Research progress on electronic and active site engineering of cobalt‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Electrocatalytic water splitting has been identified as a potential candidate for producing clean hydrogen energy with zero carbon emission.However,the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction on the anode side of the watersplitting device significantly hinders its practical applications.Generally,the efficiency of oxygen evolution processes depends greatly on the availability of cost‐effective catalysts with high activity and selectivity.In recent years,extensive theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that cobalt(Co)‐based nanomaterials,especially low‐dimensional Co‐based nanomaterials with a huge specific surface area and abundant unsaturated active sites,have emerged as versatile electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions,and thus,great progress has been made in the rational design and synthesis of Co‐based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions.Considering the remarkable progress in this area,in this timely review,we highlight the most recent developments in Co‐based nanomaterials relating to their dimensional control,defect regulation(conductivity),electronic structure regulation,and so forth.Furthermore,a brief conclusion about recent progress achieved in oxygen evolution on Co‐based nanomaterials,as well as an outlook on future research challenges,is given.

Group Activities in Task-based Communicative Classroom

In a task-based communicative classroom, group activities are effective ways to devdop students' 4 basic language skills. However, not all group activities can reach the expected results. English teachers should pay attention to some aspects in organizing a classroom group activity.

Design of Task-Based Reading Activities in Reading Stages

In English reading, teachers should take students as the main body by creating situations, putting forward tasks,practicing interaction and evaluating teachers and students according to the corresponding classroom goals so as to improve students' English reading skills and the comprehensive use of language ability. Effective reading activities can help improve students' English level at different English reading stages,such as pre-reading stage,w hile-reading stage, post-reading stage.

CRISPR/Cas9-based gene activation and base editing in Populus

The genus Populus has long been used for environmental,agroforestry and industrial applications worldwide.Today Populus is also recognized as a desirable crop for biofuel production and a model tree for physiological and ecological research.As such,various modern biotechnologies,including CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques,have been actively applied to Populus for genetic and genomic improvements for traits such as increased growth rate and tailored lignin composition.However,CRISPR/Cas9 has been primarily used as the active Cas9 form to create knockouts in the hybrid poplar clone“717-1B4”(P.tremula x P.alba clone INRA 717-1B4).Alternative CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies,e.g.those involving modified Cas9 for gene activation and base editing,have not been evaluated in most Populus species for their efficacy.Here we employed a deactivated Cas9(dCas9)-based CRISPR activation(CRISPRa)technique to fine-tune the expression of two target genes,TPX2 and LecRLK-G which play important roles in plant growth and defense response,in hybrid poplar clone“717-1B4”and poplar clone“WV94”(P.deltoides“WV94”),respectively.We observed that CRISPRa resulted in 1.2-fold to 7.0-fold increase in target gene expression through transient expression in protoplasts and Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation,demonstrating the effectiveness of dCas9-based CRISPRa system in Populus.In addition,we applied Cas9 nickase(nCas9)-based cytosine base editor(CBE)to precisely introduce premature stop codons via C-to-T conversion,with an efficiency of 13%–14%,in the target gene PLATZ which encodes a transcription factor involved in plant fungal pathogen response in hybrid poplar clone“717-1B4”.Overall,we showcase the successful application of CRISPR/Cas-based technologies in gene expression regulation and precise gene engineering in two Populus species,facilitating the adoption of emerging genome editing tools in woody species.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activities of Polydentate Schiff Bases, Based on Salicylaldehyde

