Desired Rate Research Articles

Dynamic Navigation and Area Assignment of Multiple USVs Based on Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning.

The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has attracted more and more attention because of its basic ability to perform complex maritime tasks autonomously in constrained environments. However, the level of autonomy of one single USV is still limited, especially when deployed in a dynamic environment to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Thus, a multi-USV cooperative approach can be adopted to obtain the desired success rate in the presence of multi-mission objectives. In this paper, we propose a cooperative navigating approach by enabling multiple USVs to automatically avoid dynamic obstacles and allocate target areas. To be specific, we propose a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) approach, i.e., a multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG), to maximize the autonomy level by jointly optimizing the trajectory of USVs, as well as obstacle avoidance and coordination, which is a complex optimization problem usually solved separately. In contrast to other works, we combined dynamic navigation and area assignment to design a task management system based on the MADDPG learning framework. Finally, the experiments were carried out on the Gym platform to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Enhanced light trapping effect of hierarchical structure assembled from flower-like cobalt tetroxide and 3D-printed structure for efficient solar evaporation

Compared with conventional two-dimensional (2D) structure, three-dimensional (3D) solar steam generators have presented a considerably higher evaporation rate due to their structure superiority. As an emerging field, 3D printing technology has been attached by significant attention due to its feasibility and designability in the fabrication of micro-nano structures. Herein, inspired by natural light-trapping structures, a novel hierarchical structure assembled from flower-like cobalt tetroxide and 3D-printed stent is prepared. Based on the geometrical light trapping effect, both the flower-like structure in cobalt tetroxide and the hollow morphology in 3D-printed stent can significantly enhance the solar absorption and conversion efficiency through multiple reflection-incidence processes. Since the wetting direction in the cylindrical structure is always from the edge to the center, there will be a large number of salt particles at the edge of the cylinder falling by the virtue of gravity, thus achieving a high salt tolerance, and this process is illustrated by molecular dynamics simulation. Along with the rapid photo-thermal response in the solar spectrum, this 3D-printed hierarchical structure coated with flower-like cobalt tetroxide has achieved a high steam generation rate of 2.028 kg m-2h−1 under one sun irradiation (1.0 kW/m2) and excellent decontamination ability for organic dye-containing solution. Meanwhile, the desirable steam generation rate can maintain an average value of more than 1.8 kg·m-2h−1 for long time. This 3D-printed solar evaporator is highly efficient and salt-tolerant, attributed to the enhanced geometrical light-trapping and artificial channel-array structure, presenting an effective solution for enhancing solar absorption and conversion.

Utility-Based Joint Power Control and Resource Allocation Algorithm for Heterogeneous Cloud Radio Access Network (H-CRAN)

The high density of H-CRAN associated with frequent UE handover may degrade the throughput. The infrastructure equipment like RRHs and BBUs consumes more energy to reduce UE energy consumptions. In this paper, we propose a utility-based joint power control and resource allocation (UJPCRA) algorithm for heterogeneous cloud radio access network (H-CRAN). In this framework, the power consumption of baseband units (BBUs), remote radio heads (RRHs), and macrocell base station (MBS) are estimated by predicting their dynamic loads. The data rate achievable for UE associated with each RRH and MBS on resource block RBk is then estimated. The user wishing to connect to a RRH or MBS then checks the corresponding utility with minimum expected energy consumption and the maximum expected data rate. If any UE with high priority traffic connected to MBS could not achieve its desired data rate requirements, then it can cooperatively seek the assistance of any RRH for assigning the balance RBs. The throughput may be enhanced by the high density of H-CRAN and frequent UE handover. Inter- and intracell interference causes the H-CRAN macrocells’ improved data rate to diminish. To lower UE energy consumption, infrastructure devices like RRHs and BBUs need more energy. As a result, there is a trade-off between operators and UE energy conservation. It is possible to determine the power consumption of BBUs, RRHs, and MBS using predictions of their dynamic loads. The UE may then forecast the data rate for each RRH and MBS on the resource block. When a user wishes to connect to an RRH or MBS, they look at the utility with the highest expected data rate and the least predicted energy usage first. A UE with high priority traffic connected to the MBS can cooperatively ask any RRH for assistance in allocating the remaining RBs if it is unable to achieve its intended data rate needs. Experimental results have shown that the proposed JRAUA algorithm achieves higher throughput, resource utilization, and energy efficiency with reduced packet loss ratio, when compared to the existing techniques.

