Reliable Safety Research Articles

Acoustic microfiber sensor for gas pipeline leakage detection

Gas pipeline leakage can have significant environmental and industrial consequences, making it crucial to safely and efficiently detect such leaks. This study introduces a novel microfiber sensor based on the Mach-Zehnder structure, designed specifically for detecting small gas pipeline leaks. Initially, simulations were conducted to analyze the electric field distribution of the microfiber and the changes in sound pressure caused by pipeline leakage. Subsequently, the sensor was developed by encasing the microfiber in a double layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and utilizing a nut with a hole as an external fixation device. To ensure accurate measurement of low-frequency acoustic pressure changes, the sensor's installation structure was integrated into the pipeline branch pipe. Experimental results demonstrate sensor's capability to detect acoustic signals generated by small leakage apertures measuring 0.1 mm in diameter. The received voltage signal exhibited a strong linear relationship with the size of the leakage aperture within the range of 0.1-6 mm, with a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.97. In addition, the sensor has reliable electrical safety and anti-electromagnetic interference capability.

Gas path deterioration observation based on stochastic dynamics for reliability assessment of aeroengines

Gas path deterioration seriously reduces the reliability of aeroengine systems. Accurate observation of gas path deterioration parameters is the key to ensuring the reliable operation and safety control of aeroengines. It is a significant challenge to accurately observe the deterioration state under multi-source uncertainties. This work provides a novel assessment technique to accurately master the gas path deterioration from the perspective of stochastic dynamics for the first time, in contrast to the previous assessment schemes based on the aerothermodynamics model and filtering theory. Based on the state parameters and stochastic optimal inputs, a full-dimensional performance observation equation is created. The construction of the stochastic optimal inputs ensures the tracking of the gas path deteriorating state through the negative feedback of state parameters and the rectification of measurement data. The observation principle and algorithm are also thoroughly presented. Three common deterioration modes serve as proof of the proposed method's effectiveness. The evaluation accuracy is increased by at least 22.75% when compared to the conventional method, and the maximum improvement rate reaches 52.45%. The proposed method is free from multi-source uncertainty interference and has higher accuracy and robustness. It offers a fresh approach to master gas path deterioration and ensures safe and reliable operation.

CRISISS: A Novel, Transcriptionally and Post-Translationally Inducible CRISPR/Cas9-Based Cellular Suicide Switch.

With the ever-increasing developing rate of gene and cellular therapy applications and growing accessibility due to products receiving regulatory approval, the need for effective and reliable safety mechanisms to prevent or eliminate potentially fatal side effects is of the utmost importance. In this study, we present the CRISPR-induced suicide switch (CRISISS) as a tool to eliminate genetically modified cells in an inducible and highly efficient manner by targeting Cas9 to highly repetitive Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, causing irreparable genomic fragmentation by the Cas9 nuclease and resulting cell death. The suicide switch components, including expression cassettes for a transcriptionally and post-translationally inducible Cas9 and an Alu-specific single-guide RNA, were integrated into the genome of target cells via Sleeping-Beauty-mediated transposition. The resulting transgenic cells did not show signs of any impact on overall fitness when uninduced, as unintended background expression, background DNA damage response and background cell killing were not observed. When induced, however, a strong expression of Cas9, a strong DNA damage response and a rapid halt of cell proliferation coupled with near complete cell death within four days post-induction were seen. With this proof-of-concept study, we present a novel and promising approach for a robust suicide switch with potential utility for gene and cell therapy in the future.

“Challenges” During Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

Leadless pacemaker (LP) is a new type of pacemaker that integrates generator and leads, and has become an effective alternative to traditional transvenous pacemakers. It can be used for difficult or complicated situations of traditional pacemaker implantation, such as subclavian vein occlusion, traditional pacemaker pocket infection, lead fracture, and multiple pacemaker replacements. Because no pockets and leads are required, LPs eliminate pocket- and lead-related complications compared to traditional pacemakers. Multiple studies have demonstrated its reliable safety and efficacy. Compared with traditional pacemakers, due to the different implantation methods, the difficulties encountered during the implantation process are also different. This article reviews the difficulties that may be encountered during leadless implantation and looks forward to the future of leadless pacemakers.

