bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Thermal‐Driven Crystal Growth and Defect Suppression in Antimony Selenide Thin Film for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Yandi , Ma Hongli , Ahmad Nafees , Shah Usman Ali , Zheng Zhuanghao , Chen Shuo , Su Zhenghua , Zhao Jun , Zhang Xianghua , Liang Guangxing
Published: October 2024

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has demonstrated considerable potential and advancement as a light‐absorbing material for thin‐film solar cells owing to its exceptional optoelectronic characteristics. However, challenges persist in the crystal growth, particularly regarding the nucleation mechanism during pre‐selenization process for Sb2Se3. The defects originating from this process significantly impact the quality of the absorber layer, leading to the degradation in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device. Herein, the evolution of pre‐selenization using rapid thermal processing (RTP) on the crystallization quality of Sb2Se3 film is systematically investigated. By optimizing the initial nucleation process during pre‐selenization, resulting in a reduction of grain boundaries and nucleation centers, the Sb2Se3 thin films demonstrate enhanced crystallinity and pinholes‐free morphology. It is found that the improved quality of the grain interior and interfaces of the Sb2Se3 absorber can mitigate intrinsic defects within the bulk layer, and passivate interfacial defect recombination. As a result, the short circuit current density (JSC) is elevated to 28.97 mA cm−2, and a competitive efficiency of 9.03% is achieved in Sb2Se3 device. This study provides comprehensive insight into the process of crystal growth and the mechanism for defect suppression, which holds guiding significance for advancing photovoltaic performance.
Strong Metal‐Support Interactions in Heterogeneous Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Hou Zhiqian , Cui Chenghao , Yang Yanan , Huang Zhikun , Zhuang Yu , Zeng Ye , Gong Xi , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2024

Molecular oxygen redox electrocatalysis involves oxygen reduction and evolution as core reactions in various energy conversion and environmental technology fields. Strong metal‐support interactions (SMSIs) based nanomaterials are regarded as desirable and state‐of‐the‐art heterogeneous electrocatalysts due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. Over the past decades, considerable advancements in theory and experiment have been achieved in related studies, especially in modulating the electronic structure and geometrical configuration of SMSIs to enable activity, selectivity, and stability. In this focuses on the concept of SMSI, explore their various manifestations and mechanisms of action, and summarizes recent advances in SMSIs for efficient energy conversion in oxygen redox electrocatalysis applications. Additionally, the correlation between the physicochemical properties of different metals and supports is systematically elucidated, and the potential mechanisms of the structure–activity relationships between SMSIs and catalytic performance are outlined through theoretical models. Finally, the obstacles confronting this burgeoning field are comprehensively concluded, targeted recommendations and coping strategies are proposed, and future research perspectives are outlined.
Effect of Nanostructure and Crosslinks on Impact Resistance of Carbon Nanotube Films Under Micro‐Ballistic Impact
Authors: Du Zechen , Xiao Kailu , Bai Yunxiang , Huang Chenguang , Wu Xianqian
Published: October 2024

Carbon nanotube (CNT) films show great promise as an advanced bulletproof materials due to their excellent energy dissipation ability under impact loadings. However, it is challenging to determine the optimized architecture structure of CNTs to enhance the impact resistance of CNT films. In this study, the impact behavior of CNT films with various architecture structures were studied by micro‐ballistic impact experiments and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations. The micro‐ballistic impact experimental results showed that the cross‐ply laminated (CPL) structure enhances significantly the specific energy absorption (SEA) of CNT films compared to that with disordered structure due to the synergistic interactions between covalent bonds in CNT chains. On this basis, four CPL‐CNT (CCNT) films with the same areal density (ρ2D) but different single‐layer areal density () and one disordered CNT (DCNT) film with the same ρ2D as the CCNT films were constructed in CGMD models. The simulation results showed that the SEAs of all the four CCNT films are higher than DCNT film, which is consistent with experiments. In addition, the SEAs of CCNT films increase with decreasing . However, too small can lead to local plugging failure of the CNT film and therefore decrease SEA of the CNT film. Moreover, adding crosslinks could further increase the SEAs of both the DCNT and the CCNT films due to the strengthened interactions of adjacent CNTs. The crosslinked CCNT films with appropriate ρ2D is still much higher than the crosslinked DCNT films. Furthermore, it was further found that when the strength of the crosslinks aligns with that of the CNT beads, the CNT film achieves preeminent impact resistance. This study provides a pathway for enhancing the impact resistance of CNT films by optimizing the microstructure and introducing crosslinks between CNTs.
d‐Band Center Engineering of Nickel Nanoparticles Accelerates Water Dissociation for Hydrogen Evolution in Neutral NaCl Solution
Authors: Gong Haiming , Zhang Dianzhi , Liu Tao , Kuang Panyong , Yu Jiaguo
Published: October 2024

