First, we use interval numbers to express expert opinions and social network relationships among experts. Second, the experts are clustered using the Louvain algorithm. The weights of experts are obtained by social network analysis. Third, we use the SNBC model to design a feedback mechanism for tripartite opinions. In addition, we give a numerical example and simulation experiments to demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, the comparative analysis shows the superiority of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Zn/Ti-MOF) were synthesized via microwave hydrothermal method. • C-doped ZnO/TiO 2 particles were successfully synthesized by one-step controllable pyrolysis of Zn/Ti-MOF. • The as-prepared C-doped ZnO/TiO 2 exhibited a higher Rhodamine B photocatalytic degradation activity. • The possible mechanism for the photocatalytic process of C-doped ZnO/TiO 2 was proposed. A series of C-doped ZnO/TiO 2 composites with various molar ratios of ZnO to TiO 2 were synthesized by one-step controllable pyrolysis of Zn/Ti bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Zn/Ti-MOF). The Zn/Ti-MOF was prepared using a facile microwave hydrothermal method. Electron microscopic analysis proved that the composites presented regularity cubic morphology with an edge length of about 1 μm and the C atoms were successfully doped into ZnO/TiO 2 composites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement results confirmed the C-doping in the ZnO/TiO 2. Comparative experimental studies showed that 2% ZnO/TiO 2 composites prepared with the calcination temperature of 600℃ displayed the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency (94%) of RhB under the simulated sunlight irradiation. Cyclical experiment indicated the high stability and reusability of 2% ZnO/TiO 2 composites. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and trapping experiments illustrated that the produced O 2 − served as the main active species for the efficient RhB removal. This work provides an efficient way for preparing C-doped bimetal oxides composites, which would have an important application prospect in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in environmental water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate detection of x-ray radiation is essential for tissue equivalence detection and safety control during medical radiotherapy. Here, a promising radiation detector based on organic 1,8-naphthalimide (C12H7NO2, NTI) single crystals is proposed. NTI single crystals with dimensions of 8 × 2 × 1 mm3 were synthesized by an optimized solvent-cooling method, and the crystal structure was characterized to elucidate the anisotropy mechanism. The coplanar detector made by NTI has a leakage current of less than 0.1 pA at an electric field strength of 1 kV cm−1 and provides excellent detection of 5.49 MeV α-particles (241Am) with a full-energy peak resolution of up to 32.3%. The calculated electron mobility (μ e) and electron mobility-lifetime product (μ τ)e were 7.9 cm2 V−1s−1 and 1.56 × 10−6 cm2 V−1, respectively. Additionally, the detection limit of the NTI detector was 0.35 µGy s−1 in the electric field strength range of 0.2–1.0 kV cm−1 under a 20 kV x-ray beam with a high sensitivity of 56.2 μC Gy−1cm−2. Consequently, the NTI detector achieves an excellent spatial resolution of 0.8–0.9 lp mm−1 in terms of x-ray imaging capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Community detection approach based on fuzzy clustering method. • Repairing IFPRs based on community detection. • Two-stage consensus reaching method that balances the iteration and modification. • Framework for LSGDM based on social network community analysis. Large-scale group decision making (LSGDM) is characterized by a large number of participators, multiple groups and a mass of decision data provided by the participators. With the development of social media and e-democracy technologies, the social relationships among group decision makers should be taken into consideration when we address LSGDM problems with incomplete fuzzy preference relations. In this paper, a social network community detection approach of social networks based on the fuzzy clustering method is proposed. Then, a method of repairing incomplete fuzzy preference relations based on the divided communities is proposed. Moreover, we have proposed a two-stage consensus reaching method to balance the number of iterations and modification range of original decision information, in which the group closeness centrality of community is applied to measure its importance. Also, the procedure for LSGDM with fuzzy preference relations based on social network community analysis is established. The feasibility and advantages of the proposed method for LSGDM based on social network community analysis are illustrated by an illustrative example of a flexible manufacturing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object detection for aerial images is becoming an active topic in computer vision with many real-world applications. It is a very challenging task due to many factors such as highly complex background, arbitrary object orientations, high input resolution, etc. In this paper, we develop a new training and inference mechanism, which is shown to significantly improve the detection accuracy for high resolution aerial images. Instead of estimating the orientations of objects using direct regressions like in previous methods, we propose to predict the rotated bounding boxes by leveraging a segmentation task, which is easier to train and yields more accurate detection results. In addition, an image synthesizing based data augmentation strategy is presented to address the data imbalance issues in aerial object detection. Extensive experiments have been conducted to verify our contribution. The proposed method sets new state-of-the-art performance on the challenging DOTA dataset. The source codes will be available at http://ice.dlut.edu.cn/lu/publications.html. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a concept of stochastic linguistic term (SLT). • SLT with complete probability distribution used for linguistic assessments with the aid of stochastic analysis. • Attribute aspirations are considered based on prospect theory. • An approach to ranking alternatives in SLT analysis is presented. • A numeric example and comparative analysis are conducted. Linguistic distribution assessments with probabilistic information are a flexible means to express the opinions of decision makers (DMs) with importance degree of each linguistic term. Therefore, research on multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems with linguistic distribution assessments is increasing. However, the probability distribution is usually only partially known. In order to obtain the complete probability distribution information, we propose the concept of stochastic linguistic term (SLT) with the aid of stochastic analysis. The SLT is an extension of general linguistic terms. Linguistic assessments with different models can be expressed as SLTs with complete probability distributions. Then the weighted averaging operator and score function of SLTs are presented. Considering the psychological behavior of DMs in decision making, we combine prospect theory and SLTs to handle uncertainty in MAGDM problems. Considering 2-tuple aspirations on attributes, a new MAGDM method with stochastic uncertainty based on prospect