Severe Adverse Events of Periocular Acupuncture: A Review of Cases.

Acupuncture is recognized as a component of alternative medicine and is increasingly used worldwide. Many studies have shown the various effects of acupuncture around the eyes for ophthalmologic or non-ophthalmologic conditions. For ophthalmologic conditions, the effect of acupuncture on dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, myopia, amblyopia, ophthalmoplegia, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, and blepharoptosis has been reported. Recently, several studies on dry eye syndrome have been reported and are in the spotlight. However, given the variety of study designs and reported outcomes of periocular acupuncture, research is still inconclusive, and further studies are required. In addition, although a systematic and reliable safety assessment is required, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of a literature review of ocular complications resulting from periocular acupuncture. This review collected cases of ocular injury as severe adverse events from previously published case reports of periocular acupuncture. A total of 14 case reports (15 eyes of 14 patients) of adverse events published between 1982 and 2020 were identified. This review article provides a summary of the reported cases and suggestions for the prevention and management of better visual function prognosis.

Non-disclosure of developmental neurotoxicity studies obstructs the safety assessment of pesticides in the European Union

BackgroundIn the European Union (EU), the safety assessment of plant protection products relies to a large extent on toxicity studies commissioned by the companies producing them. By law, all performed studies must be included in the dossier submitted to authorities when applying for approval or renewal of the active substance.MethodsFor one type of toxicity, i.e. developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), we evaluated if studies submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had also been disclosed to EU authorities.ResultsWe identified 35 DNT studies submitted to the U.S. EPA and with the corresponding EU dossiers available. Of these, 9 DNT studies (26%) were not disclosed by the pesticide company to EU authorities. For 7 of these studies, we have identified an actual or potential regulatory impact.ConclusionsWe conclude that (1) non-disclosure of DNT studies to EU authorities, in spite of clear legal requirements, seems to be a recurring phenomenon, (2) the non-disclosure may introduce a bias in the regulatory risk assessment, and (3) without full access to all performed toxicity studies, there can be no reliable safety evaluation of pesticides by EU authorities. We suggest that EU authorities should cross-check their data sets with their counterparts in other jurisdictions. In addition, applications for pesticide approval should be cross-checked against lists of studies performed at test facilities operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), to ensure that all studies have been submitted to authorities. Furthermore, rules should be amended so that future studies should be commissioned by authorities rather than companies. This ensures the authorities’ knowledge of existing studies and prevents the economic interest of the company from influencing the design, performance, reporting and dissemination of studies. The rules or practices should also be revised to ensure that non-disclosure of toxicity studies carries a significant legal risk for pesticide companies.

In Situ Construction Channels of Lithium-Ion Fast Transport and Uniform Deposition to Ensure Safe High-Performance Solid Batteries.

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SLIBs) are the promising development direction for future power sources because of their high energy density and reliable safety. To optimize the ionic conductivity at room temperature (RT) and charge/discharge performance to obtain reusable polymer electrolytes (PEs), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) copolymer combined with polymerized methylmethacrylate (MMA) monomers are used as substrates to prepare PE (LiTFSI/OMMT/PVDF/P(VDF-HFP)/PMMA [LOPPM]). LOPPM has interconnected lithium-ion 3D network channels. The organic-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) is rich in the Lewis acid centers, which promoted lithium salt dissociation. LOPPM PE possessed high ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10-3 S cm-1 and a lithium-ion transference number of 0.54. The capacity retention of the battery remained 100% after 100 cycles at RT and 0.5 C. The initial capacity of one with the second-recycled LOPPM PE is 123.9 mAh g-1 . This work offered a feasible pathway for developing high-performance and reusable LIBs.

