Method for rapid warning and activity concentration estimates in online waterγ-spectrometry systems

Onlineγ-spectrometry systems for inland waters,most of which extract samples in situ and in real time,are able to produce reliable activity concentration measurements for waterborne radionuclides only when they are distributed relatively uniformly and enter into a steady-state diffusion regime in the measurement chamber.To protect residents’health and ensure the safety of the living environment,better timeliness is required for this measurement method.To address this issue,this study established a mathematical model of the online waterγ-spectrometry system so that rapid warning and activity estimates can be obtained for water under non-steady-state(NSS)conditions.In addition,the detection efficiency of the detector for radionuclides during the NSS diffusion process was determined by applying the computational fluid dynamics technique in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations.On this basis,a method was developed that allowed the online waterγ-spectrometry system to provide rapid warning and activity concentration estimates for radionuclides in water.Subsequent analysis of the NSS-mode measurements of^(40)K radioactive solutions with different activity concentrations determined the optimum warning threshold and measurement time for producing accurate activity concentration estimates for radionuclides.The experimental results show that the proposed NSS measurement method is able to give warning and yield accurate activity concentration estimates for radionuclides 55.42 and 69.42 min after the entry of a 10 Bq/L^(40)K radioactive solution into the measurement chamber,respectively.These times are much shorter than the 90 min required by the conventional measurement method.Furthermore,the NSS measurement method allows the measurement system to give rapid(within approximately 15 min)warning when the activity concentrations of some radionuclides reach their respective limits stipulated in the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality of the WHO,suggesting that this method considerably enhances the warning capacity of in situ online waterγ-spectrometry systems.

Facile preparation and efficient MnxCoy porous nanosheets for the sustainable catalytic process of soot

The pursuit of high-performance is worth considerable effort in catalysis for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. To develop redox catalysts with superior performance for soot combustion, a series of Mn_(x)Co_(y) oxides were synthesized using MgO template substitution.This method greatly improves the preparation and catalytic efficiency and is more in line with the current theme of green catalysts and sustainable development. The resulting Mn_(1)Co_(2.3) has a strong activation capability of gaseous oxygen due to a high concentration of Co^(3+) and Mn^(3+). The Mn doping enhanced the intrinsic activity by prompting oxygen vacancy formation and gaseous oxygen adsorption. The nanosheet morphology with abundant mesoporous significantly increased the solid–solid contact efficiency and improved the adsorption capability of gaseous reactants. The novel design of Mn_(1)Co_(2.3)oxide enhanced its catalytic performance through a synergistic effect of Mn doping and the porous nanosheet morphology, showing significant potential for the preparation of high-performance soot combustion catalysts.

Effects of Mg-doping temperature on the structural and electrical properties of nonpolar a-plane p-type GaN films

Nonpolar(11–20) a-plane p-type GaN films were successfully grown on r-plane sapphire substrate with the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition(MOCVD) system. The effects of Mg-doping temperature on the structural and electrical properties of nonpolar p-type GaN films were investigated in detail. It is found that all the surface morphology, crystalline quality, strains, and electrical properties of nonpolar a-plane p-type GaN films are interconnected, and are closely related to the Mg-doping temperature. This means that a proper performance of nonpolar p-type GaN can be expected by optimizing the Mg-doping temperature. In fact, a hole concentration of 1.3×10^(18)cm^(-3), a high Mg activation efficiency of 6.5%,an activation energy of 114 me V for Mg acceptor, and a low anisotropy of 8.3% in crystalline quality were achieved with a growth temperature of 990℃. This approach to optimizing the Mg-doping temperature of the nonpolar a-plane p-type GaN film provides an effective way to fabricate high-efficiency optoelectronic devices in the future.

