Electricity is essential for keeping power networks balanced between supply and demand,especially since it costs a lot to store.The article talks about different deep learning methods that are used to guess how much g...Electricity is essential for keeping power networks balanced between supply and demand,especially since it costs a lot to store.The article talks about different deep learning methods that are used to guess how much green energy different Asian countries will produce.The main goal is to make reliable and accurate predictions that can help with the planning of new power plants to meet rising demand.There is a new deep learning model called the Green-electrical Production Ensemble(GP-Ensemble).It combines three types of neural networks:convolutional neural networks(CNNs),gated recurrent units(GRUs),and feedforward neural networks(FNNs).The model promises to improve prediction accuracy.The 1965–2023 dataset covers green energy generation statistics from ten Asian countries.Due to the rising energy supply-demand mismatch,the primary goal is to develop the best model for predicting future power production.The GP-Ensemble deep learning model outperforms individual models(GRU,FNN,and CNN)and alternative approaches such as fully convolutional networks(FCN)and other ensemble models in mean squared error(MSE),mean absolute error(MAE)and root mean squared error(RMSE)metrics.This study enhances our ability to predict green electricity production over time,with MSE of 0.0631,MAE of 0.1754,and RMSE of 0.2383.It may influence laws and enhance energy management.展开更多
Controlled-release urea(CRU)is widely reported to supply crop nitrogen(N)demand with one basal application,thus effectively replacing split applications of urea without diminishing grain yield and N use efficiency(NUE...Controlled-release urea(CRU)is widely reported to supply crop nitrogen(N)demand with one basal application,thus effectively replacing split applications of urea without diminishing grain yield and N use efficiency(NUE).However,its use for replacement for high-yield split applications of urea(CK)for rice is untested.In addition,the degree to which greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions in rice systems are affected when CRU is substituted for CK remains unclear.During 2017 and 2018,we sampled plant growth and gas emissions in a rice paddy field treated with three CRU types(sulfur-coated urea[SCU],polymer-coated urea[PCU],and bulk blended CRU[BBU])applied via two methods(surface broadcasting on the soil and subsurface banding at 5 cm depth),with CK as a control.The three CRUs led to different soil NH_(4)^(+)-N dynamics,and the N supply pattern under BBU was more beneficial for rice seedling establishment than under SCU and PCU,resulting in grain yield and NUE comparable to those under CK.CRU type showed no significant effect on either CH_(4) emissions or N_(2)O emissions,and broadcast CRUs exhibited significantly higher total GHG emissions than CK.However,banded CRUs significantly reduced the total GHG emissions in comparison with broadcast CRUs,by 9.2%averaged across the two years.Reduced CH_(4) emissions,particularly during the period prior to the middle drainage,contributed largely to the GHG difference.With comparably high grain yield and low total GHG emissions,banded BBU showed a low yield-scaled GHG(GHG emissions divided by grain yield)comparable to that under CK in both years.Overall,our study suggested that N management synchronized with rice demand and contributing to a high NUE tended to minimize yield-scaled GHG.Broadcast CRU can hardly substitute for CK in terms of either grain yield or GHG emissions,but banded BBU is a promising N management strategy for sustaining rice production while minimizing environmental impacts.展开更多
Vehicle-to-grid technology is an emerging field that allows unused power from Electric Vehicles(EVs)to be used by the smart grid through the central aggregator.Since the central aggregator is connected to the smart gr...Vehicle-to-grid technology is an emerging field that allows unused power from Electric Vehicles(EVs)to be used by the smart grid through the central aggregator.Since the central aggregator is connected to the smart grid through a wireless network,it is prone to cyber-attacks that can be detected and mitigated using an intrusion detection system.However,existing intrusion detection systems cannot be used in the vehicle-to-grid network because of the special requirements and characteristics of the vehicle-to-grid network.In this paper,the effect of denial-of-service attacks of malicious electric vehicles on the central aggregator of the vehicle-to-grid network is investigated and an intrusion detection system for the vehicle-to-grid network is proposed.The proposed system,central aggregator–intrusion detection system(CA-IDS),works as a security gateway for EVs to analyze andmonitor incoming traffic for possible DoS attacks.EVs are registered with a Central Aggregator(CAG)to exchange authenticated messages,and malicious EVs are added to a blacklist for violating a set of predefined policies to limit their interaction with the CAG.A denial of service(DoS)attack is simulated at CAG in a vehicle-to-grid(V2G)network manipulating various network parameters such as transmission overhead,receiving capacity of destination,average packet size,and channel availability.The proposed system is compared with existing intrusion detection systems using different parameters such as throughput,jitter,and accuracy.The analysis shows that the proposed system has a higher throughput,lower jitter,and higher accuracy as compared to the existing schemes.展开更多
