Condensed and hydrolysable tannins are non-toxic natural polyphenols that are a commercial commodity industrialized for tanning hides to obtain leather and for a growing number of other industrial applications mainly ...Condensed and hydrolysable tannins are non-toxic natural polyphenols that are a commercial commodity industrialized for tanning hides to obtain leather and for a growing number of other industrial applications mainly to substitute petroleum-based products.They are a definite class of sustainable materials of the forestry industry.They have been in operation for hundreds of years to manufacture leather and now for a growing number of applications in a variety of other industries,such as wood adhesives,metal coating,pharmaceutical/medical applications and several others.This review presents the main sources,either already or potentially commercial of this forestry by-materials,their industrial and laboratory extraction systems,their systems of analysis with their advantages and drawbacks,be these methods so simple to even appear primitive but nonetheless of proven effectiveness,or very modern and instrumental.It constitutes a basic but essential summary of what is necessary to know of these sustainable materials.In doing so,the review highlights some of the main challenges that remain to be addressed to deliver the quality and economics of tannin supply necessary to fulfill the industrial production requirements for some materials-based uses.展开更多
Hydrogen is the new age alternative energy source to combat energy demand and climate change.Storage of hydrogen is vital for a nation’s growth.Works of literature provide different methods for storing the produced h...Hydrogen is the new age alternative energy source to combat energy demand and climate change.Storage of hydrogen is vital for a nation’s growth.Works of literature provide different methods for storing the produced hydrogen,and the rational selection of a viable method is crucial for promoting sustainability and green practices.Typically,hydrogen storage is associated with diverse sustainable and circular economy(SCE)criteria.As a result,the authors consider the situation a multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)problem.Studies infer that previous models for hydrogen storage method(HSM)selection(i)do not consider preferences in the natural language form;(ii)weights of experts are not methodically determined;(iii)hesitation of experts during criteria weight assessment is not effectively explored;and(iv)three-stage solution of a suitable selection of HSM is unexplored.Driven by these gaps,in this paper,authors put forward a new integrated framework,which considers double hierarchy linguistic information for rating,criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation(CRITIC)for expert weight calculation,evidence-based Bayesian method for criteria weight estimation,and combined compromise solution(CoCoSo)for ranking HSMs.The applicability of the developed framework is testified by using a case example of HSM selection in India.Sensitivity and comparative analysis reveal the merits and limitations of the developed framework.展开更多
Aggregation of species with similar ecological properties is one of the effective methods to simplify food web researches.However,species aggregation will affect not only the complexity of modeling process but also th...Aggregation of species with similar ecological properties is one of the effective methods to simplify food web researches.However,species aggregation will affect not only the complexity of modeling process but also the accuracy of models’outputs.Selection of aggregation methods and the number of trophospecies are the keys to study the simplification of food web.In this study,three aggregation methods,including taxonomic aggregation(TA),structural equivalence aggregation(SEA),and self-organizing maps(SOM),were analyzed and compared with the linear inverse model–Markov Chain Monte Carlo(LIM-MCMC)model.Impacts of aggregation methods and trophospecies number on food webs were evaluated based on the robustness and unitless of ecological net-work indices.Results showed that aggregation method of SEA performed better than the other two methods in estimating food web structure and function indices.The effects of aggregation methods were driven by the differences in species aggregation principles,which will alter food web structure and function through the redistribution of energy flow.According to the results of mean absolute percentage error(MAPE)which can be applied to evaluate the accuracy of the model,we found that MAPE in food web indices will increase with the reducing trophospecies number,and MAPE in food web function indices were smaller and more stable than those in food web structure indices.Therefore,trade-off between simplifying food webs and reflecting the status of ecosystem should be con-sidered in food web studies.These findings highlight the importance of aggregation methods and trophospecies number in the analy-sis of food web simplification.This study provided a framework to explore the extent to which food web models are affected by dif-ferent species aggregation,and will provide scientific basis for the construction of food webs.展开更多
Tunnel construction is susceptible to accidents such as loosening, deformation, collapse, and water inrush, especiallyunder complex geological conditions like dense fault areas. These accidents can cause instability a...Tunnel construction is susceptible to accidents such as loosening, deformation, collapse, and water inrush, especiallyunder complex geological conditions like dense fault areas. These accidents can cause instability and damageto the tunnel. As a result, it is essential to conduct research on tunnel construction and grouting reinforcementtechnology in fault fracture zones to address these issues and ensure the safety of tunnel excavation projects. Thisstudy utilized the Xianglushan cross-fault tunnel to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the construction, support,and reinforcement of a tunnel crossing a fault fracture zone using the three-dimensional finite element numericalmethod. The study yielded the following research conclusions: The excavation conditions of the cross-fault tunnelarray were analyzed to determine the optimal construction method for excavation while controlling deformationand stress in the surrounding rock. The middle partition method (CD method) was found to be the most suitable.Additionally, the effects of advanced reinforcement grouting on the cross-fault fracture zone tunnel were studied,and the optimal combination of grouting reinforcement range (140°) and grouting thickness (1m) was determined.The stress and deformation data obtained fromon-site monitoring of the surrounding rock was slightly lower thanthe numerical simulation results. However, the change trend of both sets of data was found to be consistent. Theseresearch findings provide technical analysis and data support for the construction and design of cross-fault tunnels.展开更多
Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (...Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.展开更多
