Mapping upland crop–rice cropping systems for targeted sustainable intensification in South China

Upland crop-rice cropping systems(UCR)facilitate sustainable agricultural intensification.Accurate UCR cultivation mapping is needed to ensure food security,sustainable water management,and rural revitalization.However,datasets describing cropping systems are limited in spatial coverage and crop types.Mapping UCR is more challenging than crop identification and most existing approaches rely heavily on accurate phenology calendars and representative training samples,which limits its applications over large regions.We describe a novel algorithm(RRSS)for automatic mapping of upland crop-rice cropping systems using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR)and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument(MSI)data.One indicator,the VV backscatter range,was proposed to discriminate UCR and another two indicators were designed by coupling greenness and pigment indices to further discriminate tobacco or oilseed UCR.The RRSS algorithm was applied to South China characterized by complex smallholder rice cropping systems and diverse topographic conditions.This study developed 10-m UCR maps of a major rice bowl in South China,the Xiang-Gan-Min(XGM)region.The performance of the RRSS algorithm was validated based on 5197 ground-truth reference sites,with an overall accuracy of 91.92%.There were7348 km^(2) areas of UCR,roughly one-half of them located in plains.The UCR was represented mainly by oilseed-UCR and tobacco-UCR,which contributed respectively 69%and 15%of UCR area.UCR patterns accounted for only one-tenth of rice production,which can be tripled by intensification from single rice cropping.Application to complex and fragmented subtropical regions suggested the spatiotemporal robustness of the RRSS algorithm,which could be further applied to generate 10-m UCR datasets for application at national or global scales.

Fast Two-dimensional Positioning Method of Crab Pulsar Based on Multiple Optimization Algorithms

In the two-dimensional positioning method of pulsars, the grid method is used to provide non-sensitive direction and positional estimates. However, the grid method has a high computational load and low accuracy due to the interval of the grid. To improve estimation accuracy and reduce the computational load, we propose a fast twodimensional positioning method for the crab pulsar based on multiple optimization algorithms(FTPCO). The FTPCO uses the Levenberg–Marquardt(LM) algorithm, three-point orientation(TPO) method, particle swarm optimization(PSO) and Newton–Raphson-based optimizer(NRBO) to substitute the grid method. First, to avoid the influence of the non-sensitive direction on positioning, we take an orbital error and the distortion of the pulsar profile as optimization objectives and combine the grid method with the LM algorithm or PSO to search for the non-sensitive direction. Then, on the sensitive plane perpendicular to the non-sensitive direction, the TPO method is proposed to fast search the sensitive direction and sub-sensitive direction. Finally, the NRBO is employed on the sensitive and sub-sensitive directions to achieve two-dimensional positioning of the Crab pulsar. The simulation results show that the computational load of the FTPCO is reduced by 89.4% and the positioning accuracy of the FTPCO is improved by approximately 38% compared with the grid method. The FTPCO has the advantage of high real-time accuracy and does not fall into the local optimum.

Imaging Analysis of Trabecular Bone Texture Based on the Initial Slope of Variogram of Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, a method for analyzing trabecular bone texture based on the initial slope of variogram (ISV) was used to assess the trabecular bone health. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were retrospectively studied. For each subject, a DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed, and bone mineral density (BMD) value was measured at the location of ultra-distal radius, X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day, and ISV value over the same location of ultra-distal radius was calculated. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the correlation between BMD and ISV of the trabecular bones located at the same ultra-distal radius. ISV values changed with subjects’ age were also reported. Results: The results show that ISV value was highly correlated with the DXA-measured BMD of the same trabecular bone located at the ultra-distal radius. The correlation coefficient between ISV and BMD with the 95% confident was 0.79 ± 0.09. They also demonstrated that the age-related changes in trabecular bone health and differentiated age patterns in males and females, respectively. The results showed that the decrease in BMD was accompanied by a decrease in the initial slope of variogram (ISV). Conclusions: This study suggests that ISV might be used to quantitatively evaluate trabecular health for osteoporosis and bone disease diagnosis.

