Recent progress on confinement of polysulfides through physical andchemical methods

With high theoretical energy density and the natural abundance of S, lithium-sulfur （Li-S） batteries areconsidered to be the promising next generation high-energy rechargeable energy storage devices. How-ever, issues including electronical insulation of S, the lithium polysulfides （LiPSs） dissolution and the shortcycle lifespan have prevented Li-S batteries from being practical applied. Feasible settlements of confiningLiPSs to reduce the loss of active substances and improve the cycle stability include wrapping sulfur withcompact layers, designing matrix with porous or hollow structures, adding adsorbents owning stronginteraction with sulfur and inserting polysulfide barriers between cathodes and separators. This reviewcategorizes them into physical and chemical confinements according to the influencing mechanism. Withfurther discussion of their merits and flaws, synergy of the physical and chemical confinement is believedto be the feasible avenue that can guide Li-S batteries to the practical application.

Physical structure and vertical distribution of chlorophyll a in winter sea ice from the northwestern Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The investigation on sea-ice biology in combination with physics, chemistry and ecology was carried out in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Antarctica, during the cruise ANT/XX III-7 on board POLARSTERN in the austral winter （August-October） in 2006. The distribution of chlorophyll a was measured and related to sea ice texture. The mean concentrations of chlorophyll a in the sea ice varied considerably with ice texture. The concentration of chlorophyll a per core ranged from 2.10– 84.40 μg/dm ^3 with a mean of 16.56 μg/dm ^3 . And the value of R （chlorophyll a / gross chlorophyll） ranged from 0.79–0.83. These high winter chlorophyll values indicate that primary production is considerable and confirms that there is significant primary production in Antarctic sea ice during winter. Thus this constitutes a major proportion of southern ocean primary production and carbon flux before the sea ice retreats.

A study on physical property of crustal material and seismogenic environment in northeastern Pamir

2-D crustal structure and velocity ratio are obtained by processing S-wave data from two wide-angle reflec-tion/refraction profiles in and around Jiashi in northeastern Pamir, with the result of P-wave data taken into con-sideration. The result shows that: 1) Average crustal velocity ratio is obviously higher in Tarim block than in West Kunlun Mts. and Tianshan fold zone, which reflects its crustal physical property of 'hardness' and stability. The relatively low but normai velocity ratio (Poisson's ratio) of the lower crust indicates that the 'downward thrusting' of Tarim basin is the main feature of crustal movement in this area. 2) The rock layer in the upper crust of Tianshan fold zone is relatively 'soft', which makes it prone to rupture and stress energy release. This is the primary tectonic factor for the concentration of small earthquakes in this area. 3) Jiashi is located right over the apex or the inflection point of the updoming lower crustal interface C and the crust-mantle boundary, which is the deep struc-tural background for the occurrence of strong earthquakes. The alternate variation of vp/vs near the block bounda-ries and the complicated configuration of the interfaces in the upper and middie part of the upper crust form a par-ticular structural environment for the Jiashi strong earthquake swarm. vp/vs is comparatively high and shear modulus is low at the focal region, which may be the main reason for the low stress drop of the Jiashi strong earthquake swarm.

Comparison of structure and physical fields in 400 kA aluminum reduction cells

To investigate the differences and the development trends of the 400 kA aluminum reduction cell, four representative cells were deeply analyzed. By using numerical simulation methods in ANSYS software, the structure parameters were firstly compared, and then three-dimensional models of electric-magnetic-flow field were built and solved with finite element method(FEM). The comparison of the structures reveals that the cell bodies are similar while the current flow path and distribution ratio of bus bars are different. It appears that most of the current(70%-80%) in side A are used as the magnetic field compensation current and flow through two ends. The numerical simulation results indicate that the distributions of magnetic fields are different but all satisfy with the magnetohydrodynamics(MHD) stabilization, and the flow patterns are all two or multi vortexes with appropriate velocities. The comparison shows that all studied cells can satisfy with the physical field requirement, and the commercial applications also verify that the 400 kA cells have become the product of the mature and world's leading technology.

PHYSICAL VALUE MAPPING ALGORITHM OF MESH IN FINE CAE ANALYSIS OF AUTOMOBILE BODY STRUCTURE

A physical value mapping （PVM） algorithm based on finite element mesh from the stamped part in stamping process to the product is presented, In order to improve the efficiency of the PVM algorithm, a search way from the mesh of the product to the mesh of the stamped part will be adopted. At the same time, the search process is divided into two steps： entire search （ES） and local search （LS）, which improve the searching efficiency. The searching area is enlarged to avoid missing projection elements in ES process. An arc-length method is introduced in LS process. The validity is confirmed by the results of the complex industry-forming product.

