ZnIn2S4/In(OH)3 hollow microspheres fabricated by one-step l-cysteine-mediated hydrothermal growth for enhanced hydrogen production and MB degradation

An intervening barrier for photocatalytic water decomposition and pollutant degradation is the frustratingly quick recombination of e⁻ - h⁺ pairs. Delicate design of heterojunction photocatalysts by coupling the semiconductors at nanoscale with well-matched geometrical and electronic alignments is an effective strategy to ameliorate the charge separation. Here a facile and environment-friendly l-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal process under weakly alkaline conditions is demonstrated for the first time to fabricate ZnIn₂S₄/In(OH)₃ hollow microspheres with intimate contact, which are verified by XRD, SEM, (HR)TEM, XPS, N₂ adsorption-desorption, UV–Vis DRS and photoluminescence spectra. ZnIn₂S₄/In(OH)₃ heterostructure (L-cys/Zn²⁺ = 4, molar ratio) with a band-gap of 2.50 eV, demonstrates the best photocatalytic performance for water reduction and MB degradation under visible light, outperforming its counterparts (In(OH)₃ and ZnIn₂S₄). The excellent activity of ZnIn₂S₄/In(OH)₃ heterostructure arises from the intercrossed band-edge positions as well as the unique hollow structure with large surface area and wide pore-size distribution, which are beneficial for the efficient charge migration from bulk to surface as well as at the interface between ZnIn₂S₄ and In(OH)₃. This work provides an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for one-pot synthesis of heterostructured composites with intimate contact for photocatalytic application.     

Impact of defects on exciton diffusion in organic light-emitting diodes

The impact of defect concentration and current density on the effective singlet exciton diffusion length in 4’-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl (CBP) is quantified by analyzing the electroluminescent characteristics of several sets of OLEDs. The defect concentration and effective diffusion length are determined through fitting of the defect and CBP emission bands in the electroluminescence spectra under constant current operation using an analytical model derived based on the competition between exciton diffusion and energy transfer to defects. Defect concentrations of 3 ± 1 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³, 2 ± 1 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³ and 0.3 ± 0.7 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³ are calculated in three sets of OLEDs, in which the effective diffusion length decreases as the defect concentration increases. Modelling the dependence of the effective diffusion length on defect concentration a “defect free” diffusion length of 4.5 ± 0.3 nm is obtained for CBP singlet excitons in these devices operated under low current density. We also show that the driving voltage scales linearly with the defect concentration.     

Optimizing horizontal alignment of roads in a specified corridor

Finding an optimal alignment connecting two end-points in a specified corridor is a complex problem that requires solving three interrelated sub-problems, namely the horizontal alignment, vertical alignment and earthwork optimization problems. In this research, we developed a novel bi-level optimization model combining those three problems. In the outer level of the model, we optimize the horizontal alignment and in the inner level of the model a vertical alignment optimization problem considering earthwork allocation is solved for a fixed horizontal alignment. Derivative-free optimization algorithms are used to solve the outer problem. The result of our model gives an optimal horizontal alignment in the form of a linear-circular curve and an optimal vertical alignment in the form of a quadratic spline. Our model is tested on real-life data. The numerical results show that our approach improves the road alignment designed by civil engineers by 27% on average, resulting in potentially millions of dollars of savings.     

The influence of compression molding techniques on thermal conductivity of UHMWPE/BN and UHMWPE/(BN + MWCNT) hybrid composites with segregated structure

Various ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/boron nitride (BN) and UHMWPE/(BN + multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)) composites with segregated structure were prepared by using the compression molding process. The dispersion of fillers under different compression molding were observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that integrated thermal conductive networks were formed after cold-pressing sintering. However, these networks would be destroyed by middle-high pressure/high temperature treatment. Although the treatment of high pressure/high temperature can effectively improve the crystallinity and crystal size of UHMWPE, the thermal conductivity of composite dramatically decreased due to the replacement of filler-filler by filler-polymer-filler interface. The 1D-MWCNT is liable to entangle with 2D-BNs and formed MWCNT-BN networks even at high pressure/high temperature, leading to a nearly constant thermal conductivity (reached 1.794 W/m·K with the addition of 50% (BNs + MWCNT) hybrid fillers). Besides, the dispersion of the fillers have a great influence on thermal stability of the composites.     

Semi-analytical model for umbrella arch systems employed in squeezing ground conditions

Methods of approximation that predict the mechanical responses of the tunnel support systems in conjunction with ground behaviour are invaluable to the tunnel design engineer. Analytical models are often used in order to predict and/or validate ground-support behaviour. Conventionally, these analytical models do not account for the complex loading and reacting conditions of umbrella arch support systems throughout the tunnel excavation and support sequence. As such, a semi-analytical model is proposed within this paper for umbrella-arch systems that employ an umbrella ache with forepoles, in squeezing-ground conditions. The semi-analytical model is based on an assortment of applicable methods and theories depending on the relevant loading. Beam theory, elastic foundation theory, and the Convergence-Confinement Method (CCM) are all incorporated within the proposed analytical method. After a review of the literature it became apparent that a limited amount of models existed for squeezing-ground conditions. Previous models were based on gravity-driven (Silo Theory) loading conditions rather than the more applicable stress-driven (squeezing) loading conditions. The results of the semi-analytical approach included herein were able to reasonably capture the displacement profiles associated with captured field data. This semi-analytical approach can be considered for use by tunnel design engineers in order to aid them with tunnel support design.     

