Enhancing MXene-based supercapacitors:Role of synthesis and 3D architectures

MXene has been the limelight for studies on electrode active materials,aiming at developing supercapacitors with boosted energy density to meet the emerging influx of wearable and portable electronic devices.Despite its various desirable properties including intrinsic flexibility,high specific surface area,excellent metallic conductivity and unique abundance of surface functionalities,its full potential for electrochemical performance is hindered by the notorious restacking phenomenon of MXene nanosheets.Ascribed to its two-dimensional(2D)nature and surface functional groups,inevitable Van der Waals interactions drive the agglomeration of nanosheets,ultimately reducing the exposure of electrochemically active sites to the electrolyte,as well as severely lengthening electrolyte ion transport pathways.As a result,energy and power density deteriorate,limiting the application versatility of MXene-based supercapacitors.Constructing 3D architectures using 2D nanosheets presents as a straightforward yet ingenious approach to mitigate the fatal flaws of MXene.However,the sheer number of distinct methodologies reported,thus far,calls for a systematic review that unravels the rationale behind such 3D MXene structural designs.Herein,this review aims to serve this purpose while also scrutinizing the structure–property relationship to correlate such structural modifications to their ensuing electrochemical performance enhancements.Besides,the physicochemical properties of MXene play fundamental roles in determining the effective charge storage capabilities of 3D MXene-based electrodes.This largely depends on different MXene synthesis techniques and synthesis condition variations,hence,elucidated in this review as well.Lastly,the challenges and perspectives for achieving viable commercialization of MXene-based supercapacitor electrodes are highlighted.

Long-Term Impacts of Tree Architectures and Branch Configurations on Tree Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality Attributes, and Leaf Minerals in “Aztec Fuji” Apple

Canopy and branch architectures in high-density orchards can be crucial in production and fruit quality. The influence of two canopy orientations (Upright and Tilted) in combination with two arm (branch) architectures (Shortened or Overlapped) on tree growth, yield components, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrients in an “Aztec Fuji” apple (Malus domestica Bork.) high-density orchard was studied over five years. Tilted trees with shortened arm configuration (TilShArm) always had significantly larger trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) than Upright trees with an Overlapped arm configuration (UpOverArm) every year from 2012 to 2016. Trees with a TilShArm system had more cumulative fruit per tree than those with an Upright orientation. Trees with a tilted canopy (TilShArm and TilOverArm) tended to have higher yield per tree and yield per hectare than those with an upright system. Trees with a TilShArm system were more precocious and had more yield per tree than those with an upright canopy orientation in 2012. When values were polled over five years, trees with an upright canopy-shortened arm system (UpShArm) treatment had a lower biennial bearing index (BBI) than those with an upright canopy-overlapped system (UpOverArm). Trees receiving an arm shortening (UpShArm or TilShArm) configuration often had larger fruits than those with overlapped arms (UpOverArm and TilOverArm). Fruit from trees receiving an UpOverArm had higher fruit firmness than those from trees with other canopy-branch arrangements at harvest due to their smaller size. Fruit from trees with a TilShArm and TilOverArm had significantly higher water core and bitter pit but lower sunburn than trees with an upright canopy (UpShArm and UpOverArm). Leaves from trees with an UpOverArm canopy-branch configuration had the lowest leaf Ca but the highest leaf K and Fe concentrations among all treatments.

Current Trends in the Management of Distributed Transactions in Micro-Services Architectures: A Systematic Literature Review

In the evolving landscape of software engineering, Microservice Architecture (MSA) has emerged as a transformative approach, facilitating enhanced scalability, agility, and independent service deployment. This systematic literature review (SLR) explores the current state of distributed transaction management within MSA, focusing on the unique challenges, strategies, and technologies utilized in this domain. By synthesizing findings from 16 primary studies selected based on rigorous criteria, the review identifies key trends and best practices for maintaining data consistency and integrity across microservices. This SLR provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with distributed transactions in MSA, offering actionable insights and potential research directions for software architects, developers, and researchers.

Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration

Three-dimensional(3D) printing provides a promising way to fabricate biodegradable scaffolds with designer architectures for the regeneration of various tissues.However,the existing3D-printed scaffolds commonly suffer from weak cell-scaffold interactions and insufficient cell organizations due to the limited resolution of the 3D-printed features.Here,composite scaffolds with mechanically-robust frameworks and aligned nanofibrous architectures are presented and hybrid manufactured by combining techniques of 3D printing,electrospinning,and unidirectional freeze-casting.It was found that the composite scaffolds provided volume-stable environments and enabled directed cellular infiltration for tissue regeneration.In particular,the nanofibrous architectures with aligned micropores served as artificial extracellular matrix materials and improved the attachment,proliferation,and infiltration of cells.The proposed scaffolds can also support the adipogenic maturation of adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)in vitro.Moreover,the composite scaffolds were found to guide directed tissue infiltration and promote nearby neovascularization when implanted into a subcutaneous model of rats,and the addition of ADSCs further enhanced their adipogenic potential.The presented hybrid manufacturing strategy might provide a promising way to produce additional topological cues within 3D-printed scaffolds for better tissue regeneration.

3D MXene architectures as sulfur hosts for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)are one of the most promising energy storage devices because of their high theoretical energy density;however,inherent issues including poor electrical conductivity and severe dissolution of S and its discharged products hinder their practical applications.MXenes have metallic conductivity,ultra-thin two-dimensional(2D)structures,rich surface functional groups,and macrostructural adjustability and have been widely used to design advanced sulfur hosts.3D network structures assembled by 2D MXene nanosheets have shown superior performance for improving reaction kinetics,accommodating and dispersing sulfur at the micro-/nanoscale,and capturing polysulfides due to their porous interconnected structure.Herein,the applications of MXene architectures related to 2D layered structures,3D multilayered structures,and 3D spherical structures as sulfur hosts are reviewed.The structure-performance relationship,challenges for current designs,and opportunities for future 3D architectures for LSBs are also analyzed.

SIMULATION AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF NETWORK ON CHIP ARCHITECTURES

The network on chip（NoC）is used as a solution for the communication problems in a complex system on chip（SoC）design.To further enhance performances,the NoC architectures,a high level modeling and an evaluation method based on OPNET are proposed to analyze their performances on different injection rates and traffic patterns.Simulation results for general NoC in terms of the average latency and the throughput are analyzed and used as a guideline to make appropriate choices for a given application.Finally,a MPEG4 decoder is mapped on different NoC architectures.Results prove the effectiveness of the evaluation method.

Design and Implementation of Dynamic High-Speed Switches in Super Base Station Architectures

Novel centralized base station architectures integrating computation and communication functionalities have become important for the development of future mobile communication networks.Therefore,the development of dynamic high-speed interconnections between baseband units(BBUs)and remote radio heads(RRHs)is vital in centralized base station design.Herein,dynamic high-speed switches(HSSs)connecting BBUs and RRHs were designed for a centralized base station architecture.We analyzed the characteristics of actual traffic and introduced a switch traffic model suitable for the super base station architecture.Then,we proposed a data-priority-aware(DPA)scheduling algorithm based on the traffic model.Lastly,we developed the dynamic HSS model based on the OPNET platform and the prototype based on FPGA.Our results show that the DPA achieves close to 100%throughput with lower latency and provides better run-time complexity than iOCF and HE-iSLIP,thereby demonstrating that the proposed switch system can be adopted in centralized base station architectures.

Design and Fabrication of Drug Delivery Devices with Complex Architectures Based on Three-dimensional Printing Technique

A new type of implantable drug delivery devices （ DDD ） with complicated architectures were fubricated by three-dimensional printing technique, employing levofloxacin （LVFX） as a model drug. Processing parameters were optimized in riew of the layer thickness, spucing between printed lines, flow rate of liquid binder and the fast axis speed. The prepared DDD prototype consists of a double-layer structure, of which the upper region is a reservoir system and the lower region is a matrix one. The in vitro release test revealed that LVFX was released in a dual-puse pattern. This DDD may present a new strategy for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases such as bone infection in the near future.

Sedimentary Facies Architectures of Third-Order Sequences from Early to Middle Triassic in Nanpanjiang Basin

There are complex and regular changes on sedimentary facies from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin. After the obvious drowned event of carbonate platforms in the transitional period between Permian and Triassic, carbonate platforms have evolved into the ramp type from the rimmed shelf type. The differentiation of sedimentary facies becomes clearer in space, which are marked by the changes from an attached platform to a turbidity basin and several isolated platforms in the basin. The striking characteristics are the development of oolitic banks on isolated platforms in Nanning and Jingxi and the reef and bank limestones in the margin of the attached platform in the Early Triassic. Despite the difference of the time span and the architecture of facies succession of third order sedimentary sequences, the process of the third order relative sea level changes reflected by the sedimentary facies succession of the third order sequences is generally synchronous. Therefore, six third order sequences could be discerned in the strata from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin. Using two types of facies changing surfaces and two types of diachronisms in stratigraphic records as the key elements, the sedimentary facies architectures of the third order sequences that represent sequence stratigraphic frameworks from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin could be constructed.