CONCEPTS OF THREAT AND RISK. THEIR COMMON FEATURES AND PRINCIPAL DIFFERENCES (CONCERNING NUCLEAR AND OTHER STRATEGIC OBJECTS)

The work systematizes numerous interpretations of the concepts of threats and risks. It is shown that in relation to a strategic nuclear facility, existing threats and risks to it are strictly connected by a triangular functional scheme. Threats that may appear in the form of certain catastrophic events at a specific nuclear facility are assessed by the risk (probability) of the occurrence of a certain catastrophic event under selected conditions at this facility using specially developed methods. The independence of the state is determined by its ability to preserve its territorial integrity and national security, cultural values and national assets, state potentials and the identity of ethnic peoples. The problem is to determine the epistemological connections between the concepts of threats and risks in relation to nuclear facilities, which in practice ensures a competent assessment of the surrounding environment, the creation of a reliable model of threats and ensuring the reliable safety of a specific nuclear facility. Based on the above, the purpose of this article is to systematize numerical interpretations of the concepts of threats and risks in relation to the security of strategic nuclear facilities. To achieve the set goal, it is necessary to solve the following scientific tasks: first, to analyze the concept of danger; secondly, consider the interpretation of the term risk; thirdly, to describe the relationship between a strategic nuclear facility, a threat, and a risk. Based on the above, the strategic nuclear facility, its objectively existing threats and risks are strictly connected by a triangular functional scheme. Threats that may appear in the form of certain catastrophic events at a specific nuclear facility are assessed by the risk (probability) of the occurrence of a certain catastrophic event under selected conditions at this facility using specially developed methods. The application of these logical relationships will allow not only to improve the existing methods of calculating the risks of catastrophic events occurring at nuclear facilities, but also to develop new models of emergency management at technological facilities. Keywords: critical infrastructure object, nuclear object, terror, dangerous object, protection, concept.

Optimal Parking Path Planning and Parking Space Selection Based on the Entropy Power Method and Bayesian Network: A Case Study in an Indoor Parking Lot

According to the vehicle dynamics model and the requirements of reliable safety and minimal time, the path planning problem of parking in different types of parking spaces is solved by obstacle avoidance analysis and motion analysis in the case of the optimal solution, and the parking trajectory from the initial position to the designated parking space is obtained. In the static situation, different parking spaces in the parking space are occupied; analyze the parking space type, parking space left and right occupancy situation, and the distance between the vacant parking space and the starting point location of unoccupied cars; and establish the attribute information matrix R0 of the vacant parking space and calculate the KMO value of the matrix R0. This is completed to determine the weak correlation between the attributes of the vacant parking space and use the matrix R0 as the original evaluation matrix of the entropy weight method, using the entropy weight method to calculate the three attributes of parking space type, parking space left and right occupancy situation, and distance between starting point and parking space. These results are weighted in the optimal parking space selection process, the difficulty score of the vacant parking space is determined, and the optimal parking space is determined through the ranking of the scores. In the dynamic case, the number of parking spaces and parking space usage will change over time, with the help of the Bayesian network, the existing parking spaces and number of spaces in the parking lot at the previous moment are learned according to the computer clock, which can be used to reason about the number of parking spaces and parking space availability in the parking lot at the next moment. The weights of the three attributes of parking space type, parking space left and right situation, and distance between the starting point and parking space are updated in the case of a dynamic change of parking space, and then the parking difficulty score of a new vacant parking space using the entropy weight method is used to select the optimal parking space in the dynamic situation. The optimized parking path planning and parking space selection method could contribute to enhancing parking efficiency for the sustainable management of indoor parking lots.