Digital technology has driven the innovation of architectural design methods and tools,applying digital techniques to allow greater possibilities for more innovative and scientific design of public building spaces.Thi...Digital technology has driven the innovation of architectural design methods and tools,applying digital techniques to allow greater possibilities for more innovative and scientific design of public building spaces.This article first analyzes the characteristics of digital visualization and its advantages in the design of urban public building spaces,including aspects such as visualizing three-dimensional expression,rational analysis of building space,Virtual Reality Experience,and integration of design and construction processes.Subsequently,by introducing digital design methods such as parametric design,algorithmic generation,nonlinear design,and artificial intelligence-assisted design,it explores the methods and implementation approaches of digital visualization in the design of public building spaces.The aim is to offer insights and references for the deeper integration of digital technology into architectural design practices.展开更多
Dust deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) cells poses a significant challenge to their efficiency, especially in arid regions characterized by desert and semi-desert conditions. Despite the pronounced impact...Dust deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) cells poses a significant challenge to their efficiency, especially in arid regions characterized by desert and semi-desert conditions. Despite the pronounced impact of dust accumulation, these regions offer optimal solar radiation and minimal cloud cover, making them ideal candidates for widespread PV cell deployment. Various surface cleaning methods exist, each employing distinct approaches. Choosing an appropriate cleaning method requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in both dust deposition on module surfaces and dust adhesion to PV cell surfaces. The mechanisms governing dust deposition and adhesion are complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as the nature and properties of the dust particles, environmental climatic conditions, characteristics of protective coatings, and the specific location of the PV installation. These factors exhibit regional variations, necessitating the implementation of diverse cleaning approaches tailored to the unique conditions of each location. The first part of this article explores the factors influencing dust deposition on PV cell surfaces, delving into the intricate interplay of environmental variables and particle characteristics. Subsequently, the second part addresses various cleaning methods, offering an analysis of their respective advantages and disadvantages. By comprehensively examining the factors influencing dust accumulation and evaluating the effectiveness of different cleaning strategies, this article aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing efforts to optimize the performance and longevity of photovoltaic systems in diverse geographical contexts.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the perioperative respiratory care methods and application value in children with congenital heart disease.Methods:60 children with congenital heart disease(treated from January 2021 to October 20...Objective:To analyze the perioperative respiratory care methods and application value in children with congenital heart disease.Methods:60 children with congenital heart disease(treated from January 2021 to October 2023)were screened and divided into two groups randomly.Each group consisted of 30 cases.The perioperative routine was used in the control group.The observation group underwent the perioperative routine along with better respiratory care.Oxygenation indicators,surgical complications,and family satisfaction levels of the groups were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in the oxygenation index between the two groups of children at admission(P>0.05).At discharge,the oxygenation indicators in the observation group were better than those of the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications was lower than that of the control group.The total satisfaction of family members in the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:During the perioperative period for children with congenital heart disease,the implementation of respiratory care,which mainly involves symptomatic care,catheter care,sputum suction care,etc.,can actively improve the oxygenation indicators,reduce surgical complications,and promote faster and better recovery,of children with congenital heart disease.展开更多
The collocation method is a widely used numerical method for science and engineering problems governed by partial differential equations.This paper provides a comprehensive review of collocation methods and their appl...The collocation method is a widely used numerical method for science and engineering problems governed by partial differential equations.This paper provides a comprehensive review of collocation methods and their applications,focused on elasticity,heat conduction,electromagnetic field analysis,and fluid dynamics.The merits of the collocation method can be attributed to the need for element mesh,simple implementation,high computational efficiency,and ease in handling irregular domain problems since the collocation method is a type of node-based numerical method.Beginning with the fundamental principles of the collocation method,the discretization process in the continuous domain is elucidated,and how the collocation method approximation solutions for solving differential equations are explained.Delving into the historical development of the collocation methods,their earliest applications and key milestones are traced,thereby demonstrating their evolution within the realm of numerical computation.The mathematical foundations of collocation methods,encompassing the selection of interpolation functions,definition of weighting functions,and derivation of integration rules,are examined in detail,emphasizing their significance in comprehending the method’s effectiveness and stability.At last,the practical application of the collocation methods in engineering contexts is emphasized,including heat conduction simulations,electromagnetic coupled field analysis,and fluid dynamics simulations.These specific case studies can underscore collocation method’s broad applicability and effectiveness in addressing complex engineering challenges.In conclusion,this paper puts forward the future development trend of the collocation method through rigorous analysis and discussion,thereby facilitating further advancements in research and practical applications within these fields.展开更多
