Tuning electronic structure of RuO_(2)by single atom Zn and oxygen vacancies to boost oxygen evolution reaction in acidic medium

The poor stability of RuO_(2)electrocatalysts has been the primary obstacles for their practical application in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers.To dramatically enhance the durability of RuO_(2)to construct activity-stability trade-off model is full of significance but challenging.Herein,a single atom Zn stabilized RuO_(2)with enriched oxygen vacancies(SA Zn-RuO_(2))is developed as a promising alternative to iridium oxide for acidic oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Compared with commercial RuO_(2),the enhanced Ru–O bond strength of SA Zn-RuO_(2)by forming Zn-O-Ru local structure motif is favorable to stabilize surface Ru,while the electrons transferred from Zn single atoms to adjacent Ru atoms protects the Ru active sites from overoxidation.Simultaneously,the optimized surrounding electronic structure of Ru sites in SA ZnRuO_(2)decreases the adsorption energies of OER intermediates to reduce the reaction barrier.As a result,the representative SA Zn-RuO_(2)exhibits a low overpotential of 210 mV to achieve 10 mA cm^(-2)and a greatly enhanced durability than commercial RuO_(2).This work provides a promising dual-engineering strategy by coupling single atom doping and vacancy for the tradeoff of high activity and catalytic stability toward acidic OER.

A Novel Prescribed-Performance Path-Following Problem for Non-Holonomic Vehicles

The issue of achieving prescribed-performance path following in robotics is addressed in this paper,where the aim is to ensure that a desired path within a specified region is accu-rately converged to by the controlled vehicle.In this context,a novel form of the prescribed performance guiding vector field is introduced,accompanied by a prescribed-time sliding mode con-trol approach.Furthermore,the interdependence among the pre-scribed parameters is discussed.To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method,numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.

Finite-Time Stabilization for Constrained Discrete-time Systems by Using Model Predictive Control

In this paper, a model predictive control(MPC)framework is proposed for finite-time stabilization of linear and nonlinear discrete-time systems subject to state and control constraints. The proposed MPC framework guarantees the finite-time convergence property by assigning the control horizon equal to the dimension of the overall system, and only penalizing the terminal cost in the optimization, where the stage costs are not penalized explicitly. A terminal inequality constraint is added to guarantee the feasibility and stability of the closed-loop system.Initial feasibility can be improved via augmentation. The finite-time convergence of the proposed MPC is proved theoretically,and is supported by simulation examples.

Association between baseline levels of muscular strength and risk of stroke in later life:The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

Background:Muscular strength is an important component of physical fitness.We evaluated the relationship between baseline muscular strength and risk of stroke among adults who were aged≥65 years during follow-up.Methods:We included 7627 healthy adults(mean age=43.9 years,86.0%male)underwent a baseline physical examination between 1980 and 1989.Muscular strength was determined by 1-repetition maximum measures for bench press and leg press and categorized into age-and sex-specific tertiles for each measure.Cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)was assessed via a maximal treadmill exercise test.Those enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare from 1999 to 2019 were included in the analyses.Associations between baseline strength and stroke outcomes were estimated using a modified Cox proportional hazards model.In a secondary analysis,we examined stroke risk by categories of CRF where Quintile 1=low,Quintiles 2-3=moderate,and Quintiles 4-5=high CRF based on age and sex.Results:After 70,072 person-years of Medicare follow-up,there were 1211 earliest indications of incident stroke.In multivariable analyses,the hazard ratio(95%confidence interval(95%CI))for stroke across bench press categories were 1.0(referent),0.96(0.83-1.11),and 0.89(0.77-1.04),respectively(p trend=0.14).The trend across categories of leg press was also non-significant(p trend=0.79).Adjusted hazard ratio(95%CI)for stroke across ordered CRF categories were 1.0(referent),0.90(0.71-1.13),and 0.72(0.57-0.92)(p trend<0.01).Conclusion:While meeting public health guidelines for muscular strengthening activities is likely to improve muscular strength as well as many health outcomes in older adults,performing such activities may not be helpful in preventing stroke.Conversely,meeting guidelines for aerobic activity is likely to improve CRF and lower stroke risk.