theory under linguistic assessments is proposed. Finally, a numeric example and comparative analysis illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real-world applications, apart from being precise-valued or interval-valued, belief structure measurements can also be discrete-valued. However, problems relating to the combination of discrete-valued belief structures have not been resolved. Therefore, in the research presented in this paper, we explore the counterintuitive behavior associated with the combination of discrete evidence and extend the concept of evidential reasoning (ER) to evidential reasoning with a discrete structure in order to serve as the theoretical basis and as technical support for the fusion of discrete information. This method offers an approach to the normalization of discrete evidence, provides a means of objectively determining the weight of discrete evidence, and optimizes the combination of discrete evidence based on evidential reasoning. The results of various examples show that the method not only offers an effective solution to the combination of non-conflicting discrete evidence, but it also overcomes the counterintuitive results of combining internally or externally conflicting evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the evidential reasoning approach of decision theory, different evidence weights can generate different combined results. Consequently, evidence weights can significantly influence solutions. In terms of the “psychology of economic man,” decision-makers may tend to seek similar pieces of evidence to support their own evidence and thereby form alliances. In this paper, we extend the concept of evidential reasoning (ER) to evidential reasoning based on alliances (ERBA) to obtain the weights of evidence. In the main concept of ERBA, pieces of evidence that are easy for decision-makers to negotiate are classified in the same group or “alliance.” On the other hand, if the pieces of evidence are not easy to negotiate, they are classified in different alliances. In this study, two negotiation optimization models were developed to provide relative importance weights based on intra- and inter-alliance evidence features. The proposed models enable weighted evidence to be combined using the ER rule. Experimental results showed that the proposed approach is rational and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of environmental degradation, sustainable development has become a common goal across the globe. Making a scientifically based investment scheme is of great significance to promote the sustainable development of China's economy. However, there is scarce research related to such an investment scheme of sustainable development. This paper proposes a new inverse data envelopment analysis method with undesirable outputs to make several scientifically based investment schemes from different perspectives, namely, the natural, regulation, and optimal perspectives. By this method, decision makers can scientifically forecast the specific amount of investment based on their actual sustainable development objectives, which is conducive for reducing the blindness of investment in the future. In addition, a new ideal perspective is defined to guide a definite direction for improving the level of sustainable development. Combined with the gray forecasting model GM(1,1), the methods proposed by this paper were then applied to analyze the investment problem for China's sustainable development during the 2015–2024 period. The results show that: the unbalanced distribution of labor investment and the excessive investment in capital and energy are serious barriers to China's sustainable development in the short term; and in the long term, the demand for investment in labor and capital will continue to increase along with a lower demand for energy investment, and that appropriately strengthening environmental regulations will not affect the overall demand for investment. Meanwhile, improvement directions for improving China's sustainable development are discussed, and the results show that most of developing and undeveloped regions in China have great potential for improvement. Finally, some suggestions are proposed in order to create better conditions for China's sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

70% energy consumption of automobile tyre comes from the energy consumption generated by the viscoelasticity of tread rubber. The non-contact calculation method of rolling resistance of tire tread rubber block is studied, and the relationship between rolling resistance and global strain is analyzed. A non-contact test bench for mechanical property of rubber tread block is developed. Stress-strain relationship and full-field distribution characteristics are obtained by means of digital image correlation under the influence of load and velocity. A Fourier series model is proposed to describe the non-linear viscoelasticity of rubber material. The model parameters is identified by using non-linear least squares. On this basis, the rolling resistance and the rolling resistance coefficient are calculated. The experimental results show that the nonlinear fitting error of Fourier series model is less than 3%. The rolling resistance coefficient of rubber tread decreases with the increase of speed and increases with the increase of wheel load. The low strain areas is distributed at the trailing edge of contact zone, but the high strain is distributed at the leading edge of contact zone. A new method for calculating the rolling resistance of rubber materials is presented. The results show that the rolling resistance is positively correlated with the high strain distribution of tread under the influence of velocity. Under the influence of load, it is positively correlated with the transverse deformation of tread. • Design of a non-contact rubber tread material mechanical properties test rig. • A Fourier series model to describe nonlinear viscoelasticity is proposed. • Obtain strain rate, stress variation patterns with load and velocity. • Calculation of the rolling resistance coefficient and acquisition of the full range of strain, velocity and acceleration distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an advanced nucleic acid drug delivery system is of great significance in order to achieve optimal gene delivery. Self-assembled nucleic acid nanoparticles are an excellent platform for the delivery of nucleic acids and other small molecular drugs. In this study, we developed the efficient, three-stranded, RNA/DNA hybrid triangular self-assembled nanoparticles, namely, mTOR single-stranded siRNA-loaded triangular DNA nanoparticles (ssRNA-TNP). The ssRNA-TNP is formed by the complementary association of the above mentioned three components and is more stable in complete medium than standard duplex siRNA. It could be efficiently transfected into NCI-H292 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, resulting in high transfection efficiency. Furthermore, ssRNA-TNP uptake is dependent on macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathways. Interestingly, ssRNA-TNP is more efficient to inhibit the expression of mTOR. This ssRNA-TNP has a simpler structure, better stability, and higher transfection efficiency; therefore it may become a novel nonviral nanosystem for gene delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Define Choquet integral based intuitionistic fuzzy arithmetic aggregation operator. • Combine the defined operator with ordered weighted aggregation operator. • Propose a decision-making method based on the combined operator. Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), a classical extension of fuzzy set, is a powerful tool to describe fuzzy information in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) because of its membership and non-membership functions. Intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators are the standard mathematical tools for the combination of several inputs with respect to criteria into one unique output. The traditional intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operator-based methods have been criticized because of reasons that include disregard for comprehensive correlative relationships of criteria and ignorance for combination of fuzzy measures of criteria and weights of positions. In this paper, the effectiveness of traditional aggregation operator-based MCDM techniques is improved by a novel method to select the best alternative(s) under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment. We begin by defining the Choquet integral-based intuitionistic fuzzy arithmetic aggregation (CIIFAA) operator, the remarkable properties of which are proved in details. Further, the Choquet integral based intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid arithmetic aggregation (CIIFHAA) operator is defined as well as the proofs of its properties. The CIIFHAA operator can not only capture the comprehensive correlative relationships of criteria in a simpler manner, but also combine the weights of positions. Then, we put forward a MCDM method based on CIIFHAA operator with intuitionistic fuzzy evaluations. An illustrative example is solved, the best alternative and the ranking of alternatives are obtained, which can verify the feasibility of the proposed method. Finally, two comparisons are conducted to illustrate the stability and advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An allyl-rich triazine-based covalent organic framework was synthesized via molecular structure design. • ART-COF/S cathode can effectively inhibit the shuttle effect and exhibit high cycling stability. • The synergistic effect of C-S bonding and dipole–dipole interaction between N and Li+ was explored. To overcome the loss of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) generated during the discharge process of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, a lot of efforts have been devoted to the design of novel micro- or nano-structured host materials, aiming to trap soluble polysulfide within the network. Covalent organic framework (COF) as porous materials have been receiving a great deal of attention. Herein, an allyl-rich triazine covalent organic framework (ART-COF) synthesized by 5-(allyloxy) isophthalaldehyde and 4,4′,4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (TAPT) is used as cathode host material for Li-S batteries. Owning to the synergistic effect of physical force (through microporous channel) and chemical force (through C-S covalent bond and dipole–dipole interaction between nitrogen and lithium), the shuttle action of LiPSs to anode electrode can be effectively limited. ART-COF shows a high initial specific capacity of 1270 mAh g−1 which retains 1220 mAh g−1 after 100 charge–discharge cycles at 0.2C, and even at 1C it also demonstrates an initial specific capacity of 993 mAh g−1 which retains 818 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles with a low fading rate of 0.035% per cycle. This work represents a sustainable approach for developing highly stable and long-lived Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of heavy ion irradiation is significant for materials and devices applied in the field of nuclear radiation detection. In this paper, the relationship between heavy ions (20 MeV Cl) and electric performance in CdZnTe crystals has been investigated. A damage layer is introduced 6 μm below the CdZnTe crystal surface and dominated by donor defects according to the SRIM (stopping and range of ions in matter) calculation and Hall effect results. The current–voltage (I–V) is asymmetrical, which is attributed to the n+/n homojunction formed by the damage layer. The barrier height of the homojunction increases from 0.845 to 0.946 eV with radiation fluence. For low irradiation fluences, the I–V curves follow the Schottky emission model at a bias of 0–100 V because of barrier lowering due to the applied field and the image force. When the irradiation fluence is greater than 2.5 × 1012 n cm−2, the increasing leakage current after 40 V voltage conforms to the Poole–Frenkel (PF) effect caused by deep traps. The carrier mobility largely decreases from ∼1100 cm2 V−1 s−1 to 267–658 cm2 V−1 s−1 due to the scattering of ionized impurities. The energy resolving capability of γ-rays deteriorates from ∼8% to 15.3–26.8% by the trapping effect. The photopeak of the γ spectrum could not be recognized when the fluence reached 1.4 × 1013 n cm−2. This work provides important irradiation protection reference data for CdZnTe devices in various high-fluence application fields, such as industrial monitoring and nuclear spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effects of an allogeneic bone graft and a non-filled bone graft on the rate of osteotomy gap union in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) with an opening width less than 10 mm. Methods: A total of 65 patients undergoing MOWHTO between January 2018 and December 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: the allograft group (MOWHTO with allogeneic bone grafting, 30 patients) and the non-filling group (MOWHTO without bone void fillers, 35 patients). The clinical outcomes, including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Lysholm score, and post-operative complications, were compared. The radiographic evaluation included changes in hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), femorotibial angle (FTA), and weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) at pre-operation, at two-day post-operation, and the last follow-up. Radiographs were obtained at three, six and twelve months post-surgery, and at the time of the last follow-up to assess the fill area of the osteotomy gap. The union rate of the osteotomy gap was calculated and compared, and risk factors that may affect the rate of osteotomy gap union were also discussed. Results: The rate of osteotomy gap union at 3 and 6 months after the operation in the allograft group was significantly higher compared with the non-filling group (all P< 0.05), while no significant difference was found after the 1-year post-operative and at the last follow-up. Also, the WOMAC and Lysholm scores of the allograft group were significantly higher than those of the non-filling group (all P< 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Filling the gaps with the allograft bones may accelerate the union of osteotomy gap, improve clinical outcomes, and have important implications for patient rehabilitation in the early post-operative course. Bone grafting did not affect the final rate of osteotomy gap union and the clinical score of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] BRMS1.vh is a novel exon-skipping transcript variant of human BRMS1 gene. [•] BRMS1.vh suppresses NF-γB signaling in HCC cells. [•] Expression of BRMS1.vh sensitizes HCC cells to