Image-Based Ultrasound Speed Estimation: Phantom and Human Liver Studies

Purpose: A novel image-based method for speed of sound (SoS) estimation is proposed and experimentally validated on a tissue-mimicking ultrasound phantom and normal human liver in vivo using linear and curved array transducers. Methods: When the beamforming SoS settings are adjusted to match the real tissue’s SoS, the ultrasound image at regions of interest will be in focus and the image quality will be optimal. Based on this principle, both a tissue-mimicking ultrasound phantom and normal human liver in vivo were used in this study. Ultrasound image was acquired using different SoS settings in beamforming channels ranging from 1420 m/sec to 1600 m/sec. Two regions of interest (ROIs) were selected. One was in a fully developed speckle region, while the other contained specular reflectors. We evaluated the image quality of these two ROIs in images acquired at different SoS settings in beamforming channels by using the normalized autocorrelation function (ACF) of the image data. The values of the normalized ACF at a specific lag as a function of the SoS setting were computed. Subsequently, the soft tissue’s SoS was determined from the SoS setting at the minimum value of the normalized ACF. Results: The value of the ACF as a function of the SoS setting can be computed for phantom and human liver images. SoS in soft tissue can be determined from the SoS setting at the minimum value of the normalized ACF. The estimation results show that the SoS of the tissue-mimicking phantom is 1460 m/sec, which is consistent with the phantom manufacturer’s specification, and the SoS of the normal human liver is 1540 m/sec, which is within the range of the SoS in a healthy human liver in vivo. Conclusion: Soft tissue’s SoS can be determined by analyzing the normalized ACF of ultrasound images. The method is based on searching for a minimum of the normalized ACF of ultrasound image data with a specific lag among different SoS settings in beamforming channels.

A comparative study of 85 hyperelastic constitutive models for both unfilled rubber and highly filled rubber nanocomposite material

Nonlinear finite element analysis is widely used for structural optimization of the design and the reliability analysis of complex elastomeric components.However,high-precision numerical results cannot be achieved without reliable strain energy functions(SEFs)of the rubber or rubber nanocomposite material.Although hyperelastic constitutive models have been studied for nearly 80 years,selecting one that accurately describes rubber's mechanical response is still a challenge.This work reviews 85 isotropic SEFs based on both the phenomenological theory and the micromechanical network theory proposed from the 1940s to 2019.A fitting algorithm which can realize the automatic fitting optimization and determination of the parameters of all SEFs reviewed is developed.The ability of each SEF to reproduce the experimental data of both the unfilled and highly filled rubber nanocomposite is quantitatively assessed based on a new proposed evaluation index.The top 30 SEFs for the unfilled rubber and the top 14 SEFs for the highly filled rubber nanocomposite are presented in the ranking lists.Finally,some suggestions on how to select an appropriate hyperelastic constitutive model are given,and the perspective on the future progress of constitutive models is summarized.

Low-cost preparation of mesoporous silica with high pore volume

Mesoporous silica materials with high pore volume were successfully prepared by the chemical precipitation method, with water glass and a biodegradable nonionic surfactant polyethylene glycol （PEG）. The obtained materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, thermo gravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry （TG-DSC）, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The results showed that the changes of the pore parameters depended on both the surfactant content and heat treatment temperature. When the content of PEG was 10wt% and the obtained PEG/SiO2 composite was heated at 600℃, the mesoporous silica with a pore volume of 2.2 cma/g, a BET specific surface area of 361.55 m^2/g, and a diameter of 2-4 μm could be obtained. The obtained mesoporous silica materials have potential applications in the fields of paint and plastic, as thickening, reinforcing, and flatting agents.

A computational simulation study for techno-economic comparison of conventional and stripping gas methods for natural gas dehydration

In the present work,the conventional natural gas dehydration method(CDM)and stripping gas method(SGM)are technically and economically analyzed,utilizing Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer(APEA),respectively.To optimize the CDM and SGM,the sensitivities of the water content of dry gas,reboiler duty and raw material loss are analyzed against solvent rate and stripping gas rate.The optimized processes are set to achieve a targeted value of water content in dry gas and analyzed at optimized point.The analysis shows that SGM gives 46%lower TEG feed rate,42%lower reboiler duty and 99.97%pure regenerated TEG.Moreover,economic analysis reveals that SGM has 38%lower annual operating cost compared to CDM.According to results,from both technical and economic point of view,SGM is more feasible for natural gas dehydration compared to CDM.