YOLO-Based Damage Detection with StyleGAN3 Data Augmentation for Parcel Information-Recognition System

Damage to parcels reduces customer satisfactionwith delivery services and increases return-logistics costs.This can be prevented by detecting and addressing the damage before the parcels reach the customer.Consequently,various studies have been conducted on deep learning techniques related to the detection of parcel damage.This study proposes a deep learning-based damage detectionmethod for various types of parcels.Themethod is intended to be part of a parcel information-recognition systemthat identifies the volume and shipping information of parcels,and determines whether they are damaged;this method is intended for use in the actual parcel-transportation process.For this purpose,1)the study acquired image data in an environment simulating the actual parcel-transportation process,and 2)the training dataset was expanded based on StyleGAN3 with adaptive discriminator augmentation.Additionally,3)a preliminary distinction was made between the appearance of parcels and their damage status to enhance the performance of the parcel damage detection model and analyze the causes of parcel damage.Finally,using the dataset constructed based on the proposed method,a damage type detection model was trained,and its mean average precision was confirmed.This model can improve customer satisfaction and reduce return costs for parcel delivery companies.

Hyperbolic Tangent Function-Based Protocols for Global/Semi-Global Finite-Time Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems

This paper investigates the problem of global/semi-global finite-time consensus for integrator-type multi-agent sys-tems.New hyperbolic tangent function-based protocols are pro-posed to achieve global and semi-global finite-time consensus for both single-integrator and double-integrator multi-agent systems with leaderless undirected and leader-following directed commu-nication topologies.These new protocols not only provide an explicit upper-bound estimate for the settling time,but also have a user-prescribed bounded control level.In addition,compared to some existing results based on the saturation function,the pro-posed approach considerably simplifies the protocol design and the stability analysis.Illustrative examples and an application demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.

The chemical characteristics of different sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate sources and their relative bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn‑soybean meal diet

Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers.Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate(NaFeEDTA)is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA.However,the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested.Herein,the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined.Of these,one feed grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=2.07×10^(8)),one food grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=3.31×10^(8)),and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength(Fe-Prot ES,Qf value=8,590)were selected.Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate(FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O)for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance,hematological indices,Fe contents,activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.Results NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics.Plasma Fe concentration(PI),transferrin saturation(TS),liver Fe content,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activities in liver,heart,and kidney,catalase(CAT)activity in liver,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly(P<0.05)with increasing levels of Fe supplementation.However,differences among Fe sources were detected(P<0.05)only for PI,liver Fe content,CAT activity in liver,SDH activities in heart and kidney,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney.Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake,the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES,feed grade NaFeEDTA,and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O(100%)for broilers were 139%,155%,and 166%,respectively.Conclusions The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O were closely related to their Qf values,and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.

Molecular dynamics study of primary radiation damage in TiVTa concentrated solid-solution alloy

The primary radiation damage in pure V and TiVTa concentrated solid-solution alloy(CSA)was studied using a molecular dynamics method.We have performed displacement cascade simulations to explore the generation and evolution behavior of irradiation defects.The results demonstrate that the defect accumulation and agglomeration in TiVTa CSA are significantly suppressed compared to pure V.The peak value of Frenkel pairs during cascade collisions in TiVTa CSA is much higher than that in pure V due to the lower formation energy of point defects.Meanwhile,the longer lifetime of the thermal spike relaxation and slow energy dissipation capability of TiVTa CSA can facilitate the recombination of point defects.The defect agglomeration rate in TiVTa CSA is much lower due to the lower binding energy of interstitial clusters and reduced interstitial diffusivity.Furthermore,the occurrence probability of dislocation loops in TiVTa CSA is lower than that in pure V.The reduction in primary radiation damage may enhance the radiation resistance of TiVTa CSA,and the improved radiation tolerance is primarily attributed to the relaxation stage and long-term defect evolution rather than the ballistic stage.These results can provide fundamental insights into irradiation-induced defects evolution in refractory CSAs.

The effects of data aggregation on long-term projections of forest stands development

Forest management planning often relies on Airborne Laser Scanning(ALS)-based Forest Management Inventories(FMIs)for sustainable and efficient decision-making.Employing the area-based(ABA)approach,these inventories estimate forest characteristics for grid cell areas(pixels),which are then usually summarized at the stand level.Using the ALS-based high-resolution Norwegian Forest Resource Maps(16 m×16 m pixel resolution)alongside with stand-level growth and yield models,this study explores the impact of three levels of pixel aggregation(standlevel,stand-level with species strata,and pixel-level)on projected stand development.The results indicate significant differences in the projected outputs based on the aggregation level.Notably,the most substantial difference in estimated volume occurred between stand-level and pixel-level aggregation,ranging from-301 to+253 m^(3)·ha^(-1)for single stands.The differences were,on average,higher for broadleaves than for spruce and pine dominated stands,and for mixed stands and stands with higher variability than for pure and homogenous stands.In conclusion,this research underscores the critical role of input data resolution in forest planning and management,emphasizing the need for improved data collection practices to ensure sustainable forest management.

