Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosyste...Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosystems.However,in the context of global warming,WUE evolution and its primary drivers on the Tibetan Plateau remain unclear.This study employed the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and the random forest algorithm to decipher the nonlinear trends and drivers of WUE on the Tibetan Plateau in 2001–2020.Results indicated an annual mean WUE of 0.8088 gC/mm·m^(2)across the plateau,with a spatial gradient reflecting decrease from the southeast toward the northwest.Areas manifesting monotonous trends of increase or decrease in WUE accounted for 23.64%and 9.69%of the total,respectively.Remarkably,66.67%of the region exhibited trend reversals,i.e.,39.94%of the area of the Tibetan Plateau showed transition from a trend of increase to a trend of decrease,and 26.73%of the area demonstrated a shift from a trend of decrease to a trend of increase.Environmental factors accounted for 70.79%of the variability in WUE.The leaf area index and temperature served as the major driving forces of WUE variation.展开更多
Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal condu...Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal conductivities of phase-change materials(PCMs)promote Joule heating dissi-pation.Repeated phase transitions also induce long-range atomic diffusion,limiting the durability.To address these challenges,phase-change heterostructure(PCH)devices that incorporate confinement sub-layers based on transition-metal dichalcogenide materials have been developed.In this study,we engi-neered a PCH device by integrating HfTe_(2),which has low thermal conductivity and excellent stability,into the PCM to realize PCRAM with enhanced thermal efficiency and structural stability.HEAT sim-ulations were conducted to validate the superior heat confinement in the programming region of the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device.Moreover,electrical measurements of the device demonstrated its outstanding performance,which was characterized by a low RESET current(∼1.6 mA),stable two-order ON/OFF ratio,and exceptional cycling endurance(∼2×10^(7)).The structural integrity of the HfTe_(2)confinement sub-layer was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The material properties,including electrical conductivity,cohesive energy,and electronegativity,substantiated these findings.Collectively,these results revealed that the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device can achieve significant improvements in performance and reliability compared with conventional PCRAM devices.展开更多
Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lowe...Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lower machining efficiency and longer machining time due to its time-varying cutter-workpiece engagement angle and a high percentage of non-cutting tool paths.To address these issues,this paper introduces a parameter-variant trochoidal-like(PVTR)tool path planning method for chatter-free and high-efficiency milling.This method ensures a constant engagement angle for each tool path period by adjusting the trochoidal radius and step.Initially,the nonlinear equation for the PVTR toolpath is established.Then,a segmented recurrence method is proposed to plan tool paths based on the desired engagement angle.The impact of trochoidal tool path parameters on the engagement angle is analyzed and coupled this information with the milling stability model based on spindle speed and engagement angle to determine the desired engagement angle throughout the machining process.Finally,several experimental tests are carried out using the bull-nose end mill to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration eff...Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration efficiency,complex denitration system,and high investment and operating cost.Here we put forward a novel polymer non-catalytic reduction(PNCR)technology that utilized a new type of polymer agent to remove NO_(x),and the proposed PNCR technology was applied to the existing waste-to-energy plant to test the denitration performance.The PNCR technology demonstrated excellent denitration performance with a NO_(x) emission concentration of<100 mg/Nm^(3) and high denitration efficiency of>75%at the temperature range of 800-900℃,which showed the application feasibility even on the complex and unstable industrial operating conditions.In addition,PNCR and hybrid polymer/selective non-catalytic reduction(PNCR/SNCR)technology possessed remarkable economic advantages including low investment fee and low operating cost of<10 CNY per ton of municipal solid waste(MSW)compared with selective catalytic reduction(SCR)technology.The excellent denitration performance of PNCR technology forebodes a broad industrial application prospect in the field of flue gas cleaning for waste-to-energy plants.展开更多
Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challengin...Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challenging.Herein, wide bandgap polymer donor PTzBI-dF is demonstrated as an effectivemodulator for enhancing the crystallinity of the bulk heterojunction active layerscomposed of D18 derivatives blended with Y6, leading to dense and orderedmolecular packings, and thus, improves photoluminescence quenching properties.As a result, the photovoltaic devices exhibit reduced trap-assisted charge recombinationlosses, achieving an optimized power conversion efficiency of over 19%.Besides the efficiency enhancement, the devices comprised of PTzBI-dF as athird component simultaneously attain decreased current leakage, improved chargecarrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular charge recombination, leading toreduced energy losses. The advanced crystalline structures induced by PTzBI-dFand its characteristics, such as well-aligned energy level, and complementaryabsorption spectra, are ascribed to the promising performance improvements.Our findings suggest that donor phase engineering is a feasible approach to tuning the molecular packings in the active layer, providingguidelines for designing effective morphology modulators for high-performance organic solar cells.展开更多