Large-scale annual climate indices were used to forecast annual drought conditions in the Maharlu-Bakhtegan watershed,located in Iran,using a neuro-fuzzy model.The Standardized Precipitation Index(SPI) was used as a p...Large-scale annual climate indices were used to forecast annual drought conditions in the Maharlu-Bakhtegan watershed,located in Iran,using a neuro-fuzzy model.The Standardized Precipitation Index(SPI) was used as a proxy for drought conditions.Among the 45 climate indices considered,eight identified as most relevant were the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO),Atlantic Meridional Mode(AMM),the Bivariate ENSO Time series(BEST),the East Central Tropical Pacific Surface Temperature(NINO 3.4),the Central Tropical Pacific Surface Temperature(NINO 4),the North Tropical Atlantic Index(NTA),the Southern Oscillation Index(SOI),and the Tropical Northern Atlantic Index(TNA).These indices accounted for 81% of the variance in the Principal Components Analysis(PCA) method.The Atlantic surface temperature(SST:Atlantic) had an inverse relationship with SPI,and the AMM index had the highest correlation.Drought forecasts of neuro-fuzzy model demonstrate better prediction at a two-year lag compared to a stepwise regression model.展开更多
Field pea(Pisum sativum L.) is an important protein-rich pulse crop produced globally. Increasing the lipid content of Pisum seeds through conventional and contemporary molecular breeding tools may bring added value t...Field pea(Pisum sativum L.) is an important protein-rich pulse crop produced globally. Increasing the lipid content of Pisum seeds through conventional and contemporary molecular breeding tools may bring added value to the crop. However, knowledge about genetic diversity and lipid content in field pea is limited. An understanding of genetic diversity and population structure in diverse germplasm is important and a prerequisite for genetic dissection of complex characteristics and marker-trait associations. Fifty polymorphic microsatellite markers detecting a total of 207 alleles were used to obtain information on genetic diversity, population structure and marker-trait associations. Cluster analysis was performed using UPGMA to construct a dendrogram from a pairwise similarity matrix. Pea genotypes were divided into five major clusters. A model-based population structure analysis divided the pea accessions into four groups. Percentage lipid content in 35 diverse pea accessions was used to find potential associations with the SSR markers. Markers AD73, D21, and AA5 were significantly associated with lipid content using a mixed linear model(MLM) taking population structure(Q) and relative kinship(K) into account. The results of this preliminary study suggested that the population could be used for marker-trait association mapping studies.展开更多
The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian (Upper Pennsylvanian-Asselian) Tobra Formation is exposed in the Salt and Trans Indus ranges of Pakistan. The formation exhibits an alluvial plain (alluvial fan-piedmont alluvi...The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian (Upper Pennsylvanian-Asselian) Tobra Formation is exposed in the Salt and Trans Indus ranges of Pakistan. The formation exhibits an alluvial plain (alluvial fan-piedmont alluvial plain) facies association in the Salt Range and Khisor Range. In addition, a stream flow facies association is restricted to the eastern Salt Range. The alluvial plain facies association is comprised of clast-supported massive conglomerate (Gmc), diamictite (Dm) facies, and massive sandstone (Sm) iithofacies whereas the stream flow-dominated alluvial plain facies association includes fine-grained sandstone and sUtstone (Fss), fining upwards pebbly sandstone (Sf), and massive mudstone (Fro) lithofacies. The lack of glacial signatures (particularly glacial grooves and striations) in the deposits in the Tobra Formation, which are, in contrast, present in their time-equivalent and palaeogeographically nearby strata of the Arabian peninsula, e.g. the Al Khlata Formation of Oman and Unayzah B member of the Sandi Arabia, suggests a pro-to periglacial, i.e. glaciofluvial depositional setting for the Tobra Formation. The sedimentology of the Tobra Formation attests that the Salt Range, Pakistan, occupied a palaeogeographic position just beyond the maximum glacial extent during Upper Pennsylvanian-Asselian time.展开更多
Dion-Jacobson phase two-dimensional(DJ 2D)perovskites,recently attracting considerable interests,exhibit excellent environmental stability and structural tunability,but their solar cells still offer unsatisfactory pow...Dion-Jacobson phase two-dimensional(DJ 2D)perovskites,recently attracting considerable interests,exhibit excellent environmental stability and structural tunability,but their solar cells still offer unsatisfactory power conversion efficiencies(PCEs).Herein,we develop DJ 2D perovskites employing formamidinium(FA+)as a ternary cation in the perovskite cages((PDA)(FA)x(MA)3-xPb4 I13,χ=0,0.15,0.3 and 0.6,PDA=1,3-propanediammonium)for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells(PSCs).We found that the DJ 2D perovskite with a 10%FA+fraction presents improved crystallinity,preferred vertical orientation,and longer charge carrier lifetime compared to that without FA+doping.As a result,the FAdoped DJ 2D PSCs exhibit a champion PCE of 14.74%with superior device stability.The unencapsulated devices sustain over 92%of its initial PCE after storage at a constant relative humidity(RH)of 65%for 6000 h,90%by heat at 85℃in air for 800 h,and 94%under 1-sun illumination for 5000 h.These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of FA cation into the DJ 2D perovskite is a promising strategy to develop highly efficient and stable DJ 2D PSCs.展开更多