apoptotic stimuli. [•] BRMS1.vh suppresses tumor growth in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ADAM23 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 23), a member of brain MDC (macrophage-derived chemokine) family, is important for the development of CNS (central nervous system). P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells can differentiate into neurons when cultured in aggregates and induced with RA (retinoic acid). We have found that under conditions without RA induction, knocking down ADAM23 with RNAi (RNA interference) promoted neuronal differentiation, and similarly recombinant GST (glutathione transferase)-ADAM23-DIS protein inhibited neuronal differentiation of P19/ADAM23KD (P19/ADAM23-knockdown) cells. In P19/ADAM23KD, there were more cells arrested in G1 phase than normal P19 cells, due to the up-regulation of P57KIP2 and P27KIP1 expression. P27KIP1 was up-regulated during the differentiation process of both P19/ADAM23KD cells without RA induction, and P19 cells with RA induction. Transient overexpression of P27KIP1 in P19 cells also promoted neuronal differentiation of P19 cells. The findings indicate that ADAM23 suppresses neuronal differentiation through its disintegrin domain, and Adam23 KD up-regulates P27KIP1 in P19/ADAM23KD cells, one reason that P19/ADAM23KD cells can differentiate into neurons without RA induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids may interact differently in their absorption and transport in animals and humans. The simultaneous administration of large amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene would affect not only plasma values but also their concentrations in the retina and other tissues. In this study, we investigated the transport, distribution and interactions of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene in the plasma, retina and other tissues of chicks fed supplements rich in lutein, zeaxanthin or beta-carotene. Newly hatched male Leghorn chicks were randomly assigned to ten groups. One group provided baseline data (1-day-old group). The other groups were fed one of the following six diets for 14 or 28 days: high lutein diet; high zeaxanthin diet; three high beta-carotene supplemented diets and the control diet. Plasma and tissues including retina were analyzed for lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-carotene at baseline and at 14 and 28 days. All tissues had increased concentrations of lutein after the high lutein diet and had increased concentrations of zeaxanthin after the high zeaxanthin diet. After 28 days, the retinal concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the chicks supplemented with lutein (27.2 mg/kg diet) and zeaxanthin (15.3 mg/kg diet) increased 128 and 116%, respectively, compared to the retinas of chicks fed the control diet (lutein 5.2 mg/kg and zeaxanthin 1.7 mg/kg). Lutein was decreased in plasma and other non-retinal tissues when the diet was supplemented with zeaxanthin; likewise, zeaxanthin was decreased in plasma and non-retinal tissues after the lutein supplement. Zeaxanthin increased in the retina after the high lutein supplement, and retinal lutein was maintained after the high zeaxanthin supplement. The high beta-carotene supplement increased the beta-carotene content of plasma and liver very little, and beta-carotene was not found in any other tissue in the chick, including the retina. More importantly, beta-carotene decreased the concentrations of both lutein and zeaxanthin in the plasma and most tissues, including the retina. High dose dietary supplementation of a single carotenoid may alter the assimilation of other carotenoids. The retina appears to have the capacity to preserve accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin, but this capacity is diminished when intake of beta-carotene is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lutein and zeaxanthin are pigmented oxygenated carotenoids, or xanthophylls, derived from plants and concentrated in the retina of primates and birds. We investigated the transport, distribution and depletion of lutein and zeaxanthin in the plasma and tissues of newly hatched chicks fed xanthophyll-free diets. One-day-old Leghorn chicks were randomly divided into two groups. A control group was fed a diet containing lutein and zeaxanthin (5.2 and 1.7mg/kg diet, respectively) for 28 days. An experimental group was fed a diet containing no lutein and zeaxanthin for 28 days. Plasma and tissues were analyzed for lutein and zeaxanthin at 28 days (control) and on days 1, 14 and 28 (experimental). At hatching, lutein and zeaxanthin were the predominant carotenoids present in the blood and tissues. As indicated by their similar mass contents, there was complete transfer of these carotenoids from egg yolk to chick. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in the plasma and tissues of chicks fed the xanthophyll-free diet decreased rapidly to almost zero (with a depletion time of seven days [t 1/2]). In contrast, the retina retained its initial concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin similar to the control group. meso-Zeaxanthin and cis-zeaxanthin were identified only in the retina. The retina concentrated zeaxanthin over lutein. Lutein and zeaxanthin were selectively retained in the retinas of chicks fed a xanthophyll-free diet. In contrast, the plasma and other tissues lost up to 90% of their original content of xanthophylls. These data emphasize the relative stability of lutein and zeaxanthin in the cone-rich retina where they are present as esters in oil droplets. The tissue depletion suggests the need for a regular dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin because of rapid depletion in the body. It is clear that these xanthophylls may have an essential role in the cone-rich retina of the chick as evidenced by their selective retention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to understand the delamination growth under mode II loading from the perspective of composite damage mechanisms, this study conducted in-depth research on the damage evolution of laminated plates using acoustic emission (AE) technology and signal analysis methods. Delamination mainly includes two stages: initiation and propagation, in which the initiation is the more important stage in the process of material delamination. Three damage modes of laminated materials during loading were identified by combining peak frequency statistics of AE signals with continuous wavelet transform (CWT). The initial time and stage of delamination can be determined by two methods. (1) The evolution process of damage mechanisms can be characterized by the fast fourier transform (FFT) of AE signals in several time periods. (2) The cumulative energy of three damage modes separated by variational mode decomposition (VMD) can be used to characterize the damage evolution process. The initial time determined by integrating several methods is much earlier than the occurrence time of the interlaminar fracture toughness value defined by ASTM standard. The strain energy release rate (SERR) determined at the initial time of delamination is taken as a design reference, which will be of guiding significance for ensuring the safety of laminates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a long time, single crystals of the organic compound TPB (1,3,5-triphenylbenzene) have been viewed as a scintillator material for indirect X-ray