Recent progress in the green synthesis of rare-earth doped upconversion nanophosphors for optical bioimaging from cells to animals

Rare-earth doped upconversion nanophosphors(UCNPs), which convert low energy near-infrared(NIR) photons into high energy photons such as ultraviolet, visible light and NIR light, have found various applications in optical bioimaging. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis and applications of UCNPs achieved by us and other groups in the past few years. The approaches for the synthesis of UCNPs are presented,with an emphasis on the role of green chemistry in the advancement of this field, followed by a focused overview on their latest applications in optical bioimaging from subcellular structures through cells to living animals. Challenges and opportunities for the use of UCNPs in biomedical diagnosis and therapy are discussed.

Fabrication of a High-Performance and Reusable Planar Face Mask in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused a surge in demand for face masks,with the massive consumption of masks leading to an increase in resource-related and environmental con-cerns.In this work,we fabricated meltblown polypropylene(mb-PP)-based high-performance planar face masks and investigated the effects of six commonly used disinfection methods and various mask-wearing periods on the reusability of these masks.The results show that,after three cycles of treatment using hot water at 70℃ for 30 min,which is one of the most scalable,user-friendly methods for viral disinfection,the particle filtration efficiency(PFE)of the mask remained almost unchanged.After mask wearing for 24 h and subsequent disinfection using the same treatment procedures,the PFE decreased to 91.3%;the average number of bacterial and fungal colonies was assessed to be 9.2 and 51.6 colony-forming units per gram(CFU∙g^(-1)),respectively;and coliform and pyogenic bacteria were not detected.Both the PFE and the microbial indicators are well above the standard for reusable masks after disinfection.Schlieren pho-tography was then used to assess the capabilities of used and disinfected masks during use;it showed that the masks exhibit a high performance in suppressing the spread of breathed air.

A Novel Route to Prepare Nanocomposites in Larger Scale

A novel route to prepare nanocomposites was illustrated through preparing overbased calcium petroleum sulfonate lubricating oil detergent, where the rotating packed bed （RPB） was used as reactor in place of conventional reaction vessel. The results showed that the carbonation efficiency is improved, the raw materials consumption is reduced, and the dispersibilities, sizes and morphologies of nano-sized CaCO3 particles in overbased detergent are enhanced. It is deduced reasonably that this route can be extensively applied to nanocomposites preparation in appropriate conditions and would be a platform technology in this field.

Synthesis of nano-CaCO_3 composite particles and their application

Nano-calcium carbonate composite particles were synthesized by the soapless emulsion polymerization technique of double monomers. The composite particles formation mechanism was investigated. The effects of composite particles on the mechanical properties of nano-CaCO3-ABS （acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer） composite material were studied. It was validated that the composite particles are made up of the nano-calcium carbonate cores and the shells of alternating copolymers of butyl acrylate （BA） and styrene （St）. The shells are chemically grafted and physically wrapped on the surface of nano-calcium carbonate particles. When the composite particles were filled in ABS matrix, the CaCO3 particles are homogeneously dispersed in the composite material as nanoscales. The impact strength of the composite material is obviously enhanced after filling appropriate amounts of composite particles. It can be concluded that the soapless emulsion polymerization of double monomers is an effective method for nano-CaCO3 surface treatment. 2008 University of Science and Technology Beijing. All rights reserved.

Liquid-solid mass transfer in a rotating packed bed reactor with structured foam packing

A rotating packed bed(RPB) reactor has substantially potential for the process intensification of heterogeneous catalytic reactions. However, the scarce knowledge of the liquid–solid mass transfer in the RPB reactor is a barrier for its design and scale-up. In this work, the liquid–solid mass transfer in a RPB reactor installed with structured foam packing was experimentally studied using copper dissolution by potassium dichromate. Effects of rotational speed, liquid and gas volumetric flow rate on the liquid–solid mass transfer coefficient(kLS) have been investigated. The correlation for predicting kLSwas proposed, and the deviation between the experimental and predicted values was within±12%. The liquid–solid volumetric mass transfer coefficient(kLSaLS) ranged from 0.04–0.14 1^-1, which was approximately 5 times larger than that in the packed bed reactor. This work lays the foundation for modeling of the RPB reactor packed with structured foam packing for heterogeneous catalytic reaction.