While Pt is highly efficient for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), its widespread use is limited by scarcity and high cost. Herein, a vertically aligned electrocatalyst is present comprising Ni3S2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) and Ni nanoparticles (NPs) (Ni3S2/Ni NTAs) for neutral HER. In a neutral 4 wt.% NaCl solution (pH = 7), the Ni3S2/Ni NTAs achieves a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 540 mV, outperforming both Ni3S2 NTAs and Ni NTAs and even the commercial Pt plate. The hollow tubular structure offers ample mass transfer channels, and strong electronic interaction between Ni3S2 and Ni is observed. Theoretical studies reveal that the lowered d‐band center (ɛd) of Ni 3d orbital significantly reduces the activation energy for H2O dissociation and facilitates the movement of an H atom in H2O away from OH to form a transition state, consequently promoting H2 evolution. When Ni3S2/Ni NTAs is used as the cathode in a two‐electrode diaphragm‐free electrolyzer with a RuSnTi anode, efficient H2 production and energy‐saving Cl2 evolution are achieved. This work highlights the potential of uniquely structured electrocatalysts for HER in neutral NaCl solutions.
Paintable, Fast Gelation, Highly Adhesive Hydrogels for High‐fidelity Electrophysiological Monitoring Wirelessly
Authors: Li Leqi , Ye Xinyuan , Ji Zichong , Zheng Meiqiong , Lin Shihong , Wang Mingzhe , Yang Jiawei , Zhou Pengcheng , Zhang Zongman , Wang Binghao , Wang Haoyang , Wang Yan
Published: October 2024

High‐fidelity wireless electrophysiological monitoring is essential for ambulatory healthcare applications. Soft solid‐like hydrogels have received significant attention as epidermal electrodes because of their tissue‐like mechanical properties and high biocompatibility. However, it is challenging to develop a hydrogel electrode that provides robust contact and high adhesiveness with glabrous skin and hairy scalp for high‐fidelity, continuous electrophysiological signal detection. Here, a paintable, fast gelation, highly adhesive, and conductive hydrogel is engineered for high‐fidelity wireless electrophysiological monitoring. The hydrogel, consisting of gelatin, gallic acid, sodium citrate, lithium chloride, glycerol, and Tris‐HCl buffer solution exhibits a reversible thermal phase transition capability, which endows it with the attributes of on‐skin applicability and fast in situ gelation with 15 s, thereby addressing the aforementioned limitations. The introduction of gallic acid enhances the adhesive properties of the hydrogel, facilitating secure electrode attachment to the skin or hairy scalp. To accentuate the potential applications in at‐home electrophysiological health monitoring, the hydrogel electrodes are demonstrated for high‐fidelity electrocardiogram recording for one hour during various daily activities, as well as in simultaneous electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram recording during a 30 min nap.
Bimolecular Passivation‐Dipole Bridge for Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Low Nonradiative Recombination Loss
Authors: Sun Chao , Xiong Shaobing , Jiang Sheng , Wu Hongbo , Chen Jiyuan , Li Di , Ma Zaifei , Wang Xuelu , Yao Yefeng , Chu Junhao , Bao Qinye
Published: October 2024

Constructing charge‐selective heterointerface with minimized defect state and matched energy level alignment is essential to reduce nonradiative recombination for achieving high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a bimolecular passivation‐dipole bridge comprised of sodium phenylmethanesulfonate (SPM) and 2‐phenylethylammonium iodide (PEAI) is carefully developed to regulate perovskite heterointerface. SPM passivates defect states and upshifts Fermi level (EF) of perovskite surface, and subsequent PEAI further induces additional negative dipole and causes the surface EF of perovskite pinning to negative polaron transport state of electron transport layer PCBM, which significantly promotes electron extraction at the perovskite electron‐selective contact. These advantages are confirmed by a remarkably improved efficiency from 21.74% for control to 25.12% for treated PSC with excellent stability. Moreover, corresponding nonradiative recombination loss impressively diminishes from 123 to 70 meV, and charge transport‐induced fill factor loss is only 3.00%. This work provides a promising approach via passivation‐energetic synergy for engineering perovskite heterointerface toward highly efficient and stable PSCs.
The Perfect Imperfections of Perovskite Oxide Catalysts in the Aspect of Defect Equilibria
Authors: Christy Maria , Choi Seunggun , Kwon Jiseok , Jeong Jinwoo , Paik Ungyu , Song Taeseup
Published: October 2024