The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use e...The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.展开更多
In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads th...In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads the electromagnetic bandgap structure on the upper surface of the substrate integrated waveguide.This is equivalent to including an additional inductance-capacitance for energy storage,which realizes the slow-wave effect.A microstrip line-SIW tapered transition structure is introduced to achieve a low loss and a large bandwidth.In the frequency band between 8-12 GHz,the measured results show that the delay multiplier of the delay line reaches 4 times,i.e.,delay line’s delay time is 4 times larger than 50Ωmicrostrip line with same length.Furthermore,the delay fluctuation,i.e.,the difference between the maximum and minimum delay as a percentage of the standard delay is only 2.5%,the insertion loss is less than-2.5 dB,and the return loss is less than-15 dB.Compared with the existing delay lines,the proposed delay line has the advantages of high delay efficiency,low delay error,wide bandwidth and low loss,which has good practical value and application prospects.展开更多
Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.Howe...Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.However,with the rapid development of remote imaging,sensing technologies,and long-range quantum communication with fewer topographical constraints,the demand for high-efficiency single-photon detectors integrated with avionic platforms is rapidly growing.We herein designed and manufactured the first drone-based SNSPD system with a system detection efficiency(SDE)as high as 91.8%.This drone-based system incorporates high-performance NbTiN SNSPDs,a self-developed miniature liquid helium dewar,and custom-built integrated electrical setups,making it capable of being launched in complex topographical conditions.Such a drone-based SNSPD system may open the use of SNSPDs for applications that demand high SDE in complex environments.展开更多
In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-p...In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-propeller is studied by analyzing the complex force situation during ship navigation and building a MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform based on multi-environmental resistance,propeller efficiency,main engine power,fuel consumption,fuel consumption rate and EEOI calculation module.Considering the environmental factors of wind,wave and ice,the route is divided into sections,the calculation of main engine power,main engine fuel consumption and EEOI for each section is completed,and the speed design is optimized based on the simulation model for each section.Under the requirements of the voyage plan,the optimization results show that the energy efficiency operation index of the whole route is reduced by 3.114%and the fuel consumption is reduced by 9.17 t.展开更多
The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar ener...The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar energy,among the various renewable sources,is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability.However,the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic(PV)modules is hindered by several factors,notably their conversion efficiency,which averages around 19%.This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16%due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours.This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics(CFD).The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness,Reynolds number,and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer.The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10.These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency.This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules,potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels.Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.展开更多
Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, P...Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, Port of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Durban. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of operational efficiency of the mentioned ports, measure and evaluate the ports’ productivity changes and lastly to investigate the factors influencing the productivity changes of the ports studied. To achieve these objectives, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA-BCC) model was used to determine the technical and operational efficiencies of the ports and Malmquist productivity index was employed to calculate the various productivity levels. The results of the study can guide stakeholders to formulate their operational strategies for port efficiency and productivity. The study also has policy suggestions that are uniquely targeted to Africa’s issues and potential.展开更多
This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospi...This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospital services. In this study, a decline in the utilization of inpatient hospitals developed between 2020 and 2022. During this period, use of additional outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, individual practitioners, outside hospitals, and the use of hospital emergency departments developed in the community. The study data demonstrated that between 2020 and 2022, the numbers of discharges from the combined hospitals declined for both adult medicine and adult surgery. Inpatient discharges declined by 2730 patients for adult medicine and 1961 patients for adult surgery. The data also demonstrated that between 2022 and 2024, the numbers of discharges increased by 1998 discharges for adult medicine and by 229 for adult surgery. As followup to this study, health care providers and payors should review approaches to efficiency in their communities and evaluate their impact on health care efficiency.展开更多
