Durable poly(binaphthyl-co-p-terphenyl piperidinium)-based anion exchange membranes with dual side chains

Building well-developed ion-conductive highways is highly desirable for anion exchange membranes(AEMs).Grafting side chain is a highly effective approach for constructing a well-defined phaseseparated morphological structure and forming unblocked ion pathways in AEMs for fast ion transport.Fluorination of side chains can further enhance phase separation due to the superhydrophobic nature of fluorine groups.However,their electronic effect on the alkaline stability of side chains and membranes is rarely reported.Here,fluorine-containing and fluorine-free side chains are introduced into the polyaromatic backbone in proper configuration to investigate the impact of the fluorine terminal group on the stability of the side chains and membrane properties.The poly(binaphthyl-co-p-terphenyl piperidinium)AEM(QBNp TP)has the highest molecular weight and most dimensional stability due to its favorable backbone arrangement among ortho-and meta-terphenyl based AEMs.Importantly,by introducing both a fluorinated piperidinium side chain and a hexane chain into the p-terphenyl-based backbone,the prepared AEM(QBNp TP-QFC)presents an enhanced conductivity(150.6 m S cm^(-1))and a constrained swelling at 80℃.The electronic effect of fluorinated side chains is contemplated by experiments and simulations.The results demonstrate that the presence of strong electro-withdrawing fluorine groups weakens the electronic cloud of adjacent C atoms,increasing OH^(-)attack on the C atom and improving the stability of piperidinium cations.Hence QBNp TP-QFC possesses a robust alkaline stability at 80℃(95.3%conductivity retention after testing in 2 M Na OH for 2160 h).An excellent peak power density of 1.44 W cm^(-2)and a remarkable durability at 80℃(4.5%voltage loss after 100 h)can be observed.

Nonlinear wave dispersion in monoatomic chains with lumped and distributed masses:discrete and continuum models

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of inertia of nonlinear springs on the dispersion behavior of discrete monoatomic chains with lumped and distributed masses.The developed model can represent the wave propagation problem in a non-homogeneous material consisting of heavy inclusions embedded in a matrix.The inclusions are idealized by lumped masses,and the matrix between adjacent inclusions is modeled by a nonlinear spring with distributed masses.Additionally,the model is capable of depicting the wave propagation in bi-material bars,wherein the first material is represented by a rigid particle and the second one is represented by a nonlinear spring with distributed masses.The discrete model of the nonlinear monoatomic chain with lumped and distributed masses is first considered,and a closed-form expression of the dispersion relation is obtained by the second-order Lindstedt-Poincare method(LPM).Next,a continuum model for the nonlinear monoatomic chain is derived directly from its discrete lattice model by a suitable continualization technique.The subsequent use of the second-order method of multiple scales(MMS)facilitates the derivation of the corresponding nonlinear dispersion relation in a closed form.The novelties of the present study consist of(i)considering the inertia of nonlinear springs on the dispersion behavior of the discrete mass-spring chains;(ii)developing the second-order LPM for the wave propagation in the discrete chains;and(iii)deriving a continuum model for the nonlinear monoatomic chains with lumped and distributed masses.Finally,a parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of the design parameters and the distributed spring mass on the nonlinear dispersion relations and phase velocities obtained from both the discrete and continuum models.These parameters include the ratio of the spring mass to the lumped mass,the nonlinear stiffness coefficient of the spring,and the wave amplitude.

Ultralong nitrogen/sulfur Co-doped carbon nano-hollowsphere chains with encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles for highly efficient oxygen electrocatalysis

The development of simple and effective strategies to prepare electrocatalysts,which possess unique and stable structures comprised of metal/nonmetallic atoms for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER),is currently an urgent issue.Herein,an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst featured by ultralong N,S-doped carbon nano-hollow-sphere chains about 1300 nm with encapsulated Co nanoparticles(Co-CNHSCs)is developed.The multifunctional catalytic properties of Co together with the heteroatom-induced charge redistribution(i.e.,modulating the electronic structure of the active site)result in superior catalytic activities toward OER and ORR in alkaline media.The optimized catalyst Co-CNHSC-3 displays an outstanding electrocatalytic ability for ORR and OER,a high specific capacity of 1023.6 mAh gZn^(-1),and excellent reversibility after 80 h at 10mA cm^(-2)in a Zn-air battery system.This work presents a new strategy for the design and synthesis of efficient multifunctional carbon-based catalysts for energy storage and conversion devices.