Although predictor-corrector methods have been extensively applied,they might not meet the requirements of practical applications and engineering tasks,particularly when high accuracy and efficiency are necessary.A no...Although predictor-corrector methods have been extensively applied,they might not meet the requirements of practical applications and engineering tasks,particularly when high accuracy and efficiency are necessary.A novel class of correctors based on feedback-accelerated Picard iteration(FAPI)is proposed to further enhance computational performance.With optimal feedback terms that do not require inversion of matrices,significantly faster convergence speed and higher numerical accuracy are achieved by these correctors compared with their counterparts;however,the computational complexities are comparably low.These advantages enable nonlinear engineering problems to be solved quickly and accurately,even with rough initial guesses from elementary predictors.The proposed method offers flexibility,enabling the use of the generated correctors for either bulk processing of collocation nodes in a domain or successive corrections of a single node in a finite difference approach.In our method,the functional formulas of FAPI are discretized into numerical forms using the collocation approach.These collocated iteration formulas can directly solve nonlinear problems,but they may require significant computational resources because of the manipulation of high-dimensionalmatrices.To address this,the collocated iteration formulas are further converted into finite difference forms,enabling the design of lightweight predictor-corrector algorithms for real-time computation.The generality of the proposed method is illustrated by deriving new correctors for three commonly employed finite-difference approaches:the modified Euler approach,the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton approach,and the implicit Runge-Kutta approach.Subsequently,the updated approaches are tested in solving strongly nonlinear problems,including the Matthieu equation,the Duffing equation,and the low-earth-orbit tracking problem.The numerical findings confirm the computational accuracy and efficiency of the derived predictor-corrector algorithms.展开更多
High-quality rice flour is the foundation for the production of various rice-based products.Milling is an essential step in obtaining rice flour,during which significant changes occur in the physicochemical and qualit...High-quality rice flour is the foundation for the production of various rice-based products.Milling is an essential step in obtaining rice flour,during which significant changes occur in the physicochemical and quality characteristics of the flour.Although rice flour obtained through mainstream wet milling methods exhibits superior quality,low production efficiency and wastewater discharge limit the development of the industry.Dry milling,on the other hand,conserves water resources,but adversely affects flour performance due to excessive heat generation.As an emerging powder-making technique,semi-dry milling offers a promising solution by enhancing flour quality and reducing environmental impact.This is achieved by minimizing soaking time through hot air treatment while reducing mechanical energy consumption to reach saturated water absorption levels.However,continuous production remains a challenge.This comprehensive review summarizes the effects of various milling technologies on rice flour properties and product qualities.It also discusses key control indicators and technical considerations for rice flour processing equipment and processes.展开更多
Mathematical modeling of the interaction between solar radiation and the Earth's atmosphere is formalized by the radiative transfer equation(RTE), whose resolution calls for two-stream approximations among other m...Mathematical modeling of the interaction between solar radiation and the Earth's atmosphere is formalized by the radiative transfer equation(RTE), whose resolution calls for two-stream approximations among other methods. This paper proposes a new two-stream approximation of the RTE with the development of the phase function and the intensity into a third-order series of Legendre polynomials. This new approach, which adds one more term in the expression of the intensity and the phase function, allows in the conditions of a plane parallel atmosphere a new mathematical formulation of γparameters. It is then compared to the Eddington, Hemispheric Constant, Quadrature, Combined Delta Function and Modified Eddington, and second-order approximation methods with reference to the Discrete Ordinate(Disort) method(δ –128 streams), considered as the most precise. This work also determines the conversion function of the proposed New Method using the fundamental definition of two-stream approximation(F-TSA) developed in a previous work. Notably,New Method has generally better precision compared to the second-order approximation and Hemispheric Constant methods. Compared to the Quadrature and Eddington methods, New Method shows very good precision for wide domains of the zenith angle μ 0, but tends to deviate from the Disort method with the zenith angle, especially for high values of optical thickness. In spite of this divergence in reflectance for high values of optical thickness, very strong correlation with the Disort method(R ≈ 1) was obtained for most cases of optical thickness in this study. An analysis of the Legendre polynomial series for simple functions shows that the high precision is due to the fact that the approximated functions ameliorate the accuracy when the order of approximation increases, although it has been proven that there is a limit order depending on the function from which the precision is lost. This observation indicates that increasing the order of approximation of the phase function of the RTE leads to a better precision in flux calculations. However, this approach may be limited to a certain order that has not been studied in this paper.展开更多
In this study,the structural characters,antioxidant activities and bile acid-binding ability of sea buckthorn polysaccharides(HRPs)obtained by the commonly used hot water(HRP-W),pressurized hot water(HRP-H),ultrasonic...In this study,the structural characters,antioxidant activities and bile acid-binding ability of sea buckthorn polysaccharides(HRPs)obtained by the commonly used hot water(HRP-W),pressurized hot water(HRP-H),ultrasonic(HRP-U),acid(HRP-C)and alkali(HRP-A)assisted extraction methods were investigated.The results demonstrated that extraction methods had significant effects on extraction yield,monosaccharide composition,molecular weight,particle size,triple-helical structure,and surface morphology of HRPs except for the major linkage bands.Thermogravimetric analysis showed that HRP-U with filamentous reticular microstructure exhibited better thermal stability.The HRP-A with the lowest molecular weight and highest arabinose content possessed the best antioxidant activities.Moreover,the rheological analysis indicated that HRPs with higher galacturonic acid content and molecular weight showed higher viscosity and stronger crosslinking network(HRP-C,HRP-W and HRP-U),which exhibited stronger bile acid binding capacity.The present findings provide scientific evidence in the preparation technology of sea buckthorn polysaccharides with good antioxidant and bile acid binding capacity which are related to the structure affected by the extraction methods.展开更多
Microplastics are plastic particles or fibers with a diameter of less than 5 mm,and they widely exist in the environment and pose potential risks to the ecosystem and human health.Microplastics detection can provide b...Microplastics are plastic particles or fibers with a diameter of less than 5 mm,and they widely exist in the environment and pose potential risks to the ecosystem and human health.Microplastics detection can provide basic data for formulating effective environmental protection strategies.In this paper,the physical,chemical and biological detection methods of microplastics are reviewed,and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are analyzed.The problems and challenges encountered in microplastics detection are analyzed,and the future research is discussed.展开更多