ABX3 (X = O) perovskite oxides are an uprising class of alternative electrocatalysts in eminent technologies like electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and energy storage. The perquisites of perovskite oxide catalysts encompass ordered atomic structure, structural/compositional extensibility, flexible electronic structure, lucrativeness, and so on. The ingenuity to precisely control and tune the inherent properties by reconstructing their crystal structure is particularly advantageous in electrocatalysis reactions like oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER). Incorporating multidimensional imperfections in the presumably perfect crystal structure of the perovskite catalysts is garnering booming attention among researchers. This concept can expertly influence the electronic structure and boost the reaction kinetics during electrocatalysis. Defects or imperfections are achieved by substituting A‐ and/or B‐sites with heteroatoms or by oxygen vacancies. Defect engineering points to a promising new direction in the development of perovskite oxide catalysts. This work surveys the recent progress in defect engineering and how it plays a vital role in their design, and application in electrocatalysis, mainly ORR/OER. The architecture, dimensionality, and the types of perovskite oxides based on their cations, crystal structures, and stoichiometries are surveyed for a comprehensive understanding. This review aims to provide an extensive outlook on oxide perovskite catalysts concerning structural defects.
Recrystallization Behavior of Computationally Optimized Low‐Alloy Steel at Various Temperatures and Strain Rates
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Raies , Ahmad Farooq , Rajendren Vignesh Babu , Peng Zhen , Qiao Guanjun , Liang Fang , Shah Syed Sohail Ahmad
Published: October 2024

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of SA508‐III steel, a critical material for reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) normally treated by hot forging, is thoroughly examined in this article. In the investigation, elevated temperatures and the coarsening of metallic phases and carbides are revealed to contribute to the degradation of the steel's strength–toughness relationship. Utilizing computational thermodynamics, the stability of secondary phases, including carbides and brittle inclusions, is simulated to enable precise phase equilibrium calculations and accurate prediction of key mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness. These simulations facilitated targeted modifications to the alloy composition to enhance the steel's strength and hardenability under high‐temperature, high‐pressure conditions. In this study, alloy composition and processing parameters within the CALculation of PHAse Diagram framework, utilizing the ThermoCalc and JMatPro software packages, are optimized. In the microstructural investigations conducted under various isothermal deformation conditions (1173–1473 K) and strain rates (0.001–1 s−1), it is demonstrated that DRX mechanisms led to varied grain size developments, with a critical strain rate identified at 0.01 s−1 during high‐temperature deformations. In these findings, significant insights are provided into optimizing the mechanical performance of SA508‐III steel for RPV applications.
Delving Deep into the Influence of Pressure on Columnar‐to‐Equiaxed Transition in High‐Nitrogen Steel Ingot by Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Authors: Ni Zhuo‐Wen , Zhu Hong‐Chun , Li Hua‐Bing , He Zhi‐Yu , Feng Hao , Zhang Shu‐Cai , Lu Peng‐Chong , Wang Hai‐Jian , Jiang Zhou‐Hua
Published: October 2024

Based on the analysis of thermodynamic driving force and solidification kinetics under pressure, the influence mechanism of solidification pressure on columnar‐to‐equiaxed transition (CET) of high‐nitrogen steel is clarified. It is observed that increasing the solidification pressure from 0.5 to 2 MPa results in a shift of the CET positions toward the center. This is attributed to the fact that higher solidification pressure can promote the growth of columnar dendrites by increasing the solidification rate, temperature gradient, and cooling rate. Meanwhile, increasing the solidification pressure shortens the length of the diffusion zone ahead of the advancing columnar front and reduces the supercooling. As a result, it becomes more difficult for equiaxed dendrites to nucleate ahead of the advancing columnar front, leading to CET positions closer to the center. This indicates that the main influencing factor for the change in CET caused by changing solidification pressure is solidification kinetics, that is, changes in the nucleation and growth environment of equiaxed dendrites, while thermodynamic driving forces are not the primary factor causing CET position changes.
Multi‐Response Optimization of an Orthotropic Steel Deck Section with Thermo‐mechanical Tensioning
Authors: Bora Arindom , Podder Debabrata
Published: October 2024

In this investigation, Taguchi's grey relational analysis (GRA) is utilized to optimize parameters in an orthotropic steel deck section subjected to thermo‐mechanical tensioning. In this study, it is aimed to determine optimal values for deck thickness, welding sequence, and welding speed, which are evaluated through finite‐element analysis based on outputs such as longitudinal stress, transverse stress, and deflection. In this study, a previously validated numerical simulation model is extended by conducting a parametric analysis to investigate the influence of varying parameters on the model's behavior. An analysis of variance is conducted to identify the most significant variable affecting the input parameters. Additionally, a confirmatory test is also performed to validate the characteristics of the Grey Relational Grade. In the results, it is indicated that faster welding speeds result in increased deflection of the deck plate. Furthermore, the transition from compressive to tensile longitudinal stress is more abrupt in thinner decks (9–10 mm) compared to thicker decks (11–12 mm). This redistribution of residual stresses is attributed to the increasing thickness of the deck plate. Optimal input levels (A2–B1–C1: 10 mm deck thickness, welding sequence case 1, and 0.005 m s−1 welding speed) are determined using GRA. Welding speed contributes the maximum to the optimization results among the evaluated variables.
Structural Characteristics of Active Quicklime Flux and Optimization of Quasiparticle Granulation Performance in Thick‐Bed Sintering
Authors: Li Sida , Zhang Jianliang , Wang Yaozu , Niu Lele , Dai Yushan , Hu Wenxiang , Liu Zhengjian
Published: October 2024