An Algorithm for the Inverse Problem of Matrix Processing: DNA Chains, Their Distance Matrices and Reconstructing

We continue to consider one of the cybernetic methods in biology related to the study of DNA chains. Exactly, we are considering the problem of reconstructing the distance matrix for DNA chains. Such a matrix is formed on the basis of any of the possible algorithms for determining the distances between DNA chains, as well as any specific object of study. At the same time, for example, the practical programming results show that on an average modern computer, it takes about a day to build such a 30 × 30 matrix for mnDNAs using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm;therefore, for such a 300 × 300 matrix, about 3 months of continuous computer operation is expected. Thus, even for a relatively small number of species, calculating the distance matrix on conventional computers is hardly feasible and the supercomputers are usually not available. Therefore, we started publishing our variants of the algorithms for calculating the distance between two DNA chains, then we publish algorithms for restoring partially filled matrices, i.e., the inverse problem of matrix processing. Previously, we used the method of branches and boundaries, but in this paper we propose to use another new algorithm for restoring the distance matrix for DNA chains. Our recent work has shown that even greater improvement in the quality of the algorithm can often be achieved without improving the auxiliary heuristics of the branches and boundaries method. Thus, we are improving the algorithms that formulate the greedy function of this method only. .

Secure and Trusted Interoperability Scheme of Heterogeneous Blockchains Platform in IoT Networks

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things(IoT),there is an increasing need for interac-tion between different networks.In order to improve the level of interconnection,especially the interoper-ability of users/devices between different nodes is very important.In the IoT heterogeneous blockchain sce-nario,how to ensure the legitimacy of the chain and how to confirm the identity of cross-chain informa-tion users/devices become the key issues to be solved for blockchain interoperability.In this paper,we pro-pose a secure and trusted interoperability mechanism for IoT based on heterogeneous chains to improve the security of blockchain interoperability.In this mecha-nism,a primary sidechain architecture supporting au-thentication at both ends of the heterogeneous chain is designed.In addition,a distributed gateway archi-tecture is proposed for cross-chain authentication and protocol conversion.The security and performance analysis shows that our scheme is feasible and effec-tive in improving the security of cross-chain opera-tions in IoT.

Dynamics of lump chains for the BKP equation describing propagation of nonlinear waves

A large member of lump chain solutions of the(2+1)-dimensional Bogoyavlenskii-Kadomtsev-Petviashvili(BKP)equation are constructed by means of theτ-function in the form of Grammian.The lump chains are formed by periodic arrangement of individual lumps and travel with distinct group and velocities.An analytical method related dominant regions of polygon is developed to analyze the interaction dynamics of the multiple lump chains.The degenerate structures of parallel,superimposed,and molecular lump chains are presented.The interaction solutions between lump chains and kink-solitons are investigated,where the kink-solitons lie on the boundaries of dominant region determined by the constant term in theτ-function.Furthermore,the hybrid solutions consisting of lump chains and individual lumps controlled by the parameter with high rank and depth are investigated.The analytical method presented in this paper can be further extended to other integrable systems to explore complex wave structures.

Highly efficient organic solar cells with improved stability enabled by ternary copolymers with antioxidant side chains

The stability of organic solar cells(OSCs)remains a major concern for their ultimate industrialization due to the photo,oxygen,and water susceptibility of organic photoactive materials.Usually,antioxidant additives are blended as radical scavengers into the active layer.However,it will induce the intrinsic morphology instability and adversely affect the efficiency and long-term stability.Herein,the antioxidant dibutylhydroxytoluene(BHT)group has been covalently linked onto the side chain of benzothiadiazole(BT)unit,and a series of ternary copolymers D18-Cl-BTBHTx(x=0,0.05,0.1,0.2)with varied ratio of BHT-containing side chains have been synthesized.It was found that the introduction of BHT side chains would have a negligible effect on the photophysical properties and electronic levels,and the D18-Cl-BTBHT0.05:Y6-based OSC achieved the highest power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 17.6%,which is higher than those based active layer blended with BHT additives.More importantly,the unencapsulated device based on D18-Cl-BTBHTx(x=0.05,0.1,0.2)retained approximately 50%of the initial PCE over 30 hours operation under ambient conditions,significantly outperforming the control device based on D18-Cl(90%degradation in PCE after 30 h).This work provides a new structural design strategy of copolymers for OSCs with simultaneously improved efficiency and stability.

