Combined Promoting Effects of Specific Organic Functional Groups and Alumina Surface Characteristics for the Design of a Highly Efficient NiMo/Al_(2)O_(3) Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst

To prepare a highly efficient NiMo/Al_(2)O_(3) hydrodesulfurization catalyst,the combined effects of specific organic functional groups and alumina surface characteristics were investigated.First,the correlation between the surface characteristics of four different alumina and the existing Mo species states was established.It was found that the Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity can be used as a specific descriptor to quantitatively evaluate the changes in surface characteristics of different alumina.A lower Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity for alumina means weaker metal-support interaction and the loaded Mo species are easier to transform into MoS2.However,the Mo-O-Al bonds still exist at the metal-support interface.The introduction of cationic surfactant hecadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide(CTAB)can further improve Mo species dispersion through electrostatic attraction with Mo anions and interaction of its alkyl chain with the alumina surface;meanwhile,the introduction of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA)can complex with Ni ions to enhance the Ni-promoting effect on Mo.Therefore,the NiMo catalyst designed using alumina with lower Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity and the simultaneous addition of EDTA and CTAB exhibits the highest hydrodesulfurization activity for 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene because of its proper metal-support interaction and more well-dispersed Ni-Mo-S active phases.

Introducing hydroxyl groups to tailor the d-band center of Ir atom through side anchoring for boosted ORR and HER

Tuning the coordination atoms of central metal is an effective means to improve the electrocatalytic activity of atomic catalysts.Herein,iridium(Ir) is proposed to be asymmetrically anchored by sp-N and pyridinic N of hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne(HsGDY),and coordinated with OH as an Ir atomic catalyst(Ir_(1)-N-HsGDY).The electron structures,especially the d-band center of Ir atom,are optimized by these specific coordination atoms.Thus,the as-synthesized Ir_(1)-N-HsGDY exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performances for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions in both acidic and alkaline media.Benefiting from the unique structure of HsGDY,IrN_(2)(OH)_(3) has been developed and demonstrated to act as the active site in these electrochemical reactions.All those indicate the fresh role of the sp-N in graphdiyne in producing a new anchor way and contributing to promote the electrocatalytic activity,showing a new strategy to design novel electrochemical catalysts.

Overstory functional groups indicate the legacy of land use in a secondary tropical forest in southwestern China

Anthropogenic disturbances are widespread in tropical forests and influence the species composition in the overstory.However,the impacts of historical disturbance on tropical forest overstory recovery are unclear due to a lack of disturbance data,and previous studies have focused on understory species.In this study,the purpose was to deter-mine the influence of historical disturbance on the diver-sity,composition and regeneration of overstory species in present forests.In the 20-ha Xishuangbanna tropical sea-sonal rainforest dynamics plot in southwestern China,the historical disturbance boundaries were delineated based on panchromatic photographs from 1965.Factors that drove species clustering in the overstory layer(DBH≥40 cm)were analyzed and the abundance,richness and composition of these species were compared among different tree groups based on multiple regression tree analysis.The coefficient of variation of the brightness value in historical panchro-matic photographs from 1965 was the primary driver of spe-cies clustering in the overstory layer.The abundance and richness of overstory species throughout the regeneration process were similar,but species composition was always different.Although the proportion of large-seeded and vigorous-sprouting species showed no significant differ-ence between disturbed and undisturbed forests in the tree-let layer(DBH<20 cm),the difference became significant when DBH increased.The findings highlight that historical disturbances have strong legacy effects on functional group composition in the overstory and the recovery of overstory species was multidimensional.Functional group composi-tion can better indicate the dynamics of overstory species replacement during secondary succession.

A Novel On-Site-Real-Time Method for Identifying Characteristic Parameters Using Ultrasonic Echo Groups and Neural Network

On-site and real-time non-destructive measurement of elastic constants for materials of a component in a in-service structure is a challenge due to structural complexities,such as ambiguous boundary,variable thickness,nonuniform material properties.This work develops for the first time a method that uses ultrasound echo groups and artificial neural network(ANN)for reliable on-site real-time identification of material parameters.The use of echo groups allows the use of lower frequencies,and hence more accommodative to structural complexity.To train the ANNs,a numerical model is established that is capable of computing the waveform of ultrasonic echo groups for any given set of material properties of a given structure.The waveform of an ultrasonic echo groups at an interest location on the surface the structure with material parameters varying in a predefined range are then computed using the numerical model.This results in a set of dataset for training the ANN model.Once the ANN is trained,the material parameters can be identified simultaneously using the actual measured echo waveform as input to the ANN.Intensive tests have been conducted both numerically and experimentally to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the currently proposed method.The results show that the maximum identification error of numerical example is less than 2%,and the maximum identification error of experimental test is less than 7%.Compared with currently prevailing methods and equipment,the proposefy the density and thickness,in addition to the elastic constants.Moreover,the reliability and accuracy of inverse prediction is significantly improved.Thus,it has broad applications and enables real-time field measurements,which has not been fulfilled by any other available methods or equipment.