Chitosan/multilayered MXene Nanocomposites Loaded in 3D Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Networks for Seawater Desalination with Highly Efficient Photothermal Conversion

AbstractSunlight, as one of the inexhaustible green energy sources, is attracting rising attention, particularly with the rapid depletion of traditional fossil fuels nowadays. Chitosan (CHT) is an abundant natural product that can be converted into N‐doped porous carbon which has a strong light absorption ability. Herein, chitosan is employed with the accordion‐like multilayered mMXene (mMXene) to fabricate the 3D thermally insulated and low‐cost composites using melamine foam (MF) as a template. The obtained MF/CHT/mMXene (MCM) composites with different mass ratios of mMXene/chitosan are then subject to a simple annealing treatment at 500 °C for 2 h to afford 3D and self‐floating carbonized carbonized MF/CHT/mMXene (CMCM) composites. The CMCM‐1 obtained with mass ratio of CHT/mMXene at 1:1 displays low thermal conductivity, high hydrophilicity, and good light absorbance. When it is utilized as the evaporator of pure water and seawater, its evaporation rates can reach at 1.554 and 1.428 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 kW m−2 irradiation and the photothermal conversion efficiency can reach at 89.8%. In addition, the CMCM‐1 composite also displays excellent desalination ability, self‐desalination ability, good cycle stability, and reliable safety performance. Combining these advantages, CMCM‐1 composite may have potential practical applications for seawater evaporation and wastewater treatment, etc.

Interfacial Electrochemical Media‐Engineered Tunable Vanadium Zinc Hydrate Oxygen Defect for Enhancing the Redox Reaction of Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors

AbstractZinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHCs) are promising electrochemical energy storage system candidates owing to their eco‐friendliness, low‐cost, reliable safety, and high‐power density. Of particular note, ZIHCs are desirable alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because they can overcome the disadvantages of LIBs, such as the explosion hazard and the complex manufacturing process. Nevertheless, the low specific capacity of ZIHCs caused by their limited active sites and poor cycling stability because of their low wettability and irreversible Zn dendrite formation at the electrode has hindered their commercial application. Herein, for the first time, the fabrication and interfacial engineering of ZIHCs using vanadium (IV) oxide sulfate (VOSO4) as an additive chemistry agent is described, and the effect of the additive on the electrochemical performance is demonstrated. After the activation process, the resultant supercapacitor exhibits a zinc vanadium hydrate (ZVO) layer on both the anode and cathode. The electrochemical role of the ZVO layer on the electrodes are as follows: i) improved active sites for Zn‐ion intercalation at the cathode, ii) enhanced wettability between electrolyte and electrodes, and iii) buffer layer for the suppression of undesirable and irreversible Zn dendrites at the anode.

Towards Bi‐Dimensional driver models for automated driving system safety requirements: Validation of a kinematic model for evasive lane‐change maneuvers

AbstractPreventing traffic accidents is of paramount importance for society's well‐being. The topic is particularly relevant for driving automation given the high expectations about automated vehicles and the difficulty in estimating reliable safety figures for those complex systems. Under this premise, the present manuscript investigates how to derive a safety benchmark model for evasive lane‐change maneuvers that can also be applied in microsimulation frameworks. The approach leverages a jerk‐limited bang‐bang kinematic model for lane‐change and validates its minimum time prediction against other kinematic approaches and vehicle dynamical models based on a robust minimum‐time optimal control formulation. It is shown how kinematic modeling does not embrace steering angle constraints (at low‐speed) and misses the inertia effect (at high‐speed) thus introducing discrepancies. However, due to the introduction of a braking model, it can be safely claimed that the low‐speed discrepancy between the kinematic and the dynamic models lies in a region where stopping is still the most efficient reaction. Moreover, a method is shown to compute the effective lateral acceleration for a kinematic model to match the dynamical system's maneuvering. The kinematic lane‐change model can thus constitute a valid performance benchmark provided that conservative assumptions are used when calibrating its maximum lateral acceleration.

Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety in Treating Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with Five Different Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

This network meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of suture anchors (SA), tendon grafts (TG), hook plates (HP), Tight-Rope (TR), and EndoButton (EB) in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception date to June 3, 2022. Studies included all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies with the comparison of five different fixation systems among SA, TG, HP, TR, and EB were identified. All studies were reviewed, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias independently by two reviewers. The primary outcomes are Constant-Murley score (CMS) improvement for assessing clinical efficacy, and complications. The second outcomes are visual analog scale (VAS) for assessing pain relief and the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) for assessing postoperative joint reduction. Version 2 of the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the RCTs and non-randomized trials, respectively. The continuous outcomes were presented as mean differences (MD), and risk ratios (OR) were used for dichotomous outcomes, both with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) results were calculated to offer a ranking of each intervention. We identified 31 eligible trials, including 1687 patients in total. HP showed less CMS improvement than TR and EB in both the Network Meta-analysis (NMA) and pairwise meta-analysis. HP also showed less CMS improvement than SA in NMA. For pain relief, HP performed worse than TR both in pairwise meta-analysis and NMA. No significant differences were found for the measured value of CCD. Both TR and EB showed a lower incidence of complications than HP in pairwise meta-analysis. The rank of SUCRA for CMS improvement was as follows: SA, TR, EB, TG, and HP; for pain relief: TR, EB, TG, SA, and HP; for CCD: HP, TR, SA, EB, and TG. For complications, HP showed the highest rank, followed by TG, EB, TR, and SA. SA shows better clinical effectiveness and reliable safety in the treatment of acute ACJ dislocation. Although HP is the most widely used surgical option currently, it should be carefully taken into consideration for its high incidence of complications.

A Flexible and Safe Planar Zinc‐Ion Micro‐Battery with Ultrahigh Energy Density Enabled by Interfacial Engineering for Wearable Sensing Systems

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion micro‐batteries (ZIMBs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their reliable safety, low cost, and great potential for wearable devices. However, current ZIMBs still suffer from various critical issues, including short cycle life, poor mechanical stability, and inadequate energy density. Herein, the fabrication of flexible planar ZIMBs with ultrahigh energy density by interfacial engineering in the screen‐printing process based on high‐performance MnO2‐based cathode materials is reported. The Ce‐doped MnO2 (Ce‐MnO2) exhibits significantly enhanced capacity (389.3 mAh g−1), considerable rate capability and admirable cycling stability than that of the pure MnO2. Importantly, the fabrication of micro‐electrodes with ultrahigh mass loading of Ce‐MnO2 (24.12 mg cm−2) and good mechanical stability is achieved through optimizing the interfacial bonding between different printed layers. The fabricated planar ZIMBs achieve a record high capacity (7.21 mAh cm−2 or 497.31 mAh cm−3) and energy density (8.43 mWh cm−2 or 573.45 mWh cm−3), as well as excellent flexibility. Besides, a wearable self‐powered sensing system for environmental monitoring is further demonstrated by integrating the planar ZIMBs with flexible solar cells and a multifunctional sensor array. This work sheds light on the development of high‐performance planar ZIMBs for future self‐powered and eco‐friendly smart wearable electronics.

Calibration analysis of calculation formulas for shear capacities of corroded RC beams

This short communication presented the calibration analysis methods and results of calculation formulas for shear capacities of corroded RC beams. A dataset was established which involved shear tests on 93 non-corroded control and 326 corroded RC beams with corroded longitudinal steel bars, stirrups and/or bent steel bars. Then, the generalized calibration method for calculation formulas of shear capacities of corroded RC beams was proposed. Based on the shear capacity calculation formulas for non-corroded RC beams specified by the Chinese code, the corrosion-induced reduction functions for the concrete contribution term, stirrups contribution term and bent steel bars contribution term were calibrated with test results collected in the dataset. After that, the recommended reduction functions were proposed and the corresponding recommended shear capacity calculation formulas were found reliably conservative. The calibration results were dependent on the specific shear capacity calculation formulas for non-corroded RC beams. Nevertheless, the dataset is available to all readers upon request to allow them to calibrate their own calculation formulas for shear capacities of corroded RC beams. The recommended shear capacity calculation formulas could help reliable safety assessments of existing RC structures.