Grain yield,nitrogen use efficiency and physiological performance of indica/japonica hybrid rice in response to various nitrogen rates

Utilizing the heterosis of indica/japonica hybrid rice(IJHR)is an effective way to further increase rice grain yield.Rational application of nitrogen(N)fertilizer plays a very important role in using the heterosis of IJHR to achieve its great yield potential.However,the responses of the grain yield and N utilization of IJHR to N application rates and the underlying physiological mechanism remain elusive.The purpose of this study was to clarify these issues.Three rice cultivars currently used in rice production,an IJHR cultivar Yongyou 2640(YY2640),a japonica cultivar Lianjing 7(LJ-7)and an indica cultivar Yangdao 6(YD-6),were grown in the field with six N rates(0,100,200,300,400,and 500 kg ha^(-1))in 2018 and 2019.The results showed that with the increase in N application rates,the grain yield of each test cultivar increased at first and then decreased,and the highest grain yield was at the N rate of 400 kg ha^(-1)for YY2640,with a grain yield of 13.4 t ha^(-1),and at 300 kg ha^(-1)for LJ-7 and YD-6,with grain yields of 9.4–10.6 t ha^(-1).The grain yield and N use efficiency(NUE)of YY2640 were higher than those of LJ-7 or YD-6 at the same N rate,especially at the higher N rates.When compared with LJ-7 or YD-6,YY2640 exhibited better physiological traits,including greater root oxidation activity and leaf photosynthetic rate,higher cytokinin content in the roots and leaves,and more remobilization of assimilates from the stem to the grain during grain filling.The results suggest that IJHR could attain both higher grain yield and higher NUE than inbred rice at either low or high N application rates.Improved shoot and root traits of the IJHR contribute to its higher grain yield and NUE,and a higher content of cytokinins in the IJHR plants plays a vital role in their responses to N application rates and also benefits other physiological processes.

Relating models of activity metabolism to the metabolic efficiency of steady swimming

Power-law ( ) and exponential power-law ( ) functional forms model activity metabolism ( ) for fully submerged swimming animals, and are special cases of the power-law polynomial equation, in which?? is the observed total metabolic rate measured at an observed steady swimming speed,? . The relationship between the metabolic efficiency of steady swimming and the exponents of?? is addressed in this paper to establish the use of?? () and?? () as optimal efficiencies for comparing the hydrodynamic and muscle metabolic efficiencies among fully submerged animals that engage in steady swimming activities. The metabolic efficiency of steady swimming is transformed into its ideal form ( ) from which??? the optimal hydrodynamic efficiency ( ) and the optimal muscle metabolic efficiency ( ) are derived. These optimal efficiencies are therefore ideal metabolic efficiencies measured at different optimal steady speeds. Subsequently, linear ( ) and exponential ( ) models are approximations with divergent optimal muscle metabolic efficiencies ( and , respectively), but with a similar optimal hydrodynamic efficiency ( ).

基于移相控制统一模型的双有源桥DC-DC变换器基波环流优化控制策略

为充分利用双有源桥DC-DC变换器的容量,减小无功功率,提升工作效率,提出一种基于变换器移相控制统一模型的基波环流优化控制策略。通过引入基波移相比对变换器的所有移相控制方式进行统一描述,并采用傅里叶分解法建立全桥交流电压及电感电流的统一模型。该统一模型降低了多控制变量下变换器多模态分析的复杂性,适用于不同移相控制的所有工作模式,具有普适性。基于频域分析法和功率因数角,构建变换器传输功率及无功功率的统一数学模型。在此基础上,提出考虑无功基波分量的环流优化控制策略,并对传导损耗进行建模与分析。该策略简单有效,能够很好地减小变换器无功功率和改善系统效率,更有利于工程实际的应用。搭建了实验平台,对比了所提基波环流优化控制策略与传统移相控制方式下变换器的功率因数及变换效率,仿真和实验结果验证了理论分析的正确性和所提控制策略的可行性。

Advanced semiconductor catalyst designs for the photocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)

Using clean solar energy to reduce CO_(2)into value-added products not only consumes the over-emitted CO_(2)that causes environmental problems,but also generates fuel chemicals to alleviate energy crises.The photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction(PCO_(2)RR)relies on the semiconductor photocatalysts that suffer from high recombination rate of the photo-generated carriers,low light harvesting capability,and low stability.This review explores the recent discoveries on the novel semiconductors for PCO_(2)RR,focusing on the rational catalyst design strategies(such as surface engineering,band engineering,hierarchical structure construction,single-atom catalysts,and biohybrid catalysts)that promote the catalytic performance of semiconductor catalysts on PCO_(2)RR.The advanced characterization techniques that contribute to understanding the intrinsic properties of the photocatalysts are also discussed.Lastly,the perspectives on future challenges and possible solutions for PCO_(2)RR are presented.