The Late Permian succession of the Upper Indus Basin in northeastern Pakistan is represented by the carbonatedominated Zaluch Group, which consists of the Amb, Wargal and Chhidru formations, which accumulated on the s...The Late Permian succession of the Upper Indus Basin in northeastern Pakistan is represented by the carbonatedominated Zaluch Group, which consists of the Amb, Wargal and Chhidru formations, which accumulated on the southwestern shelf of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, north of the hydrocarbon-producing Permian strata of the Arabian Peninsula. The reservoir properties of the mixed clastic-carbonate Chhidru Formation(CFm) are evaluated based on petrography, using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDX) and x-ray diffraction(XRD) techniques. The diagenetic features are recognized, ranging from marine(isopachous fibrous calcite, micrite), through meteoric(blocky calcite-I, neomorphism and dissolution) to burial(poikilotopic cement, blocky calcite-II-III, fractures, fracture-filling, and stylolites). Major porosity types include fracture and moldic, while inter-and intra-particle porosities also exist. Observed visual porosity ranges from 1.5%–7.14% with an average of 5.15%. The sandstone facies(CMF-4) has the highest average porosity of 10.7%, whereas the siliciclastic grainstone microfacies(CMF-3) shows an average porosity of 5.3%. The siliciclastic mudstone microfacies(CMF-1) and siliciclastic wacke-packestone microfacies(CMF-2) show the lowest porosities of 4.8% and 5.0%, respectively. Diagenetic processes like cementation, neomorphism, stylolitization and compaction have reduced the primary porosities;however, processes of dissolution and fracturing have produced secondary porosity. On average, the CFm in the Nammal Gorge, Salt Range shows promise and at Gula Khel Gorge, Trans-Indus, the lowest porosity.展开更多
An efficient and promising approach for effectively dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)in cementitious composites has been investigated.The naturally occurring organic extracts from species of indigenousl...An efficient and promising approach for effectively dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)in cementitious composites has been investigated.The naturally occurring organic extracts from species of indigenously known‘Keekar’trees scattered along tropical and sub-tropical regions;is found as an exceptional replacement to the non-natural commercial surfactants.In the initial phase of investigation,ideal surfactant’s content required for efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in solution was determined using ultra-violet spectroscopy.The experimental investigations were then extended to five different cement composite formulations containing 0.0,0.025,0.05,0.08 and 0.10%MWCNTs by weight of cement.It was observed that the natural surfactant produced efficient dispersion at much reduced cost(approx.14%)compared with the commercial alternate.The estimated weight efficiency factor f was found 6.5 times higher for the proposed sustainable replacement to the conventional along with remarkable increase of 23%in modulus of rupture on 0.08 wt%addition of MWCNTs.Besides strength enhancement,the dispersed MWCNTs also improved the first crack and ultimate fracture toughness by 51.5%and 35.9%,respectively.The field emission scanning electron microscopy of the cryofractured samples revealed efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in the matrix leading to the phenomenon of effective crack bridging and crack branching in the composite matrix.Furthermore,the proposed scheme significantly reduced the early age volumetric shrinkage by 39%.展开更多
Inverted organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells(i-PSC)with low temperature processed interlayers and weak hysteresis behaviors have shown great potential for commercialization[1-5].However,their relatively lo...Inverted organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells(i-PSC)with low temperature processed interlayers and weak hysteresis behaviors have shown great potential for commercialization[1-5].However,their relatively lower power conversion efficiency(PCE)and inferior reproducibility than conventional PSCs limit further developments.These problems are largely determined by the hole transporting layer(HTL)and the quality of the upper perovskite film[6-8];in particular,the latter is considerably influenced by the surface property of the underlying HTL.展开更多
The feasibility of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) as an alternative source of water to meet the outdoor water demand in nine states of the U.S. was evaluated using a system dynamics model developed in Systems T...The feasibility of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) as an alternative source of water to meet the outdoor water demand in nine states of the U.S. was evaluated using a system dynamics model developed in Systems Thinking, Experimental Learning Laboratory with Animation. The state of Arizona was selected to evaluate the effects of the selected model parameters on the efficacy of RRWH since among the nine states the arid region of Arizona showed the least potential of meeting the outdoor water demand with rain harvested water. The analyses were conducted on a monthly basis across a 10-year projected period from 2015 to 2024. The results showed that RRWH as a potential source of water was highly sensitive to certain model parameters such as the outdoor water demand, the use of desert landscaping, and the percentage of existing houses with RRWH. A significant difference (as high as 37.5%) in rainwater potential was observed between the projected wet and dry climate conditions in Arizona. The analysis of the dynamics of the storage tanks suggested that a 1.0-2.0 m3 rainwater barrel, on an average, can store approximately 80% of the monthly rainwater generated from the rooftops in Arizona, even across the high seasonal variation. This interactive model can be used as a quick estimator of the amount of water that could be generated, stored, and utilized through RRWH systems in the U.S. under different climate conditions. The findings of such comprehensive analyses may help regional policymakers, especially in arid regions, to develop a sustainable water management infrastructure.展开更多