detection. We here attempt to explore their potential for direct detection. A TPB single crystal with a size of up to 20 × 6 × 4 mm3 and without obvious growth steps was obtained using a solvent volatilization method. It has an orthorhombic structure with a high-quality FWHM of as low as 0.059 and preferred grown orientations along (131) and (220). AFM images clarify the two-dimensional nucleation growth mechanism. The fitted bandgap of the as-grown crystal is about 3.65 eV. TPB detectors with vertical and coplanar electrodes with a resistivity of 2.56 × 1013 Ω cm and 6.68 × 1013 Ω cm, respectively, were prepared. The mobilities for electrons (μe) and holes (μh) for the coplanar device were calculated to be 1.12 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 1.02 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Under a 50 kV X-ray beam, the detection limit is as low as 0.35 μGy s−1, and the sensitivity reaches 2.72 μC Gy−1 cm−2. The TPB devices have the ability to detect 241Am@5.49 MeV α particles, showing the full-energy peak collected from the holes with an energy resolution of 39.13% at 700 V. The mobility lifetime product of the TPB devices for electrons (μτ)e and holes (μτ)h were calculated to be up to 2.24 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 and 4.04 × 10−5 cm2 V−1, respectively. The TPB detector could present a spectral response to 241Am@59.5 keV γ-rays from the holes with an energy resolution of 44.25% at 1000 V, which shows the potential for both direct and indirect detection of high-energy radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc anode is promising for various aqueous batteries due to its low cost and high theoretical specific capacity. However, poor cycling stability caused by dendritic growth seriously hampered its widespread application. Herein, we demonstrate that by using an anion-exchange membrane, quaternary ammonia poly (N -methyl-piperidine- co - p -terphenyl) (QAPPT), as the separator, the damage from short circuits can be completely prevented. More details reveal that when approaching the QAPPT membrane, Zn dendrites perform a bending growth rather than pierce through it, which helps achieve a superior cycling stability without any short. The bending growth can be ascribed to a variation of electrolyte concentration at the electrode/membrane interface where Zn electrodeposited at a very low rate in the direction perpendicular to the membrane. By using QAPPT membrane, an ultra-stable Ni–Zn full cell is then realized. This finding may pave a facile way to solve the problems associated with dendrites for diverse alkaline Zn-based batteries. Image 1 • A highly base-stable anion-exchange membrane was employed as battery separator. • The separator exhibits zincate ion-conducting property. • The unique electrode/electrolyte interface prevents the short caused by dendrites. • Providing a practical strategy for rechargeable alkaline Zn-based batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrothermal carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn muscles can provide large strokes during thermal cycling. However, the slow cooling rate of thermal muscles limits their applications, since large diameter prior‐art thermal muscles cannot be rapidly cycled. Herein, a fast thermally powered sheath‐driven yarn muscle that uses a hybrid CNT sheath and an inexpensive polymer core, is reported. The stroke recovery rate for the hybrid muscle is much lower at all frequencies than for about the same diameter sheath‐driven muscle, which means that the full cycle contractile mechanical power is much higher than for comparable prior‐art hybrid muscle. More specifically, the coiled sheath‐driven muscle contracts 14.3% at 1 Hz and 7.3% at 8 Hz in air when powered by a square‐wave electrical voltage input, which is 2.9‐ and 11.4‐times the stroke of the coiled hybrid muscle at these respective frequencies. An average power density of 12 kW kg−1 is obtained for a sheath‐driven muscle, which is 42‐times that for human skeletal muscle. These high‐performance results since the heating that drives fast actuation cycles are largely restricted to the muscle sheath, and this sheath is in direct contact with ambient temperature air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great changes in the external environment of the manufacturing supply chain make its demand more complex and difficult to control. This paper takes China as an example. According to questionnaire survey and principal component analysis, the risk indicators caused by uncertain demand are screened and classified to construct evaluation system and complete risk identification. The Bayesian network integrating fuzzy set theory and left and right fuzzy ranking is used to explore the relationship between risk indicators and supply chain to achieve risk evaluation. In view of the highest risk factors, an incentive mechanism model based on information sharing is put forward to prove theoretically that information sharing is an important strategy to reduce risk. The results are as follows: The uncertain demand will lead to a high level of risk in China's manufacturing supply chain, in which the level of information technology is the biggest cause. Only when manufacturing enterprises are willing to share information and other node enterprises join the information sharing team, can demand uncertainty be fundamentally reduced. The proposed risk assessment model realizes the method innovation and theoretical innovation. It can practical and effectively help relevant enterprises to determine and control risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy of cancer both meet respective challenges. Tumor hypoxia, low penetration and high glutathione (GSH) level bear the brunt. Herein, a core-shell nanoparticle, with multi-function of hypoxia-responsiveness, specific oxygen supply and deep tumor penetration, was constructed for smart mutual-promotion between the both to overcome the respective restrictions. The nano platform (GC@MCS NPs) was composed of hypoxia-responsive hyaluronic acid-nitroimidazole (HA-NI) as shells, MnO 2 NPs as oxygen modulators and reduction-responsive functionalized poly (l -glutamic acid) derivatives (γ-PFGA) as cores to deliver gambogic acid (GA) and Chlorine6 (Ce6). After endocytosis, the approximately 100 nm of GC@MCS NPs achieved hypoxia-responsive shell degradation and MnO 2 release, followed by reduction-activated charge conversion to form positively charged cores. With the damage effect of superficial tumor cells by the partially released GA, GA&Ce6-loadedγ-PFGA penetrated deep inside through electronic interaction step by step. Upon irradiated with 638 nm of laser, widely permeated Ce6 was activated for enhanced PDT under the high oxygenation by MnO 2 NPs. The generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in return facilitated the GA-induced paraptosis by clearing high level of GSH. As a result, this mutual promotion strategy contributed to 92.41% of 4T1 tumor inhibition rate, exhibiting outstanding advantages. Our GC@MCS NPs provided a smart combination of chemo-photodynamic therapy and focused on addressing the tumor hypoxia and low penetration issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cer/Pom-PEG@GNP was composed of interconnected ligands for protein of interest and E3 ubiquitin ligase. • Cer/Pom-PEG@GNP could serve as Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras with a novel structural basis. • Cer/Pom-PEG@GNP contributed to the degradation of EML4-ALK fusion protein in NCI-H2228. • Cer/Pom-PEG@GNP inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H2228 with minor off-target effects. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a major target in treating non-small-cell lung cancer, and several ALK inhibitors have been developed to antagonize its kinase activity. However, patients treated with inhibitors ultimately develop drug resistance. Therefore, therapies with new mechanisms of action are needed. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are molecules that comprise a ligand for binding a protein of interest (POI), a connecting linker and a ligand for recruiting E3 ligase, and cause degradation of the target POI. Here, the first multi-headed PROTAC, as a proof of concept, is developed as a gold nanoparticle (GNP)-based drug delivery system for delivering PROTACs to target ALK. Pegylated GNPs loaded with both ceritinib and pomalidomide molecules, termed Cer/Pom-PEG@GNPs, showed good stability in several media. The GNP conjugates potently decreased the levels of ALK fusion proteins in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and specifically inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H2228 cells. In comparison with small molecule PROTACs, the new multi-headed PROTAC promoted the formation of coacervates of POIs/multi-headed PROTAC/E3 ubiquitin ligases, and POI and E3 ubiquitin ligase interacted through multidirectional ligands and a flexible linker, thereby avoiding the need for complicated structure optimization of PROTACs. In conclusion, Cer/Pom-PEG@GNPs can degrade intracellular ALK fusion proteins with minor off-target toxicity and can be applied in patients resistant to ALK inhibitors. As a nano-based drug carrier, Cer/Pom-PEG@GNPs have the potential to enable prolonged circulation and specifically distribute drugs to tumor regions in vivo ; thus, further investigation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-efficiency evaluation approaches and common set of weights (CSW) approaches have long been suggested as two of the more important and effective methods for the ranking of decision making units (DMUs) in data envelopment analysis (DEA). The former emphasizes the flexibility of evaluation and its weights are asymmetric, while the latter focuses on the standardization of evaluation and its weights are symmetrical. As a compromise between these two approaches, this paper proposes a cross-efficiency evaluation method that is based on two types of flexible evaluation criteria balanced on interval weights. The evaluation criteria can be regarded as macro policy—or means of regulation—according to the industry's current situation. Unlike current cross-efficiency evaluation methods, which tend to choose the set of weights for peer evaluation based on certain preferences, the cross-efficiency evaluation method based on evaluation criterion determines one set of input and output weights for each DMU. This is done by minimizing the difference between the weights of the DMU and the evaluation criteria, thus ensuring that the cross-evaluation of all DMUs for evaluating peers is as consistent as possible. This method also eliminates prejudice and arbitrariness from peer evaluations. As a result, the proposed cross-efficiency evaluation method not only looks for non-zero weights, but also ranks efficient DMUs completely. The proposed DEA model can be further extended to seek a common set of weights for all DMUs. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the applications of the cross-efficiency evaluation method based on evaluation criterion in DEA ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox electrochemical capacitors, using soluble redox couples to utilize the "dead weight" of the electrolyte to add faradaic charge, are considered as an effective strategy to increase the energy storage capacity of the electro-chemical double-layer capacitors. In this work, we report a new aqueous dual-redox electrochemical capacitor, using Zn2+/Zn as the anolyte and Br 3 ˉ/Brˉ as the catholyte. The electrolyte contains 1 M ZnBr 2 , 0.1 M TPABr and 2 M Zn(OTf) 2. The theoretical voltage gap of the two redox couples is larger than 1.7 V, which is expected to be an advantage for higher specific energy. Tetrapropyl ammonium cation (TPA+) has been used as a complex agent to solve the Br 3 ˉ cross diffusion issue. To avoid the generation of [TPA] 2 [ZnBr 4 ] precipitation, an appropriate amount of Zn(OTf) 2 has been added to the electrolyte to adjust the Zn/Br ratio. After adding these two additives, the coulombic efficiency of the dual-redox EC has been increased from 90% to 99%, and the open-circuit voltage loss (24 h) has been dropped from 31% to 5%. The newly configured Zn/OTf/TPA/Br redox EC exhibits a specific energy of 110 W h/kg at 1 A/g, a high power density (7 kW/kg) and stable cycling over 6000 cycles. • A novel high performance Zn/OTf/TPA/Br dual-redox EC was reported. • Zn2+/Zn was used as the anolyte and Br 3 ˉ/Brˉ was used as the catholyte. • TPA+ was used as a complex agent to solve the Br 3 ˉ cross diffusion issue. • Zn(OTf) 2 has been added to the electrolyte to avoid precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in the pathological processes of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Anti-cancer drugs may also potentially lead to EMT, resulting in their reduced therapeutic effect. Therefore, the combination of these anti-cancer drugs with anti-EMT agents has been promoted in clinic. Screening anti-EMT drugs and evaluation of EMT process are highly dependent on EMT biomarkers on cell membrane. At present, the detection of EMT biomarker is mainly by Western blot method, which is time-consuming and complicated. In this work, for effectively screening anti-EMT drugs by evaluation of the EMT process, a type of aptamer probe based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was designed. The aptamer SYL3C was employed to target the EMT biomarker EpCAM on cell membrane. Two fluorophores, FAM and tetraphenylethene (TPE, an AIE dye), were modified at the two ends of SYL3C, respectively. This aptamer probe (TPE-SYL3C-FAM) can monitor the EpCAM expression, which can be recovered by anti-EMT drugs. By observation of the change in TPE emission intensity, the anti-EMT effect of drugs can be evaluated. The FAM emission was used as internal reference to reduce environmental interferences. This probe can be potentially used to screen anti-EMT agents as anti-cancer adjuvant drugs with high throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study utilises several methods centred on acoustic emission (AE) waveform characteristics to conduct in-depth analysis of the damage mechanism of composite materials under mode I. Combined with the peak frequency statistics and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) of AE signals, three damage modes of laminated composites during loading are identified. The cumulative energy of three damage modes separated by variational modal decomposition (VMD) is used to characterize their damage evolution process. Based on the findings, delamination and fiber–matrix debonding are proven to be the dominant damage mechanisms for mode I. The comprehensive analysis results from AE's accumulated energy, peak frequency distribution, CWT, VMD, and sentry function can accurately detect the onset time of delamination in