Interfacial Modification of NiO_(x)by Self-assembled Monolayer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

NiO_(x)as a hole transport material for inverted perovskite solar cells has received great attention owing to its high transparency,low fabrication temperature,and superior stability.However,the mismatched energy levels and possible redox reactions at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface severely limit the performance of NiO_(x) based inverted perovskite solar cells.Herein,we introduce a p-type self-assembled monolayer between NiO_(x)and perovskite layers to modify the interface and block the undesirable redox reaction between perovskite and NiO_(x)The selfassembled monolayer molecules all contain phosphoric acid function groups,which can be anchored onto the NiOr surface and passivate the surface defect.Moreover,the introduction of self-assembled monolayers can regulate the energy level structure of NiO_(x),reduce the interfacial band energy offset,and hence promote the hole transport from perovskite to NiO_(x)layer.Consequently,the device performance is significantly enhanced in terms of both power conversion efficiency and stability.

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.

International Telecommunication Union Standardization for Trust Provisioning in Information, Communication and Technology Infrastructure toward Achieving United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals

The advancement of the fourth industrial revolution has shaped the integration and interaction of different information, communication and technologies (ICTs) in the merging cyber, physical, and social infrastructures. The impact of ICT has accelerated the progress of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and influenced the evolution of smart, sustainable, stable society development. Making the trustworthy information and communication technologies infrastructure widely available will promote the community innovation needed to stimulate domestic economics, provide decent work, and reduce inequalities. This article attempts to outline a big picture about the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s trust provisioning framework, including its motivation, current status, and application for achieving the UN SDGs by 2030. This article first describes the purpose of the UN SDGs and the evolution of the industrial revolution, then demonstrates the challenges of global risks affecting the fourth industrial revolution and the need for trustworthy ICT infrastructures. Subsequently, the article evaluates the ITU trust provisioning framework and assesses its applications in the future knowledge society, trust provisioning ecosystem, and cyber, physical, and social infrastructure toward achieving UN SDGs. Use cases are also presented in this article to show the effectiveness of the ITU trust provisioning framework on achieving UN SDGs.

Overexpression of PbrGA2ox1 enhances pear drought tolerance through the regulation of GA_(3)-inhibited reactive oxygen species detoxification and abscisic acid signaling

Drought stress is a devastating natural disaster driven by the continuing intensification of global warming,which seriously threatens the productivity and quality of several horticultural crops,including pear.Gibberellins(GAs)play crucial roles in plant growth,development,and responses to drought stress.Previous studies have shown significant reductions of GA levels in plants under drought stress;however,our understanding of the intrinsic regulation mechanisms of GA-mediated drought stress in pear remains very limited.Here,we show that drought stress can impair the accumulation of bioactive GAs(BGAs),and subsequently identified PbrGA2ox1 as a chloroplast-localized GA deactivation gene.This gene was significantly induced by drought stress and abscisic acid(ABA)treatment,but was suppressed by GA_(3)treatment.PbrGA2ox1-overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants(Nicotiana benthamiana)exhibited enhanced tolerance to dehydration and drought stresses,whereas knock-down of PbrGA2ox1 in pear(Pyrus betulaefolia)by virus-induced gene silencing led to elevated drought sensitivity.Transgenic plants were hypersensitive to ABA,and had a lower BGAs content,enhanced reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging ability,and augmented ABA accumulation and signaling under drought stress compared to wild-type plants.However,the opposite effects were observed with PbrGA2ox1 silencing in pear.Moreover,exogenous GA_(3)treatment aggravated the ROS toxic effect and restrained ABA synthesis and signaling,resulting in the compromised drought tolerance of pear.In summary,our results shed light on the mechanism by which BGAs are eliminated in pear leaves under drought stress,providing further insights into the mechanism regulating the effects of GA on the drought tolerance of plants.