This study reviewed a combination of health care programs in the metropolitan area of Syracuse, New York. They were designed to improve care, however a major purpose was to support efficiency. The study described a nu...This study reviewed a combination of health care programs in the metropolitan area of Syracuse, New York. They were designed to improve care, however a major purpose was to support efficiency. The study described a number of individual programs that were developed in order to improve the quality and the efficiency of care. These programs were implemented by a combination of local providers and payors. They included the development of outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, as well as preventive care, case management, telemedicine, and mental health. The impact of these programs was a combination of these services, rather than individual efforts. The impact of these efforts was the product of a range of individual services, especially care management. Additional efforts should make it possible to extend these efforts among providers and payors in the Syracuse area. This approach should make it possible to extend the impact of health care efficiency further.展开更多
This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The ba...This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The base station(BS)provides short packet services to ground users using the non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)protocol through UAV-RIS,while preventing eavesdropper attacks.To optimize SEE,a joint optimization is performed concerning power allocation,UAV position,decoding order,and RIS phase shifts.An iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent is proposed for mixed-integer non-convex SEE optimization problem.The original problem is decomposed into three sub-problems,solved alternately using successive convex approximation(SCA),quadratic transformation,penalty function,and semi-definite programming(SDP).Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet system under different parameters and verify the algorithm’s convergence.Compared to benchmark schemes such as orthogonal multiple access,long packet communication,and sum SEE,the proposed UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet scheme achieves the higher minimum user’s SEE.展开更多
With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared...With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.展开更多
The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relations...The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relationships between knowledge modeling, institutional memory, leadership styles, technology, and administrative efficiency at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The study sought to identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital tools into administrative processes and to provide actionable recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative thematic analysis of interviews. The findings revealed key challenges, including resistance to change, fragmented knowledge repositories, and inadequate funding, alongside opportunities such as centralized knowledge systems, cost-effective open-source tools, and capacity-building initiatives. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership, robust policies, and investments in digital infrastructure to enhance administrative practices. Policy implications include the need for clear digital transformation guidelines and leadership training to foster innovation and collaboration. Recommendations include investing in scalable digital tools, implementing comprehensive capacity-building programs, and promoting stakeholder engagement to drive successful digital integration. These insights provide a roadmap for UCC and similar institutions seeking to optimize administrative efficiency through digital transformation.展开更多
Enhancing the efficiency of Rankine cycles is crucial for improving the performance of thermal power plants,as it directly impacts operational costs and emissions in light of energy transition goals.This study sets it...Enhancing the efficiency of Rankine cycles is crucial for improving the performance of thermal power plants,as it directly impacts operational costs and emissions in light of energy transition goals.This study sets itself apart from existing research by applying a novel optimization technique to a basic ideal Rankine cycle,focusing on a specific power plant that has not been previously analyzed.Currently,this cycle operates at 41%efficiency and a steam quality of 76%,constrained by fixed operational parameters.The primary objectives are to increase thermal efficiency beyond 46%and raise steam quality above 85%,while adhering to operational limits:a boiler pressure not exceeding 15 MPa,condenser pressure not dropping below 10 kPa,and turbine temperature not surpassing 500℃.This study utilizes numerical simulations to model the effects of varying boiler pressure(Pb)and condenser pressure(Pc)within the ranges of 12MPa<Pb<15 MPa and 5 kPa<Pc<10 kPa.By systematically adjusting these parameters,the proposed aimto identify optimal conditions that maximize efficiency and performance within specified constraints.The findings will provide valuable insights for power plant operators seeking to optimize performance under real-world conditions,contributing to more efficient and sustainable power generation.展开更多
BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical ...BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical nerve blocks,avoidance of general anesthesia and bypassing phase one recovery.We conducted a historic cohort study whose primary outcome was the postoperative recovery time between the HE and traditional(T)pathway.AIM To determine whether the implementation of a HE pathway was correlated with a reduction in postoperative recovery time.METHODS Patients who had unilateral elective lower limb orthopedic procedures through the T and HE pathway were screened between 2017 to 2019.Patients were at least 18 years old,and American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)Physical Status I to III without major systemic comorbidities were included.Propensity score was generated using multivariable regression taking age,body mass index,sex,ASA class and surgical type as covariates using nearest neighbour methods between the two pathways.Mann Whitney U test were used to analyzed total postoperative time.RESULTS There was an associated reduction in total postoperative recovery time of 63 minutes(95%CI:-69 to-57)in the HE group.The operating room time and total length of stay also had an associated decrease of 20 minutes(95%CI:-23 to-17)and 84 minutes(95%CI:-92 to-75)respectively.CONCLUSION Utilizing multifaceted strategies to improve perioperative efficiency was associated with a reduction in the postoperative recovery time in our retrospective study.This model can be a potential strategy to deal with surgical backlog in the face of ongoing human resource challenges.展开更多
Feed efficiency(FE)is a crucial economic trait that significantly impacts profitability in intensive sheep production,and can be evaluated by the residual feed intake(RFI)and feed conversion ratio(FCR).However,the und...Feed efficiency(FE)is a crucial economic trait that significantly impacts profitability in intensive sheep production,and can be evaluated by the residual feed intake(RFI)and feed conversion ratio(FCR).However,the underlying genetic mechanisms that underlie FE-related traits in sheep are not fully understood.Herein,we measured the FE-related traits of 1,280 Hu sheep and conducted the phenotype statistics and correlation analysis,the result showcase that there was a large variation for FE-related traits,and RFI was significant positive correlation with average daily feed intake(ADFI)and FCR.Moreover,a genome-wide association study(GWAS)was conducted using whole-genome resequencing data to investigate the genetic associations of ADFI,FCR and RFI.For ADFI and FCR traits,2 and one single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)exceeded the genome-wide significance threshold,whereas ten and 5 SNPs exceeded the suggestive significance threshold.For RFI traits,only 4 SNPs exceeded the suggestive significance threshold.Finally,a total of 8 genes(LOC101121953,LOC101110202,CTNNA3,IZUMO3,PPM1E,YIPF7,ZSCAN12and LOC105603808)were identified as potential candidate genes for FE-related traits.Simultaneously,we further analyzed the effects of 2 candidate SNPs associated with RFI on growth and FE traits in enlarged experimental population,the results demonstrated that these 2 SNPs was not significantly associated with growth traits(P>0.05),but significantly related to RFI traits(P<0.05).These findings will provide valuable reference data and key genetic variants that can be used to effectively select feed-efficient individual in sheep breeding programs.展开更多
The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things(IoT)has led to the widespread adoption of sensor networks,with Long-Range Wide-Area Networks(LoRaWANs)emerging as a key technology due to their ability to support long-ran...The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things(IoT)has led to the widespread adoption of sensor networks,with Long-Range Wide-Area Networks(LoRaWANs)emerging as a key technology due to their ability to support long-range communication while minimizing power consumption.However,optimizing network performance and energy efficiency in dynamic,large-scale IoT environments remains a significant challenge.Traditional methods,such as the Adaptive Data Rate(ADR)algorithm,often fail to adapt effectively to rapidly changing network conditions and environmental factors.This study introduces a hybrid approach that leverages Deep Learning(DL)techniques,namely Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM)networks,and Machine Learning(ML)techniques,namely Artificial Neural Networks(ANNs),to optimize key network parameters such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR)and Received Signal Strength Indicator(RSSI).LSTM-ANN model trained on the“LoRaWAN Path Loss Dataset including Environmental Variables”from Medellín,Colombia,and the model demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy,achieving an R2 score of 0.999,Mean Squared Error(MSE)of 0.041,Root Mean Squared Error(RMSE)of 0.203,and Mean Absolute Error(MAE)of 0.167,significantly outperforming traditional regression-based approaches.These findings highlight the potential of combining advanced ML and DL techniques to address the limitations of traditional optimization strategies in LoRaWAN.By providing a scalable and adaptive solution for large-scale IoT deployments,this work lays the foundation for real-world implementation,emphasizing the need for continuous learning frameworks to further enhance energy efficiency and network resilience in dynamic environments.展开更多
基金National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of CAF,No.CAFYBB2018ZA004,No.CAFYBB2023ZA009Fengyun Application Pioneering Project,No.FY-APP-ZX-2023.02。
文摘Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosystems.However,in the context of global warming,WUE evolution and its primary drivers on the Tibetan Plateau remain unclear.This study employed the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and the random forest algorithm to decipher the nonlinear trends and drivers of WUE on the Tibetan Plateau in 2001–2020.Results indicated an annual mean WUE of 0.8088 gC/mm·m^(2)across the plateau,with a spatial gradient reflecting decrease from the southeast toward the northwest.Areas manifesting monotonous trends of increase or decrease in WUE accounted for 23.64%and 9.69%of the total,respectively.Remarkably,66.67%of the region exhibited trend reversals,i.e.,39.94%of the area of the Tibetan Plateau showed transition from a trend of increase to a trend of decrease,and 26.73%of the area demonstrated a shift from a trend of decrease to a trend of increase.Environmental factors accounted for 70.79%of the variability in WUE.The leaf area index and temperature served as the major driving forces of WUE variation.