laminates. The equivalent crack length is calculated by the load value determined at the initial time of delamination, and the strain energy release rate calculated by the load value and crack length at this time is used as the interlaminar fracture toughness value of mode I. This research method will provide a new idea for the damage tolerance analysis of mode I delamination in laminated structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of emergency decision making (EDM) is helpful to reduce the difficulty of decision making and improve the efficiency of decision makers (DMs). The purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative genetic algorithm for emergency decision making under resource constraints. Firstly, this paper analyzes the emergency situation under resource constraints, and then, according to the prospect theory (PT), we further propose an improved value measurement function and an emergency loss levels weighting algorithm. Secondly, we assign weights for all emergency locations using the best–worst method (BWM). Then, an improved genetic algorithm (GA) based on prospect theory (PT) is established to solve the problem of emergency resource allocation between multiple emergency locations under resource constraints. Finally, the analyses of example show that the algorithm can shorten the decision-making time and provide a better decision scheme, which has certain practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the fabrication of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) strongly depends on white fluorescent emission materials. The conventional method, which is a direct way from the designed fluorescent emission material to the device, is regarded as a fundamental principle in this field. Here, a brand‐new approach is shown for the design of WLEDs with a simple device‐to‐device transform based on monochromatic carbon dots (CDs). In this work, the WLEDs based on the blue fluorescent CDs achieve the in situ generation of bright white light emission in the device, originating from the oxidation of functional groups involving S element in CDs caused by strong electrical treatment. These CDs‐based WLEDs possess the luminance of 533 cd m−2, Commission Internationale d'Eclairage coordinates located at (0.38, 0.38), a correlated color temperature of 4072 K, and a color render index up to 95. This work opens a brand‐new gate for achieving high‐purity and bright WLEDs through the strategy of transforming from device to device rather than material to device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional cross‐efficiency evaluation models have ignored the problem that large differences may exist among cross‐efficiencies, which may make decision making units (DMUs) unwilling to accept cross‐efficiency evaluation results. Aimed at solving this problem, this paper proposes an altruism cross‐efficiency model based on the conservative point of view. Compared with other cross‐efficiency evaluation models, the proposed model mainly exhibits the following advantages. First, the proposed model no longer guarantees the DMU's self‐evaluation efficiency, allowing the self‐evaluation efficiency to adaptively change. Therefore, the peer‐evaluation process is flexible and adaptable to the actual situation. Second, the proposed model abandons the traditional max‐average secondary objective function and proposes to use a max–min objective function. Thus, the proposed model can maximize the peer‐efficiency of the worst performing peer‐DMU, achieving the effects of reducing the gaps among cross‐efficiencies. Third, the cross‐efficiency evaluation model is based on the conservative point of view, which helps the DMU to distinguish potential competitors among peer‐DMUs. Lastly, to solve the non‐linear model proposed in this paper, the algorithm is designed to describe how to solve the model. The case of a flexible manufacturing system is used to show the appropriateness of the suggested model and algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The growth of zinc dendrites during cycling has constrained the development of the silver-zinc batteries. Herein, we focus on the practical application of polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 200 as an electrolyte additive to the silver-zinc batteries. The cycleability of the batteries was significantly improved by introducing proper amount PEG-200 into the alkaline electrolyte. Further study shows that adding PEG-200 as electrolyte additive can effectively maintain the structure of the zinc electrode, and clearly inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites. At the same time, silver electrodes are not sensitive to the PEG-200 addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pt‐catalyzed hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) for alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) has been one of the focus subjects in current fuel‐cell research. The Pt catalyst is inferior for HOR in alkaline solutions, and alloying with Ru is an effective promotion strategy. APEFCs with Pt‐Ru anodes have provided a performance benchmark over 1 W cm−2 at 60 °C. The Pt anode is now found to be in fact as good as the Pt‐Ru anode for APEFCs operated at elevated conditions. At 80 °C with appropriate gas back‐pressure, the cell with a Pt anode exhibits a peak power density of about 1.9 W cm−2, which is very close to that with a Pt‐Ru anode. Even by decreasing the anode Pt loading to 0.1 mg cm−2, over 1.5 W cm−2 can still be achieved at 80 °C. This finding alters the previous understanding about the Pt catalyzed HOR in alkaline media and casts a new light on the development of practical and high‐power APFEC technology. Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) with Pt‐Ru anodes have provided a performance benchmark over 1 W cm−2 at 60 °C. The Pt anode (gray) is now found to be as good as the Pt‐Ru anode (red) for APEFCs operated at elevated conditions. At T=80 °C with appropriate gas back‐pressure p, the cell with a Pt anode exhibits a peak power density of about 1.9 W cm−2, which is very close to that with a Pt‐Ru anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pt‐catalyzed hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) for alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) has been one of the focus subjects in current fuel‐cell research. The Pt catalyst is inferior for HOR in alkaline solutions, and alloying with Ru is an effective promotion strategy. APEFCs with Pt‐Ru anodes have provided a performance benchmark over 1 W cm−2 at 60 °C. The Pt anode is now found to be in fact as good as the Pt‐Ru anode for APEFCs operated at elevated conditions. At 80 °C with appropriate gas back‐pressure, the cell with a Pt anode exhibits a peak power density of about 1.9 W cm−2, which is very close to that with a Pt‐Ru anode. Even by decreasing the anode Pt loading to 0.1 mg cm−2, over 1.5 W cm−2 can still be achieved at 80 °C. This finding alters the previous understanding about the Pt catalyzed HOR in alkaline media and casts a new light on the development of practical and high‐power APFEC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic overall water splitting represents a promising strategy to achieve the renewable hydrogen energy. Although Cd 1−x Zn x S catalysts show high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency in pure water, severe photocorrosion problems limit their applications. Herein, photocatalytic