MPPa-PDT induced apoptosis and autophagy through JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in A549 cells

Objectives:The antitumor effects of pyropheophorbide-αmethyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy(MPPa-PDT)were observed in several cancers.The objective of this investigation was to examine the antineoplastic efficacy of MPPa-PDT acting on lung carcinoma A549 cells and further elaborate mechanisms.Methods:The viability of A549 cells was examined with cell counting kit-8 after MPPa-PDT disposal.Hoechst 33342 staining,monodansylcadaverine(MDC)staining,and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe apoptotic bodies and autophagic vesicles.Flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide(PI)labeling objectively assessed cell death.The expression of associated proteins,including Caspase-3,Beclin-1,LC-3II,and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)families concluding c-jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK),p38 MAPK,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK)were identified by Western blotting.Results:Prolonged exposure to MPPa-PDT gradually decreased lung cancer A549 cell viability.Apoptosis and autophagy activity were higher in the MPPa-PDT cohort in comparison to the control group.Meanwhile,autophagy inhibition enhanced cell-killing efficacy apparently.Besides,the JNK and p38 MAPK pathways were implicated in MPPa-PDT-triggered apoptosis and autophagy.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that JNK and p38 MAPK were engaged in MPPa-PDT-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in lung carcinoma A549 cells.

Experimental analysis of matrix moveable oil saturation in tight sandstone reservoirs of the south Ordos Basin,China

Tight oil reservoirs in the south Ordos Basin are characterized by fractured,heterogeneous oil-bearing strata(an oil saturation of less than 55%on average),normal pressure(0.8±)and extra-low permeability(less than 0.3 mD).In the Chang 8 tight sandstone reservoir in Honghe oilfield,micro-and nanopores,especially those with a pore-throat radius of less than 1 mm,account for more than 90%.Fluid flow in the matrix is non-linear and crude oil flow rates are very low under normal pressure gradients.An improved understanding of oil mobility in a tight matrix is key to further development of normalpressure tight-oil resources in the continental basin.In this study,constant-velocity and high-pressure mercury injection experiments were conducted using samples of typical tight sandstone cores obtained from the south of Ordos Basin.A new method for reconstructing the full-scale pore-throat distribution characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs was established successfully,based on which multistage centrifugal tests,tests of low-pressure differential displacement of oil by water,and nuclear magnetic resonance tests were conducted in order to obtain the distribution characteristics of moveable fluid in different pores.The moveable oil saturation(MOS)and degree of oil recovery(i.e.ratio of accumulative oil production to producing geologic reserves)of the core samples under different differential pressures for displacement were determined.As for the tight oil reservoirs in the south Ordos Basin,the moveable fluids are mainly stored in sub-micron(0.10-0.5 mm)pores.For Type I reservoirs(k>0.1 mD),the volume percentage of moveable fluid in pores with a radius larger than 0.5 mm is relatively high(greater than 40%).The degree of oil recovery of water flooding serves as the basis for forecasting recoverable reserves for tight oil reservoirs.Recoverable reserves under water flooding,mainly occur in pores with a radius greater than 0.5 mm.The contribution of Type I reserves to oil production is observed to be greater than 60%,and the degree of oil recovery reaches up to 17.1%.These results help improve our understanding on the evaluation and classification of Chang 8 tight sandstone reservoirs in Honghe oilfield and serve as theoretical basis for pilot tests to explore effective injection media and development methods to improve the matrix-driven pressure differences and displacement efficiency for oil.

Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Quality of the Waters of the Méné River (Sassandra Watershed, Ivory Coast) in the Dry Season and in the Rainy Season

The study carried out on the waters of the Méné River led to an overall assessment of its water quality during the dry season and the rainy season. The analysis focused on eight (8) water samples taken from the river during a period of dry season (January-February) and a period of rainy season (June and September). The various physicochemical parameters were measured according to Afnor standardized methods. The readings of temperature, turbidity, pH and conductivity made it possible to account for the disturbances occurring in water quality. A temporal variation correlated with the seasons (dry or rainy) is noted. Turbidity depends on the concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the water and drained particles and therefore on the seasons. Just like the temperature, the conductivity changes with the season. The waters of the Méné River are generally acidic. The results obtained show that there is a low level of pollution by chlorides, phosphates, nitrites and nitrates. A slight pollution of the waters of Méné in organic matter (chemical oxygen demand values are less than 25 mg∙L−1 during dry season and 32.33 ± 4.73 mg∙L−1 during rainy season) was observed. The concentrations of metallic trace elements such as iron, manganese and aluminum indicate significant pollution of these waters by these elements. Overall, the waters of the Méné River are of satisfactory quality because all the physicochemical parameters analyzed have values below standards during the dry season as well as during the rainy season with the exception of COD and a few metallic trace elements.

