Aligned Ion Conduction Pathway of Polyrotaxane‑Based Electrolyte with Dispersed Hydrophobic Chains for Solid‑State Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

A critical challenge hindering the practical application of lithium–oxygen batteries(LOBs)is the inevitable problems associated with liquid electrolytes,such as evaporation and safety problems.Our study addresses these problems by proposing a modified polyrotaxane(mPR)-based solid polymer electrolyte(SPE)design that simultaneously mitigates solvent-related problems and improves conductivity.mPR-SPE exhibits high ion conductivity(2.8×10^(−3)S cm^(−1)at 25℃)through aligned ion conduction pathways and provides electrode protection ability through hydrophobic chain dispersion.Integrating this mPR-SPE into solid-state LOBs resulted in stable potentials over 300 cycles.In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals the presence of an LiO_(2)intermediate alongside Li_(2)O_(2)during oxygen reactions.Ex situ X-ray diffraction confirm the ability of the SPE to hinder the permeation of oxygen and moisture,as demonstrated by the air permeability tests.The present study suggests that maintaining a low residual solvent while achieving high ionic conductivity is crucial for restricting the sub-reactions of solid-state LOBs.

Meshless analysis of three-dimensional steady-state heat conduction problems

Steady-state heat conduction problems arisen in connection with various physical and engineering problems where the functions satisfy a given partial differential equation and particular boundary conditions, have attracted much attention and research recently. These problems are independent of time and involve only space coordinates, as in Poisson＇s equation or the Laplace equation with Dirichlet, Neuman, or mixed conditions. When the problems are too complex, it is difficult to find an analytical solution, the only choice left is an approximate numerical solution. This paper deals with the numerical solution of three-dimensional steady-state heat conduction problems using the meshless reproducing kernel particle method （RKPM）. A variational method is used to obtain the discrete equations. The essential boundary conditions are enforced by the penalty method. The effectiveness of RKPM for three-dimensional steady-state heat conduction problems is investigated by two numerical examples.

The Improved Element-Free Galerkin Method for Anisotropic Steady-State Heat Conduction Problems

In this paper,we considered the improved element-free Galerkin(IEFG)method for solving 2D anisotropic steadystate heat conduction problems.The improved moving least-squares(IMLS)approximation is used to establish the trial function,and the penalty method is applied to enforce the boundary conditions,thus the final discretized equations of the IEFG method for anisotropic steady-state heat conduction problems can be obtained by combining with the corresponding Galerkin weak form.The influences of node distribution,weight functions,scale parameters and penalty factors on the computational accuracy of the IEFG method are analyzed respectively,and these numerical solutions show that less computational resources are spent when using the IEFG method.

Isogeometric Boundary Element Method for Two-Dimensional Steady-State Non-Homogeneous Heat Conduction Problem

The isogeometric boundary element technique(IGABEM)is presented in this study for steady-state inhomogeneous heat conduction analysis.The physical unknowns in the boundary integral formulations of the governing equations are discretized using non-uniform rational B-spline(NURBS)basis functions,which are utilized to build the geometry of the structures.To speed up the assessment of NURBS basis functions,the Bezier extraction´approach is used.To solve the extra domain integrals,we use a radial integration approach.The numerical examples show the potential of IGABEM for dimension reduction and smooth integration of CAD and numerical analysis.

RKDG Methods with Multi-resolution WENO Limiters for Solving Steady-State Problems on Triangular Meshes

In this paper, we design high-order Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) methods with multi-resolution weighted essentially non-oscillatory (multi-resolution WENO) limiters to compute compressible steady-state problems on triangular meshes. A troubled cell indicator extended from structured meshes to unstructured meshes is constructed to identify triangular cells in which the application of the limiting procedures is required. In such troubled cells, the multi-resolution WENO limiting methods are used to the hierarchical L^(2) projection polynomial sequence of the DG solution. Through using the RKDG methods with multi-resolution WENO limiters, the optimal high-order accuracy can be gradually reduced to first-order in the triangular troubled cells, so that the shock wave oscillations can be well suppressed. In steady-state simulations on triangular meshes, the numerical residual converges to near machine zero. The proposed spatial reconstruction methods enhance the robustness of classical DG methods on triangular meshes. The good results of these RKDG methods with multi-resolution WENO limiters are verified by a series of two-dimensional steady-state problems.

