Hydrogen release of NaBH_(4) below 60 ℃ with binary eutectic mixture of xylitol and erythritol additive

NaBH_(4) was widely regarded as a low-cost hydrogen storage material due to its high-mass hydrogen capacity of approximately 10.8%(mass)and high volumetric hydrogen capacity of around 115 g·L^(–1).However,it exhibits strong stability and requires temperatures above 500℃ for hydrogen release in practical applications.In this study,two polyhydric alcohols,xylitol and erythritol(XE),were prepared as a binary eutectic sugar alcohol through a grinding-melting method.This binary eutectic sugar alcohol was used as a proton-hydrogen carrier to destabilize NaBH_(4).The 19NaBH_(4)-16XE composite material prepared by ball milling could start releasing hydrogen at 57.5℃,and the total hydrogen release can reach over 88.8%(4.45%(mass))of the theoretical capacity.When the 19NaBH_(4)-16XE composite was pressed into solid blocks,the volumetric hydrogen capacity of the block-shaped composite could reach 67.2 g·L^(–1).By controlling the temperature,the hydrogen desorption capacity of the NaBH_(4)-XE composite material was controllable,which has great potential for achieving solid-state hydrogen production from NaBH_(4).

Synthesis and Design of Distillation Columns for Wide-Boiling Binary Mixtures with Vapor Recompression Heat Pumps

The vapor recompression heat pump(VRHP) distillation technology offers significant improvements in energy efficiency for distillation systems with small temperature differences between the top and bottom of the column. However, the separation of wide-boiling binary mixtures leads to substantial temperature differences between the top and bottom of the column. This limits the applicability of conventional VRHP due to high capital costs and strict performance requirements of the compressor. To overcome these challenges and to accommodate compressor operating conditions, a novel synthesis and design method is introduced to integrate VRHPs with wide-boiling binary mixture distillation columns(WBMDCs). This method enables quick determination of an initial configuration for the integrated WBMDC-VRHP system and helps identify the optimum configuration with the minimum total annual cost. Two examples, namely the separation of benzene/toluene and isopropanol/chlorobenzene, are employed to derive optimum configurations of the WBMDC-VRHP and compare them with the WBMDC. A systematic comparison between the WBMDC-VRHP and WBMDC demonstrates the superior steady-state performance and economic efficiency of the WBMDC-VRHP.

Generating Sets of the Complete Semigroup of Binary Relations Defined by Semilattices of the Class Σ8(X, 5)

In this article, we study generating sets of the complete semigroups of binary relations defined by X-semilattices of unions of the class Σ8(X, 5). Found uniquely irreducible generating set for the given semigroups and when X is finite set formulas for calculating the number of elements in generating sets are derived.

Joint Effects of Multipollutant Mixtures on Mortality in Chengdu,China

Significant epidemiological research has revealed that exposure to air pollution is substantially associated with numerous detrimental health consequences^([1-3]).The negative health effects of individual air pollutants(e.g.,fine particulate matter:PM_(2.5);nitrogen dioxide:NO_(2);carbon monoxide,CO;or ozone:O_(3))have been widely explored^([4]).However,humans are constantly exposed to multipollutant mixtures in real life,and biological responses to inhaled pollutants are likely to depend on the interplay of pollutant mixtures.Therefore,it is critical and imperative to explore the joint effects of multipollutant mixtures on human beings.

Boosting MA-based two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cells by incorporating a binary spacer