A Novel Estimating Method for Steering Efficiency of the Driver with Electromyography Signals

The existing research of steering efficiency mainly focuses on the mechanism efficiency of steering system, aiming at designing and optimizing the mechanism of steering system. In the development of assist steering system especially the evaluation of its comfort, the steering efficiency of driver physiological output usually are not considered, because this physiological output is difficult to measure or to estimate, and the objective evaluation of steering comfort therefore cannot be conducted with movement efficiency perspective. In order to take a further step to the objective evaluation of steering comfort, an estimating method for the steering efficiency of the driver was developed based on the research of the relationship between the steering force and muscle activity. First, the steering forces in the steering wheel plane and the electromyography （EMG） signals of the primary muscles were measured. These primary muscles are the muscles in shoulder and upper ann which mainly produced the steering torque, and their functions in steering maneuver were identified previously. Next, based on the multiple regressions of the steering force and EMG signals, both the effective steering force and the total force capacity of driver in steering maneuver were calculated. Finally, the steering efficiency of driver was estimated by means of the estimated effective force and the total force capacity, which represented the information of driver physiological output of the primary muscles. This research develops a novel estimating method for driver steering efficiency of driver physiological output, including the estimation of both steering force and the force capacity of primary muscles with EMG signals, and will benefit to evaluate the steering comfort with an objective perspective.

Homoepitaxial growth of (100) Si-doped β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films via MOCVD

Homoepitaxial growth of Si-doped β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films on semi-insulating(100) β-Ga_(2)O_(3) substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition(MOCVD) is studied in this work. By appropriately optimizing the growth conditions, an increasing diffusion length of Ga adatoms is realized, suppressing 3D island growth patterns prevalent in(100) β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films and optimizing the surface morphology with [010] oriented stripe features. The slightly Si-doped β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film shows smooth and flat surface morphology with a root-mean-square roughness of 1.3 nm. Rocking curves of the(400) diffraction peak also demonstrate the high crystal quality of the Si-doped films. According to the capacitance–voltage characteristics, the effective net doping concentrations of the films are 5.41 × 10~(15) – 1.74 × 10~(20) cm~(-3). Hall measurements demonstrate a high electron mobility value of 51cm~2/(V·s), corresponding to a carrier concentration of 7.19 × 10~(18) cm~(-3) and a high activation efficiency of up to 61.5%. Transmission line model(TLM) measurement shows excellent Ohmic contacts and a low specific contact resistance of 1.29 × 10~(-4) Ω·cm~2 for the Si-doped film, which is comparable to the Si-implanted film with a concentration of 5.0 × 10~(19) cm~(-3), confirming the effective Si doing in the MOCVD epitaxy.

Exploring the relationship of hyaluronic acid molecular weight and active targeting efficiency for designing hyaluronic acid-modified nanoparticles

Although it is reported that the targeting ability of hyaluronic acid(HA)-based nanoparticles(NPs) is molecular weight(MW) dependent,the influence of HA MW on targeting efficiency of HA-functionalized NPs and the underlying mechanism remain elusive. In this study,we constituted three HA-functionalized Dox-loaded NPs(Dox/HCVs) different HA MWs(7,63,and 102 k Da) and attempted to illustrate the effects of HA MW on the targeting efficiency.The three Dox/HCVs had similar physiochemical and pharmaceutical characteristics,but showed different affinity to CD44 receptor. Furthermore,Dox/HCV-63 exerted the best targeting effect and the highest cytotoxicity compared with Dox/HCV-7 and Dox/HCV-102. It was interesting to found that both the HA-CD44 binding affinity and induced CD44 clustering by HA-based NPs were HA MW-dependent,the two of which determine the apparent targeting efficacy of Dox/HCV NPs in the conflicting directions. Those results laid a good foundation for rationally designing HA-based NPs in cancer therapy.