Finite Difference-Peridynamic Differential Operator for Solving Transient Heat Conduction Problems

Transient heat conduction problems widely exist in engineering.In previous work on the peridynamic differential operator(PDDO)method for solving such problems,both time and spatial derivatives were discretized using the PDDO method,resulting in increased complexity and programming difficulty.In this work,the forward difference formula,the backward difference formula,and the centered difference formula are used to discretize the time derivative,while the PDDO method is used to discretize the spatial derivative.Three new schemes for solving transient heat conduction equations have been developed,namely,the forward-in-time and PDDO in space(FT-PDDO)scheme,the backward-in-time and PDDO in space(BT-PDDO)scheme,and the central-in-time and PDDO in space(CT-PDDO)scheme.The stability and convergence of these schemes are analyzed using the Fourier method and Taylor’s theorem.Results show that the FT-PDDO scheme is conditionally stable,whereas the BT-PDDO and CT-PDDO schemes are unconditionally stable.The stability conditions for the FT-PDDO scheme are less stringent than those of the explicit finite element method and explicit finite difference method.The convergence rate in space for these three methods is two.These constructed schemes are applied to solve one-dimensional and two-dimensional transient heat conduction problems.The accuracy and validity of the schemes are verified by comparison with analytical solutions.

Compressive Mechanical and Heat Conduction Properties of AlSi10Mg Gradient Metamaterials Fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Metamaterials are defined as artificially designed micro-architectures with unusual physical properties,including optical,electromagnetic,mechanical,and thermal characteristics.This study investigates the compressive mechanical and heat transfer properties of AlSi10Mg gradient metamaterials fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion(LPBF).The morphology of the AlSi10Mg metamaterials was examined using an ultrahigh-resolution microscope.Quasi-static uniaxial compression tests were conducted at room temperature,with deformation behavior captured through camera recordings.The findings indicate that the proposed gradient metamaterial exhibits superior compressive strength properties and energy absorption capacity.The Gradient-SplitP structure demonstrated better compressive performance compared to other strut-based structures,including Gradient-Gyroid and Gradient-Lidinoid structures.With an apparent density of 0.796,the Gradient-SplitP structure exhibited an outstanding energy absorption capacity,reaching an impressive 23.57 MJ/m^(3).In addition,heat conductivity tests were performed to assess the thermal resistance of these structures with different cell configurations.The gradient metamaterials exhibited higher thermal resistance and lower thermal conductivity.Consequently,the designed gradient metamaterials can be considered valuable in various applications,such as thermal management,load-bearing,and energy absorption components.

Effect analysis of unilateral deaf adults wearing bone-conduction hearing aids:A case report

The prevalence of unilateral deafness(SSD)or asymmetric hearing loss(AHL)among patients with hearing impairments ranges from 7.2%to 15.0%,indicating a relatively significant proportion.However,these individuals often overlook their hearing loss,resulting in delayed or inadequate treatment.This oversight can lead to a lack of binaural summation and squelch effect,as well as the head shadow effect,which can significantly impact their speech recognition and sound localization abilities,especially in noisy environments.Recently,a groundbreaking Sound Bite™Pinyin® Bone Conduction Hearing Aid(HA)device has been has been introduced as a viable alternative to traditional percutaneous stimulation hearing assistance devices.This innovative device harnesses bone conduction technology to convey sound vibrations directly to the inner ear via the bones of the jaw and skull,effectively bypassing the air conduction pathway that is commonly compromised in individuals with hearing loss.This report details the evaluation and adjustment process of a HA device worn by a 31-year-old female patient who suffers from a congenital ossicular chain deformity in her right ear,while maintaining normal hearing in her left ear.The report comprehensively covers the hearing thresholds of the 31-year-old female patient on the day of fitting the hearing aid and one month later.It also presents assessments of the hearing aid’s performance through the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit(APHAB)questionnaire,conducted three days after adjustment,one month later,and one year later.Furthermore,the report details the evaluation of the patient’s sound localization ability,comparing her performance before and after wearing the hearing aid device.Additionally,it includes measurements of her speech recognition ability for monosyllabic words and Yang Yang Ge words,which are specific tests in the Chinese language,conducted two years after the initial fitting of the hearing aid.The discovery that bone-anchored hearing devices can significantly enhance hearing thresholds in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss represents a significant milestone.These devices not only improve speech recognition ability but also enhance sound localization in noisy environments.This improvement is accompanied by a high level of subjective satisfaction among patients,indicating a positive impact on their overall quality of life.