The deterioration of sintering bed permeability is an important factor that hinders thick‐bed sintering. Flux is one of the key factors that determines the bonding degree of quasiparticles. Selecting high‐quality flux is an effective way to improve both the permeability and thickness of the sintering bed. Herein, the hydration activity of quicklime flux is used as a criterion to assess quality. Two types of quicklimes with different activity levels are selected for comparative analysis in three aspects: microstructure, sinter quasiparticle granulation performance, and the sinter mineralization process. The experimental results show that active quicklime has a higher CaO content and fewer impurities. The small and dense CaO particles give active quicklime significant advantages in raw material granulation and sinter mineral formation. The application of active quicklime can effectively improve the permeability of the sintering bed; notably, the drying fines’ removal rate decreases from 22.81% to 2.42% with an increase in the ratio of active quicklime addition. However, this affects the average particle size of quasiparticles. To address this issue, solutions are determined by adjusting the condition parameters. It is concluded that active quicklime plays an important role in enhancing the permeability of the sintering bed during thick‐bed sintering production.
Amorphous Exsolution of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in SrTiO3: A Path to High Activity and Stability in Photoelectrochemical Water‐Splitting
Authors: Kim Myeong‐Jin , Lee Changhoon , Jo Yong‐Ryun , Jung Wan‐Gil , Ha Jun‐Seok , Shim Ji Hoon , Park Jae‐Hoon , Ryu Sang‐Wan , Kim Bong‐Joong
Published: October 2024

Exsolution creates metal nanoparticles embedded within perovskite oxide matrices, promoting optimal exposure, even distribution, and robust interactions with the perovskite structure. Fe3O4, an oxidized form of Fe, is an attractive catalyst for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting due to its strong light absorption, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. However, exsolving Fe is challenging, often requiring harsh reduction conditions that can decompose the perovskite. Herein, hybrid composites are fabricated for PEC water‐splitting by reductively annealing a solution of SrTiO3 photoanode and Fe cocatalyst precursors. In situ transmission electron microscopy reveals uniform, high‐density Fe particles exsolving from amorphous SrTiO3 films, followed by film‐crystallization at elevated temperatures. This innovative process extracts entire Fe dopants while maintaining structural stability, even at doping levels exceeding 50%. Upon air exposure, the embedded Fe particles oxidize to Fe3O4, forming a Schottky junction and enhancing light absorption. These conditions yield a high activity of 5.10 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (an 11.86‐fold improvement over SrTiO3) from the 30% Fe‐doped SrTiO3, with excellent stability (97% retention) over 24 h. Theoretical calculations indicate that in the amorphous state, FeO bonds weaken while TiO bonds remain strong, promoting selective exsolution. The mechanisms driving amorphous exsolution versus crystal exsolution are elucidated.
Normalizing Basis Functions: Approximate Stationary Models for Large Spatial Data
Authors: Sikorski Antony , McKenzie Daniel , Nychka Douglas
Published: October 2024

In geostatistics, traditional spatial models often rely on the Gaussian process (GP) to fit stationary covariances to data. It is well known that this approach becomes computationally infeasible when dealing with large data volumes, necessitating the use of approximate methods. A powerful class of methods approximate the GP as a sum of basis functions with random coefficients. Although this technique offers computational efficiency, it does not inherently guarantee a stationary covariance. To mitigate this issue, the basis functions can be ‘normalized’ to maintain a constant marginal variance, avoiding unwanted artefacts and edge effects. This allows for the fitting of nearly stationary models to large, potentially non‐stationary datasets, providing a rigorous base to extend to more complex problems. Unfortunately, the process of normalizing these basis functions is computationally demanding. To address this, we introduce two fast and accurate algorithms to the normalization step, allowing for efficient prediction on fine grids. The practical value of these algorithms is showcased in the context of a spatial analysis on a large dataset, where significant computational speedups are achieved. While implementation and testing are done specifically within the LatticeKrig framework, these algorithms can be adapted to other basis function methods operating on regular grids.
Simulation and Deformation Analysis of Construction Process of Large Eccentric Frame‐Core Tube Structure
Authors: Yin Guanghua , Zhang Dekai , Ma Xinxu , Wang Kang , Wang Xuyi , Lin Xiaohua
Published: October 2024

The large eccentric frame‐core tube structure may generate nonnegligible horizontal deformation in the eccentric direction during the construction process, which should be given due attention. The construction process of a 388‐m‐high super high‐rise structure was simulated with the effects of concrete properties and construction processes. The reinforcement effect of steel bar in reinforced concrete shear wall and the hoop effect of steel tube in concrete filled steel tube (CFST) columns were considered by using the two‐cell simulation method, respectively. The accuracy of the finite element model was effectively verified based on the measured data under different construction process. The results show that the construction process has a large influence on both the vertical and horizontal deformation. The measures of construction leveling effectively reduce the vertical and horizontal deformation of super high‐rise structures, which is important for controlling the structural deformation. The proportion of creep‐shrinkage deformation in the total deformation is large. In this case, the proportion of creep‐shrinkage deformation in the shear wall is 45% to 50%, whereas it is about 30% in the frame columns. The eccentricity caused by floor slab gravity will be mitigated if the construction of the frame slab lags behind the construction of the steel frame, which is beneficial to the control of the horizontal structural deformation. After construction completion, the deformation caused by nonload factors is limited compared to the deformation caused by live loads.
Recent Progress in Non‐Noble Metal Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Focus on Transition and Rare‐Earth Elements
Authors: Bib Khan Jala , Liang Yuan‐Chang
Published: October 2024