To solve the first-order differential equation derived from the problem of a free-falling object and the problem arising from Newton’s law of cooling, the study compares the numerical solutions obtained from Picard’...To solve the first-order differential equation derived from the problem of a free-falling object and the problem arising from Newton’s law of cooling, the study compares the numerical solutions obtained from Picard’s and Taylor’s series methods. We have carried out a descriptive analysis using the MATLAB software. Picard’s and Taylor’s techniques for deriving numerical solutions are both strong mathematical instruments that behave similarly. All first-order differential equations in standard form that have a constant function on the right-hand side share this similarity. As a result, we can conclude that Taylor’s approach is simpler to use, more effective, and more accurate. We will contrast Rung Kutta and Taylor’s methods in more detail in the following section.展开更多
Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stocha...Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stochastic proximal gradient method performs well. However, research on its accelerated version remains unclear. This paper proposes a proximal stochastic accelerated gradient (PSAG) method to address problems involving a combination of smooth and non-smooth components, where the smooth part corresponds to the average of multiple block sums. Simultaneously, most of convergence analyses hold in expectation. To this end, under some mind conditions, we present an almost sure convergence of unbiased gradient estimation in the non-smooth setting. Moreover, we establish that the minimum of the squared gradient mapping norm arbitrarily converges to zero with probability one.展开更多
N-11-azaartemisinins potentially active against Plasmodium falciparum are designed by combining molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), ligand-receptor interaction, and models built with supervised machine learning m...N-11-azaartemisinins potentially active against Plasmodium falciparum are designed by combining molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), ligand-receptor interaction, and models built with supervised machine learning methods (PCA, HCA, KNN, SIMCA, and SDA). The optimization of molecular structures was performed using the B3LYP/6-31G* approach. MEP maps and ligand-receptor interactions were used to investigate key structural features required for biological activities and likely interactions between N-11-azaartemisinins and heme, respectively. The supervised machine learning methods allowed the separation of the investigated compounds into two classes: cha and cla, with the properties ε<sub>LUMO+1</sub> (one level above lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy), d(C<sub>6</sub>-C<sub>5</sub>) (distance between C<sub>6</sub> and C<sub>5</sub> atoms in ligands), and TSA (total surface area) responsible for the classification. The insights extracted from the investigation developed and the chemical intuition enabled the design of sixteen new N-11-azaartemisinins (prediction set), moreover, models built with supervised machine learning methods were applied to this prediction set. The result of this application showed twelve new promising N-11-azaartemisinins for synthesis and biological evaluation.展开更多
Polysaccharides are the important biologically active components found in the peel of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.(DTTP).The influences of 4 extraction methods,namely hot water extraction(W),acidic extraction(HA),hot-com...Polysaccharides are the important biologically active components found in the peel of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.(DTTP).The influences of 4 extraction methods,namely hot water extraction(W),acidic extraction(HA),hot-compressed water extraction(HCW)and enzyme-assisted extraction(EAE),on the yields,physicochemical properties,hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from DTTP were studied and compared.Among these DTTP polysaccharides,DTTP-HA was outstanding in several respects.DTTP-HA was the most water soluble;it had the highest total carbohydrate content(85.08%),the highest uronic acid(13.20%)and the highest thermal stability.DTTP-HA and DTTP-W possessed a triple-helix structure.These 4 kinds of polysaccharides have the same types of monosaccharides,but in different molar percentages.Extraction method had a significant impact on the microstructures of the extracted polysaccharides.DTT-HA exhibited irregular structure with many holes.Among the 4 extracted methods,the DTTP-HA and DTTP-W initially exhibited higher hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities.The better bioactivities of DTTP-HA may be related to the above factors.The findings indicated that acid extraction is an effective method to extract polysaccharides with high biological activities from DTTP.展开更多
The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult.In this regard,developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains...The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult.In this regard,developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority.Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs),a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broadspectrum antipathogenic activity,hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance(AMR)crisis.Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application,with many already in the drug development pipeline.Their distinct properties,such as high target specificity,potency,and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms,make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.Nonetheless,several challenges,such as high toxicity,lability to proteolytic degradation,low stability,poor pharmacokinetics,and high production costs,continue to hamper their clinical applicability.Therefore,recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance.By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity,such as amphipathicity,hydrophobicity,structural conformation,amino acid distribution,and composition,researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance.In this review,we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs,including rational design and de novo synthesis.We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools,utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning,in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.展开更多