Long-range precipitation forecasts are useful when managing water supplies.Oceanicatmospheric oscillations have been shown to influence precipitation.Due to a longer cycle of some of the oscillations,a short instrumen...Long-range precipitation forecasts are useful when managing water supplies.Oceanicatmospheric oscillations have been shown to influence precipitation.Due to a longer cycle of some of the oscillations,a short instrumental record is a limitation in using them for long-range precipitation forecasts.The influence of oscillations over precipitation is observable within paleoclimate reconstructions;however,there have been no attempts to utilize these reconstructions in precipitation forecasting.A data-driven model,KStar,is used for obtaining long-range precipitation forecasts by extending the period of record through the use of reconstructions of oscillations.KStar is a nearest neighbor algorithm with an entropy-based distance function.Oceanic-atmospheric oscillation reconstructions include the El Nino-Southern Oscillation(ENSO),the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO),the North Atlantic Oscillation(NAO),and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation(AMO).Precipitation is forecasted for 20 climate divisions in the western United States.A 10-year moving average is applied to aid in the identification of oscillation phases.A lead time approach is used to simulate a one-year forecast,with a 10-fold cross-validation technique to test the models.Reconstructions are used from 1658-1899,while the observed record is used from 1900-2007.The model is evaluated using mean absolute error(MAE),root mean squared error(RMSE),RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio(RSR),Pearson's correlation coefficient(R),NashSutcliffe coefficient of efficiency(NSE),and linear error in probability space(LEPS) skill score(SK).The role of individual and coupled oscillations is evaluated by dropping oscillations in the model.The results indicate 'good' precipitation estimates using the KStar model.This modeling technique is expected to be useful for long-term water resources planning and management.展开更多
Two-dimensional (2D) layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (2D PVK) materials have beenrecently developed as a novel candidate for photovoltaic application with high stability and a maximumpower conversion e...Two-dimensional (2D) layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (2D PVK) materials have beenrecently developed as a novel candidate for photovoltaic application with high stability and a maximumpower conversion efficiency of 12.5%. This article summarized these newly emerging 2D PVK materialsand their uses in solar cells. The structural, physical, and chemical properties as well as the classificationof 2D PVK materials are discussed. The photovoltaic performance parameters of various 2D perovsldtesolar cells (2D PSCs) are summarized and their device stability is compared with conventional 3Dperovskite solar cells (3D PSCs). It has been concluded that 2D PVKs show greater stability upon humidity,heat stress, and light intensity as compared to 3D analogues and act as a class of promising materials forapplication in solar cells.展开更多
In the present work, carbon nano/microparticles obtained by controlled pyrolysis of peanut (PS) and hazelnut (HS) shells are presented. These materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and field emissionsc...In the present work, carbon nano/microparticles obtained by controlled pyrolysis of peanut (PS) and hazelnut (HS) shells are presented. These materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and field emissionscanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). When added to cement paste, up to 1 wt%, these materials led to an increase of the cement matrix flexural strength and of toughness. Moreover, with respect to plain cement, the total increase in electromagnetic radiation shielding effect when adding 0.5 wt% of PS or HS in cement composites is much higher in comparison to the ones reported in the literature for CNTs used in the same content.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate saponins and various solvent extracts from Atriplex laciniata(A. laciniata)against human parasites and various pests.METHODS: The samples from A. laciniata used in the activities were crude s...OBJECTIVE: To investigate saponins and various solvent extracts from Atriplex laciniata(A. laciniata)against human parasites and various pests.METHODS: The samples from A. laciniata used in the activities were crude saponins(Al.Sp F) and solvent samples including methanolic extract(Al.Me F), ethyl acetate(Al.Ea F), choloroform(Al.Cf F),n-hexane(Al.Hx F) and water residual(Al.Wt F). Anthelmintic potentials of the samples were analyzed against Pheretima posthuma(earthworms) and Ascaridia galli(round worms) using contact toxicity method. Insecticidal activities were performed against Heterotermes indicola(termite), Monomorium pharaonis(pharaoh ant), Tribolium castaneum(flour beetle) and Rhyzopertha dominica(grain borer) using standard protocols.RESULTS: In anthelmintic assay, Al.Cf F and Al.Sp F were most effective against P. posthuma and A. gal-li with average death times of 25.62 and 29.65 min respectively. Likewise the anthelmintic assay, Al.Sp F and Al.Cf F were most effective against H. indicola causing 90.36% and 73.24% lethality respectively. Furthermore, in anti-Pharaoh activity Al.Sp F, Al.Wt F, Al.Cf F, Al.Me F and Al.Cf F exhibited highest activity with LD50 of 78, 220, 260, 330 and > 800 mg/m L respectively. Al.Sp F and Al.Cf F were highly effective against R. dominica causing 80.11% and71.30% lethality respectively. Al.Sp F was found most active against T. castaneum.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the Al.Sp F, Al.Cf F and Al.Wt F extracted from A.laciniata L.may be the best options for the isolation of anthelmintic and bio-insecticidal compounds.展开更多
基金funded by the Academy of Finland and the University of Vassa,Finland.
