Work-hardening and plastic deformation behavior of Ti-based bulk metallic glass composites with bimodal sized B2 particles

In this work, the role of individual B2 particles with bimodal length scale on work-hardening and plastic deformation behaviors of Ti-based bulk metallic glass composites has been studied by systemic microstructural and mechanical investigations. At the early stage of plastic deformation, work-hardening characteristic was clearly observed. This work-hardening behavior can be supported by the martensitic transformation and the deformation induced twinning in both small- and large-sized B2 particles during deformation. On progress of plastic deformation after work-hardening, small-sized B2 particles (1–10 μm) were penetrated by propagation of main shear bands while large-sized B2 particles (100–200 μm) were severely interacted with shear bands leading to formation of multiple shear bands and impeding the propagation of principal shear bands. This reveals that each B2 particle with different length scale plays a distinct role on the stage of plastic deformation depending on the particle size.     

Semantic content-based image retrieval: A comprehensive study

The complexity of multimedia contents is significantly increasing in the current digital world. This yields an exigent demand for developing highly effective retrieval systems to satisfy human needs. Recently, extensive research efforts have been presented and conducted in the field of content-based image retrieval (CBIR). The majority of these efforts have been concentrated on reducing the semantic gap that exists between low-level image features represented by digital machines and the profusion of high-level human perception used to perceive images. Based on the growing research in the recent years, this paper provides a comprehensive review on the state-of-the-art in the field of CBIR. Additionally, this study presents a detailed overview of the CBIR framework and improvements achieved; including image preprocessing, feature extraction and indexing, system learning, benchmarking datasets, similarity matching, relevance feedback, performance evaluation, and visualization. Finally, promising research trends, challenges, and our insights are provided to inspire further research efforts.     

Microstructure evolution and plastic mechanism in deformation of bulk amorphous Al2O3-ZrO2-Y2O3

In this work, compressive deformation is performed on bulk amorphous Al₂O₃-ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ at moderate temperatures. The amorphous samples display brittle fracture without any noticeable permanent strain at 500 °C. However, a large plastic strain of up to 15.1% is achieved at 600 °C. During the entire compressive deformation process, the samples remain amorphous, and shear bands start to form, accompanied by a stress drop. The amorphous AZY shows low Vickers hardness value of 2.8 GPa at 500 °C, and 2.2 GPa at 600 °C, due to the disordering microstructure. In the optical microscope images, local plastic deformation are detected around the indention without large cracks. Transmission electron microscopic observations and selected area electron diffraction analysis suggest that the shear band formation originates from the presence of free volume. Furthermore, the nucleation and propogation of shear bands lead to the large macroscopic plastic strain in the bulk amorphous Al₂O₃-ZrO₂-Y₂O₃.     

How Cells Communicate with Each Other in the Tumor Microenvironment: Suggestions to Design Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Disease

Connexin- and pannexin (Panx)-formed hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs) operate an interaction with the extracellular matrix and GJ intercellular communication (GJIC), and on account of this they are involved in cancer onset and progression towards invasiveness and metastatization. When we deal with cancer, it is not correct to omit the immune system, as well as neglecting its role in resisting or succumbing to formation and progression of incipient neoplasia until the formation of micrometastasis, nevertheless what really occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are the main players and which are the tumor or body allies, is still unclear. The goal of this article is to discuss how the pivotal players act, which can enhance or contrast cancer progression during two important process: “Activating Invasion and Metastasis” and the “Avoiding Immune Destruction”, with a particular emphasis on the interplay among GJIC, Panx-HCs, and the purinergic system in the TME without disregarding the inflammasome and cytokines thereof derived. In particular, the complex and contrasting roles of Panx1/P2X7R signalosome in tumor facilitation and/or inhibition is discussed in regard to the early/late phases of the carcinogenesis. Finally, considering this complex interplay in the TME between cancer cells, stromal cells, immune cells, and focusing on their means of communication, we should be capable of revealing harmful messages that help the cancer growth and transform them in body allies, thus designing novel therapeutic strategies to fight cancer in a personalized manner.     

The composite impact of ICT industry on lowering carbon intensity: From the perspective of regional heterogeneity

The balance between low carbon development and rapid economic growth is a ‘Gordian knot’ for most countries. This study aims to explore the practicable route of lowering carbon intensity with the expansion of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry in China. Using the provincial panel data from 2000 to 2017, the paper employs five indicators to empirically investigate the determinant mechanism of carbon intensity based on the refined Stochastic Impact by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) and spatial econometric models. The findings demonstrate that the ICT industry is the main force in adjusting carbon intensity. Despite constraint by the rebound effect, the net effect of the ICT industry shows a significant positive impact on lowering carbon intensity under the consideration of spatial dependence. Furthermore, compared with developed regions, the contribution of ICT on regional inequality of carbon intensity shows a higher share in developing regions. By applying the Oaxaca-Ransom counterfactual decomposition, the results reveal that there are substantial regional gaps between multi-comparable groups. The composite effect of informatization, industrialization, and urbanization accounts for the major share of the regional gap. Thus, policymakers should pay more attention to enhancing the ICT infrastructure in developing regions, boosting the ICT-related technology investment in specific sectors, coordinating regional cooperation, and balancing the migration of skilled workers.     

