Efficiency Values Research Articles

Construction and validation of a diagnostic model for high-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to construct a diagnostic model by exploring the potential predictors of high-risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC) and verifying its reliability. A retrospective analysis of PTMC patients who underwent surgical treatment from 2004 to 2015 in the SEER database (training set) and the clinical pathological ultrasound information of PTMC patients at the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from 2020 to 2022 (external validation set) was conducted. In the training set, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent predictive factors for high-risk PTMC patients in pathology. A nomogram diagnostic model was further constructed. Additionally, ROC curves and calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the efficiency of the model. In the external validation set, the diagnostic model was indirectly evaluated based on preoperative ultrasound imaging features to explore the feasibility and reliability of diagnosing high-risk PTMC through preoperative ultrasound imaging features. A total of 1628 patients were included in the training set, and 530 patients were included in the test set. The independent risk factors for pathological high-risk PTMC were sex, age, tumor maximum diameter, tumor invasive, and cervical lymph nodes (P<0.05). The C-index of the nomogram constructed based on these five factors was 0.947, with an optimal sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 86.0%. The calibration curve showed that the model had high consistency. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the ROC curve for high-risk PTMC predicted by the risk score based on ultrasound features was 0.824 [95% CI (0.789, 0.860)], which was highly consistent with the risk score based on pathological features (κ= 0.758, P<0.05). Indirect evaluation of a high-risk PTMC diagnostic model based on preoperative ultrasound imaging features had high predictive efficiency and potential value for clinical application.

Improved Optical Performance Analysis of YAG:Ce, NCS:Sm, and CAO:Mn Phosphors Physically Integrated with Metal-Organic Frameworks.

This research presents a thorough examination of the optical properties and performance enhancement strategies of synthesized phosphors, namely, yttrium aluminum garnet doped with cerium (YAG:Ce), sodium calcium silicate with samarium (NCS:Sm), and calcium aluminate oxide doped with manganese (CAO:Mn). The study delves into the synthesis processes of the phosphors, illumination of the crystal structures, and enhancement of luminescent characteristics. Additionally, the paper extends to the synthesis and analysis of {[Cu(μ3-dmg)(im)2]·3H2O} n (PKY159), and the coordination polymer (CP) was added the phosphors to explore a novel approach for enhanced optical performance. When the phosphor composites YAG:Ce, CAO:Mn, and NCS:Sm were made as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA; for homogenization, stabilization) thin films with the coordination polymer PKY159 included, the intensity values increased by 97%, 96%, and 79%, respectively, in comparison to their pristine form. Also, all phosphors along with the PKY159 additive were examined for their decay time kinetics, thermal stabilities, CIE chromaticity coordinates, and quantum efficiencies. The YAG:Ce, NCS:Sm, and CAO:Mn mixes exhibit good thermal stability in addition to internal quantum efficiency (IQE) values that are much higher than the phosphors' additive-free form (95.6%, 66.3%, and 84.6%, respectively). This increase is correlated to an increase in steady-state measurements. These comprehensive analyses contribute valuable insights into the design and optimization of phosphor and coordination polymer blends for improved optical functionality.

Endotoxin Detection in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Using Optimising Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Assay.

Endotoxin contamination in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents can pose a risk to patient safety causing immune reactions. Strict endotoxin limits are enforced for implants and catheters inserted into the body, but there are not clear rules for MRI contrast agents. Here, we investigated the efficacy of chromogenic LAL assay test for screening endotoxin activity in MRI contrast media manufactured in Malaysia. The powdered agent was dissolved in water for injection and endotoxin levels were measured. The coefficient of efficiency value for the standard curve, exhibiting r 2 ≥ 0.98, along with the absence of interfering substances and endotoxin activity below the regulatory threshold of 0.5 EU/mL, support the conclusion that the agent is unlikely to be pyrogenic or induce pyrogenic effect.