基金financially supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean government(No.2016R1A3B1908249,RS202400407199).
文摘Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal conductivities of phase-change materials(PCMs)promote Joule heating dissi-pation.Repeated phase transitions also induce long-range atomic diffusion,limiting the durability.To address these challenges,phase-change heterostructure(PCH)devices that incorporate confinement sub-layers based on transition-metal dichalcogenide materials have been developed.In this study,we engi-neered a PCH device by integrating HfTe_(2),which has low thermal conductivity and excellent stability,into the PCM to realize PCRAM with enhanced thermal efficiency and structural stability.HEAT sim-ulations were conducted to validate the superior heat confinement in the programming region of the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device.Moreover,electrical measurements of the device demonstrated its outstanding performance,which was characterized by a low RESET current(∼1.6 mA),stable two-order ON/OFF ratio,and exceptional cycling endurance(∼2×10^(7)).The structural integrity of the HfTe_(2)confinement sub-layer was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The material properties,including electrical conductivity,cohesive energy,and electronegativity,substantiated these findings.Collectively,these results revealed that the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device can achieve significant improvements in performance and reliability compared with conventional PCRAM devices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U22A20202 and 52275477).
文摘Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lower machining efficiency and longer machining time due to its time-varying cutter-workpiece engagement angle and a high percentage of non-cutting tool paths.To address these issues,this paper introduces a parameter-variant trochoidal-like(PVTR)tool path planning method for chatter-free and high-efficiency milling.This method ensures a constant engagement angle for each tool path period by adjusting the trochoidal radius and step.Initially,the nonlinear equation for the PVTR toolpath is established.Then,a segmented recurrence method is proposed to plan tool paths based on the desired engagement angle.The impact of trochoidal tool path parameters on the engagement angle is analyzed and coupled this information with the milling stability model based on spindle speed and engagement angle to determine the desired engagement angle throughout the machining process.Finally,several experimental tests are carried out using the bull-nose end mill to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92367107)。
文摘Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration efficiency,complex denitration system,and high investment and operating cost.Here we put forward a novel polymer non-catalytic reduction(PNCR)technology that utilized a new type of polymer agent to remove NO_(x),and the proposed PNCR technology was applied to the existing waste-to-energy plant to test the denitration performance.The PNCR technology demonstrated excellent denitration performance with a NO_(x) emission concentration of<100 mg/Nm^(3) and high denitration efficiency of>75%at the temperature range of 800-900℃,which showed the application feasibility even on the complex and unstable industrial operating conditions.In addition,PNCR and hybrid polymer/selective non-catalytic reduction(PNCR/SNCR)technology possessed remarkable economic advantages including low investment fee and low operating cost of<10 CNY per ton of municipal solid waste(MSW)compared with selective catalytic reduction(SCR)technology.The excellent denitration performance of PNCR technology forebodes a broad industrial application prospect in the field of flue gas cleaning for waste-to-energy plants.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62275057)the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(2023GXNSFFA026004 and 2022GXNSFDA035066)+2 种基金the Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education(YCBZ2024034)Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo under grant(2022J149)Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo under grant(2022A-230-G)
文摘Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challenging.Herein, wide bandgap polymer donor PTzBI-dF is demonstrated as an effectivemodulator for enhancing the crystallinity of the bulk heterojunction active layerscomposed of D18 derivatives blended with Y6, leading to dense and orderedmolecular packings, and thus, improves photoluminescence quenching properties.As a result, the photovoltaic devices exhibit reduced trap-assisted charge recombinationlosses, achieving an optimized power conversion efficiency of over 19%.Besides the efficiency enhancement, the devices comprised of PTzBI-dF as athird component simultaneously attain decreased current leakage, improved chargecarrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular charge recombination, leading toreduced energy losses. The advanced crystalline structures induced by PTzBI-dFand its characteristics, such as well-aligned energy level, and complementaryabsorption spectra, are ascribed to the promising performance improvements.Our findings suggest that donor phase engineering is a feasible approach to tuning the molecular packings in the active layer, providingguidelines for designing effective morphology modulators for high-performance organic solar cells.