Three Schiff bases L1, L2 and L3 were synthesized by condensing salicylaldehyde with 4-aminoantipyrine, ethylendiamine and 2-aminophenol respectively and subsequently characterized by various physicochemical investigations. All the three compounds were screened for their In-vitro antibacterial activity against two gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S.A), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.E) and two gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.P) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.A) by agar diffusion method. On comparing the results obtained with the activity of commercially available antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol, the newly synthesized compounds showed comparable antibacterial activities. The solvent methanol exhibit activity against all bacterial species with IZs ranging from 8 ± 0.25 to 17 ± 0.29 mm while the standard antibiotics Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol exhibited an activities with IZs varying from 21.3 ± 0.31 to 28.3 ± 0.32 and 26.3 ± 0.24 mm to 32.3 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. However, the newly synthesized Schiff bases L1, L2 and L3 showed IZs ranging from 7.4 ± 0.23 to 32.5 ± 0.14, 3 ± 0.57 to 12 ± 0.28 and 10 ± 0.20 to 32 ± 0.36 respectively. Among the Schiff bases, L3 showed the activity (32 ± 0.36) against S.E and P.A which is higher than the activity of standard antibiotics Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol against the same bacterial strains. The results obtained revealed that all the synthesized Schiff bases exhibit appreciable antibacterial activity against all the bacteria species which potentially makes them, to apply as wide range antibacterial drugs, after further in-vivo cytotoxicity investigations. Their activity can also be further modified by changing the functionality of precursors for Schiff base condensation.

Analysis of Activities of Adults with Aphasia at Community-Based Rehabilitation Training

Aphasia is a higher brain dysfunction that affects the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write. The purpose of this research is to establish support guidelines based on a questionnaire survey and a language activity analysis of rehabilitation training so that volunteers can more easily assist disabled persons with aphasia. The focus of this study was the non-profit community-based intervention group Yokohama Aphasia Partner Group, which consists of members with aphasia, their families, speech-language-and-hearing therapists, psychiatric social workers, and volunteers. The following results were obtained. (1) Members with aphasia participate in the Partner Group because they can meet others with aphasia on a regular basis as well as participate in the aphasia rehabilitation program with the recovery of language functions. In addition to medical treatment, the community-based support, which improves the environment and other life contextual factors, is important for rehabilitation. (2) An individual with aphasia shows different language actions, and so an individually different support system in accordance with language activity is necessary.

An Empirical Study on Promoting Students’ Active Participation under“Task-based Teaching”in Adult ESL Classrooms

This paper focuses on a beginner adult ESL classroom aiming to enhance their participation under the guidance of“taskbased teaching”method. By incorporating three strategies of priming students to elicit their prior knowledge on certain topic, designing a sequence of tasks to scaffold students for the final produce and modelling with lower level students to ensure their under? standing of task instructions, the activeness could see a significant increase.

Research on workflow meta model supporting activity based costing

Activity based costing (ABC) is a method which can solve many limitations of the traditional cost systems in manufacturing management. In this paper, we investigate how to integrate ABC with workflow technology, and build a workflow meta model supporting ABC. Firstly, the concept and concept model of activity based costing (ABC) are introduced. Next, the meta model of P -PROCE (Process, Product, Resource, Organization, and Cost & Evaluation) is presented. Then the cost meta model is defined by adding ABC to P -PROCE model. Object constraint language (OCL) is used to express meta model and constraints. Finally, we show an enterprise modeling and simulation tool based on the workflow meta model. We can systematically construct an enterprise model and easily and efficiently conduct simulation. Moreover it enables us to analyze and evaluate business processes and its costs.

Synthesis and Biological Activities of Some Mannich Bases of 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-Oxadiazole-2-Thione

以对羟基苯甲酸乙酯为原料，经肼解、环化合成５（４羟基苯基）１，３，４二唑２硫酮，继而经Ｍａｎｎｉｃｈ反应合成了四种新曼尼希碱，其结构经红外光谱、核磁共振和元素分析证实。初步抑菌活性试验表明，显示弱的抑菌活性。

Project-based Language Learning: an Activity Theory Analysis in SOE Language Learning

This study focuses on the effectiveness of the project-based language learning(PBLL) in a college Secretarial Oral English(SOE) Module. Student reflections of the language project work have been analyzed through Activity Theory. Moreover,Data has been collected and categorized based on the components of complex human activity: the subject, object, tools(signs,symbols, and language), the community in which the activity take place, division of labor, and rules. The findings theoretically support the outcome of project-based language learning which align with the object of the activity.