Corchorus olitorius: A Promising Medicinal Plant in Southern Africa and Effects of Growing Conditions on Its Bioactive Compounds—A Review

Corchorus olitorius (Jew’s mallow), is one of the African indigenous leafy vegetables increasingly getting attention as a possible contributor of both micronutrients and bioactive compounds including proteins, lipids, fiber and vitamin C to human nutrition. Leaves of Corchorus olitorius have been found to have high level of phytochemicals: flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins that possess strong radical scavenging activity and antioxidant power. In the arid and semi-arid areas of the world, drought is the main limiting factor affecting plant productivity and influences almost all aspects of plant biology. Water stress deficit is known to cause oxidative stress condition that has generally been reported to elevate phenolic antioxidants in various crops including Jew’s mallow. On the other hand, fertilization is crucial for crop management and high yield, it also affects nutritional value of the food plants. Nitrogen (N) fertilization affects health and nutritional value, including mineral content, fatty acid profile, anti-oxidative capacity and polyphenol levels and composition. The possible effects of fertilization should be considered when deciding on fertilization regime, to optimize both plant physiology, productivity and food-related effects. Nitrogen is an important element for Jew’s mallow production since it responds well to it. However, appropriate amounts of nutrients need to be provided to crops at the right time to favor both crop growth, yield and quality. Different reports confirmed that addition or increase of N, negatively affects the total phenolics and total flavonoids, and reduces accumulation of defense-related secondary metabolites resulting in lower oxidative capacity. Increased secondary metabolite production during water deficit and low nitrogen in the soil has been reported as a stress mechanism by most plants. However, further research is required to explore the biochemical response of Jew’s mallow to water deficit and nitrogen fertilization.

Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic Composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medicinal Natural Forest, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world endowed with rich biological resources. However, due to human impacts, the forest cover in Ethiopia has been decreasing rapidly. The study was carried out with the purpose of finding out the Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medihanialem Natural Forest in Gondar, North West Ethiopia, from October 2019 to September 2020. The systematic vegetation sampling method was used to collect data from Fifty plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) along five line transects. In addition, five, 5 m × 5 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample seedlings and saplings. The floristic composition and population structure of woody individuals of trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 2 m were measured. DBH ≤ 2.5 cm and less than 1 m height were considered as seedlings and DBH ≥ 2.5 cm and height of 1 - 2 m as saplings. Vegetation data of density, frequency, basal area, and importance value index were computed. A total of 65 woody plant species in 54 genera and 34 plant families were recorded. Fabaceae, Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae were the dominant families in terms of species richness. Woody species densities for mature individuals were 2202.5 stems∙ha−1, seedling 2419.2 stems∙ha−1 and sapling 1737.6 stems∙ha−1. The forest was dominated by small-sized/young trees and shrubs, indicating the status of secondary growth and/or regeneration.

Evaluation of the Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Seeds as Source of Oligosaccharides, Resistant Starch and Growth of Probiotic Bacteria

“Pinhão”, the seed of Araucaria angustifolia, is an important food, being part of the eating habits of Indigenous communities. In this study, we evaluated the oligosaccharide content, resistant starch and the growth of probiotic bacteria. GF4 (1-fructofuranosylnystose) was the main fructo-oligosaccharides found, in higher contents compared to other food sources. Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) represented the main part of the oligosaccharides profile of Brazilian pine seeds. In descending order of importance was maltoheptaose (G7), maltohexose (G6) and maltotriose (G3). The starches from the variety Sanct josephi presented the highest amount of resistant starch that could stimulate probiotic strains, mainly B. breve and L. plantarum, and may have a prebiotic effect, potentially promoting health benefits. This study advances the understanding of the chemical composition of the main portion of the “pinhão” enhancing awareness of its potential as a healthy food source, contributing to different uses and indirectly with the species preservation.

Enhancing Cybersecurity through AI and ML: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions

The landscape of cybersecurity is rapidly evolving due to the advancement and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This paper explores the crucial role of AI and ML in enhancing cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, while also highlighting the new vulnerabilities introduced by these technologies. Through a comprehensive analysis that includes historical trends, technological evaluations, and predictive modeling, the dual-edged nature of AI and ML in cybersecurity is examined. Significant challenges such as data privacy, continuous training of AI models, manipulation risks, and ethical concerns are addressed. The paper emphasizes a balanced approach that leverages technological innovation alongside rigorous ethical standards and robust cybersecurity practices. This approach facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders to develop guidelines that ensure responsible and effective use of AI in cybersecurity, aiming to enhance system integrity and privacy without compromising security.