Justice Matters: Equality-Efficiency Tradeoff in Principles of Macroeconomics

Students who are trained in standard macroeconomics often prioritize economic efficiency over other values, such as justice. Most of them believe that to achieve higher efficiency, a society needs to sacrifice economic justice. In other words, there exists a tradeoff between equality and efficiency. In my Principles of Macroeconomics class, I therefore create lectures and assignments including self-reflections and group discussions to persuade students to question the value of economic efficiency and justice. The assignments raise the awareness of students about economic justice as another essential value in society. The goal is to encourage students to rethink macroeconomic policies critically, reevaluate their moral biases, and cultivate their moral compass when dealing with ethical dilemmas. JEL Classification: A22, B0, D63, E0

Cultivation of a Wild Strain of Wood Ear Auricularia cornea from Brazil.

Auricularia cornea has become one of the most important cultivated mushrooms worldwide. Although not remarkably flavorful, Auricularia species are very versatile and rehydrate easily after drying, adding a unique and pleasing texture to the dishes. In this study, we collected, identified, and domesticated a wild strain of A. cornea from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The wild strain was evaluated for mycelial growth at different temperatures and substrates, biological efficiency, and nutritional composition. The temperature that best favored the A. cornea mycelium growth was 30°C, and the substrate was sterile Eucalyptus sawdust. The highest biological efficiency value obtained was 106.90 ± 13.28%. Nutritional analysis showed that the produced wood ears contained 71.02% carbohydrates, 19.63% crude fiber, 11.59% crude protein, 10.19% crude fat, and 4.24% ash on dry matter basis. For the mineral content profile, the elements K and P were the most abundant. This is the first report on cultivation of a wild strain of A. cornea from Brazil.

Use of corn germ meal and bile acids in laying quail diets: effect on production, reproduction, health and economics

In the present study, the effects of corn germ meal (CGM) and bile acids (BA) inclusion in Japanese quail diet on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Six wk old, 480 Japanese quail birds were randomly divided into 6 groups (60 hens and 20 males / group) with 4 replicates / group. CGM was incorporated at 0, 10 and 20 % of diet for groups (G1, G2, and G3), while G4, G5 and G6 had the same levels of CGM with BA addition (500 g/ton feed). The egg production (EP), egg mass (EM) and feed intake (FI) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in response to CGM feeding which was clear with the 20 %. CGM at 10% inclusion enhanced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), while incorporation at 20% deteriorated (P < 0.05) it compared to the control group. Addition of BA to the CGM-containing diets reduced the FI, improved FCR, and ameliorated the negative effects on EP, EM and FCR in the CGM fed birds. Feeding on 10% CGM single or combined with BA increased fertility %, chick's weight after hatching and reduced embryonic death. Serum concentrations of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with CGM inclusion. Dietary CGM inclusion without or with BA was associated with higher levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein when compared to their control groups. BA addition to the CGM containing diets significantly reduced the alanine transaminase (ALT) activity (P ˂ 0.05) compared to their corresponding groups fed BA free diets especially those received the 10% CGM. Birds fed on 10% CGM supplemented with BA showed the highest economic efficiency values. In conclusion, CGM inclusion at 10% with BA supplementation could be used as alternative ingredient in the Japanese quail layer diet without compromising their productive performance.

The Efficiency Evaluation of DEA Model Incorporating Improved Possibility Theory

The data envelopment analysis (DEA) models have been widely recognized and applied in various fields. However, these models have limitations, such as their inability to globally rank DMUs, the efficiency values are definite numerical values, they are unable to reflect potential efficiency changes, and they fail to adequately reflect the degree of the decision maker’s preference. In order to address these shortcomings, this paper combines possibility theory with self-interest and non-self-interest principles to improve the DEA model to provide a more detailed reflection of the differences between DMUs. First, the self-interest and non-self-interest principles are employed to establish the DEA evaluation model, and the determined numerical efficiency is transformed into efficiency intervals. Second, an attitude function is added to the common possible-degree formula to reflect the decision maker’s preference, and a more reasonable method for solving the attitude function is presented. Finally, the improved possible-degree formula proposed in this paper is used to rank and compare the interval efficiencies. This improved method not only provides more comprehensive ranking information but also better captures the decision maker’s preferences. This model takes preference issues into account and has improved stability and accuracy compared with existing models. The application of the improved model in airlines shows that the model proposed in this paper effectively achieved a full ranking. From a developmental perspective, the efficiency levels of Chinese airlines were generally comparable. Joyair and One Two Three performed poorly, exhibiting significant gaps compared with other airlines.