How Group Leaders Build Stable Community Buying Groups:A Perspective Based on the Differential Mode of Association

Since 2016,community group buying has grown significantly in China,largely driven by its efficient logistics,supply chains,low prices,and convenience.This model has been further popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its effectiveness in meeting daily needs while minimizing human-to-human contact.A key component of this business model is the“group leaders”-influential individuals within a community responsible for managing group buying activities,which include order collection,supplier liaison,and goods distribution.Their primary task is to form and sustain a reliable community group buying consortium,a task that demands excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.This paper examines this phenomenon using the lens of the differential mode of association,a theoretical model explaining interpersonal relationships in traditional Chinese society.The research indicates that group leaders,through regular interaction with consumers,are able to alter their social network position,increase their influence,understand consumer needs,provide satisfying services,and enhance trust,thereby transforming consumers into loyal group buying participants.This transformation not only brings stability to group buying activities but also reinforces the community influence of group leaders,thus fostering the growth of community group buying.

Role of self-help groups on socioeconomic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)among rural women in Cooch Behar District,India

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups(SHGs)in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District,India,and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)of the United Nations.In this study,we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs,such as no poverty(SDG 1),zero hunger(SDG 2),good health and well-being(SDG 3),quality education(SDG 4),and gender equality(SDG 5).Given this issue,a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs.The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections,namely,demographic characteristics,socioeconomic development,and awareness level,with each focusing on different aspects.A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form.The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level,as supported by both mean values and t test results.Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women,which also achieves SDGs 1,2,3,4,and 5.This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures.Moreover,participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence,self-efficacy,and overall self-esteem of rural women.Finally,doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

A Simulation of the Dependence of Tidal Interaction on Galaxy Type in Compact Groups

We have investigated the role that different galaxy types have in galaxy-galaxy interactions in compact groups. N-body simulations of 6 galaxies consisting of a differing mixture of galaxy types were run to compare the relative importance of galaxy population demographic on evolution. Three different groups with differing galaxy content were tested: all spiral, a single elliptical and 50% elliptical. Tidal interaction strength and duration were recorded to assess the importance of an interaction. A group with an equal number of spiral and elliptical galaxies has some of the longest and strongest interactions with elliptical-elliptical interactions being most significant. These elliptical-elliptical interactions are not dominated by a single large event but consist of multiple interactions. Elliptical galaxies tidally interacting with spiral galaxies, have the next strongest interaction events. For the case when a group only has a single elliptical, the largest magnitude tidal interaction is an elliptical on a spiral. Spirals interact with each other through many small interactions. For a spiral only group, the interactions are the weakest compared to the other group types. These spiral interactions are not dominated by any singular event that might be expected to lead to a merger but are more of an ongoing harassment. These results suggest that within a compact group, early type galaxies will not form via merger out of an assemblage of spiral galaxies but rather that compact groups, in effect form around an early type galaxy.

Iran-Turkmenistan Relations:Cross-Border Ethnic Groups and Comprehensive Governance Strategies

This study delves into the bilateral relations between Iran and Turkmenistan,focusing on the multidimensional impacts of cross-border ethnic groups,cultural diplomacy,and energy cooperation.The research reveals that despite challenges in security cooperation,such as regional political ideological differences and uneven power distribution,Iran has adopted diverse strategies to enhance cultural identity,social cohesion,and promote economic cooperation.Iran actively seeks to repair relations with Turkmenistan by emphasizing shared historical and cultural backgrounds,particularly the presence of cross-border Turkmen ethnic groups.Specific measures include developing cultural tourism,organizing cultural weeks,and establishing commemorative days.In the economic sphere,the two countries have signed significant natural gas supply agreements,strengthening energy cooperation.Iranian leaders often emphasize“blood ties”and deep cultural connections in diplomatic statements,combining cultural diplomacy with practical economic cooperation.The study’s findings indicate that Iran’s initiatives have led to the reorganization of national space and social reconstruction in border regions,promoting changes in public policy.By integrating cultural identity,historical connections,and economic interests,Iran has adopted a sophisticated diplomatic approach,laying the foundation for more stable and enduring bilateral relations while contributing to regional stability and sustainable development.