Effects of atrial septal defects on the cardiac conduction system

The case report presented in this edition by Mu et al.The report presents a case of atrial septal defect(ASD)associated with electrocardiographic changes,noting that the crochetage sign resolved after Selective His Bundle Pacing(S-HBP)without requiring surgical closure.The mechanisms behind the appearance and resolution of the crochetage sign remain unclear.The authors observed the dis-appearance of the crochetage sign post-S-HBP,suggesting a possible correlation between these specific R waves and the cardiac conduction system.This editorial aims to explore various types of ASD and their relationship with the cardiac con-duction system,highlighting the diagnostic significance of the crochetage sign in ASD.

Variational Approach to 2D and 3D Heat Conduction Modeling

The paper proposes an approximate solution to the classical (parabolic) multidimensional 2D and 3D heat conduction equation for a 5 × 5 cm aluminium plate and a 5 × 5 × 5 cm aluminum cube. An approximate solution of the generalized (hyperbolic) 2D and 3D equation for the considered plate and cube is also proposed. Approximate solutions were obtained by applying calculus of variations and Euler-Lagrange equations. In order to verify the correctness of the proposed approximate solutions, they were compared with the exact solutions of parabolic and hyperbolic equations. The paper also presents the research on the influence of time parameters τ as well as the relaxation times τ ∗ to the variation of the profile of the temperature field for the considered aluminum plate and cube.

Axonal Conduction Velocity: A Computer Study

This paper derives rigorous statements concerning the propagation velocity of action potentials in axons. The authors use the Green’s function approach to approximate the action potential and find a relation between conduction velocity and the impulse profile. Computer simulations are used to bolster the analysis.

Development and Optimization of Universal Bone Conduction Hearing Spectacles

Background: Non-implantable bone anchored hearing devices (BCHDs) are utilized for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who are unsuitable for conventional hearing aids or have unresolved middle ear issues. These devices can be surgically implanted or attached using adhesive plates, dental sticks, elastic headbands, or bone conduction spectacles. Optimal fitting of bone conduction spectacles requires appropriate frame selection and contact pressure in the temporal and mastoid areas. The ANSI S3.6 and DIN EN ISO 389-3 standards recommend a contact area of approximately 1.75 cm2 and a maximum force of 5.4 N for effective sound transmission and comfort. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the technical fit and mechanical stability of universal bone conduction hearing spectacles compared to established systems. A Sen-Pressure 02 thin-film sensor connected to an Arduino Uno R3 board measured contact force in the temporal and mastoid areas. Several BCHDs were tested, including the Bruckhoff la belle BC D50/70, Radioear B71 headset, Radioear B71 elastic headband, Cochlear Baha SoundArc M, and Cochlear Baha elastic headband, on a PVC artificial head, with data analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Results: The la belle BC D50/70 spectacles showed comparable contact force to established BCHDs, ensuring adequate sound transmission and comfort. Significant differences were observed between the systems, with the Radioear B71 headset exhibiting the highest forces. The la belle BC D50/70 had similar forces to the Radioear B71 elastic headband. Conclusion: The la belle BC D50/70 universal bone conduction hearing spectacles are a technically equivalent alternative to established BCHDs, maintaining pressure below 5.4 N. Future research should explore the impact of different contact forces on performance and comfort, and the integration of force control in modified spectacles. This study indicates that the la belle BC D50/70 is a viable alternative that meets audiological practice requirements.