Determination of the energy efficiency of granulation equipment based on exergy analysis

The object of research is the process of granulation of mineral fertilizers by applying rolling and pouring methods, as well as in fluidized and suspended layers with active hydrodynamics of flows. It is noted that the development of the main technological stages of the production of granulated fertilizers should be aimed at improving the hardware design of granulators, establishing the most rational regime and technological parameters of the process in order to increase its efficiency and reduce energy costs. It is noted that the main indicators of the efficiency of granulation plants using heat are economic costs, exergy losses, as well as reduced costs. The method of exergy analysis for the assessment of energy costs for granulation processes in different types of granulators is presented, which allows to justify the choice of rational parameters of the specified processes, taking into account energy costs and equipment efficiency. Equations are presented for determining the amount of exergy of material flows and exergy losses caused by heat exchange at finite temperature differences of technological flows at the entrance to the device and at the exit from it. The equation for determining the exergy efficiency, which characterizes the energy efficiency of the technical system, is presented. The smaller the temperature difference for the technological flows at the exit from the device, the smaller the exergy losses, the higher the value of the exergy efficiency. and, accordingly, the device will have greater energy efficiency. An exergy analysis of granulation processes in granulation towers without a cooler, in granulation towers with a cooler, fluidized bed devices and multi-stage (shelf) devices was carried out. The analysis showed that the exergy efficiency for the specified granulation plants is equal to: 64 %, 71 %, 32 % and 96 %, respectively. The obtained research results can be applied in production conditions where granulation towers and devices of fluidized or suspended layers are used. Enterprises that plan to reduce energy costs and increase the environmental safety of their technological processes can implement improvements based on the proposed methods and equations. The application of research results will contribute to the selection of more rational indicators of the granule production process, which will increase the productivity and quality of the final product.

Experimental evaluation of the impact of ZnO on the radiation shielding ability of B2O3–PbO–ZnO–CaO glass systems

In this study, we used the melt quenching process to develop inexpensive, new radiation shielding glasses. The prepared glasses have a general formula 40B2O3–20PbO-(y)ZnO-(40-y)CaO, (y = 20, 25, 30 and 35 mol%). These glasses' gamma-radiation shielding properties were experimentally measured using Am-241, Co-60, and Cs-137 sources and a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector, revealing that incorporation of ZnO had a positive impact of the density of these glasses. Moreover, the incorporation of ZnO enhanced the prepared glasses' attenuation performance. With greater energy the half value layer increased, and by a factor of 45 with a 0.059–1.333 MeV energy increase. For the four studied glasses the radiation protection efficiency (RPE) values are 100 % efficient at low energies (0.059 MeV), with a drastic decrease in the values across all four samples as the energy increases from 0.06 to 0.662 MeV.