An English list of trait words including valence, social desirability, and observability ratings.

To enable flexible and controlled research on personality, information processing, and interactions in socio-emotional contexts, the availability of highly controlled stimulus material, especially trait words and related attributes, is indispensable. Existing word databases contain mainly nouns and rating dimensions, and their role in studies within socio-emotional contexts are limited. This study aimed to create an English list of traits (ELoT), a database containing 500 trait adjectives rated by a large sample (n = 822, 57.42% female). The rating categories refer to the perceived valence associated with the traits and their social desirability and observability. Participants of different ages (18 to 65 years of age) and educational levels rated the words in an online survey. Both valence and social desirability ratings showed a bimodal distribution, indicating that most traits were rated either positive (respectively socially desirable) or negative (respectively socially undesirable), with fewer words rated as neutral. For observability, a bell-shaped distribution was found. Results indicated a strong association between valence and social desirability, whereas observability ratings were only moderately associated with the other ratings. Valence and social desirability ratings were not related to participants' age or gender, but observability ratings were different for females and males, and for younger, middle-aged, and older participants. The ELoT is an extensive, freely available database of trait norms. The large sample and the balanced age and gender distributions allow to account for age- and gender-specific effects during stimulus selection.

Valid inferential models for prediction in supervised learning problems

Prediction, where observed data is used to quantify uncertainty about a future observation, is a fundamental problem in statistics. Prediction sets with coverage probability guarantees are a common solution, but these do not provide probabilistic uncertainty quantification in the sense of assigning beliefs to relevant assertions about the future observable. Alternatively, we recommend the use of a probabilistic predictor, a data-dependent (imprecise) probability distribution for the to-be-predicted observation given the observed data. It is essential that the probabilistic predictor be reliable or valid, and here we offer a notion of validity and explore its behavioral and statistical implications. In particular, we show that valid probabilistic predictors must be imprecise, that they avoid sure loss, and that they lead to prediction procedures with desirable frequentist error rate control properties. We provide a general construction of a provably valid probabilistic predictor, which has close connections to the powerful conformal prediction machinery, and we illustrate this construction in regression and classification applications.

Optimal Configuration of Electrochemical Energy Storage for Renewable Energy Accommodation Based on Operation Strategy of Pumped Storage Hydro

Due to the volatility of renewable energy resources (RES) and the lag of power grid construction, grid integration of large-scale RES will lead to the curtailment of wind and photovoltaic power. Pumped storage hydro (PSH) and electrochemical energy storage (EES), as common energy storage, have unique advantages in accommodating renewable energy. This paper studies the optimal configuration of EES considering the optimal operation strategy of PSH, reducing the curtailment of wind and photovoltaic power in the power grid through the cooperative work of PSH and EES. First, based on the curtailment of RES, with the goal of improving the accommodation of RES, a combined operation optimization model of PSH and EES is proposed. Then, an optimal configuration method of EES capacity is proposed to meet the power curtailment rate in the power grid. Finally, the simulation is carried out in the actual power grid and the CPLEX solver is used to solve the optimization, and the rationality and economy of the optimization are analyzed and discussed. The simulation results show that, based on the combined operation of PSH and EES, by rationally configuring the capacity of EES, the desired power curtailment rate of the power grid can be achieved, and the necessity of configuring variable speed units is verified.

Pixelated resistive Micromegas detector for high-rate environment

The R&D work reported in this paper has been devoted to the production and test of pixelated resistive micromegas detectors able to track particles in a high-rate environment, up to 10 MHz/cm2, keeping a stable gain and a good spatial resolution. To pursue our goal, we had to reduce the occupancy by increasing the detector granularity and this has been done by changing the read-out anodes from the usual strips to pads. This minor change in the electrodes layout drastically increased the difficulty of implementing a resistive structure to protect the anodes from sparking. We present the results of the tests performed on four prototypes, with different protection schemes, showing it is possible to reach the desired rate with high gain, high efficiency and good position resolution. The response to X-rays from low (55Fe source) to high (X-rays generator) rates, as well as to beams of ionizing particles is reported.

Recent Advances in Sugarcane Genomics, Physiology, and Phenomics for Superior Agronomic Traits.