Two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper(2DRP)perovskite exhibits excellent stability in perovskite solar cells(PSCs)due to introducing hydrophobic long-chain organic spacers.However,the poor charge transporting property of bulky organic cation spacers limits the performance of 2DRP PSCs.Inspired by the Asite cation alloying strategy in 3D perovskites,2DRP perovskites with a binary spacer can promote charge transporting compared to the unary spacer counterparts.Herein,the superior MA-based 2DRP perovskite films with a binary spacer,including 3-guanidinopropanoic acid(GPA)and 4-fluorophenethylamine(FPEA)are realized.These films(GPA_(0.85)FPEA_(0.15))_(2)MA_(4)Pb_5I_(16)show good morphology,large grain size,decreased trap state density,and preferential orientation of the as-prepared film.Accordingly,the present 2DRP-based PSC with the binary spacer achieves a remarkable efficiency of 18.37%with a V_(OC)of1.15 V,a J_(SC)of 20.13 mA cm^(-2),and an FF of 79.23%.To our knowledge,the PCE value should be the highest for binary spacer MA-based 2DRP(n≤5)PSCs to date.Importantly,owing to the hydrophobic fluorine group of FPEA and the enhanced interlayer interaction by FPEA,the unencapsulated 2DRP PSCs based on binary spacers exhibit much excellent humidity stability and thermal stability than the unary spacer counterparts.

Optimization of Biofuel Formulation by Mixture Design

With the full growth of energy needs in the world, several studies are now focused on finding renewable sources. The aim of this work is to optimise biofuel formulation from a mixture design by studying physical properties, such as specific gravity and kinematic viscosity of various formulated mixtures. Optimization from the mixture plan revealed that in the chosen experimental domain, the optimal conditions are: 40% for used frying oil (UFO), 50% for bioethanol and 10% for diesel. These experimental conditions lead to a biofuel with a density of 0.84 and a kinematic viscosity of 2.97 cSt. These parameters are compliant with the diesel quality certificate in tropical areas. These density and viscosity values were determined according to respective desirability values of 0.68 and 0.75.

Timing and Spectral Analysis of the Black Hole X-Ray Binary MAXI J1803-298 with Insight-HXMT Data

We present a comprehensive analysis of the 2021 outburst of MAXI J1803–298 utilizing observations of the Insight-Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope(Insight-HXMT)spanning from the low hard state to the high soft state.Within the Insight-HXMT data set,compared to the previous work,we identify a more prolonged presence of typeC quasi-periodic oscillations(QPOs)with centroid frequencies ranging from~0.16 to 6.3 Hz,which present correlations with the hardness ratio and the photon index of the Comptonized component.For QPO frequencies less than~2 Hz,the QPO phase lags are hard(photons of 10–19 keV arrive later than those of 1–4 keV),while at higher frequencies,the lags become soft at and above~4 Hz.Furthermore,the spectra in all Insight-HXMT observations consist of a multi-color blackbody component and a Comptonized component,as commonly observed in classical black hole X-ray binaries.We analyze state transitions and the evolution of accretion geometry in this work.The fitted inner disk radius increases abnormally during the low hard state,hypothesized to result from the corona condensing onto the inner disk.Additionally,two significant drops in flux are observed during the soft intermediate state,maybe implying changes in the corona/jet and the disk,respectively.

Molecular packing tuning via chlorinated end group enables efficient binary organic solar cells over 18.5%

Designing novel nonfullerene acceptors(NFAs)is of vital importance for the development of organic solar cells(OSC).Modification on the side chain and end group are two powerful tools to construct efficient NFAs.Here,based on the high-performance L8BO,we selected 3-ethylheptyl to substitute the inner chain of 2-ethylhexyl,obtaining the backbone of BON3.Then we introduced different halogen atoms of fluorine and chlorine on 2-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1Hinden-1-ylidene)malononitrile end group(EG)to construct efficient NFAs named BON3-F and BON3-Cl,respectively.Polymer donor D18 was chosen to combine with two novel NFAs to construct OSC devices.Impressively,D18:BON3-Cl-based device shows a remarkable power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 18.57%,with a high open-circuit voltage(V_(OC))of 0.907 V and an excellent fill factor(FF)of 80.44%,which is one of the highest binary PCE of devices based on D18 as the donor.However,BON3-F-based device shows a relatively lower PCE of 17.79%with a decreased FF of 79.05%.The better photovoltaic performance is mainly attributed to the red-shifted absorption,higher electron and hole mobilities,reduced charge recombination,and enhanced molecular packing in the D18:BON3-Cl films.Also,we performed stability tests on two binary systems;the D18:BON3-Cl and D18:BON3-F devices maintain 88.1%and 85.5%of their initial efficiencies after 169 h of storage at 85°C in an N2-filled glove box,respectively.Our work demonstrates the importance of selecting halogen atoms on EG and provides an efficient binary system of D18:BON3-Cl for further improvement of PCE.