Effects of the extrusion process on the physical properties of micro pellets and the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different extrusion processes on the physical properties of micro pellets and how the alterations affect the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia. Four experimental diets were produced with the same formulation, but with different extrusion processes: CE: cold extrusion (18 ºC); HE: hot extrusion (100 ºC); D1: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion (18 ºC); D2: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion (18 ºC). Juvenile tilapia (0.83 ± 0.01 g; 3.68 ± 0.19 cm) were distributed in 20 experimental units (60 L; n=5; 20 fish per unit) in a completely randomized design for four weeks. The micro pellets of the experimental HE diet presented a positive expansion rate (2.86 ± 0.45 %) and a lower bulk density (465.9 ± 3.45 g/L). The D1 and D2 micro pellets presented higher bulk density (671.0 ± 2.98 and 612.8 ± 4.99 g/L, respectively). All the micro pellets showed high durability (>95 %). The D2 micro pellets showed low water resistance (24.4 ± 3.51 %), resulting in a high leaching rate of nutrients (>68 %). The HE and D1 micro pellets showed a higher absorption rate in water (3.65 ± 0.29 and 3.66 ± 0.21 g water/g, respectively). The water solubility index of the micro pellets was not influenced by the different extrusion processes (P > 0.05), nor were survival and feed consumption. The fish fed with the HE diet showed greater weight gain (3.84 ± 0.44 g), and the lowest weight gain was in the fish fed with the CE diet (3.05 ± 0.39 g) (P < 0.05). Feed conversion was lower in fish fed the HE (1.06) and D1 (1.11) diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the HE diet had the highest values for relative growth rate (9.08 ± 0.62 %/d), protein retention (30.6 ± 2.61 %) and protein efficiency (2.26 ± 0.22 %) (P < 0.05). Fish fed the CE diet had the lowest values for relative growth rate (7.82 ± 0.51 %/d), protein retention (21.4 ± 2.72 %) and protein efficiency (1.55 ± 0.23 %) (P < 0.05), though the values are in line with those in the literature. In conclusion, hot extrusion resulted in micro pellets with better physical properties and fish with higher growth performance. Double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion is not recommended due to high levels of nutrient leaching. Cold extrusion and double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion processing can be considered for producing micro diets for juvenile tilapia, especially when less investment in the extrusion process is desired.

Impact of fertilizer levels and treated sewage water on heavy metal uptake,growth, agrometeorological indices, and quality of wheat

A field experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India to study the agro-physiological, agrometeorological, heavy metals, and quality parameters of wheat under different fertilizer levels and treated sewage water application on sandy loam soil. Among varieties, signifi- cantly higher yield attributes viz effective tillers and yield were observed with variety HD 3086 being at par with WH 1105 over HD 2967, WH 1124, and DBW 90. A higher value of agrometeorological indices viz. thermal (2.67 kg/ ha/0 C day), helio-thermal (0.77 kg/ha degree day hr), and photothermal (0.23 kg/ha degree day hr) use efficiencies were found with variety HD 3086 over other varieties. Among fertilizer levels, significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield were found with 125 % RDF over 75 and 100 % RDF. Significantly higher values of thermal, heliothermal, and photothermal use efficiencies were observed with the application of 125 % RDF over 75 and 100 % RDF Neither the varieties nor the fertility levels bring any significant variation in normalized difference vegeta- tion index and canopy temperature. However, varying levels of fertilizer did have a substantial impact on chloro- phyll content. Similarly, quality parameters viz. hectoliter weight and protein content were not affected significantly by varieties and fertilizer levels. However, sedimentation value was significantly affected by varieties and fertilizer levels. Heavy metal concentration was found in wheat grain, but these were within the permissible limit.

Yields, nutrient-use efficiencies and production economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by foliar nano urea

The nano fertilizers are becoming popular in crop production sector due to their higher nutrient use efficiency and also enhance the productivity and quality while requiring less input and being environmentally safe. In order to assess the effect of foliar application of nano urea on growth and yield performances of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and to evaluate nitrogen-use efficiency under integrated use of nano urea, this study was undertaken during the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized block design (RBD) having 13 treatments consisting of foliar application of water, nano urea (once at tillering and twice at tillering and jointing) and 5% urea in combination with each of 50,75 and 100% of recommended nitrogen doses (RDN) along with a control (without N), and each treatment was replicated thrice. It was observed that foliar application of nano urea (0.4%) twice at tillering and jointing stages with 100% (RDN 5,759 kg/ha) was statistically at par with 100% RDN + 5% foliar spray of urea twice at tillering and jointing stage (5,985 kg/ha) in terms of grain yield, the latter being the highest yielder. Foliar application of either urea or nano urea by curtailing 25-50% RDN did not brought about superior growth and yield performances. Under each level of RDN (100%, 75% and 50%), foliar application of 5% urea was a bit superior to nano urea, though the difference was not statistically significant. However, nano urea reflected higher nitrogen-use efficiency under all levels RDN; partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency (ANUE) values be- ing the highest under 50% RDN along with two spraying of nano urea (56.76 and 24.50 kg grain/kg N). The treat- ment comprising 100% RDN+ 5% spray of urea at tillering and jointing stages resulted in the highest net return (69608 `/ha) and B: C ratio (2.58), closely followed by the treatment comprising nano urea application twice (gross return, net return and B: C ratio of 109,426 `/ha, 63,748 `/ha and 2.40, respectively) with 100% RDN, being statis- tically at par with each other. It can be concluded from this two-year trial that only foliar application of nano urea by curtailing soil nitrogen application to 25-50% resulted in reduced yield performances of wheat; nano urea had pro- motive effects on yields when it was applied along with 100% RDN.

