Modeling and multi-objective optimal control of reaction-diffusion COVID-19 system due to vaccination and patient isolation.

In this paper, a reaction-diffusion COVID-19 model is proposed to explore how vaccination-isolation strategies affect the development of the epidemic. First, the basic dynamical properties of the system are explored. Then, the system's asymptotic distributions of endemic equilibrium under different conditions are studied. Further, the global sensitivity analysis of R 0 is implemented with the aim of determining the sensitivity for these parameters. In addition, the optimal vaccination-isolation strategy based on the optimal path is proposed. Meantime, social cost C ( m , σ ) , social benefit B ( m , σ ) , threshold R 0 ( m , σ ) three objective optimization problem based on vaccination-isolation strategy is explored, and the maximum social cost ( M S C ) and maximum social benefit ( M S B ) are obtained. Finally, the instance prediction of the Lhasa epidemic in China on August 7, 2022, is made by using the piecewise infection rates ß 1 ( t ) , ß 2 ( t ) , and some key indicators are obtained as follows: (1) The basic reproduction numbers of each stage in Lhasa, China are R 0 ( 1 : 8 ) = 0.4678 , R 0 ( 9 : 20 ) = 2.7655 , R 0 ( 21 : 30 ) = 0.3810 and R 0 ( 31 : 100 ) = 0.7819 ; (2) The daily new cases of this epidemic will peak at 43 on the 20th day (August 26, 2022); (3) The cumulative cases in Lhasa, China will reach about 640 and be cleared about the 80th day (October 28, 2022). Our research will contribute to winning the war on epidemic prevention and control.

Dynamics and strategies evaluations of a novel reaction-diffusion COVID-19 model with direct and aerosol transmission.

The COVID-19 epidemic has infected millions of people and cast a shadow over the global economic recovery. To explore the epidemic's transmission law and provide theoretical guidance for epidemic prevention and control. In this paper, we investigate a novel SEIR-A reaction-diffusion COVID-19 system with direct and aerosol transmission. First, the solution's positivity and boundedness for the system are discussed. Then, the system's the basic reproduction number is defined. Further, the uniform persistence of disease when R 0 > 1 is explored. In addition, the system equilibrium's global stability based on R 0 is demonstrated. Next, the system's NSFD scheme is investigated and the discrete system's positivity, boundedness, and global properties are studied. Meantime, global sensitivity analysis on threshold R 0 is investigated. Interestingly, the effects of three strategies, including vaccination, receiving treatment, and wearing a mask, are evaluated numerically. The results suggest that the above three strategies can effectively control the peak and final scale of infection and shorten the duration of the epidemic. Finally, theoretical simulations and instance predictions are used to give several key indicators of the epidemic, including threshold R 0 , peak, time to peak, time to clear cases, and final size. The instance prediction results are as follows: (1) The basic reproduction numbers of Yangzhou and Putian in China are R 0 = 2.5107 and R 0 = 1.8846 , respectively. (2) This epidemic round in Yangzhou will peak at 56 new daily confirmed cases on the 9th day (August 5), and Putian will peat at 37 new daily confirmed cases on the 6th day (September 15). (3) The final scale of infections in Yangzhou and Putian reached 570 and 205 cases, respectively. (4) The Yangzhou epidemic is expected to be completely cleared on the 25th day (August 21). In addition, the Putian epidemic will continue for 15 days and be cleared on September 24. The analysis results mean that we should improve our immunity by actively vaccinating, reducing the possibility of aerosol transmission by wearing masks. In particular, people should maintain proper social distance, and the government should strengthen medical investment and COVID-19 project research.

Stationary distribution and probability density function of a stochastic SVIS epidemic model with standard incidence and vaccination strategies.

Considering the great effect of vaccination and the unpredictability of environmental variations in nature, a stochastic Susceptible-Vaccinated-Infected-Susceptible (SVIS) epidemic model with standard incidence and vaccination strategies is the focus of the present study. By constructing a series of appropriate Lyapunov functions, the sufficient criterion R 0 s > 1 is obtained for the existence and uniqueness of the ergodic stationary distribution of the model. In epidemiology, the existence of a stationary distribution indicates that the disease will be persistent in a long term. By taking the stochasticity into account, a quasi-endemic equilibrium related to the endemic equilibrium of the deterministic system is defined. By means of the method developed in solving the general three-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation, the exact expression of the probability density function of the stochastic model around the quasi-endemic equilibrium is derived, which is the key aim of the present paper. In statistical significance, the explicit density function can reflect all dynamical properties of an epidemic system. Next, a simple result of disease extinction is obtained. In addition, several numerical simulations and parameter analyses are performed to illustrate the theoretical results. Finally, the corresponding results and conclusions are discussed at the end of the paper.