Advances in sugarcane breeding have contributed significantly to improvements in agronomic traits and crop yield. However, the growing global demand for sugar and biofuel in the context of climate change requires further improvements in cane and sugar yields. Attempts to achieve the desired rates of genetic gain in sugarcane by conventional breeding means are difficult as many agronomic traits are genetically complex and polygenic, with each gene exerting small effects. Unlike those of many other crops, the sugarcane genome is highly heterozygous due to its autopolyploid nature, which further hinders the development of a comprehensive genetic map. Despite these limitations, many superior agronomic traits/genes for higher cane yield, sugar production, and disease/pest resistance have been identified through the mapping of quantitative trait loci, genome-wide association studies, and transcriptome approaches. Improvements in traits controlled by one or two loci are relatively easy to achieve; however, this is not the case for traits governed by many genes. Many desirable phenotypic traits are controlled by quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) with small and variable effects. Assembling these desired QTNs by conventional breeding methods is time consuming and inefficient due to genetic drift. However, recent developments in genomics selection (GS) have allowed sugarcane researchers to select and accumulate desirable alleles imparting superior traits as GS is based on genomic estimated breeding values, which substantially increases the selection efficiency and genetic gain in sugarcane breeding programs. Next-generation sequencing techniques coupled with genome-editing technologies have provided new vistas in harnessing the sugarcane genome to look for desirable agronomic traits such as erect canopy, leaf angle, prolonged greening, high biomass, deep root system, and the non-flowering nature of the crop. Many desirable cane-yielding traits, such as single cane weight, numbers of tillers, numbers of millable canes, as well as cane quality traits, such as sucrose and sugar yield, have been explored using these recent biotechnological tools. This review will focus on the recent advances in sugarcane genomics related to genetic gain and the identification of favorable alleles for superior agronomic traits for further utilization in sugarcane breeding programs.

Torque vectoring algorithm for distributed drive electric vehicle considering coordination of stability and economy

Working of in-wheel motors (IWMs) in high-efficiency areas and minimum tire slip should be considered when driving distributed drive electric vehicles (DDEVs). Therefore, a novel torque vectoring control algorithm is proposed to lower energy dissipation and ensure lateral stability, which consists of a linear quadratic regulator and a proportion integration control module in upper controller to calculate desired additional yaw moment and total driving torque, respectively, for following desired yaw rate, side slip angle, and longitudinal velocity. In addition, the stability objective function considering tire working load and the economic objective function considering working efficiency of IWMs and tire slip energy are established separately in lower controller. The fitness function of coordinating lateral stability and economy is obtained by phase plane method. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with a superior initial population (SIP-PSO) is proposed to solve torque distribution coefficients for torque distribution of DDEVs. Finally, simulation and hardware-in-the-loop test results under double lane change and snake lane change maneuvers on lower adhesion road indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively lower the energy loss of IWM working and tire slip while ensuring lateral stability under different working conditions.

A Joint Encryption-Encoding Scheme using QC-LDPC Codes based on Finite Geometry

Joint encryption-encoding schemes have been released to fulfill both reliability and security desires in a single step. Using Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes in joint encryption-encoding schemes, as an alternative to classical linear codes, would shorten the key size as well as improving error correction capability. In this article, we present a joint encryption-encoding scheme using Quasi Cyclic-Low Density Parity Check (QC-LDPC) codes based on finite geometry. We observed that our proposed scheme not only outperforms its predecessors in key size and transmission rate, but also remains secure against all known cryptanalyses of code-based secret key cryptosystems. We subsequently show that our scheme benefits from low computational complexity. In our proposed joint encryption-encoding scheme, by taking the advantage of QC-LDPC codes based on finite geometries, the key size decreases to 1/5 of that of the so far best similar system. In addition, using our proposed scheme a wide range of desirable transmission rates are achievable. This variety of codes makes our cryptosystem suitable for a number of different communication and cryptographic standards.