First Light Curve Analysis of NSVS 8294044,V1023 Her,and V1397 Her Contact Binary Systems

The first photometric light curve investigation of the NSVS 8294044,V1023 Her,and V1397 Her binary systems is presented.We used ground-based observations for the NSVS 8294044 system and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data for V1023 Her and V1397 Her.The primary and secondary times of minima were extracted from al the data,and,by collecting the literature,a new ephemeris was computed for each system.Linear fits for the O-C diagrams were conducted using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.Light curve solutions were performed using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs Python code and the MCMC approach.The systems were found to be contact binary stars based on the fillout factor and mass ratio.V1023 Her showed the O’Connell effect and a cold starspot on the secondary component was required for the light curve solution.The absolute parameters of the system were estimated based on an empirical relationship between orbital period and mass.We presented a new T–M equation based on a sample of 428 contact binary systems and found that our three target systems were in good agreement with the fit.The positions of the systems were also depicted on the M–L,M–R,q–L_(ratio),and M_(tot)–J_(0)diagrams in the logarithmic scales.

V0405 Dra:A New Deep and Low Mass Ratio Contact Binary with Extremely Fast Decrease in the Orbital Period

V0405 Dra is a W UMa-type binary star.Based on the TESS data,we have conducted an orbital period study and performed a light curve analysis for the system.The orbital period study reveals that the O-C curve for V0405 Dra exhibits secular decrease at an extremely high rate of d P/dt=-2.71×10^(-6)day year^(-1),along with periodic variations characterized by an amplitude of A_(3)=0.0032 day and a period of P_(3)=1.413 years.The orbital periodic change is possibly due to the light-travel time effect resulting from an additional third body in the system,for which we estimate a minimum mass of M_(3)=0.77M_(⊙).By employing the 2013 version of the Wilson-Devinney(W-D)method to synthesize a light curve,we derived photometric solutions indicating that V0405 Dra is a new deep(f=68.7%)and low-mass ratio(q=0.175)contact binary.The fast decrease in its orbital period is likely caused by mass transfer from the more massive primary star to the less massive secondary star,or due to angular momentum loss.With further mass transfer and loss of angular momentum,the binary will gradually evolve into a tighter contact configuration,eventually leading to a merger into a single star,following the evolutionary paths suggested for such deep and low mass ratio contact binaries.

Optimal preparation of Bose and Fermi atomic gas mixtures of ^(87)Rb and ^(40)K in a crossed optical dipole trap

We report on the optimal production of the Bose and Fermi mixtures with ^(87) Rb and ^(40)K in a crossed optical dipole trap(ODT).We measure the atomic number and lifetime of the mixtures in combination of the spin state |F=9/2,m_(F)=9/2> of^(40)K and |1,1>of ^(87) Rb in the ODT,which is larger and longer compared with the combination of the spin state |9/2,9/2> of^(40)K and 12,2) of ^(87)Rb in the ODT.We observe the atomic numbers of ^(87)Rb and ^(40)K shown in each stage of the sympathetic cooling process while gradually reducing the depth of the optical trap.By optimizing the relative loading time of atomic mixtures in the MOT,we obtain the large atomic number of ^(40)K(~6 ×10^(6)) or the mixtures of atoms with an equal number(~1.6 × 10^(6)) at the end of evaporative cooling in the ODT.We experimentally investigate the evaporative cooling in an enlarged volume of the ODT via adding a third laser beam to the crossed ODT and found that more atoms(8 × 10^(6)) and higher degeneracy(T/T_(F)=0.25) of Fermi gases are obtained.The ultracold atomic gas mixtures pave the way to explore phenomena such as few-body collisions and the Bose-Fermi Hubbard model,as well as for creating ground-state molecules of ^(87)Rb^(40)K.