Nitrogen availability regulates deep soil priming effect by changing microbial metabolic efficiency in a subtropical forest

In terrestrial ecosystems,deep soils(below 30 cm)are major organic carbon(C)pools.The labile carbon input could alter soil organic carbon(SOC)mineralization,resulting in priming effect(PE),which could be modified by nitrogen(N)availability,however,the underlying mechanism is unclear for deep soils,which complicates the prediction of deep soil C cycling in response to N deposition.A series of N applications with ^(13)C labeled glucose was set to investigate the effect of labile C and N on deep SOC mineralization.Microbial biomass,functional community,metabolic efficiency and enzyme activities were examined for their effects on SOC mineralization and PE.During incubation,glucose addition promoted SOC mineralization,resulting in positive PE.The magnitude of PE decreased significantly with increasing N.The N-regulated PE was not dependent on extracellular enzyme activities but was positively correlated with carbon use efficiency and negatively with metabolic quotient.Higher N levels resulted in higher microbial biomass and SOC-derived microbial biomass than lower N levels.These results suggest that the decline in the PE under high N availability was mainly controlled by higher microbial metabolic efficiency which allocated more C for growth.Structural equation modelling also revealed that microbial metabolic efficiency rather than enzyme activities was the main factor regulating the PE.The negative effect of additional N suggests that future N deposition could promote soil C sequestration.

Recent update on electrochemical CO_(2)reduction catalyzed by metal sulfide materials

Seeking and developing efficient CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)electrocatalysts is a hot topic in this era of global warming.Among material candidates for sustainable and cost-effective applications,metal sulfides have attracted attention as promising nature-inspired materials due to multiple adsorption sites which are enhanced by the covalent character of sulfur.This article summarizes the current status regarding the utilization and development of metal sulfide materials as CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts.First,the research background and basic principles of electrochemical CO_(2)RR are introduced.Next,an overview of the main obstacles to developing efficient CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts is presented.The section is followed by a summary of the empirical evidence supporting the application of metal sulfides as CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts beside nature-inspired motivation.The summary of synthesis methods of various metal sulfides is also presented.Furthermore,the paper also highlights the recent works on metal sulfide as efficient CO_(2)RR including the undertaking strategy on the activity enhancement,and finally,discusses the challenges and prospect of metal sulfides-based CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts.Despite recent efforts,metal sulfides remain relatively unexplored as materials for CO_(2)RR electrocatalytic applications.Therefore,this review aims to stimulate novel ideas and research for improved catalyst designs and functionality.

多级离散扩展移相控制双有源桥DC-DC变换器的原理、参数设计与性能

该文提出一种双有源桥(DAB)DC-DC变换器的多级离散扩展移相(MD-EPS)控制,旨在提升DAB DC-DC变换器系统的动态响应性能。同时,考虑效率优化,兼顾额定功率范围、输出电压纹波等性能指标,研究MD-EPS控制的离散参数分布方式对控制性能的影响及参数设计方法。通过搭建160 W小功率实验样机对MD-EPS的控制性能进行了验证。实验结果表明,与传统扩展移相控制相比,DABDC-DC变换器的MD-EPS控制能够大幅提升变换器系统的动态响应速度(响应时间缩短99.95%),最高效率为94.54%。

Active Design Method of Tooth Profiles for Cycloid Drive Based on Meshing Efficiency

An active design method of tooth profiles for cycloid gears based on their meshing efficiency is proposed.This method takes the meshing efficiency as one of the design variables to determine the tooth profiles.The calculation method for the meshing efficiency of planetary transmission is analyzed and the equation of the meshing efficiency is deduced.Relationships between the meshing efficiency,the radius of the pin wheel and the eccentric distance are revealed.The design constraint quations and the strength constraint quations are deduced.On the basis of this,a design procedure is laid out.Some examples using different input parameters are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.A dynamic simulation of the rigid flexible coupling of cycloid gears is also presented.The results show that the proposed design method is more flexible to control the tooth profiles by changing the input values of the transmission efficiency.