Development of intranasal implantable devices for schizophrenia treatment

In this work the preparation and characterisation of intranasal implants for the delivery of risperidone (RIS) is described. The aim of this work is to develop better therapies to treat chronic conditions affecting the brain such as schizophrenia. This type of systems combines the advantages of intranasal drug delivery with sustained drug release. The resulting implants were prepared using biodegradable materials, including poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). These polymers were combined with water-soluble compounds, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 600, PEG 3000, and Tween® 80 using a solvent-casting method. The resulting implants contained RIS loadings ranging between 25 and 50 %. The obtained implants were characterised using a range of techniques including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, in vitro RIS release was evaluated showing that the addition of water-soluble compounds exhibited significant faster release profiles compared to pristine PCL and PLGA-based implants. Interestingly, PCL-based implants containing 25 % of RIS and PLGA-based implants loaded with 50 % of RIS showed sustained drug release profiles up to 90 days. The former showed faster release rates over the first 28 days but after this period PLGA implants presented higher release rates. The permeability of RIS released from the implants through a model membrane simulating nasal mucosa was subsequently evaluated showing desirable permeation rate of around 2 mg/day. Finally, following in vitro biocompatibility studies, PCL and PLGA-based implants showed acceptable biocompatibility. These results suggested that the resulting implants displayed potential of providing prolonged drug release for brain-targeting drugs.

Assessing the impact of Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbreeding and postmortem technologies on the eating quality of loins from pasturefinished young bulls

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of Brahman crossbreeding and postmortem technologies (electrical stimulation and vacuum aging) on eating quality of loins from pasture-finished bulls. Fifty yearling bulls representing five Brahman-influenced types (n = 10 each): Brahman (BRAH), F1-Angus (F1ANG), F1-Chianina (F1CHI), F1-Romosinuano (F1ROM), and F1-Simmental (F1SIM) were supplemented on pasture until reaching a desirable conformation at a suitable live weight of ca. 480 kg. All carcasses were classified as “Bullocks” according to U.S. standards. Carcass’s right sides were subjected to high-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) while the left sides were not stimulated (NOES). Longissimus lumborum (LL) steaks from ES and NOES carcasses were allotted either to the vacuum aging control treatment for 2 d (NOAGING) or 10 d (AGING). LL steaks were evaluated for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and sensory traits by trained panelists. No differences in WBSF, juiciness, or flavor ratings were detected among breed types (P > 0.05). Sensory ratings for tenderness-related traits varied little with breed type (P < 0.05). Steaks from F1ANG received higher ratings for muscle fiber tenderness, overall tenderness, and amount of connective tissue, and differed (P < 0.05) from those of F1ROM and F1SIM which received the lowest ratings. Bullock loins were more responsive to ES+AGING in WBSF reduction and desirable tenderness ratings than other postmortem treatments (P < 0.05) by reaching a greater proportion (72%) of “tender” (WBSF < 40.1 N) steaks than AGING (48%), ES (36%), and NOES-NOAGING (24%) samples (P < 0.01). Tenderness of bullock loin steaks is marginally improved by crossbreeding; therefore, the application of ES+AGING is necessary to ensure a higher proportion of tenderloin steaks.

Double-active-site enables 2D B2S and B2S3 catalyst with suppressed shuttle effect and improved polysulfides redox kinetics in lithium-sulfur batteries: A first-principles study

The sluggish transformation kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the notorious shuttle effect induced by the emergence of highly soluble LiPSs have become the main obstacles preventing the application of lithium-sulfur batteries. The development of bifunctional catalysts capable of accelerating the LiPSs redox kinetics and anchoring these soluble LiPSs is highly desirable for achieving improved cycling performance and Coulombic efficiency. Herein, a two-dimensional B2S/B2S3 catalyst with atomically dispersed boron and sulfur sites was investigated as a potential additive to boost the anchoring of soluble LiPSs and the subsequent LiPSs transformation reaction. Based on first-principles calculations, we demonstrated that the adsorption strengths of soluble LiPSs on B2S/B2S3 monolayers are neither strong nor weak. This effectively inhibits the dissolution of LiPSs while retaining their structural integrity. Importantly, B2S/B2S3 exhibits remarkable catalytic activity toward the liquid-solid (Li2S4 to Li2S2) and solid-solid (Li2S2 to Li2S) reactions in the discharging process as well as the decomposition of Li2S in the charging process. This is crucial for achieving improved rate performance. Moreover, a high Li-ion mass transfer efficiency on B2S and B2S3 was achieved with Ebar values of 0.43 and 0.41 eV, which is beneficial for reducing diffusion-dependent polarization issues. Our results provide an alternative route for developing advanced sulfur cathode catalysts with a suppressed shuttle effect and desirable rate performance.