Chalcogenide Thermoelectrics Empowered by an Unconventional Bonding Mechanism

Thermoelectric materials have attracted significant research interest in recent decades due to their promising application potential in interconverting heat and electricity. Unfortunately, the strong coupling between the material parameters that determine thermoelectric efficiency, i.e., the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, complicates the optimization of thermoelectric energy converters. Main‐group chalcogenides provide a rich playground to alleviate the interdependence of these parameters. Interestingly, only a subgroup of octahedrally coordinated chalcogenides possesses good thermoelectric properties. This subgroup is also characterized by other outstanding characteristics suggestive of an exceptional bonding mechanism, which has been coined metavalent bonding. This conclusion is further supported by a map that separates different bonding mechanisms. In this map, all octahedrally coordinated chalcogenides with good performance as thermoelectrics are located in a well‐defined region, implying that the map can be utilized to identify novel thermoelectrics. To unravel the correlation between chemical bonding mechanism and good thermoelectric properties, the consequences of this unusual bonding mechanism on the band structure are analyzed. It is shown that features such as band degeneracy and band anisotropy are typical for this bonding mechanism, as is the low lattice thermal conductivity. This fundamental understanding, in turn, guides the rational materials design for improved thermoelectric performance by tailoring the chemical bonding mechanism.     

基于高分一号遥感卫星的渤海湾悬浮泥沙时空分布反演

悬浮泥沙是评价II类水体水质的重要参数之一,近海岸水域悬浮泥沙对重金属、营养盐等具有一定的吸附作用,悬浮泥沙的分布特征在一定程度上反映着污染物的迁移和循环,因此研究悬浮泥沙对渤海湾建设和环境保护具有重要意义。为探究渤海湾水域悬浮泥沙浓度 和分布的变化特征,利用高分一号多光谱卫星影像,通过采用波段组合的方式对悬浮泥沙含量指数反演提取,反演得到2019年9个月的渤海湾悬浮泥沙指数,分析发现渤海湾悬浮泥沙含量在冬季受季风影响较高,春季和夏季的时候渤海湾高浓度悬浮泥沙向近岸收缩,秋季 悬浮泥沙分布格局有正在向冬季过渡的趋势,本文研究可为渤海湾的生态环境保护和工业开发提供重要的科学依据和参考价值。     

Deciphering the Origins of P1-Induced Power Losses in Cu(Inx,Ga1–x)Se2 (CIGS) Modules Through Hyperspectral Luminescence

In this report, we show that hyperspectral high-resolution photoluminescence mapping is a powerful tool for the selection and optimization of the laser ablation processes used for the patterning interconnections of subcells on Cu(In_x,Ga_1−x)Se₂ (CIGS) modules. In this way, we show that in-depth monitoring of material degradation in the vicinity of the ablation region and the identification of the underlying mechanisms can be accomplished. Specifically, by analyzing the standard P1 patterning line ablated before the CIGS deposition, we reveal an anomalous emission-quenching effect that follows the edge of the molybdenum groove underneath. We further rationalize the origins of this effect by comparing the topography of the P1 edge through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) cross-section, where a reduction of the photoemission cannot be explained by a thickness variation. We also investigate the laser-induced damage on P1 patterning lines performed after the deposition of CIGS. We then document, for the first time, the existence of a short-range damaged area, which is independent of the application of an optical aperture on the laser path. Our findings pave the way for a better understanding of P1-induced power losses and introduce new insights into the improvement of current strategies for industry-relevant module interconnection schemes.     

Effect of the particle size ratio on macro- and mesoscopic shear characteristics of the geogrid-reinforced rubber and sand mixture interface

As a new type of material for civil engineering projects, the rubber and sand mixture is widely used in roadbed fillers, offering environmental benefits over traditional tyre disposal methods. This study uses a large-scale direct shear apparatus to examine the interface shear properties of the geogrid-reinforced rubber and sand mixture, considering different particle size ratios (r), rubber contents, and normal stresses. Based on indoor tests, direct shear models of the mixture with different values of r are established in PFC^3D, revealing the meso-mechanical mechanism of the mixture in the direct shear process. The results show that when r is greater than 1, incorporating a certain amount of rubber particles can increase the shear strength of the mixture. The r values of 15.78, 7.63, and 3.98 correspond to an optimal rubber content of 30%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. When r is less than 1, mixing rubber particles can only reduce the shear strength of the mixture. When the rubber content is low, the smaller the value of r, the greater is the thickness of the shear band. Furthermore, the normal and tangential contact forces are greater. The fabric anisotropy evolution law of the mixture is consistent with the change in the contact force distribution.