Free Radical Activity as Diagnostic and Prognostic Criteria in Solid Tumors and Their Therapy

Blood plasma of 39 cancer patients who had not previously undergone anti-tumor treatment, and 21 patients with recurrent epithelial tissues cancer before treatment and after the first course of chemotherapy were investigated. The treatment effectiveness of patients with relapse was evaluated throughout the year. The control group was the blood plasma of 14 healthy people. Free radical activity and oxidative modification of proteins were assessed in blood plasma. In malignant neoplasms of epithelial tissues, free radical activity and oxidative modification of plasma proteins are significantly higher. At the initial stages of carcinogenesis, the oxidative modification level of plasma proteins increases both due to aldehyde and ketone carbonyl derivatives. In the terminal stage of malignant tumors, an increase in the oxidative modification of proteins occurs due to aliphatic ketone dinitrophenyl hydrazones, which are the markers of protein aggregation characteristic of the late stages of oxidative stress. In case of an objective response to polychemotherapy, there is a significant decrease in free radical plasma activity after the first course of therapy and a significant increase in carbonyl derivatives recorded at a wavelength of 230 nm, which can serve as a marker of its effectiveness.

Properties study and phylogenetic analysis of a bacterial strain with high de-emulsification efficiency

For further practical application,the phylogenetic analysis and de-emulsification properties study of strain XH1 with high de-emulsification efficiency isolated from crude oil contaminated soil in Daqing oil field were conducted with a surfactant-stabilized water-kerosene model emulsion. The factors influencing the de-emulsification efficiency and the generation site of de-emulsification active component of the strain were also investigated. The similarity of 16SrDNA sequences between strain XH1 and Bacillus mojavensis(DQ993678)was 99%. According to the physiological biochemical test,strain XH1 was preliminarily identified as Bacillus mojavensis. The logarithmic growth,stable phase and decline phase of strain XH1 were determined as 14,18 and 28 h,respectively. The best de-emulsification activity emerged after cultivating for 18h,and the complete de-emulsification was achieved at 24 h. The most favorable incubation conditions for de-emulsification occurred with pH of 6.0 at 30 ℃. The de-emulsification capability of strain XH1 was mainly resulted from extracellular metabolites. The above results indicate that strain XH1 has high de-emulsification efficiency and is potential as a commercial de-emulsifier.

Near is more:learning efficiency in research and development innovation among interlocking firms

Research question/issue:This study examines whether geographic proximity produces a proximity preference as interlocking firms observe each other and learn innovative behaviors through information transmission among interlocking directors.Research findings/insights:We study the performance of A-share-listed companies in China from 2007 to 2017 on the basis of resource dependence theory,agglomeration effect theory,and Porter’s competitive theory.When target firms learn about research and development–related innovation behaviors from interlocking firms closer to them,they experience more efficient learning effects and have improved convergent traits.Moreover,this proximity advantage increases the willingness of the target firm to communicate with and learn from interlocking firms closer to them.Highly developed areas and research and development–intensive industries positively affect the learning efficiency of interlocking firms.Theoretical/academic implications:Our conclusion is consistent with resource dependence theory;target firms in highly developed areas are more willing to imitate and study nearby interlocking firms to maintain their peer relations,innovation potential,and competitiveness.Our conclusion is also consistent with competition theory,which states that the exchange of information between target firms in highly research and development–intensive industries and distant interlocking firms increases innovation differentiation,innovation potential,and competitiveness,even when such exchange has a high cost.Practitioner/policy implications:The results support resource dependence theory and peers’effects.The information obtained by interlocking directorates through external social relations guides firm decision-making,and closer distances reveal more obvious effects.