Development of a novel pullulan/polydopamine composite hydrogel adsorbent for dye removal

Polysaccharides with good renewability, excellent biocompatibility and desirable degradation rate are widely applied in the field of wastewater treatment. Herein, we have synthesized a series of novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) polysaccharide hydrogels that are comprised of pullulan, polydopamine (PDA) and 1–6-Hexanediol diglycidyl ether (HDE as a cross-linker) via the chemical cross-linking method. The physical and chemical properties of the semi-IPN hydrogels were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), rheological measurement, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Furthermore, TGA and SEM suggest that the thermostability and morphologies of gels were obviously affected by the PDA concentration of solution. In brief, the increase of PDA concentration resulted in better thermostability and bigger pore sizes, and the introduction of PDA led to the improvement of swelling performance. Furthermore, the obtained semi-IPN hydrogels exhibited desirable adsorption capacity (107 mg/g) toward Crystal violet. After four cycles of adsorption experiments, the adsorption capacities still maintained 100 mg/g. The Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models were used to explain the adsorption process of hydrogels. Owing to the advantages of cheaper raw materials, non-toxic and harmless and simple preparation process, the obtained pullulan/PDA semi-IPN hydrogel is expected to be the promising candidate for rapid dye removal.

Approximate Solution of the Fractional Order Sterile Insect Technology Model via the Laplace–Adomian Decomposition Method for the Spread of Zika Virus Disease

Sterile insect technology (SIT) is an environmental-friendly method which depends on the release of sterile male mosquitoes that compete with the wild male mosquitoes and mate with wild female mosquitoes, which leads to the production of no offspring and as such reduces the population of Zika virus vector population over time, thereby eliminating the spread of Zika virus in a population. The fractional order sterile insect technology (SIT) model to reduce the spread of Zika virus disease is considered in this present work. We employed the use Laplace–Adomian decomposition method (LADM) to determine an analytical (approximate) solution of the model. The Laplace–Adomian decomposition method (LADM) produced a solution in form of an infinite series that further converges to the exact value. We compared solutions of the fractional model with the classical case using our plots and discovered that the fractional order has more degree of freedom and as such the system can be varied to get many preferred responses of the different classes of the model as the fraction (β) could be varied to the desired rate, say 0.7, 0.4, etc. We have been able to show that LADM can be used to solve an SIT model which has never been done before in literature.

1T/2H MoS2 nanoflowers embedded in porous PDMS sponge with high salt-resistance for efficient and durable solar desalination

Solar water evaporation is emerging as one of the most cost-effective and sustainable technologies for efficient seawater desalination. However, salt crystallization during solar desalination severely limits light absorption and reduces evaporation efficiency. Balancing the desirable evaporation rate and the suppressed salt crystallization is critical for long-term solar desalination, but remains a major challenge. In this work, 1T/2H MoS2 nanoflower embedded in a macroporous PDMS sponge (MoS2/PDMS) was fabricated and used as a novel solar evaporator for efficient and durable solar desalination. Thanks to the broadband absorption of MoS2 and the thermal insulating PDMS sponge, the MoS2/PDMS sponge presents a high evaporation rate of 1.47 kg m−2 h−1 and an evaporation efficiency of 81.5 % in pure water under one sun irradiation (1 kW m−2). Importantly, the MoS2/PDMS sponge with macroporous structure and wet-state hydrophilic wettability achieves efficient and durable solar desalination in simulated seawater (3.5 wt% NaCl solution), effectively suppressing salt crystallization. This finding offers a new way to design robust evaporators with structural flexibility, efficient evaporation and durable desalting for solar desalination.

Development and initial psychometric properties of the Cannabidiol Outcome Expectancies Questionnaire (CBD-OEQ).

Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, is used by many individuals to treat medical and mental health conditions, despite limited support for the efficacy of CBD for these conditions. Identification of CBD-related outcome expectancies (i.e., beliefs concerning the anticipated effects of CBD) could be useful in understanding the etiology and maintenance of CBD use and/or be useful in administration or clinical trial research. Although there are several measures of cannabis outcome expectancies, cannabis comprises several active compounds (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], CBD). Thus, cannabis outcome expectancies may not reflect CBD-specific outcome expectancies. Yet, no known CBD-specific outcome expectancy measure exists. The present study used a three-phase, mixed-methods approach to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Cannabidiol Outcome Expectancy Questionnaire (CBD-OEQ). The CBD-OEQ assessed endorsement (i.e., how much an individual agrees/disagrees with an expected outcome) and desirability ratings (i.e., how desirable an expected outcome is). The initial item pool was administered to 600 adults who endorsed having heard of or using CBD products. Factor analyses supported a 60-item, six-factor structure. There was an initial support for internal consistency and convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity of the CBD-OEQ subscale scores in the present sample. Desirability ratings explained minimal additional variance in CBD variables for most subscales, but moderated the relationship between endorsement ratings and use behaviors for Global Negative Effects and No Effect subscales. The newly developed CBD-OEQ could be used as both a research and a clinical tool. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 Use for the Surgical Treatment of Acute Scaphoid Fractures and Scaphoid Nonunions.