文摘Electricity is essential for keeping power networks balanced between supply and demand,especially since it costs a lot to store.The article talks about different deep learning methods that are used to guess how much green energy different Asian countries will produce.The main goal is to make reliable and accurate predictions that can help with the planning of new power plants to meet rising demand.There is a new deep learning model called the Green-electrical Production Ensemble(GP-Ensemble).It combines three types of neural networks:convolutional neural networks(CNNs),gated recurrent units(GRUs),and feedforward neural networks(FNNs).The model promises to improve prediction accuracy.The 1965–2023 dataset covers green energy generation statistics from ten Asian countries.Due to the rising energy supply-demand mismatch,the primary goal is to develop the best model for predicting future power production.The GP-Ensemble deep learning model outperforms individual models(GRU,FNN,and CNN)and alternative approaches such as fully convolutional networks(FCN)and other ensemble models in mean squared error(MSE),mean absolute error(MAE)and root mean squared error(RMSE)metrics.This study enhances our ability to predict green electricity production over time,with MSE of 0.0631,MAE of 0.1754,and RMSE of 0.2383.It may influence laws and enhance energy management.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20200539)Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China(2019M661863)Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program(BE2019377,BE2019343)。
文摘Controlled-release urea(CRU)is widely reported to supply crop nitrogen(N)demand with one basal application,thus effectively replacing split applications of urea without diminishing grain yield and N use efficiency(NUE).However,its use for replacement for high-yield split applications of urea(CK)for rice is untested.In addition,the degree to which greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions in rice systems are affected when CRU is substituted for CK remains unclear.During 2017 and 2018,we sampled plant growth and gas emissions in a rice paddy field treated with three CRU types(sulfur-coated urea[SCU],polymer-coated urea[PCU],and bulk blended CRU[BBU])applied via two methods(surface broadcasting on the soil and subsurface banding at 5 cm depth),with CK as a control.The three CRUs led to different soil NH_(4)^(+)-N dynamics,and the N supply pattern under BBU was more beneficial for rice seedling establishment than under SCU and PCU,resulting in grain yield and NUE comparable to those under CK.CRU type showed no significant effect on either CH_(4) emissions or N_(2)O emissions,and broadcast CRUs exhibited significantly higher total GHG emissions than CK.However,banded CRUs significantly reduced the total GHG emissions in comparison with broadcast CRUs,by 9.2%averaged across the two years.Reduced CH_(4) emissions,particularly during the period prior to the middle drainage,contributed largely to the GHG difference.With comparably high grain yield and low total GHG emissions,banded BBU showed a low yield-scaled GHG(GHG emissions divided by grain yield)comparable to that under CK in both years.Overall,our study suggested that N management synchronized with rice demand and contributing to a high NUE tended to minimize yield-scaled GHG.Broadcast CRU can hardly substitute for CK in terms of either grain yield or GHG emissions,but banded BBU is a promising N management strategy for sustaining rice production while minimizing environmental impacts.
基金Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(NRF-2021R1A6A1A03039493).
文摘Vehicle-to-grid technology is an emerging field that allows unused power from Electric Vehicles(EVs)to be used by the smart grid through the central aggregator.Since the central aggregator is connected to the smart grid through a wireless network,it is prone to cyber-attacks that can be detected and mitigated using an intrusion detection system.However,existing intrusion detection systems cannot be used in the vehicle-to-grid network because of the special requirements and characteristics of the vehicle-to-grid network.In this paper,the effect of denial-of-service attacks of malicious electric vehicles on the central aggregator of the vehicle-to-grid network is investigated and an intrusion detection system for the vehicle-to-grid network is proposed.The proposed system,central aggregator–intrusion detection system(CA-IDS),works as a security gateway for EVs to analyze andmonitor incoming traffic for possible DoS attacks.EVs are registered with a Central Aggregator(CAG)to exchange authenticated messages,and malicious EVs are added to a blacklist for violating a set of predefined policies to limit their interaction with the CAG.A denial of service(DoS)attack is simulated at CAG in a vehicle-to-grid(V2G)network manipulating various network parameters such as transmission overhead,receiving capacity of destination,average packet size,and channel availability.The proposed system is compared with existing intrusion detection systems using different parameters such as throughput,jitter,and accuracy.The analysis shows that the proposed system has a higher throughput,lower jitter,and higher accuracy as compared to the existing schemes.