Stationary distribution and density function expression for a stochastic SIQRS epidemic model with temporary immunity.

Recently, considering the temporary immunity of individuals who have recovered from certain infectious diseases, Liu et al. (Phys A Stat Mech Appl 551:124152, 2020) proposed and studied a stochastic susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible model with logistic growth. For a more realistic situation, the effects of quarantine strategies and stochasticity should be taken into account. Hence, our paper focuses on a stochastic susceptible-infected-quarantined-recovered-susceptible epidemic model with temporary immunity. First, by means of the Khas'minskii theory and Lyapunov function approach, we construct a critical value R 0 S corresponding to the basic reproduction number R 0 of the deterministic system. Moreover, we prove that there is a unique ergodic stationary distribution if R 0 S > 1 . Focusing on the results of Zhou et al. (Chaos Soliton Fractals 137:109865, 2020), we develop some suitable solving theories for the general four-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation. The key aim of the present study is to obtain the explicit density function expression of the stationary distribution under R 0 S > 1 . It should be noted that the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution together with the unique exact probability density function can reveal all the dynamical properties of disease persistence in both epidemiological and statistical aspects. Next, some numerical simulations together with parameter analyses are shown to support our theoretical results. Last, through comparison with other articles, results are discussed and the main conclusions are highlighted.

Entropy Generation Analysis of Hybrid Nanomaterial through Porous Space with Variable Characteristics.

Salient features of hybrid nanofluid (MoS2-SiO2/water) for Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkman porous space with variable characteristics is examined. Heat transfer analysis subject to viscous dissipation, nonlinear thermal radiation, and heat generation/absorption is carried out. Disturbance inflow is created by an exponentially stretching curved sheet. Relevant equations are simplified by employing boundary layer theory. Adequate transformations lead to a set of dimensionless equations. Velocity, temperature, and entropy generation rate are analyzed graphically. Comparative results are obtained for hybrid (MoS2-SiO2/water) and nanofluid (MoS2-water and SiO2-water). Physical quantities are analyzed through numerical data.

High Performance Quasi-2D Perovskite Sky-Blue Light-Emitting Diodes Using a Dual-Ligand Strategy.

For quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes, the introduction of insulating bulky cation reduces the charge transport property, leading to lowered brightness and increased turn-on voltage. Herein, a dual-ligand strategy is adopted to prepare perovskite films by using an appropriate ratio of i-butylammonium (iBA) and phenylethylammonium (PEA) as capping ligands. The introduction of iBA enhances the binding energy of the ligands on the surface of the quasi-2D perovskite, and effectively controls the proportion of 2D perovskite to allow more efficient energy transfer, resulting in the great enhancement of the electric and luminescent properties of the perovskite. The photoluminescence (PL) mapping of the perovskite films exhibits that enhanced photoluminescence performance with better uniformity and stronger intensity can be achieved with this dual-ligand strategy. By adjusting the proportion of the two ligands, sky-blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with electroluminescence (EL) peak located 485 nm are achieved with a maximum luminance up to 1130 cd m-2 and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 7.84%. In addition, the color stability and device stability are significantly enhanced by using a dual-ligand strategy. This simple and feasible method paves the way for improving the performance of quasi-2D PeLEDs.

Colloidal Behaviors of Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide in Natural Surface Waters: The Role of Solution Chemistry.

Although two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx MXene) has emerged as a shining star material in various communities, its environmental behaviors and fate remain unknown. Herein, the colloidal properties and stability of Ti3C2Tx MXene are explored in aquatic systems for the first time, considering the roles of solution chemistry conditions (e.g., pH, ionic types, and strength). It was found that pH had no effect on the stability of Ti3C2Tx in the range of 5.0-11.0, whereas ionic valence and concentrations displayed significant effects on the aggregation behavior of Ti3C2Tx. By employing time-resolved dynamic light scattering measurements, the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) value of Ti3C2Tx was determined to be 12 mM for NaCl. The divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ exhibited higher destabilizing capacity to Ti3C2Tx, as evidenced by the lower CCC values (0.3 and 0.4 mM for CaCl2 and MgCl2, respectively) and faster coagulation rates. Long-term stability studies implied that Ti3C2Tx MXene was less likely to be transported over long distances in the synthetic or natural waters. These findings provided significant insights into the fate and transport of Ti3C2Tx in the aquatic environment.