Effect of Growth Stage-Based Irrigation Schedules on Biomass Accumulation and Resource Use Efficiency of Wheat Cultivars

Climate and weather conditions greatly affect the performance of new wheat cultivars for yield and resource use efficiency. In order to know the effect of irrigation schedules based on growth stage (the most vital criterion in the region) on growth, yield and radiation use efficiency of wheat cultivars in Faisalabad conditions, a study was planned at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2009-2010. Split plot design with irrigation levels in main plots and cultivars in sub-plots was implied. Irrigation levels were: IT = irrigation at tillering stage, ITS = irrigation at tillering and stem elongation stage, ISB = irrigation at stem elongation and booting stage and ITSBG = irrigation at tillering, stem elongation, booting and grain filling stage. Cultivars selected were: Faisalabad-2008, Lasani-2008, Miraj-2008, Shafaq-2006 and Chakwal-97. Irrigation treatment ITSBG gave higher grain yield (4.23 t·ha-1) followed by ISB (3.60 t·ha-1), however ITSBG was statistically similar to ISB in radiation use efficiency (RUE) for grain yield (RUEGY). Similarly the two treatments were statistically at par in maximum leaf area index, total dry matter (TDM) accumulation, cumulative photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and RUETDM. Hence where less numbers of irrigations are available, irrigation at stem elongation and booting stage is suitable for achieving economic yield. Lasani-2008 produced maximum grain yield (4.37 t·ha-1) compared to other cultivars but it was statistically at par with Shafaq-2006 in plant height, TDM production and RUETDM. Depending on the availability, the two cultivars may be chosen under irrigated conditions of Faisalabad.

High Efficiency and Stable Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter

High efficiency, stable organic light-emitting diodes （OLEDs） based on 2-pheyl-4＇-carbazole-9-H-Thioxanthen-9- one-10, 10-dioxide （TXO-PhCz） with different doping concentration are constructed. The stability of the encap- sulated devices are investigated in detail. The devices with the 10 wt% doped TXO-PhCz emitter layer （EML） show the best performance with a current efficiency of 52.1 cd/A, a power efficiency of 32.71re^W, and an external quantum efficiency （EQE） of 17.7%. The devices based on the lOwt%-doped TXO-PhCz EML show the best operational stability with a half-life time （LTSO） of 8Oh, which is 8 h longer than that of the reference devices based on fac-tris（2-phenylpyridinato）iridium（ Ⅲ） （Ir（ppy）a）. These indicate excellent stability of TXO-PhCz for redox and oxidation processes under electrical excitation and TXO-PhCz can be potentially used as the emitters for OLEDs with high efficiency and excellent stability. The high-performance device based on TXO-PhCz with high stability can be further improved by the optimization of the encapsulation technology and the development of a new host for TXO-PhCz.

Integrated water vapor during active and break spells of monsoon and its relationship with temperature,precipitation and precipitation efficiency over a tropical site

Global Positioning System(GPS)measurements of integrated water vapor(IWV)for two years(2014 and 2015)are presented in this paper.Variation of IWV during active and break spells of Indian summer monsoon has been studied for a tropical station Hyderabad(17.4°N,78.46°E).The data is validated with ECMWF Re-Analysis(ERA)91 level data.Relationships of IWV with other atmospheric variables like surface temperature,rain,and precipitation efficiency have been established through cross-correlation studies.A positive correlation coefficient is observed between IWV and surface temperature over two years.But the coefficient becomes negative when only summer monsoon months(June,July,August,and September)are considered.Rainfall during these months cools down the surface and could be the reason for this change in the correlation coefficient.Correlation studies between IWV-precipitation,IWVprecipitation efficiency(P.E),and precipitation-P.E show that coefficients are-0.05,-0.10 and 0.983 with 95%confidence level respectively,which proves that the efficacy of rain does not depend only on the level of water vapor.A proper dynamic mechanism is necessary to convert water vapor into the rain.The diurnal variations of IWV during active and break spells have been analyzed.The amplitudes of diurnal oscillation and its harmonics of individual spell do not show clear trends but the mean amplitudes of the break spells are approximately double than those of the active spells.The amplitudes of diurnal,semidiurnal and ter-diurnal components during break spells are 1.08 kg/m^(2),0.52 kg/m;and 0.34 kg/m;respectively.The corresponding amplitudes during active spells are 0.68 kg/m^(2),0.41 kg/m;and 0.23 kg/m;.