system composed of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles anchored one-dimensional Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S nanorods (CZS/Co 3 O 4) is designed and prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. Transient photovoltage tests and continuous wavelet transform analyses demonstrate that Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles efficiently capture the photogenerated holes to inhibit photocorrosion of CZS nanorods, accelerate surface charge transfer and prolong the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. The CZS/Co 3 O 4 photocatalyst exhibits high H 2 and O 2 evolution rates of 83.48 and 40.48 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. The stability is maintained over four reaction cycles without significant decrease in the absence of sacrificial agents. This work provides insight into metal sulfides against photocorrosion and extends the range of metal sulfides in solar water splitting. [Display omitted] • CZS/Co 3 O 4 composites are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. • The Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles restrain holes to suppress photocorrosion of CZS. • The Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles accelerate charge transfer and prolong carrier' lifetime. • CZS/Co 3 O 4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity without sacrificial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As electric vehicles (EVs) are developing at a rapid pace, the foreseeable "scrap tide" of EV batteries poses a severe challenge to ecological protection. This article investigates a dual-recycle channel closed-loop supply chain and provides regulatory solutions to retired EV batteries' recycling. Specifically, we construct four supervision scenarios: S1 no policy intervention, S2 reward-penalty scheme, S3 deposit-refund scheme, and S4 dual scheme combining S2 and S3. Based on the Stackelberg game and empirical data, all scenarios' recycling performance is evaluated and compared with a view to "society, economy, and environment". The results revealed: (1) Compared with S1, the recycling rate and carbon reduction rate in S2∼S4 increase by 2.6049%/0.0092%, 4.0379%/0.0285%, and 6.6660%/0.0379%, respectively; (2) The difference between S2 and S3 in recycling performance depends on regulatory intensities, yet the latter places greater burdens on consumers and firms. The S4 presents optimal environmental performance but at the expense of socioeconomic development; (3) As regulatory intensity increases, social welfare rises driven by environmental benefits, then falls due to overburdened supply chain profits, consumer surplus, and policy expenditures; (4) Carbon trading prices and EVs' potential market sizes affect regulatory schemes' operations. Our results contribute to policy-making and managerial practices for EV battery recycling. [Display omitted] • Construct a dual-recycle channel system for electric vehicle battery recycling. • Evaluate four supervision scenarios' social-economic-environmental performance. • The impact of the carbon trading mechanism on supply chain operations is examined. • Regulatory schemes improve recycling rates, carbon reduction and social welfare. • Electric vehicle potential market sizes affect regulatory schemes' operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic two-stage analysis to improve a three-echelon closed-loop supply chain cooperation and coordination under differentiated carbon tax regulation, which enriches non-cooperative and cooperative game theory applications in remanufacturing circular economies. Firstly, we utilize non-cooperative games to explore the optimal operations of new and remanufactured products across five coalitional models. Then, we adopt cooperative games to achieve profit coordination. Specifically, Shapley values are employed for allocating a grand coalition profit in a centralized setting. In order to alleviate carbon taxpayers' fairness concerns, we proposed a novel revised Shapley value algorithm incorporating differentiated carbon tax costs to improve their utility. The results show that regulators can reduce emissions by adjusting carbon tax rates on different products more effectively. The optimal environmental and economic performance can also be achieved by forming a grand coalition. Shapley value algorithms achieve the supply chain system Pareto improvement. Moreover, carbon taxpayers' (i.e., manufacturer and remanufacturer) utilities in our revised Shapley are improved by 20.15% and 77.71%, respectively, compared with the classical Shapley value under certain conditions. These results benefit regulators' carbon tax policy formulation and industrial managers' remanufacturing practices. [Display omitted] • Construct a two-stage analysis for remanufacturing cooperation and coordination. • Apply non-cooperative games to derive optimal results of five coalition models. • The impact of the differentiated carbon tax on supply chain operations is examined. • Cooperative games allocate supply chain channel profit in a centralized setting. • Revised Shapley value algorithm alleviates carbon taxpayers' fairness concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and formation mechanism of V‐shaped groove formed by laser‐activated metallization of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic under different shielding gas environments of air, nitrogen, and argon are investigated, using a novel analysis way which is based on the intensity distribution of the focused laser beam. It is found that the width of the V‐shaped groove is slightly different under different gas environments, and the depth of the V‐shaped groove is nearly the same, which means that the energy thresholds required for laser decomposition of AlN ceramic are different in various gas environments: air > nitrogen > argon, and the energy required for laser etching AlN ceramic is the same. It is also found that the nonlinearity in the curves of depth and width versus different machining parameters, which are explained in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two‐electron pathway oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR) is crucially essential for a sustainable green economy. However, catalysts inevitably undergo four‐electron pathway oxygen reduction reaction (4e− ORR), resulting in low selectivity and economic benefits. The current challenge is to provide a feasible design strategy for obtaining satisfactory 2e− ORR catalysts with high selectivity. In this work, carbon dots (CDs) act as a cocatalyst to regulate the electron transport kinetics of In2O3/CDs, and the influence of CDs on the ORR pathways of In2O3/CDs is also studied. The electron transfer kinetics on In2O3/CDs composites are studied and analyzed using the transient photo‐induced voltage (TPV) technology. Combining the TPV results and kinetics analysis, it is shown that the electron transport on the In2O3 interface is obviously weakened after the addition of CDs, resulting in a high H2O2 selectivity. It is also demonstrated that CDs can effectively enhance the selectivity of H2O2, and the H2O2 selectivity of In2O3/CDs–10 is in close proximity to 100%, which is much higher than that of pure In2O3 (72%). This work will provide a new understanding and insight into addressing the challenge of low H2O2 selectivity for 2e− ORR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]