Research on characteristics of noise-perturbed M–J sets based on equipotential point algorithm

AbstractAs the classical ones among the fractal sets, Julia set (abbreviated as J set) and Mandelbrot set (abbreviated as M set) have been explored widely in recent years. In this study, J set and M set under additive noise perturbation and multiplicative noise perturbation are created by equipotential point algorithm. Changes of the J set and M set under random noise perturbation as well as the close correlation between them are studied. Experimental results show that either additive noise perturbation or multiplicative noise perturbation may cause dramatic changes on J set. On the other hand, when the M set is perturbed by additive noise, it almost changes nothing but its position; when the M set is perturbed by multiplicative noise, its inner structures change with the stabilized areas shrinking, but it keeps the symmetry with respect to X axis. In addition, the J set and the M set still share the same stabilized periodic point in spite of noise perturbation

Single-atom tailoring of platinum nanocatalysts for high-performance multifunctional electrocatalysis

Platinum-based nanocatalysts play a crucial role in various electrocatalytic systems that are important for renewable, clean energy conversion, storage and utilization. However, the scarcity and high cost of Pt seriously limit the practical application of these catalysts. Decorating Pt catalysts with other transition metals offers an effective pathway to tailor their catalytic properties, but often at the sacrifice of the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Here we report a single-atom tailoring strategy to boost the activity of Pt nanocatalysts with minimal loss in surface active sites. By starting with PtNi alloy nanowires and using a partial electrochemical dealloying approach, we create single-nickel-atom-modified Pt nanowires with an optimum combination of specific activity and ECSA for the hydrogen evolution, methanol oxidation and ethanol oxidation reactions. The single-atom tailoring approach offers an effective strategy to optimize the activity of surface Pt atoms and enhance the mass activity for diverse reactions, opening a general pathway to the design of highly efficient and durable precious metal-based catalysts

Single-atom tailoring of platinum nanocatalysts for high-performance multifunctional electrocatalysis

Platinum-based nanocatalysts play a crucial role in various electrocatalytic systems that are important for renewable, clean energy conversion, storage and utilization. However, the scarcity and high cost of Pt seriously limit the practical application of these catalysts. Decorating Pt catalysts with other transition metals offers an effective pathway to tailor their catalytic properties, but often at the sacrifice of the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Here we report a single-atom tailoring strategy to boost the activity of Pt nanocatalysts with minimal loss in surface active sites. By starting with PtNi alloy nanowires and using a partial electrochemical dealloying approach, we create single-nickel-atom-modified Pt nanowires with an optimum combination of specific activity and ECSA for the hydrogen evolution, methanol oxidation and ethanol oxidation reactions. The single-atom tailoring approach offers an effective strategy to optimize the activity of surface Pt atoms and enhance the mass activity for diverse reactions, opening a general pathway to the design of highly efficient and durable precious metal-based catalysts

Structure, Properties, and Preparation of MXene and the Application of Its Composites in Supercapacitors

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) are emerging members of the two-dimensional material family, obtained by removing the A layer of the MAX phase through methods such as liquid-phase etching. This article summarizes the structure and properties of MXenes, as well as several preparation methods, including etching with hydrofluoric acid and fluoride salts, alkali-based etching, electrochemical etching, Lewis acid molten salt etching, and direct synthesis. Due to their unique two-dimensional structure and surface chemistry, MXenes exhibit good metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, excellent flexibility, and ion intercalation properties, showing great potential in the research and application of supercapacitors and attracting widespread attention. The combination of MXene with other types of materials, including polymers, metal hydroxides, metal oxides, and carbon materials, takes advantage of composites to improve energy storage performance and shows great potential in the research and application of supercapacitors. This article provides a detailed summary of MXene composite materials and capacitor performance and introduces the research progress of MXene materials in the field of supercapacitor energy storage applications, aiming to provide references for the preparation of high-performance MXene supercapacitor electrode materials

Improvement of phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard by sulfur treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil

The phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) on the cadmium-contaminated soil was investigated under the treatment of sulfur (15, 30 and 60 g/kg soil). The effects of the sulfur treatment were evaluated by measuring the biomass and root vitality of the plants, enzymatic activities, and the content of malondialdehyde and Cd. The results show that the biomass and root vitality of the plants were significantly increased, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were improved when the soil was treated with 30 g sulfur /kg soil, while the activities of peroxidase and malondialdehyde were decreased. The total Cd in the plants treated with 15 g/kg soil was 2.8 times higher than that in the control plants. In summary, the results indicate that the addition of sulfur could promote the growth of Indian mustard and promote the uptake of Cd. As such, the treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil with sulfur can be used as a strategy for the removal of cadmium contamination by improving the phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard

Insights into the Fungal Community and Functional Roles of Pepper Rhizosphere Soil under Plastic Shed Cultivation

The rhizosphere fungal community is essential for determining plant health and improving crop productivity. The fungal community structure and functional roles in the plastic shed soils were explored using high throughput sequencing and FUNGuild in this study. The fungal community structures shifted between the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The greatest abundance variation was observed for the rare fungal members with relative abundances <0.1%. In the rhizosphere soil of pepper, the abundance of the genera Purpureocillium, Metacorgyceps, Arthrobotrys, Cephalotheca, and Scedosporium increased significantly, among which, Purpureocillium, Arthrobotrys and Metacorgyceps exhibited biocontrol characteristics. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed different interactions of fungal communities in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, both of which were dominated by low abundance members. More positive correlation was identified among the rare members, the fungal pathotroph functions and phthalate acid ester in the rhizosphere soil. This study highlights the important niche of the rare fungal members in soil microbial ecology under plastic shed cultivation