Variational Approach to Heat Conduction Modeling

It is known that Fourier’s heat equation, which is parabolic, implies an infinite velocity propagation, or, in other words, that the mechanism of heat conduction is established instantaneously under all conditions. This is unacceptable on physical grounds in spite of the fact that Fourier’s law agrees well with experiment. However, discrepancies are likely to occur when extremely short distances or extremely short time intervals are considered, as they must in some modern problems of aero-thermodynamics. Cattaneo and independently Vernotte proved that such process can be described by Heaviside’s telegraph equation. This paper shows that this fact can be derived using calculus of variations, by application of the Euler-Lagrange equation. So, we proved that the equation of heat conduction with finite velocity propagation of the thermal disturbance can be obtained as a solution to one variational problem.

Galerkin-based quasi-smooth manifold element(QSME)method for anisotropic heat conduction problems in composites with complex geometry

The accurate and efficient analysis of anisotropic heat conduction problems in complex composites is crucial for structural design and performance evaluation. Traditional numerical methods, such as the finite element method(FEM), often face a trade-off between calculation accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we propose a quasi-smooth manifold element(QSME) method to address this challenge, and provide the accurate and efficient analysis of two-dimensional(2D) anisotropic heat conduction problems in composites with complex geometry. The QSME approach achieves high calculation precision by a high-order local approximation that ensures the first-order derivative continuity.The results demonstrate that the QSME method is robust and stable, offering both high accuracy and efficiency in the heat conduction analysis. With the same degrees of freedom(DOFs), the QSME method can achieve at least an order of magnitude higher calculation accuracy than the traditional FEM. Additionally, under the same level of calculation error, the QSME method requires 10 times fewer DOFs than the traditional FEM. The versatility of the proposed QSME method extends beyond anisotropic heat conduction problems in complex composites. The proposed QSME method can also be applied to other problems, including fluid flows, mechanical analyses, and other multi-field coupled problems, providing accurate and efficient numerical simulations.

Sterilization Effect of Cooking Process for Guilin Rice Noodles Based on Heat Conduction Model

Guilin rice noodles, a unique cuisine from Guilin, Guangxi, is renowned both domestically and internationally as one of the top ten “Guilin Classics”. Utilizing a heat conduction model, this study explores the effectiveness of the cooking process in sterilizing Guilin rice noodles before consumption. The model assumes that a large pot is filled with boiling water which is maintained at a constant high temperature heat resource through continuous gentle heating. And the room temperature is set as the initial temperature for the preheating process and the final temperature for the cooling process. The objective is to assess whether the cooking process achieves satisfactory sterilization results. The temperature distribution function of rice noodle with time is analytically obtained using the separation of variables method in the three-dimensional cylindrical coordinate system. Meanwhile, the thermal diffusion coefficient of Guilin rice noodles is obtained in terms of Riedel’ theory. By analyzing the elimination characteristics of Pseudomonas cocovenenans subsp. farinofermentans, this study obtains the optimal time required for effective sterilization at the core of Guilin rice noodles. The results show that the potential Pseudomonas cocovenenans subsp. farinofermentans will be completely eliminated through continuously preheating more than 31 seconds during the cooking process before consumption. This study provides a valuable reference of food safety standards in the cooking process of Guilin rice noodles, particularly in ensuring the complete inactivation of potentially harmful strains such as Pseudomonas cocovenenans subsp. farinofermentans.