Ultra-Dense Networking Architectures and Technologies for 5G

With the continuous enrichment of mobile communication application scenarios in the future, the traditional macro-cellular-based mobile communication network architecture will be difficult to meet the explosive growth in demand for communications services.

Comments on PVPs,MPPs,NOWS,and Future Computer Architectures

Abstract Using 1995 results from the NASA Parallel Benchmarks, this paper compares the sustained performance (as opposed to peak performance) and cost per unit of sustained performance for state-of-the--art Parallel processing systems that use MicroProcessors(MPP) versus those that use Custom-designed Processors (PVP). This comparison shows that MPPs approach, but seldom surpass, PCPs with respect to either metric. This paper also discusses the merits and demerits of 'clusters' of workstations Ironically, recently introduced low--cost, parallel systems can also be viewed as 'virtual workstation clusters' that offer comparable, if not superior, capabilitics. Finally, this paper explores the question of whether it will be economically feasible for computer manut'acturers to continue building PVPs, or are MPPs the only economically viable option for building parallel systems?

Special Section on Energy-Efficient Technologies:NoC Circuits, Architectures, and Systems

Energy consumption has been one of the major challenges and concerns for the electronic devices design, especially in high-performance multi- and many-core systems. A highly integrated many-core chip is prone to be extremely high-power consumption that exceeds the chip＇s power budget set leaded by cooling, packaging and/or the capacity of the power supply. When this situation happens, various parts of the many-core chip will have to be deliberately switched off （darkened） so that the chip is still in compliance with its power budget, which is referred as ＂dark silicon＂. Therefore, the research on energy efficient computing is a current trend and will continue to be an active area in the coming years.

Study of Smart Grid Communication Network Architectures and Technologies

Smart Grid (SG) is an emerging paradigm of the modern world to upgrade and enhance the existing conventional electrical power infrastructure from generation to distribution to the consumers in a two-way communication fashion to automate the electrical power demand and supply and make this a cyber-physical system. SG infrastructure key elements, such as smart meters, circuit breakers, transformers, feeders, substations, control centers, grid stations, are required well-formed communication network architectures. SG infrastructure is divided into three main communication networks architectures, such as HAH, NAN, and WAN. Each of these communication network architectures requires reliable, stable, secure, high data rate at real-time with the help of different wireline and wireless communication technologies from HAN to WAN networks. To understand the complete concepts about SG, a concise review is presented and it will help the readers to get foundations of communication network architectures and technologies of SG.

The Methodology of Application Development for Hybrid Architectures

This paper provides an overview of the main recommendations and approaches of the methodology on parallel computation application development for hybrid structures. This methodology was developed within the master＇s thesis project ＂Optimization of complex tasks＇ computation on hybrid distributed computational structures＂ accomplished by Orekhov during which the main research objective was the determination of＂ patterns of the behavior of scaling efficiency and other parameters which define performance of different algorithms＇ implementations executed on hybrid distributed computational structures. Major outcomes and dependencies obtained within the master＇s thesis project were formed into a methodology which covers the problems of applications based on parallel computations and describes the process of its development in details, offering easy ways of avoiding potentially crucial problems. The paper is backed by the real-life examples such as clustering algorithms instead of artificial benchmarks.

Designing a High-Performance Deep Learning Theoretical Model for Biomedical Image Segmentation by Using Key Elements of the Latest U-Net-Based Architectures

Deep learning (DL) has experienced an exponential development in recent years, with major impact in many medical fields, especially in the field of medical image and, respectively, as a specific task, in the segmentation of the medical image. We aim to create a computer assisted diagnostic method, optimized by the use of deep learning (DL) and validated by a randomized controlled clinical trial, is a highly automated tool for diagnosing and staging precancerous and cervical cancer and thyroid cancers. We aim to design a high-performance deep learning model, combined from convolutional neural network (U-Net)-based architectures, for segmentation of the medical image that is independent of the type of organs/tissues, dimensions or type of image (2D/3D) and to validate the DL model in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. We used as a methodology primarily the analysis of U-Net-based architectures to identify the key elements that we considered important in the design and optimization of the combined DL model, from the U-Net-based architectures, imagined by us. Secondly, we will validate the performance of the DL model through a randomized controlled clinical trial. The DL model designed by us will be a highly automated tool for diagnosing and staging precancers and cervical cancer and thyroid cancers. The combined model we designed takes into account the key features of each of the architectures Overcomplete Convolutional Network Kite-Net (Kite-Net), Attention gate mechanism is an improvement added on convolutional network architecture for fast and precise segmentation of images (Attention U-Net), Harmony Densely Connected Network-Medical image Segmentation (HarDNet-MSEG). In this regard, we will create a comprehensive computer assisted diagnostic methodology validated by a randomized controlled clinical trial. The model will be a highly automated tool for diagnosing and staging precancers and cervical cancer and thyroid cancers. This would help drastically minimize the time and effort that specialists put into analyzing medical images, help to achieve a better therapeutic plan, and can provide a “second opinion” of computer assisted diagnosis.