We propose efficient numerical methods for nonseparable non-canonical Hamiltonian systems which are explicit,K-symplectic in the extended phase space with long time energy conservation properties. They are based on ex...We propose efficient numerical methods for nonseparable non-canonical Hamiltonian systems which are explicit,K-symplectic in the extended phase space with long time energy conservation properties. They are based on extending the original phase space to several copies of the phase space and imposing a mechanical restraint on the copies of the phase space. Explicit K-symplectic methods are constructed for two non-canonical Hamiltonian systems. Numerical tests show that the proposed methods exhibit good numerical performance in preserving the phase orbit and the energy of the system over long time, whereas higher order Runge–Kutta methods do not preserve these properties. Numerical tests also show that the K-symplectic methods exhibit better efficiency than that of the same order implicit symplectic, explicit and implicit symplectic methods for the original nonseparable non-canonical systems. On the other hand, the fourth order K-symplectic method is more efficient than the fourth order Yoshida’s method, the optimized partitioned Runge–Kutta and Runge–Kutta–Nystr ¨om explicit K-symplectic methods for the extended phase space Hamiltonians, but less efficient than the the optimized partitioned Runge–Kutta and Runge–Kutta–Nystr ¨om extended phase space symplectic-like methods with the midpoint permutation.展开更多
文摘Condensed and hydrolysable tannins are non-toxic natural polyphenols that are a commercial commodity industrialized for tanning hides to obtain leather and for a growing number of other industrial applications mainly to substitute petroleum-based products.They are a definite class of sustainable materials of the forestry industry.They have been in operation for hundreds of years to manufacture leather and now for a growing number of applications in a variety of other industries,such as wood adhesives,metal coating,pharmaceutical/medical applications and several others.This review presents the main sources,either already or potentially commercial of this forestry by-materials,their industrial and laboratory extraction systems,their systems of analysis with their advantages and drawbacks,be these methods so simple to even appear primitive but nonetheless of proven effectiveness,or very modern and instrumental.It constitutes a basic but essential summary of what is necessary to know of these sustainable materials.In doing so,the review highlights some of the main challenges that remain to be addressed to deliver the quality and economics of tannin supply necessary to fulfill the industrial production requirements for some materials-based uses.
文摘Hydrogen is the new age alternative energy source to combat energy demand and climate change.Storage of hydrogen is vital for a nation’s growth.Works of literature provide different methods for storing the produced hydrogen,and the rational selection of a viable method is crucial for promoting sustainability and green practices.Typically,hydrogen storage is associated with diverse sustainable and circular economy(SCE)criteria.As a result,the authors consider the situation a multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)problem.Studies infer that previous models for hydrogen storage method(HSM)selection(i)do not consider preferences in the natural language form;(ii)weights of experts are not methodically determined;(iii)hesitation of experts during criteria weight assessment is not effectively explored;and(iv)three-stage solution of a suitable selection of HSM is unexplored.Driven by these gaps,in this paper,authors put forward a new integrated framework,which considers double hierarchy linguistic information for rating,criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation(CRITIC)for expert weight calculation,evidence-based Bayesian method for criteria weight estimation,and combined compromise solution(CoCoSo)for ranking HSMs.The applicability of the developed framework is testified by using a case example of HSM selection in India.Sensitivity and comparative analysis reveal the merits and limitations of the developed framework.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2019YFD0901204,2019YFD 0901205).
文摘Aggregation of species with similar ecological properties is one of the effective methods to simplify food web researches.However,species aggregation will affect not only the complexity of modeling process but also the accuracy of models’outputs.Selection of aggregation methods and the number of trophospecies are the keys to study the simplification of food web.In this study,three aggregation methods,including taxonomic aggregation(TA),structural equivalence aggregation(SEA),and self-organizing maps(SOM),were analyzed and compared with the linear inverse model–Markov Chain Monte Carlo(LIM-MCMC)model.Impacts of aggregation methods and trophospecies number on food webs were evaluated based on the robustness and unitless of ecological net-work indices.Results showed that aggregation method of SEA performed better than the other two methods in estimating food web structure and function indices.The effects of aggregation methods were driven by the differences in species aggregation principles,which will alter food web structure and function through the redistribution of energy flow.According to the results of mean absolute percentage error(MAPE)which can be applied to evaluate the accuracy of the model,we found that MAPE in food web indices will increase with the reducing trophospecies number,and MAPE in food web function indices were smaller and more stable than those in food web structure indices.Therefore,trade-off between simplifying food webs and reflecting the status of ecosystem should be con-sidered in food web studies.These findings highlight the importance of aggregation methods and trophospecies number in the analy-sis of food web simplification.This study provided a framework to explore the extent to which food web models are affected by dif-ferent species aggregation,and will provide scientific basis for the construction of food webs.
基金the Postgraduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.KYCX22_0621)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52209130)Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent.
文摘Tunnel construction is susceptible to accidents such as loosening, deformation, collapse, and water inrush, especiallyunder complex geological conditions like dense fault areas. These accidents can cause instability and damageto the tunnel. As a result, it is essential to conduct research on tunnel construction and grouting reinforcementtechnology in fault fracture zones to address these issues and ensure the safety of tunnel excavation projects. Thisstudy utilized the Xianglushan cross-fault tunnel to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the construction, support,and reinforcement of a tunnel crossing a fault fracture zone using the three-dimensional finite element numericalmethod. The study yielded the following research conclusions: The excavation conditions of the cross-fault tunnelarray were analyzed to determine the optimal construction method for excavation while controlling deformationand stress in the surrounding rock. The middle partition method (CD method) was found to be the most suitable.Additionally, the effects of advanced reinforcement grouting on the cross-fault fracture zone tunnel were studied,and the optimal combination of grouting reinforcement range (140°) and grouting thickness (1m) was determined.The stress and deformation data obtained fromon-site monitoring of the surrounding rock was slightly lower thanthe numerical simulation results. However, the change trend of both sets of data was found to be consistent. Theseresearch findings provide technical analysis and data support for the construction and design of cross-fault tunnels.