Predicting carbon storage of mixed broadleaf forests based on the finite mixture model incorporating stand factors,site quality,and aridity index

The diameter distribution function(DDF)is a crucial tool for accurately predicting stand carbon storage(CS).The current key issue,however,is how to construct a high-precision DDF based on stand factors,site quality,and aridity index to predict stand CS in multi-species mixed forests with complex structures.This study used data from70 survey plots for mixed broadleaf Populus davidiana and Betula platyphylla forests in the Mulan Rangeland State Forest,Hebei Province,China,to construct the DDF based on maximum likelihood estimation and finite mixture model(FMM).Ordinary least squares(OLS),linear seemingly unrelated regression(LSUR),and back propagation neural network(BPNN)were used to investigate the influences of stand factors,site quality,and aridity index on the shape and scale parameters of DDF and predicted stand CS of mixed broadleaf forests.The results showed that FMM accurately described the stand-level diameter distribution of the mixed P.davidiana and B.platyphylla forests;whereas the Weibull function constructed by MLE was more accurate in describing species-level diameter distribution.The combined variable of quadratic mean diameter(Dq),stand basal area(BA),and site quality improved the accuracy of the shape parameter models of FMM;the combined variable of Dq,BA,and De Martonne aridity index improved the accuracy of the scale parameter models.Compared to OLS and LSUR,the BPNN had higher accuracy in the re-parameterization process of FMM.OLS,LSUR,and BPNN overestimated the CS of P.davidiana but underestimated the CS of B.platyphylla in the large diameter classes(DBH≥18 cm).BPNN accurately estimated stand-and species-level CS,but it was more suitable for estimating stand-level CS compared to species-level CS,thereby providing a scientific basis for the optimization of stand structure and assessment of carbon sequestration capacity in mixed broadleaf forests.

Enhancing Hyper-Spectral Image Classification with Reinforcement Learning and Advanced Multi-Objective Binary Grey Wolf Optimization

Hyperspectral(HS)image classification plays a crucial role in numerous areas including remote sensing(RS),agriculture,and the monitoring of the environment.Optimal band selection in HS images is crucial for improving the efficiency and accuracy of image classification.This process involves selecting the most informative spectral bands,which leads to a reduction in data volume.Focusing on these key bands also enhances the accuracy of classification algorithms,as redundant or irrelevant bands,which can introduce noise and lower model performance,are excluded.In this paper,we propose an approach for HS image classification using deep Q learning(DQL)and a novel multi-objective binary grey wolf optimizer(MOBGWO).We investigate the MOBGWO for optimal band selection to further enhance the accuracy of HS image classification.In the suggested MOBGWO,a new sigmoid function is introduced as a transfer function to modify the wolves’position.The primary objective of this classification is to reduce the number of bands while maximizing classification accuracy.To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach,we conducted experiments on publicly available HS image datasets,including Pavia University,Washington Mall,and Indian Pines datasets.We compared the performance of our proposed method with several state-of-the-art deep learning(DL)and machine learning(ML)algorithms,including long short-term memory(LSTM),deep neural network(DNN),recurrent neural network(RNN),support vector machine(SVM),and random forest(RF).Our experimental results demonstrate that the Hybrid MOBGWO-DQL significantly improves classification accuracy compared to traditional optimization and DL techniques.MOBGWO-DQL shows greater accuracy in classifying most categories in both datasets used.For the Indian Pine dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL architecture achieved a kappa coefficient(KC)of 97.68%and an overall accuracy(OA)of 94.32%.This was accompanied by the lowest root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.94,indicating very precise predictions with minimal error.In the case of the Pavia University dataset,the MOBGWO-DQL model demonstrated outstanding performance with the highest KC of 98.72%and an impressive OA of 96.01%.It also recorded the lowest RMSE at 0.63,reinforcing its accuracy in predictions.The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed MOBGWO-DQL architecture not only reaches a highly accurate model more quickly but also maintains superior performance throughout the training process.