Discussion on the Complex Structure of Nilpotent Lie Groups Gk

Consider the real, simply-connected, connected, s-step nilpotent Lie group G endowed with a left-invariant, integrable almost complex structure J, which is nilpotent. Consider the simply-connected, connected nilpotent Lie group Gk, defined by the nilpotent Lie algebra g/ak, where g is the Lie algebra of G, and ak is an ideal of g. Then, J gives rise to an almost complex structure Jk on Gk. The main conclusion obtained is as follows: if the almost complex structure J of a nilpotent Lie group G is nilpotent, then J can give rise to a left-invariant integrable almost complex structure Jk on the nilpotent Lie group Gk, and Jk is also nilpotent.

Cost analysis of radical resection of malignant breast tumors under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide and poses a severe threat to their health.Therefore,this study examined patients who underwent breast cancer surgery,analyzed hospitalization costs and structure,and explored the impact of China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups(CHS-DRG)management on patient costs.It aimed to provide medical institutions with ways to reduce costs,optimize cost structures,reduce patient burden,and improve service efficiency.AIM To study the CHS-DRG payment system’s impact on breast cancer surgery costs.METHODS Using the CHS-DRG(version 1.1)grouping criteria,4073 patients,who underwent the radical resection of breast malignant tumors from January to December 2023,were included in the JA29 group;1028 patients were part of the CHS-DRG payment system,unlike the rest.Through an independent sample t-test,the length of hospital stay as well as total hospitalization,medicine and consumables,medical,nursing,medical technology,and management expenses were compared.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test the cost correlation.RESULTS In terms of hospitalization expenses,patients in the CHS-DRG payment group had lower medical,nursing,and management expenses than those in the diagnosis-related group(DRG)non-payment group.For patients in the DRG payment group,the factors affecting the total hospitalization cost,in descending order of relevance,were medicine and consumable costs,consumable costs,medicine costs,medical costs,medical technology costs,management costs,nursing costs,and length of hospital stay.For patients in the DRG nonpayment group,the factors affecting the total hospitalization expenses in descending order of relevance were medicines and consumable expenses,consumable expenses,medical technology expenses,the cost of medicines,medical expenses,nursing expenses,length of hospital stay,and management expenses.CONCLUSION The CHS-DRG system can help control and reduce unnecessary medical expenses by controlling medicine costs,medical consumable costs,and the length of hospital stay while ensuring medical safety.

The Influence of Depression on Different Age and Gender Groups in Bahawalpur

In Bahawalpur,a cross-sectional study assessed depression prevalence across age and gender groups,involving 442 participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and settings.Utilizing the PHQ9 questionnaire,84%were found to meet depression levels.The findings revealed a higher incidence in females(88%)than males(79%),with the greatest disparity among young adults,particularly young women,due to factors like academic pressure and financial stress.School children had the lowest depression rates(68%),possibly due to better immunity.Elderly individuals exhibited more severe depression,likely related to aging and domestic challenges.The study’s findings highlight a significant variation in depression severity across different demographic groups,with an overall higher incidence in women.The research underscores the necessity for targeted mental health resources and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each demographic group.It also points to the importance of addressing academic and socioeconomic stressors to mitigate depression,particularly among young women.While the study provides valuable insights,it relies on self-reported data,which may introduce bias.Therefore,future research should include clinical assessments to validate these findings and ensure a more accurate representation of depression within the community.

Surgical treatment of liver cancer and pancreatic cancer under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system

BACKGROUND Data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that China had the highest prevalence of cancer and cancer deaths in 2022.Liver and pancreatic cancers accounted for the highest number of new cases.Real-world data(RWD)is now widely preferred to traditional clinical trials in various fields of medicine and healthcare,as the traditional research approach often involves highly selected populations and interventions and controls that are strictly regulated.Additionally,research results from the RWD match global reality better than those from traditional clinical trials.AIM To analyze the cost disparity between surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer under various factors.METHODS This study analyzed RWD 1137 cases within the HB1 group(patients who underwent pancreatectomy,hepatectomy,and/or shunt surgery)in 2023.It distinguished different expenditure categories,including medical,nursing,technical,management,drug,and consumable costs.Additionally,it assessed the contribution of each expenditure category to total hospital costs and performed cross-group comparisons using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test.This study used the Steel–Dwass test for post-hoc multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between variables.RESULTS The study found that in HB11 and HB13,the total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for pancreaticoduodenectomy than for pancreatectomy and hepatectomy.Although no significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy,both were significantly longer than those who underwent liver resection.In HB15,no significant difference was observed in the total cost of hospitalization between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy;however,both were significantly higher than those in hepatectomy.Additionally,the length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy than for those who underwent pancreatectomy or liver resection.CONCLUSION China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system positively impacts liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries by improving medical quality and controlling costs.Further research could refine this grouping system and ensure continuous effectiveness and sustainability.