文摘Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.
文摘Digital technology has driven the innovation of architectural design methods and tools,applying digital techniques to allow greater possibilities for more innovative and scientific design of public building spaces.This article first analyzes the characteristics of digital visualization and its advantages in the design of urban public building spaces,including aspects such as visualizing three-dimensional expression,rational analysis of building space,Virtual Reality Experience,and integration of design and construction processes.Subsequently,by introducing digital design methods such as parametric design,algorithmic generation,nonlinear design,and artificial intelligence-assisted design,it explores the methods and implementation approaches of digital visualization in the design of public building spaces.The aim is to offer insights and references for the deeper integration of digital technology into architectural design practices.
文摘Dust deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) cells poses a significant challenge to their efficiency, especially in arid regions characterized by desert and semi-desert conditions. Despite the pronounced impact of dust accumulation, these regions offer optimal solar radiation and minimal cloud cover, making them ideal candidates for widespread PV cell deployment. Various surface cleaning methods exist, each employing distinct approaches. Choosing an appropriate cleaning method requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in both dust deposition on module surfaces and dust adhesion to PV cell surfaces. The mechanisms governing dust deposition and adhesion are complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as the nature and properties of the dust particles, environmental climatic conditions, characteristics of protective coatings, and the specific location of the PV installation. These factors exhibit regional variations, necessitating the implementation of diverse cleaning approaches tailored to the unique conditions of each location. The first part of this article explores the factors influencing dust deposition on PV cell surfaces, delving into the intricate interplay of environmental variables and particle characteristics. Subsequently, the second part addresses various cleaning methods, offering an analysis of their respective advantages and disadvantages. By comprehensively examining the factors influencing dust accumulation and evaluating the effectiveness of different cleaning strategies, this article aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing efforts to optimize the performance and longevity of photovoltaic systems in diverse geographical contexts.
文摘Objective:To analyze the perioperative respiratory care methods and application value in children with congenital heart disease.Methods:60 children with congenital heart disease(treated from January 2021 to October 2023)were screened and divided into two groups randomly.Each group consisted of 30 cases.The perioperative routine was used in the control group.The observation group underwent the perioperative routine along with better respiratory care.Oxygenation indicators,surgical complications,and family satisfaction levels of the groups were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in the oxygenation index between the two groups of children at admission(P>0.05).At discharge,the oxygenation indicators in the observation group were better than those of the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications was lower than that of the control group.The total satisfaction of family members in the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:During the perioperative period for children with congenital heart disease,the implementation of respiratory care,which mainly involves symptomatic care,catheter care,sputum suction care,etc.,can actively improve the oxygenation indicators,reduce surgical complications,and promote faster and better recovery,of children with congenital heart disease.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China for financial support to this work under Grant NSFC No.12072064.
文摘The collocation method is a widely used numerical method for science and engineering problems governed by partial differential equations.This paper provides a comprehensive review of collocation methods and their applications,focused on elasticity,heat conduction,electromagnetic field analysis,and fluid dynamics.The merits of the collocation method can be attributed to the need for element mesh,simple implementation,high computational efficiency,and ease in handling irregular domain problems since the collocation method is a type of node-based numerical method.Beginning with the fundamental principles of the collocation method,the discretization process in the continuous domain is elucidated,and how the collocation method approximation solutions for solving differential equations are explained.Delving into the historical development of the collocation methods,their earliest applications and key milestones are traced,thereby demonstrating their evolution within the realm of numerical computation.The mathematical foundations of collocation methods,encompassing the selection of interpolation functions,definition of weighting functions,and derivation of integration rules,are examined in detail,emphasizing their significance in comprehending the method’s effectiveness and stability.At last,the practical application of the collocation methods in engineering contexts is emphasized,including heat conduction simulations,electromagnetic coupled field analysis,and fluid dynamics simulations.These specific case studies can underscore collocation method’s broad applicability and effectiveness in addressing complex engineering challenges.In conclusion,this paper puts forward the future development trend of the collocation method through rigorous analysis and discussion,thereby facilitating further advancements in research and practical applications within these fields.
基金work is supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.3102019HTQD014)of Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityFunding of National Key Laboratory of Astronautical Flight DynamicsYoung Talent Support Project of Shaanxi State.