A Bayesian Mixture Model Approach to Disparity Testing

The topic of this article is one-sided hypothesis testing for disparity, i.e., the mean of one group is larger than that of another when there is uncertainty as to which group a datum is drawn. For each datum, the uncertainty is captured with a given discrete probability distribution over the groups. Such situations arise, for example, in the use of Bayesian imputation methods to assess race and ethnicity disparities with certain insurance, health, and financial data. A widely used method to implement this assessment is the Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding (BISG) method which assigns a discrete probability over six race/ethnicity groups to an individual given the individual’s surname and address location. Using a Bayesian framework and Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling from the joint posterior distribution of the group means, the probability of a disparity hypothesis is estimated. Four methods are developed and compared with an illustrative data set. Three of these methods are implemented in an R-code and one method in WinBUGS. These methods are programed for any number of groups between two and six inclusive. All the codes are provided in the appendices.

Sensing the heavy water concentration in an H_(2)O-D_(2)O mixture by solid-solid phononic crystals

A new method based on phononic crystals is presented to detect the concentration of heavy water(D_(2)O)in an H_(2)O-D_(2)O mixture.Results have been obtained and analyzed in the concentration range of 0%-10%and 90%-100%D_(2)O.A proposed structure of tungsten scatterers in an aluminum host is studied.In order to detect the target material,a cavity region is considered as a sound wave resonator in which the target material with different concentrations of D_(2)O is embedded.By changing the concentration of D_(2)O in the H_(2)O-D_(2)O mixture,the resonance frequency undergoes a frequency shift.Each 1%change in D_(2)O concentration in the H_(2)O-D_(2)O mixture causes a frequency change of about 120 Hz.The finite element method is used as the numerical method to calculate and analyze the natural frequencies and transmission spectra of the proposed sensor.The performance evaluation index shows a high Q factor up to 1475758 and a high sensitivity up to 13075,which are acceptable values for sensing purposes.The other figures of merit related to the detection performance also indicate high-quality performance of the designed sensor.

Multiscale Study on Low Temperature Crack Resistance Mechanism of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixture

The objective of this paper was to study low temperature crack resistance mechanism of steel slag asphalt mixture(SAM).Thermal stress restrained specimen test(TSRST)and three-point bending test were carried out to evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM and basalt asphalt mixture(BAM).Based on the digital image correlation technique(DIC),the strain field distribution and crack propagation of SAM were analyzed from the microscopic point of view,and a new index,crack length factor(C),was proposed to evaluate the crack resistance of the asphalt mixture.The crystal phase composition and microstructure of steel slag aggregate(SA)and basalt aggregate(BA)were studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)to explore the low-temperature crack resistance mechanism of SAM.Results show that the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM is better than that of BAM;SAM has good integrity and persistent elastic deformation,and its bending failure mode is a hysteretic quasi-brittle failure;The SA surface is evenly distributed with pores and has surface roughness.SA has the composition phase of alkaline aggregate-calcite(CaCO3),so it has good adhesion to asphalt,which reveals the mechanism of excellent low-temperature crack resistance of SAM.

Long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS

The application of reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)and reclaimed asphalt shingles(RAS)on asphalt pavement can reduce the asphalt paving cost,conserve energy and protect the environment.However,the use of high contents of RAP and RAS in asphalt pavement may lead to durability issues,especially the fatigue cracking and thermal cracking.It is necessary to conduct a series of analyses on asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS,and seek methods to enhance their long-term performance.This paper provides a comprehensive over-view of the long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high contents of RAP and RAS.The findings in this research show that rutting resistance of high recycled asphalt mixtures is not a concern,whereas their resistance to fatigue and thermal cracking is not conclusive.Recycling agents can be used to improve the thermal cracking resistance of high recycled asphalt mixtures.An optimum decision on recycling agents will improve the durability properties of high recycled asphalt mixtures.It is recommended that to use a balanced mixture design approach with testing of the blended asphalt binders will provide better understanding of long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS.