Bone morphogenic protein-2 has demonstrated promise as an adjunct to surgically treating fractures. Its reported use in the upper extremity is limited. This study reports union rates, outcomes, and complications of scaphoid fractures treated with adjunctive bone morphogenic protein-2 to further characterize bone morphogenic protein-2 use in the hand and wrist. Retrospective review of scaphoid fractures treated surgically in one region of the Military Health System from 2009 to 2019 was conducted to identify cases using bone morphogenic protein-2. Fracture healing was determined by computed tomography. Primary outcomes were union rate, time to union, and complications. Secondary outcomes included union rates for prior nonunions, union rates at 4 and 6 weeks, and functional outcomes. Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria. Nonunions accounted for 50 percent of included fractures. The total union rate was 93 percent. Mean time to union was 6.2 weeks. All acute fractures healed with a mean time to union of 4.8 weeks. Nonunions had a union rate of 86 percent, with a mean time to union of 7.7 weeks. Four patients (29 percent) developed radiographic heterotopic ossification; however, no significant decrease in motion was appreciated. Thirteen patients (93 percent) resumed the push-ups portion of the military fitness test. No major complications were identified during follow-up. Adjunctive use of bone morphogenic protein-2 in operative fixation of scaphoid fractures resulted in desirable union rates without major complications. Larger, prospective studies are needed to assess whether adjunctive bone morphogenic protein-2 use in scaphoid fractures provides significant benefit compared with other treatments. Therapeutic, IV.

Heat Transfer under Magnetohydrodynamics Flow of Nanofluids Past an Inclined Plate with Non Uniform Boundary Conditions

This paper deals with natural thermal convection combined with the mass transfer of nanoparticles occurring in the boundary layers of a nanofluid subjected to magnetohydrodynamics. The wall consists of an inclined plate is considered according to a temperature as well as the volume fraction of the nanoparticles varying as the power of the axial coordinate. In addition, internal heat generation/absorption is taken into account in the mathematical formulation. The governing partial differential equations based on Buongiorno's approach are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations. The two-level method of no-similarity equations is used to achieve higher accuracy. The whole calculation procedure is implemented using a limit value problem program written according to the Matlab computer language that applies the Lobbato IIIa finite difference method. The obtained results have revealed that small variations of the boundary conditions with the axial coordinate become very significant on the local Nusselt number and the local Sherwood number for nanoparticles. Moreover, a better heat transfer has been obtained with a larger S. However, a trade-off between desired heat transfer rate and level of reduced skin friction should be scheduled.

Jahn‐Teller Effect Directed Bandgap Tuning of Birnessite for Pseudocapacitive Application

Birnessite MxMnO2 (M = Na+, K+, etc.) has emerged as a promising alternative to the classical MnO2 material owing to its improved pseudocapacitive performance for energy storage. Understanding their structure–property correlation is essential for the development and application of advanced supercapacitors. Herein, we adopt the crystal field theory and density functional simulation to reveal the structural dependence of the pseudocapacitive property of KxMnO2. Attributing to the Jahn–Teller effect of Mn3+, the bandgap of KxMnO2 can be tuned by changing the x value (i.e., the Mn(III)/Mn(IV) ratio). Then, we design a narrow‐bandgap K0.25MnO2 (0.84 eV), which affords a high capacitance of 415 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a desirable rate capability of 293 F g−1 at 20 A g−1. Operando Raman spectroscopy confirms that the Jahn–Teller induced structure evolution of [MnO6] octahedron accounts for the superior pseudocapacitive behavior of K0.25MnO2. This finding offers theoretical guidance to the design and application of birnessite materials for pseudocapacitors.