基金supported by the Natural Science Fund of China(31771724)the Key Research and Development Project of Shaanxi Province(2024NC-ZDCYL-01-10).
文摘The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61971401)。
文摘In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads the electromagnetic bandgap structure on the upper surface of the substrate integrated waveguide.This is equivalent to including an additional inductance-capacitance for energy storage,which realizes the slow-wave effect.A microstrip line-SIW tapered transition structure is introduced to achieve a low loss and a large bandwidth.In the frequency band between 8-12 GHz,the measured results show that the delay multiplier of the delay line reaches 4 times,i.e.,delay line’s delay time is 4 times larger than 50Ωmicrostrip line with same length.Furthermore,the delay fluctuation,i.e.,the difference between the maximum and minimum delay as a percentage of the standard delay is only 2.5%,the insertion loss is less than-2.5 dB,and the return loss is less than-15 dB.Compared with the existing delay lines,the proposed delay line has the advantages of high delay efficiency,low delay error,wide bandwidth and low loss,which has good practical value and application prospects.
基金the Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2023ZD0300100)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2023YFB3809600 and 2023YFC3007801)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62301543 and U24A20320)the Shanghai Sailing Program(Grant No.21YF1455700).
文摘Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.However,with the rapid development of remote imaging,sensing technologies,and long-range quantum communication with fewer topographical constraints,the demand for high-efficiency single-photon detectors integrated with avionic platforms is rapidly growing.We herein designed and manufactured the first drone-based SNSPD system with a system detection efficiency(SDE)as high as 91.8%.This drone-based system incorporates high-performance NbTiN SNSPDs,a self-developed miniature liquid helium dewar,and custom-built integrated electrical setups,making it capable of being launched in complex topographical conditions.Such a drone-based SNSPD system may open the use of SNSPDs for applications that demand high SDE in complex environments.
文摘In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-propeller is studied by analyzing the complex force situation during ship navigation and building a MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform based on multi-environmental resistance,propeller efficiency,main engine power,fuel consumption,fuel consumption rate and EEOI calculation module.Considering the environmental factors of wind,wave and ice,the route is divided into sections,the calculation of main engine power,main engine fuel consumption and EEOI for each section is completed,and the speed design is optimized based on the simulation model for each section.Under the requirements of the voyage plan,the optimization results show that the energy efficiency operation index of the whole route is reduced by 3.114%and the fuel consumption is reduced by 9.17 t.
文摘The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar energy,among the various renewable sources,is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability.However,the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic(PV)modules is hindered by several factors,notably their conversion efficiency,which averages around 19%.This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16%due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours.This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics(CFD).The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness,Reynolds number,and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer.The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10.These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency.This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules,potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels.Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.
文摘Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, Port of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Durban. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of operational efficiency of the mentioned ports, measure and evaluate the ports’ productivity changes and lastly to investigate the factors influencing the productivity changes of the ports studied. To achieve these objectives, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA-BCC) model was used to determine the technical and operational efficiencies of the ports and Malmquist productivity index was employed to calculate the various productivity levels. The results of the study can guide stakeholders to formulate their operational strategies for port efficiency and productivity. The study also has policy suggestions that are uniquely targeted to Africa’s issues and potential.