An Analysis of Physical Fitness Differences in Soccer,Handball,and Basketball

This study focuses on the evaluation of the differences of physical fitness among soccer players, handball players, and basketball players, and the investigation of the physical fitness structures of those players. The participants consisted of 160 elite players selected from university teams. Fourteen tests related to health and motor fitness were conducted. The results were subjected to a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to test the mean vector differences among the three groups of different sport. Nine out of the fourteen tests were of significantly discriminating results regarding to different group, which include side step, abdominal strength, shuttle running, 100m running, pull-up, 1,500m running, trunk flexion, grip strength and broad jump, as determined by a stepwise regression approach. MANOVA showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.001) of the mean vectors of the 9 tests among the three events. Discriminant function analysis showed that three discriminant functions were significant, whose correctness was testified by the classification analysis to be over 80.2%. It is demonstrated that elite handball players are good at agility, elite soccer players are speedy, and successful basketball players apparently possess preeminent muscular strength and endurance.

Ground-State Structure and Physical Properties of NB_2 Predicted from First Principles

Using the newly developed particle swarm optimization algorithm on crystal structural prediction, we predict a new class of boron nitride with stoicMometry of NB2 at ambient pressure, which belongs to the tetragonal 14m2 space group. Then, its structure, elastic properties, electronic structure, and chemical bonding are investigated by first-principles calculations with the density functional theory. The phonon calculation and elastic constants confirm that the predicted NB2 is dynamically and mechanically stable, respectively. The large bulk modulus, large shear modulus, large Young＇s modulus, and small Poisson＇s ratio show that the 14m2 NB2 should be a new superhard material with a calculated theoretical Vickers hardness value of 66 GPa. Further analysis on density of states and electron localization function demonstrate that the strong B B and 13 N covalent bonds are the main reason for its high hardness in 14m2 NB2.

Crystal growth,structural and physical properties of the 5d noncentrosymmetric LaOsSi_3

LaOsSi3 single crystals are synthesized for the first time by an arc melting method. The crystal features a tetrag- onal BaNiSn3-type structure （space group 14mm） which lacks inversion symmetry along the crystallographic c axis and is isostructural with the intensively studied Rashba-type noncentrosymmetric superconductors LaRhSi3 and LaIrSi3. Un- like LaRhSi3 and LaIrSi3 displaying superconductivity, LaOsSi3 shows only metallic behavior over the measured temper- ature range of 2 K-300 K. The Sommerfeld coefficient ]/derived from specific heat is 5.76 mJ.mol-1 -K-2, indicating that LaOsSi3 has a weak electronic correlation effect. The absence of superconductivity in LaOsSi3 may lie in the Os 5d bands in the electronic structure. If it is true, it would be useful to provide complementary knowledge in understanding the relation between conduction and the d bands of M in LaMSi3 compounds （M = transition metals）.

Studies of Atomic Structure and Physical Properties of Metal Clusters in MgO by HREM and Nano-probe Methods

Nanometer-sized metal clusters were prepared inside single crystalline MgO films by vacuum co-deposition of metals and MgO. The atomic structure was studied by high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and nm-area electron diffraction. The size of the clusters is ranging from 1 nm to 3 nm without those larger than 5 nm, and most of them have definite epitaxial orientations with the MgO matrix films. The character of the composite films is very much useful for the studies of various kinds of physical properties with anisotroPy. The physical properties such as electric transport, magnetic, optical absorption, sintering and catalytic ones were thus measured on the same samples analyzed by HREM by using high sensitivity apparatus with interest of clarifying the retationship between the atomic structure and physical properties

Adsorption Isotherm and Kinetics of Dibenzofuran on Granular Activated Carbons

The adsorption of dibenzofuran on three commercial granular activated carbons (ACs) was investigated by dynamic experiment to correlate the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics with the structure of activated carbons.Physical properties including surface area, average pore diameter, micropore area and micropore volume of the activated carbons were characterized by N2 adsorption experiment on ASAP2010. To calculate the adsorption parameters, adsorption isotherm data were fitted to the Langmuir equation, and adsorption kinetic data were fitted to the linear driving force (LDF) diffusion model. From the correlation results, it is concluded that the adsorption equilibrium and diffusion coefficient of dibenzofuran on activated carbon are controlled respectively by the total adsorbent surface area and the adsorbent pore diameter.