A Probabilistic Approach for Predicting Vessel Motion

Dear Editor,This letter addresses the challenge of forecasting the motion of real-world vessels over an extended period with a limited amount of available data.By employing stochastic differential equation(SDE)modeling,we integrate both deterministic and stochastic components of the available information.Subsequently,we establish a recursive prediction methodology based on Bayes’rule to update the model state when new measurements are received.Furthermore,we develop a stochastic model tailored specifically to vessel dynamics and introduce an approximation method to tackle computational complexities.Finally,we present an application example and conduct a comparative experiment to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

Multi-circular formation control with reinforced transient profiles for nonholonomic vehicles:A path-following framework

This article investigates a multi-circular path-following formation control with reinforced transient profiles for nonholonomic vehicles connected by a digraph.A multi-circular formation controller endowed with the feature of spatial-temporal decoupling is devised for a group of vehicles guided by a virtual leader evolving along an implicit path,which allows for a circumnavigation on multiple circles with an anticipant angular spacing.In addition,notice that it typically imposes a stringent time constraint on time-sensitive enclosing scenarios,hence an improved prescribed performance control(IPPC)using novel tighter behavior boundaries is presented to enhance transient capabilities with an ensured appointed-time convergence free from any overshoots.The significant merits are that coordinated circumnavigation along different circles can be realized via executing geometric and dynamic assignments independently with modified transient profiles.Furthermore,all variables existing in the entire system are analyzed to be convergent.Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the utility of suggested solution.

Electron-deficient ZnO induced by heterointerface engineering as the dominant active component to boost CO_(2)-to-formate conversion

Electrocatalytic CO_(2)-to-formate conversion is considered an economically viable process.In general,Zn-based nanomaterials are well-known to be highly efficient electrocatalysts for the conversion of CO_(2) to CO,but seldom do they exhibit excellent selectivity toward formate.In this article,we demonstrate that a heterointerface catalyst ZnO/ZnSnO3 with nanosheet morphology shows enhanced selectivity with a maximum Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 86%at−0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and larger current density for the conversion of CO_(2) to formate than pristine ZnO and ZnSnO3.In particular,the FEs of the C1 products(CO+HCOO−)exceed 98%over the potential window.The experimental measurements combined with theoretical calculations revealed that the ZnO in ZnO/ZnSnO3 heterojunction delivers the valence electron depletion and accordingly optimizes Zn d-band center,which results in moderate Zn-O hybridization of HCOO*and weakened Zn-C hybridization of competing COOH*,thus greatly boosting the HCOOH generation.Our study highlights the importance of charge redistribution in catalysts on the selectivity of electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.

Development of vehicle-recognition method on water surfaces using LiDAR data:SPD^(2)(spherically stratified point projection with diameter and distance)

Swarm robot systems are an important application of autonomous unmanned surface vehicles on water surfaces.For monitoring natural environments and conducting security activities within a certain range using a surface vehicle,the swarm robot system is more efficient than the operation of a single object as the former can reduce cost and save time.It is necessary to detect adjacent surface obstacles robustly to operate a cluster of unmanned surface vehicles.For this purpose,a LiDAR(light detection and ranging)sensor is used as it can simultaneously obtain 3D information for all directions,relatively robustly and accurately,irrespective of the surrounding environmental conditions.Although the GPS(global-positioning-system)error range exists,obtaining measurements of the surface-vessel position can still ensure stability during platoon maneuvering.In this study,a three-layer convolutional neural network is applied to classify types of surface vehicles.The aim of this approach is to redefine the sparse 3D point cloud data as 2D image data with a connotative meaning and subsequently utilize this transformed data for object classification purposes.Hence,we have proposed a descriptor that converts the 3D point cloud data into 2D image data.To use this descriptor effectively,it is necessary to perform a clustering operation that separates the point clouds for each object.We developed voxel-based clustering for the point cloud clustering.Furthermore,using the descriptor,3D point cloud data can be converted into a 2D feature image,and the converted 2D image is provided as an input value to the network.We intend to verify the validity of the proposed 3D point cloud feature descriptor by using experimental data in the simulator.Furthermore,we explore the feasibility of real-time object classification within this framework.