Efisiensi desalinasi air laut dengan menggunakan konsentrasi reflektor parabolik

Water is very important for the life of living things, many countries in the world are experiencing a clean water crisis. The total global water reserve is less than 1.4 billion km3, of which about 97.5% is in the oceans and the remaining 2.5% is fresh water contained in the atmosphere, ice mountains and groundwater. Desalination is generally the process of removing salt from seawater or saltwater. Desalination of seawater and brackish water can be utilized to increase the availability of clean water. Two types of desalination techniques used can be classified into phase change (heat) and membrane. desalination techniques with phase change processes are processes that utilize changes in a substance under certain temperature conditions. While desalination techniques with membrane processes are processes that focus on filtering a substance accurately. Comparison of desalination efficiency between the three materials in different days is the flanel sheet material, the goni and the combination of flanels and goni. Flanel leaf material has the highest efficiency value on the 1st day with a presentation of 57,71% while the lowest one has a value of 32,24%. Then on the 2nd day the most efficient value is 45,32%, while the least value is 0%. In the first day goni material has a highest efficacy value with a presentation of 34,56%, and a lowest value with 0%. Then the second day trial with the same material has its highest effectiveness value with the presentation of 41,44%, and the lower value with 0%.

Adsorption Capacity and Efficiency of Composite Thin Sheet Made of Chitosan-Activated Carbon on The Adsorption of Methylene Blue

Abstract Methylene blue (MB) is a waste dye produced by textile industries. One way to reduce MB in polluting the environment is using MB adsorbent materials, such as chitosan (CS)-based composites. This research aims to investigate the adsorption capacity and efficiency of chitosan-activated carbon composites (CS-AC), which are in the form of thin sheets, on MB adsorption. The composite was made by manually mixing the chitosan and activated carbon, and then the mixture was poured into a dish and dried at around 50 °C until a dry, thin sheet was formed. The composites were prepared with varying activated carbon mass concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of chitosan mass). The MB adsorption measurements were carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Adsorption capacity and adsorption efficiency increase with increasing activated carbon content, and the composite containing activated carbon mass 100% of chitosan mass shows the highest values, namely 11.51 mg/g and 95.93%, respectively. Furthermore, the values of adsorption capacity and adsorption efficiency are also influenced by the initial MB concentration and mass of the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity increases with increasing initial MB concentration but decreases with increasing adsorbent mass. Adsorption efficiency increases with increasing initial MB concentration and adsorbent mass.

GaAs-based red micro-light-emitting diodes with an oxide perimeter region for improved external quantum efficiency

Red micro-light-emitting diodes (μ-LEDs) with AlGaInP/GaInP multiple quantum wells are fabricated with an oxide perimeter region to control the current injection path. When the values of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the 30 μm-size μ-LED with the oxide perimeter region are compared with those of the device without the oxide perimeter region, an improvement as high as 40% is observed at current densities &amp;lt;80 A/cm2. From the finite-difference time-domain simulation of the light-extraction efficiency (LEE), which shows that the LEE of the device with the oxide perimeter region is ∼12% smaller than that of the device without the oxide perimeter region, it can be seen that the increased EQE is attributed to the improvement of the internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Since the oxide perimeter region limits the current paths to the sidewalls of the μ-LED chips, the nonradiative recombination via sidewall defects is considered suppressed, resulting in the improvement of the IQE. The oxidation of the AlGaAs layer utilized in this work is easy to implement and accurately controllable, suitable for mass-production of high-efficiency red μ-LEDs for display applications.