文摘Large-scale annual climate indices were used to forecast annual drought conditions in the Maharlu-Bakhtegan watershed,located in Iran,using a neuro-fuzzy model.The Standardized Precipitation Index(SPI) was used as a proxy for drought conditions.Among the 45 climate indices considered,eight identified as most relevant were the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO),Atlantic Meridional Mode(AMM),the Bivariate ENSO Time series(BEST),the East Central Tropical Pacific Surface Temperature(NINO 3.4),the Central Tropical Pacific Surface Temperature(NINO 4),the North Tropical Atlantic Index(NTA),the Southern Oscillation Index(SOI),and the Tropical Northern Atlantic Index(TNA).These indices accounted for 81% of the variance in the Principal Components Analysis(PCA) method.The Atlantic surface temperature(SST:Atlantic) had an inverse relationship with SPI,and the AMM index had the highest correlation.Drought forecasts of neuro-fuzzy model demonstrate better prediction at a two-year lag compared to a stepwise regression model.
基金supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Collaborative Research and Development and Lefsrud Seeds (CRDRJ385395-09)
文摘Field pea(Pisum sativum L.) is an important protein-rich pulse crop produced globally. Increasing the lipid content of Pisum seeds through conventional and contemporary molecular breeding tools may bring added value to the crop. However, knowledge about genetic diversity and lipid content in field pea is limited. An understanding of genetic diversity and population structure in diverse germplasm is important and a prerequisite for genetic dissection of complex characteristics and marker-trait associations. Fifty polymorphic microsatellite markers detecting a total of 207 alleles were used to obtain information on genetic diversity, population structure and marker-trait associations. Cluster analysis was performed using UPGMA to construct a dendrogram from a pairwise similarity matrix. Pea genotypes were divided into five major clusters. A model-based population structure analysis divided the pea accessions into four groups. Percentage lipid content in 35 diverse pea accessions was used to find potential associations with the SSR markers. Markers AD73, D21, and AA5 were significantly associated with lipid content using a mixed linear model(MLM) taking population structure(Q) and relative kinship(K) into account. The results of this preliminary study suggested that the population could be used for marker-trait association mapping studies.
基金the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan's National Research Program for Universities(NRPU) grant to Dr.Irfan U.Jan,principal investigator on the project via grant number 20-2706
文摘The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian (Upper Pennsylvanian-Asselian) Tobra Formation is exposed in the Salt and Trans Indus ranges of Pakistan. The formation exhibits an alluvial plain (alluvial fan-piedmont alluvial plain) facies association in the Salt Range and Khisor Range. In addition, a stream flow facies association is restricted to the eastern Salt Range. The alluvial plain facies association is comprised of clast-supported massive conglomerate (Gmc), diamictite (Dm) facies, and massive sandstone (Sm) iithofacies whereas the stream flow-dominated alluvial plain facies association includes fine-grained sandstone and sUtstone (Fss), fining upwards pebbly sandstone (Sf), and massive mudstone (Fro) lithofacies. The lack of glacial signatures (particularly glacial grooves and striations) in the deposits in the Tobra Formation, which are, in contrast, present in their time-equivalent and palaeogeographically nearby strata of the Arabian peninsula, e.g. the Al Khlata Formation of Oman and Unayzah B member of the Sandi Arabia, suggests a pro-to periglacial, i.e. glaciofluvial depositional setting for the Tobra Formation. The sedimentology of the Tobra Formation attests that the Salt Range, Pakistan, occupied a palaeogeographic position just beyond the maximum glacial extent during Upper Pennsylvanian-Asselian time.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51973223)the DICP&QIBEBT UN201705+1 种基金the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program(XLYC1807231)the DICP(Grant No.DICP I202011)。
文摘Dion-Jacobson phase two-dimensional(DJ 2D)perovskites,recently attracting considerable interests,exhibit excellent environmental stability and structural tunability,but their solar cells still offer unsatisfactory power conversion efficiencies(PCEs).Herein,we develop DJ 2D perovskites employing formamidinium(FA+)as a ternary cation in the perovskite cages((PDA)(FA)x(MA)3-xPb4 I13,χ=0,0.15,0.3 and 0.6,PDA=1,3-propanediammonium)for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells(PSCs).We found that the DJ 2D perovskite with a 10%FA+fraction presents improved crystallinity,preferred vertical orientation,and longer charge carrier lifetime compared to that without FA+doping.As a result,the FAdoped DJ 2D PSCs exhibit a champion PCE of 14.74%with superior device stability.The unencapsulated devices sustain over 92%of its initial PCE after storage at a constant relative humidity(RH)of 65%for 6000 h,90%by heat at 85℃in air for 800 h,and 94%under 1-sun illumination for 5000 h.These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of FA cation into the DJ 2D perovskite is a promising strategy to develop highly efficient and stable DJ 2D PSCs.