Strengthening the Role of Science and Technology to Promote the High-quality Development of Foreign Exchange Administration

China Forex:What has the Science and Technology Department done in 2023to facilitatethe reform and development of foreign exchange administration and promote the supporting and leading role of scientific innovation?

Relationship Between Degree of Starch Gelatinization and Quality Attributes of Parboiled Rice During Steaming

Paddy rice samples were parboiled by soaking at 65℃ for 180 min and steaming at 96℃ for 2–10 min,and then dried to achieve the final moisture content of 11% ± 1%. The degree of starch gelatinization （DSG） andseveral quality attributes （head rice yield （HRY）, color value and hardness） of parboiled rice were measured.Results showed that DSG （46.8%–77.9%）, color value （18.08–19.04） and hardness （118.6–219.2 N） allincreased following steaming. In contrast, the HRY increased （64.8%–67.1%） for steaming times between 2–4min but decreased （67.1%–65.0%） for steaming times between 4–10 min. Linear relations between DSG andcolor value （R2 = 0.87）, and DSG and hardness （R2 = 0.88） were observed. The suitable DSG of parboiled riceleading to the highest HRY was found to be 62.5%, obtained following 4 min of steaming.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Rate and Ratio on Lodging Resistance of Super Rice with Different Genotypes

The objective of this study was to determine the morphology mechanism of nitrogen （N） fertilizer rates and ratio on lodging resistance through analying its effects among lodging index （LI）, lodging-related morphological traits and physical strength in basal intemodes by comparing japonica and indica super rice cultivars. Field experiments, with three nitrogen levels （0, 150 and 300 kg ha-L） and two ratios of basal to topdressing （8：2 and 5：5） with two super rice cultivars （Yliangyou 2 and Wuyunjing 23）, were conducted in the Baolin Farm, Danyang Country, Jiangsu Province, China, in 2011 and 2012. Effects of N fertilizer rates and ratios on morphology of whole plant, morphology traits in basal intemodes and culm＇s physical strength parameters were investigated at 20 d after full heading stage. LI of Yliangyou 2 was significant greater than that of Wuyunjing 23 due to larger bending moment by whole plant （WP） with higher plant height and gravity center height. With higher volume of N fertilizer, LI of two super rice cultivars was increased conspicuously. However, no significant effect was detected with increase of panicle fertilizer ratio. The size of breaking strength （M） in basal intemodes was the key factor determining LI among N fertilizer treatments. Correlation analysis revealed that M value was positively related bending stress （BS） of Wuyunjing 23 and section modulus （Z） of Yliangyou 2, respectively. The higher N fertilizer levels induced reduction ofBS of Wuyunjing 23 due to weak culm and leaf sheath plumpness status and reduced Z of Yliangyou 2 owning to small diameter and culm wall thickness, consequently, influencing their M indirectly. These results suggested that breaking strength was the key factor influencing LI with increase of N fertilizer levels. However, the lodging-related morphology mechanism was different with genotypes. Culm wall thickness and diameter in basal internodes of indica super rice and culm and leaf sheath plumpness status of japonica super rice influenced breaking strength, as well as lodging index, respectively.

The effect of coupling coagulation and flocculation with membrane filtration in water treatment:A review

Water supply and sanitation demands are foreseen to face enormous challenges over the coming decades to meet the fast growing needs in a global perspective. Significant growth in the industry is predicted and membrane separation technologies have been identified as one of the possible solutions to meet future demands. Application and implementation of membrane technology is expected both in production of potable water as well as in treatment of wastewater. In potable water production membranes are substituting conventional separation technologies due to the superior performance, potential for less chemical use and sludge production, as well as the potential to fulfill hygienic barrier requirements. Membrane bio-reactor （MBR） technology is probably the membrane process which has had most success and has the best prospects for the future in wastewater treatment. Trends and developments indicate that this technology is becoming accepted and is rapidly becoming the best available technology for many wastewater treatment applications. A major drawback of MBR systems is membrane fouling. Studies have shown that fouling mitigation in MBR systems can potentially be done by coupling coagulation and flocculation to the process.