A comprehensive review on hybrid electric vehicles: architectures and components

The rapid consumption of fossil fuel and increased environmental damage caused by it have given a strong impetus to the growth and development of fuelefficient vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have evolved from their inchoate state and are proving to be a promising solution to the serious existential problem posed to the planet earth. Not only do HEVs provide better fuel economy and lower emissions satisfying environmental legislations, but also they dampen the effect of rising fuel prices on consumers. HEVs combine the drive powers of an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine. The main components of HEVs are energy storage system, motor, bidirectional converter and maximum power point trackers (MPPT, in case of solar-powered HEVs). The performance of HEVs greatly depends on these components and its architecture. This paper presents an extensive review on essential components used in HEVs such as their architectures with advantages and disadvantages, choice of bidirectional converter to obtain high efficiency, combining ultracapacitor with battery to extend the battery life, traction motors’ role and their suitability for a particular application. Inclusion of photovoltaic cell in HEVs is a fairly new concept and has been discussed in detail. Various MPPT techniques used for solar-driven HEVs are also discussed in this paper with their suitability.

Effect of bismuth tungstate with different hierarchical architectures on photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin under visible light

The photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin by bismuth tungstate(Bi2WO6)with different hierarchical architectures wasinvestigated under visible light irradiation.Bi2WO6was prepared by hydrothermal method with the reaction solution pH rangingfrom4to11.The relatively ultrathin Bi2WO6nanoflakes prepared at pH4showed excellent adsorption and photodegradationefficiency towards norfloxacin.The characterization results showed that Bi2WO6prepared at pH4had a larger specific area andfaster photo-generated carrier separation rate.The decay rate reached the maximum in weak alkaline reaction solution,which couldbe attributed to the presence of moderate OH-anions.The present study demonstrated that the smaller size of Bi2WO6could be anefficient photocatalyst on the degradation of norfloxacin in the aquatic environment.

A Survey of Accelerator Architectures for Deep Neural Networks

Recently,due to the availability of big data and the rapid growth of computing power,artificial intelligence(AI)has regained tremendous attention and investment.Machine learning(ML)approaches have been successfully applied to solve many problems in academia and in industry.Although the explosion of big data applications is driving the development of ML,it also imposes severe challenges of data processing speed and scalability on conventional computer systems.Computing platforms that are dedicatedly designed for AI applications have been considered,ranging from a complement to von Neumann platforms to a“must-have”and stand-alone technical solution.These platforms,which belong to a larger category named“domain-specific computing,”focus on specific customization for AI.In this article,we focus on summarizing the recent advances in accelerator designs for deep neural networks(DNNs)-that is,DNN accelerators.We discuss various architectures that support DNN executions in terms of computing units,dataflow optimization,targeted network topologies,architectures on emerging technologies,and accelerators for emerging applications.We also provide our visions on the future trend of AI chip designs.

Preparing three-dimensional graphene architectures: Review of recent developments

The recent development of synthesis processes to assemble graphene sheets into porous three-dimensional （3D）macroscopic structures are reviewed, including our efforts on 3D graphene structures. Mechanisms for building 3D graphene architectures and their composite materials are also summarized. The functional systems based on 3D graphene architectures provide a significant enhancement in the efficacy due to their unique structures and properties.

REVIEW OF ADVANCED FPGA ARCHITECTURES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) is an efficient reconfigurable integrated circuit platform and has become a core signal processing microchip device of digital systems over the last decade. With the rapid development of semiconductor technology, the performance and system integration of FPGA devices have been significantly progressed, and at the same time new challenges arise. The design of FPGA architecture is required to evolve to meet these challenges, while also taking advantage of ever increased microchip density. This survey reviews the recent development of advanced FPGA architectures, including improvement of the programming technologies, logic blocks, interconnects, and embedded resources. Moreover, some important emerging design issues of FPGA architectures, such as novel memory based FPGAs and 3D FPGAs, are also presented to provide an outlook for future FPGA development.