The enhanced photodegradation of bisphenol A by TiO2/C3N4 composites.

A new photocatalyst of TiO2/C3N4 composite (TiO2/g-C3N4) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The characterization showed that TiO2/g-C3N4 extended absorption light range and enhanced generation efficiency of photo-induced electron. Under the simulated solar irradiation, the photodegradation rate of bisphenol A (BPA) by TiO2/g-C3N4 was twice as fast as that of g-C3N4. Furthermore, TiO2/g-C3N4 presented the good stability and excellent selectivity for BPA degradation. The high degradation rate of BPA by TiO2/g-C3N4 was demonstrated to be superoxide radical (·O2-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) by radical quenching experiment, which was further evidenced by EPR, XPS, DRS and PL analysis. These findings revealed that TiO2/g-C3N4 can be used as a potential photocatalyst for removing organic pollutants in actual environmental remediation.

Stationary distribution and extinction of a stochastic staged progression AIDS model with staged treatment and second-order perturbation.

Focusing on deterministic AIDS model proposed by Hyman (2000) and the detailed data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are three stages of AIDS process which are described as Acute infection period, Asymptomatic phase and AIDS stage. Our paper is therefore concerned with a stochastic staged progression AIDS model with staged treatment. In view of the complexity of random disturbances, we reasonably take second-order perturbation into consideration for realistic sense. By means of our creative transformation technique and stochastic Lyapunov method, a critical value R 0 H > 1 is firstly obtained for the existence and uniqueness of ergodic stationary distribution to the stochastic system. Not only does it respectively reveal the corresponding dynamical effects of the linear and second-order perturbations to the model, but the unified form of second-order and linear fluctuations is derived. Next, some sufficient conditions about extinction of stochastic system are established in view of the basic reproduction number R 0 . Finally, some examples and numerical simulations are introduced to illustrate our analytical results. In addition, some advantages of our new method and theory are highlighted by comparison with other existing results at the end of this paper.

Dynamical behavior of a higher order stochastically perturbed SIRI epidemic model with relapse and media coverage.

This paper is intended to explore a higher order stochastically perturbed SIRI epidemic model with relapse and media coverage. Firstly, we derive sufficient criteria for the existence and uniqueness of an ergodic stationary distribution of positive solutions to the system by establishing a suitable stochastic Lyapunov function. Then we obtain adequate conditions for complete eradication and wiping out of the infectious disease. In a biological interpretation, the existence of a stationary distribution implies that the disease will prevail and persist in the long term. Finally, the theoretical results are illustrated by computer simulations, including two examples based on real-life disease.

Characterization of Marangoni Forced Convection in Casson Nanoliquid Flow with Joule Heating and Irreversibility.

The Marangoni forced convective inclined magnetohydrodynamic flow is examined. Marangoni forced convection depends on the differences in surface pressure computed by magnetic field, temperature, and concentration gradient. Casson nanoliquid flow by an infinite disk is considered. Viscous dissipation, heat flux, and Joule heating are addressed in energy expressions. Thermophoresis and Brownian motion are also examined. Entropy generation is computed. The physical characteristics of entropy optimization with Arrhenius activation energy are discussed. Nonlinear PDE's are reduced to highly nonlinear ordinary systems with appropriate transformations. A nonlinear system is numerically computed by the NDSolve technique. The salient characteristics of velocity, temperature, concentration, entropy generation, and Bejan number are explained. The computational results of the heat-transfer rate and concentration gradient are examined through tables. Velocity and temperature have reverse effects for the higher approximation of the Marangoni number. Velocity is a decreasing function of the Casson fluid parameter. Temperature is enhanced for higher radiation during reverse hold for concentration against the Marangoni number. The Bejan number and entropy generation have similar effects for Casson fluid and radiation parameters. For a higher estimation of the Brinkman number, the entropy optimization is augmented.

Convincing Synthesis of Atomically Thin, Single-Crystalline InVO4 Sheets toward Promoting Highly Selective and Efficient Solar Conversion of CO2 into CO.