Common Spectral Bands and Optimum Vegetation Indices for Monitoring Leaf Nitrogen Accumulation in Rice and Wheat

Real-time monitoring of nitrogen status in rice and wheat plant is of significant importance for nitrogen diagnosis, fertilization recommendation, and productivity prediction. With 11 field experiments involving different cultivars, nitrogen rates, and water regimes, time-course measurements were taken of canopy hyperspeetral reflectance between 350-2 500 nm and leaf nitrogen accumulation （LNA） in rice and wheat. A new spectral analysis method through the consideration of characteristics of canopy components and plant growth status varied with phenological growth stages was designed to explore the common central bands in rice and wheat. Comprehensive analyses were made on the quantitative relationships of LNA to soil adjusted vegetation index （SAVI） and ratio vegetation index （RVI） composed of any two bands between 350-2 500 nm in rice and wheat. The results showed that the ranges of indicative spectral reflectance were largely located in 770-913 and 729-742 nm in both rice and wheat. The optimum spectral vegetation index for estimating LNA was SAVI （R822, R738） during the early-mid period （from jointing to booting）, and it was RVI （Rs22, R73s） during the mid-late period （from heading to filling） with the common central bands of 822 and 738 nm in rice and wheat. Comparison of the present spectral vegetation indices with previously reported vegetation indices gave a satisfactory performance in estimating LNA. It is concluded that the spectral bands of 822 and 738 nm can be used as common reflectance indicators for monitoring leaf nitrogen accumulation in rice and wheat.

Single-acting double-stator multi-pumps and multi-motors

We investigated a series of novel motors and pumps with a new structure called double-stator. Double-stator can be used as pump or motor just for the working condition on demand. A certain amount of pumps or motors are formed in one shell and these subpumps or submotors can work alone or in company without influence on other pumps or moters. This kind of double-stator pumps (motors) are called multi-pumps (multi-motors). Through the analysis of multifarious connection modes of single-acting double-stator multi-pumps and multi-motors, the mathematical expressions of output flow rate, rotational speed and torque are acquired. The results indicate that different flow rates can be provided by one fixed displacement double-stator multi-pump system under the condition of an unalterable driven speed. Likewise, under the terms of a fixed input flow and without complex variable mechanisms, the functions of double speeds, multiple speeds and even differential connection can be realized by a double-stator multi-motor system with various output rotational speeds and torques.

Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Rice Potential Productivity and Potential Yield Increment in Main Production Regions of China

The vast area and marked variation of China make it difficult to predict the impact of climate changes on rice productivity in different regions.Therefore,analyzing the spatial and temporal characteristics of rice potential productivity and predicting the possible yield increment in main rice production regions of China is important for guiding rice production and ensuring food security.Using meteorological data of main rice production regions from 1961 to 1970（the 1960s） and from 1996 to 2005（the 2000s） provided by 333 stations,the potential photosynthetic,photo-thermal and climatic productivities in rice crop of the 1960s and 2000s in main rice production regions of China were predicted,and differences in the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics between two decades were analyzed.Additionally,the potential yield increment based on the high yield target and actual yield of rice in the 2000s were predicted.Compared with the 1960s,the potential photosynthetic productivity of the 2000s was seen to have decreased by 5.40%,with rates in northeastern and southwestern China found to be lower than those in central and southern China.The potential photo-thermal productivity was generally seen to decrease（2.56%） throughout main rice production regions,decreasing most in central and southern China.However,an increase was seen in northeastern and southwestern China.The potential climatic productivity was observed to be lower（7.44%） in the 2000s compared to the 1960s,but increased in parts of central and southern China.The potential yield increment from the actual yield to high yield target in the 2000s were no more than 6×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 6×103 to 12×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The yield increasing potential from the high yield target to the potential photo-thermal productivity in 2000s were less than 10×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 10×103 to 30×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The potential yield increment contributed by irrigation was between 5×103 and 20×103 kg ha-1,and between 20×103 and 40×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.These findings suggested that the high yield could be optimized by making full use of climatic resources and through a reasonable management plan in rice crop.

Effect of Stewing in Cooking Step on Textural and Morphological Properties of Cooked Rice

Stewing of rice grains by steam after boiling in excess water can be used for cooking rice perfectly. The effects of this procedure in cooking of three varieties of Iranian rice （Sang Tarom, Domsiyah and Fair） on textural and morphological properties of cooked rice grains were investigated. The results showed that this step in rice cooking reduced the hardness and increased the adhesiveness of rice grains significantly. By the use of the scanning electron microscopy, it was shown that the outer surface of cooked rice stewed by steam had less porosity and closer pores due to the modification during cooking, and better gelatinization and more expansion of starch granules compared to non-stewed samples. The use of this procedure in rice cooking to provide a fully cooked and gelatinized, softer and stickier final product is recommended.