Detecting and Classifying Darknet Traffic Using Deep Network Chains

The anonymity of the darknet makes it attractive to secure communication lines from censorship.The analysis,monitoring,and categorization of Internet network traffic are essential for detecting darknet traffic that can generate a comprehensive characterization of dangerous users and assist in tracing malicious activities and reducing cybercrime.Furthermore,classifying darknet traffic is essential for real-time applications such as the timely monitoring of malware before attacks occur.This paper presents a two-stage deep network chain for detecting and classifying darknet traffic.In the first stage,anonymized darknet traffic,including VPN and Tor traffic related to hidden services provided by darknets,is detected.In the second stage,traffic related to VPNs and Tor services is classified based on their respective applications.The methodology of this paper was verified on a benchmark dataset containing VPN and Tor traffic.It achieved an accuracy of 96.8%and 94.4%in the detection and classification stages,respectively.Optimization and parameter tuning were performed in both stages to achieve more accurate results,enabling practitioners to combat alleged malicious activities and further detect such activities after outbreaks.In the classification stage,it was observed that the misclassifications were due to the audio and video streaming commonly used in shared real-time protocols.However,in cases where it is desired to distinguish between such activities accurately,the presented deep chain classifier can accommodate additional classifiers.Furthermore,additional classifiers could be added to the chain to categorize specific activities of interest further.

Floquet dynamical quantum phase transitions in transverse XY spin chains under periodic kickings

Floquet dynamical quantum phase transitions(DQPTs),which are nonanalytic phenomena recuring periodically in time-periodic driven quantum many-body systems,have been widely studied in recent years.In this article,the Floquet DQPTs in transverse XY spin chains under the modulation ofδ-function periodic kickings are investigated.We analytically solve the system,and by considering the eigenstate as well as the ground state as the initial state of the Floquet dynamics,we study the corresponding multiple Floquet DQPTs emerged in the micromotion with different kicking moments.The rate function of return amplitude,the Pancharatnam geometric phase and the dynamical topological order parameter are calculated,which consistently verify the emergence of Floquet DQPTs in the system.

Effect of temperature on heavy ion-induced single event transient on 16-nm FinFET inverter chains

The variations of single event transient(SET)pulse width of high-LET heavy ion irradiation in 16-nm-thick bulk silicon fin field-effect transistor(Fin FET)inverter chains with different driven strengths are measured at different temperatures.Three-dimensional(3D)technology computer-aided design simulations are carried out to study the SET pulse width and saturation current varying with temperature.Experimental and simulation results indicate that the increase in temperature will enhance the parasitic bipolar effect of bulk Fin FET technology,resulting in the increase of SET pulse width.On the other hand,the increase of inverter driven strength will change the layout topology,which has a complex influence on the SET temperature effects of Fin FET inverter chains.The experimental and simulation results show that the device with the strongest driven strength has the least dependence on temperature.

Air Quality Estimation Using Nonhomogeneous Markov Chains: A Case Study Comparing Two Rules Applied to Mexico City Data

A nonhomogeneous Markov chain is applied to the study of the air quality classification in Mexico City when the so-called criterion pollutants are used. We consider the indices associated with air quality using two regulations where different ways of classification are taken into account. Parameters of the model are the initial and transition probabilities of the chain. They are estimated under the Bayesian point of view through samples generated directly from the corresponding posterior distributions. Using the estimated parameters, the probability of having an air quality index in a given hour of the day is obtained.

Markov Chains Based on Random Generalized 1-Flipper Operations for Connected Regular Multi-digraphs

The properties of generalized flip Markov chains on connected regular digraphs are discussed.The 1-Flipper operation on Markov chains for undirected graphs is generalized to that for multi-digraphs.The generalized 1-Flipper operation preserves the regularity and weak connectivity of multi-digraphs.The generalized 1-Flipper operation is proved to be symmetric.Moreover,it is presented that a series of random generalized 1-Flipper operations eventually lead to a uniform probability distribution over all connected d-regular multi-digraphs without loops.

DELIVERING THE GOODS China’s courier and logistics sector has thrived in its huge market and become a cornerstone of global supply chains

As China moves to fundamentally improve its virus response by downgrading COVID-19 management to Class B from top-level Class A,one sector that has remained crucial yet bruised by the three-year battle against the disease finally released a sigh of relief.