Atomically thin, single-crystalline InVO4 sheets with the uniform thickness of ∼1.5 nm were convincingly synthesized, which was identified with strong, low-angle X-ray diffraction peaks. The InVO4 atomic layer corresponding to 3 unit cells along [110] orientation exhibits highly selective and efficient photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CO in the presence of water vapor. Surface potential change measurement and liquid photoluminescence decay spectra confirm that the atomically ultrathin structure can shorten the transfer distance of charge carriers from the interior onto the surface and decrease the recombination in body. It thus allows more electrons to survive and accumulate on the surface, which is beneficial for activation and reduction of CO2. In addition, exclusively exposed {110} facet of the InVO4 atomic layer was found to bind the generating CO weakly, facilitating quick desorption from the catalyst surface to form free CO molecules, which provides an ideal platform to catalytically selective CO product.

Structural Evolution and Compositional Modulation of ZIF-8-Derived Hybrids Comprised of Metallic Ni Nanoparticles and Silica as Interlayer.

Great efforts on metal-organic framework (MOF) derived nanostructures have been devoted to modulating the compositional and structural complexities to enhance performance in various applications. However, a facile method that can simultaneously manipulate the structures of the MOF-derived material and the chemical component remains a considerable challenge. Here we report a facile strategy to use the polyhedral ZIF-8 as a precursor for synthesizing ZIF-8-derived hybrids with different components and morphologies. The synthesis involves the preparation of ZIF-8 MOF templates and sequential covering of the ZIF-8 with a interlayer of silica and then polydopamine-Ni2+ (PDA-Ni2+) and carbonizing at different high temperatures under a nitrogen atmosphere, finally leading to ZIF-8-derived hybrids with different components and structures. In the whole process, the preliminary ZIF-8 precursor play a crucial role in the morphology and structure of the final carbonized products, which can be considered as templates for silica coating and precursors of N-doped carbon layer and Zn species. We also found that the SiO2 interlayer coating is a crucial procedure for the formation of yolk-shell structured ZIF-8@SiO2@PDA-Ni2+ composites. Owing to the uniformly distributed Ni NPs and unique structures of the composites, the as-prepared Ni-based composites show high performance in the catalysis of 4-nitrophenol as well as enrichment of histidine-rich proteins. In addition, this proposed strategy for the controllable design and synthesis of ZIF-8-derived nanocomposites paves a new way in developing superior active materials in energy storage conversion etc.

Space-confined pyrolysis for fabrication of peacods-like Fe3O4@C-Ni nanostructures for catalysis and protein adsorption.

A unique nanostructure of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs)-in/carbon layer/out-Ni NPs was developed and proved to be an efficient catalyst and protein adsorbent. This kind of nanostructure was formed through a space-confined pyrolysis procedure using polydopamine-Ni2+ coated Fe-NTA nanowires as the precursor. A N-doped carbon interlayer derived from polydopamine (PDA) supported a large amount of Ni NPs and entrapped well-defined Fe3O4 NPs, which were obtained through reduction of Ni2+, Fe3+ by carbonized NTA groups and a PDA layer. The contributions of the unique configuration along with the high density of Ni NPs in Fe3O4@C-Ni are significant for improving catalysis and protein adsorption performance, which is expected to be a promising alternative to other conventional catalysts and protein adsorbents. Due to the unique novel nanostructure, this nanocomposite possesses a wide range of applications, not only for catalytic reactions but also for other inhomogeneous reactions.

Metal-organic framework-based materials: superior adsorbents for the capture of toxic and radioactive metal ions.

Highly efficient removal of metal ion pollutants, such as toxic and nuclear waste-related metal ions, remains a serious task from the biological and environmental standpoint because of their harmful effects on human health and the environment. Recently, highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with excellent chemical stability and abundant functional groups, have represented a new addition to the area of capturing various types of hazardous metal ion pollutants. This review focuses on recent progress in reported MOFs and MOF-based composites as superior adsorbents for the efficient removal of toxic and nuclear waste-related metal ions. Aspects related to the interaction mechanisms between metal ions and MOF-based materials are systematically summarized, including macroscopic batch experiments, microscopic spectroscopy analysis, and theoretical calculations. The adsorption properties of various MOF-based materials are assessed and compared with those of other widely used adsorbents. Finally, we propose our personal insights into future research opportunities and challenges in the hope of stimulating more researchers to engage in this new field of MOF-based materials for environmental pollution management.

A Giga-Stable Oscillator with Hidden and Self-Excited Attractors: A Megastable Oscillator Forced by His Twin.