Historical tillage promotes grass-legume mixtures establishment and accelerates soil microbial activity and organic carbon decomposition

Perennial grass-legume mixtures have been extensively used to restore degraded grasslands,increasing grassland productivity and forage quality.Tillage is crucial for seedbed preparation and sustainable weed management for the establishment of grass-legume mixtures.However,a common concern is that intensive tillage may alter soil characteristics,leading to losses in soil organic carbon(SOC).We investigated the plant community composition,SOC,soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC),soil enzyme activities,and soil properties in long-term perennial grass-legume mixtures under two different tillage intensities(once and twice)as well as in a fenced grassland(FG).The establishment of grass-legume mixtures increased plant species diversity and plant community coverage,compared with FG.Compared with once tilled grassland(OTG),twice tilled grassland(TTG)enhanced the coverage of high-quality leguminous forage species by 380.3%.Grass-legume mixtures with historical tillage decreased SOC and dissolved organic carbon(DOC)concentrations,whereas soil MBC concentrations in OTG and TTG increased by 16.0%and 16.4%,respectively,compared with FG.TTG significantly decreased the activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase(NAG)by 72.3%,whereas soil enzymeβ-glucosidase(βG)in OTG and TTG increased by 55.9%and 27.3%,respectively,compared with FG.Correlation analysis indicated a close association of the increase in MBC andβG activities with the rapid decline in SOC.This result suggested that MBC was a key driving factor in soil carbon storage dynamics,potentially accelerating soil carbon cycling and facilitating biogeochemical cycling.The establishment of grass-legume mixtures effectively improves forage quality and boosts plant diversity,thereby facilitating the restoration of degraded grasslands.Although tillage assists in establishing legume-grass mixtures by controlling weeds,it accelerates microbial activity and organic carbon decomposition.Our findings provide a foundation for understanding the process and effectiveness of restoration management in degraded grasslands.

Effect of Guanxin-V Mixture Combined with Sacubitril Valsartan on Cardiac Function after PCI in STEMI Patients

[Objectives]To observe the effect of Guanxin-V Mixture combined with Sacubitril Valsartan on cardiac function in patients after PCI for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STE-MI).[Methods]41 cases of STEMI patients(qi and yin deficiency and blood stasis and obstruction)hospitalized in Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to June 2021 were randomly divided into 21 cases in the treatment group and 20 cases in the control group,and the two groups were given standardized Western medicine treatment as soon as possible after PCI.The control group was treated with Sacubitril Valsartan,and the treatment group was treated with Guanxin-V Mixture on the basis of treatment in the control group.The patients in the two groups were treated for 3 months,and the TCM syndrome score,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)levels,and the incidence of heart failure and adverse reactions in the two groups after treatment were recorded.[Results]After the treatment,the TCM syndrome score and serum NT-proBNP,IL-6 and hs-CRP levels of the two groups significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);the LVEF of the two groups significantly increased(P<0.05),and the level of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Comparison of the incidence of heart failure and adverse reactions in the two groups showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).[Conclusions]Guanxin-V Mixture combined with Sacubitril Valsartan could significantly improve cardiac function in STEMI patients undergoing PCI,and its effect may be related to the suppression of inflammatory response.

Formation of a Rapidly Rotating Classical Be-star in a Massive Close Binary System

This paper investigates the spin-up of a mass-accreting star in a close binary system passing through the first stage of mass exchange in the Hertzsprung gap. Inside an accreting star, angular momentum is carried by meridional circulation and shear turbulence. The circulation carries part of the angular momentum of the accreted layers to the accretor's surface. The greater the rate of arrival of angular momentum in the accretor is, the greater this part. It is assumed that this part of the angular momentum can be removed by the disk further from the accretor. If the angular momentum in the matter entering the accretor is more than half the Keplerian value, then the angular momentum obtained by the accretor during mass exchange stage does not depend on the rate of arrival of angular momentum. The accretor may have the characteristics of a Be-star immediately after the end of mass exchange.