A Review on Theories of Task-based Teaching

Based on several books on English teaching and learning,this paper gives a general review on task-based teaching.Firstly,it introduces the definitions of task and task-based syllabus and makes two distinctions,namely,"task"and"activity","taskbased teaching"and"communicative teaching".Then it states the notions behind the task-based teaching.Finally,it gives the notes for the application of this approach.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Antibacterial Activities of Schiff Base Ligand and Its Nickel(Ⅱ) Complex

A complex [NIL2] was synthesized, in which L, or to be exact, a Schiff base ligand （HL）, was derived from the condensation of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-phenylacetyl-5-pyrazolone （PMPAP） with L-phenylalanine methyl ester. They were characterized by IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Green block crystals of both ligand and its complex were grown at room temperature. The ligand, which consists of two individual fragments, crystalizes in the P1 space group （a = 5.6268（5）, b = 10.6892（11） and c = 19.4869（18） A）. The complex crystalizes in the P21 space group （a -- 21.4076（18）, b = 9.4792（8） and c = 25.287（2） A）, which consists of a nickel six-coordinated compound. Every fragment is a distorted octahedron with four oxygen and two nitrogen atoms. The Schiff base ligand （HL） and its complex have been tested in vitro to evaluate their antibacterial activity against bacteria Escherichia Coli and Bacillus subtilis. It is found that the complex has higher activity than the corresponding free Schiff base ligand （HL） against the same bacterial.

Performance-based semi-active control algorithm for protecting base isolated buildings from near-fault earthquakes

Base isolated structures have been found to be at risk in near-fault regions as a result of long period pulses that may exist in near-source ground motions. Various control strategies, including passive, active and semi-active control systems, have been investigated to overcome this problem. This study focuses on the development of a semi-active control algorithm based on several performance levels anticipated from an isolated building during different levels of ground shaking corresponding to various earthquake hazard levels. The proposed performance-based algorithm is based on a modified version of the well-known semi-active skyhook control algorithm. The proposed control algorithm changes the control gain depending on the level of shaking imposed on the structure. The proposed control system has been evaluated using a series of analyses performed on a base isolated benchmark building subjected to seven pairs of scaled ground motion records. Simulation results show that the newly proposed algorithm is effective in improving the structural and nonstructural performance of the building for selected earthquakes.

Syntheses, Characterizations, Crystal Structures and Antibacterial Activities of Two Zinc(II) Complexes with a Schiff Base Derived from o-Vanillin and p-Toluidine

Two new zinc（Ⅱ） complexes, [Zn2L2Ch].2[ZnL（CH3OH）Cl2] 1 and [ZnL2（NO3）2] 2, were synthesized by reacting ZnX2.nH2O （X = Cl^-, NO3^-） and a Schiff base ligand 2-[（4-methylphenylimino）methyl]-6-methoxyphenol （C15HIsNO2, L） which was obtained by the condensation of o-vanillin （2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde） with p-toluidine. Both 1 and 2 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique, elemental analysis, molar conductance, FT-IR, UV-Vis, IH-NMR spectra and thermogravimetrie analysis. The Schiff base ligand and its zinc（Ⅱ） complexes have been tested in vitro to evaluate their antibacterial activity against bacteria, viz., Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus Subtilis. The results show that these complexes have higher activity than the corresponding free Schiff base ligand against the same bacteria.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Antibacterial Activities of Two Heterocyclic Schiff Base Compounds

Two heterocyclic Schiff bases were synthesized via the condensation reactions of primary amines with carbonyl compounds. 2-[（4-pyridylmethylene）-amino] phenol （compound 1） was synthesized by the interaction of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde with o-aminophenol in ethanol solvent; N,N＇-bis（3-（furan-2-yl）allylidene）benzene-1,4-diamin （compound 2） was synthesized by the interaction of 3-（2-furyl）acrolein with p-phenylenediamine in ethanol medium. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 （C12H10N2O） crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with α = 7.0771（7）, b = 7.2820（7）, c = 19.849（2）, b = 96.3390（10）°, V = 1016.66（17） ？3, Z = 4, Mr = 198.22, Dc = 1.295 g/cm3, F（000） = 416, GOOF = 1.060, m = 0.085 mm-1, the final R = 0.0371 and wR = 0.0929 for 1497 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ（I）. Compound 2 （C20H16N2O2） crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Fdd2 with α = 26.344（15）, b = 48.50（3）, c = 5.293（3）, V = 6764（7） ？3, Z = 16, Mr = 316.35, Dc = 1.243 g/cm3, F（000） = 2656, GOOF = 1.043, m = 0.081 mm-1, the final R = 0.0526 and wR = 0.1267 for 2059 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ（I）. 1 and 2 molecules are connected through hydrogen bonds to generate a 2D network and a 1D chain structure, respectively. The preliminary antibacterial activity results showed that the title compounds display excellent antibacterial activities to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Synthesis, Structure and Antibacterial Activities of 4-BBTS Schiff Base and Its Complexes