Implications of The Gift of the Magi for Moral Education of Teenagers From the Perspective of Interaction Ritual Chains

Adolescence is a pivotal moment in shaping one’s character and holds great implications for one’s values and personal growth.The Gift of the Magi by O.Henry portrays how an ordinary young couple in difficult financial circumstances managed to show their love for each other,eulogizing truth,goodness,and beauty in humanity.We conducted a thorough examination of the significance of moral values conveyed in The Gift of the Magi for teenager education using the“situation-emotion-symbol”model that is based on Randall Collins’theory of interaction ritual chains in order to establish an interaction ritual chain model for moral education of teenagers.Our study reveals that situated cognition is useful in constructing the focus of attention for the moral education of teenagers;that shared emotion is the driving force for achieving moral education of teenagers;and that symbolic connections help teenagers put the virtues they’ve learned from The Gift of the Magi into action and provides effective measures that can significantly contribute to the cultivation and implementation of moral education among teenagers.

Global Industrial and Supply Chain Restructuring:Background,Characteristics and Development Trends

The restructuring of global industrial and supply chains is a hot issue in today’s world,and as a result of the once-in-a-century changes and intensified geopolitical and economic competition,the demand for global industrial and supply chain security has risen sharply,with government departments and transnational corporations(TNCs)becoming the most critical stakeholders.Governments carefully calibrate industrial and trade policies from the perspective of national strategies to create industrial chains that support national competitive advantages,and multinational corporations respond to geopolitical risks by prioritizing industrial and supply chain security and sustainability over capital and efficiency.Against the backdrop of changes unseen in a century,decelerating globalization and global economic downturn,the characteristics and future trends of global industrial and supply chain restructuring are worth paying attention to.

International Supply Chain Cooperation and China’s Role

In recent years,the challenges facing the development of international supply chains have been increasing.Major country competition,COVID pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have impacted the development of international supply chains and continue to have negative effects.Against this background,the international community should cooperate to deal with the risks and challenges.

Global Supply Chain Governance and the Future of Globalization

Over the past 30 years or so,globalization has been underpinned by ever-evolving supply chains.The heightened attention to supply chain issues in recent years has been due to a series of global events in the world that have had a significant and profound impact.Factors such as the COVID pandemic,the Ukraine Crisis and increased geopolitical tensions have led to supply chain crises globally or regionally.

Hepatomegaly and jaundice as the presenting symptoms of systemic light-chain amyloidosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Light chain(AL)amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the pathologic production and extracellular tissue deposition of fibrillar proteins derived from immunoglobulin AL fragments secreted by a clone of plasma cells,which leads to progressive dysfunction of the affected organs.The two most commonly affected organs are the heart and kidneys,and liver is rarely the dominant affected organ with only 3.9%of cases,making them prone to misdia-gnosis and missed diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old woman was admitted with a 3-mo history of progressive jaundice and marked hepatomegaly.Initially,based on enhanced computed tomography scan and angiography,Budd-Chiari syndrome was considered and balloon dilatation of significant hepatic vein stenoses was performed.However,addi-tional diagnostic procedures,including liver biopsy and bone marrow-exami-nation,revealed immunoglobulin kapa AL amyloidosis with extensive liver involvement and hepatic vascular compression.The disease course was progre-ssive and fatal,and the patient eventually died 5 mo after initial presentation of symptoms.CONCLUSION AL amyloidosis with isolated liver involvement is very rare,and can be easily misdiagnosed as a vascular disease.

Ensure the Stability and Smoothness of Global Supply Chain

In 2024,the world economy still faces many uncertainties,and it is likely that the geopolitical economy and global security tensions are likely to continue to intensify;although the global inflation rate is declining,it is still at a high level;the global debt crisis has risen sharply;in particular,the risk of decoupling and chain breakage of the industrial chain and supply chain still exists.

Roller Screw and Threaded Chain Speed Reducer: An Experimental Evaluation

We are developing a speed reducer that can be considered a transformation of a worm gear reducer: the worm is replaced by an inverted roller screw, and the gear is replaced by a threaded chain drive. This configuration lessens wear, increases load capacity, and improves efficiency. The threaded chain consists of nut-shaped links. This paper presents the results of tests carried out on a prototype with a reduction ratio of 46.