Numerical and experimental investigations of liquid mixing in two-stage micro-impinging stream reactors

A two-stage micro-impinging stream reactor(TS-MISR) that combined a first pre-mixing stage with a second micro-impinging stream reacting stage for continuous multi-component reacting systems has been built from commercial T-junctions and steel micro-capillaries. Both of operating parameters and reactor configurations,such as jet Reynolds number(Rej), volumetric flow ratio(R), the first-stage junction angle(φ), the connecting capillary length(Lc) and connecting capillary diameter(dc), had significant effects on the micromixing efficiency of the reactor. Such effects were investigated for both of the two stage structures, respectively, by experimental and CFD methods and were optimized for the best micromixing performance. Intensified micromixing among at least three reacting components can be achieved in a continuous mode by using TS-MISR; therefore, it is expected that the TS-MISR will produce products of higher quality with more uniform and stable element distribution.

A two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed for intensification of continuous distillation

A two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed(TSBP-RPB) was designed and developed for the intensification of continuous distillation. The mass transfer parameters of the TSBP-RPB were investigated using a chemisorption system. Continuous distillation experiments were conducted in the TSBP-RPB by the methanol–water binary system. Experimental results showed that values of the effective interfacial area and liquid-side mass transfer coefficient of the TSBP-RPB were 93–337 m^2·m^(-3) and 0.05–0.19 cm·s^(-1), respectively. The height of equivalent theoretical plate(HETP) of the TSBP-RPB ranged from 1.9 to 10 cm. Moreover, the TSBP-RPB is easy to be manufactured, which shows great potential for the application of continuous distillation.

用于生物医学应用的基于微藻的生物杂化材料的合理设计和开发

微藻是一种体积微小的真核生物,可通过叶绿素a的光合作用将二氧化碳转化为多种生物活性物质。在过去的十年中,有关活体微藻和其他生物相容性成分组成的生物杂化材料在解决许多医学难题中显示出巨大的潜力,如肿瘤治疗、组织重建和药物输送。固定在常规生物材料中的微藻可以长时间维持其光合活性从而在局部提供氧气,同时也可作为调节细胞活性的生物相容性界面材料。微藻的运动性还激发了生物杂交机器人的发展,其中药物分子可通过非共价键吸附结合至微藻表面,并通过精确控制其运动轨迹将药物输送到目标区域。此外,微藻的自发荧光、趋光性和生物质生产可以整合到具有多种功能的新型生物杂化材料的设计中;通过基因工程改造的微藻可以赋予生物杂交材料新的特性,如特异性细胞靶向能力和从藻类细胞中局部释放重组蛋白——这些技术技术有望促进微藻基生物杂交材料(MBBM)在多个生物医学领域的临床应用。本文总结了MBBM的制造、生理学和运动能力;然后,回顾了MBBM近年来在生物医学领域的典型应用报告;最后,对MBBM的挑战和未来前景进行了讨论。

Synthesis and Photoconductivity of Nanosized Phthalocyanine

Functional phthalocyanine （Pc） compounds of H2Pc, TiOPc, FePc and CIAIPc were synthesized with a yield of 46.7%, 91.2%, 37.4% and 34.0%, respectively. Nanosized TiOPc was synthesized via a one-step sol-gel method and effects of surfactant doses, nucleation temperature on TiOPc particle size and photoconductivity were investigated. When re（PEG）： m（TiOPc） was 0.1 and nucleation temperature was 0℃, the as-obtained TiOPc had the smallest particle size and largest specific surface area, which were 60 nm and 83m^2/g, respectively. TiOPc synthesized under these conditions also exhibits excellent photoconductivity with charging potential V0, dark decay speed Rd and energy for half-discharging of potential E1/2 being 1160 V, 30 V/s and 0.6 1x.s, respectively.

Topological photonic states in gyromagnetic photonic crystals:Physics,properties,and applications

Topological photonic states(TPSs)as a new type of waveguide state with one-way transport property can resist backscattering and are impervious to defects,disorders and metallic obstacles.Gyromagnetic photonic crystal(GPC)is the first artificial microstructure to implement TPSs,and it is also one of the most important platforms for generating truly one-way TPSs and exploring their novel physical properties,transport phenomena,and advanced applications.Herein,we present a brief review of the fundamental physics,novel properties,and practical applications of TPSs based on GPCs.We first examine chiral one-way edge states existing in uniformly magnetized GPCs of ordered and disordered lattices,antichiral one-way edge states in cross magnetized GPCs,and robust one-way bulk states in heterogeneously magnetized GPCs.Then,we discuss the strongly coupling effect between two co-propagating(or counter-propagating)TPSs and the resulting physical phenomena and device applications.Finally,we analyze the key issues and prospect the future development trends for TPSs in GPCs.The purpose of this brief review is to provide an overview of the main features of TPSs in GPC systems and offer a useful guidance and motivation for interested scientists and engineers working in related scientific and technological areas.