文摘Although predictor-corrector methods have been extensively applied,they might not meet the requirements of practical applications and engineering tasks,particularly when high accuracy and efficiency are necessary.A novel class of correctors based on feedback-accelerated Picard iteration(FAPI)is proposed to further enhance computational performance.With optimal feedback terms that do not require inversion of matrices,significantly faster convergence speed and higher numerical accuracy are achieved by these correctors compared with their counterparts;however,the computational complexities are comparably low.These advantages enable nonlinear engineering problems to be solved quickly and accurately,even with rough initial guesses from elementary predictors.The proposed method offers flexibility,enabling the use of the generated correctors for either bulk processing of collocation nodes in a domain or successive corrections of a single node in a finite difference approach.In our method,the functional formulas of FAPI are discretized into numerical forms using the collocation approach.These collocated iteration formulas can directly solve nonlinear problems,but they may require significant computational resources because of the manipulation of high-dimensionalmatrices.To address this,the collocated iteration formulas are further converted into finite difference forms,enabling the design of lightweight predictor-corrector algorithms for real-time computation.The generality of the proposed method is illustrated by deriving new correctors for three commonly employed finite-difference approaches:the modified Euler approach,the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton approach,and the implicit Runge-Kutta approach.Subsequently,the updated approaches are tested in solving strongly nonlinear problems,including the Matthieu equation,the Duffing equation,and the low-earth-orbit tracking problem.The numerical findings confirm the computational accuracy and efficiency of the derived predictor-corrector algorithms.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31972005)Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region‘Tianshan Talent’Training Plan Project,China(Grant No.2022TSYCCX0063).
文摘High-quality rice flour is the foundation for the production of various rice-based products.Milling is an essential step in obtaining rice flour,during which significant changes occur in the physicochemical and quality characteristics of the flour.Although rice flour obtained through mainstream wet milling methods exhibits superior quality,low production efficiency and wastewater discharge limit the development of the industry.Dry milling,on the other hand,conserves water resources,but adversely affects flour performance due to excessive heat generation.As an emerging powder-making technique,semi-dry milling offers a promising solution by enhancing flour quality and reducing environmental impact.This is achieved by minimizing soaking time through hot air treatment while reducing mechanical energy consumption to reach saturated water absorption levels.However,continuous production remains a challenge.This comprehensive review summarizes the effects of various milling technologies on rice flour properties and product qualities.It also discusses key control indicators and technical considerations for rice flour processing equipment and processes.
文摘Mathematical modeling of the interaction between solar radiation and the Earth's atmosphere is formalized by the radiative transfer equation(RTE), whose resolution calls for two-stream approximations among other methods. This paper proposes a new two-stream approximation of the RTE with the development of the phase function and the intensity into a third-order series of Legendre polynomials. This new approach, which adds one more term in the expression of the intensity and the phase function, allows in the conditions of a plane parallel atmosphere a new mathematical formulation of γparameters. It is then compared to the Eddington, Hemispheric Constant, Quadrature, Combined Delta Function and Modified Eddington, and second-order approximation methods with reference to the Discrete Ordinate(Disort) method(δ –128 streams), considered as the most precise. This work also determines the conversion function of the proposed New Method using the fundamental definition of two-stream approximation(F-TSA) developed in a previous work. Notably,New Method has generally better precision compared to the second-order approximation and Hemispheric Constant methods. Compared to the Quadrature and Eddington methods, New Method shows very good precision for wide domains of the zenith angle μ 0, but tends to deviate from the Disort method with the zenith angle, especially for high values of optical thickness. In spite of this divergence in reflectance for high values of optical thickness, very strong correlation with the Disort method(R ≈ 1) was obtained for most cases of optical thickness in this study. An analysis of the Legendre polynomial series for simple functions shows that the high precision is due to the fact that the approximated functions ameliorate the accuracy when the order of approximation increases, although it has been proven that there is a limit order depending on the function from which the precision is lost. This observation indicates that increasing the order of approximation of the phase function of the RTE leads to a better precision in flux calculations. However, this approach may be limited to a certain order that has not been studied in this paper.
基金The Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2022A1515010730)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32001647)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972022)Financial and moral assistance supported by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2019A1515011996)111 Project(B17018)。
文摘In this study,the structural characters,antioxidant activities and bile acid-binding ability of sea buckthorn polysaccharides(HRPs)obtained by the commonly used hot water(HRP-W),pressurized hot water(HRP-H),ultrasonic(HRP-U),acid(HRP-C)and alkali(HRP-A)assisted extraction methods were investigated.The results demonstrated that extraction methods had significant effects on extraction yield,monosaccharide composition,molecular weight,particle size,triple-helical structure,and surface morphology of HRPs except for the major linkage bands.Thermogravimetric analysis showed that HRP-U with filamentous reticular microstructure exhibited better thermal stability.The HRP-A with the lowest molecular weight and highest arabinose content possessed the best antioxidant activities.Moreover,the rheological analysis indicated that HRPs with higher galacturonic acid content and molecular weight showed higher viscosity and stronger crosslinking network(HRP-C,HRP-W and HRP-U),which exhibited stronger bile acid binding capacity.The present findings provide scientific evidence in the preparation technology of sea buckthorn polysaccharides with good antioxidant and bile acid binding capacity which are related to the structure affected by the extraction methods.
文摘Microplastics are plastic particles or fibers with a diameter of less than 5 mm,and they widely exist in the environment and pose potential risks to the ecosystem and human health.Microplastics detection can provide basic data for formulating effective environmental protection strategies.In this paper,the physical,chemical and biological detection methods of microplastics are reviewed,and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are analyzed.The problems and challenges encountered in microplastics detection are analyzed,and the future research is discussed.