The demand for renewable energy sources has become more urgent due to climate change and environmental pollution. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in green energy sources. This article primarily explores the potential of using non‐noble metals, such as transition and rare earth metals, to enhance the efficiency of the OER process. Due to their cost‐effectiveness and unique electronic structure, these non‐noble metals could be a game‐changer in the field. ′Doping,′ which is the process of adding a small amount of impurity to a material to alter its properties, and ′synergistic effects,′ which refer to the combined effect of two or more elements that is greater than the sum of their individual effects, are two key concepts in this field. Transition and rare earth metals can reduce the overpotential, a measure of the excess potential required to drive a reaction, thus enhancing the OER process by engineering the electronic and surface molecular structure. This article summarizes the roles of various non‐noble metals in the OER process and highlights opportunities for researchers to propose innovative ways to optimize the OER process.
Stability of Sodium Pentobarbital 5w/v% Aqueous Solution During Short‐Term Chilled and Ambient‐Temperature Storage
Authors: Dohi Masakazu , Ueda Kayoko , Yamagiwa Yoshinori , Yamashita Atsuko , Sakamoto Yuji
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic made it difficult to obtain pharmaceutical‐grade injectable anaesthetics used in animal experiments in Japan. To address this problem, it is worth the effort to evaluate whether the use of non‐pharmaceutical‐grade sodium pentobarbital (PBNa) water solution can be an alternative one from the perspective of stability, physicochemical properties, bioavailability and so on. In this article, as a first step, we examined the stability of PBNa 5w/v% aqueous solution (PBNa 5% AS). PBNa 5% AS sample was prepared simply by dissolving non‐pharmaceutical‐grade PBNa into water and was stored at 25°C and 5°C for 15 days. Visual appearance, pH, osmolality and assay (contents of PBNa and related substances) were tested. The stability test results indicated that there was no profound change in these test items of the PBNa 5% AS under either storage condition, suggesting that the formulation was sufficiently stable in such a short term. The only observable change was an increase of an impurity under 25°C storage; however, it was at a negligible level. Moreover, as the pH of the formulation remained <10.0 throughout the storage period in both conditions, the irritant level of the pH is considered to be acceptable. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the stability and physicochemical properties, PBNa 5% AS can be an alternative injectable anaesthetic when access to pharmaceutical‐grade anaesthetics is limited, as long as used in short‐term from its preparation.
Chronic rhinosinusitis with osteomyelitis in a geriatric snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
Authors: Payne Imogen L. , Archer Karen R. , Wood Kim , Rich Andrew F.
Published: October 2024

A geriatric, 16‐year‐9‐month‐old, male snow leopard (Panthera uncia) under human care was necropsied after euthanasia over concerns for worsening chronic kidney disease and bilateral blindness. Gross and histological examinations revealed necrotising frontal sinusitis and osteomyelitis with mixed‐cellular rhinotracheitis, affecting the right frontal sinus, right nasal cavity and trachea, respectively, with intralesional and cilia‐associated Gram‐negative bacilli detected. Microbiological cultures were inconclusive, although Bordetella bronchiseptica and feline herpesvirus 1 were positive on PCR analysis. Immunohistochemistry, however, refuted active feline herpesvirus 1 involvement. Marked, chronic, bilateral, renal degeneration and fibrosis (chronic kidney disease), mild hepatic cirrhosis, bilateral chronic degenerative stifle joint disease and testicular intratubular seminoma were also detected on postmortem examination. No gross ocular or optic nerve lesions were identified; however, histology indicated bilateral diffuse outer retinal atrophy and retinal detachment, supportive of clinical blindness at time of death. This case represents the first report of chronic rhinosinusitis and osteomyelitis in a snow leopard.
Examining the impact of water scarcity on agricultural output in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region
Authors: Abdou Doaa Salman , Othman Abdelrahman Kamel , Moussa Mona Naguib
Published: October 2024