Silicon cuboid nanoantenna with simultaneous large Purcell factor for electric dipole,magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission

The Purcell effect is commonly used to increase the spontaneous emission rate by modifying the local environment of a light emitter.Here,we propose a silicon dielectric cuboid nanoantenna for simultaneously enhancing electric dipole(ED),magnetic dipole(MD)and electric quadrupole(EQ)emission.We study the scattering cross section,polarization charge distribution,and electromagnetic field distribution for electromagnetic plane wave illuminating the silicon dielectric cuboid nanoantenna,from which we have identified simultaneous existence of ED,MD and EQ resonance modes in this nanoantenna.We have calculated the Purcell factor of ED,MD and EQ emitters with different moment orientations as a function of radiation wavelength by placing these point radiation source within the nanoantenna,respectively.We find that the resonances wavelengths of the Purcell factor spectrum are matching with the resonance modes in the nanoan-tenna.Moreover,the maximum Purcell factor of these ED,MD and EQ emitters is 18,150 and 118 respectively,occur-ring at the resonance wavelength of 475,750,and 562 nm,respectively,all within the visible range.The polarization charge distribution features allow us to clarify the excitation and radiation of these resonance modes as the physical ori-gin of large Purcell factor simultaneously occurring in this silicon cuboid nanoantenna.Our theoretical results might help to deeply explore and design the dielectric nanoantenna as an ideal candidate to enhance ED,MD and EQ emission simultaneously with very small loss in the visible range,which is superior than the more popular scheme of plasmonic nanoantenna.

Configurable topological beam splitting via antichiral gyromagnetic photonic crystal

Antichiral gyromagnetic photonic crystal(GPC)in a honeycomb lattice with the two interpenetrating triangular sublattices A and B magnetically biased in opposite directions can realize antichiral one-way edge states propagating along the same direction at its two parallel edges.Here,we report the construction and observation of topological beam splitting with the easily adjustable right-to-left ratio in an antichiral GPC.The splitter is compact and configurable,has high trans-mission efficiency,and allows for multi-channel utilization,crosstalk-proof,and robust against defects and obstacles.This magnificent performance is attributed to the peculiar property that antichiral one-way edge states exist only at zigzag edge but not at armchair edge of antichiral GPC.When we combine two rectangular antichiral GPCs holding left-and right-propagating antichiral one-way edge states respectively,bidirectionally radiating one-way edge states at two paral-lel zigzag edges can be achieved.Our observations can enrich the understanding of fundamental physics and expand to-pological photonic applications.

High-gravity technology intensified Knoevenagel condensation-Michael addition polymerization of poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) for blood-brain barrier delivery

Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate)(PEG-PBCA)is a remarkable drug delivery carrier for permeating blood-brain barrier.In this work,a novel high-gravity procedure was reported to intensify Knoevenagel condensation-Michael addition polymerization of PEG-PBCA.A series of PEG-PBCA containing different block ratios were synthesized with narrow molecular weight distribution of polydispersity indexes less than 1.1.Furthermore,the reaction time reduced 60%compared to conventional stirred tank reactor process.Chemical structures of as-prepared polymers were characterized.In vitro drug delivery performance was evaluated.The cytotoxicity of PEG-PBCA to brain microvessel endothelial cells(BMVEC)decreases with the extension of the PEG chain and the shortening of the PBCA chain.The polymer cellular uptake to BMVECs was better after improving hydrophilicity by PEG block.Results of bloodbrain barrier permeability demonstrated that medium length of PBCA chain and short PEG chain are favorable for hydrophobic Nile red permeation,while long PEG chain and short PBCA chain are beneficial to delivery water-soluble doxorubicin hydrochloride(Dox).The average apparent permeability coeffi-cient increased 1.7 and 0.25 times than that of raw Nile red and Dox,respectively.High-gravity intensi-fied condensation polymerization should have great potential in brain drug delivery system.