Ring Mechanism of Fast Na+Ion Transport in Na2LiFeTeO6: Insight from MolecularDynamics Simulation

Honeycomb layered oxides have attracted recent attention because of their rich crystal chemistry. However, the atomistic mechanisms of cationic transport in these structures remain vastly unexplored. Herein, we perform an extensive, systematic molecular dynamics study on Na2LiFeTeO6 using combined force-field and first-principles-based molecular dynamics simulations. We use are fined set of inter-atomic potential parameters of a previously reported potential model that represents various structural and transport properties of this recently reported promising material for all-solid-state battery applications. The present simulation study elucidates the roles of octahedral ordering and entropic contributions in Na+-ion distribution in the ab-plane. Our theoretical simulation also develops a ring-like atomistic diffusion mechanism and relevant atomistic energy barriers that help to understand the origin of fast ion conduction in honeycomb layered oxides.

CBOL: Cross-Bank Over-Loan Prevention, Revisited

With the development of credit businesses, privacy data leakage and data accuracy in loan transactions among different banks tend to be worrisome issues hindering the prosperity of the industry. To address the problem, we propose a blockchain-based cross-bank over-loan prevention (CBOL-ring) mechanism, which ensures that, on the one hand, the plaintext of loan transactions cannot be access to neither participants on the nodes except the bank that handles loan/repayment requests, so as to prevent the borrower from loaning without revealing their privacy data; on the other hand, the other participants are able to prove the effectiveness of the plaintexts through checking the ciphertexts on the blockchain. In addition, we propose a blockchain-based cross-bank over-loan prevention mechanism with low communication volume (CBOL-bullet), which reduces the size of the range proof generated by the BBCBOLP mechanism, thereby reducing the size of the communication volume and saving resources during the data transmission process. Finally, we analyze the security and performance of the two mechanisms, and compare the communication volume of the two mechanisms.

Moebius strips of chiral block copolymers

The Moebius topology (twisted, single-sided strip) is intriguing because of its structural elegance and distinct properties. Here we report the generation of block copolymer Moebius strips via a fast self-assembly of chiral block copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(D-lactide acid) (PS-b-PDLA) in tetrahydrofuran/water mixed solvents. The Moebius strip is formed by morphological evolution from large compound micelle (LCM) to spindle-like micelle (SLM) and then to toroid with a 180° twist along the ring. Mechanism insight reveals that a subtle balance of crystallization of PDLA and microphase separation between PS and PDLA chains dominates the formation of Moebius strips. An intriguing helix-helix transition occurs during the chiral transfer from microphase to assemblies, which is driven by relaxation of the internal stress within SLM related to orientated stretching of PS chains. Mesoporous chiral channels can be generated within Moebius strips after removal of PDLA, which are interesting in chiral recognition, separation and asymmetric catalysis.

Finite Element Thrust Line Analysis (FETLA) of Axisymmetric Masonry Dome with Meridian Cracks

Many masonry domes in their lower portion are subjected to hoop tensile forces which mostly lead to vertical cracks appearing along the dome's meridian planes. A close inspection of any such dome reveals these hoop tension cracks. The dome stands as a series of arches with common key stone, with cracks as a matter of non-structural consequences. Different strategies have been considered historically to arrest these cracks. The provision of tension ring mechanism adds to the stability of these domes, and hence many masonry domes are retrofitted with the provision of the tension rings using steel and FRP rings. The challenge in such retrofitting will remain to analyze its effect on stability of these masonry domes, more specifically in absence of reliable mechanical properties of such masonry domes. This paper presents a simplified analysis procedure combining thrust line analysis with the finite element analysis called here as Finite Element Thrust Line Analysis (FETLA). The development of a new element suitable for masonry dome analysis to include the effect of hoop tension cracks is demonstrated. The orthotropic material properties are utilized for penalty approach to allow redistribution of the forces from meridian direction to the hooping rings, with thrust line approaching the extrados or intrados of the dome. The analysis results of FETLA are validated with the previously available results. The analysis method proposed in this paper gives the rational estimates for the failure load without utilizing inelastic properties of the material to model the hoop tension cracks and its propagation.