Adsorption Kinetics of Dibenzofuran in Activated Carbon Packed Bed

The adsorption of dibenzofuran （DBF） on three commercial granular activated carbons （GAC） was investigated to correlate the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics with the morphological characteristics of activated carbons. Breakthrough experiment was conducted to determine the isotherm and kinetics of dibenzofuran on the activated carbons. All-the experiment runs were performed in a fixed bed with a process temperature of 368 K. The effects of adsorbent morphological properties on the kinetics of the adsorption process were studied. The equilibrium data are found satisfactory fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. An intraparticle diffusion model based on the obtained Langmuir isotherm was＇developed for predicting the fixed bed adsorption of dibenzofuran. The result indicated that this model fit all the breakthrough curves well. The surface diffusion coefficients of dibenzofuran on the activated carbon are calculated, and a relationship with the microporosity is found. As it was expected, the dibenzofuran molecule finds more kinetic restrictions for the diffusion in those carbons with narrower pore diameter.

Effect of high-voltage discharge non-thermal plasma on g-C_3N_4 in a plasma-photocatalyst system

The synergistic effect of high voltage discharge non‐thermal plasma(NTP)and photocatalysts on contaminant removal has repeatedly confirmed by plenty of researches.Most previous plasma‐photocatalyst synergistic systems focused on the utilization of the ultraviolet light but ignored the visible light generated by high voltage discharge.Graphitic carbon nitride(g‐C3N4),a metal‐free semiconductor that exhibits high chemical stability,can utilize both the ultraviolet and visible light from high voltage discharge.However,the synergistic system of NTP and g‐C3N4 has been researched little.In this paper,the effect of NTP generated by dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)on g‐C3N4 is studied by comparing the photocatalytic activities,the surface physical structure and the surface chemical characteristics of pristine and plasma treated g‐C3N4.Experimental results indicate that the DBD plasma can change the physical structure and the chemical characteristics and to further affect the photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4.The effect of NTP on g‐C3N4 is associated with the discharge intensity and the discharge time.For a long time scale,the effect of NTP on g‐C3N4 photocatalysts presents a periodic change trend.

New Discrete Element Models for Three-Dimensional Impact Problems

Two 3-D numerical models of the discrete element method （DEM） for impact problems are proposed. The models can calculate not only the impact problems of continuum and non-continuum, but also the transient process from continuum to non-continuum. The stress wave propagation in a concrete block and a dynamic splitting process of a marble disc under impact loading are numerically simulated with the proposed models. By comparing the numerical results with the corresponding results obtained by the finite element method （FEM） and the experiments, it is proved that the models are reliable for three-dimensional impact problems.

Long-Lasting Phosphorescence Properties of Pyrochlore La2Ti2O7：Pr^3＋ Phosphor

The La2Ti2O7：Pr^3＋, which emits red color luminescence upon UV light excitation, is prepared by the conventional high-temperature solid-state method and its luminescent properties are systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, afterglow emission spectra and long-lasting phosphorescence （LLP） decay curves are used to characterize this phosphor. After irradiation by a 290-nm UV light for 3 rain, the Pr^3＋-doped La2Ti2O7 phosphor emits intense red emitting afterglow from the ^1D2 →^ 3H4 transitions, and its afterglow can be seen with the naked eye in the dark clearly for more than 1 h after removal of the excitation source. The afterglow decay curve of the Pr^3＋-doped La2Ti2O7 phosphor contains a fast decay component and another slow decay one. The possible mechanism of this red light emitting LLP phosphor is also discussed based on the experimental results.