Practical operating flexibility of a bifunctional freestanding membrane for efficient anion exchange membrane water electrolysis across all current ranges

This study explores a symmetric configuration approach in anion exchange membrane(AEM)water electrolysis,focusing on overcoming adaptability challenges in dynamic conditions.Here,a rapid and mild synthesis technique for fabricating fibrous membrane-type catalyst electrodes is developed.Our method leverages the contrasting oxidation states between the sulfur-doped NiFe(OH)2 shell and the metallic Ni core,as revealed by electron energy loss spectroscopy.Theoretical evaluations confirm that the S–NiFe(OH)_(2) active sites optimize free energy for alkaline water electrolysis intermediates.This technique bypasses traditional energy-intensive processes,achieving superior bifunctional activity beyond current benchmarks.The symmetric AEM water electrolyzer demonstrates a current density of 2 A cm^(-2) at 1.78 V at 60℃ in 1 M KOH electrolyte and also sustains ampere-scale water electrolysis below 2.0 V for 140 h even in ambient conditions.These results highlight the system's operational flexibility and structural stability,marking a significant advance-ment in AEM water electrolysis technology.

Experimental and computational optimization of Prussian blue analogues as high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries:A review

In this review,we discuss the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue(PB)for Na^(+)storage by combining structural engineering and electrolyte modifications.We integrated experimental data and density functional theory(DFT)in sodium-ion battery(SIB)research to refine the atomic arrangements and crystal lattices and introduce substitutions and dopants.These changes affect the lattice stability,intercalation,electronic and ionic conductivities,and electrochemical performance.We unraveled the intricate structure-electrochemical behavior relationship by combining experimental data with computational models,including first-principles calculations.This holistic approach identified techniques for optimizing PB and Prussian blue analog(PBA)structu ral properties for SIBs.We also discuss the tuning of electrolytes by systematically adjusting their composition,concentration,and additives using a combination of molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and DFT computations.Our review offers a comprehensive assessment of strategies for enhancing the electrochemical properties of PB and PBAs through structural engineering and electrolyte modifications,combining experimental insights with advanced computational simulations,and paving the way for next-generation energy storage systems.

Amorphous BaTiO_(3) Electron Transport Layer for Thermal Equilibrium-Governed γ-CsPbl_(3) Perovskite Solar Cell with High Power Conversion Efficiency of 19.96%

Compared to organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites,the cesium-based allinorganic lead halide perovskite(CsPbI_(3))is a promising light absorber for perovskite solar cells owing to its higher resistance to thermal stress.Nonetheless,additional research is required to reduce the nonradiative recombination to realize the full potential of CsPbI_(3).Here,the diffusion of Cs ions participating in ion exchange is proposed to be an important factor responsible for the bulk defects inγ-CsPbI_(3)perovskite.Calculations based on first-principles density functional theory reveal that the[PbI_(6)]^(4-)octahedral tilt modifies the perovskite crystallographic properties inγ-CsPbI_(3),leading to alterations in its bandgap and crystal strain.In addition,by substituting amorphous barium titanium oxide(a-BaTiO_(3))for TiO_(2)as the electron transport layer,interfacial defects caused by imperfect energy levels between the electron transport layer and perovskite are reduced.High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that a-BaTiO_(3)forms entirely as a single phase,as opposed to Ba-doped TiO_(2)hybrid nanoclusters or separate domains of TiO_(2)and BaTiO_(3)phases.Accordingly,inorganic perovskite solar cells based on the a-BaTiO_(3)electron transport layer achieved a power conversion efficiency of 19.96%.

Surface activation of viscose textiles via air,argon,and oxygen dielectric barrier discharge plasma:influence of peak voltage

This paper discusses the use of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma treatment to enhance the surface qualities of viscose fabrics.The study explores the effects of different plasma gases,discharge voltages,and exposure times on the treated fabrics.The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the plasma's peak voltage to achieve the desired surface treatment outcomes.The document also presents data on colour strength,wettability,colour fastness,and tensile strength of the treated fabrics,as well as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis of surface morphology and chemical analysis using fouriertransition infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX).The results show that treatment at a peak voltage of 11.83 k V is more efficient,except for the tensile strength which is enhanced at a peak voltage of 8.92 k V.The oxygen plasma treatment significantly improves the colour strength,which exhibits an increase from 11 to 18.The intensified colour was attributed to the significant influence of electrostatic interactions between the charged hydroxyl groups of the oxygen plasma treated viscose textiles and the dye molecules,which enhance the printability.The oxygen DBD plasma exhibits a higher ability to enhance the properties of textiles when compared to air and argon plasmas.This study presents a sustainable,economical,secure,and ecologically friendly approach to explore new fabrics for specific uses.