文摘The Late Permian succession of the Upper Indus Basin in northeastern Pakistan is represented by the carbonatedominated Zaluch Group, which consists of the Amb, Wargal and Chhidru formations, which accumulated on the southwestern shelf of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, north of the hydrocarbon-producing Permian strata of the Arabian Peninsula. The reservoir properties of the mixed clastic-carbonate Chhidru Formation(CFm) are evaluated based on petrography, using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDX) and x-ray diffraction(XRD) techniques. The diagenetic features are recognized, ranging from marine(isopachous fibrous calcite, micrite), through meteoric(blocky calcite-I, neomorphism and dissolution) to burial(poikilotopic cement, blocky calcite-II-III, fractures, fracture-filling, and stylolites). Major porosity types include fracture and moldic, while inter-and intra-particle porosities also exist. Observed visual porosity ranges from 1.5%–7.14% with an average of 5.15%. The sandstone facies(CMF-4) has the highest average porosity of 10.7%, whereas the siliciclastic grainstone microfacies(CMF-3) shows an average porosity of 5.3%. The siliciclastic mudstone microfacies(CMF-1) and siliciclastic wacke-packestone microfacies(CMF-2) show the lowest porosities of 4.8% and 5.0%, respectively. Diagenetic processes like cementation, neomorphism, stylolitization and compaction have reduced the primary porosities;however, processes of dissolution and fracturing have produced secondary porosity. On average, the CFm in the Nammal Gorge, Salt Range shows promise and at Gula Khel Gorge, Trans-Indus, the lowest porosity.
文摘An efficient and promising approach for effectively dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)in cementitious composites has been investigated.The naturally occurring organic extracts from species of indigenously known‘Keekar’trees scattered along tropical and sub-tropical regions;is found as an exceptional replacement to the non-natural commercial surfactants.In the initial phase of investigation,ideal surfactant’s content required for efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in solution was determined using ultra-violet spectroscopy.The experimental investigations were then extended to five different cement composite formulations containing 0.0,0.025,0.05,0.08 and 0.10%MWCNTs by weight of cement.It was observed that the natural surfactant produced efficient dispersion at much reduced cost(approx.14%)compared with the commercial alternate.The estimated weight efficiency factor f was found 6.5 times higher for the proposed sustainable replacement to the conventional along with remarkable increase of 23%in modulus of rupture on 0.08 wt%addition of MWCNTs.Besides strength enhancement,the dispersed MWCNTs also improved the first crack and ultimate fracture toughness by 51.5%and 35.9%,respectively.The field emission scanning electron microscopy of the cryofractured samples revealed efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in the matrix leading to the phenomenon of effective crack bridging and crack branching in the composite matrix.Furthermore,the proposed scheme significantly reduced the early age volumetric shrinkage by 39%.
基金financially supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong(GRF grant 15246816 and CRF grant C5037-18G)Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(Project No.JCYJ20170413154602102)+4 种基金LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Program(XLYC1807231)the DICP ZZBS201813the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province of China(20180540124)the Hong Kong Polytechnic University internal research fundsthe support of Hong Kong Scholars Program(XJ2017046)。
文摘Inverted organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells(i-PSC)with low temperature processed interlayers and weak hysteresis behaviors have shown great potential for commercialization[1-5].However,their relatively lower power conversion efficiency(PCE)and inferior reproducibility than conventional PSCs limit further developments.These problems are largely determined by the hole transporting layer(HTL)and the quality of the upper perovskite film[6-8];in particular,the latter is considerably influenced by the surface property of the underlying HTL.
文摘The feasibility of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) as an alternative source of water to meet the outdoor water demand in nine states of the U.S. was evaluated using a system dynamics model developed in Systems Thinking, Experimental Learning Laboratory with Animation. The state of Arizona was selected to evaluate the effects of the selected model parameters on the efficacy of RRWH since among the nine states the arid region of Arizona showed the least potential of meeting the outdoor water demand with rain harvested water. The analyses were conducted on a monthly basis across a 10-year projected period from 2015 to 2024. The results showed that RRWH as a potential source of water was highly sensitive to certain model parameters such as the outdoor water demand, the use of desert landscaping, and the percentage of existing houses with RRWH. A significant difference (as high as 37.5%) in rainwater potential was observed between the projected wet and dry climate conditions in Arizona. The analysis of the dynamics of the storage tanks suggested that a 1.0-2.0 m3 rainwater barrel, on an average, can store approximately 80% of the monthly rainwater generated from the rooftops in Arizona, even across the high seasonal variation. This interactive model can be used as a quick estimator of the amount of water that could be generated, stored, and utilized through RRWH systems in the U.S. under different climate conditions. The findings of such comprehensive analyses may help regional policymakers, especially in arid regions, to develop a sustainable water management infrastructure.