Research on the High-Quality Development Path of Listed Private Education Groups

The rapid growth of the education industry and private education groups has brought the high-quality development of listed private education companies into focus for both the educational sector and the capital market.This study employs the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis(fsQCA)method to explore pathways to high-quality development for these companies.Necessity analysis confirms that no single factor guarantees a company’s success,highlighting the importance of multi-factor interactions.Three main paths to high-quality development are identified:human resource optimization,precise market positioning,and comprehensive advantage.Conversely,four development paths for non-high-level companies are identified:dual insufficiency in resources and market,high turnover and over-investment,scale expansion with resource mismatch,and inadequate human resource development.The findings indicate that optimal allocation of educational resources,precise market positioning,rational resource allocation,and staff training are crucial for achieving high-quality development.Robustness tests,which raise the consistency threshold,verify the reliability and stability of the results.These findings provide a reference for policymakers,investors,and managers in the education industry.

金融机构ESG投资的“漂绿”与“反漂绿”——基于DWSGroup的案例分析

深化绿色金融发展、助力经济绿色发展,是实现“双碳”目标的重要途径,特别是在ESG理念盛行的今天,金融机构的ESG投资行为因其深远影响而颇受投资者青睐,但层出不穷的“漂绿”现象也牢牢制约着绿色金融的发展,制约着ESG投资的发展。西方国家作为绿色金融发展先驱,从信息披露、制度监管、实践探索等方面对“漂绿”现象进行了研究和治理。本文在学习其先进经验的基础上,基于舞弊三角理论对DWSGroup案例进行分析,从压力、机会和自我合理化因素角度对金融机构ESG投资“漂绿”行为的动因进行分析,并据此提出我国“反漂绿”体系框架,以期为绿色金融的平稳发展和“双碳”目标的实现作出贡献。

Adsorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions by activated carbon with oxygen-containing functional groups

The adsorption of aqueous cadmium ions(Cd(Ⅱ)) have been investigated for modified activated carbon(AC-T)with oxygen-containing functional groups.The oxygen-containing groups of AC-T play an important role in Cd(Ⅱ) ion adsorption onto AC-T.The modified activated carbon is characterized by scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).The results of batch experiments indicate that the maximal adsorption could be achieved over the broad pH range of 4.5 to 6.5.Adsorption isotherms and kinetic study suggest that the sorption of Cd(Ⅱ) onto AC-T produces monolayer coverage and that adsorption is controlled by chemical adsorption.And the adsorbent has a good reusability.According to the FT-IR and XPS analyses,electrostatic attraction and cation exchange between Cd(Ⅱ) and oxygen-containing functional groups on AC-T are dominant mechanisms for Cd(Ⅱ) adsorption.

MXene terminating groups=O,–F or–OH,–F or=O,–OH,–F,or=O,–OH,–Cl?

MXenes are a novel family of two-dimensional(2D)materials that are fast gaining popularity due to their versatile characteristics.The surfaces of these materials are often functionalized by negatively charged terminal groups,such as=O,OH,and F during their synthesis,and it has been hypothesized that regulating the surface terminators enables to control the material characteristics.However,there is still a large gap between computational and experimental investigations regarding comprehending the surface functional groups.Surfaces with mixed terminations are consistently synthesized in experiments,although pure terminated surfaces are predicted by computational research.Here we summarized the nature of chemical bonding in transition metal carbide materials(MXenes)by1H and19F nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),Raman,X-ray absorption near edge structure(XANES),extended X-ray absorption fine structure(EXAFS),ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy(UPS),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)/scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM),and thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry(TGA-MS)characterizations.Previous literature reveals that=O,–OH,–F,and–Cl are typical MXene surface terminators.However,recent comparative investigations on the valence band intensity distribution in MXenes reveal that the–OH cannot be considered an intrinsic termination species in MXenes.The surface terminals(=O,–OH,–F,and–Cl)of several MXenes,particularly V2CTxand Ti3C2Tx,will be identified and quantified here.We have also discussed different etching approaches for the synthesis of MXene,the dependence of MXene conductivity on MXene terminating groups,and the emission of various gaseous products that evolved during its chemical transformations.This paper provides significance,especially in the field of energy conversion and storage materials,where the intercalation process is crucial.