Bond strength prediction for deformed steel rebar embedded in recycled coarse aggregate concrete

This paper summarizes the results of an experimental investigation into the bond behavior between recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and deformed steel rebars, with the main variables being the recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratio (RCAr) and water-to-cement ratio of the concrete mixture. The investigation into splitting cracking strength indicates that the degradation of the bond splitting tensile stress of the cover concrete was affected by not only the roundness of the coarse aggregate particles but also the weak interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the cement paste and the RCA that has a more porous structure in the ITZ than normal concrete. In this study, a linear relationship between the bond strength and the density of the RCA was found, but the high compressive strength reduced the effects of the parameters. To predict the bond strength of RAC using the main parameters, a multivariable model was developed using nonlinear regression analysis. It can be inferred from this study that the degradation characteristic of the bond strength of RAC can be predicted well, whereas other empirical equations and code provisions are very conservative.     

Microstructure and property of porous mullites with a whiskers framework obtained by a sol–gel process

Porous mullites with a whiskers framework and high porosities were fabricated by the reaction sintering (1100 to 1600 °C, 1 h, in an airtight container) of an aerogel block shaped by the sol–gel transition of a mullite precursor composed of SiO₂ sol, Al₂O₃ and AlF₃ powders (as reaction catalyst). The effect of heating temperatures on porosity, whisker formation, microstructure feature and compressive strength of the porous mullites was determined by XRD, SEM and compressive test. The results indicate that after heating at temperatures from 1100 to 1600 °C, the porosities of the mullites varied within the range of 84.1–80.2%. The whiskers in the framework well lap-jointed each other to form the large space and became elongated and smooth at high temperatures due to the accelerated vapor–solid reaction rate. A maximum compressive strength of 16.1 MPa was obtained for the whiskers framework heated at 1600 °C; this strength was attributed to the strong bonding among the smooth whiskers.     

Understanding farmer cooperatives' self-inspection behavior to guarantee agri-product safety in China

Both global and domestic markets place increasing importance on the quality and safety of food products that are produced in China. The presence of microbial agents, toxic animal and plant products and chemical contamination remain because of the existence of small and dispersed farmers, who are not educated to use agricultural inputs correctly. This inability raises the issue of safety control in the agricultural sector. This study proposes that cooperatives' self-inspection of agricultural products before they enter the market can better organize small farmers to utilize a standardized production and safety management system. Therefore, we attempt to explore the factors that influence farmer cooperatives' self-inspection behavior. An Ordered Logistic Regression Model is employed to estimate the factors that influence cooperatives' choices of inspection frequency. The results show that the respondents expressed a medium to high level of implementing self-inspection but a lower level of concern in testing products by batch. The regression results indicate that subjective norms from the social environment, the perceived behavioral control of managers, ability and rules including input management, production documentation, and social demographic variables, significantly affect cooperatives' self-inspection behavior. The future implementation of safety inspection depends on the extent to which subjective norms, ability, and internal rules can improve agri-product safety in China.     

Statistical modelling of stockpile behaviour under different atmospheric conditions—western lignite corporation (WLC) case

Coals that are produced in excess of demand have to be deposited in stockpiles. Spontaneous combustion phenomenon can take place in these stockpiles when convenient conditions are available. In this work, some of the parameters that are effective on the temperature of the stockpiles were measured. Additionally, the size of the coal piles formed on an industrial scale and the equipment used to take temperature measurements are given in detail. Finally, a model developed by the utilization of the statistical analysis technique for Tuncbilek coals was introduced. This model offers an estimation of temperature change behaviour for the coals in stockyards to a high level of accuracy.     

东天山红石岗镁铁—超镁铁质岩体成因及铜镍成矿潜力

红石岗岩体是新疆东天山铜镍成矿带东段近年来新发现的含铜镍矿化的镁铁—超镁铁质岩体。红石岗岩体由橄榄岩相、辉长岩相和闪长岩相组成,铜镍硫化物主要赋存于辉长岩相和橄榄岩相中。辉长岩中锆石U-Pb定年表明红石岗镁铁—超镁铁质岩体的形成年龄为(280±1)Ma,与东天山其他主要含铜镍矿岩体形成年龄一致。红石岗岩体中橄榄石Fo牌号为82.2～87.3,Ni含量为(1 240～3 470)×10^-6,橄榄石Fo牌号与Ni含量的关系表明岩浆在橄榄石结晶过程存在硫化物熔离,但是模拟计算表明仅橄榄石分离结晶不能使岩浆中硫化物达到饱和。红石岗岩体全岩微量元素特征为轻稀土元素富集,具明显的Nb、Ta负异常,Nb/Yb-Th/Yb图解表明其母岩浆侵位过程中曾经历了10%～20%的地壳物质混染,这可能促使母岩浆中发生硫化物熔离。红石岗镁铁—超镁铁质岩体具有与东天山铜镍成矿带内其他含矿岩体相似的成岩成矿时代、母岩浆特征及硫化物饱和机制,表明红石岗岩体具有形成铜镍硫化物矿床的潜力。