文摘This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospital services. In this study, a decline in the utilization of inpatient hospitals developed between 2020 and 2022. During this period, use of additional outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, individual practitioners, outside hospitals, and the use of hospital emergency departments developed in the community. The study data demonstrated that between 2020 and 2022, the numbers of discharges from the combined hospitals declined for both adult medicine and adult surgery. Inpatient discharges declined by 2730 patients for adult medicine and 1961 patients for adult surgery. The data also demonstrated that between 2022 and 2024, the numbers of discharges increased by 1998 discharges for adult medicine and by 229 for adult surgery. As followup to this study, health care providers and payors should review approaches to efficiency in their communities and evaluate their impact on health care efficiency.
文摘This study reviewed a combination of health care programs in the metropolitan area of Syracuse, New York. They were designed to improve care, however a major purpose was to support efficiency. The study described a number of individual programs that were developed in order to improve the quality and the efficiency of care. These programs were implemented by a combination of local providers and payors. They included the development of outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, as well as preventive care, case management, telemedicine, and mental health. The impact of these programs was a combination of these services, rather than individual efforts. The impact of these efforts was the product of a range of individual services, especially care management. Additional efforts should make it possible to extend these efforts among providers and payors in the Syracuse area. This approach should make it possible to extend the impact of health care efficiency further.
基金co-supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U23A20279,62271094)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.SQ2023YFB2500024)+2 种基金the Science Foundation for Youths of Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Provincial,China(No.2022NSFSC0936)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022M720666)the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Big Data Intelligent Computing,Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications,China(No.BDIC-2023-B-002).
文摘This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The base station(BS)provides short packet services to ground users using the non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)protocol through UAV-RIS,while preventing eavesdropper attacks.To optimize SEE,a joint optimization is performed concerning power allocation,UAV position,decoding order,and RIS phase shifts.An iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent is proposed for mixed-integer non-convex SEE optimization problem.The original problem is decomposed into three sub-problems,solved alternately using successive convex approximation(SCA),quadratic transformation,penalty function,and semi-definite programming(SDP).Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet system under different parameters and verify the algorithm’s convergence.Compared to benchmark schemes such as orthogonal multiple access,long packet communication,and sum SEE,the proposed UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet scheme achieves the higher minimum user’s SEE.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD2301200)National Nature Science Foundation of China(32172662).
文摘With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.
文摘The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relationships between knowledge modeling, institutional memory, leadership styles, technology, and administrative efficiency at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The study sought to identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital tools into administrative processes and to provide actionable recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative thematic analysis of interviews. The findings revealed key challenges, including resistance to change, fragmented knowledge repositories, and inadequate funding, alongside opportunities such as centralized knowledge systems, cost-effective open-source tools, and capacity-building initiatives. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership, robust policies, and investments in digital infrastructure to enhance administrative practices. Policy implications include the need for clear digital transformation guidelines and leadership training to foster innovation and collaboration. Recommendations include investing in scalable digital tools, implementing comprehensive capacity-building programs, and promoting stakeholder engagement to drive successful digital integration. These insights provide a roadmap for UCC and similar institutions seeking to optimize administrative efficiency through digital transformation.
文摘Enhancing the efficiency of Rankine cycles is crucial for improving the performance of thermal power plants,as it directly impacts operational costs and emissions in light of energy transition goals.This study sets itself apart from existing research by applying a novel optimization technique to a basic ideal Rankine cycle,focusing on a specific power plant that has not been previously analyzed.Currently,this cycle operates at 41%efficiency and a steam quality of 76%,constrained by fixed operational parameters.The primary objectives are to increase thermal efficiency beyond 46%and raise steam quality above 85%,while adhering to operational limits:a boiler pressure not exceeding 15 MPa,condenser pressure not dropping below 10 kPa,and turbine temperature not surpassing 500℃.This study utilizes numerical simulations to model the effects of varying boiler pressure(Pb)and condenser pressure(Pc)within the ranges of 12MPa<Pb<15 MPa and 5 kPa<Pc<10 kPa.By systematically adjusting these parameters,the proposed aimto identify optimal conditions that maximize efficiency and performance within specified constraints.The findings will provide valuable insights for power plant operators seeking to optimize performance under real-world conditions,contributing to more efficient and sustainable power generation.