Inter‑Skeleton Conductive Routes Tuning Multifunctional Conductive Foam for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding,Sensing and Thermal Management

Conductive polymer foam(CPF)with excellent compressibility and variable resistance has promising applications in electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding and other integrated functions for wearable electronics.However,its insufficient change amplitude of resistance with compressive strain generally leads to a degradation of shielding performance during deformation.Here,an innovative loading strategy of conductive materials on polymer foam is proposed to significantly increase the contact probability and contact area of conductive components under compression.Unique inter-skeleton conductive films are constructed by loading alginate-decorated magnetic liquid metal on the polymethacrylate films hanged between the foam skeleton(denoted as AMLM-PM foam).Traditional point contact between conductive skeletons under compression is upgraded to planar contact between conductive films.Therefore,the resistance change of AMLM-PM reaches four orders of magnitude under compression.Moreover,the inter-skeleton conductive films can improve the mechanical strength of foam,prevent the leakage of liquid metal and increase the scattering area of EM wave.AMLM-PM foam has strain-adaptive EMI shielding performance and shows compression-enhanced shielding effectiveness,solving the problem of traditional CPFs upon compression.The upgrade of resistance response also enables foam to achieve sensitive pressure sensing over a wide pressure range and compression-regulated Joule heating function.

A NOTE ON THE UNIQUENESSTHEOREM FOR STEADY-STATESEMICONDUCTOR EQUATIONS

In this note we investigate one-dimensional steady-state semicon-ductor devices. We proved the uniqueness of the solution to the unipolar de-vice problem with non-constant mobility.

Effect of a Carbon Fibre-steel Fibre-graphite Conductive Filler on the Electrothermal Properties of Cementitious Materials

Carbon fibre,steel fibre and graphite were used as conductive fillers to prepare cementitious materials with excellent electrothermal properties.The electrically conductive cementitious materials with different volume dosages were analysed through compressive and flexural strength,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and temperature rise tests.An equivalent circuit model was established to study the electrically conductive heat generation mechanism in the electrically conductive cementitious composites.The results indicate that the mechanical properties of cementitious composite materials with a ternary conductive phase are better than those of pristine cementitious materials because the fibrous filler improves their mechanical properties.However,the incorporation of graphite in the material reduces its strength.Introducing fibrous and point-like conductive phase materials into the cementitious material enhances the overall conductive pathway and considerably reduces the electrical resistance of the cementitious material,enhancing its conductive properties.The volume ratios of carbon fibre,steel fibre and graphite that achieve an optimal complex doping in the cementitious material were 0.35%,0.6%and 6%,respectively.This was determined using the mutation point of each circuit element parameter as the percolation threshold.In addition,at a certain safety voltage,there is a uniform change between the internal and surface temperatures of the conductive cementitious material,and the heating effect in this materialis is considerably better than that in the pristine cementitious material.

Laser‑Induced Highly Stable Conductive Hydrogels for Robust Bioelectronics

Despite the promising progress in conductive hydrogels made with pure conducting polymer,great challenges remain in the interface adhesion and robustness in longterm monitoring.To address these challenges,Prof.Seung Hwan Ko and Taek-Soo Kim’s team introduced a laserinduced phase separation and adhesion method for fabricating conductive hydrogels consisting of pure poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate on polymer substrates.The laser-induced phase separation and adhesion treated conducting polymers can be selectively transformed into conductive hydrogels that exhibit wet conductivities of 101.4 S cm^(−1) with a spatial resolution down to 5μm.Moreover,they maintain impedance and charge-storage capacity even after 1 h of sonication.The micropatterned electrode arrays demonstrate their potential in long-term in vivo signal recordings,highlighting their promising role in the field of bioelectronics.

PHOTOCONDUCTIVE PROPERTIES OF PVK:Alq_3 BLEND FILMS STUDIED BY STEADY-STATE AND TIME-RESOLVED TRANSIENT PHOTOCURRENT SPECTRA

The carrier transport properties of the blends of the hole transport material poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and the electron transport material tris (8-hydroxyquinolinolato) aluminumⅢ(Alq_3) are investigated at room temperature using steady-state and time-resolved transient photocurrent measurements as a function of doping concentration of Alq_3.Due to lower LUMO and higher HOMO energy level of Alq_3 than those of PVK,Alq_3 molecules may act as carrier trap states in PVK films at low concentration.However,at...