This research paper examines the impact of water scarcity on agricultural output in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It highlights the increasing global water scarcity and its consequences, including the prevalence of water‐stressed areas and the adverse effects on human health and economic sectors. The paper focuses on the GCC region, known for its water scarcity and desertification, exacerbated by climate change and pollution. The study aims to investigate the relationship between water stress levels and agricultural productivity, evaluating the effects of freshwater withdrawals, fertilizer consumption, and agricultural methane emissions on crop production. Additionally, it explores the connection between agricultural output and net national income per capita. By addressing these research questions, the study contributes to the understanding of agricultural water scarcity and its implications for global food security and sustainability. The paper utilizes data from the World Bank to analyze crop production in the GCC countries from 2001 to 2020, shedding light on the influence of water scarcity on agricultural landscapes. The research highlights the efforts made by GCC countries to enhance food security, including strategic investments in agricultural lands and bilateral agreements. It also discusses the challenges faced by specific countries within the region, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, in terms of agricultural production and water constraints. Overall, the paper provides insights into the complexities of agricultural water scarcity and its effects on the GCC region, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to ensure food security and economic stability.
Analytical Framework
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

Chapter 3 explores the interplay between storytelling and argumentation at contextual, macro, and micro levels. While this analytical framework can be applied to various contexts of strategic persuasion, the book focuses on its use in the startup environment. The comparative analysis begins by examining the transparency of persuasive intent. It contrasts the strengths of narration versus argumentation and the factors influencing each. Emphasis is placed on the role of facts in documentary storytelling and the conditions under which stories gain evidential value. This approach leads to a conceptual sequence outlining upstream and downstream evaluations of story acceptance, serving as a crucial intermediate step towards developing the analytical framework presented in the concluding section.
Case Introduction
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

Using the Nikola Corporation as a case study, Part II of this book aims to enhance the understanding of how entrepreneurs employ techniques to promote trust through the interplay of arguments and stories. Despite the limited historical track records inherent to startups, entrepreneurs must navigate shaping an uncertain future to their advantage. This introduction outlines the case study, detailing pivotal events of the crucial year 2020 that are essential for subsequent analysis. It then transitions into a series of research questions that will be addressed in the following chapters using the previously developed analytical framework.
The Hindenburg Report as a Turning Point
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the transformative dynamics of Nikola’s strategic communication during the crisis episode from a perceptual perspective. Utilizing Google Analytics and corpus linguistic methods, it investigates changes in public perception following the short seller attack compared to the period before. By analyzing keywords, keywords in context, and co-occurrence, the study identifies clusters of interrelated topics that penetrated the media filter, demonstrating that the short seller attack was indeed a pivotal moment.
Disease Control
Authors: Viret Olivier , Gindro Katia
Published: October 2024

Fungal disease control in grapevine is essential for the production of high-quality grapes. Regardless of the strategies and modes of production implemented (organic, biodynamic, integrated) and whatever the climatic conditions, growing sensitive Vitis vinifera cultivars depends on the success of disease control. Since the arrival of downy and powdery mildew in Europe over 150 years ago, no alternative to spraying the vines with fungicide at regular intervals has been found. Active ingredients in the fungicides were based on copper and sulphur until the development of newly synthesised molecules in the late 1950s, followed by the release onto the market of several plant protection products. Their regular use raises environmental and human health issues for scientists and practitioners, still searching for more natural and effective alternatives. Despite major research efforts on this front, even naturally occurring molecules used as plant protection products must be applied precisely on the leaves and grape surfaces, requiring the right product, the right dosage and the right timing of the application depending on the biological development of the pathogens and sensitivity of the vine. Success also ultimately depends on the technical performance of the sprayer and its calibration to guarantee efficacy, as well as the protection of the environment and the user.
The Research Gap: Political Leadership and Agricultural Transformation
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

The objective of this book is to understand why cases of successful agricultural transformation are so rare in the developing world, even though its key importance is widely acknowledged. We argue that the role of leadership and its interaction with the socio-political system is pivotal and therefore must be included in the analysis of factors impacting agricultural transformation. This chapter introduces this topic and outlines the key previous research on the role of agriculture in economic development and the role of leadership in societal change.
Methodology: A Popperian Analytical Approach
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

The book’s hypothesis is that political leadership is necessary, though not sufficient, for successful agricultural transformation. This chapter outlines our method for testing this hypothesis. We seek to test our hypothesis by using Karl Popper’s (Conjectures and Refutations: The Growth of Scientific Knowledge. London: Routledge, 1965) methodology of science. Contrary to the usual approach which seeks confirmation, we test the robustness of our hypothesis by seeking to refute it. To do so in an empirically verifiable way, this chapter defines our concept of effective political leadership and our characterization of what constitutes successful agricultural transformation. In this chapter, we build an analytical framework that defines four aspects of effective leadership: vision, commitment, timeframe, and inclusiveness, and we state our definition of a successful agricultural transformation.
Visions of Agricultural Transformation
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore the visions of agricultural reform in our four case studies. We present a brief background to the country’s contexts and their agricultural sectors, as well as an exploration of the visions of the national leadership and their specific envisioned reforms for the agricultural sector. The chapter shows that leaders in all four countries, at least for some periods, have had visions to transform the agricultural sectors. However, the nature, content, and stability of these visions have varied across the case studies.
Turning Vision into Action: Commitment, Timeframe, and Inclusiveness
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