文摘Long-range precipitation forecasts are useful when managing water supplies.Oceanicatmospheric oscillations have been shown to influence precipitation.Due to a longer cycle of some of the oscillations,a short instrumental record is a limitation in using them for long-range precipitation forecasts.The influence of oscillations over precipitation is observable within paleoclimate reconstructions;however,there have been no attempts to utilize these reconstructions in precipitation forecasting.A data-driven model,KStar,is used for obtaining long-range precipitation forecasts by extending the period of record through the use of reconstructions of oscillations.KStar is a nearest neighbor algorithm with an entropy-based distance function.Oceanic-atmospheric oscillation reconstructions include the El Nino-Southern Oscillation(ENSO),the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO),the North Atlantic Oscillation(NAO),and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation(AMO).Precipitation is forecasted for 20 climate divisions in the western United States.A 10-year moving average is applied to aid in the identification of oscillation phases.A lead time approach is used to simulate a one-year forecast,with a 10-fold cross-validation technique to test the models.Reconstructions are used from 1658-1899,while the observed record is used from 1900-2007.The model is evaluated using mean absolute error(MAE),root mean squared error(RMSE),RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio(RSR),Pearson's correlation coefficient(R),NashSutcliffe coefficient of efficiency(NSE),and linear error in probability space(LEPS) skill score(SK).The role of individual and coupled oscillations is evaluated by dropping oscillations in the model.The results indicate 'good' precipitation estimates using the KStar model.This modeling technique is expected to be useful for long-term water resources planning and management.
基金financially supported by the“Thousand Talents Program for Young Scholars”of Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21644008)the Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials(iChEM)
文摘Two-dimensional (2D) layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (2D PVK) materials have beenrecently developed as a novel candidate for photovoltaic application with high stability and a maximumpower conversion efficiency of 12.5%. This article summarized these newly emerging 2D PVK materialsand their uses in solar cells. The structural, physical, and chemical properties as well as the classificationof 2D PVK materials are discussed. The photovoltaic performance parameters of various 2D perovsldtesolar cells (2D PSCs) are summarized and their device stability is compared with conventional 3Dperovskite solar cells (3D PSCs). It has been concluded that 2D PVKs show greater stability upon humidity,heat stress, and light intensity as compared to 3D analogues and act as a class of promising materials forapplication in solar cells.
文摘In the present work, carbon nano/microparticles obtained by controlled pyrolysis of peanut (PS) and hazelnut (HS) shells are presented. These materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and field emissionscanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). When added to cement paste, up to 1 wt%, these materials led to an increase of the cement matrix flexural strength and of toughness. Moreover, with respect to plain cement, the total increase in electromagnetic radiation shielding effect when adding 0.5 wt% of PS or HS in cement composites is much higher in comparison to the ones reported in the literature for CNTs used in the same content.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate saponins and various solvent extracts from Atriplex laciniata(A. laciniata)against human parasites and various pests.METHODS: The samples from A. laciniata used in the activities were crude saponins(Al.Sp F) and solvent samples including methanolic extract(Al.Me F), ethyl acetate(Al.Ea F), choloroform(Al.Cf F),n-hexane(Al.Hx F) and water residual(Al.Wt F). Anthelmintic potentials of the samples were analyzed against Pheretima posthuma(earthworms) and Ascaridia galli(round worms) using contact toxicity method. Insecticidal activities were performed against Heterotermes indicola(termite), Monomorium pharaonis(pharaoh ant), Tribolium castaneum(flour beetle) and Rhyzopertha dominica(grain borer) using standard protocols.RESULTS: In anthelmintic assay, Al.Cf F and Al.Sp F were most effective against P. posthuma and A. gal-li with average death times of 25.62 and 29.65 min respectively. Likewise the anthelmintic assay, Al.Sp F and Al.Cf F were most effective against H. indicola causing 90.36% and 73.24% lethality respectively. Furthermore, in anti-Pharaoh activity Al.Sp F, Al.Wt F, Al.Cf F, Al.Me F and Al.Cf F exhibited highest activity with LD50 of 78, 220, 260, 330 and > 800 mg/m L respectively. Al.Sp F and Al.Cf F were highly effective against R. dominica causing 80.11% and71.30% lethality respectively. Al.Sp F was found most active against T. castaneum.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the Al.Sp F, Al.Cf F and Al.Wt F extracted from A.laciniata L.may be the best options for the isolation of anthelmintic and bio-insecticidal compounds.