文摘BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical nerve blocks,avoidance of general anesthesia and bypassing phase one recovery.We conducted a historic cohort study whose primary outcome was the postoperative recovery time between the HE and traditional(T)pathway.AIM To determine whether the implementation of a HE pathway was correlated with a reduction in postoperative recovery time.METHODS Patients who had unilateral elective lower limb orthopedic procedures through the T and HE pathway were screened between 2017 to 2019.Patients were at least 18 years old,and American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)Physical Status I to III without major systemic comorbidities were included.Propensity score was generated using multivariable regression taking age,body mass index,sex,ASA class and surgical type as covariates using nearest neighbour methods between the two pathways.Mann Whitney U test were used to analyzed total postoperative time.RESULTS There was an associated reduction in total postoperative recovery time of 63 minutes(95%CI:-69 to-57)in the HE group.The operating room time and total length of stay also had an associated decrease of 20 minutes(95%CI:-23 to-17)and 84 minutes(95%CI:-92 to-75)respectively.CONCLUSION Utilizing multifaceted strategies to improve perioperative efficiency was associated with a reduction in the postoperative recovery time in our retrospective study.This model can be a potential strategy to deal with surgical backlog in the face of ongoing human resource challenges.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1300901)the National Key R&D Young Scientists Project of China(2022YFD1302000)+1 种基金the Education Department of Gansu Province:Outstanding Postgraduate“Innovation Star”,China(2022CXZX-086)the Major Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province,China(22ZD6NC069)。
文摘Feed efficiency(FE)is a crucial economic trait that significantly impacts profitability in intensive sheep production,and can be evaluated by the residual feed intake(RFI)and feed conversion ratio(FCR).However,the underlying genetic mechanisms that underlie FE-related traits in sheep are not fully understood.Herein,we measured the FE-related traits of 1,280 Hu sheep and conducted the phenotype statistics and correlation analysis,the result showcase that there was a large variation for FE-related traits,and RFI was significant positive correlation with average daily feed intake(ADFI)and FCR.Moreover,a genome-wide association study(GWAS)was conducted using whole-genome resequencing data to investigate the genetic associations of ADFI,FCR and RFI.For ADFI and FCR traits,2 and one single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)exceeded the genome-wide significance threshold,whereas ten and 5 SNPs exceeded the suggestive significance threshold.For RFI traits,only 4 SNPs exceeded the suggestive significance threshold.Finally,a total of 8 genes(LOC101121953,LOC101110202,CTNNA3,IZUMO3,PPM1E,YIPF7,ZSCAN12and LOC105603808)were identified as potential candidate genes for FE-related traits.Simultaneously,we further analyzed the effects of 2 candidate SNPs associated with RFI on growth and FE traits in enlarged experimental population,the results demonstrated that these 2 SNPs was not significantly associated with growth traits(P>0.05),but significantly related to RFI traits(P<0.05).These findings will provide valuable reference data and key genetic variants that can be used to effectively select feed-efficient individual in sheep breeding programs.
基金funded by King Saud University Researchers Supporting Project Number(RSPD2025R1007),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things(IoT)has led to the widespread adoption of sensor networks,with Long-Range Wide-Area Networks(LoRaWANs)emerging as a key technology due to their ability to support long-range communication while minimizing power consumption.However,optimizing network performance and energy efficiency in dynamic,large-scale IoT environments remains a significant challenge.Traditional methods,such as the Adaptive Data Rate(ADR)algorithm,often fail to adapt effectively to rapidly changing network conditions and environmental factors.This study introduces a hybrid approach that leverages Deep Learning(DL)techniques,namely Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM)networks,and Machine Learning(ML)techniques,namely Artificial Neural Networks(ANNs),to optimize key network parameters such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR)and Received Signal Strength Indicator(RSSI).LSTM-ANN model trained on the“LoRaWAN Path Loss Dataset including Environmental Variables”from Medellín,Colombia,and the model demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy,achieving an R2 score of 0.999,Mean Squared Error(MSE)of 0.041,Root Mean Squared Error(RMSE)of 0.203,and Mean Absolute Error(MAE)of 0.167,significantly outperforming traditional regression-based approaches.These findings highlight the potential of combining advanced ML and DL techniques to address the limitations of traditional optimization strategies in LoRaWAN.By providing a scalable and adaptive solution for large-scale IoT deployments,this work lays the foundation for real-world implementation,emphasizing the need for continuous learning frameworks to further enhance energy efficiency and network resilience in dynamic environments.