Microbial Community Structure of Arsenic-Bearing Groundwater Environment in the Riverbank Filtration Zone

Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is a global public health problem. Microorganisms have a great effect on the migration and transformation of arsenic. Studying the effect of microbial community structure and function on arsenic release in the groundwater environment of the riverbank filtration zone has important theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, in-situ monitoring technology and molecular biology technology were used to study the microbial community in the process of river water infiltration in the Shenyang Huangjia water source, China. The results showed that the structure, diversity and abundance of the microbial community in groundwater were closely related to the arsenic content. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in groundwater of the study area, and Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Sulfuritalea, Sphingomonas and Hydrogenophaga etc. were the main dominant bacterial genera. In addition to reducing and oxidizing arsenic, these functional microorganisms also actively participated in the biogeochemical cycle of elements such as iron, manganese, nitrogen and sulfur. There was a significant correlation between dominant bacteria and environmental factors. Fe/Mn had a significant positive correlation with As, which brought potential danger to the water supply in high iron and manganese areas

Antibacterial Activity and Biocompatibility of Ag-Montmorillonite/Chitosan Colloidal Dressing in a Skin Infection Rat Model: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

(1) Background: Traditional dressings can only superficially cover the wound, they have widespread issues with inadequate bacterial isolation and liquid absorption, and it is simple to inflict secondary wound injury when changing dressings. Therefore, it is crucial for wound healing to develop a new kind of antimicrobial colloidal dressing with good antibacterial, hygroscopic, and biocompatible qualities. (2) Methods: Ag-montmorillonite/chitosan (Ag-MMT/CS) colloid, a new type of antibacterial material, was prepared from two eco-friendly materials—namely, montmorillonite and chitosan—as auxiliary materials, wherein these materials were mixed with the natural metal Ag, which is an antibacterial agent. The optimum preparation technology was explored, and Ag-MMT/CS was characterized. Next, Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common skin infection bacterium, was considered as the experimental strain, and the in vitro antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of the Ag-MMT/CS colloid were investigated through various experiments. Subsequently, a rat skin infection model was established to explore the in vivo antibacterial effect. (3) Results: In vitro studies revealed that the Ag-MMT/CS colloid had a good antibacterial effect on S. aureus, with an inhibition zone diameter of 18 mm and an antibacterial rate of 99.18%. After co-culture with cells for 24 h and 72 h, the cell survival rates were 88% and 94%, respectively. The cells showed normal growth and proliferation, and no evident dead cells were observed under the laser confocal microscope. After applying the colloid to the rat skin infection model, the Ag-MMT/CS treatment group exhibited faster wound healing and better local exudation and absorption in the wound than the control group, suggesting that the Ag-MMT/CS colloid exhibited a better antibacterial effect on the S. aureus. (4) Conclusions: Ag+, chitosan, and MMT present in the Ag-MMT/CS colloid dressing exert synergistic effects, and it has good antibacterial effects, cytocompatibility, and hygroscopicity, indicating that this colloid has the potential to become a next-generation clinical antibacterial dressing

Decoding the enhanced antioxidant activities of the combined small berry pomaces by widely targeted metabolomics analysis

Small berry pomaces (SBPs) are poorly utilized as an inexpensive source of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the impact of compounding treatment on nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of combined SBPs, in comparison with single SBP. The results showed that the amounts of protein, minerals, dietary fiber (DF) and anthocyanidins were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in combined SBPs than in combined fruits. Moreover, the combined SBPs were characterized by an elevated abundance of minerals and anthocyanidins (6 kinds, and 5 kinds, respectively), substantiating the effectiveness of compounding treatment on SBP nutrition. A total of 776 secondary phytochemicals were detected in combined SBPs by a widely targeted metabolomics approach. Each SBP contained approximately 100 kinds of unique natural antioxidants. Furthermore, the combined SBPs group had the highest antioxidant activity compared with single SBP. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activities determined in combined SBPs were higher than arithmetic mean value of single SBP. The synergism and interaction of active components in different sources of SBPs play vital role in the high antioxidant capacity of combined SBPs. All the results provide reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of fruit residues. The SBPs should be highly prized for their substantial amount of nutritional and bioactive constituents, including protein, DF, essential minerals and secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites are positively associated with antioxidant benefits. The present study summarizes the knowledge about bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of combined SBPs group and discusses the relevant mechanisms. A conclusion can be educed that combined process is an effective way to improve properties of the pomaces

Decomposition Analysis of Regional Embodied Carbon Flow and Driving Factors—Taking Shanghai as an Example

Developing localized climate mitigation strategies requires understanding how national consumption drives local carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from a sectoral perspective. Exploring the carbon footprint considering inter-provincial trade is vitally important; however, few studies have explored the production side of embodied carbon emissions and the drivers of embodied carbon. Here, we use the multi-regional input–output model to calculate the flow of embodied carbon between provincial departments on Shanghai’s production side in 2012, 2015, and 2017. We also establish a decomposition method for the embodied carbon index with small data demand. Our results show that from 2012 to 2017, the outflow increased and went to tertiary industries in neighboring and economically developed provinces. Among them, the activity effect drove the increase in carbon emissions, and the technique effect drove the reduction in embodied carbon. Surprisingly, we found that the low efficiency of the energy utilization of metal products and the unreasonable structure of other services increased embodied carbon emissions from 2012 to 2015. Sectors with high exogenous embodied carbon emissions are critical areas in which collaborative mitigation efforts between Shanghai and downstream provinces drive these emissions. Shanghai should avoid falling into the “low-carbon trap” of developing countries. It should continue to adjust its industrial structure and increase the use of low-carbon energy to achieve carbon reduction