Appraising Machine and Deep Learning Techniques for Traffic Conflict Prediction with Class Imbalance

Predicting traffic conflicts is pivotal for vehicle-based active safety system to prevent crashes. Yet, conflict prediction is a challenging task as correct prediction depends on the nature of data and techniques employed. Moreover, traffic conflicts data are naturally imbalanced with traffic conflicts being the minority class. Working with imbalanced dataset might result in biased and inaccurate predictions. Therefore, this study aims to appraise machine learning and deep learning techniques systematically, to identify the optimal technique which can reliably predict real-time traffic conflicts by making use of cost-sensitive learning. Five machine learning techniques were optimised and utilised including: logistic regression (LR), Support vector machines (SVM), deep neural networks (DNN), long short-term memory (LSTM) and LSTM convolutional neural network (LSTM-CNN) to appraise their predictability performance using a large, imbalanced, and disaggregated traffic dataset. Unlike existing studies, a wide range of interconnected factors are employed for real-time traffic conflict prediction to provide a more reliable prediction outcome. A large heterodox dataset was gathered from the M1 motorway in the UK to evaluate these techniques. Results suggested that DNN outperform other techniques in predicting conflicts with 0.72 sensitivity at 5% false alarm rate. Such promising results reflect that DNNs can be further applied to deepen our understanding in predicting traffic conflicts design more reliable primary safety systems for intelligent vehicles. Moreover, exploring state-of-the-art classification techniques with class imbalance on big data is significant to the future of big data analytics.

An all-embracing analytical method comprising modified QuEChERS-dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using FeGA MOF for the extraction and preconcentration of pesticides simultaneously from juice and flesh of watermelon.

For the first time, a comprehensive analytical method based on a one-dimensional metal-organic framework comprising "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe-dispersive micro solid phase extraction-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction" was introduced in this research. Moreover, the first-ever attempt was accomplished to apply the iron-gallic acid metal-organic framework in analytical method development. The goal of the research was to analyze the pesticide content of watermelon comprehensively in its flesh and juice. Based on this, comprehensive and reliable food safety monitoring can be done. Initially, pesticides of the watermelon flesh were extracted using an mL volume of acetonitrile by vortexing. At the same time, the pesticides of watermelon juice were extracted from the juice matrix onto the sorbent particles facilitated by vortexing. The obtained acetonitrile phase was also used to desorb the analytes from the sorbent surface by vortexing. As a result, the pesticide content of both juice and flesh was extracted into the acetonitrile. The pesticide-enriched acetonitrile was then used as the disperser solvent by being merged with µL level of 1,2-dibromoethane and injection into deionized water. A cloudy solution was created as the result. Centrifugation triggered extractant at the bottom of the conical glass test tube and an aliquot of it was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. High enrichment factors (210-400), appreciable extraction recoveries (42-80%), wide linear ranges (3.20-1000µgkg-1), relative standard deviations in the ranges of 3.6-4.4% for intra- (n = 6) and 4.4-5.3% for inter-day (n = 3) precisions, and low limits of detection (0.43-0.97µgkg-1), and quantification (1.42-3.20µgkg-1) were obtained by the application of the developed method.