Adapting Smallholder Agriculture to Climate Change through Sustainable Land Management Practices： Empirical Evidence from North-West Ethiopia

The objective of this paper was to determine the factors that influence farmers＇ decision to use two categories of sustainable land management （SLM） practices as adaptation strategy to climate change in the North-West Ethiopia. It was based on analysis of data collected from 734 farm household heads and employed probit regression model to analyze the determinants of adaptation to climate change through SLM measures. Based on the model result, factors, like perception of climate change, exposure to adaptation techniques, education, perception of land degradation, slope, land prone to degradation, number of parcels, crop enterprise income, land size, farm distance, economically active family size and agro-ecology are found important in determining farmers＇ decision to use structural land management practices. Likewise, perception of climate change, exposure to adaptation, farming experience, slope, crop enterprise income, land prone to degradation and agro-ecology are found important in affecting farmers＇ decision to use non-structural land management practices as adaptation measure. Therefore, in line with the findings of the analysis, any intervention that promotes use of land management practices as adaptation strategy should take into account agro-ecology specific factors that are relevant to the nature of the land management practices. Moreover, since scaling up of SLM practices as adaptation strategy is resource intensive, it requires both public and non-public investment for providing technological support and raising awareness. Failure to do so would adversely affect crop productivity and exacerbate food insecurity problems at farm household level.

An automated method for mapping physical soil and water conservation structures on cultivated land using GIS and remote sensing techniques

An efficient and reliable automated model that can map physical Soil and Water Conservation（SWC） structures on cultivated land was developed using very high spatial resolution imagery obtained from Google Earth and Arc GIS？ERDAS IMAGINE？and SDC Morphology Toolbox for MATLAB and statistical techniques. The model was developed using the following procedures：（1） a high-pass spatial filter algorithm was applied to detect linear features,（2） morphological processing was used to remove unwanted linear features,（3） the raster format was vectorized,（4） the vectorized linear features were split per hectare（ha） and each line was then classified according to its compass directionand（5） the sum of all vector lengths per class of direction per ha was calculated. Finallythe direction class with the greatest length was selected from each ha to predict the physical SWC structures. The model was calibrated and validated on the Ethiopian Highlands. The model correctly mapped 80% of the existing structures. The developed model was then tested at different sites with different topography. The results show that the developed model is feasible for automated mapping of physical SWC structures. Thereforethe model is useful for predicting and mapping physical SWC structures areas across diverse areas.

Effects of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Sensing Properties to Alcohol for Nano-La_(0.68)Pb_(0.32)FeO_3

La_(0.68)Pb_(0.32)FeO_3 samples annealed at different temperature were prepared using citrate sol-gel method. With increasing of annealing temperature from 200 to 1000 ℃, the samples crystallize to have single-phase perovskite structure. However, the sensitivity increases at first due to the improvement of crystallization of the perovskite phase, and finally drops attributed to the larger grain size. The optimal sensitivities for La_(0.68)Pb_(0.32)FeO_3 samples annealed at 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ℃ are 12.14, 14.77, 51.07, and 34.55, respectively.

Comparative studies in method for stratigraphical structure measurement of ice cores: Identification of cloudy bands

Cloudy bands are typical stratigraphic structure in deep ice core. Detailed recording of cloudy bands is important for dating of ice core since pair of series cloudy band and clear layer is corresponds to annual layer and it sometimes corresponds to volcanic ash layer. We developed two type scanners, transmitted light method and laser tomograph method for the stratigraphic study. Measurements were carried out for NGRIP deep ice core, which containing many cloudy bands, using the two type scanners and digital camera. We discussed about the possibility of identification of cloudy bands by each method and about advantage and disadvantage of measurements and their results.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Thermal Properties of Solid Uranium Dioxide

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed with the recently developed empirical interaction potential by Morelon et al. Thermodynamics properties of solid UO2 that have been assessed include melt point, density, enthalpy, heat capacity, lattice parameter variation with temperature, mean-square-displacement and diffusion coefficients of oxygen ion. The results are compared with the data in literature and it is suggested that the rigid ionic potential provides perfect results below the superionic range. The data showing thermodynamics properties will become unacceptable when the temperature is higher than 2500 K. Compared with the previous empirical potentials, the empirical potential developed by Morelon et al. improves the agreement of these data with the recommend ones.

CuInSe2 Films Prepared by a Plasma-Assisted Selenization Process in Different Working Pressures

The effects of working pressure on the composition, structure and surface morphology properties of CuInSe2 （CIS） films selenized with a plasma-assisted selenization process is investigated. Higher selenium content, better crystalline quality and much more regular surface particles compared to the others are found in the CIS film with 40 Pa working pressure. A Cu（In,Ga）Se2 device fabricated with the optimized plasma-assisted selenization process is demonstrated to be better than our previous result. After discussion, the reason for these phenomena is attributed to the compromise of electron temperature and plasma density.