Liquid Metal Grid Patterned Thin Film Devices Toward Absorption‑Dominant and Strain‑Tunable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

The demand of high-performance thin-film-shaped deformable electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding devices is increasing for the next generation of wearable and miniaturized soft electronics.Although highly reflective conductive materials can effectively shield EMI,they prevent deformation of the devices owing to rigidity and generate secondary electromagnetic pollution simultaneously.Herein,soft and stretchable EMI shielding thin film devices with absorption-dominant EMI shielding behavior is presented.The devices consist of liquid metal(LM)layer and LM grid-patterned layer separated by a thin elastomeric film,fabricated by leveraging superior adhesion of aerosol-deposited LM on elastomer.The devices demonstrate high electromagnetic shielding effectiveness(SE)(SE_(T) of up to 75 dB)with low reflectance(SER of 1.5 dB at the resonant frequency)owing to EMI absorption induced by multiple internal reflection generated in the LM grid architectures.Remarkably,the excellent stretchability of the LM-based devices facilitates tunable EMI shielding abilities through grid space adjustment upon strain(resonant frequency shift from 81.3 to 71.3 GHz@33%strain)and is also capable of retaining shielding effectiveness even after multiple strain cycles.This newly explored device presents an advanced paradigm for powerful EMI shielding performance for next-generation smart electronics.

The design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides for advanced metal-ion batteries

Owning various crystal structures and high theoretical capacity,metal tellurides are emerging as promising electrode materials for high-performance metal-ion batteries(MBs).Since metal telluride-based MBs are quite new,fundamental issues raise regarding the energy storage mechanism and other aspects affecting electrochemical performance.Severe volume expansion,low intrinsic conductivity and slow ion diffusion kinetics jeopardize the performance of metal tellurides,so that rational design and engineering are crucial to circumvent these disadvantages.Herein,this review provides an in-depth discussion of recent investigations and progresses of metal tellurides,beginning with a critical discussion on the energy storage mechanisms of metal tellurides in various MBs.In the following,recent design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides,including morphology engineering,compositing,defect engineering and heterostructure construction,for high-performance MBs are summarized.The primary focus is to present a comprehensive understanding of the structural evolution based on the mechanism and corresponding effects of dimension control,composition,electron configuration and structural complexity on the electrochemical performance.In closing,outlooks and prospects for future development of metal tellurides are proposed.This work also highlights the promising directions of design and engineering strategies of metal tellurides with high performance and low cost.

Diagnostic and prognostic performances of GALAD score in staging and 1-year mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective study

BACKGROUND The GALAD score has improved early hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)detection rate.The role of the GALAD score in staging and predicting tumor characteristics or clinical outcome of HCC remains of particular interest.AIM To determine the diagnostic/prognostic performances of the GALAD score at various phases of initial diagnosis,tumor features,and 1-year mortality of HCC and compare the performance of the GALAD score with those of other serum biomarkers.METHODS This prospective,diagnostic/prognostic study was conducted among patients with newly diagnosed HCC at the liver center of Vajira Hospital.Eligible patients had HCC staging allocation using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)categorization.Demographics,HCC etiology,and HCC features were recorded.Biomarkers and the GALAD score were obtained at baseline.The performance of the GALAD score and biomarkers were prospectively assessed.RESULTS Exactly 115 individuals were diagnosed with HCC.The GALAD score increased with disease severity.Between BCLC-0/A and BCLC-B/C/D,the GALAD score predicted HCC staging with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.868(95%CI:0.80–0.93).For identifying the curative HCC,the AUC of GALAD score was significantly higher than that of Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)(0.753)and Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP-L3(0.706),and as good as that of Protein induced by vitamin K absence-II(PIVKA-II)(0.897).For detecting aggressive features,the GALAD score gave an AUC of 0.839(95%CI:0.75–0.92)and significantly outperformed compared to that of AFP(0.761)and AFP-L3(0.697),with a trend of superiority to that of PIVKA-II(0.772).The performance to predict 1-year mortality of GALAD score(AUC:0.711,95%CI:0.60–0.82)was better than that of AFP(0.541)and as good as that of PIVKA-II(0.736).The optimal cutoff value of GALAD score was≥6.83,with a specificity of 72.63%for exhibiting substantial reduction in the 1-year mortality.CONCLUSION The GALAD model can diagnose HCC at the curative stage,including the characteristic of advanced disease,more than that by AFP and AFP-L3,but not PIVKA-II.The GALAD score can be used to predict the 1-year mortality of HCC.