SoulBound E-Voting System

Abstract: The right to vote is a fundamental right of citizens of democratic countries around the world. This is necessary so that citizens have a say in the choice of who represents them or in matters affecting them. The aspects of security and transparency are still threats from widespread elections with traditional systems. For years, democracies around the world have moved from sticking to paper ballots to electronic voting machines. These machines are not tamper-proof despite system checks, security procedures and election protocols. However, hacking and tampering with these machines is becoming more frequent as the number and methods of attackers increase. Physical access to the EVM, even for a few minutes, is enough to crack it. To ensure a fair and reliable election process, safety and security must be ensured throughout the process. A single organization still exists to administer the centralized system used for general elections. When organizations have complete control over their databases and systems, they can disrupt the database of important opportunities, which can cause a lot of problems in traditional election systems. Because networked software devices are vulnerable, the proposed work applies security concepts based on popular blockchain technology. It is currently being implemented with the goal of securing online money transactions in the digital economy. Blockchain has paved the way for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. A blockchain is a distributed and non-translatable ledger in which data is added and updated in real time based on the consensus of nodes running software on the network. However, once data is added to the registry, you cannot delete or edit the data from the database. Therefore, counterfeit voting is impossible, increasing the reliability of the electronic voting system. As a result, governments around the world are exploring blockchain as a means to make general elections tamper-proof and transparent, with the goal of enabling a system where everyone trusts data and is tamper-proof. Using blockchain for database distribution of electronic voting systems can reduce one of the sources of fraud in database manipulation.

The current state of windbreaks of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

The relevance of the study is related to the need to determine the current state of windbreaks as a component of the forest-agrarian landscape of a particular region. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of windbreaks. During the study, data from remote sensing of the Earth using satellite imagery was utilised, which allowed for determining field parameters, the placement of the windbreak system, and their characteristics. Forest inventory works were conducted using commonly accepted methods in forest mensuration, with adjustments made specifically for windbreaks. The quality class of windbreaks was determined based on the percentage of healthy trees out of the total number, and the sanitary condition index was calculated according to established categories. The analysis of the obtained data clearly shows a decline in the quality sequence of common oak from 9 to 3 units within the plantations. The windbreaks were created using the method of oak nest planting, with oak nests placed at a spacing of 5.0×3.0 m and a total windbreak width of 15.0 m. Two additional rows of companion trees were introduced in the wide 5-metre alleys, and companion and shrub species were added within the nest rows. The analysis of the characteristics of windbreaks showed that they have protective heights ranging from 19.6 m to 23.4 m and provide reliable protection for adjacent agricultural fields. Based on the range of effective protective effects of windbreaks, it can be noted that the calculated indicators provide protection with a reliable safety margin of up to 17%. If there is a need to create new windbreaks using the nest planting method in the future, a more efficient scheme is proposed, which involves placing companion tree species in the outer rows to prevent the crowns of the inner rows from spreading towards the field. As a result of the obtained findings, it became possible to conduct a comprehensive expert assessment of the state of windbreaks according to the following criteria: forestry and inventory parameters, meliorative properties, and the sanitary condition index

Construction of novel polyaniline-intercalated hierarchical porous V2O5 nanobelts with enhanced diffusion kinetics and ultra-stable cyclability for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have received considerable attention for large-scale energy storage applications due to the unique merits of high energy density, eco-friendliness and reliable safety. However, the development of high performance cathodes is still hampered by their inferior reversibility and sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, resulting in insufficient rate capability and poor cycling performances. Herein, we employed a feasible “two-in-one” strategy to intercalate conductive polymer (polyaniline, PANI) as pillar molecules into the V-MOF-derived hierarchical porous V2O5 (designated as PVO) and used as cathode for high-performance ZIBs. The high specific surface area and nanobelt-like porous structure endowed PVO with abundant accessible electrochemical active sites and shortened the electrons/ions transfer pathways, further delivering a high discharge capacity (489 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 97.2% capacity retention after 100 cycles). Meanwhile, the intercalation of PANI not only effectively expanded the Zn2+ diffusion channels, but also improved the structural stability during cycling as “interlayer pillars”. More importantly, the introduction of PANI could enhance the conductivity of the overall structure and weaken the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and PVO host, thereby suppressing the collapse of the layered structure. Accordingly, the obtained PVO cathode exhibited excellent rate capability (375 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) and satisfactory cycling stability (91.8% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 8.0 A g−1). Moreover, the reversible Zn2+ storage mechanism was further investigated by kinetics analysis and DFT calculations. These ideal results provide key insights into the design of MOF-based cathode materials for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.