Following the book’s analytical framework, this chapter takes stock of how the leadership’s visions for agricultural transformations have been turned into action, in our four country cases. Specifically, the chapter explores three aspects of agricultural policymaking: commitment, timeframe, and inclusiveness. It explores the extent of Agricultural Public Spending and the Nominal Rate of Protection, the tenure lengths of the national leadership and national development plans, as well as the extent of inclusion, poverty, and inequality in the case countries.
Political Leadership and Agricultural Transformation in Taiwan, China; the Philippines; Ethiopia; and Malawi
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses the main findings of the exploration of political leadership and agricultural transformation in the four country case studies. It finds that the one case of successful agricultural transformation—Taiwan, China—has seen a vision embracing the centrality of agriculture anchored in the national development plans (long timeframe), the steering of APS toward areas most conducive for agricultural transformation (commitment), and efforts to share the fruits of the agricultural transformation broadly among the population (inclusiveness). In contrast, the leadership in the Philippines and Malawi did not demonstrate such a stability of vision, nor committed resources in a long-term and inclusive fashion toward the sector—leading to a lack of agricultural transformation. The Ethiopian case represents a more mixed result.
The Origin of the Issue and Theoretical Framework of Urban Spatial Development
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: October 2024

With the advancement of economic globalization and regional integration in the twenty-first century, sustainable development has become the consensus of the international community, a new understanding generally accepted, that is, the rivalry between countries is first and foremost manifested in the competition of overall national strength with central cities at the core. And in many countries, the development of urban space has become the area where various theories and practices of urban and regional planning are experimented. Spatial planning, especially at the national level, has gradually become an important means and measure for governments to promote economic development and social progress, coordinate uneven regional development, and achieve sustainable development; it is therefore a key component of public policies.
Conclusions and Prospects
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: October 2024

Over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, China's macro-level spatial planning has experienced periods of growth, decline, and resurgence. The rise and subsequent abandonment of national land planning in the mid-1980s, the silence throughout the 1990s, the subsequent focus on national-level spatial planning by various ministries in the early twenty-first century, and the formulation of the National Land Spatial Planning Outline under the State Council's institutional reform in 2018 reflect the evolving understanding of the central government's macroeconomic regulation in response to the establishment of a socialist market economy and the continuous advancement of urbanization in China.
All-loop Heavy-Heavy-Light-Light correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Brown Augustus , Galvagno Francesco , Wen Congkao
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study Heavy-Heavy-Light-Light (HHLL) correlators $$ \left\langle \mathcal{HH}{\mathcal{O}}_2{\mathcal{O}}_2\right\rangle $$

HH

O
2

O
2

in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory with SU(N) gauge group at generic N. The light operator $$ {\mathcal{O}}_2 $$

O
2

is the dimension two superconformal primary in the stress tensor multiplet and $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
is a general half-BPS superconformal primary operator with dimension (or R-charge) $$ {\Delta }_{\mathcal{H}} $$

∆
H

. We consider the large-charge ’t Hooft limit, where $$ {\Delta }_{\mathcal{H}}\to \infty $$

∆
H

→
∞
with fixed ’t Hooft-like coupling $$ \lambda := {\Delta }_{\mathcal{H}}{g}_{\textrm{YM}}^2 $$
λ
≔

∆
H

g
YM
2

. We show that the L-loop contribution to the HHLL correlators in the leading large-charge limit is universal for any choice of the heavy operator $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
, given as $$ {\lambda}^L{\sum}_{\ell =0}^L{\Phi}^{\left(\ell \right)}{\Phi}^{\left(L-\ell \right)} $$