Relationship of Forearm-Hand Inertia With Throwing Motion Patterns and Elbow Valgus Load in Adolescent Baseball Players

Background: Growth-specific physical characteristics in adolescence may mediate throwing-related loads and movement patterns associated with elbow injuries. In a previous study, the authors calculated the forearm-hand inertia, which is the moment of inertia centered at the elbow joint. Purpose: To determine the relationship of forearm-hand inertia values with throwing motion patterns and elbow valgus load in adolescent baseball players. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 35 adolescent baseball players underwent measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and a throwing trial. Forearm-hand inertia was determined as the joint moment around the elbow using the subregion analysis mode of DXA. Elbow valgus torque and ball speed during throwing were measured using a dedicated sensor and speed gun, and throwing efficiency was calculated by dividing the elbow valgus load by the ball speed. Players were divided according to the throwing motion pattern in which maximum acceleration occurred: pelvis–upper arm–forearm (proximal-to-distal sequencing [PDS] group; n = 19) or pelvis-forearm–upper arm (proximal upper extremity [PUE] group; n = 16). The groups were compared in terms of ball speed, elbow valgus torque, throwing efficiency, and forearm-hand inertia using t tests and analysis of covariance, with forearm-hand inertia as covariates. The chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between throwing motion patterns and forearm-hand inertia. Results: The PUE group had a higher elbow valgus load (effect size [ES] = 0.65; P = .03), throwing efficiency (ES = 0.63; P = .02), and forearm-hand inertia values (ES = 0.64; P = .04) than the PDS group. In addition, a significant relationship was observed with throwing patterns when forearm-hand inertia values were 350 kg·m2 (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.09-5.12; P = .012) and 400 kg·m2 (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.99-2.85; P = .037). Conclusion: Study results indicated that growth-specific physical characteristics in adolescent baseball players exhibited in forearm-hand inertia mediated the relationship between high elbow valgus and poor throwing efficiency caused by poor throwing motion patterns. Clinical Relevance: A better understanding of the details in muscle function with throwing mechanics may prevent future injuries.

A novel urban flood risk assessment framework based on refined numerical simulation technology

Due to urbanization and climate change, urban areas are becoming more susceptible to flooding, posing significant risks to human life and property. Numerical simulation techniques can provide valuable support in mitigating urban flood risks. The objective of this study is to establish a novel framework for flood risk assessment based on refined urban flood simulations. To achieve refined urban flood simulations, the Torricelli’s law is incorporated into a two-dimensional fluid dynamics model, and a numerical analysis model is developed to estimate the inundation within buildings and accurately simulate the entire inundation process. The model was used to reproduce a real flood event in Omihachiman City, Japan, with the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.6488 and 0.7182, demonstrating the credibility of the model. Based on the simulation results, the hydrological causes of the flood event were analyzed, and flood prevention measures were proposed. After implementing these measures, the maximum water depths at the study area were reduced to 0.14 m, 0.62 m, and 0.12 m, respectively, proving the effectiveness of the flood prevention measures. To address the issue of inundation depth not fully reflecting flood risk, the instability of human bodies in floodwaters is conducted to evaluate flood risk for adults and children in the target area. In response to increasingly frequent extreme rainfall events, the extreme precipitation events of three different return periods (10-year, 50-year, and 100-year) are used to assess the flood risk and the effectiveness of flood prevention measures. Based on the assessment results, the flood prevention measures not only reduced the flood risk levels but also decreased the flood risk area, further confirming their effectiveness.