4-Bromobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone Schiff base （4-BBTS） and its Cu（Ⅱ）, Zn（Ⅱ）, Co（Ⅱ） and Ni（Ⅱ） complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR, MS, ^1H NMR, and molar conductivity. Using disc diffusion method, the antibacterial activity tests were conducted. The results revealed that the ligand as well as all the complexes exhibits good antibacterial activities against E. Coli. and S. Aureus. Moreover, Cu（Ⅱ） complex shows the best antibacterial activity, which provides beneficial reference for studying the relationship between the structures and performances.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity Evaluation of Schiff Bases Derived from 1,8-Diaminonaphtalène

The compounds have been synthesized and characterized by routine MS, IR and NMR spectrometry methods. The compounds are all active on bacterial strains with the exception of Salmonella typhimirium, with a MIC value of 7.5 mg/mL. They show a percentage of anti-radical activity of 75.476 ± 5.070 for the compound DAN-S and of 68.142 ± 6.539 for the compound DAN-OV. The compounds are sensitive to the two champions used. DAN-S compound is then the most active.

Carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: Activity, selectivity, and stability

Zero or negative emissions of carbon dioxide(CO2)is the need of the times,as inexorable rising and alarming levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lead to global warming and severe climate change.The electrochemical CO2 reduction(eCO2R)to value‐added fuels and chemicals by using renewable electricity provides a cleaner and more sustainable route with economic benefits,in which the key is to develop clean and economical electrocatalysts.Carbon‐based catalyst materials possess desirable properties such as high offset potential for H2 evolution and chemical stability at the negative applied potential.Although it is still challenging to achieve highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts,considerable efforts have been devoted to overcoming the low selectivity,activity,and stability.Here,we summarize and discuss the recent progress in carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts including carbon nanotubes,carbon nanofibers,carbon nanoribbons,graphene,carbon nitride,and diamonds with an emphasis on their activity,product selectivity,and stability.In addition,the key challenges and future potential approaches for efficient eCO2R to low carbon‐based fuels are highlighted.For a good understanding of the whole history of the development of eCO2R,the CO2 reduction reactions,principles,and techniques including the role of electrolytes,electrochemical cell design and evaluation,product selectivity,and structural composition are also discussed.The metal/metal oxides decorated with carbon‐based electrocatalysts are also summarized.We aim to provide insights for further development of carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and technological applications in the future.

Electrochemical Performance of Nickel Hydroxide/Activated Carbon Supercapacitors Using a Modified Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte

Polyvinyl alcohol （PVA）-sodium polyacrylate （PAAS）-KOH-H2O alkaline polymer electrolyte film with high ionic conductivity was prepared by a solution-casting method. Polymer Ni（OH）2/activated carbon （AC） hybrid supercapacitors with different electrode active material mass ratios （positive to negative） were fabricated using this alkaline polymer electrolyte, nickel hydroxide positive electrodes, and AC negative electrodes. Galvanostatic charge/ discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） methods were used to study the electrochemical performance of the capacitors, such as charge/discharge specific capacitance, rate charge/discharge ability, and charge/discharge cyclic stability. Experimental results showed that with the decreasing of active material mass ratio m（Ni（OH）2）/m（AC）, the charge/discharge specific capacitance increases, but the rate charge/discharge ability and the charge/discharge cyclic stability decrease.

Biological Activities of Schiff Bases and Their Complexes: A Review of Recent Works

Schiff bases are the most widely used organic compounds. They have been shown to exhibit a broad range of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. This review summarizes the synthesis and biological activities of Schiff bases and their complexes.