MXene-Based Quantum Dots Optimize Hydrogen Production via Spontaneous Evolution of Cl-to O-Terminated Surface Groups

MXene quantum dots(MQDs)offer wide applications owing to the abundant surface chemistry,tunable energy-level structure,and unique properties.However,the application of MQDs in electrochemical energy conversion,including hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),remains to be realized,as it remains a challenge to precisely control the types of surface groups and tune the structure of energy levels in MQDs,owing to the high surface energy-induced strong agglomeration in post-processing.Consequently,the determination of the exact catalytically active sites and processes involved in such an electrocatalysis is challenging because of the complexity of the synthetic process and reaction conditions.Herein,we demonstrated the spontaneous evolution of the surface groups of the Ti_(2)CT_(x)MQDs(x:the content of O atom),i.e.,replacement of the-Cl functional groups by O-terminated ones during the cathode reaction.This process resulted in a low Gibbs free energy(0.26 eV)in HER.Our steady Ti_(2)CO_(x)/Cu_(2)O/Cu foam systems exhibited a low overpotential of 175 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2)in 1 M aq.KOH,and excellent operational stability over 165 h at a constant current density of-10 mA cm^(-2).

Predominating stable adsorption and direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase on carbon nanotubes by oxygen-containing groups

Stable adsorption and direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase （COx） occurred on nitric acid （HNO3）-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubcs （MWNTs） instead of as-received MWNTs, demonstrating the critical roles of oxygen-containing groups in stable adsorption and direct electrochemistry of GOx on carbon nanotubcs （CNTs）.

Stabilizing Buried Interface via Synergistic Effect of Fluorine and Sulfonyl Functional Groups Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

The interfacial defects and energy barrier are main reasons for interfacial nonradiative recombination.In addition,poor perovskite crystallization and incomplete conversion of PbI_(2) to perovskite restrict further enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of the devices using sequential deposition.Herein,a buried interface stabilization strategy that relies on the synergy of fluorine(F)and sulfonyl(S=O)functional groups is proposed.A series of potassium salts containing halide and non-halogen anions are employed to modify SnO_(2)/perovskite buried interface.Multiple chemical bonds including hydrogen bond,coordination bond and ionic bond are realized,which strengthens interfacial contact and defect passivation effect.The chemical interaction between modification molecules and perovskite along with SnO_(2) heightens incessantly as the number of S=O and F augments.The chemical interaction strength between modifiers and perovskite as well as SnO_(2) gradually increases with the increase in the number of S=O and F.The defect passivation effect is positively correlated with the chemical interaction strength.The crystallization kinetics is regulated through the compromise between chemical interaction strength and wettability of substrates.Compared with Cl−,all non-halogen anions perform better in crystallization optimization,energy band regulation and defect passivation.The device with potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide achieves a tempting efficiency of 24.17%.

Eff ects of stand condition and root density on fi ne-root dynamics across root functional groups in a subtropical montane forest

Fine roots play key roles in belowground C cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.Based on their distinct functions,fi ne roots are either absorptive fi ne roots(AFRs)or transport fi ne roots(TFRs).However,the function-based fi ne root dynamics of trees and their responses to forest stand properties remain unclear.Here,we studied the dynamics of AFRs and TFRs and their responses to stand conditions and root density in a subtropical montane mixed forest based on a 2-a root window experiment.Mean(±SE)annual production,mortality,and turnover rate of AFRs were 7.87±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),8.13±0.20 m m^(−2)a^(−1)and 2.96±0.24 a^(−1),respectively,compared with 7.09±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),4.59±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),and 2.01±0.22 a^(−1),respectively,for TFRs.The production and mortality of fi ne roots were signifi cantly higher in high root-density sites than in low-root density sites,whereas the turnover of fi ne roots was faster in the low root-density sites.Furthermore,root density had a larger positive eff ect than other environmental factors on TFR production but had no obvious impact on AFR production.Tree species diversity had an apparent positive eff ect on AFR production and was the crucial driver of AFR production,probably due to a complementary eff ect,but had no evident impact on TFR.Both tree density and tree species diversity were positively correlated with the mortality of AFRs and negatively related to the turnover of TFRs,suggesting that higher root density caused stronger competition for rooting space and that plants tend to reduce maintenance costs by decreasing TFR turnover.These fi ndings illustrated the importance of root functional groups in understanding root dynamics and their responses to changes in environmental conditions.