文摘To solve the first-order differential equation derived from the problem of a free-falling object and the problem arising from Newton’s law of cooling, the study compares the numerical solutions obtained from Picard’s and Taylor’s series methods. We have carried out a descriptive analysis using the MATLAB software. Picard’s and Taylor’s techniques for deriving numerical solutions are both strong mathematical instruments that behave similarly. All first-order differential equations in standard form that have a constant function on the right-hand side share this similarity. As a result, we can conclude that Taylor’s approach is simpler to use, more effective, and more accurate. We will contrast Rung Kutta and Taylor’s methods in more detail in the following section.
文摘Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stochastic proximal gradient method performs well. However, research on its accelerated version remains unclear. This paper proposes a proximal stochastic accelerated gradient (PSAG) method to address problems involving a combination of smooth and non-smooth components, where the smooth part corresponds to the average of multiple block sums. Simultaneously, most of convergence analyses hold in expectation. To this end, under some mind conditions, we present an almost sure convergence of unbiased gradient estimation in the non-smooth setting. Moreover, we establish that the minimum of the squared gradient mapping norm arbitrarily converges to zero with probability one.
文摘N-11-azaartemisinins potentially active against Plasmodium falciparum are designed by combining molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), ligand-receptor interaction, and models built with supervised machine learning methods (PCA, HCA, KNN, SIMCA, and SDA). The optimization of molecular structures was performed using the B3LYP/6-31G* approach. MEP maps and ligand-receptor interactions were used to investigate key structural features required for biological activities and likely interactions between N-11-azaartemisinins and heme, respectively. The supervised machine learning methods allowed the separation of the investigated compounds into two classes: cha and cla, with the properties ε<sub>LUMO+1</sub> (one level above lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy), d(C<sub>6</sub>-C<sub>5</sub>) (distance between C<sub>6</sub> and C<sub>5</sub> atoms in ligands), and TSA (total surface area) responsible for the classification. The insights extracted from the investigation developed and the chemical intuition enabled the design of sixteen new N-11-azaartemisinins (prediction set), moreover, models built with supervised machine learning methods were applied to this prediction set. The result of this application showed twelve new promising N-11-azaartemisinins for synthesis and biological evaluation.
基金the financial support provided by Zhengzhou 1125 Talents Gathering Project (2018)the Doctor startup fund of Henan Agricultural University (30500431)
文摘Polysaccharides are the important biologically active components found in the peel of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.(DTTP).The influences of 4 extraction methods,namely hot water extraction(W),acidic extraction(HA),hot-compressed water extraction(HCW)and enzyme-assisted extraction(EAE),on the yields,physicochemical properties,hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from DTTP were studied and compared.Among these DTTP polysaccharides,DTTP-HA was outstanding in several respects.DTTP-HA was the most water soluble;it had the highest total carbohydrate content(85.08%),the highest uronic acid(13.20%)and the highest thermal stability.DTTP-HA and DTTP-W possessed a triple-helix structure.These 4 kinds of polysaccharides have the same types of monosaccharides,but in different molar percentages.Extraction method had a significant impact on the microstructures of the extracted polysaccharides.DTT-HA exhibited irregular structure with many holes.Among the 4 extracted methods,the DTTP-HA and DTTP-W initially exhibited higher hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities.The better bioactivities of DTTP-HA may be related to the above factors.The findings indicated that acid extraction is an effective method to extract polysaccharides with high biological activities from DTTP.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31930015,32200397)Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2018YFA0801403)+3 种基金Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB31000000,KFJ-BRP-008-003)Yunnan Province Grant (202003AD150008,202002AA100007)Kunming Science and Technology Bureau (2023SCP001)New Cornerstone Investigator Program。
文摘The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult.In this regard,developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority.Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs),a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broadspectrum antipathogenic activity,hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance(AMR)crisis.Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application,with many already in the drug development pipeline.Their distinct properties,such as high target specificity,potency,and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms,make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.Nonetheless,several challenges,such as high toxicity,lability to proteolytic degradation,low stability,poor pharmacokinetics,and high production costs,continue to hamper their clinical applicability.Therefore,recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance.By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity,such as amphipathicity,hydrophobicity,structural conformation,amino acid distribution,and composition,researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance.In this review,we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs,including rational design and de novo synthesis.We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools,utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning,in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11901564 and 12171466)。
文摘We propose efficient numerical methods for nonseparable non-canonical Hamiltonian systems which are explicit,K-symplectic in the extended phase space with long time energy conservation properties. They are based on extending the original phase space to several copies of the phase space and imposing a mechanical restraint on the copies of the phase space. Explicit K-symplectic methods are constructed for two non-canonical Hamiltonian systems. Numerical tests show that the proposed methods exhibit good numerical performance in preserving the phase orbit and the energy of the system over long time, whereas higher order Runge–Kutta methods do not preserve these properties. Numerical tests also show that the K-symplectic methods exhibit better efficiency than that of the same order implicit symplectic, explicit and implicit symplectic methods for the original nonseparable non-canonical systems. On the other hand, the fourth order K-symplectic method is more efficient than the fourth order Yoshida’s method, the optimized partitioned Runge–Kutta and Runge–Kutta–Nystr ¨om explicit K-symplectic methods for the extended phase space Hamiltonians, but less efficient than the the optimized partitioned Runge–Kutta and Runge–Kutta–Nystr ¨om extended phase space symplectic-like methods with the midpoint permutation.