Nanostructure-dependent colouration efficiency of electrochromic coatings using 0D, 1D, and 2D WO3 for smart windows

Towards the development of highly efficient electrochromic coatings, the crystallinity, morphology (e.g. size and shape) of electrochromic nanomaterials, and their charge insertion capacities play a significant role. Herein, we report the structure-dependent colouration effciency in electrochromic coatings based on the use of 0D, 1D and 2D tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanostructures. A series of WO3 with different nanostructures were prepared and used as working electrodes to fabricate electrochromic devices for smart windows applications. Facile spray coating was applied on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate to make ∼70 ​% transparent working electrodes to investigate their charge insertion capacities, electrochromic active surface area, and colouration efficiency. Results showed that the 2D WO3 nanoflakes displayed the highest diffusion coefficient for the intercalation of 1.52 ​× ​10 −10 ​cm2/s with an increased electrochemical active surface area of 25.10 ​mF/cm2, a large modulation of optical reflectance (42.63 ​%) with 3.79 ​s shorter response time for bleaching and a greater colouration efficiency (CE) value (89.29 ​cm2/C) at 700 ​nm compared to the CE value for 1D WO3 (of 22 ​cm2/C) and 0D WO3 (8 ​cm2/C). The outcome of this study provides a new insight and valuable contribution to design an efficient electrochromic coating by controlling and optimising the nanostructures of selective electrochromic materials.

Discovery of 4-(isopentyloxy)-3-nitrobenzamide derivatives as xanthine oxidase inhibitors through a non-anthraquinone exploration.

In our previous study, we reported a series of N-(9,10-anthraquinone-2-carbonyl) amino acid derivatives as novel inhibitors of xanthine oxidase (XO). Recognizing the suboptimal drug-like properties associated with the anthraquinone moiety, we embarked on a nonanthraquinone medicinal chemistry exploration in the current investigation. Through systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, we identified a series of 4-(isopentyloxy)-3-nitrobenzamide derivatives exhibiting excellent in vitro potency against XO. The optimized compound, 4-isopentyloxy-N-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-3-nitrobenzamide (6k), demonstrated exceptional in vitro potency with an IC50 value of 0.13 μM. Compound 6k showed favorable drug-like characteristics with ligand efficiency (LE) and lipophilic ligand efficiency (LLE) values of 0.41 and 3.73, respectively. In comparison to the initial compound 1d, 6k exhibited a substantial 24-fold improvement in IC50, along with a 1.6-fold enhancement in LE and a 3.7-fold increase in LLE. Molecular modeling studies provided insights into the strong interactions of 6k with critical amino acid residues within the active site. Furthermore, in vivo hypouricemic investigations convincingly demonstrated that 6k significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in rats. The MTT results revealed that compound 6k is nontoxic to healthy cells. The gastric and intestinal stability assay demonstrated that compound 6k exhibits good stability in the gastric and intestinal environments. In conclusion, compound 6k emerges as a promising lead compound, showcasing both exceptional in vitro potency and favorable drug-like characteristics, thereby warranting further exploration.

Nanostructured bismuth phosphate-based asymmetric supercapacitor: electrochemical evaluation and oscillator application

Phosphate-based materials have received significant attention for various applications. In supercapacitors, metal phosphates exhibit high capacitance and superior rate performance. In this work, a wet chemical route was applied for the fabrication of aniline stabilized monoclinic bismuth phosphate (BPO) particles within the size range of 4–10 nm. The synthesized material was utilized as an active component for the application of a supercapacitor. The performances of the material were examined on a nickel foam for a three-electrode electrochemical cell. The material showed the maximum specific capacitance (CSP\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${C}_{SP}$$\\end{document}) value of 255 F.g−1 at the current density (CD) of 2 A.g−1. Further, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was fabricated with BPO and single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as negative and positive electrodes, respectively, which delivered a specific capacity (Qs)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(Qs)$$\\end{document} value of 1462 mAh.g−1 under the CD of 0.4 A.g−1 with the energy density (ED) and power density (PD) values of 2.2 Wh.kg−1 and 0.68 kW.kg−1, respectively. The device exhibited capacity retention and coulombic efficiency (CE) values of 84 and 95% at 0.9 A.g−1 for 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) cycles. The ASC device generated a low-frequency waveform and has the potential to function as an oscillator.