In this paper, inspired by a newly proposed two-dimensional nonlinear oscillator with an infinite number of coexisting attractors, a modified nonlinear oscillator is proposed. The original system has an exciting feature of having layer-layer coexisting attractors. One of these attractors is self-excited while the rest are hidden. By forcing this system with its twin, a new four-dimensional nonlinear system is obtained which has an infinite number of coexisting torus attractors, strange attractors, and limit cycle attractors. The entropy, energy, and homogeneity of attractors' images and their basin of attractions are calculated and reported, which showed an increase in the complexity of attractors when changing the bifurcation parameters.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron/magnetite carbon composites for highly efficient immobilization of U(VI).

Nanoscale zerovalent iron/magnetic carbon (NZVI/MC) composites were successfully synthesized by simply calcining yellow pine and iron precursors. NZVI/MC pyrolyzed at 800°C (NZVI/MC800) had a higher percentage of NZVI and displayed better resistance to aggregation and oxidation of NZVI than samples prepared at other temperatures. The NZVI/MC800 material was applied for the elimination of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. The results suggested that the NZVI/MC800 displayed excellent adsorption capacity (203.94 mg/g) toward U(VI). The significant adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics were attributed to the presence of well-dispersed NZVI, which could quickly reduce U(VI) into U(IV), trapping the guest U(IV) in the porous biocarbon matrix. The removal of U(VI) on the NZVI/MC samples was strongly affected by solution pH. The NZVI/MC samples also displayed outstanding reusability for U(VI) removal after multiple cycles. These findings indicate that NZVI/MC has great potential for remediation of wastewater containing U(VI).

Exploring the Aggregation Mechanism of Graphene Oxide in the Presence of Radioactive Elements: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

In this study, the aggregation kinetics, aggregate morphology, and aggregation mechanisms of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of Cs+, Sr2+, UO22+, Eu3+, or Th4+ are characterized by using time-resolved dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM)-element mapping, redispersion of GO aggregates, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The destabilization capability of Cs+, Sr2+, UO22+, Eu3+, and Th4+ and the corresponding values of the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) are obtained for the first time. Polyacrylic acid is used as a dispersant to investigate the reversion of GO aggregates induced by various radioactive elements. The combined results of the poly(acrylic acid) effect and TEM-element mapping show that Cs+ induces the aggregation of GO through electric double-layer suppression and weak binding with oxygen-containing functional groups. By employing DFT calculations, we find that the electrostatic potential distribution and the charge transfer rather than coordination with oxygen-containing functional groups control the destabilizing ability of radioactive elements with a higher valence. A comprehensive process of experimental and theoretical studies is considered to better elucidate the colloidal behavior, self-assembly process, application as a novel adsorbent, and environmental risks of GO.

Broadening the Photoresponse to Near-Infrared Region by Cooperating Fullerene and Nonfullerene Acceptors for High Performance Ternary Polymer Solar Cells.

Ternary polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on multiple materials with level matching and complementary absorptions are regarded as an efficient way to overcome the light-harvesting restriction to surpass high-performance binary PSCs. This study introduces the third component, nonfullerene acceptor IEICO, into binary PSC-based PBDTBDD:PC71 BM to fabricate ternary PSC with one donor and two acceptors. By carefully tuning the third component ratio and cathode engineering, the resulting ternary PSC shows a power conversion efficiency of 10.51%, greatly improved in comparison with binary PSCs-based PBDTBDD:PC71 BM (7.86%) and PBDTBDD:IEICO (5.19%). In addition to extended light absorption, the third component IEICO could accelerate charge-carrier transfer, decrease charge recombination, and increase electron collection, resulting from cascade energy levels, and ameliorate the device morphology to increase the contact area of the active layer and cathode buffer layer. This work demonstrates that ternary PSC incorporated with IEICO is a promising structure for producing high performance PSCs.

Low-temperature solution-processed vanadium oxide as hole transport layer for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

In recent years, great progress has been achieved in improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs), but the stability of PSCs is still an obstacle in their commercialization due to the limitation of efficient and stable hole transport materials. Herein, we demonstrate an alcohol-solution-based low-temperature-processed vanadium oxide (VOx) hole transport layer (HTL) for planar heterojunction PSCs. The good crystallinity and morphology of CH3NH3PbI3 grown on this amorphous VOx film is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Due to the suitable and matching energy levels of VOx and CH3NH3PbI3, the holes generated in CH3NH3PbI3 can efficiently transfer to VOx HTL. Furthermore, VOx-HTL-based PSCs yield a PCE value of 14.5% with better stability in comparison with PEDOT:PSS-HTL-based PSCs. These results reveal that the low-temperature-processed VOx films can be employed as the HTL for efficient and stable PSCs.