λ
L

∑

ℓ
=
0

L

Φ

ℓ

Φ

L
−
ℓ

with an SU(N) colour factor coefficient, where Φ(ℓ) is the ladder Feynman integral, which is known to all loops. The dependence on the explicit form of the heavy operator lies only in the colour factor coefficients. We determine such colour factors for several classes of heavy operators, and show that the large charge limit leads to minimal powers of N. For the special class of “canonical heavy operators”, one can even resum the all-loop ladder integrals and determine the correlators at finite λ. Furthermore, upon integrating over the spacetime dependence the resulting integrated HHLL correlators agree with the existing results derived from supersymmetric localisation. Finally, as an application of the all-loop analytic results, we derive exact expressions for the structure constants of two heavy operators and the Konishi operator, finding intriguing connections with the integrated HHLL correlators.
Black hole singularity and timelike entanglement
Authors: Anegawa Takanori , Tamaoka Kotaro
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study timelike and conventional entanglement entropy as potential probes of black hole singularities via the AdS/CFT correspondence. Using an analytically tractable example, we find characteristic behavior of holographic timelike entanglement entropy when the geometry involves a curvature singularity. We also observe interesting phenomena that, in some particular setups, holographic timelike and conventional entanglement entropy are determined from multiple complex saddle points, which fall outside the assumptions of the Lewkowycz-Maldacena type argument.
Orientifold Calabi-Yau threefolds: divisor exchanges and multi-reflections
Authors: Cao Xu , Gao Hongfei , Gao Xin
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Using the Kreuzer-Skarke database of 4-dimensional reflexive polytopes, we systematically constructed a new database of orientifold Calabi-Yau threefolds with h1,1(X) ≤ 12. Our approach involved non-trivial ℤ2 involutions, incorporating both divisor exchanges and multi-divisor reflections acting on the Calabi-Yau threefolds. Each proper involution results in an orientifold Calabi-Yau threefolds and we constructed 320, 386, 067 such examples. We developed a novel algorithm that significantly reduces the complexity of determining all the fixed loci under the involutions, and clarifies the types of O-planes. Our results show that under proper involutions, the majority of cases end up with O3/O7-plane systems, and most of these further admit a naive Type IIB string vacua. Additionally, a new type of free action was determined. We also computed the smoothness and the splitting of Hodge numbers in the ℤ2-orbifold limit for these orientifold Calabi-Yau threefolds.
Glauber-Sudarshan states, wave functional of the Universe and the Wheeler-De Witt equation
Authors: Brahma Suddhasattwa , Dasgupta Keshav , Guo Fangyi , Kulinich Bohdan
Published: October 2024

Abstract

One of the pertinent question in the analysis of de Sitter as an excited state is what happens to the Glauber-Sudarshan states that are off-shell, i.e. the states that do not satisfy the Schwinger-Dyson equations. We argue that these Glauber-Sudarshan states, including the on-shell ones, are controlled by a bigger envelope wave functional namely a wave functional of the universe which surprisingly satisfies a Wheeler-De Witt equation. We provide various justification of the aforementioned identification including the determination of the emergent Hamiltonian constraint appearing in the Wheeler-De Witt equation that is satisfied by both the on- and off-shell states. Our analysis provides further evidence of why a transient four-dimensional de Sitter phase in string theory should be viewed as an excited state over a supersymmetric warped Minkowski background and not as a vacuum state.
Emergent potentials and non-perturbative open topological strings
Authors: Hattab Jarod , Palti Eran
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We show that integrating out M2 branes ending on M5 branes inside Calabi-Yau manifolds captures non-perturbative open topological string physics. The integrating out is performed using a contour integral in complexified Schwinger proper time. For the resolved conifold, this contour can be extended to include the zero pole, which we argue captures the ultraviolet completion of the integrating out and yields the tree-level polynomial terms in the free energy. This is a manifestation of the Emergence Proposal, and provides further evidence for it. Unlike the case of closed strings, where the emergent terms are kinetic terms in the action, for these open strings it is tree-level potential terms which are emergent. This provides a first quantitative example of the proposal that classical tree-level potentials in string theory emerge from integrating out co-dimension one states.
The geometry of large charge multi-traces in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Giusto Stefano , Rosso Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We construct a one-parameter family of half-BPS solutions of type IIB supergravity using a consistent truncation to gauged five-dimensional supergravity. For small values of the parameter, the solution reduces to the linear perturbation of AdS5 × S5 dual to the chiral primary operator in the stress-tensor multiplet, and we give evidence that the geometry is regular and asymptotes AdS in a normalisable way for arbitrarily large values of the parameter. We conjecture that the solution is the gravity dual of a “heavy” multi-trace operator in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SU(N) Super Yang-Mills made by p copies of the stress-tensor chiral primary operator, with p of order N2 in the large N limit. We perform some holographic checks supporting this duality map.
Selective regulation of aspartyl intramembrane protease activity by calnexin
Authors: Contreras Whendy , Groenendyk Jody , Gentzel Marc , Schönberg Pascal Y. , Buchholz Frank , Michalak Marek , Schröder Bernd , Mentrup Torben
Published: October 2024

Signal peptide peptidase-like 2c (SPPL2c) is a testis-specific aspartyl intramembrane protease that contributes to male gamete function both by catalytic and non-proteolytic mechanisms. Here, we provide an unbiased characterisation of the in vivo interactome of SPPL2c identifying the ER chaperone calnexin as novel binding partner of this enzyme. Recruitment of calnexin specifically required the N-glycosylation within the N-terminal protease-associated domain of SPPL2c. Importantly, mutation of the single glycosylation site of SPPL2c or loss of calnexin expression completely prevented SPPL2c-mediated intramembrane proteolysis of all tested substrates. By contrast and despite rather promiscuous binding of calnexin to other SPP/SPPL proteases, expression of the chaperone was exclusively required for SPPL2c-mediated proteolysis. Despite some impact on the stability of SPPL2c most presumably due to assistance in folding of the luminal domain of the protease, calnexin appeared to be recruited rather constitutively to the protease thereby boosting its catalytic activity. In summary, we describe a novel, highly specific mode of intramembrane protease regulation, highlighting the need to systematically approach control mechanisms governing the proteolytic activity of other members of the aspartyl intramembrane protease family.